Notts County aim to solidify play-off spot as Dover Athletic visit Meadow Lane

Notts County will hope to boost their promotion credentials as Dover Athletic visit Meadow Lane on Saturday.

The Magpies are unbeaten in the league since a 2-1 defeat at Aldershot Town on Saturday 23 November, a run of seven games in the Vanarama National League.

Neal Ardley’s side were due to take on AFC Fylde on Tuesday evening but the fixture at Mill Farm was postponed just an hour-and-a-half before kick-off.

Victory for County could see them close the gap with fourth-place Bromley to just a point, Ardley’s men have a game in hand over the higher-ranked London outfit.

Dover are comfortably ten points clear of the relegation spots.

However, a victory for Andy Hessenthaler’s side could see the Whites reduce the deficit between themselves and seventh-placed Boreham Wood to two points.

The two teams met for the first time in their history at the Crabble in October 2019; Kristian Dennis netted a 90th-minute equaliser to salvage a point in a 2-2 draw in Kent.

Team news

Notts County:

County are unlikely to have Jim O’Brien return to the matchday squad, but the defender has made positive steps in his recovery by rejoining training sessions.

The defender has been sidelined since the FA Trophy win over Chesterfield after suffering a serious gash to his thigh.

Dover Athletic:

Andy Hessenthaler admitted last weekend that Dover are looking to bring in another attacking option to the Whites’ squad.

The National League side have three strikers already on their books but hope to add one of three options before their trip to Nottingham.

Left-back Shadrach Ogie joined the Whites on Friday afternoon and could make his debut after the 18-year-old signed on loan.

Speaking about his side’s recent upsurge in form, County boss Ardley said: “When we had our blip, it was all doom and gloom and we were conceding goals.

“But I think even in that period, we had 19 games, won 10 of them and lost four.

“That’s top three form if you put that into league games.

“As a manager you have to come away from the bad periods and look at the bigger picture.”

Ahead of the trip to Meadow Lane, Dover boss Hessenthaler called for an improved performance from their 1-1 draw against Hartlepool last time out.

He said: “We know that we can go there and cause them problems. For me, they’re the best side we’ve played this season.

“I know we drew 2-2 at home and they scored a late equaliser, but I thought the players they’ve got in their squad, it’s going to be a real tough ask for us next week.

“The pressure’s on them. I don’t think anyone gives us a chance, but our away form is good, other than the last away game against Bromley, but for 44 minutes there we did well. We’ll look forward to the game.

“It’s a massive challenge for us. Another massive club. Dover playing Notts County, who would’ve thought about that a few years ago?

“That’s this league isn’t it. We’ve been to Chesterfield, Hartlepool, Barnet, Harrogate and we’ve taken points off of them.

“We’ve only lost three games away from home. Can we go to Notts County [and win]? Yeah, course we can. We can go there and cause them problems. They’re a good side, probably the best side we’ve played this season.”

Head-to-head

Notts County wins – 0

Draws – 1

Dover Athletic wins – 0

Coverage

Follow live coverage in our minute-by-minute blog from Ross Jones reporting at Meadow Lane here.