Dover Athletic midfielder Jack Bates says his impact against Wealdstone in FA Cup could have been even greater despite two-goal blast that set up Leicester City tie

Jack Bates was Dover’s FA Cup matchwinner on Saturday - but the midfielder was unhappy with his overall performance despite his brilliant brace.

Bates netted twice during the first half as National League South Dover beat National League Wealdstone 2-0 in the first round.

It’s been a memorable journey for Bates, who joined the club at the start of the season. He represented both England Colleges and England Schoolboys before he joined Derby County in 2022, but has struggled to find a home in recent years.

He’s playing regularly for Whites, though, and finds himself in superb form.

Asked if his starring role against Wealdstone was the best moment of his career, he replied: “It’s definitely the best moment since I think I was about 10.

“Dad was here. Mum, unfortunately, was on holiday and my missus, unfortunately, was working. I will show them (the video of his goals) a few times. I don’t think I will stop watching it!

“They have done so much for me while I’ve been injured to keep me going. Without that, I wouldn’t be in this place. I hope there’s more to come.

“Other than the two goals, I don’t think I was great on Saturday. I’ll probably watch it back and think I didn’t play too great.

“Hopefully, the highlights just show the goals.”

Dover fans will argue Bates could have a goal-of-the-season competition by himself, such is the quality of his strikes in his brief spell at Crabble. He curled beyond Wealdstone keeper Dante Baptiste from the edge of the penalty area in the 14th minute before he thundered home a first-time finish for his second following good work by forwards Corie Andrews and Ruben Soares-Junior.

Did he think both long-range efforts were destined for the net as soon as they left his boot?

“The first one,