Dover Athletic's Mike Sandmann praises players' work ethic after National League South win ahead of trip to Welling United
Mike Sandmann reckons Dover players’ work ethic cannot be questioned.
Whites secured a first away win of the National League South season on Saturday at bottom side Weymouth, winning 2-0.
The victory also ended a run of four successive losses in all competitions.
Academy manager Sandmann - presently assisting boss Andy Hessenthaler with first-team matters - praised the squad which took the points despite centre-back Jake Goodman (nose) coming off injured.
He said: “It’s a good group, it’s got good characters in there.
“They do work hard - that cannot ever be questioned. The performances were good.
“We had to make the change with Gooders going off but Higgsy [Jordan Higgs] did well in there. Across the board, from Nels [keeper Stuart Nelson] to Alfie Pavey, everyone played their part.
“The most pleasing thing for us is to look solid at the back. If we keep performing like that, we can start winning games.”
Dover’s goals at Weymouth were scored after the restart by Jordan Higgs and Luke Wanadio.
“It was a fantastic win. We had to be patient,” Sandmann reflected.
“Weymouth made it difficult but going to Weymouth - which is a long journey - and getting a result like that is fantastic. We looked solid and it’s important to get three points and a clean sheet - and it was a thoroughly deserved clean sheet.
“First half, both teams cancelled each other out a bit but the players were great in the second half. I know Weymouth have not had a great start but it’s important we got the win and the clean sheet.”
Goodman was due to see a specialist on Monday after receiving an elbow to his nose late in the first half which led to him being substituted and will definitely miss tonight’s trip to Welling.
Sandmann said: “We are waiting to