Lydd boss Ryan Smith has described Ronnie Dolan as the best player in the Southern Counties East Premier Division.
Dolan’s return, after a break from football, has boosted the Lydders’ survival chances.
They’re only three points from safety after goals from Ryan Sawyer and Tyler Sterling in a 2-0 win over Larkfield & New Hythe last night, having looked doomed a matter of weeks ago.
Dolan got the bug back for football after watching Lydd’s goalless draw with title-chasing Faversham at the end of last month.
He starred in a 1-0 win over Fisher four days later and continues to show his class.
“The return of Ronnie since the Fisher game has helped massively,” said Smith.
“He played right-back, his first game in three months, and he was unbelievable.
“It’s Ron of the Rovers - that’s how I see it.
“He stood by me when I needed him most.
“He’s probably the best individual player in the league.
“He can play right-back, centre-half, centre-midfield, up front, right-wing.
“He’s very vocal and in terms of football ability, passing range, speed, game awareness, strength, heading, he’s the best all-round player in the league by a mile.”
Smith has also praised Charlie Dickens, who returned against Larkfield after three games out, and Robbie Dolan.
The pair are captain and vice-captain respectively.
“Dicko’s the heart of the team,” said Smith.
“He’s brilliant since he’s been captain.
“He tackles like a trojan, heads it like a warrior, and he brings that positivity to the group.
“Him and Robbie provide the platform and I just feel Ronnie puts us over the top.
“They could have bailed but they stuck it out, and that’s why captain and vice-captain.”
Lydd were edged 2-1 at play-off contenders Punjab on Saturday.
Jerson Dos Santos cancelled
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