Player-assistant manager Mitch Brundle was delighted with Dover’s reaction on Saturday as they eased past Hemel Hempstead Town after back-to-back defeats.

Goals from centre-back Jake Goodman and midfielder Jordan Higgs put them 2-0 ahead at half-time, with striker Alfie Pavey also failing to convert a penalty in the first period of the National League South fixture.

Substitute Noah Carney and the impressive Luke Baptiste sealed Dover’s 4-0 victory late on as the Tudors were taught a lesson in finishing.

“I think it’s a brilliant reaction after the last two results we have had,” said Brundle, who had also started in losses at Havant the previous weekend and at home to Tonbridge last Tuesday before the home win over Hemel.

“We are delighted, delighted with the clean sheet. We put a real shift in.

“Second half, we didn’t really come out of the blocks but we defended really well as a team. So we are delighted with the win, we have 24 hours [to rest] and then we go again.”

The scoreline was perhaps slightly harsh on Mark Jones’ team who had their share of chances but couldn’t take them as Dover’s defence held firm.

• Match report: Dover 4-0 Hemel Hempstead Town

Brundle said: “They are a good side, you don’t really come across many teams in this league that just roll over. But defensively, we were really good.

“From the front, we changed our shape to stop them playing out and I thought that worked really well, especially in the second half. We take this win, we move on now and we go again on Monday [at Ebbsfleet].

“There’s a good atmosphere in there [Dover's dressing room] so we look forward to Monday now.”

Having returned to the starting line-up for the loss at Havant, Goodman netted his first goal for Whites this season to put Andy Hessenthaler’s team ahead against Hemel and on their way to victory.

Brundle joked: “I’ll wait to see how he’s moving in the morning, getting his leg up that high!

“But I thought he was magnificent defensively as well. That’s what he’s there for.

“But two young lads on the score-sheet and Godders scoring, we can’t complain. The goals are coming from everywhere in the team which is good.

“We are just trying to make sure we keep as many clean sheets as we can because we’ll create chances.”

Baptiste’s effort was his first senior goal for the club while substitute Carney, having opened his account the previous weekend at Havant, netted his first senior goal at Crabble.

“They are bringing energy, that’s the best thing,” said Brundle of the youngsters. “They are bringing energy and they are willing to learn.

“They ask questions and put their work-rate in, in training. And with the games coming thick and fast, like they are, a lot of them get opportunities.

“Noah came on [on Saturday], Luke had to wait for his chance to start, but he started and I thought he was magnificent and grew into the game as it went on. It was a fantastic solo goal from him.

“But that’s what the whole squad is for. We haven’t got a massive squad, we have got quite a young squad, so it’s nice to see them come on and relieve a bit of pressure from us old boys at the back!”

Brundle, still only 27, also explained how he had come to return to the club he had previously played for between 2017 and 2019 this summer - but this time in a coaching capacity, as well as a playing one.

He said: “I love football. Even as a player, I have liked the coaching side of it.

“I love everything to do with football. So when the role came about, I knew I could do a job with the gaffer [Hessenthaler] because we think the same.

“Obviously I’m a lot younger than him, so I bring a different sort of view on certain things, and he likes that. He lets me have my voice.

“Ultimately, it’s the manager’s decision but he likes people in the office he knows - especially because I’m playing - who will give 100%, like I did the first time I played under him in every training session and every game and just everything… [including] reports on other teams.

“I’ll work as hard as I can for him because I have that much respect for him. I think he’s a legend.”

Dover are back in action tomorrow, visiting early leaders Ebbsfleet who have a perfect record from their first five league games.