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Manager Chris Kinnear praises Ricky Miller but says Dover Athletic are not a one-man team

08:30, 26 February 2017

Chris Kinnear praised Ricky Miller after the Dover striker reached 30 league goals for the season, though he insisted Dover were not a one-man team.

Miller struck inside four minutes and added two in the final 20 minutes to seal a 3-0 win over a dismal Eastleigh side at Crabble on Saturday and boost Dover's hopes of a return to the Vanarama National League play-offs... at least.

Dover manager Chris Kinnear Picture: Barry Goodwin
Dover manager Chris Kinnear Picture: Barry Goodwin

After two close-range finishes, Miller's third saw him race down the left to dispossess the ailing Adam Dugdale before driving towards goal and finishing with a sweet low finish into the far corner from an angle.

Kinnear admitted: "We were pleased, his third goal he worked out the fella had just done his groin and ran him down."

The Dover boss joked that Miller had not actually bagged his fourth hat-trick of the season after keeper Ryan Clarke allowed his shot to squirm over the line for the second goal on 72 minutes.

Kinnear claimed: "The lads are having a bit of fun... saying that's two goals and an own-goal."

Clarke denied Miller's strike partner Ross Lafayette on a number of occasions as the Whites man sought just his second goal since November, and Kinnear added: "Ross could have come off with a hat-trick, he had some great shots, as long as someone scores one that's what matters.

"Ricky Miller is doing what he's doing because people like Ross and Moses Emmanuel are putting themselves on the line. You saw Ross got a smash in the head (for the opening goal). We understand that, the team understand that it's not just about Rick it's about everyone giving you a chance.

"It's the other lads doing their jobs and giving him the opportunities that makes him a good player. At any level there's no one-man team."

He added: "It was just about getting the three points. It wasn't easy, it was very windy and the pitch was a bit bobbly but I thought we looked very professional, did our bit, that's the way you win games and get up the table.

"We've got some good players and a good team, it's not just about the individuals, we've got a good team and we've just got to keep it going and not get too carried away.

Today was convincing. We could have scored a few more but as long as we score one more than them then we get the three points.

"It's no good playing great if you don't win. I thought we were even better at home to Wrexham and we ended up drawing (two weeks ago). We've just got to win games.

"It was one of those games where we were quite dominant really, but we'll see what happens on Tuesday. Let's enjoy this one and get prepared for Tuesday.

Dover seek another three points when they visit lowly Woking (7.45pm) and Kinnear added: "We are looking forward to Tuesday. Hopefully we can go on and get another three points and it really does get interesting."

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