Chris Kinnear praised the efforts of fans who turned up to Crabble at 8am to help get Dover’s game with Leyton Orient on.

Whites went on to win 1-0 after Mitch Pinnock scored in the 83rd minute, which was the only game to be played in the National League because of the weather.

Volunteers and staff turned up early to get the covers off the pitch so the match could go ahead.

Kinnear said: “It was magnificent. To be honest I struggled to get out of my drive today. We just got out and I’m glad I did.

“It was amazing work from everyone. A few eyebrows were raised when we said we were going to get the game on.

“I’m at the other end of the county and you would never have thought you would get any game on but today was magnificent.

“All that effort getting the game on has been more than worth it.”

Pinnock scored his fifth league goal in six games to give Dover the three points, which lifts them back in the play-off places.

It was also back-to-back home wins for Kinnear’s side as they put pressure on teams around them who are also chasing one of six play-off places.

Kinnear said: “It’s a big three points and they are not an easy side to play against. They have a lot of players with league experience.

“We just nicked it really. Hopefully they can stay in the play-off places now. It gives them a target and something to aim for.

“Mitch Walker was very good today and the Mitch up the other end was very good as well. It’s all part of being a team.

“A lot of games he hasn’t had much to do and today he did very well. That’s what the goalkeeper is there for you expect him to keep clean sheets.”

At the start of February, Orient dumped Dover out of the FA Trophy after scoring a last-minute goal to win 4-3.

Kinnear added: “It’s not about revenge. Every game you want to win against any side. It’s good to be winning against such a club like Leyton Orient.

“They wanted to bounce back the first season out of the football league but it doesn’t look like that will happen now but they still have a good run in the trophy lined up.

“They are a good club with good players and a good manager so they were never going to be an easy side to play against.”