Andy Hessenthaler admits the opportunity for Dover to go fifth in the National League if they can win at Barrow will be ‘a massive carrot’ for his team.

Having not played in the last fortnight since their 2-1 home win over Ian Evatt’s men, the Whites will aim to complete a quick fire double over the league leaders at Holker Street tonight (7.45pm kick-off).

Dover manager Hessenthaler, whose team begin the day in ninth, said: “The last game we played was against Barrow, and now, we are heading off to Barrow.

“We will find out tonight how that (the break) affects us.

“Sometimes, having a bit of a rest doesn’t help but we will have to wait and see.

“It’s not going to be easy up at their ground but we will go there with a bit of confidence.

“They will be nervous of us because we have the best away record in the league and they will know that.

“We can move up to fifth with a win, so there is a massive carrot for us.”

At Crabble earlier this month, Dover consigned Barrow to their first league loss since October.

The home team broke the deadlock after 19 minutes when a corner fell to defender Will De Havilland, who drilled home.

Barrow levelled when John Rooney converted a penalty, only for midfielder Michael Woods to score the winning goal late on for Dover.

With the Cumbrians also not having played in the league since the sides’ meeting in Kent, their lead at the top of the league has been cut to four points.

Hessenthaler said: “They had a bit of a gap but, all of a sudden, Harrogate have closed in on them.

“All of a sudden, it’s becoming quite tight for Barrow at the top, as well.

“That means the match will be even harder for us. But we are looking forward to it.”

Dover, who will travel north on the train today before staying overnight, will have to make do without injured duo Josh Passley and Anthony Jeffrey while Ade Yussuff has picked up a bug.

• Hessenthaler: Dover's squad have accepted play-off challenge
• Woods knows consistency is key in Whites' promotion bid
• Report: Dover 2-1 Barrow

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