Dover Athletic manager Nicky Forster believes more non league clubs will follow Maidstone United’s example and switch to using 3G pitches.

Forster was one of the former pros side that turned out at the Gallagher Stadium last week for the charity game against Soccer Elite FA, playing on the 3G surface at Maidstone’s ground for the first time.

The former Gillingham striker showed he hadn’t lost his touch, bagging a brace in the 5-0 win and speaking exclusively to KSN, Forster admitted he could see the advantages of playing on the artificial surface:

“I’d heard about it and it was my first chance to play on the 3G surface. I’m really impressed and Maidstone is geared up to being successful.”

“I can’t say I am surprised they are doing so well with the set up they’ve got now.”

“It keeps coming up at our level as it is a source of revenue for clubs and nowadays there’s an argument to be had about having a 3G pitch.”

“It’s getting closer and closer to being like real grass and the ball is starting to roll a lot like real grass, so there will become a tipping point where clubs have a look at it.”

“There’s an argument for it and I’m sure the lower league clubs will be interested in it. I know some have spoken about it and I’m sure the amount using them will start creeping up.”

Meanwhile, Forster is backing his Dover Athletic side to be up there challenging for promotion from the Blue Square Bet South league come the end of the season:

“Like every league, it’s about consistency and we went on a really good run winning six games on the trot and that catipulted us up the league into third place.”

“We just need to find that form and keep the momentum going, keep winning as it is a habit, just like is losing, and I’m sure we will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.”

Dover Athletic are back in league action again this weekend as they look to get back to winning ways at Farnborough after losing at home to Staines Town last Saturday.

Three points this weekend would see Nicky Forster’s side pull to within three points of second placed Welling United who are in FA Trophy action.

Pictures kindly supplied by http://www.kjlastphotography.com/