Andy Hessenthaler has said that he does not believe the criticism towards striker Inih Effiong is reasonable following an impressive performance against Hartlepool.

The attacker scored the opening goal of the game in the first half before claiming an assist for Dover’s second at Victoria Park.

“I’ve got faith in the kid. Our own fans don’t trust Inih Effiong at times but he was an absolute handful today – just ask [Michael] Raynes at centre half for them and the other two centre halves.

“He works his socks off. He’s going to miss chances, forwards miss chances, and he get unfair criticism from our fans so credit to Inih, he stepped up and took the penalty and scored”

“What he did for the team today was phenomenal.”

Hessenthaler’s team came away from the North East on Saturday with all three points in what was a tough game for the club.

“We kept our discipline when things were going crazy in the second half and got our reward” he added.

Hartlepool finished the game with nine men and their manager Craig Hignett being sent to the stands for continuous dissent towards the referee but Dover still needed to hold firm in defence.

“Coming away from home, to an ex league side, little old Dover. They’ve come here and won the game. It was phenomenal. They put their bodies on the line and you have to put your bodies on the line when you come to these places.

“I’m proud of every one of them. We’ve got to take this now and carry it on to the next game which is another tough game against Maidenhead.”