MARC WHITE says he is banking on a strong defence to help Dorking Wanderers maintain their impressive start to the season.
Wanderers moved to the top of the Sussex County League Division One table after beating East Grinstead Town 2-0 on Tuesday night, making it six league games unbeaten.
And they have done it despite missing a number of key players through injury, suspension and unavailability.
But boss White says a strong defence has laid the foundations for their impressive start, adding that he is hoping they can continue their form in the coming weeks, despite still missing a few players.
"The defence is good and that is the difference for us at the moment," he said.
"They are keeping us in games and helping us to win them and hopefully that can continue."
Such are the issues plaguing White's side at the moment, his back five against East Grinstead was not actually his first choice, with centre back Chris Davidson still nursing a hamstring injury.
But those that deputised did Wanderers proud, with Luke Hackett switching to centre-back and Joel Bata putting in a good shift at right-back.
And White hailed his players for rising to the task.
"With all due respect to them, that was the weakest side we have had out this season by far," he said.
"But we had a game plan – we knew that we were strong at the back and our aim was to get a goal and defend it.
"We did that and our best players on the pitch were our back five."
Wanderers take a break from the league this week to play Chessington & Hook United in the FA Vase, and White admitted it is a chance for his side to play without any pressure.
"To be honest, it is like having a bit of a breather for us.
"We are in a great position and I couldn't be happier with where we are at.
"We shouldn't be as short stacked as we were on Tuesday and of course there is the financial incentive for winning, but if we go out it is not the end of the world.
"It will be a tough game, but we should be back to full strength at the back and we will give it a good go."
