CHIPPENHAM'S quest for a play-off berth continues this weekend when Dover Athletic are the visitors to Hardenhuish Park.

The Kent club are currently in 12th place and could be heading for an automatic promotion spot to the new Conference two as long as they keep ahead of the chasing pack.

But Dover are short of players up front and at the back at the moment and it could be a good time for Chippenham to face them.

Athletic's player to watch is striker Craig Wilkins. He promised the club's supporters he would bag 20 goals this season and he is currently Dover's top scorer with 16 strikes to his name.

But he is currently ploughing a lone furrow up front after his strike partner Tommy Tyne left the club for Welling United.

Dover are hoping Matt Carruthers will be fit after he missed their last match with a groin injury. The Kent side will also be short of options at the back with skipper Andy Arnott and fellow centre-half Danny Chapman starting suspensions after they were both red-carded against Weymouth on March 2.

Dover's veteran goalkeeper Paul Hyde is in his 40s but is still holding down a first team place. Hyde was at Wycombe Wanderers when Martin O'Neill led them to the Conference title.

Last Saturday Dover entertained Hinckley United and were held to a 1-1 draw. They took a first half lead when Craig Wilkins flicked on Craig Cloke's long throw and Lee Spiller's volley from the edge of the area took a deflection. But Athletic were forced to settle for a point when Hinckley levelled with a well-worked goal through Justin Jenkins.

Chippenham travelled Dover in the reverse fixture this season back on September 13 last year.

That day Athletic were left kicking themselves after they threw away their chance of victory over the Bluebirds by missing two penalties.

Chippenham had defended in numbers but the home side had a glorious chance to open the scoring when they were awarded their first spot kick in the 35th minute.

The decision looked debatable as Wayne Thorne was adjudged to have impeded Lee Spiller's attempt to get on the end of a cross from Tommy Tyne.

But Chippenham were given a let off when Matt Carruthers fired the penalty against the bar.

Dover looked certain to take the three points when they were awarded their second penalty of the match 15 minutes from full time when Colin Towler was penalised for handling. But Spiller sent his effort high and wide.