Hessenthaler played the first half at the age of 44

Dover boss Andy Hessenthaler has praised his players' character after reaching the last 16 of the FA Trophy.

They beat Blue Square North side Fleetwood Town 1-0 with Adam Birchall's deflected goal just before half time.

Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent: "It's got to be up there. Everything was stacked against us.

"A five and a half hour journey on the day, we couldn't find anywhere to train, nobody gave us a chance but we deserved to win the game."

Dover will now visit either Stevenage Borough or Vauxhall Motors for a place in the quarter-finals.

Hessenthaler added: "It looks like Stevenage will beat Vauxhall Motors but you never know in football.

"Stevenage are flying high, top of the Premier, and it will be a really good test to see how far we have come if it will be them. We would go there underdogs and it could work in our favour.

"But we're in the last 16 and who knows it could be Dover's year for the cup."

Hessenthaler gave credit to their two dozen fans who made the long trip from East Kent to Lancashire.

"Our fans did us proud last night, it was a tremendous effort and I'm really pleased for them because the boys put on a performance for them.

"All credit to every one of those who got up there. You could see the response of the players."

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