DOVER Athletic boss Chris Kinnear says he was disappointed with his players for not testing Crystal Palace on Sunday in the FA Cup but couldn't fault their efforts for getting to that stage of the competition.
The Eagles romped to a 4-0 win on the south coast, but Kinnear's team, who were on a 16-game unbeaten run in all competitions before the match, have already silenced their critics.
"People were saying we were going to get relegated this season, but we have reached the third round of the FA Cup and are four points off the play offs," said the manager.
"We started nervous and they went for us. When a new manager comes in like Alan Pardew has at Palace, players have something to prove.
"I am disappointed that we did not play as well as we could do. The lads may have their heads down, but I have said to them that they have achieved a lot.
"We have come a long way in the two years that I have been here, so I can't be disappointed with the players and what they have achieved recently."
By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)
