DOVER’S key central defensive duo of Andy Arnott and Mark Patterson face a race against time to be be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Canvey Island.

Patterson missed the 2-1 defeat at Newport last weekend still suffering from glandular fever. Patterson also sat out the previous round’s win over Maidenhead with the persistent bug.

Arnott, meanwhile, left the field at Newport with a calf injury and is doubtful for the Canvey clash.

manager Clive Walker is well aware of the importance of the two former Gillingham players for this high-pressure match and said: “I’m hoping they’ll both be around. We need experience for this game.”

But he added: “I don’t think it’s too bad a draw. We could have gone to East Thurrock and found ourselves up against it. I wouldn’t have thought they were too pleased about drawing Dover. I think we’re capable of beating them.”

Walker will definitely be without midfield playmaker Jamie Day, who is banned for one more game, and still injured anyway. But Dean Readings is available to bolster the defence after a one match ban.