Hastings United manager Nigel Kane is aiming to ram Dover fans' jibes back down their throats tonight in their Ryman League division one south play-off semi-final.

Confidence is high in the Whites' camp after just one defeat in their last 12 games and a run of five straight wins but Kane hopes that his underdogs can spring a surprise at the Crabble.

Kane, who guided his side to a point behind third-placed Dover, said: "I think the pressure is on Dover because they are even more desperate to get out of this division than we are.

"If you listen to their fans they think they have been languishing in this division far too long.

"In fact, I don't know why we are even bothering going down there as, according to their supporters, the result is already in the bag and they are making plans for who they will play in the final.

"On their fans' forum there is one which I think says, Tuesday's result is a no-brainer. What have Hastings got?' Hopefully, we will go down there and show them.

"They are certainly going to soon find out."

Kane, who works for internet betting exchange Betfair, added: "The bookies make them odds-on favourites to beat us and rightly so as they have won five games on the bounce.

"But they have also lost five home games this season and we have scored as many goals away from home - 41 - as they have managed to score all season at home.

"The important thing will be to try and keep the game level for as long as possible and frustrate them. The two times we have played them this season, they have scored early goals to get on top."

Dover won 2-1 to inflict Hastings' first defeat in 16 games when the two teams met at the Crabble on April 9 but Kane is positive about their chances this time.

He said: "We were under strength the last time we played them. We didn't have our captain Sean Ray or Jimmy Elford. This time we have a full strength side to choose from.

"The last time we played them away there was a crowd of 1,000 and we estimate there could be 1,500 this time.

"It will be a great atmosphere and I am looking forward to it. I don't think we need to go there with any nerves as everyone is expecting them to win. We go into the game as underdogs and, hopefully, can prove a few people wrong."

Strikers Ade Olorunda, who damaged an ankle injury in Hastings' 4-0 win over Godalming on Saturday, and Sam Adams, who was rested for that game, are fit.