The Dover Athletic Academy side progressed to the semi-final stage of the National Cup on Wednesday, beating Kent rivals Maidstone United 2-1. Academy player Tom Roberts gives his match report here..

Dover Athletic Academy 2-1 Maidstone United

DAFC scorers: Alfie Paxman x 2

After a few inconsistent performances, Dover faced a very strong Maidstone side that hadn’t conceded in 12 games until now. It started at a very quick pace with both sides trying to create opportunity’s to get in behind. In the first half of the game, Ben Cardwell was Dover’s main outlet.

In the 10th minute Maidstone got the first break through. After a sharp save, high to his right from James Tonkin who pushed it past the post out for corner. From the following corner, Will Thomas, the Maidstone skipper rose above everyone else to head the ball into the top corner.

A reaction was needed from Dover. From this Dover grew in momentum and started to get to grips with the sort of football they needed to be playing. Maidstone, however continued to be persistent down both wings with Connor hood creating chances from right back.

The second half started as the first ended with Maidstone adding pressure. Dover became more and more into the game and in the 60th minute Connor Wilkins won Dover a corner with some fine skill in the corner, which led to a feud between the two sides. During this it led to Will Thomas getting sent off. Will was solid throughout and with him sent off it gave Dover a great chance to go on and win the game.

In the 80th minute a shot from Connor Miller with the outside of the foot, rattled the post and Alfie Paxman was there to tap the ball past the keeper from 5 yards. With the score now 1-1 and Dover piling on the pressure Maidstone had no choice but to try and play into extra time.

Dover’s last attack came in the 89th minute where Ira Jackson took the ball around 3 Maidstone players to cut the ball back to Alfie Paxman who blasted the ball in the top corner from twelve yards out. The final whistle blew and the sigh of relief and excitement from all Dover players was ecstatic. What a way for the Dover boys to get back to there winning ways and to get into the semi-final of the National Cup.*IF*

The Dover Athletic Academy will be holding trials at 10.30am on Tuesday 16th February, at The Abbey School in Faversham. Current Year 11 students are invited to come along.

Our Academy gives students the opportunity to represent Dover Athletic FC in the Conference Youth League, the highest level outside of professional status.

The Academy players train everyday like professionals, improving their knowledge of the game and allowing a seamless progression into senior football. The players also study a wide range of courses in our Sixth Form tailored to suit their academic needs and career aspirations.

The Academy has been very successful over the past couple of years resulting in two players making the England Schoolboys squad, reaching the first round of the FA Youth Cup, playing against Professional Clubs, one of our players receiving a full American Scholarship at The University of Florida and a number of others earning first team contracts with established senior clubs, including DAFC.

*BS*What do you need to know?*BF*
– Trials take place on Tuesday 16th February, during half-term, with registration at 10.30am for an 11.00am start. They will finish approximately 2.00pm.
-Bring full training kit including shin pads.
– It will be outside on the 3G pitch at The Abbey School (suitable for football boots).
– Trials will consist of a variety of matches.
– There will be shower and changing room facilities available for you to use.
– Parents are welcome to stay and watch.

Following the trial, you will receive a letter in the post informing you of the outcome. If you are successful but cannot make the first alternative trial date then alternative arrangements can be made to accommodate this situation.

As this opportunity is in partnership with The Abbey School, if successful you would be expected to take up your Sixth Form studies at the school.

For more information, or to register a place for the trial day, please e-mail msandmann@abbeyschoolfaversham.co.uk