Category: Club News

UP NEXT – EASTLEIGH (FA CUP EDITION)

The Whites head to the Silverlake Stadium in another FA Cup instalment.

Mitch Brundle takes his side along the coast to Eastleigh for the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup and a chance to progress for the winners, into the First Round Proper. There is a plethora of big clubs waiting who could be classed as a plumb draw but first the Whites need to see off the Spitfires in what will prove to be a very tough fixture.

Luke Baptiste last time out against Haringey Borough – Pic Steve Johnson

Eastleigh enter the competition at this stage whereas this is now the third fixture for Dover so far. The Spitfires sit just two points out of the play-off picture in the Vanarama National League and will be looking to put their league ambitions aside for the day. Mitch Brundle will no doubt have done his homework on the opposition and will look to mastermind an upset and send the travelling fans home with smiles on their faces.

34 places in the football pyramid separate the two sides but this is the FA Cup and as you know it can provide some magical moments. We hope to see you there.

You have to play the good teams at some point if you want to go far in the competition. – Mitch Brundle

Form Guide:

Pics courtesy of Flashscore.com

Head to Head:

Ticket Information: – Eastleigh Football Club can confirm ticket details for our Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round fixture against Dover Athletic.

The Spitfires host Dover Athletic in the FA Cup on Saturday 14th October with (KO 3pm).

Tickets for this fixture will be priced at:

£10 Adults

£5 Concessions

£2 Under 16s

On the matchday, the North, West, and South stand will be open. Please note that seating is unreserved. Sherwoods Bar will be open as will the South Stand kiosk for supporters to purchase food and drinks.

Parking will be available on a first come, first serve basis and will be priced at £5 per car. Please note, 2023/24 parking passes will not be valid for this fixture.

Away supporters will be housed in Block 1 of the South Stand.

For any disabled supporters looking to obtain a free carer ticket please email a copy of your middle/higher rate DLA/PIP to jdewey@eastleighfc.com along with your phone number, and we will give you a call to process this.

 

 

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker results for Wednesday 11th October

Congratulations to all the winners and better luck next time if your name wasn’t drawn out. It could well be your time next week.

For anyone who doesn’t know how the Striker Lottery works well let me explain if for you. Each week, so long as you have paid your £1 weekly subscription, your number will be entered into a draw. If your number is drawn, congratulations – you’re a winner! It’s as simple as that. The draw is held every Wednesday. Keep an eye on the website and social media pages for full details. Who knows, your number could scoop the £1,000 top prize.

Please note that only paid-for tickets are entered in the draw. For your convenience, your membership fee can be collected from you, or you can pay at the Club Office or, to save time, you can pay monthly or quarterly by standing order.

Contact harry.reid@doverathletic.com to register your interest and good luck

DOVER ATHLETIC 2 TAUNTON TOWN 2

Whites hit back to earn a point as Table Toppers are held. 

Two league games against teams sitting at the top of the table and two 2-2 draws played out. Unlike Bath a couple of weeks back, The Whites had to come from a goal behind to salvage a point in a game that could have gone either way. Mitch Brundle’s side started like a house on fire and for the first 20 minutes, you would have been hard pushed to decide on which of the two teams were the side sitting pretty at the top. It’s now four unbeaten for Brundle across all competitions.

Paris Lock had his marker on toast in the opening periods, turning him one way and the other, delivering some lovely low crosses that we couldn’t quite capitalise on. Then in the 17th minute, Dover were rewarded for their brave attacking play. A cross by Hatcher was blocked and with the ball rebounding back to the youngster who faked to cross, cut back on his left and fired in a low ball that defender Peter Ojemen was able to turn into the net.

 

Peter Ojemen opens his Dover account – Photo Steve Johnson

Dover kept the pressure on and when Nick Dembele dispossessed Grimes on the half way line, he raced towards the River End with just the visiting goalkeeper in his sights. His touch was a little too heavy just at the vital time and a snap shot cannoned back off Lavercombe who got up smartly to block the rebound from Zidan. It was an opportunity for the Whites to kill the game off but Taunton were hanging on in there.

Moments later and Dover were to rue that missed chance as Foulston ghosted in at the back post from a corner to bring the teams level. Deep into first half stoppage time, the visitors took the lead when Stern danced past the Whites defence, rounded Billy Terrell and slotted into the empty net.

It’s a good point against top of the league but we now look forward to next week and our FA Cup game with Eastleigh – Mitch Brundle

The game ebbed and flowed in the second half with both teams looking to get the next goal and it was looking like it was going to be a bad day at the office until the Whites were awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty are in the 78th minute. Zidan and Hatcher stood over the ball and once Zidan had made his dummy run, Hatcher stepped up to curl the ball into the net to send the Dover fans behind the goal wild. It was a fantastic strike from a player who has certainly repaid the faith that manager has shown in him. Paris Lock was exceptional on the day and was well worthy of the Man of the Match award. Lock has been sensational since his loan started from AFC Wimbledon and will be looking to add to these performances as the season goes on.

Dover now have an FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round match against Eastleigh before resuming National League South duties against Hemel Hempstead Town. We hope to see you all there.

COYW!

A special mention goes out to one of our media team, Bradley Kesby, who wrote a match report for the Non League Paper, covering the game. Well done mate.

Dover Athletic: Terrell, Oyenuga, Naylor, Mensah, Ojemen, Lock, Sutherland, Dunne, Hatcher, Powell, Dembele

Subs: Stewart, Allen, Baptiste, Nikaj, Young

Taunton Town: Lavercombe, Foulston, Grimes, Booth, Chamberlain, James, Jarvis, Stern, Lucas, Morgan, Evans

Subs: McCootie, Guest, Smith, Day, Sims-Burgess

UP NEXT – TAUNTON TOWN

The Peacocks head to town. 

With the Whites having hosted Haringey Borough in the FA Cup last weekend, this Saturday sees Mitch Brundle’s babes back in Vanarama National South action. Taunton Town head to the Megger Community Stadium full of confidence following a 2-1 win last time out against Eastbourne Borough, to send them to the top of the table. Our last league encounter saw us play the team occupying first place when we travelled west to Bath, culminating in an enthralling 2-2 draw, despite leading 2-0.

We don’t fear anyone. The league has shown anyone can beat anyone.

We just want to give a good account of ourselves and a performance we’re proud of – whether that’s win, lose or draw – Mitch Brundle

Archie Hatcher waiting to take a free-kick into the penalty area Picture Steve Johnson

It had been highlighted after last weeks match how young the starting eleven were, averaging at just over 20 years old. The Gaffer was keen to point out that if you are good enough you are old enough. Henry Young and Archie Hatcher have both recently signed their first professional contracts and dont look out of place in the Whites squad so far this campaign.

Speaking to Kent Online Sport, manager Brundle said ‘I’ll always be honest and truthful with the players. If you’re not, then I think you lose the dressing room. I could have quite easily thrown Dunney back into the midfield and changed the midfield but they did well – and they did well for 66 minutes against Bath, so I didn’t think it was right. For me, age doesn’t matter. It’s something I’m really proud of. Baptiste came in and was excellent. He does what’s on the tin, he’ll consistently work. I thought, in the first half, he was a major threat. I thought their right-back was very good and tried to be in our half more than his own. But Baptiste managed to keep pinning him back. I thought he was outstanding.’

Lets hope we can get a few more through the gate on Saturday to cheer on these young guns.

COYW!

Form Guide:

Picture courtesy of Flashscore.com

 

Head to Head:

 

We still have players available to sponsor, an updated list will be in Saturdays match day programme. If you are interested click HERE

Ticket Information:

Admission for this match is by turnstile only. We accept both card and cash on the gate.

Adults – £17

Over 60 – £15

Under 18 – £9

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

We are also offering a five game ticket. These can only be used by one individual per match and not in groups.

Adult – £75 (£10 saving)
Concession – £65 (£10 saving)

 

 

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker results for Wednesday 4th October

 

Congratulations to all the winners and better luck next time if your name wasn’t drawn out. It could well be your time next week.

For anyone who doesn’t know how the Striker Lottery works well let me explain if for you. Each week, so long as you have paid your £1 weekly subscription, your number will be entered into a draw. If your number is drawn, congratulations – you’re a winner! It’s as simple as that. The draw is held every Wednesday. Keep an eye on the website and social media pages for full details. Who knows, your number could scoop the £1,000 top prize.

Please note that only paid-for tickets are entered in the draw. For your convenience, your membership fee can be collected from you, or you can pay at the Club Office or, to save time, you can pay monthly or quarterly by standing order.

Contact harry.reid@doverathletic.com to register your interest and good luck

TAUNTON TOWN – VIP STYLE

Fancy watching the Whites take on Taunton Town in style? Of course you do.

Mitch Brundle and the boys will be looking to put on a show and where else would you rather watch it than here with us.

Watch the game from the best seats in the house and let our match day hospitality provide the ultimate way to spend your time with us.

The package includes:

  • Butler hosted lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game

  • A three-course meal served at your table

  • Reserved undercover premium padded seating

  • Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water, plus a dedicated paid bar before and after the match

  • Complimentary match day team sheet

The very special experience costs £28 per person and is available for individual and group bookings, or as a gift voucher.

Please note that this price does NOT include entry for non-season ticket holders who do attend, and they will still need to pay at the turnstile on the day.

On the menu for the game will be :

  • Tomato Soup & a Ciabatta roll
  • Roast Chicken breast, Roast Potatoes, Stuffing, Carrots & Peas with Gravy
  • Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake with cream

Arrival at the ground should be at 1pm and food will be served at 1.30pm.

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email gavin.hughes@doverathletic.com or call the office on 01304 822373

SENSORY ROOM INSTALLED AT THE MEGGER COMMUNITY STADIUM

As part of the clubs ongoing commitment to equality and inclusivity, our Community Trust have worked in partnership with the Dover, Deal and Shepway branch of the National Autistic Society to create our very own Sensory Room.

We are now incredibly proud to offer a specially designed space for supporters with additional needs a quiet, safe space to unwind in a calm environment at Crabble.

This dedicated sensory space, which we believe to be the first of its kind in non-league football, will be in use throughout the season. It will include equipment that will be beneficial if the match day experience becomes too much.

We hope that this room will be a welcoming space for families and carers of children and adults that may not have been able to attend a live match at a football stadium before.

Patrick Verrill, Chairperson of the local branch of the National Autistic Society and Crabble regular, has worked closely with Community Engagement & Inclusion Officer, Vikki Pawley to create this space.

Patrick, who has a 7 year old son who is Autistic says:

“Sensory rooms are a great way for people on the Autistic spectrum or those with other additional needs to have their needs met in unfamiliar environments.”

“The club have been fantastic since I first pitched the idea, inviting me to look around the club at possible areas we could use. I’m very grateful for the understanding and effort that Dover Athletic have put in to this. Vikki in particular has helped to make this all happen”

The club will officially open the room prior to our home game against Hampton and Richmond on the 4th of November. We are also pleased to welcome Patrick and 50 members of the local National Autistic Society to the VIP lounge for the game.

Chairman, Jim Parmenter said “I am delighted that we are able to provide facilities for part of the community that perhaps would not have enjoyed games at The Megger Community Stadium before and we look forward to their visit which will hopefully be the first of many”

You can find more information about the Dover, Deal and Shepway branch of the National Autistic Society here: Dover, Deal and Shepway (autism.org.uk)

National Autistic Society Dover, Deal and Shepway Branch (facebook.com)

DOVER ATHLETIC 2 HARINGEY BOROUGH 1

Brundle’s Babes march on in the cup. 

After coming from a goal down to win the tie, the Whites made sure that they were in the hat for the next round, courtesy of a brace from substitute and Man of the Match Zidan Sutherland.

Iffy Allen pulled up in the warm-up so Luke Baptiste stepping into the starting eleven in a team that boasted the average age of just 20, with captain for the day John Oyenuga one of the more senior players on the pitch. Baptiste and Nikaj were academy graduates, while Henry Young and Archie Hatcher are still present in the academy, showing that the talent coming through is worthy of first team football.

It was a slow first half showing from the hosts with only a Archie Hatcher free-kick to note. Hatcher unleashed a knuckleball that looked to be heading into the top corner but Collins in the Haringey goal was equal too it with a fantastic stop to tip it over the crossbar. The visitors were picking up far too many second balls and their quick play from back to front was causing Dover all sorts of bother. In the 24th minute, Borough took the lead from a corner when Jebbie fired home after having the freedom of Dover’s penalty area. It was a goal that had been coming for the visitors with the Whites huffing and puffing and quite frankly getting nowhere.

The Gaffer made a change at the break, bringing on Nick Dembele to replace George Nikaj and it paid dividends immediately. Dembele’s running in behind began to stretch the away defence and he nearly opened the scoring himself when his shot was palmed into the side netting by Collins. Zidan Sutherland was thrown into the mix, coming off the left flank and it was a move that would yield immediate results when a cross from the impressive Paris Lock was fired home by Zidan at the back post.

Zidan fires home to send the River End wild – Photo Steve Johnson

 

It was the duo that linked up again with just six minutes remaining as a cool finish from Sutherland ensured that we were in the draw for the Fourth Qualifying Round to be played on Saturday 14 October. Manager Mitch Brundle praised his ‘Babes’ for their second half performance. Speaking to Kent Online Sport Brundle said ‘With an average age around 20, I’m so proud of them. I said before the game that I didn’t care how we won. I couldn’t care less about the performance. We’re in the hat for Monday – and that’s all we wanted.’

We will keep you updated with the draw as soon as we have it.

– The Partnership we didn’t think we needed.

Dover Athletic: Terrell, Oyenuga, Charles-Cook, Naylor, Mensah, Baptiste, Lock, Young, Powell, Hatcher, Nikaj

Subs: Sutherland, Dembele, Anifowose, Stewart, Dunne, Allen, Sesay

Haringey Borough: Collins, Addo, O’Donoghue, Sambu, Peter (C), Jabbie, Aidoo, Iontton, Figueira, Young, Kennedy

Subs: Philippou, Hoti, Aresti, Mitchell, Bawling, Babalola, Dema

 

UP NEXT – HARINGEY BOROUGH (FA CUP EDITION)

The Whites look to advance in the FA Cup.

Mitch Brundle and his charges will be looking to progress to the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup when Haringey Borough head to town. It will be the second home tie of the competition following the match last time out with Hastings United, which the Whites won 3-2, courtesy of goals from Iffy Allen, George Nikaj and Luke Baptiste. Despite a late flurry from the visitors who were down to ten men, the Whites had dominated the game and should have been out of sight, but eventually held on to secure a place in the Third Qualifying Round.

Skipper James Dunne clears the danger last time out against Hastings United – Photo Steve Johnson

The winner of this tie will be one step closer to the First Round proper where the likes of Reading, Derby County, Bolton Wanderers and many more await. The following round, should Dover get there, will include the National League teams for the first time. There are still some big clubs kicking about, even without Notts County and Wrexham, who were both promoted to League Two. Chesterfield, Oldham Athletic, Hartlepool United and even Southend United, with all their struggles, still boast football league alumni.

Haringey have not hit top form of yet in their domestic league, currently sitting in 21st position, one league below the Whites, in the Ryman Premier League. While this looks like it could be perceived as an easy fixture, Borough despatched of Tonbridge Angels 4-2 in the last round, showing that the magic of the cup is most definitely alive and kicking.

Our aim is to be in the hat for the next round and try and stay in the competition as long as possible – Mitch Brundle

Peter Ojemen will miss the clash having been dismissed for two yellow cards last time out at Bath City but Johl Powell will be back at Crabble following his suspension in the cup last time out.

Form Guide:

Picture courtesy of Flashscore.com

Head to Head:

Unable to provide any information from Dover Athletic as it is now, maybe someone of an older generation might remember a fixture dating further back?

Ticket Information – All Must Pay:

Admission for this match is by turnstile only. We accept both card and cash on the gate.

Adults – £17

Over 60 – £15

Under 18 – £9

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult