Category: Club News

DOVER ATHLETIC 0 CHESHUNT 3

Cheshunt stun the River End with a scrappy win.

It was a freezing cold Crabble on this Tuesday evening but the Whites soon raised the temperature with a first half performance that was everything but a goal.

The luck really hasn’t been with the home side in front of goal of late and the opening 45 minutes followed in the same form.

After the opening ten minutes, Brandon Pierrick hit a daisy cutter along the floor which looked easy pickings for Adam Desbois, only for the visiting keeper to fluff his lines and fumble behind for a corner.

Moments later and Pierrick again jinxed his way into the Cheshunt box, only to see his fierce shot crash down off the underside of the crossbar and away for safety. The forward must have thought he had opened his account for his new club.

Lee Martin had provided two delicious balls into the penalty area, one of which looked destined to land on Higgs toe, but the Cheshunt defence plucked it from the midfielders boot when it looked like Dover would open the scoring. From the resulting corner, Martin again teased the Cheshunt backline with an arcing cross that was clawed away from Desbois with Sterling about to nod home.

The home side had a flurry of crosses which seemed to cause panic in the visitors box but the second ball just wouldn’t fall to anyone in a white shirt. A common theme of late. The visitors had barely tested Nelson, who saved smartly early In the half when Alfie Cue wriggled free to shoot low into the Dover stoppers grasp.

It was another blank in the opening 45 minutes for Brundle’s charges but it definitely wasn’t for the want of trying.

Seven minutes into the second half and Dover’s long clean sheet record was broken, completely against the run of play. Zech Obeiro’s shot seemed to squirm under the body of Nelson and into the net.

Dover looked to hit back through both Pierrick and Ajayi with both failing to hit the target when it looked easier to score. Pierrick with the easiest of the two chances who blazed over when composure was needed.

Cheshunt were still looking to hit the Whites on the break and in the 78th minute, Fraser Alexander made Dover pay for all the missed chances with a volley that shot past Nelson and into the bottom corner.

It was a real sucker punch Dover who were pushing hard for an equalising goal. Cheshunt had been clinical, albeit the opening goal was more luck than judgement.

In the 87th minute Cheshunt put the game to bed with a headed goal by Josh Popoola when it looked like the visiting forward was offside, but alas, the assistant referee kept his flag down.

If ever there was a game of two halves, it was definitely this. The team needs to dust themselves down and get ready for Chippenham on Saturday.

See you there.

COYW.

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Judd, Paxman, Sterling, Moses, Higgs, Wanadio, Martin, Nikaj, Ajayi, Pierrick

Subs: Wilkinson, Carney, Agbebi, Baptiste, Janjeva

Cheshunt: Desbois, Cracknell, Pitblado, Hobbs, McKenzie, Da Silva Beccles Richards, Camara, Cue, Ekongo, Maja

Subs: Thompson, Popoola, Obiero, Alexander, Edwards

Attendance: 482

BATH BORES BRUNDLE AS NELSON LEAPS TO THE GAFFERS DEFENCE

Dover Athletic 0 Bath City 0

It was another point on the board and another clean sheet this week as the Whites again failed to find the net for the second time in a month. Bath City were a very organised team but were clearly there for the taking with Mitch Brundle’s team riding high following Tuesday nights victory over Havant.

Boss Brundle had told the players that he was ‘bored’, during his half-time team talk. Speaking to Kent Online Sport post match, Brundle said ‘I think we had the better of the chances. But it wasn’t a game for the neutral! I said to them at half-time that it’s the most bored I’ve been, stood on the side line as a manager. That didn’t excite me one bit but it’s six unbeaten. It’s still positive, don’t get me wrong, and it shows where we have come to that we are disappointed to draw 0-0 with Bath and earn our fourth clean sheet in a row. It was just one of those days. I’ve just looked at the results and a lot of teams drew today. We weren’t at the races. It’s the worst we’ve performed. I could be critical with aspects of certain bits but the keeper has tipped one onto the bar and we’ve had chances in the first half, and Noah Carney should score. But to be fair, it didn’t look like we were ever going to score. But they didn’t look like ever scoring, either.”

It’s another clean sheet which is now four on the spin for the club and credit is due to both the backline and the goalkeeper. ‘Four clean sheets, as well, and it’s four years since the club last did that. ‘That’s where we’ve come as a club,’ noted Brundle. ‘That’s where we have changed now. I’d have snapped your hand off for that when I first got the job. But I will always try and be better and, to be fair, that’s why I’m so – I wouldn’t say disappointed – more frustrated. We created enough chances to score and win the game. It is what it is. I’ve not really got the words to try and describe how I’m feeling. I could just be critical, and I’m allowed to be, but we’d have snapped peoples’ hands off a few weeks ago to be six unbeaten and we are now. We’re going in the right direction and I think it’s a positive the fact that I can stand here as the manager and be frustrated that we haven’t won the game, and we’ve drawn against a good team.

There was a minute’s applause before kick-off in tribute to long-serving Dover fan Bob Hill, who recently died. Brundle himself acknowledged that fact and was quick to ensure that the family were given the clubs condolences. ‘I’d just like to send my condolences to Bob Hill’s family,’ said Brundle. It’s sad that he’s lost his life and we respected him today with a round of applause. As you could see, it meant a lot to a lot of people here. He’s been a fan for plenty of years. We just wish their whole family well and hope they’re all doing okay, and that’s from everyone – from top to bottom – at this football club.’

Stuart Nelson, part of the reason the Whites haven’t conceded in the last four matches, was keen to point out to Kent Online Sport that it was a team effort. ‘It’s Dover’s clean sheet,’ said Nelson. ‘Obviously, I’m in goal so clean sheets mean as much to me as goals mean to strikers, so I’ll take every single one of them. That’s 11 for me for the season so I’m happy with it from a personal perspective. But ultimately, I can’t do it without the 10 other players who are on the pitch with me at that time. In the last four and quite a bit games since conceding the boys have been excellent on the defensive side of things.’

Our number one came to the defence of his manger who’s age had been raised in the discussion. ‘The age thing – that’s your issue, not mine for starters. Everyone wants to say about age but age doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s a number. We’re keeping clean sheets and that’s down to how he’s setting us up. I don’t care whether he’s 12 or 102, it doesn’t mean anything to me. Age is really irrelevant and it does bug me, which is why I’ve reacted like this. I think Mitch has come in and done a really fantastic job, and the results have shown that. ‘Soon, someone is going to get thumped. That’s the bottom line. If we keep defending the way we’re doing it, then someone is going to come on a good run of goals from us.’

The Whites face Cheshunt tomorrow evening who are on a decent run of form themselves with only two defeats coming in their last nine matches. Dover will be looking to avenge the 2-0 defeat back in December but there is a completely different dynamic to the squad now compared to a couple of months ago.

We hope to see you all there. We understand that there has been a run of home games lately but we completely appreciate your continued support.

COYW

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for this game can be purchased at the turnstile only.

Prices are as follows:

Adults – £16

Over 60 – £14

Under 18 – £8

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

UP NEXT – BATH CITY

The Whites host Bath City looking to extend their unbeaten run.

Bath City visit Crabble in what should be a cracking tie with both teams now looking upwards in the league rather than down. Dover will be looking to complete a league double over Bath after a solitary goal from Luke Wanadio back in October ensured that the Whites headed back to White Cliff Country with all three points.

Mitch Brundle could have a selection headache with injuries beginning to build up after both George Nikaj and Freddie Oliver were unable to complete the 90 minutes against Havant on Tuesday. Lee Martin should recover from illness and George Wilkinson is touch and go after completing his recovery from his injury. Jordan Higgs will be assessed following his hamstring strain but David Boateng looks set to complete another week on the sidelines after his recent injury.

The Gaffer will have to have a shuffle about and bandage up his band of warriors but with the show or determination and desire that the team have showed in recent games should be enough to see the boys through. The lads will need your support more than ever as they look to play three games in seven days, including a gruelling away trip to Taunton.

Even though there were only 422 through the gate on Tuesday night, you guys made some noise and the players appreciated it. We are all in this together now.

COYW.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for this game can be purchased at the turnstile only.

Prices are as follows:

Adults – £16

Over 60 – £14

Under 18 – £8

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

HAVANT A GOOD TIME

The Vanarama National South Manager of the Week reflects on a job well done.

It was another cracking performance from the Whites on Tuesday night as Havant & Waterlooville were the next team to fall by the new look Dover Athletic sword. 11 points from 15 and three successive clean sheets show that this group is certainly buying into the managers philosophy.

Our Gaffer was even named the Vanarama National South Manager of the Week after back to back 1-0 wins and clean sheets which prompted for Mitch Brundle to be given the award.

Speaking to Kent Online Sport, Brundle said ‘It’s been good,’ Brundle admitted after the Taunton game. ‘We are four unbeaten and could have won a couple more. We have changed personnel. Everything I have asked of the boys, they have done. You always come up short in certain games but, when they’re doing what we’re asking, you can accept it.’

The manager also heaped praise on his latest signing, Brandon Pierrick. ‘He hasn’t played a lot of football as of late. He got tired towards the end. But he brings something different to our armoury, he has electric pace. He’s so good in one versus one areas. He has fantastic ability – it’s now time for him to use that ability. He started at the top and wants to get back there. That’s what sort of player we are after. They can drop down the leagues but he’s humble.

Brandon’s a humble person, a nice person, and a good character. That’s what we want. He can be a huge player for us. He’s got something we have not got, which is raw pace. He lasted longer than I thought he would do. He has got everything to go back to where he was before. He’s a little gem.’

Luke Wanadio has had a mixed time of late. Placed on the transfer list with seemingly no future at the club but that hasn’t stopped Dover’s number 10 from knuckling down and doing the business on the pitch. Wanadio scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over the Hawks and was delighted with his contribution.

‘Obviously no one likes being transfer listed but I have to stay professional and now I am back in the team and we are playing well which is fantastic,’ said Wanadio. ‘I’m in good spirits and i’m very happy with how things are going at the moment and I think thats showing in my performances. I’m leaving everything out there and trying to work harder to help the team as much as i can whether that is scoring or assisting.’

Keep up the good work, Luke.

DOVER ATHLETIC 1 HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE 0

Another clean sheet for super Mitch’s side.

Dover looked to have brought their form from Saturday after a blistering opening few minutes saw both a penalty shout turned down and an effort by George Nikaj get bundled wide.

Skipper Lee Martin was injured during the warm up and was replaced by Luke Baptiste, who set up alongside Freddie Oliver in the heart of the midfield, who continued where he left off last week. Oliver was unfortunate to be booked early on for what was an early reducer but the referee was having none of it.

It was Nikaj who looked the more likely to threaten the score board when he hit the back of the net after the ball ricocheted back off the post, only for the offside flag to ruin his post goal celebration.

Moments later it was another chance for the forward who took a ball beautifully on his chest while facing his own goal, swivelled, but only managed to hit his shot into the floor. It wasn’t for the want of trying from Nikaj who had showed desire and endeavour but had nothing yet for his efforts.

Havant managed to weather the early storm and gradually grew into the game, showing attacking promise through ex Dover full back, Josh Passley.

Danny Wright blazed over in the 10th minute when he really should have done better but besides the odd flurry of attacks, The Whites seemed to have the visitors at arms length as the two teams went into the break level at half time.

On the hour mark, the visitors were given a reprieve when Miller-Rodney clattered Oliver, having been booked just minutes earlier. The referee didn’t see the incident but the Havant man should of been heading for an early shower.

Moments later and Nikaj’s race was run after he was left in a heap on the floor. The Whites were going to have to be creative in the last 20 minutes of the match with both central midfield players missing in Higgs and Martin and now Nikaj coming off.

The injuries were beginning to wrack up for Brundle as Freddie Oliver followed Nikaj to the physio’s room, limping off to be replaced by Will Moses.

Luke Wanadio missed the win on Saturday due to illness but he didn’t miss the Havant goal in the 79th minute. Wanadio played a ball through the Carney whose cross found Ajayi in the middle. His shot was straight into the body of Sharman-Lowe, only for the ball to bounce back out into the path of Wanadio who fired into the net.

Havant huffed and puffed as they looked for an equaliser but the Whites held on to record another three points on the board. It was the third clean sheet in as many games and 11 points from 15. Brundle’s army marches once more.

COYW.

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Judd, Paxman, Goodman, Sterling, Wanadio, Ajayi, Nikaj, Pierrick, Oliver, Martin

Subs: Moses, Carney, Agbebi, Baptiste, Brundle

Havant & Waterlooville: Sharman-Lowe, Passley, Newton, Oastler, McCarthy, Kealy, Miller-Rodney, Collins, Gobern, Wright, Shroll

Subs: Nembhard, Rooney, Roberts, Burnett, Matthews

Attendance: 422

A JOB WELL DONE – FROM TAUNTON TO HAVANT

The Whites returned back to White Cliffs country with the points but attention already turns to Havant. 

It was a hard fought victory on Saturday with the only goal coming from a neat Jordan Higgs finish, following some good build-up play by both Brandon Pierrick and George Nikaj. The gaffer was delighted with the win and getting back on the bus with three points after travelling all morning was well worth the journey.

‘It was fantastic,’ said Brundle. ‘From start to finish, we could of won by more but thats been our downfall all season. I couldn’t of asked for more. It was a perfect performance, coming away from home, 1-0 win, long journey. I’m delighted for the boys who put the hard work in. The players were dead on their feet after the game with the effort that they put in. They worked so hard. It’s 8 points from 12 now which puts us in good stead and now we focus on the next game.

Two clean sheets in a row, the back for and goalkeeper have been fantastic. They defended like proper men today. Taunton put some great deliveries into our box but again Jake Goodman, who only missed one header all day, was superb. We played against a team who have the second best defensive record in the league so to get two clean sheets in a row shows how far we have come in a short space of time.

We move on to the next game now on Tuesday and we take a lot of confidence from the performance. Freddie Oliver has come in on his debut and was outstanding. It couldn’t have gone any better for him and now the task for him is to keep that level of performance. We know he wont be able to play like that every week as he’s only young but he read the game so well on Saturday and he’s given himself a chance and put himself in our plans for the remainder of the season.

There is a real togetherness in the squad at the moment but its not just the players, it’s the backroom staff as well. There is a little buzz about the place and we are delighted with the recent attitude of everyone.

Just want to say thank you to all the traveling fans on Saturday. Unbelievable commitment to travel and support us in number and it certainly got us over the line, helping us get 3 points. The players appreciate it so thank you.’

Debutant Freddie Oliver had brought plaudits from both the fans and his boss after a cracking performance in the heart of the Whites midfield. The youngster looked like he had over 100 appearances under his belt rather than just making his first.

‘First game today. I was a little nervous before it started but as the game went on I got into it and now I am buzzing after the game. Coming away from home, tough pitch and a long coach journey, it was always going to be a tough match but we got the three points which is the main thing. We done the business. Thank you to the supporters for their support Saturday. To hear the noise they were making throughout the game helped me and filled me with confidence.’

The Whites have a quick turnaround with Havant & Waterlooville heading back to Kent for our rearranged fixture tomorrow night.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for this game can be purchased at the turnstile only.

Prices are as follows:

Adults – £16

Over 60 – £14

Under 18 – £8

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

 

TAUNTON TOWN 0 DOVER ATHLETIC 1

Dover head back to Crabble with all three points.

It was a first half that Dover seemed to dominate with possession but unfortunately couldn’t find that killer pass.

The home side forced a flurry of corners in the opening stages but Dover defended any balls into the box well. It was a strange half in the respect that the home team were playing like the away side and trying to catch Dover on the break, which were few and far between.

The first shot of the game came in the 24th minute. Dylan Morgan shot straight down the throat of Nelson who never broke sweat in the opening 45 minutes.

Seconds later and Jordan Higgs hit an identical shot to Morgan which was easily claimed by Irish in the Taunton goal.

In the 42nd Martin, Lee Martin was fouled after some lovely footwork from the skipper had enable him to evade two challenges before a cynical foul from Lee Lucas drew the first booking from the referee. Martin took the resulting free kick himself and bent the ball inches over the crossbar.

Dover had played well but were heading into the break level. We were still waiting for the debutant to burst into life. Pierrick had shown flashes on the ball but it’s never easy coming straight into a new side and system.

Minutes after the restart and the debutant broke down line before a fizzer from Judd forced a smart save from Irish in the home goal. Dover had begun the half in emphatic fashion and were looking the team more likely to break the deadlock.

Just ten minutes later and the Whites were celebrating. Pierrick again breaking down the right hand side, crossing into the feet of George Nikaj who set the ball back into the path of Jordan Higgs, who fired past Irish to send the travelling contingent wild. It was everything that Dover deserved for their possession and build up play.

The home side rallied but despite their best efforts, couldn’t force Dover into any mistakes. The referee must have brought some new cards this week and was determined to use them as he starting flashing them around as the game started to get scrappy.

Dover looked like they could of extended their lead midway through the half when Josh Ajayi broke through. Ajayi had George Nikaj square of the winger who tried to play in his teammate only for the Taunton defender to get a block in when it looked like Ajayi should of been a little more selfish.

The Whites did manage to get the ball in the net for a second time through Luke Baptiste but it was ruled offside after Ajayi had flicked the ball past Irish. It wasn’t clear if the ball would of ended in the net but Baptiste made sure and the linesman raised his flag.

Like last week, the back four had held firm and it was a well deserved clean sheet with all four defenders worthy of honourable mentions. Freddie Oliver looked like a player who had been playing first team football for ages with a very confident dispaly in the middle of the pitch.

Taunton were hot on the tail of Dover with games in hand but this result will ensure that those games will mean a little more for the peacocks.

Dover are definitely looking up after that performance and long may it continue. Enjoy your weekend, all.

COYW.

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Judd, Paxman, Goodman, Sterling, Higgs, Martin, Oliver, Ajayi, Nikaj, Pierrick

Subs: Moses, Agbebi, Brundle, Baptiste, Carney

Taunton Town: Irish, Foulston, Grimes, Wannell, James, McCootie, Guest, Smith, Sims-Burgess, Morgan, Lucas

Subs: Ball, Stearn, Chamberlain, Evans

Attendance: 787

UP NEXT – TAUNTON TOWN

Dover head west to Taunton.

The Whites face Taunton Town on Saturday looking to extend their unbeaten run. It will be a tricky away tie at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium with the Peacocks looking to avenge the 1-0 defeat at the turn of the year. Mitch Brundle was in the caretaker position for this win but will now want to take the points in his new role.

The manager has a selection dilemma ahead of the game with David Boateng limping off in the first half against Chelmsford City. The loanee from Crystal Palace will definitely miss the trip to Somerset but Myles Judd will return from his suspension. The travel has also played a part in the preparation for the team.

Speaking to Kent Sport Online Brundle said ‘We have got Myles Judd back. He didn’t want the break to come. It’s good we have a replacement to come straight back in, but it might not be like-for-like. I don’t know what team I’m picking yet. It’s a tough game, it’s a long journey, and they seem to do well at home. We just need to stick to our consistency levels. I’m looking forward to the game and I think the boys are as well. Hopefully, we can come out for the long journey home with a positive result.

Early team news for the Whites

David Boateng misses out with what looks like a groin injury as well as George Wilkinson who still has a slight issue with his knee. Will Moses is also closing in on a return to first team action.

‘Hopefully he can come back and get some consistency, said Brundle when quizzed about Wilkinson. ‘George hasn’t had that consistency this season. But he’s resilient enough and, once he’s back fit, we will try to get him some games and get that match sharpness back.’

We hope to see as many of you down there as possible to cheer on the boys. Please see the website for details regarding coach travel.

COYW!

The Cygnet Health Care Stadium, Wordsworth Drive, Taunton, Somerset TA1 2HG
Telephone: 01823 254909

Admission Prices 2022-23:

Payable by card or cash at the turnstile:

Adults (ages 18 to 67 incl.): £12

Concessions (State Pensioners & Students with ID): £10

Juniors (14-17 years): £5

Children aged 13 and under have free entry when accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied Under 14’s will not be admitted.

Parking
There are two car parks at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium. The main is car park 2 at the front of the ground adjoining the road is for spectators while coaches for visiting teams should be parked at the far end of the car park after receiving guidance from a club steward.

The inner car park situated on the left of the stadium behind one goal (Car Park 1) is currently unavailable as a car park and is restricted for use by matchday refreshment providers or by any other parties subject to prior agreement by the club.

Disabled parking spaces are located immediately to the left of the main turnstile.

By Car
The Cygnet Health Care Stadium is easily accessible from all major routes into the town.

M5 – leave the motorway at Junction 25. Take the exit off roundabout signposted Taunton (A38). Go straight over first roundabout, keeping in left hand or middle lane. Continue along the Toneway and keep straight on at the four-way traffic light junction until reaching a roundabout where the left hand lane should be taken onto Chritchard Way. Stay left and take exit at traffic lights, then go straight ahead at traffic lights immediately after. Continue around the corner into Wordsworth Drive and the ground is on the left.

A303 – approach Taunton via A358 through Henlade. At M5 Junction 25 roundabout follow signs for Taunton as above.

A38 from West – approaching the town past the Stonegallows pub on the left, go straight over the first roundabout. Follow Wellington Road towards the town, past University Centre Somerset on the left. Carry straight on at traffic lights by Tesco and take right hand lane into Cann Street. Keep left and follow road into Upper High Street. Carry straight on until reaching traffic lights at Sainsburys. Keep in left hand lane through first set of traffic lights and then straight on at next set before going right at next set of lights onto East Reach. Keep straight on until reaching set of lights at bottom of East Reach where right hand lane should be taken into Wordsworth Drive and ground is on the left.

A38 from East – enter outskirts of town through Bathpool. At four way traffic light junction, take right turn onto Toneway signposted Taunton. Continue until reaching a roundabout where the left hand lane should be taken onto Chritchard Way. Stay left and take exit at traffic lights, then go straight ahead at traffic lights immediately after. Continue around the corner into Wordsworth Drive and the ground is on the left.

By Rail
The Cygnet Health Care Stadium is an approximate 25 minute walk from Taunton Railway Station. There are various routes available; turn left when leaving the station onto Trenchard Way and walk eastwards, going over bridge until reaching roundabout adjoining Priory Fields Retail Park. Cross over road into Priory Avenue and turn left. Route will take you onto footpath in Victoria Park. Exit onto Alfred Street which leads to East Reach. Cross road at traffic lights by Holcombes Car Mart and keep right into Wordsworth Drive. Ground is on the left. Should you wish to walk via the town centre, this is signposted from the railway station.

Alternatively taxis and buses are available. Bus No 1 runs to the Parade in the town centre and from there No 4 and No 51 drop off at Leycroft Road, a three minute walk from the ground.

WELCOME BRANDON

Brandon Pierrick puts pen to paper on a deal with the Whites.

Pierrick Brandon Leroy Keutcha signs as a free agent to bolster Mitch Brundle’s squad and add more excitement to this new look Dover squad. Known as Brandon Pierrick, the 21 year old winger will be looking to make a good impression at Crabble after having already appearanced in the Premier League, Scottish Premier League and Danish Superliga.

Pierrick made his debut for Crystal Palace in the 2019-20 season and then moved north to Kilmarnock to gain some more experience on loan. The next stop on his footballing journey took him to Denmark and Vejle Boldklub where the winger made a handful of appearances. The Whites had to wait for International clearance before announcing the deal. 

Pierrick will wear the number 32 and is available for selection this weekend.

We welcome you to Crabble, Brandon.

HARRISON BYFORD IN ONE MONTH LOAN DEAL

Harrison Byford joins Faversham Town on a one month loan deal.

The young defender who has been around the first team for a while now, will be looking to get some much needed minutes into his legs and has gone on a months loan to Faversham Town in the Isthmian League.

Good Luck, Harrison.