Mark Newson has his say following Whites 2-2 New Year’s Day draw with Maidstone.
Category: First Team News
STONES SCORE LATE TO DENY WHITES
MAIDSTONE 2-2 DOVER
(Wraight 69) (Ilesanmi 27)
(Anderson 90) (Nortey 76)
SUBSTITUTE Joe Anderson’s injury-time strike denied Whites a winning start to the New Year in a Kent thriller at the Gallagher Stadium.
The right-back collected fellow sub Jack Paxman’s clever through ball and slotted past visiting stopper Mitch Walker to ensure the scoreline matched that of the reverse fixture on Boxing Day.
Femi Ilesanmi had stunned the home crowd midway the first half with an unbelievable 30-yard strike, only for Tom Wraight to head in an equaliser after the break.
Nortei Nortey’s brilliant solo goal seemed to have won the match for Athletic, but Anderson struck late on to make it four consecutive draws for Dover.
The hosts fashioned the first chance early on as Walker parried behind Wraight’s swirling free-kick.
From the resulting corner, Joe Pigott powered Wraight’s ball towards goal, but Walker was able to pluck the ball out from underneath his own crossbar.
On ten minutes, Giancarlo Gallifouco headed Dover’s first chance wide from Mitch Pinnock’s set piece.
All the chances were coming from free-kicks and one from Piggot flew into the side-netting.
But the best Stones chance of the half fell the way of Jamar Loza.
Josh Hare’s delivery found the attacker in space, but Walker was equal to his effort and collected the ball at the second attempt.
The home pressure continued as Wraight curled wide via a deflection off Mitch Brundle.
A lightning counter-attack by the away side ended with Pinnock finding Kadell Daniel at the back post, but the home defence were able to block his effort.
Ryan Bird went close to adding to his 12 National League goals this campaign, but headed wide from Pinnock’s accurate cross.
Instead it was a player yet to register for Whites that opened the scoring with a sensational strike midway though the first half
Ilesanmi picked up a loose ball and after striding forward, unleashed an unstoppable 30-yard effort into the top corner.
There was mayhem in the other box as Pigott’s header from Wraight’s corner was cleared first off the line by Daniel, but rebounded off Piggot and rolled back towards goal, only for the well-placed Connor Essam to hoof clear.
Pinnock tried his luck with a long range shot soon after, but Lee Worgan punched his effort clear for a throw in.
And Manny Parry was inches away from doubling the visitors lead, however Reece Prestedge flicked away Daniel’s ball before the defender could score.
Walker confirmed Dover’s lead at the break, diving low to turn Stuart Lewis’ firm header around the post.
Following a quiet fifteen minutes after the restart, Loza almost lit up the game with a curling effort that flew wide of Walker’s far post.
But Maidstone did not have to wait long for their leveller.
Pigott swung in a ball from the right for the unmarked Wraight to bury a header past Walker.
Substitute Liam Bellamy almost had Athletic back in control. The midfielder smashed well wide from Bird’s header back across the goalface.
However fellow midfielder Nortey did put Dover ahead with a fine individual finish.
Starting from his own half, some great skill saw the 23-year old beat three defenders before firing in off the post from the edge of the area.
Parity was almost restored instantly, but sub Delano-Yorke flicked Loza’s driven pass wide from a mere inches out.
But Anderson had the final say, rounding off a slick Maidstone move.
The drama was not over just yet as Whites almost won the game at the death.
Worgan reacted well to stop Parry’s point-blank header from Pinnock’s ball and then tipped behind a downward header from the centre back moments later.
But neither side were unable to force a late winner and the result keeps Athletic fourth in the standings, one point behind third-placed Sutton.
Earlier, boss Kinnear made one change to the side that started against Halifax. Daniel replaced the injured Anthony Jeffrey, with the fit-again Kane Richards amongst the substitutes.
Dover next host Aldershot on Saturday 6th January, kick off 3pm.
Maidstone: Worgan (c), Twumasi, Wynter, Okuonghae, Hare (Anderson 81), Wraight (Paxman 81), Lewis, Prestedge, Ter Horst (Sam-Yorke 64), Pigott, Loza.
Subs not used: Reason, McKorkell.
Dover: Walker, Passley, Essam, Gallifuoco, Parry, Ilesanmi, Brundle (c), Nortey, Pinnock, Bird (Alabi 86), Daniel (Bellamy 68).
Subs not used: Richards, Deen-Conteh, Fazakerley.
Referee: David Rock
Attendance: 2,502
PREVIEW: MAIDSTONE V DOVER
Whites will be looking to start the 2018 with a win when they travel to the Gallagher Stadium on New Year’s day.
Chris Kinnear’s men played Monday’s opponents only five days ago in a thrilling 2-2 draw and both sides will be looking to improve their recent National League form.
Jay Saunder’s side are winless in seven and Athletic have been victorious just once in their last eight league games.
However, Dover are unbeaten in six matches in all competitions and Kinnear will be confident his side can end a run of three consecutive draws with win.
MAIDSTONE’S RECENT FORM
ALDERSHOT 1-1 MAIDSTONE
Jim Kellerman’s injury-time header ensured the points were shared at the Electrical Services Stadium.
Aaron Collins, playing his last match before returning to parent club Wolves, had the visitors ahead just after break when he tucked home past home stopper Lewis Ward from Joe Piggott’s lofted pass.
James Rowe hit the crossbar for the hosts and Ward had to be at his best to keep out Collins and Tom Wraight.
Piggott went close late on when his free-kick struck the inside of the post.
And that miss proved decisive as Kellerman nodded in Bobby-Joe Taylor’s corner at the death.
PREVIOUS MEETING
26/12/17: DOVER 2-2 MAIDSTONE
Ryan Bird’s goal ten minutes from time saw Whites complete an impressive second-half comeback in a thrilling Boxing Day Kent derby at a rainy Crabble.
Trailing to two Joe Piggott strikes at the break, Nortei Nortey headed home shortly after the restart and Bird pounced to level the scores after visiting keeper Lee Worgan parried sub Kadell Daniel’s cross-cum-shot to Athletic’s top scorer.
Earlier, Bird stabbed Femi Ilesanmi’s low cross towards the bottom corner, but Worgan flung himself to tip the ball around the post.
But it was the away side who had the lead ten minutes before the break.
Seth Nana Twusami took advantage of hesitation by Anthony Jeffrey and crossed for the laying-in-wait Piggott to take a touch and curl into the far corner.
And Maidstone’s top scorer doubled his match tally minutes later.
The forward was left alone in the box to power in his 12th of the season from Jamar Loza’s accurate cross.
Skipper Mitch Brundle almost had Dover back in contention, striking the underside of the crossbar with a stunning 30-yard lob.
But Dover were back in the game with just over half an hour left on the clock.
Passley tossed in a ball from the right for Nortey to head into the bottom corner – past Worgan’s despairing grasp.
The home crowd were almost celebrating an equaliser shortly after, but Kadell Daniel stabbed over Manny Parry’s ball to him from close range.
But the substitute proved integral to Whites equaliser ten minutes from time. The winger’s long-range shot from an angle deceived Worgan, who could only parry the ball upwards, allowing Bird to gleefully prod in his twelfth National League goal of the season.
And it looked like Giancarlo Gallifuoco would complete a stunning turnaround, but Worgan somehow caught the Australian’s point-blank header from Brundle’s cross.
OTHER MEETINGS
01/01/17 – MAIDSTONE 1-4 DOVER
26/12/16 – DOVER 1-1 MAIDSTONE
TEAM COLOURS
For fans wanting to show the same colours as the players, captain Mitch Brundle and his teammates will be wearing their blue shirts.
COVERAGE
The game starts at 3pm but if you are unable to make the trip, we will have live updates on Twitter – @DAFCLiveText – follow us and get all the news as it happens!
Coverage starts from 2pm.
SATURDAY’S OTHER NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES (3pm kick off unless stated)
AFC FYLDE V TRANMERE ROVERS
BROMLEY V EBBSFLEET UNITED
DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE V LEYTON ORIENT (7.45pm)
FC HALIFAX TOWN V MACCLESFIELD TOWN
GUISELEY V CHESTER
HARTLEPOOL UNITED V GATESHEAD
SOLIHULL MOORS V MAIDENHEAD UNITED
SUTTON UNITED V BOREHAM WOOD
TORQUAY UNITED V EASTLEIGH
WOKING V ALDERSHOT TOWN (1.00pm)
WREXHAM V BARROW
AWAY TRAVEL
There is a coach travelling to Boreham Wood on Saturday 20th January and it is not too late to book your space on it.
The prices are as follows:
Adult members £15, adult non-members £30 and accompanied child (Under 16) £5.
Please call or text Andy on 0793 4300335 to book your seat, or see him in the Centre Spot after the match against Aldershot or Marine.
Please note you are now required to pay for your seat in advance by cash or via bank transfer.
VIDEO: MANAGER REACTION
Boss Chris Kinnear has his say following Whites goalless draw with FC Halifax Town on Saturday.
HIGHLIGHTS: DOVER 0-0 HALIFAX
Catch up on the best of the action from Saturday’s goalless draw.
WHITES FRUSTRATED BY HALIFAX
DOVER 0-0 FC HALIFAX TOWN
WHITES could not end 2017 with a win after being unable to break down ten-man Halifax Town at Crabble on Saturday.
Visiting keeper Sam Johnson pulled off two stunning first half saves, denying both Mitch Brundle and Ryan Bird in succession.
And Athletic were not able to capitalise after Jake Hibbs received his marching orders late on following a second bookable offence.
The home side went close early on as Mitchell Pinnock’s searching ball almost found substitute Kadell Daniel at the far post, but Josh Wilde cleared the ball behind for a corner.
And Connor Essam would have blasted the hosts ahead from the resulting set piece had it not been for Scott Garner’s brave block to deny the defender a second league goal of the season.
Shortly after the half-hour make, Sam Johnson brilliantly palmed away Brundle’s dipping 25-yard volley and though Ryan Bird pounced on the rebound, the giant goalkeeper was up quickly to deny Dover’s top scorer.
Brundle then spotted Bird had peeled off the visiting defence, however the forward was unable to stretch his legs enough to reach his skipper’s diagonal ball.
Danny Clarke seemed to be in disbelief after Essam’s mistake left him one-on-one with home stopper Mitch Walker, giving Giancarlo Gallifuoco enough time to track back and tackle the midfielder.
Australian Gallifuoco almost had Dover ahead just after the break, but powered Brundle’s corner just wide of the far post.
And the away side had their first shot on target on the hour mark as Josh MacDonald crossed for Tom Denton, but the tall striker could only direct his header straight into the arms of Walker.
Daniel also tried with his head minutes later, nodding Pinnock’s searching ball over the bar.
And Bird thought he had won the game late on, but fired wide after latching onto Jake Hibbs’ headed clearance.
Earlier boss Chris Kinnear kept with the same side that drew with Maidstone on Boxing Day. New signing Liam Bellamy was named on the bench, replacing the ill Kane Richards.
The draw sees Dover rise one place to fourth in the table, seven points of leaders Macclesfield Town.
Whites next travel to Maidstone on New Year’s Day. Kick off 3pm.
Dover: Walker, Gallifuoco, Essam, Parry, Passley, Brundle (c), Nortey (Bellamy 82), Ilesanmi, Pinnock (Alabi 76), Bird, Jeffrey (Daniel 12).
Subs not used: Dean-Conteh, Fazakerley.
Halifax: Johnson, Duckworth, Moyo, Garner (c), Wilde, MacDonald, Hibbs, Clarke, Collins, McManus (Tomlinson 55), Denton.
Subs not used: Oliver, Nicholson, Morgan, Waring.
Attendance: 1,127
Referee: Adrian Quelch
WHITES WELCOME BACK BELLAMY
Dover Athletic boss Chris Kinnear has added to his midfield options with Liam Bellamy rejoining the club.
Bellamy, 26, spent two seasons at Crabble, making 45 appearances, before leaving for National League rivals Aldershot Town in June 2016.
He played 14 times for the Shots last season, scoring twice, including one against Dover, before he sustained a season-ending injury against Forest Green Rovers in November.
Now back to full fitness, the former Charlton and Brentford youngster will wear the No.28 shirt and will be available for Saturday’s National League game against FC Halifax at Crabble.
Welcome back Liam!
PREVIEW: DOVER V HALIFAX
Whites will be looking to make it six matches without defeat when they host Halifax this Saturday.
Chris Kinnear’s men came back from two goals down at the break in the Boxing Day clash with Maidstone, the second time they have done so this season having overturned a two-goal deficit away at Bromley on December 2nd.
But Athletic’s boss will hope his side can add to their 11 clean sheets so far this weekend, though will be wary of his opponent’s main goal threat.
Six-foot-seven striker Tom Denton is the Shaymen’s top scorer so far with nine strikes.
HALIFAX’S RECENT FORM
MACCLESFIELD 2-1 HALIFAX
Tyrone Marsh’s second-half header completed an impressive turnaround for the Silkmen.
Tom Denton had the Shaymen ahead on 11 minutes, arrowing a header into the far post from a corner.
Danny Whitehead also scored with his head, levelling matters for the home side in first half stoppage time.
Striker Denton saw an effort cleared off the line shortly after the break and Marsh took full advantage, heading home on 78 minutes to keep Town top of the standings.
PREVIOUS MEETING
15/08/17
HALIFAX 1-2 DOVER
Tobi Sho-Silva’s last-gasp winner saw Dover win 2-1 at FC Halifax Town and maintain their 100% winning record on the road so far this season.
The forward pounced on Connor Essam’s header into the area following substitute Mitch Pinnock’s deep corner as Dover won at the MBi Shay Stadium for the first time in three attempts.
It looked like the match would end in a draw after Tom Denton netted in the 90th minute to cancel out Mitch Brundle’s header four minutes earlier, but Sho-Silva struck his first league goal of the campaign to take all three points back to Kent.
Whites were almost ahead early on as defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco flashed a volley just wide from Brundle’s low corner
The Shaymen went even closer at the midway point of the first half. Josh Wilde’s dangerous cross was met by Denton, but Manny Parry was able to track back and nod the lanky striker’s looping header off the line.
Midfielder Brundle appeared to win the game in the 86th minute. A lightning counter attack ended with Dover’s skipper heading in Allen’s pinpoint cross in spite of Johnson’s best efforts to claw the ball away. Connor Oliver’s cross had missed every player in a blue shirt at the other end of the pitch seconds earlier.
But Halifax levelled one minute into injury time as Denton powered home Wilde’s lofted ball into the box.
However it was Dover and Sho-Silva who had the final say with the last kick of the game to send the 32 travelling fans who made the trip to West Yorkshire wild.
OTHER MEETING
03/04/16: Dover 1-0 FC Halifax Town
28/11/15: FC Halifax Town 4-2 Dover
14/02/15: FC Halifax Town 3-2 Dover
09/08/14: Dover 0-1 FC Halifax Town
TICKET NEWS
Prices are as follows:
Adults – £17
Over 60’s – £14
Under 18’s – £8
Under 11’s – Free (With an accompanying adult)
COVERAGE
The game starts at 3pm but if you are unable to make the trip, we will have live updates on Twitter – @DAFCLiveText – follow us and get all the news as it happens!
Coverage starts from 2pm.
SATURDAY’S OTHER NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES (3pm kick off unless stated)
ALDERSHOT TOWN V MAIDSTONE UNITED (12:30)
BARROW V SOLIHULL MOORS
BOREHAM WOOD V TORQUAY UNITED
CHESTER V HARTLEPOOL UNITED
EASTLEIGH V WOKING
EBBSFLEET UNITED V DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
GATESHEAD V WREXHAM
LEYTON ORIENT V BROMLEY
MACCLESFIELD TOWN V SUTTON UNITED
MAIDENHEAD UNITED V AFC FYLDE
TRANMERE ROVERS V GUISELEY
AWAY TRAVEL
There is a coach travelling to Maidstone on Monday 1st January and it’s not too late to book a seat on it.
Prices are as follows:
Adult members £12, adult non-members £25 and accompanied child (Under 16) £6.
There is also a coach travelling to Boreham Wood on Saturday 20th January and the costs are as follows:
Adult members £15, adult non-members £30 and accompanied child (Under 16) £5.
Please call or text Andy on 0793 4300335 to book your seat, or see him in the Centre Spot after the match against Halifax.
Please note you are now required to pay for your seat in advance by cash or via bank transfer.
HIGHLIGHTS: DOVER 2-2 MAIDSTONE
Catch up on all the best bits from Tuesday’s thrilling Boxing Day derby.
VIDEO: PLAYER REACTION
Goalscorer Nortey Nortei talks to the camera following Whites 2-2 draw with Maidstone on Boxing Day.