Category: First Team News

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.

BLANKETY BLANK – WHITES FAIL TO FIND THE NET

The manager’s reaction following the stalemate with Chelmsford City.

It might have been another point on the board for the Whites this weekend but it wasn’t enough for the boss who was slightly disappointed. Chelmsford are a well drilled side who are in touching distance of the play off picture themselves but Mitch Brundle thought his team could have taken more than just the solitary point. It’s a work in progress still and a sign that things are most definitely on the up at the Megger Community Stadium.

Speaking to Kent Online Sport Brundle said ‘I didn’t think we played particularly well, I’m a little bit disappointed but that shows you where we’ve come from, unbeaten in three and five points from the last nine. They’re higher than us. You can be critical but to be fair the boys did everything in terms of their work-rate, commitment and desire that we look for. I’m quite pleased but I also feel like it was a missed opportunity. It’s a bit frustrating because we did well in spells, I thought we deserved to win the game. Credit to them, they are resilient as a team but we were as well. A couple of months ago we might have lost that game with the chances late on. I thought defensively, especially the two centre-halves, were excellent. We huffed and puffed and lacked that real clinical edge.

Josh Ajayi had opened his account last week but couldn’t add to it after some fine goalkeeping by the opposition stopper. ‘You score that one, you like to hope you kick on,’ said the gaffer. ‘We put ourselves in good areas but we just weren’t clinical enough. We’re creating chances but it comes down to the saying “if you don’t finish your dinner, you’re going to be hungry.” We can’t be critical of the team. They didn’t out-work us, it was a good battle between two good teams. We want to be in their position so go out and prove it. If we can keep the run going then we’ll keep moving forward.’

Brundle declared on the ‘Meet the Manager’ evening that he wanted his team to play a certain style. The players have clearly brought into the new philosophy even if the results haven’t always gone our way. ‘Consistency has been our big problem, today it wasn’t so that’s credit to the dressing room,’ Brundle continued. ‘It can’t just be two games, it needs to be three and then four and five. At the minute we’re not at that stage, we’re still developing and building and still trying to get as many points on the board as we can.’

The Whites travel to Taunton on Saturday this week to face Taunton Town, looking to extend the unbeaten run to four matches. We hope to see you there.

COYW.

 

FIXTURE UPDATE – HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE

Havant & Waterlooville head to the Megger Community Stadium on Tuesday 28th February 2023.

The original tie was postponed last month and the original rearranged date had been moved to this one so make a note in your diary and we look forward to welcoming you through the gates in just over a weeks time. Kick off will be at 19.45. There will be further news on the fixture next week.

 

DOVER ATHLETIC 0 CHELMSFORD CITY 0

Whites draw blank as Chelmsford prove a tough nut to crack.

Dover began the first half like they ended the last game, on the front foot. Within a minute Josh Ajayi had warmed the hands of Ed Beach in the Chelmsford goal with a side footed volley that the visiting keeper did well to push away.

Tyrone Sterling had hearts in mouths moments later when a pass back to Stuart Nelson had the Dover stopper scrambling back to his line to clear with the visiting support behind the goal cheering as they thought it had crossed the line. It was a real let off for the Whites.

In the 13th minute, Jordan Higgs nearly opened the scoring when he tried to bundle the ball over the line after a volleyed cross by Wanadio seemed to evade everyone in the six yard box.

Minutes later and Jack Paxman shot agonisingly wide of the post after twisting and turning away from his marker. The Whites had been pushing hard for the opener and they thought had it on the half hour mark.

With neat build up play on the edge of the Chelmsford penalty area, the ball finally made its way to George Nikaj who’s first time shot looped over the stranded Beach, only for the ball to come back off the crossbar. Lee Martin reacted the quickest to head into the net but the celebrations were cut short as the flag was raised for offside.

Ajayi and Wanadio were terrorising their full backs and the latter fired over the crossbar after a cross by Ajayi. Dover certainly deserved more for their endeavour at the halfway stage.

It was a better opening of the second half than the first for the visitors with the away team showing a little more purpose. Khale Da Costa was acrobatic with an overhead kick that flashed wide as Chelmsford tried to get a foot hold in the match.

Jack Paxman went into the referee’s notebook after an accumulation of fouls and the resulting free-kick was fired straight into the body of Nelson. Arjanit Krasniqi was the next offender to be brandished a yellow card as the game began to get a little tetchy from both sides.

Dover still tried to play the way that the manager wanted and even though some of the passing was a little off, it was plain to see that there was a pattern of play in place.

Substitute Tom Blackwell nearly opened the scoring for the visitors but his shot was scuffed safely into the hands of Nelson when he really should have found the net. It was the first real scare for the Whites as Chelmsford looked to gain some momentum.

It wasn’t for the want of trying but it was just one of those days for Brundle’s side who just couldn’t maintain the high levels from the first half but it was a clean sheet and another positive performance.

COYW.

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Paxman A, Goodman, Higgs, Wanadio, Martin, Sterling, Nikaj, Ajayi, Paxman J, Boateng

Subs: Moses, Carney, Baptiste, Byford, Oliver

Chelmsford City: Beach, Barnum-Bobb, Trotter, Winfield, Jackson, Da Costa, Alfa, Grant, Terry, Brooke’s, Krasniqi

Subs: Marsden, James, Blackwell, Jones, Yila.

Attendance: 719

UP NEXT – CHELMSFORD CITY

We look ahead to our next clash at home against Chelmsford City.

The visit of Chelmsford will pose a tough test for Mitch Brundle’s side with both teams sharing the spoils last time out. A 0-0 draw back in November couldn’t separate the two teams who have had a fairly even record over the last decade with two draws and both teams claiming a victory each.

It was a super performance by the Whites against Eastbourne Borough with the crowd playing their part in the win. Speaking to Kent Online Sport the manager said ‘We had 600-odd on Saturday. That can only go up – but it only goes up if you win games. I know that. The brand of football is exciting for people to watch so I urge more people to come. We can get better as a team. With all the chances we’re creating, the reason why they’re not going in is because we’re not at a better level yet. We’re creating chances, most games are won in midfield, and you let the star boys shine and stand out – like Josh did.

Josh Ajayi scored his maiden goal in a Dover shirt but it wasn’t for the want of trying in his previous few performances. ‘I’m delighted for him. He’s had a tough time in terms of playing time and that belief. But I’m giving him that belief – I believe in him. He’s a cracking player and he’s one I know that can step up and be unbelievable.’

The boss was also impressed with the returning George Nikaj. ‘I thought he was excellent,’ noted Brundle. ‘I said to him at half-time that you need to be more aerially dominant when you’re the No.9 in the team. He’s got to be more physical. This level is a step up so, for him to do it, his fitness levels need to go up. He’ll only get better. He’s had the chances with a couple of shots at goal and his work-rate was fantastic. I’ll never question anyone if they give me everything.

After the game, the whistle blows and he has his hands on his knees, so you know he’s given everything. I can’t ask for much more. Eventually, I can ask for more in terms of quality and finishing but, first game back, I’ve given him that belief and that trust, starting him as a No.9 for Dover. That’s what he wanted so he’s delighted. I’ll continue to work with him and he can only get better. Once he gets a goal under my realm, I think he’ll step up in confidence and feel like he’s right for the level.

Sometimes, it’s tough. When you go on loan, you don’t feel wanted. But that’s not the case with me. He had a loan in place – otherwise he’d have played a lot sooner than he has – but we honoured that loan and he wanted that loan, and it’s only done him good. He fits into the mould of what we want and we’re going to work with him so we can get another good centre-forward from our Academy. His style of play fits into what I’m trying to do as a manager and he’s bought right into it. He’s not thrown his toys out the pram, he’s not holding any grudges, and I personally get on really well with him.’

Luke Wanadio had been placed on the transfer list but in his last two appearances had shone brightly. ‘Maybe someone is looking over me and thanking me for not getting rid of him!’ quipped Brundle. ‘But we’re at the start of what we’re doing and we’ll take confidence from Saturday.”

Early team news for the Whites:

George Wilkinson missed the Saturday win over Boro through injury while defender Will Moses remains unavailable.

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

DOVER ATHLETIC 2 EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 1

The Brundle era is off and running after a superb home win.

There seems to be a theme at the moment with Dover games in that we keep conceding early on and this match was to be no different as Leone Gravata scored inside two minutes after a good ball in from the right.

Unlike the last few matches that the Whites had gone behind in, this time there was a higher sense of urgency in trying to get back into the game. Luke Wanadio weaved down the right hand side only for his cross to undo all his good work.

Midway through the first half and with Dover pressing, a breakdown in attack left a hole at the heart of the defence in which Eastbourne Boro exploited only for the quick thinking of Stuart Nelson, who spread himself superbly to deny the visitors extending their lead.

Josh Ajayi looked to have opened his account when he cut inside his man and curled a beautiful shot towards the far post, only for Lee Worgan to dive at full strength to push it around the post.

Ajayi was at the centre of it again when in the 29th minute his header from a corner hit the woodwork. Boro cleared their lines but Dover regained possession and a lovely ball back into the area was met by Tyrone Sterling. His header was super, beating the dive of the despairing Worgan.

Dover and in particular Jack Paxman were purring. It was a spirited performance and certainly worthy of going into the break level. The Whites had dominated the possession with some neat interplay trough the midfield with Higgs, Paxman and Martin all combining well.

It was Dover who started the second half the quicker out of the two teams with George Nikaj nipping in twice inside the early moments of the half but both efforts were denied by Worgan.

Ajayi had been unlucky in the first half but that was about to change on the hour when a quickly taken free-kick found the feet of Ajayi who spun round and bent his shot into the far top corner. It was a beautiful strike. Take a bow son.

It was a lead that Dover deserved as their play had been bold up until this point. But it was nearly taken away from them when a sweetly struck set piece was pushed onto the crossbar by Nelson, who was up quick enough to claim the rebound.

In the 75th minute and with the bit between his teeth, Ajayi flashed a shot over Worgan’s crossbar after neat play by Nikaj. It was a move that had started near the right back position and was well worked from back to front, carving through the opposition team.

The Ajayi Worgan saga continued with the ex Whites stopper again at full stretch to keep his side in the match. It was a superb save, diving down to his left to palm away the forwards curling effort.

In the end it was irrelevant as Dover held on to get the first three points of the Brundle era. It was a performance worthy of the win with Dover dominating large parts of the match. It’s the little building blocks in which the manager can now start putting together with his team but we are off and running.

COYW.

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Paxman A, Goodman, Sterling, Boateng, Martin, Higgs, Paxman J, Ajayi, Wanadio, Nikaj

Subs: Carney, Byford, Oliver, Baptiste, Agbebi

Eastbourne Borough: Worgan, Birchall, Innocent, Dickenson, Bartley, Perez, Walker, Bendle, Remy, Pearce, Gravata

Subs: Kastrati, Pitoula-Wabo, Bull, Houlter, Scarlett

Attendance: 629

UP NEXT – EASTBOURNE BOROUGH

Boro head to the Megger Community Stadium looking to do a league double over the Whites.

Mitch Brundle and his side will be looking to continue their good work after a draw on the road last time out against Slough Town. Eastbourne Borough will be no pushovers as the team from Priory Lane look to head back home with the three points following their win over the Whites back in September.

Dover have a good record on home soil, winning three and drawing three of the last six matches against Eastbourne. The bookies have made the visitors slight favourites but Brundle will relish the opportunity to upset the form book, a task made a little more difficult with his defensive options beginning to thin out. Myles Judd will now serve his suspension after breaching the ten booking fresh hold.

Speaking to Kent Online Sport, Brundle said ‘Juddy has been fantastic. He plays the game on the front foot and he’s aggressive. We will miss him but, obviously, that’s what the squad is for. We will see how the week goes in training. I have ideas already. I’m training all the time – that’s a thought if it comes down to it. But I believe in the group. If I don’t trust them, then there’s no real point bringing them in. I’ve told them that I believe in them and it’s up to them. We will look at what the best solution is.’

The gaffer was delighted with David Boateng’s first goal for the club and was also looking forward to the prospect of welcoming back George Nikaj from loan. ‘It’s the chance to play at a higher level which is what he needs. He has done really well at that level. There was a chance to extend it but we haven’t. He deserves a chance as he has been scoring. He will be playing a part in our team – it’s up to him to see whether he can do it at this level.’

When quizzed about any further signings the manager seemed to be in an optimistic mood. ‘We’re actively looking, it’s just about getting the right ones in,” the boss said. ‘We need to find someone who fits into the way we work. We’ve identified a few. It’s just about whether we can get it over the line.’

We hope to see you all at Crabble tomorrow.

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