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*