DOVER ATHLETIC 2 TAUNTON TOWN 2

By John McNicoll

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