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WHITES WIN CUP

Ross Lafayette and Aswad Thomas scored the goals as Dover beat Welling United 2-0 to win the Kent Reliance Senior Cup final at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium on Monday.

It was the first time Dover have won the cup since 1991 and they did it without conceding a goal along the way.

To complete a memorable day for Dover captain Loui Fazakerley, who was playing against his former club, he was named Man-of-the-Match.

Dover started brightly against the National League South side and Moses Emmanuel, one of the three changes boss Chris Kinnear made to his starting side following Saturday’s win at Barrow AFC, was soon in action.

He had the first effort of the day with his shot easily gathered by goalkeeper Chris Lewington before Mitch Pinnock’s 25-yarder flew just over the Welling bar.

Dover goalkeeper Mitch Walker was called into action not long after, diving low to his left to turn Ali Fuseni’s shot away for a corner.

Back at the other end, Thomas saw his header from Sam Magri’s cross easily caught by Lewington.

Walker then saved from his Wings namesake Darren and Tom Richards before Sam Hatton’s drive whistled inches wide of the Dover goal.

Lewington needed to be alert after Emmanuel charged down Danny Waldron’s clearance and the keeper won the foot race with the Dover frontman to the loose ball.

Welling had the first chance of the second half with Alex Cathline turning well in Dover’s box before seeing his shot saved at close range by Walker moments after the restart.

The deadlock was broken in the 54th minute and it stunning style by Lafayette.

His curling 25-yarder gave Lewington no chance as it flew into the top corner of the goal in front of the Dover fans.

Welling saw efforts from Hatton and Ricky Hayles fly well wide before Walker safely caught former Dover striker Harry Crawford’s shot.

Walker saved from Walker again before substitute Peter Skapetis’ overhead kick went close just after the Australian striker came on for his Dover debut.

Magri saw his header from Joe Healy’s corner saved by Lewington as Whites pressed for a second.

Thomas delivered it with three minutes to go when he headed home Healy’s cross.

Earlier, Kinnear had to make three enforced changes.

Jamie Grimes and Ricky Miller missed out through injury while Connor Essam’s loan deal from Eastleigh had ended.

They were replaced by Fazakerly, Pinnock and Emmanuel.

Dover: Walker, Orlu , N’Gala , Fazakerley, Magri, Healy, Pinnock (Skapetis mins), Hurst, Thomas, Lafayette (Stevenson 80 mins), Emmanuel (Jackson 90 mins).

Subs not used: Kinnear jnr, Barnard.

Welling United: Lewington, Richards, Johnson (Joesph-Dubois 71mins), Fish (Slabber 82mins), Waldron, Hayles, Fuseini, Hatton, Cathline, Crawford, Walker.

Subs not used: Leacock, Francis, Agu.

Attendance: 939

WHITES UP FOR CUP

Dover will be aiming to end the season with some silverware when they take on Welling United in Monday’s Kent Reliance Senior Cup final at Maidstone’s Gallagher Stadium,

Boss Chris Kinnear’s men defeated Herne Bay (1-0), VCD Athletic (4-0) and Folkestone Invicta (3-0) on their route to the decider.

National League South opponents Welling have beaten Chatham (6-1), Dartford (4-1 on penalties after it finished 2-2), Margate (2-1) and Charlton (2-0 on penalties after it finished 1-1).

Speaking after Saturday’s 3-2 win at Barrow AFC, Kinnear revealed he is planning on fielding a strong side for the final match of their 2016/17 campaign.

He said: “We want to win this game. 

“Three years ago we reached the final, but played the youngsters as we had the play-off final a few days after, so we now have the chance to field a strong team and we will.”

For fans wanting to wear the same colour shirts as the Kinnear’s side, his players will be wearing their traditional white shirts.

Ricky Modeste (leg) and Tyrone Sterling (hamstring) are unlikely to feature due to injury.

The game kicks-off at 3pm.

CAPTAIN’S REACTION

Jamie Grimes is joined by hat-trick hero Ricky Miller and Sam Magri after the 3-2 win at Barrow AFC.

STAR STRIKER RICKY MILLER OPENS UP

Ricky Miller was named the National League Player of the Year ahead of the draw with visiting Macclesfield Town on Tuesday.

But the striker, who has 37 league goals to his name ahead of Saturday’s game at Barrow AFC, admitted it was a night of mixed emotions for him.

Miller, who was presented with award by Dover chairman Jim Parmenter said: “It’s amazing to receive this accolade, but it would have been even more enjoyable had we been in the play-off places as we should be. 

“Yes, I scored a lot of goals, but that is what I am paid for and not making the play-offs will make it feel like it was all for nothing.”

Despite his obvious disappointment, there have still been plenty of highlights for Miller this season and he revealed his top two. 

“The winner at home to Forest Green live on BT Sport was my favourite goal – I’m sure you could tell from my celebration!

“The match against Braintree at Crabble was also really special as I had been to my grandads funeral the day before, so to score four really meant a lot to me.”

Miller’s success this campaign is a stark contrast to the previous one, with a trial of racial abuse and assault hanging over his head when he signed for Dover permanently in June 2015.

He said: “I was hung out to dry by Luton and I lost my home and relationship – I was ready to quit football.”

Justice prevailed six months later as a not guilty verdict was delivered and all charges dropped.

Miller said: “I’m so grateful to the gaffer, Jake, Jim and my team-mates for showing faith in me.

“I was working hard before the trial, but my head was all over the place.

“When I managed to clear my name, my head cleared and my form improved.  I was able to score a few goals in the second half of that season.

“But I consider this to be my first proper season where I have been able to concentrate on football and performances.”

Having hit ‘rock bottom’, Miller’s advice for anyone who finds themselves in an similar position is simple.

“Just do it for your loved ones if you can’t do it for yourself.  Do it for the people around you.  Work hard, keep your head down and remember the sun always rises.”

So what now for the league’s top-scorer?  

He said: “I am not 21 anymore, but I still have my own ambitions.

“This was the season to spearhead my career and I want to play as high as I can and have at least five good years at the top.  

“Yes, it is a nice feeling to have a lot of other clubs and managers saying nice things about me, but they weren’t interested when I had nothing.

“I have to give a lot of credit to Dover for letting me rebuild my career and I hope I have repaid all the faith to the club and to the fans over the last two years.”

PREVIEW: BARROW AFC V WHITES

Dover are mathematically still in contention to win the fifth and final play-off place ahead of the long trip to Barrow AFC for Saturday’s final game of the regular season.

However, the odds on doing that are stacked against boss Chris Kinnear’s side with fifth-placed Aldershot Town having a three-point cushion and the Hampshire side are also six goals better off than Whites.

It leaves Dover needing to win convincingly at the Furness Building Society Stadium and hope that struggling Braintree Town win at Aldershot.

Kinnear insists his players will fight until the final whistle sounds.

He said: ” We have one game to go and anything can happen – there could well be a twist in the tale because football can be a funny old game at times.

“Who knows if we can do it? We’ll go there, give it a real go and see what happens.”

BARROW’S RECENT FORM

Byron Harrison and Akil Wright scored for the Bluebirds in a 2-0 win at relegation-haunted Braintree last Saturday.

Harrison struck on the half hour mark before Wright fired home five minutes later.

Those three points leave Barrow one point behind Dover.

LAST MEETING

20/08/16 Dover 3-1 Barrow

Striker Ross Lafayette (pictured above in action against Barrow) continued his perfect start at Crabble, scoring in his third consecutive game since arriving from Eastleigh as Dover cruised to victory.

Confusion reigned after Dover opened the scoring just before the half hour mark.

Aswad Thomas’ shot from just inside the box was destined for the net before Moses Emmanuel appeared to apply the final touch on the line.

Thomas reeled away in celebration, thinking he’d scored and his team-mates rushed to join him before the goal was credited to Emmanuel over the public address system.

Emmanuel then appeared to shake his head towards Thomas, indicating he had not scored.

There was no confusion about the second goal when Lafayette scored 11 minutes into the second half after he raced onto Jack Parkinson’s long ball and fired past goalkeeper Joel Dixon.

Sam Magri then headed home a pin point cross from Thomas, his first goal for the club.

Ross Hannah grabbed a consolation from the penalty spot after he was bundled over in the area by goalkeeper Steve Arnold.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

21/11/15 Dover 3-1 Barrow

08/08/15 Barrow 2-1 Dover

HITMEN

Ricky Miller’s penalty in the 2-2 draw with Macclesfield at Crabble on Tuesday night made it 37 goals for league’s top-scorer and Player-of-the-Year.

Lafayette also netted and now has 12 for the season while Moses Emmanuel has 11.

Barrow’s leading marksman is Byron Harrison with 19.

DOVER TEAM NEWS

Assistant manager Jake Leberl confirmed on Thursday evening Tyrone Sterling (hamstring) and Ricky Modeste (leg) are both doubtful ahead of the trip to Cumbria.

DOVER COLOURS

For Dover fans wanting to show their colours at Barrow by wearing the matching shirts as the players, captain Jamie Grimes and his team-mates will be wearing their yellow shirts.

COVERAGE

The game starts at 12:15pm but if you are unable to make the near 750-mile round trip to Barrow, we will have live updates on Twitter – @DAFCLiveText – follow us and get all the news as it happens!

Coverage starts from 11.15am.

SATURDAY’S OTHER NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Aldershot Town v Braintree Town

Chester v Boreham Wood

Dagenham & Redbridge v Woking

Eastleigh v Wrexham

Gateshead v Bromley

Guiseley v Solihull Moore

Maidstone United v Tranmere Rovers

Southport v Lincoln City

Torquay United v North Ferriby United

York City v Forest Green Rovers

AWAY TRAVEL

There will be a Supporters Club coach making the trip to Maidstone’s Gallagher Stadium for the final of the Kent Reliance Senior Cup between Dover and Welling on Monday 1st May and it’s not too late to reserve your seat on it.

It leaves Crabble at 1pm and the cost is as follows:

Adults Members £12, Adult Non Members £25 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 on Saturday.

Please note you are now required to pay for your seat in advance by cash or by cheque or via bank transfer.

Visit http://www.dasc.co.uk/ for all the details.

CAPTAIN’S REACTION

The raw pain was etched on captain Jamie Grimes’ face as he spoke after the draw with Macclesfield at Crabble on Tuesday.