DOVER midfielder Jim Stevenson has extra reason to be pleased with Saturdayƒ??s FA Cup first round clash at Cambridge United.

You see Dover’s summer signing lives in Cambridge!

ƒ??The locals were telling me it could happen,ƒ? he laughed.

ƒ??But depending on where we meet pre match I might need to drive away to come back!

The former Aldershot man believes Whites have every chance of dumping their League Two counterparts out of the competition and securing a place in the hat for the second round draw.

ƒ??There is only about ten places between the two and over the years the FA cup has proved non league teams can beat the full times ones. Hopefully we will go there full of confidence on the back of some good wins.ƒ?

The Cup is yet to wave itƒ??s magic wand over Stevenson, but he holds hope for a dream third round tie against his boyhood team.

ƒ??I was born in Harrogate, so I am a Leeds fan. Elland Road away would be the one I would want and it would be great for my Dad too.ƒ?

He added: ƒ??Ironically the last time I played against Cambridge in the cup for Luton we lost, so I am personally looking to put that right, especially as I will have a lot of family and friends at the game.ƒ?

Stevenson has played every minute of Doverƒ??s league and cup campaign so far this season, but believes he has more to offer.

He said: ƒ??I have only shown my best in little glimpses and in the forward areas, such as creating and scoring goals, there is more to come.ƒ?

Admitting to being only ‘satisfied’ with his performances, Stevenson’s desire to improve clearly fits the type of character manager Chris Kinnear wants in the squad.

ƒ??I am always looking to do better,ƒ? Stevenson said.

ƒ??If I get 10 goals over the season, I’ll be wondering what I can do to get to fifteen the next.ƒ?

*BS*February featured four fixtures for the Whites, including three FA Trophy matches and one league game. Despite having three games called off for a variety of reasons, Dover managed to score ten goals, winning two games and drawing one.*BF*

*BS*Dover Athletic 2-2 Guiseley – FA Trophy (Round of 16) – Saturday 6th February*BF*
Dover were drawn against Guiseley in the round of 16, hoping to take one step closer to Wembley in the FA Trophy competition.

It turned out to be a tough match for the Whites, taking both sides 20-25 minutes to get started. Both sides were threatening and Parkinson coming closest with his effort being cleared off the Guiseley goal line. Despite this initial encouragement from Dover, Guiseley’s Hatfield fired into the corner of the net in the 36th minute to give the away side the lead. Dover’s opposition almost made it 2-0 minutes later however the shot went just wide of the mark.

The Whites came out in the second half determined to put in a better performance and were almost instantly rewarded when Deverdics’ free kick smacked the cross bar. The Guiseley goal was finally breached in the 60th minute, thanks to a Jack Parkinson goal from close range, following a corner kick.

Dover worked hard and went looking for another, however it would be the away side who would regain their lead, after Dover goalkeeper Andy Rafferty appeared to be fouled in the area, but with no free kick given, Rothery slotted home. It would take a last minute goal from substitute Ofori-Acheampong to level the scores and set up a replay 10 days later in Yorkshire.

*BS*Dover Athletic 4-0 Gateshead – Vanarama National League – Saturday 13th February*BF*
Taking a brief break from the FA Trophy, Dover returned to league action, hosting play-off rivals Gateshead at Crabble. Dover were one point ahead of the Tynesiders and were looking to make up ground, having missed several league fixtures due to called off fixtures and postponements due to the FA Trophy campaign.

Mitch Walker came into the side, his first appearance since November 7th against Stourbridge. While the away side were dominating the play for the first 20 minutes, Ricky Miller would be the first player to score against Gateshead for more than five matches. Miller bagged a 20 minute brace, scoring from an acute angle in the 24th minute and again just before half time.

In between Miller’s goals, Deverdics coolly placed a shot into the corner of the net, having exchanged a clever one-two with Ricky Miller, both it seemed having a profound effect on the proceedings.

Dover remained rampant for the entire game and despite the Gateshead goalkeeper saving excellently from Miller for his hat-trick, Payne headed the rebound into the net. Dover showed their intent to return to the play-off places and did so in fantastic fashion.

*BS*Guiseley 0-3 Dover Athletic – FA Trophy (Round of 16 replay) – Tuesday 16th February*BF*
Dover had saved the tie in the dying minutes at Crabble and travelled up to Guiseley to decide the tie and progress to the final stages of the competition.

Due to a flooded pitch, this was the first game in more than two months, and the Whites were determined to not make it a happy return for the Yorkshire side.

On the stroke of the 23rd minute, Guiseley became a man short, having lost Hatfield to a red card for a tackle on Modeste. Just seconds later, Payne raced onto a sublime pass from Deverdics to open the scoring for the Whites. It would be an uphill battle for the home side, being a goal and a man down in the opening half hour. Dover were eager for more and forced the opposition goalkeeper into making a string of fantastic saves to keep his side in the game.

Despite an impressive attacking display from Dover, the Whites wouldn’t score again until the 78th minute, this time Deverdics again scoring to make the game all but settled. Payne added the icing on top with his second and Dover’s third in the last minute of the game, beating the oncoming Guiseley goalkeeper and walking the ball into the net. This victory would set up an away fixture against Nantwich Town in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy.

*BS*Nantwich Town FC 2-1 Dover Athletic– FA Trophy – Saturday 27th February*BF*
Dover went into this fixture wary of the threat that the home side could pose, having lost previously to Stourbridge- in the same league as Nantwich- earlier on in the season and against Bath City in the same stage the season previous. A victory here would set up a two-legged semi-final and a genuinely great chance of playing at Wembley Stadium, a fantastic accolade to possess.

A goalless half was one to forget for both sides, with the game coming to life in the 55th minute, when Nantwich counter-attacked following a Dover corner and slotted past Walker into Dover’s net. The home side were very much up for this fixture and did not relent in their ambition to attack, despite going 1-0 up.

Richard Orlu managed to score for the Whites to level things up, after Deverdics fired in a cross from a free-kick, and it appeared that a replay might be on the cards. However, Nantwich’s Shotton had other ideas and scored the winner for the home side in the 93rd minutes, much to the heartache of the travelling fans and players. Dover bow out of the FA Trophy having scored 11 goals in 5 games in the competition, and although saddened to have been eliminated, the club can now focus 100% on the upcoming end to the season.

A very busy month lies ahead with a play-off place up for grabs and games in hand over all of their play-off rivals; March will be the defining month for the Whites’ play-off chasing efforts, so come and support the boys in their fantastic push for promotion!

*BS**IS*March 2016 Fixtures:*BF*
Southport FC (H) – Tuesday 1st March 2016 (19:45 Kick-off)
Woking FC (A) – Saturday 5th March 2016 (15:00 Kick-off)
Welling United (H) – Tuesday 8th March 2016 (19:45 Kick-off)
Tranmere (H) – Saturday 12th March 2016 (15:00 Kick-off)
Lincoln City (H) – Tuesday 15th March 2016 (19:45 Kick-off)
Guiseley AFC (A) – Saturday 19th March 2016 (15:00 Kick-off)
Torquay (H) – Saturday 26th March 2016 (15:00 Kick-off)
Boreham Wood (A) – Monday 28th March 2016 (15:00 Kick-off)*IF*

*BS* Book your seat on the Supporters Club coach to Guiseley on Saturday 19th March

Adults Members £33
Adult Non Members £37

Accompanied Child (under 16) £10

DASC Lotto Winner John Matthews

Departs Crabble @ 7:00am

*BS*Please call or text Andy on 07934300335*BF*

*BS*Andy will be in the Centre Spot before & after every home game*BF*

*BS*Please book early so we know what size of coach to book as the larger one if needed may not be available later in the week*BF*

*BS*RULES FOR THE COACH TRAVEL*BF*

*IS*All vehicles are NON SMOKING
No alcohol will be permitted on our vehicles at any time (which means not just drinking alcohol but also taking it on the coach).
Any damage caused will be charged to the Supporters Club.
Any abnormal or excessive cleaning will result in a £50 fine payable by the Supporters Club.
No excessively rowdy behavior will be tolerated.

The Coach company runs a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY if any of the above restrictions are breached and any individual found to be flaunting the rules, they will be removed from the coach immediately, irrespective of the location of the vehicle.

It is obviously in everyone’s interest and to encourage people who are understandably wary about using the coach, that behavior is kept within the bounds of common sense.

Supporters Coaches are operated by the Dover Athletic Supporters’ Club and are in no way organised by or the responsibility of Dover Athletic F.C.*IF

*BS*February featured four fixtures for the Whites, including three FA Trophy matches and one league game. Despite having three games called off for a variety of reasons, Dover managed to score ten goals, winning two games and drawing one.*BF*

*BS*Dover Athletic 2-2 Guiseley – FA Trophy (Round of 16) – Saturday 6th February*BF*
Dover were drawn against Guiseley in the round of 16, hoping to take one step closer to Wembley in the FA Trophy competition.

It turned out to be a tough match for the Whites, taking both sides 20-25 minutes to get started. Both sides were threatening and Parkinson coming closest with his effort being cleared off the Guiseley goal line. Despite this initial encouragement from Dover, Guiseley’s Hatfield fired into the corner of the net in the 36th minute to give the away side the lead. Dover’s opposition almost made it 2-0 minutes later however the shot went just wide of the mark.

The Whites came out in the second half determined to put in a better performance and were almost instantly rewarded when Deverdics’ free kick smacked the cross bar. The Guiseley goal was finally breached in the 60th minute, thanks to a Jack Parkinson goal from close range, following a corner kick.

Dover worked hard and went looking for another, however it would be the away side who would regain their lead, after Dover goalkeeper Andy Rafferty appeared to be fouled in the area, but with no free kick given, Rothery slotted home. It would take a last minute goal from substitute Ofori-Acheampong to level the scores and set up a replay 10 days later in Yorkshire.

*BS*Dover Athletic 4-0 Gateshead – Vanarama National League – Saturday 13th February*BF*
Taking a brief break from the FA Trophy, Dover returned to league action, hosting play-off rivals Gateshead at Crabble. Dover were one point ahead of the Tynesiders and were looking to make up ground, having missed several league fixtures due to called off fixtures and postponements due to the FA Trophy campaign.

Mitch Walker came into the side, his first appearance since November 7th against Stourbridge. While the away side were dominating the play for the first 20 minutes, Ricky Miller would be the first player to score against Gateshead for more than five matches. Miller bagged a 20 minute brace, scoring from an acute angle in the 24th minute and again just before half time.

In between Miller’s goals, Deverdics coolly placed a shot into the corner of the net, having exchanged a clever one-two with Ricky Miller, both it seemed having a profound effect on the proceedings.

Dover remained rampant for the entire game and despite the Gateshead goalkeeper saving excellently from Miller for his hat-trick, Payne headed the rebound into the net. Dover showed their intent to return to the play-off places and did so in fantastic fashion.

*BS*Guiseley 0-3 Dover Athletic – FA Trophy (Round of 16 replay) – Tuesday 16th February*BF*
Dover had saved the tie in the dying minutes at Crabble and travelled up to Guiseley to decide the tie and progress to the final stages of the competition.

Due to a flooded pitch, this was the first game in more than two months, and the Whites were determined to not make it a happy return for the Yorkshire side.

On the stroke of the 23rd minute, Guiseley became a man short, having lost Hatfield to a red card for a tackle on Modeste. Just seconds later, Payne raced onto a sublime pass from Deverdics to open the scoring for the Whites. It would be an uphill battle for the home side, being a goal and a man down in the opening half hour. Dover were eager for more and forced the opposition goalkeeper into making a string of fantastic saves to keep his side in the game.

Despite an impressive attacking display from Dover, the Whites wouldn’t score again until the 78th minute, this time Deverdics again scoring to make the game all but settled. Payne added the icing on top with his second and Dover’s third in the last minute of the game, beating the oncoming Guiseley goalkeeper and walking the ball into the net. This victory would set up an away fixture against Nantwich Town in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy.

*BS*Nantwich Town FC 2-1 Dover Athletic– FA Trophy – Saturday 27th February*BF*
Dover went into this fixture wary of the threat that the home side could pose, having lost previously to Stourbridge- in the same league as Nantwich- earlier on in the season and against Bath City in the same stage the season previous. A victory here would set up a two-legged semi-final and a genuinely great chance of playing at Wembley Stadium, a fantastic accolade to possess.

A goalless half was one to forget for both sides, with the game coming to life in the 55th minute, when Nantwich counter-attacked following a Dover corner and slotted past Walker into Dover’s net. The home side were very much up for this fixture and did not relent in their ambition to attack, despite going 1-0 up.

Richard Orlu managed to score for the Whites to level things up, after Deverdics fired in a cross from a free-kick, and it appeared that a replay might be on the cards. However, Nantwich’s Shotton had other ideas and scored the winner for the home side in the 93rd minutes, much to the heartache of the travelling fans and players. Dover bow out of the FA Trophy having scored 11 goals in 5 games in the competition, and although saddened to have been eliminated, the club can now focus 100% on the upcoming end to the season.

A very busy month lies ahead with a play-off place up for grabs and games in hand over all of their play-off rivals; March will be the defining month for the Whites’ play-off chasing efforts, so come and support the boys in their fantastic push for promotion!

*BS**IS*March 2016 Fixtures:*BF*
Southport FC (H) – Tuesday 1st March 2016 (19:45 Kick-off)
Woking FC (A) – Saturday 5th March 2016 (15:00 Kick-off)
Welling United (H) – Tuesday 8th March 2016 (19:45 Kick-off)
Tranmere (H) – Saturday 12th March 2016 (15:00 Kick-off)
Lincoln City (H) – Tuesday 15th March 2016 (19:45 Kick-off)
Guiseley AFC (A) – Saturday 19th March 2016 (15:00 Kick-off)
Torquay (H) – Saturday 26th March 2016 (15:00 Kick-off)
Boreham Wood (A) – Monday 28th March 2016 (15:00 Kick-off)*IF*

*BS* Book your seat on the Supporters Club coach to Guiseley on Saturday 19th March

Adults Members £33
Adult Non Members £37

Accompanied Child (under 16) £10

DASC Lotto Winner John Matthews

Departs Crabble @ 7:00am

*BS*Please call or text Andy on 07934300335*BF*

*BS*Andy will be in the Centre Spot before & after every home game*BF*

*BS*Please book early so we know what size of coach to book as the larger one if needed may not be available later in the week*BF*

*BS*RULES FOR THE COACH TRAVEL*BF*

*IS*All vehicles are NON SMOKING
No alcohol will be permitted on our vehicles at any time (which means not just drinking alcohol but also taking it on the coach).
Any damage caused will be charged to the Supporters Club.
Any abnormal or excessive cleaning will result in a £50 fine payable by the Supporters Club.
No excessively rowdy behavior will be tolerated.

The Coach company runs a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY if any of the above restrictions are breached and any individual found to be flaunting the rules, they will be removed from the coach immediately, irrespective of the location of the vehicle.

It is obviously in everyone’s interest and to encourage people who are understandably wary about using the coach, that behavior is kept within the bounds of common sense.

Supporters Coaches are operated by the Dover Athletic Supporters’ Club and are in no way organised by or the responsibility of Dover Athletic F.C.*IF

*IS**BS*Dover Athletic vs Southport – Vanarama National League
Tuesday 1st March 2016 – 7.45pm kick-off
Referee: Craig Hicks*BF**IF*

*BS*HEADLINES*BF*
Having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Nantwich Town in the quarter-final stage of the FA Trophy on Saturday, Whites’ potential routes to Wembley have been halved. The last remaining opportunity for a trip to the national stadium will be through the playoffs, and Tuesday’s Vanarama National League match against Southport provides a perfect chance for the side to put Saturday’s disappointment behind them.

With just fifteen matches remaining in this league campaign, Whites are in a strong position. The side sit three places, and four points, behind fifth-placed Wrexham but have five games in hand over the Welsh side. Indeed, Chris Kinnear’s men have played less games than every other side in the division, except for lowly Torquay United, meaning that the chance to break into that top-five is in their own hands.

When they appointed Dino Maamria as their manager, Southport went on an impressive run of form – but that has since dried up. They are now winless in seven Vanarama National League matches, and there is now just six points between them and the dreaded drop zone. As such, Tuesday’s match holds great significance for both sides – for very different reasons.

A win for Dover would see them climb at least one place, potentially two – depending on how Braintree Town get on against Kidderminster Harriers – whilst at least a point for Southport would see them rise one place, into 15th spot.

*BS*THE OPPOSITION*BF*
Name: Southport FC | Manager: Dino Maamria
Ground: Haig Avenue | Nickname: The Sandgrounders, The Port, The Yellows

In the 2010/11 season, Southport finished in the relegation zone of the Conference National, but were handed a reprieve after Rushden & Diamonds were expelled from the league.

They turned their fortunes around in the 2011/12 season, finishing in seventh place – their highest league finish in a decade – and narrowly missed out on a playoff spot. They failed to emulate this performance the following season, finishing fifth from bottom, which saw manager Liam Watson leave the club.

In May 2013, Alan Wright was appointed manager, but his tenure last for just seven months after a string of poor performances. His replacement was John Coleman, who had played for Southport over 25 years earlier, and had previously managed Accrington Stanley. Under Coleman, Southport escaped relegation – but much to the dismay of supporters, he was not kept on a boss.

In came Martin Foyle, formerly of Hereford United. A number of first team players left the club, leaving Foyle with a big rebuilding job. He struggled, and was dismissed in October 2014 and replaced by Gary Brabin. Despite an impressive FA Cup run, ending in a third round defeat to Derby County, Brabin’s spell was short-lived, as he accepted a role within the Academy setup of Premier League side Everton.

Paul Carden, who had worked as Brabin’s assistant, was promoted to the position of manager and guided the club to survival yet again in the 2014/15 season, finishing 19th in the league.

Carden’s team started the 2015–16 season in poor form, leading to his departure from the club in November 2015. Dino Maamria became Southport’s seventh manager since April 2013 shortly after.

*BS*RECENT FORM*BF*
Coming into the game, Whites have a record of three wins, one draw and two defeats in their last six matches. Those wins came against Southport (FA Trophy, 2-1), Gateshead (4-0) and Guiseley (FA Trophy replay, 3-0), with a draw against Guiseley (FA Trophy, 2-2) and defeats against Cheltenham Town (1-2) and Nantwich Town (FA Trophy, 1-2).

Southport’s record over the same number of matches shows two draws and four defeats. Their draws came against Chester (0-0) and Braintree Town (1-1), with defeats suffered to Forest Green Rovers (0-1), Tranmere Rovers (0-1), Lincoln City (1-3) and Boreham Wood (0-3).

*BS*HOME AND AWAY*BF*
At home this season, Dover have the fifth best home record in the division, with nine wins and three draws from fifteen Vanarama National League matches at Crabble.

Away from home, Southport have the fifteenth best away record in the division, with five wins and five draws from their seventeen matches on the road in the league.

*BS*RECENT MEETINGS*BF*
16/01/16: Dover Athletic 2-1 Southport (FA Trophy)
05/09/15: Southport 0-0 Dover Athletic
21/02/15: Dover Athletic 2-2 Southport
01/11/14: Southport 2-2 Dover Athletic

Highlights of our 2-2 draw at Crabble in the league last season can be seen here:

[utube]

*BS*HISTORIC MEETING*BF*
*IS*Saturday 20 November 1999
Nationwide Football Conference – Southport 1-2 Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic secured their second away win of the season against managerless Southport at Haig Avenue.

Manager Bill Williams, still without the services of Stuart Munday and Neil Le Bihan, named the same side that defeated Forest Green Rovers. Southport started well, their players obviously looking to impress caretaker boss Paul Lodge. After 18 minutes they had the ball in the back of the net when Ian Arnold set-up Lee Elam, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The Merseysiders continued to press but as many other teams have found this season Dover are a very dangerous side on the break. Dave Clarke, showing the form that prompted John Owens to select him for the England Semi-Pro trials, chipped the ball over Neil Grayston, where Whites’ other England trialist, Simon Wormull, collected the ball and centred for Steve Norman to drive home his first goal for the club from 10 yards on 37 minutes.

Just three minutes later, Wormull was again involved. This time his centre eluded Southport keeper Steve Dickinson and Joff Vansittart headed in from close range, his eighth goal of the season. Athletic led 2-0 at the interval.

Southport had significantly more attempts on goal than Dover and were rewarded for the persistence seven minutes from time. Dominic Morley lobbed the ball to the back post and Mark Stuart looped a header over Paul Hyde to give his side some faint hope.*IF*

*BS*TEAM NEWS*BF*
January signings Tyrone Marsh and Harry Crawford, previously ineligible for the FA Trophy, are now available for the remainder of the season. Manager Chris Kinnear is likely to keep the faith with the XI that began the defeat at Nantwich at the weekend, but both Marsh and Crawford will be hopeful of being named on – and used from – the bench.

Mitch Walker is set to remain in goal ahead of the injury Andy Rafferty, whilst Liam Bellamy can be expected to deputise at left-back at the expense of the injured Aswad Thomas.

*BS*TOP SCORERS*BF*
Southport’s top scorer in the league this season is Louis Almond, who has found the back of the net eleven times – seven more than second top scorer Gary Jones.

Whites’ top scorer in the league is Ricky Miller with fourteen goals, two ahead of both Stefan Payne and Nicky Deverdics.

*BS*COVERAGE*BF*
Supporters unable to make the game are able to follow the action via our Live Text service on Twitter – all you need to do is follow @DAFCLiveText.

*BS*OTHER VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Tuesday 1st March, 7.45pm*IF*
Barrow v Boreham Wood
Braintree v Kidderminster
Bromley v Welling
Eastleigh v Cheltenham
Macclesfield v Torquay

*IS**BS*Dover Athletic vs Southport – Vanarama National League
Tuesday 1st March 2016 – 7.45pm kick-off
Referee: Craig Hicks*BF**IF*

*BS*HEADLINES*BF*
Having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Nantwich Town in the quarter-final stage of the FA Trophy on Saturday, Whites’ potential routes to Wembley have been halved. The last remaining opportunity for a trip to the national stadium will be through the playoffs, and Tuesday’s Vanarama National League match against Southport provides a perfect chance for the side to put Saturday’s disappointment behind them.

With just fifteen matches remaining in this league campaign, Whites are in a strong position. The side sit three places, and four points, behind fifth-placed Wrexham but have five games in hand over the Welsh side. Indeed, Chris Kinnear’s men have played less games than every other side in the division, except for lowly Torquay United, meaning that the chance to break into that top-five is in their own hands.

When they appointed Dino Maamria as their manager, Southport went on an impressive run of form – but that has since dried up. They are now winless in seven Vanarama National League matches, and there is now just six points between them and the dreaded drop zone. As such, Tuesday’s match holds great significance for both sides – for very different reasons.

A win for Dover would see them climb at least one place, potentially two – depending on how Braintree Town get on against Kidderminster Harriers – whilst at least a point for Southport would see them rise one place, into 15th spot.

*BS*THE OPPOSITION*BF*
Name: Southport FC | Manager: Dino Maamria
Ground: Haig Avenue | Nickname: The Sandgrounders, The Port, The Yellows

In the 2010/11 season, Southport finished in the relegation zone of the Conference National, but were handed a reprieve after Rushden & Diamonds were expelled from the league.

They turned their fortunes around in the 2011/12 season, finishing in seventh place – their highest league finish in a decade – and narrowly missed out on a playoff spot. They failed to emulate this performance the following season, finishing fifth from bottom, which saw manager Liam Watson leave the club.

In May 2013, Alan Wright was appointed manager, but his tenure last for just seven months after a string of poor performances. His replacement was John Coleman, who had played for Southport over 25 years earlier, and had previously managed Accrington Stanley. Under Coleman, Southport escaped relegation – but much to the dismay of supporters, he was not kept on a boss.

In came Martin Foyle, formerly of Hereford United. A number of first team players left the club, leaving Foyle with a big rebuilding job. He struggled, and was dismissed in October 2014 and replaced by Gary Brabin. Despite an impressive FA Cup run, ending in a third round defeat to Derby County, Brabin’s spell was short-lived, as he accepted a role within the Academy setup of Premier League side Everton.

Paul Carden, who had worked as Brabin’s assistant, was promoted to the position of manager and guided the club to survival yet again in the 2014/15 season, finishing 19th in the league.

Carden’s team started the 2015–16 season in poor form, leading to his departure from the club in November 2015. Dino Maamria became Southport’s seventh manager since April 2013 shortly after.

*BS*RECENT FORM*BF*
Coming into the game, Whites have a record of three wins, one draw and two defeats in their last six matches. Those wins came against Southport (FA Trophy, 2-1), Gateshead (4-0) and Guiseley (FA Trophy replay, 3-0), with a draw against Guiseley (FA Trophy, 2-2) and defeats against Cheltenham Town (1-2) and Nantwich Town (FA Trophy, 1-2).

Southport’s record over the same number of matches shows two draws and four defeats. Their draws came against Chester (0-0) and Braintree Town (1-1), with defeats suffered to Forest Green Rovers (0-1), Tranmere Rovers (0-1), Lincoln City (1-3) and Boreham Wood (0-3).

*BS*HOME AND AWAY*BF*
At home this season, Dover have the fifth best home record in the division, with nine wins and three draws from fifteen Vanarama National League matches at Crabble.

Away from home, Southport have the fifteenth best away record in the division, with five wins and five draws from their seventeen matches on the road in the league.

*BS*RECENT MEETINGS*BF*
16/01/16: Dover Athletic 2-1 Southport (FA Trophy)
05/09/15: Southport 0-0 Dover Athletic
21/02/15: Dover Athletic 2-2 Southport
01/11/14: Southport 2-2 Dover Athletic

Highlights of our 2-2 draw at Crabble in the league last season can be seen here:

[utube]

*BS*HISTORIC MEETING*BF*
*IS*Saturday 20 November 1999
Nationwide Football Conference – Southport 1-2 Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic secured their second away win of the season against managerless Southport at Haig Avenue.

Manager Bill Williams, still without the services of Stuart Munday and Neil Le Bihan, named the same side that defeated Forest Green Rovers. Southport started well, their players obviously looking to impress caretaker boss Paul Lodge. After 18 minutes they had the ball in the back of the net when Ian Arnold set-up Lee Elam, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The Merseysiders continued to press but as many other teams have found this season Dover are a very dangerous side on the break. Dave Clarke, showing the form that prompted John Owens to select him for the England Semi-Pro trials, chipped the ball over Neil Grayston, where Whites’ other England trialist, Simon Wormull, collected the ball and centred for Steve Norman to drive home his first goal for the club from 10 yards on 37 minutes.

Just three minutes later, Wormull was again involved. This time his centre eluded Southport keeper Steve Dickinson and Joff Vansittart headed in from close range, his eighth goal of the season. Athletic led 2-0 at the interval.

Southport had significantly more attempts on goal than Dover and were rewarded for the persistence seven minutes from time. Dominic Morley lobbed the ball to the back post and Mark Stuart looped a header over Paul Hyde to give his side some faint hope.*IF*

*BS*TEAM NEWS*BF*
January signings Tyrone Marsh and Harry Crawford, previously ineligible for the FA Trophy, are now available for the remainder of the season. Manager Chris Kinnear is likely to keep the faith with the XI that began the defeat at Nantwich at the weekend, but both Marsh and Crawford will be hopeful of being named on – and used from – the bench.

Mitch Walker is set to remain in goal ahead of the injury Andy Rafferty, whilst Liam Bellamy can be expected to deputise at left-back at the expense of the injured Aswad Thomas.

*BS*TOP SCORERS*BF*
Southport’s top scorer in the league this season is Louis Almond, who has found the back of the net eleven times – seven more than second top scorer Gary Jones.

Whites’ top scorer in the league is Ricky Miller with fourteen goals, two ahead of both Stefan Payne and Nicky Deverdics.

*BS*COVERAGE*BF*
Supporters unable to make the game are able to follow the action via our Live Text service on Twitter – all you need to do is follow @DAFCLiveText.

*BS*OTHER VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Tuesday 1st March, 7.45pm*IF*
Barrow v Boreham Wood
Braintree v Kidderminster
Bromley v Welling
Eastleigh v Cheltenham
Macclesfield v Torquay

NULL

NULL

*IS**BS*Nantwich Town vs Dover Athletic – FA Trophy quarter-final
Saturday 27th February 2016 – 3.00pm kick-off
Referee: Michael Salisbury*BF**IF*

*BS*HEADLINES*BF*
For the second season in succession, Dover Athletic are through to the quarter-final stage of the FA Trophy – the elite knockout competition for non-league clubs. Last season’s campaign came to an end on a Tuesday night in Somerset, when – following a 3-3 draw at Crabble – Whites lost 2-1 to Bath City in a replay.

The side will be looking to make amends for that heartbreak, and make it into the semi-finals of the competition for only the second time in the club’s history – and the first in almost twenty years.

As for Nantwich, their progress to this point marks their first ever appearance in the quarter-final stage of the FA Trophy. Previously, they have made it to the first round proper on four occasions – and they will be hopeful of another good result to put them just one tie away from Wembley.

If Saturday’s match ends in a draw, then a replay will be held at Crabble on Tuesday 1st March (7.45pm kick-off) – in that eventuality, our scheduled match against Southport will be rescheduled.

*BS*THE OPPOSITION*BF*
Name: Nantwich Town FC | Manager: Phil Parkinson
Ground: The Weaver Stadium | Nickname: The Dabbers

Based in Cheshire, the club was founded in 1884 and their nickname is a reference to the town’s tanning industry. Their most notable competition win was in the 2005/06 season, when they won the FA Vase.

In the 2011/12 season, with former Reading, Bournemouth, West Ham and Northern Ireland striker Jimmy Quinn at the helm, Nantwich embarked on their most successful run in the FA Cup – reaching the First Round Proper for the first time in their history. They lost 6-0 to MK Dons, having beaten Ramsbottom United, Northwich Victoria, Kendal Town and Nuneaton Town in the competition’s qualifying rounds.

Quinn left the club towards the end of the 2012/13 season, with Danny Johnson taking the reins at the club. He spent almost two years in charge before being replaced by current manager Phil Parkinson – who was their captain for the club’s FA Vase victory almost a decade previous – in February 2015.

This season, The Dabbers have managed to find a strong balance between their league and cup campaigns. They sit in seventh place in the Evo-Stik League Northern Premier Division standings, seven points behind Stourbridge who occupy the final playoff spot.

*BS*RECENT FORM*BF*
Coming into the game, Whites have a record of four wins, one draw and one defeats in their last six matches. Those wins came against Lincoln City (3-2), Southport (FA Trophy, 2-1), Gateshead (4-0) and Guiseley (FA Trophy replay, 3-0), with a draw against Guiseley (FA Trophy, 2-2) and a defeat against Cheltenham Town (1-2).

Nantwich’s record over the same number of matches shows three wins, two draws and one defeat. The wins came against Bradford Park Avenue (FA Trophy replay, 5-0), Halesowen Town (3-0) and Stourbridge (FA Trophy, 1-0), with draws against Ilkeston (1-1) and Matlock Town (1-1) and a defeat against Blyth Spartans (1-2).

*BS*HOW THEY GOT HERE*BF*
*IS*FA Trophy first qualifying round:*IF*
Nantwich Town 2-1 Salford City

*IS*FA Trophy second qualifying round:*IF*
Nantwich Town 5-1 Kings Lynn Town

*IS*FA Trophy third qualifying round:*IF*
Stockport Count 0-2 Nantwich Town

*IS*FA Trophy first round:*IF*
Whitehawk 1-3 Dover Athletic
Nantwich Town 2-0 Matlock Town

*IS*FA Trophy second round:*IF*
Dover Athletic 2-1 Southport
Nantwich Town 5-0 Bradford Park Avenue (replay after initial 1-1 draw)

*IS*FA Trophy third round:*IF*
Guiseley 0-3 Dover Athletic (replay after initial 2-2 draw)
Nantwich Town 1-0 Stourbridge

*BS*TEAM NEWS*BF*
Question marks remain over the fitness of goalkeeper Andy Rafferty and defenders Jamie Grimes and Aswad Thomas, meaning that Mitch Walker should continue between the sticks for Whites and Liam Bellamy can be expected to play at left wing-back once again.

January signings Tyrone Marsh and Harry Crawford and ineligible to play for the club in the FA Trophy, meaning a spot on the bench is probable for Mitchell Pinnock and Tom Murphy.

Aside from the three injury concerns named above, Whites are likely to field their strongest line-up with the possibility of a trip to Wembley well and truly on the horizon.

*BS*TOP SCORERS*BF*
Nantwich’s top scorers in the FA Trophy this season are Elliot Osborne and Liam Shotton, both of whom have four goals in the competition thus far. Whites’ top scorer in the FA Trophy is Stefan Payne, who has netted four times – twice against Whitehawk, and twice against Guiseley.

*BS*COVERAGE*BF*
Supporters unable to make the game are able to follow the action via our Live Text service on Twitter – all you need to do is follow @DAFCLiveText.

*BS*OTHER FA TROPHY QUARTER FINAL FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Saturday 27th February, 3.00pm*IF*
FC Halifax Town vs Gateshead
Grimsby Town vs Woking
Bognor Regis Town vs Torquay United