NULL

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*IS**BS*Guiseley vs Dover Athletic – FA Trophy third round replay
Tuesday 16 February 2016 – 7.45pm kick-off
Referee: Ian Hussin*BF**IF*

*BS*HEADLINES*BF*
Ten days after the side’s battled to a 2-2 draw at Crabble, the third round replay between Dover Athletic and Guiseley will take place tomorrow (Tuesday). Last Tuesday’s scheduled match was postponed owing to a waterlogged pitch, however the sides will be keen to lock horns once again with a place in the quarter finals of the FA Trophy up for grabs – in addition to £7000 in prize money.

The two sides now know that waiting for the winner in the last eight is a trip to either Nantwich Town or Stourbridge, either of which would bring their own challenges, however at this stage of the competition it is a draw that both sides would fancy.

Both sides come into the match on the back of impressive weekend victories. Whites thumped fellow promotion hopefuls Gateshead 4-0 at Crabble, with a brace from Ricky Miller adding to goals from Nicky Deverdics and Stefan Payne, who celebrated his return from suspension with a sterling performance. Guiseley made the trip to Woking, who also have playoff aspirations, and won 1-0 to record their second win in three league matches.

Tuesday’s tie must be played to a conclusion, so if the scores are level after 90 minutes then extra-time will be played – with a penalty shootout taking place if there is still no winner after this additional thirty minutes play.

*BS*THE OPPOSITION*BF*
Name: Guiseley AFC | Manager: Mark Bower
Ground: Nethermoor Park | Nickname: The Lions

Early into the 2013/14 Conference North season, manager Steve Kittrick was axed from the hotseat, with his side having picked up eight points from their opening six matches. Former Bradford City man Mark Bower was brought in as manager, and his influence was apparent as the side finished the season in fifth place. Having overcome North Ferriby United in the playoff semi-final, the side suffered heartbreak as a last-minute winner was conceded against Altrincham in the Promotion Final.

A finishing position of fifth was achieved in the 2014/15 season, but this time it yielded success. Beating AFC Fylde 3-1 on aggregate in the playoff semi-final, they overcame Chorley 3-2 in the Final – despite going 2-0 down – which saw Guiseley promoted into the top tier of non-league football for the first time in their history.

This season, The Lions have flirted with the top half on the odd occasion, but now find themselves in 17th place in the Vanarama National League. They are now eight points clear of the bottom four, and consolidation in the division would be a good finish for Bower’s men.

*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 Lincoln City (3-2), Southport (FA Trophy, 2-1) and Gateshead (4-0), with the draw against Guiseley which led to this replay, and defeats against Bromley (2-3) and Cheltenham Town (1-2).

Guiseley’s record over the same number of matches shows three wins, two draws and one defeat. The wins came against Dulwich Hamlet (FA Trophy, 2-1), Kidderminster Harriers (1-0) and Woking (1-0), with draws against Grimsby Town (1-1) and Dover in the FA Trophy, and a defeat against Lincoln City (0-1).

*BS*HOW THEY GOT HERE*BF*
FA Trophy first round:
Whitehawk 1-3 Dover Athletic
Guiseley 3-2 Burscough (replay, after initial 2-2 draw)

FA Trophy second round:
Dover Athletic 2-1 Southport
Dulwich Hamlet 1-2 Guiseley

*BS*PREVIOUS MEETINGS*BF*
06/02/16: Dover Athletic 2-2 Guiseley
19/09/15: Dover Athletic 0-0 Guiseley

*BS*HISTORIC MEETING*BF*
*IS*Saturday 6 February 2016
FA Trophy – Dover Athletic 2-2 Guiseley
Substitute Duane Ofori-Acheampong scored a dramatic late equaliser to keep Dover’s FA Trophy dream alive at Crabble. The big striker turned home winger Ricky Modeste’s cross from close range with just a minute of normal time remaining to earn Whites a replay in Yorkshire on Tuesday night. Guiseley appeared to be course to put their name in the hat for Monday’s quarter final draw with goals from Will Hatfield and Gavin Rotherey heading into the final seconds. But with the clock ticking down, Modeste went on a surging run before firing a cross across the visitors goalmouth and Ofori-Acheampong did the rest. It was his second goal of the season, and it ensured his team live to fight another day. *IF*

*BS*TEAM NEWS*BF*
New signings Tyrone Marsh and Harry Crawford – who both made their debuts for Dover against Gateshead on Saturday – are both ineligible to play. The starting XI should remain the same as on Saturday, with Whites manager Chris Kinnear confirming that all players from that game came through unscathed.

*BS*TOP SCORERS*BF*
The top scorer on Guiseley’s books is James Hurst, who is on eight for the season – seven of which came whilst at previous club Torquay United. Whites’ top scorers in all competitions are Ricky Miller and Stefan Payne, both on 15 goals, two ahead of 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 FA TROPHY THIRD ROUND FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Tuesday 16th February, 7.45pm*IF*
Macclesfield Town vs Torquay United (replay)
Nantwich Town vs Stourbridge (initial match)

*IS**BS*Guiseley vs Dover Athletic – FA Trophy third round replay
Tuesday 16 February 2016 – 7.45pm kick-off
Referee: Ian Hussin*BF**IF*

*BS*HEADLINES*BF*
Ten days after the side’s battled to a 2-2 draw at Crabble, the third round replay between Dover Athletic and Guiseley will take place tomorrow (Tuesday). Last Tuesday’s scheduled match was postponed owing to a waterlogged pitch, however the sides will be keen to lock horns once again with a place in the quarter finals of the FA Trophy up for grabs – in addition to £7000 in prize money.

The two sides now know that waiting for the winner in the last eight is a trip to either Nantwich Town or Stourbridge, either of which would bring their own challenges, however at this stage of the competition it is a draw that both sides would fancy.

Both sides come into the match on the back of impressive weekend victories. Whites thumped fellow promotion hopefuls Gateshead 4-0 at Crabble, with a brace from Ricky Miller adding to goals from Nicky Deverdics and Stefan Payne, who celebrated his return from suspension with a sterling performance. Guiseley made the trip to Woking, who also have playoff aspirations, and won 1-0 to record their second win in three league matches.

Tuesday’s tie must be played to a conclusion, so if the scores are level after 90 minutes then extra-time will be played – with a penalty shootout taking place if there is still no winner after this additional thirty minutes play.

*BS*THE OPPOSITION*BF*
Name: Guiseley AFC | Manager: Mark Bower
Ground: Nethermoor Park | Nickname: The Lions

Early into the 2013/14 Conference North season, manager Steve Kittrick was axed from the hotseat, with his side having picked up eight points from their opening six matches. Former Bradford City man Mark Bower was brought in as manager, and his influence was apparent as the side finished the season in fifth place. Having overcome North Ferriby United in the playoff semi-final, the side suffered heartbreak as a last-minute winner was conceded against Altrincham in the Promotion Final.

A finishing position of fifth was achieved in the 2014/15 season, but this time it yielded success. Beating AFC Fylde 3-1 on aggregate in the playoff semi-final, they overcame Chorley 3-2 in the Final – despite going 2-0 down – which saw Guiseley promoted into the top tier of non-league football for the first time in their history.

This season, The Lions have flirted with the top half on the odd occasion, but now find themselves in 17th place in the Vanarama National League. They are now eight points clear of the bottom four, and consolidation in the division would be a good finish for Bower’s men.

*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 Lincoln City (3-2), Southport (FA Trophy, 2-1) and Gateshead (4-0), with the draw against Guiseley which led to this replay, and defeats against Bromley (2-3) and Cheltenham Town (1-2).

Guiseley’s record over the same number of matches shows three wins, two draws and one defeat. The wins came against Dulwich Hamlet (FA Trophy, 2-1), Kidderminster Harriers (1-0) and Woking (1-0), with draws against Grimsby Town (1-1) and Dover in the FA Trophy, and a defeat against Lincoln City (0-1).

*BS*HOW THEY GOT HERE*BF*
FA Trophy first round:
Whitehawk 1-3 Dover Athletic
Guiseley 3-2 Burscough (replay, after initial 2-2 draw)

FA Trophy second round:
Dover Athletic 2-1 Southport
Dulwich Hamlet 1-2 Guiseley

*BS*PREVIOUS MEETINGS*BF*
06/02/16: Dover Athletic 2-2 Guiseley
19/09/15: Dover Athletic 0-0 Guiseley

*BS*HISTORIC MEETING*BF*
*IS*Saturday 6 February 2016
FA Trophy – Dover Athletic 2-2 Guiseley
Substitute Duane Ofori-Acheampong scored a dramatic late equaliser to keep Dover’s FA Trophy dream alive at Crabble. The big striker turned home winger Ricky Modeste’s cross from close range with just a minute of normal time remaining to earn Whites a replay in Yorkshire on Tuesday night. Guiseley appeared to be course to put their name in the hat for Monday’s quarter final draw with goals from Will Hatfield and Gavin Rotherey heading into the final seconds. But with the clock ticking down, Modeste went on a surging run before firing a cross across the visitors goalmouth and Ofori-Acheampong did the rest. It was his second goal of the season, and it ensured his team live to fight another day. *IF*

*BS*TEAM NEWS*BF*
New signings Tyrone Marsh and Harry Crawford – who both made their debuts for Dover against Gateshead on Saturday – are both ineligible to play. The starting XI should remain the same as on Saturday, with Whites manager Chris Kinnear confirming that all players from that game came through unscathed.

*BS*TOP SCORERS*BF*
The top scorer on Guiseley’s books is James Hurst, who is on eight for the season – seven of which came whilst at previous club Torquay United. Whites’ top scorers in all competitions are Ricky Miller and Stefan Payne, both on 15 goals, two ahead of 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 FA TROPHY THIRD ROUND FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Tuesday 16th February, 7.45pm*IF*
Macclesfield Town vs Torquay United (replay)
Nantwich Town vs Stourbridge (initial match)

NULL

NULL

OCTOBERƒ??S seven fixtures were full of goals as Dover scored 17, including the 6-1 rout of Braintree Town.

Whites won four and lost three in a rollercoaster month which left the club only three points off the play-off positions.

*BS* Chester 5-0 Dover *BF*

October didnƒ??t start brilliantly for Dover, despite having beaten Forest Green Rovers, Lincoln and York City in the weeks before this game.

Dover had started this match particularly well and felt aggrieved not to have been in front at half time; only good goalkeeping and off target shooting kept the scores level at the break.

Chester came out of the traps second half and within seven minutes of the restart had gained a 2 goal advantage in the game, much to the surprise and dismay of the Whites.

Injury to goalkeeper Steve Arnold and with no replacement on the bench did not help matters and although Dover had their chances to get back into the match, three further goals from Chester in the final 10 minutes sunk the Dover ship in an afternoon to forget.

The result left Dover in ninth place and three points off the play-off positions.

*BS*Highlights start at minute 5:04 at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K76KDaeE0U *BF*

*BS*Dover 3-1 Sutton United*BF*

Dover put Saturday’s drubbing at the hands of Chester behind them with a 3-1 over Sutton, though the visitors did give Whites a few frights along the way.

Mitch Walker replaced the injured Arnold in goal with Sammy Moore picking up a late injury in the warm up.

Ricky Miller put Dover ahead within three minutes, having been played through on goal by Moses Emmanuel, bagging his eighth goal in the League.

Both sides created chances to score but it would be Dover who would get the second goal of the game. Miller showed his pace and finishing to latch onto a long ball and fire past the Sutton goalkeeper from a very tight angle in the 58th minute.

Whites then suffered the blow of going down to 10 men, following an Emmanuel tackle and Sutton were then rewarded for their efforts and pulled a goal back in the 74th minute.

While many teams may have gone on to concede another, being a man down, Dover regained their two goal lead thanks to a long range volley from Jim Stevenson.

Walker would remind Dover fans of his quality after he saved a late Sutton penalty.

The win moved Dover up a place to eighth.

*BS*Highlights can be seen at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSbd7775rHg *BF*

*BS*Gateshead 4-2 Dover*BF*

Dover made the journey to Tyneside to play a club they had beaten in all the previous four meetings.

Whites made the breakthrough in the 36th minute thanks to a goal from Jack Parkinson, however Gateshead would go into the half time break 2-1 to the good.

Gateshead scored again only three minutes after the restart and although Ricky Miller was on hand to bring the scoreline to 3-2, two minutes later Gateshead regained the lead.

Doverƒ??s second away defeat in a week left the side ninth, but still within touching distance of fifth place.

*BS*Highlights start at minute 5:16 at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw6U8AxkZXs *BF*

*BS*Burgess Hill 0-5 Dover*BF*

The final qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup was a welcome distraction from the National League and provided a chance for Dover to get back on track with a good result.

Within 30 minutes Dover were 2-0 up from Miller and Mitch Pinnock goals and were somewhat cruising.

The home side suffered a double blow in the first half with an injury and then an injury to the newly substituted player, but this didnƒ??t take anything away from the Whitesƒ?? excellent performance.

Ricky Modeste made it 3-0 on the stroke of half time as Dover finished the half in rampant fashion.

Tyrone Marsh was a half time substitute and added a fourth after 51 minutes, before Miller took advantage of a defensive mix-up to pass the ball into the net in the 58th minute to complete the victory for Dover.

A solid win for Dover, albeit against lower league opposition meant that the Whites would face Cambridge United away in the 1st Round Proper on the 5th November.

*BS*Dover 6-1 Braintree*BF*

Following the 5-0 FA Cup win last time out, Dover were full of confidence going into the tie with Braintree, despite the fact that the Whites had only beaten the Iron once in the past four meetings.

Despite a good start from Dover, it was Braintree who struck first blood, with an exquisite curling finish to beat Walker after 12 minutes.

Dover heads didnƒ??t go down and rallied with Modeste almost instantly equalising from close range.

Braintree held onto their lead for just over five minutes as Aswad Thomasƒ?? shot bounced off two Braintree players before somehow finding its way into the net for the equaliser – that was his first goal for almost a year.

Cue Doverƒ??s top scorer Miller to turn on the style to stun Braintree into being 4-1 down after 33 minutes ƒ?? it took all of 11 minutes for Miller to get his hat-trick.

For his first goal, Miller received the ball from Stevenson side on to two Braintree defenders. Ricky turned with pace and purpose and managed to find space to be able to nestle the ball into the side of the goal.

Four minutes later, Miller found himself on the scoresheet again; this time making a driving run to smash home into the top corner of the Braintree goal ƒ?? not many goalkeepers would be able to keep that one out!

Miller completed his second hat-trick of the season when he beat two Braintree players and buried his effort past the helpless Braintree goalkeeper. That brought Millerƒ??s tally to 15 league goals this season so far!

After an initial setback, Dover were in control and threatening to run riot. With 40 minutes on the clock, they all but sealed the three points thanks to a goal from Jack Parkinson.

Moore expertly delivered his free kick into the Braintree area and when the ball wasnƒ??t dealt with, Parkinson was on hand to smash home from five yards out for his second goal in two games.

It wouldnƒ??t take long for Miller to get his fourth of the game. In the 48th minute, Dover were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position. From the set piece Ricky stepped up and smashed his shot low and hard and into the back of the net.

A fantastic drubbing of last seasonƒ??s play-off semi-finalists made it a near perfect afternoon of football at Crabble.

Dover moved up a place to eighth, just two points from fifth place

*BS*Extended highlights can be seen at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp5qjgPocFQ *BF*

*BS*Bromley 0-2 Dover *BF*

Dover won their first Kent derby of the season thanks to a two-minute double from Miller and Ross Lafayette.

Brimming with belief following the 6-1 demolishing of Braintree Town only three days prior, the Whites went to Hayes Lane looking for all three points.

Although the home side could have taken the lead in the early stage of the game, Dover were showing their class and ability; forcing a good save from Bromley goalkeeper Julian and also a number of corners.

After 26 minutes Miller received a through ball from fellow forward Lafayette and Miller did the rest, slotting the ball under the oncoming Bromley goalkeeper and into the net.

Not to let Miller have all the limelight, Lafayette would double Doverƒ??s lead just three minutes later after taking advantage of a poor back-header and fired in from an acute angle.

Bromley had their chances but Dover defended excellently and saw out the clean sheet. In the end, Doverƒ??s control of the game never wavered and the win saw the men in blue move up to sixth place in the table.

*BS*Dover 1-4 Tranmere*BF*

Dover fancied their chances against Tranmere Rovers, having scored 18 goals in their last five games.

Rovers were one of the favourites to be promoted this season and unbeaten under their new manager.

Dover started the brighter and deserved their lead in the 22nd minute. Aswad Thomas connected with a Magri cross from the right to head home his second goal in as many matches.

Ten minutes later Tranmere were back on level terms, after some poor defending allowed Tollitt to dance through the area before Cook prodded home.

However, it was not to be Doverƒ??s most memorable second half. Defensive mistakes and also good play from Tranmere meant that by 80 minutes, Dover were 4-1 down.

The goals came from Cook, an unfortunate own-goal from Walker and Tollitt to make the result at the final whistle somewhat deceiving.

After some fine form and a series of good results, Dover succumbed to defeat this time.

The defeat means the Whites are seventh 7th, but only three points behind the play-off pack.

*BS*Highlights start at minute 5:03 at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwLNBne9nGE *BF*

*IS**BS*Dover Athletic vs Gateshead – Vanarama National League
Saturday 13 February 2016 – 3pm kick-off
Referee: David Rock*BF**IF*

*BS*HEADLINES*BF*
Following their 2-2 FA Trophy draw against Guiseley on Saturday, Dover Athletic return to Vanarama National League action on Saturday. Making the long, 700-mile round trip to Crabble are Gateshead, who also have realistic aspirations of finishing the season in a playoff spot.

Gateshead sit two places, and one point, behind Dover in the league standings and a win for either side could see them end the day in a top five spot. With all to play for, and just sixteen games left for Dover in the regular season, every point is vital.

Whites will be boosted by the availability of Stefan Payne, who has now served the four match suspension handed to him following on from his dismissal against Bromley at the end of December.

Recent form against Gateshead has been very positive, with Dover winning their last three clashes against the side.

*BS*THE OPPOSITION*BF*
Name: Gateshead FC | Manager: Neil Aspin
Ground: Gateshead International Stadium | Nickname: The Tynesiders; The Heed

Former York City boss Gary Mills was appointed as manager in September 2013, and took the side to a third place finish in the Conference Premier in his first season as manager. Having defeated Grimsby Town in the playoffs, Mills’ men lost 2-1 to Cambridge United in the Promotion Final to fall at the final hurdle.

They failed to replicate this performance the following season, however, finishing the 2014/15 campaign in tenth place. They did enjoy a strong run in the FA Cup last season, culminating in a 7-0 defeat away at Premier League side West Bromwich Albion.

Following Mills’ appointment at Wrexham in April 2015, Malcolm Crosby was handed the reins but his tenure was short-lived. In November, Aspin signed an eighteen-month deal to take charge at what is his hometown club. Since joining, Aspin has steered the team to victories over Eastleigh and Grimsby, amongst others.

*BS*RECENT FORM*BF*
Coming into the game, Whites have a record of three wins and three defeats in their last six league matches. Those wins came against Aldershot Town (5-2), Welling United (2-1) and Lincoln City (3-2), with defeats suffered against Grimsby (0-1), Bromley (2-3) and leaders Cheltenham Town (1-2).

Gateshead’s league record over the same number of matches shows three wins, two draws and one defeat. The wins came against Guiseley (3-0), Torquay United (2-0) and Grimsby (1-0), with two draws against Barrow (1-1 and 0-0) and a heavy defeat against Woking (1-5).

Away from home, Gateshead have the third best record in the division. They have picked up 26 points from their 14 games on their travels, but with 17 goals scored and 16 conceded in these games, their matches away from home are rarely high-scoring.

At home, Whites have the eighth best record in the league, with 27 points picked up from 14 league matches at Crabble thus far.

*BS*PREVIOUS MEETINGS*BF*
03/10/15: Gateshead 2-3 Dover Athletic
21/03/15: Dover Athletic 1-0 Gateshead
29/11/14: Gateshead 1-2 Dover Athletic
11/04/98: Gateshead 1-2 Dover Athletic
21/03/98: Dover Athletic 0-1 Gateshead
12/04/97: Dover Athletic 0-1 Gateshead
21/09/96: Gateshead 1-3 Dover Athletic
04/05/96: Dover Athletic 1-1 Gateshead
21/10/95: Gateshead 1-1 Dover Athletic
25/03/95: Dover Athletic 2-2 Gateshead
19/11/94: Gateshead 1-0 Dover Athletic
30/04/94: Gateshead 1-2 Dover Athletic
04/09/93: Dover Athletic 3-1 Gateshead

*BS*HISTORIC MEETING*BF*
*IS*Saturday 21 March 2015
Vanarama National League – Dover Athletic 1-0 Gateshead
Connor Essam’s sublime second half strike gave Dover Athletic a narrow 1-0 victory over visiting Gateshead FC at Crabble. Essam’s goal earned Athletic all three points against a poor Gateshead side who did little to trouble Whites’ defence and keeper Mitch Walker over ninety minutes.

A moment of brilliance from Essam nine minutes into the second half was all it took for Whites to beat the visitors’ defence and take the lead. Nicky Deverdics beat his defender inside the six yard box to leave himself able to loop the ball across the area where Essam connected first time, launching a superb strike into the back of the net and take the hosts 1-0 up.

The victory marked three consecutive wins for Dover Athletic and kept them in 10th position in Vanarama Conference. *IF*

Highlights of that 1-0 home victory from last season can be seen here:

[utube]

*BS*TEAM NEWS*BF*
Stefan Payne returns from a four match suspension, and will be keen to lace his boots up once again and is likely to return straight into the starting XI for this crunch match. Also available for selection, in what would be their debuts, are January signings Tyrone Marsh and Harry Crawford. Both will be keen to make their mark upon the side, and all that remains for Whites boss Chris Kinnear is how to form the frontline which Payne, Miller, Modeste, Murphy, Ofori-Acheampong, Marsh and Crawford are all keen to be a part of.

An injury to Aswad Thomas may see Liam Bellamy deputise at left wing-back once again, although Kinnear may opt to shift Tyrone Sterling along to that position.

*BS*TOP SCORERS*BF*
Gateshead’s top scorer in the Vanarama National League this season is Ryan Bowman, who leads the way with thirteen goals. Behind him is Danny Johnson, on seven.

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

*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*SPONSOR*BF*
Saturday’s matchday sponsor is the Port of Dover, and we thank them for their ongoing support of the football club.

*BS*OTHER VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Saturday 13th February, 3.00pm*IF*
Aldershot v Tranmere
Altrincham v Lincoln City
Cheltenham v Welling
Eastleigh v Barrow
Halifax v Forest Green
Grimsby v Boreham Wood
Kidderminster v Macclesfield
Southport v Braintree
Torquay v Chester
Woking v Guiseley
Wrexham v Bromley

*IS**BS*Dover Athletic vs Gateshead – Vanarama National League
Saturday 13 February 2016 – 3pm kick-off
Referee: David Rock*BF**IF*

*BS*HEADLINES*BF*
Following their 2-2 FA Trophy draw against Guiseley on Saturday, Dover Athletic return to Vanarama National League action on Saturday. Making the long, 700-mile round trip to Crabble are Gateshead, who also have realistic aspirations of finishing the season in a playoff spot.

Gateshead sit two places, and one point, behind Dover in the league standings and a win for either side could see them end the day in a top five spot. With all to play for, and just sixteen games left for Dover in the regular season, every point is vital.

Whites will be boosted by the availability of Stefan Payne, who has now served the four match suspension handed to him following on from his dismissal against Bromley at the end of December.

Recent form against Gateshead has been very positive, with Dover winning their last three clashes against the side.

*BS*THE OPPOSITION*BF*
Name: Gateshead FC | Manager: Neil Aspin
Ground: Gateshead International Stadium | Nickname: The Tynesiders; The Heed

Former York City boss Gary Mills was appointed as manager in September 2013, and took the side to a third place finish in the Conference Premier in his first season as manager. Having defeated Grimsby Town in the playoffs, Mills’ men lost 2-1 to Cambridge United in the Promotion Final to fall at the final hurdle.

They failed to replicate this performance the following season, however, finishing the 2014/15 campaign in tenth place. They did enjoy a strong run in the FA Cup last season, culminating in a 7-0 defeat away at Premier League side West Bromwich Albion.

Following Mills’ appointment at Wrexham in April 2015, Malcolm Crosby was handed the reins but his tenure was short-lived. In November, Aspin signed an eighteen-month deal to take charge at what is his hometown club. Since joining, Aspin has steered the team to victories over Eastleigh and Grimsby, amongst others.

*BS*RECENT FORM*BF*
Coming into the game, Whites have a record of three wins and three defeats in their last six league matches. Those wins came against Aldershot Town (5-2), Welling United (2-1) and Lincoln City (3-2), with defeats suffered against Grimsby (0-1), Bromley (2-3) and leaders Cheltenham Town (1-2).

Gateshead’s league record over the same number of matches shows three wins, two draws and one defeat. The wins came against Guiseley (3-0), Torquay United (2-0) and Grimsby (1-0), with two draws against Barrow (1-1 and 0-0) and a heavy defeat against Woking (1-5).

Away from home, Gateshead have the third best record in the division. They have picked up 26 points from their 14 games on their travels, but with 17 goals scored and 16 conceded in these games, their matches away from home are rarely high-scoring.

At home, Whites have the eighth best record in the league, with 27 points picked up from 14 league matches at Crabble thus far.

*BS*PREVIOUS MEETINGS*BF*
03/10/15: Gateshead 2-3 Dover Athletic
21/03/15: Dover Athletic 1-0 Gateshead
29/11/14: Gateshead 1-2 Dover Athletic
11/04/98: Gateshead 1-2 Dover Athletic
21/03/98: Dover Athletic 0-1 Gateshead
12/04/97: Dover Athletic 0-1 Gateshead
21/09/96: Gateshead 1-3 Dover Athletic
04/05/96: Dover Athletic 1-1 Gateshead
21/10/95: Gateshead 1-1 Dover Athletic
25/03/95: Dover Athletic 2-2 Gateshead
19/11/94: Gateshead 1-0 Dover Athletic
30/04/94: Gateshead 1-2 Dover Athletic
04/09/93: Dover Athletic 3-1 Gateshead

*BS*HISTORIC MEETING*BF*
*IS*Saturday 21 March 2015
Vanarama National League – Dover Athletic 1-0 Gateshead
Connor Essam’s sublime second half strike gave Dover Athletic a narrow 1-0 victory over visiting Gateshead FC at Crabble. Essam’s goal earned Athletic all three points against a poor Gateshead side who did little to trouble Whites’ defence and keeper Mitch Walker over ninety minutes.

A moment of brilliance from Essam nine minutes into the second half was all it took for Whites to beat the visitors’ defence and take the lead. Nicky Deverdics beat his defender inside the six yard box to leave himself able to loop the ball across the area where Essam connected first time, launching a superb strike into the back of the net and take the hosts 1-0 up.

The victory marked three consecutive wins for Dover Athletic and kept them in 10th position in Vanarama Conference. *IF*

Highlights of that 1-0 home victory from last season can be seen here:

[utube]

*BS*TEAM NEWS*BF*
Stefan Payne returns from a four match suspension, and will be keen to lace his boots up once again and is likely to return straight into the starting XI for this crunch match. Also available for selection, in what would be their debuts, are January signings Tyrone Marsh and Harry Crawford. Both will be keen to make their mark upon the side, and all that remains for Whites boss Chris Kinnear is how to form the frontline which Payne, Miller, Modeste, Murphy, Ofori-Acheampong, Marsh and Crawford are all keen to be a part of.

An injury to Aswad Thomas may see Liam Bellamy deputise at left wing-back once again, although Kinnear may opt to shift Tyrone Sterling along to that position.

*BS*TOP SCORERS*BF*
Gateshead’s top scorer in the Vanarama National League this season is Ryan Bowman, who leads the way with thirteen goals. Behind him is Danny Johnson, on seven.

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

*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*SPONSOR*BF*
Saturday’s matchday sponsor is the Port of Dover, and we thank them for their ongoing support of the football club.

*BS*OTHER VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Saturday 13th February, 3.00pm*IF*
Aldershot v Tranmere
Altrincham v Lincoln City
Cheltenham v Welling
Eastleigh v Barrow
Halifax v Forest Green
Grimsby v Boreham Wood
Kidderminster v Macclesfield
Southport v Braintree
Torquay v Chester
Woking v Guiseley
Wrexham v Bromley