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*BS*Today marks the three year anniversary since Chris Kinnear and Jake Leberl were brought back to Dover Athletic Football Club, and Jack O’Sullivan provides a statistical insight into their time at the club this time around.*BF*

The appointment of Chris Kinnear as manager on January 19th 2013, bringing former Whites defender Jake Leberl in alongside him as assistant, was met with widespread positivity. The club were sitting in third place in what was then the Blue Square South, but on the back of five consecutive defeats, the change in management was made.

Speaking at the time to BBC Radio Kent, Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter said: “*IS*The idea is to get into the Conference. We were clearly not happy with the situation the club found itself in. We had a board meeting on Friday where we took a decision to change the manager situation.

“We were on a losing streak and the manner of those losses were such that the board, to a man, were so concerned about the situation we felt we had to take the action that we did. Everybody knew what the targets were at the beginning of the season and there has been a lot of money invested to make it the year that it [a promotion challenge] happens.*IF*”

Handed the reins with around three months left of the season, that promotion challenge was tackled head-on. The side narrowly lost in the playoff final that season, to Salisbury City, but the form showed in the latter half of the season gave everybody confidence that the following season would be more successful.

A rollercoaster 2013/14 season ultimately ended in joyous scenes. In the FA Cup, Dover made it through to the Second Round, losing 1-0 away at MK Dons, but it was in their league campaign that real success was achieved. Barry Cogan’s penalty five minutes from time in the last match of the regular season, against Hayes & Yeading, propelled the club into the playoffs. A memorable semi-final victory against Sutton United will live long in the memory of all Whites fans, but that 3-0 win at Gander Green Lane was only the starter in one of the greatest meals that Dover Athletic have ever served up.

We are now able to confirm that it was indeed Nathan Elder who put the ball in the Ebbsfleet net, with his header sealing a 1-0 win to bring the club back to the top flight of non-league football.

Parmenter’s stated aim had been achieved, and the job was now in hand to consolidate the club within the upper echelons of the fifth tier. Against all odds, and despite a poor start to the 2014/15 season, a final position of eighth was achieved. Coupled with the club’s progress to the FA Cup Third Round, in which Premier League side Crystal Palace came to town at a sold-out Crabble, last season was evidence that Whites were well and truly back.

Over the summer, the mythical second season syndrome was touted far and wide, with many onlookers convinced that the club would struggle in the 2015/16 season. Despite those claims, the club continue to go from strength to strength and, on the three year anniversary of Chris and Jake returning to Crabble, Whites are fourth in the Vanarama National League, and in the last 16 stage of the FA Trophy.

Superb victories have been picked up on the road against Tranmere Rovers, Lincoln City, Gateshead and Torquay United amongst others, whilst performances – and results – at home have picked up under the duo’s stewardship.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the statistics and key matches underpinning the success of the last three years.

*BS*MATCHES PLAYED: 176
MATCHES WON: 86 (49%)
MATCHES DRAWN: 41 (23%)
MATCHES LOST: 49 (28%)
GOALS SCORED: 285
GOALS CONCEDED: 202*BF*

Albeit at a slightly lower level, Kinnear’s win-rate of 49% is better than Ronaldo Koeman’s record at Southampton, better than Roberto Martinez has in his tenure at Everton, and even beats what Kenny Dalglish achieved at Liverpool – so move over King Kenny.. King Kinnear is here!

Looking at the home and away breakdown of these statistics throws up an unusual statistic – Whites have scored more goals, more often, away from home than at Crabble.

*BS*MATCHES AT CRABBLE: 87
MATCHES WON AT CRABBLE: 45 (52%)
MATCHES DRAWN AT CRABBLE: 20 (23%)
MATCHES LOST AT CRABBLE: 22 (25%)
GOALS SCORED AT CRABBLE: 136
GOALS CONCEDED AT CRABBLE: 88*BF*

*BS*MATCHES AWAY FROM HOME: 89
MATCHES WON AWAY FROM HOME: 41 (46%)
MATCHES DRAWN AWAY FROM HOME: 21 (24%)
MATCHES LOST AWAY FROM HOME: 27 (30%)
GOALS SCORED AWAY FROM HOME: 149
GOALS CONCEDED AWAY FROM HOME: 114*BF*

*BS*NUMBER OF WINS TO NIL: 47 (27%) (25 times at Crabble, 22 away from home)
TIMES SCORED 2+ GOALS: 88 (50%) (41 times at Crabble, 47 away from home)
TIMES SCORED 3+ GOALS: 39 (22%) (18 times at Crabble, 21 away from home)
MATCHES SCORED IN: 136 (77%) (64 times at Crabble, 72 away from home*BF*

*BS*BIGGEST WIN: 8-0 vs Margate (3rd September 2013)
BIGGEST LEAGUE WIN: 6-1 vs Dartford (17th January 2015), 5-0 vs Nuneaton Town) (25th November 2014)*BF*

Thanks for the last three years, Chris and Jake – here’s to plenty more success!

*BS*Speaking to doverathletic.com, Whites goalkeeper Andy Rafferty says he won’t be watching the highlights from Sunday’s blockbuster against league leaders Cheltenham at Crabble – regardless of the result!*BF*

And the former Hartlepool United shot-stopper admitted that’s nothing new.

He said: “It has always been that way. When I’m away from the game, well I’m away and I like to distance myself from it.

“Football is my living, but you don’t need to live it 24/7.

“And besides, I just don’t like seeing myself on TV – I hate it to be honest, I really do. It has always been that way.”

That stance means Rafferty misses out on seeing himself produce some stunning saves like the one at Lincoln and the home clash with Welling when goals looked certain to be scored.

Or does it?

It seems he does venture online occasionally – to have a sneak peek at a ‘worldy’ he may have made or to analyse something if it hasn’t gone as well as he knows it should have.

Southport’s goal on Saturday, when a long range effort went under his body, is an example of that according to Rafferty.

He said: “I know I should have done better and of course I am disappointed – no goalkeeper likes conceding a goal in whatever circumstances.

“But in fairness, that sort of shot, one that dips just in front of you, are the hardest to deal with in the game.

“That’s not an excuse and I’m not going to run away from it. I’m not going to hide – I know I should have done better.

“Now I’ve got to ensure I work hard to improve that aspect of my game, and I will.

“Believe me, you are always learning in this game.”

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*BS*Ahead of Monday lunchtime’s draw for the third round of the FA Trophy, Jack O’Sullivan takes a look at the potential sides Whites could be drawn against in this last 16 stage.*BF*

Goals from Sean Raggett and Ricky Miller saw Dover overcome fellow Vanarama National League side Southport on Saturday in round two, and with a number of top-half sides already out of the competition, a favourable draw on Monday would really give Whites confidence of making a real push for Wembley for the first time in the club’s history.

The bookmakers have Dover down as 7/1 third favourites to lift the Trophy in the Final on Sunday 22nd May.

Below, we take a look at the sides that Dover could be drawn to face in the last 16, and their odds to win the competition:

*BS*GUISELEY*BF* – 40/1
Mark Bower’s men are at this stage courtesy of a 2-1 win away at Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday, having beaten Northern Premier League Division One North side Burscough 3-2 in a replay, after an initial 2-2 draw. Whites played out a 0-0 stalemate with Guiseley back in September at Crabble, but would fancy their chances against the side sitting in 18th in the Vanarama National League standings. The FA Trophy has been the only real positive of their recent form, with Bower’s side winning just one of their last eight league matches. Dover are due to visit Nethermoor in the return league fixture in the middle of March.

*BS*HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE*BF* – 50/1
Their always seems to be an underlying sense of inevitability that Whites will face Havant at least once per season in a competitive fixture, with the sides having locked horns for the past six consecutive seasons. Last season, the two met in the second round of this very competition, and it took a late goal from Ricky Modeste – the only strike of the game – to put Whites through to the next stage. Matches between the sides have always been closely-contested, however Havant’s league position is alarming – they are rock bottom of the Vanarama National League South, and they have struggled on the road especially – picking up just five points from a possible thirty-six on the road. They are into the last 16 of the FA Trophy courtesy of a 2-1 weekend win over Welling United, which followed up previous round victories against Forest Green Rovers (2-0) and Basingstoke Town (2-1).

*BS*TRURO CITY*BF* – 100/1 or *BS*MACCLESFIELD TOWN*BF* – 10/1
The sides drew 2-2 at City’s Treyew Road home on Saturday, meaning they must face off in a replay this Tuesday evening. A quiet game sparked into life in the last third of the match, with City taking the lead on the hour mark before two goals from Town’s Kristian Dennis looked to be sending the favourites through. However, a goal from Isaac Vassell minutes from time saw the sides unable to be separated. Truro are seventh in the Vanarama National League South, two places and four points away from the playoff places, whilst Macclesfield sit in seventh in the league above – three places and two points behind Dover. Truro previously beat Cirencester Town (1-0 in a replay, after an initial 2-2 draw) and Kingstonian (3-0) in the competition, whilst John Askey’s Macclesfield side overcame Ashton United 4-0 in their only previous Trophy tie this season. Macclesfield have won the FA Trophy on two occasions.

*BS*STOURBRIDGE*BF* – 66/1
Whites’ FA Cup conquerors are also potential opponents – and if the sides are drawn together once again, revenge over the Midlands side’s Cup victory at Crabble in November will surely be a key motivational tool. That day, the Northern Premier Division side played the role of giant-killers perfectly, winning 2-1. In the league, they hold games in hand over many of the sides around them, owing to their impressive performances in the knockout competitions. They beat Whites’ divisional rivals Braintree Town 1-0 away from home on Saturday, having previously defeated Kidderminster Harriers (2-1), Spennymoor Town (4-2), Carlton Town (2-0) and Halesowen Town (2-1).

*BS*CHESTER*BF* – 14/1
Steve Burr’s side have fallen short of expectations in the Vanarama National League so far this season, sitting in 16th place. Whites have already played their two league fixtures against the club this season, which both ended in draws – 0-0 at Crabble back in August, which was followed up by a 1-1 draw in November at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium – a match which will stay in the memory of Whites fans for many years, thanks to Ricky Miller’s goal-of-the-season certainty. They hosted Hungerford Town in the second round, and comfortably won 4-0, with their 2-0 first round win at AFC Telford United meaning that Burr’s men are yet to concede a goal in the competition this season.

*BS*FYLDE*BF* – 16/1
If any Whites fans are hoping to visit a new ground in a good away weekend location, then AFC Fylde absolutely tick those boxes – the side, based just a couple of miles from Blackpool, are fourth in the Vanarama National League North table, seven points behind league leaders Solihull Moors. Of the sides outside of Dover’s league, Fylde – who have already beaten Eastbourne Borough (4-1), Skelmersdale United (4-0 in a replay, after an initial 4-4 draw) and Warrington Town (2-0) – would arguably be one of the tougher opponents. If the sides are drawn against each other on Monday, feel for the away team – it’s a 650 mile round trip for the unfortunate side drawn out second.

*BS*SUTTON UNITED*BF* – 25/1
Whites’ old adversaries beat Curzon Ashton 2-0 on Saturday, having previously beaten Lowestoft Town (3-1) and Concord Rangers (2-0). The last time the sides met was famously in the 2013/14 season, when Dover won 4-1 on aggregate in the Conference South playoff semi-finals – memorably winning 3-0 at Gander Green Lane. In the Vanarama National League South, United are going well. They sit third in the league table, having lost just four times all season.

*BS*TORQUAY UNITED*BF* – 33/1
Kevin Nicholson’s side will be prioritising the league above all else this season, with The Gulls sitting in 23rd in the Vanarama National League – seven points from safety, they have a lot of work to do in the final few months if they are to avoid an unprecedented drop to the sixth tier of English football. Their FA Trophy performance has provided some hope in an otherwise poor season, with Saturday’s 1-0 win over league rivals Wrexham following up their 2-0 replay victory (after an initial 0-0 draw) against Chesham United. Whites travelled to the South West in a league fixture in October, winning 3-2 thanks to Stefan Payne’s last-minute goal.

*BS*GRIMSBY TOWN*BF* – 4/1 favourites
Paul Hurst’s Mariners have been made the favourites to lift the FA Trophy by the bookmakers, and rightly so – their recent run of form in all competitions has been exceptional. Whilst their focus this season will be on finally returning to League football, a trip to Wembley would be the perfect addition to this. Dover lost 1-0 at Blundell Park last month, with the return fixture taking place at Crabble in April. Town have beaten Weston-super-Mare (3-1) and Solihull Moors (3-2 in a replay, after an initial 1-1 draw) to get to this stage. This would likely be the draw that Chris Kinnear’s men would hope to avoid, at this stage at least.

*BS*FC HALIFAX*BF* – 20/1 or *BS*BARROW*BF* – 40/1
These two sides saw their second round match postponed on Saturday, meaning that they must try again on Tuesday night. Both recorded wins to nil in the previous round, with Barrow beating Sutton Coldfield Town (1-0) and FC Halifax breezing past Tamworth (5-0). Each side will be disappointed at how their Vanarama National League campaigns have fared thus far, with Barrow sitting in 17th and Halifax in 19th. Dover have played both league matches against Barrow in this season, losing 2-1 away from home on the opening day, before exacting revenge at Crabble in November with a 3-1 victory – whilst against Halifax, Whites lost 4-2 away from home and have the return fixture scheduled for early April. Barrow have won the FA Trophy on two occasions.

*BS*GATESHEAD*BF*
Another long trip up to Tyneside could be in order after Monday’s draw, with Gateshead another potential opponent. Whilst it is a journey that has proved fruitful for Whites in the last two seasons – wins of 2-1 and 3-2 have been recorded – a shorter trip would be preferable. Gateshead racked up the miles in round two, impressively winning at Eastleigh (2-1), which followed up a first round win at home to Stocksbridge Park Steels (4-1).

*BS*BOGNOR REGIS TOWN*BF* – 100/1 or *BS*ALTRINCHAM*BF* – 50/1
This second round fixture will take place on Tuesday night, owing to Altrincham only playing their first round match on Saturday. Then, they overcame Leamington 2-1 after extra time in a replay, following their initial 1-1 draw. Lee Sinnott’s side are in 21st place in the Vanarama National League table, with Bognor Regis sitting sixth in the Ryman Premier League. The West Sussex club have beaten Maidstone United (1-0), Bath City (1-0), Taunton Town (4-1) and East Grinstead Town (3-0) in the competiton thus far.

*BS*BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)*BF* – 50/1 or *BS*NANTWICH TOWN*BF* – 100/1
After their second round tie was postponed on Saturday, these two will try again on Wednesday evening. An historic side, Bradford (Park Avenue) are a reincarnation of the club that played in the Football League up until 1970. They now ply their trade in the Vanarama National League North, and are 15th in the league after 21 games. Nantwich Town, based in Cheshire, are in 4th place in the Northern Premier Division, seven points behind league leaders Blyth Spartans. Already in this season’s FA Trophy, Bradford (Park Avenue) have beaten Lincoln City (2-1) and Buxton (2-1), whilst Nantwich have seen off Matlock Town (2-0), Stockport County (2-0), Kings Lynn Town (5-1) and Salford City (2-1).

*BS*WOKING*BF* – 8/1
Garry Hill’s men were the big winners in round two on Saturday, winning 6-1 at home to Maidenhead United. In the previous round, they beat Boreham Wood (2-1) and have serious Trophy pedigree, having already won the competition on three occasions – the joint highest of any club. Despite losing Dan Holman to Cheltenham Town, Woking continue to impress after an early-season slump and are now sixth in the Vanarama National League table. In terms of distance, a trip to Kingfield would be one of the closer options.

*BS*OXFORD CITY*BF* – 80/1 or *BS*CHELTENHAM TOWN*BF* – 5/1 second favourites
In an obvious sign of prioritising their promotion push, Cheltenham fielded a side predominantly consisting of teenagers – including five debutants – in their 2-2 draw away at Oxford City on Saturday. That draw means the side will try again on Wednesday evening, with Cheltenham facing Kidderminster Harriers in the league the night before, signifying that they will keep faith in their youngsters in their FA Trophy campaign. Town are top of the Vanarama National League table, two points clear of Forest Green Rovers and eleven ahead of Dover – and with the sides set to meet at Crabble in front of the BT Sport cameras this coming Sunday, what price a league/trophy double header? Oxford City are sixth in the Vanarama National League South, and previously beat Ebbsfleet United (3-1) and Marlow (6-3) in the competition. Cheltenham’s first round win came against Chelmsford City (3-1). Cheltenham have won the FA Trophy once before, in 1998.

*BS*Ahead of Monday lunchtime’s draw for the third round of the FA Trophy, Jack O’Sullivan takes a look at the potential sides Whites could be drawn against in this last 16 stage.*BF*

Goals from Sean Raggett and Ricky Miller saw Dover overcome fellow Vanarama National League side Southport on Saturday in round two, and with a number of top-half sides already out of the competition, a favourable draw on Monday would really give Whites confidence of making a real push for Wembley for the first time in the club’s history.

The bookmakers have Dover down as 7/1 third favourites to lift the Trophy in the Final on Sunday 22nd May.

Below, we take a look at the sides that Dover could be drawn to face in the last 16, and their odds to win the competition:

*BS*GUISELEY*BF* – 40/1
Mark Bower’s men are at this stage courtesy of a 2-1 win away at Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday, having beaten Northern Premier League Division One North side Burscough 3-2 in a replay, after an initial 2-2 draw. Whites played out a 0-0 stalemate with Guiseley back in September at Crabble, but would fancy their chances against the side sitting in 18th in the Vanarama National League standings. The FA Trophy has been the only real positive of their recent form, with Bower’s side winning just one of their last eight league matches. Dover are due to visit Nethermoor in the return league fixture in the middle of March.

*BS*HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE*BF* – 50/1
Their always seems to be an underlying sense of inevitability that Whites will face Havant at least once per season in a competitive fixture, with the sides having locked horns for the past six consecutive seasons. Last season, the two met in the second round of this very competition, and it took a late goal from Ricky Modeste – the only strike of the game – to put Whites through to the next stage. Matches between the sides have always been closely-contested, however Havant’s league position is alarming – they are rock bottom of the Vanarama National League South, and they have struggled on the road especially – picking up just five points from a possible thirty-six on the road. They are into the last 16 of the FA Trophy courtesy of a 2-1 weekend win over Welling United, which followed up previous round victories against Forest Green Rovers (2-0) and Basingstoke Town (2-1).

*BS*TRURO CITY*BF* – 100/1 or *BS*MACCLESFIELD TOWN*BF* – 10/1
The sides drew 2-2 at City’s Treyew Road home on Saturday, meaning they must face off in a replay this Tuesday evening. A quiet game sparked into life in the last third of the match, with City taking the lead on the hour mark before two goals from Town’s Kristian Dennis looked to be sending the favourites through. However, a goal from Isaac Vassell minutes from time saw the sides unable to be separated. Truro are seventh in the Vanarama National League South, two places and four points away from the playoff places, whilst Macclesfield sit in seventh in the league above – three places and two points behind Dover. Truro previously beat Cirencester Town (1-0 in a replay, after an initial 2-2 draw) and Kingstonian (3-0) in the competition, whilst John Askey’s Macclesfield side overcame Ashton United 4-0 in their only previous Trophy tie this season. Macclesfield have won the FA Trophy on two occasions.

*BS*STOURBRIDGE*BF* – 66/1
Whites’ FA Cup conquerors are also potential opponents – and if the sides are drawn together once again, revenge over the Midlands side’s Cup victory at Crabble in November will surely be a key motivational tool. That day, the Northern Premier Division side played the role of giant-killers perfectly, winning 2-1. In the league, they hold games in hand over many of the sides around them, owing to their impressive performances in the knockout competitions. They beat Whites’ divisional rivals Braintree Town 1-0 away from home on Saturday, having previously defeated Kidderminster Harriers (2-1), Spennymoor Town (4-2), Carlton Town (2-0) and Halesowen Town (2-1).

*BS*CHESTER*BF* – 14/1
Steve Burr’s side have fallen short of expectations in the Vanarama National League so far this season, sitting in 16th place. Whites have already played their two league fixtures against the club this season, which both ended in draws – 0-0 at Crabble back in August, which was followed up by a 1-1 draw in November at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium – a match which will stay in the memory of Whites fans for many years, thanks to Ricky Miller’s goal-of-the-season certainty. They hosted Hungerford Town in the second round, and comfortably won 4-0, with their 2-0 first round win at AFC Telford United meaning that Burr’s men are yet to concede a goal in the competition this season.

*BS*FYLDE*BF* – 16/1
If any Whites fans are hoping to visit a new ground in a good away weekend location, then AFC Fylde absolutely tick those boxes – the side, based just a couple of miles from Blackpool, are fourth in the Vanarama National League North table, seven points behind league leaders Solihull Moors. Of the sides outside of Dover’s league, Fylde – who have already beaten Eastbourne Borough (4-1), Skelmersdale United (4-0 in a replay, after an initial 4-4 draw) and Warrington Town (2-0) – would arguably be one of the tougher opponents. If the sides are drawn against each other on Monday, feel for the away team – it’s a 650 mile round trip for the unfortunate side drawn out second.

*BS*SUTTON UNITED*BF* – 25/1
Whites’ old adversaries beat Curzon Ashton 2-0 on Saturday, having previously beaten Lowestoft Town (3-1) and Concord Rangers (2-0). The last time the sides met was famously in the 2013/14 season, when Dover won 4-1 on aggregate in the Conference South playoff semi-finals – memorably winning 3-0 at Gander Green Lane. In the Vanarama National League South, United are going well. They sit third in the league table, having lost just four times all season.

*BS*TORQUAY UNITED*BF* – 33/1
Kevin Nicholson’s side will be prioritising the league above all else this season, with The Gulls sitting in 23rd in the Vanarama National League – seven points from safety, they have a lot of work to do in the final few months if they are to avoid an unprecedented drop to the sixth tier of English football. Their FA Trophy performance has provided some hope in an otherwise poor season, with Saturday’s 1-0 win over league rivals Wrexham following up their 2-0 replay victory (after an initial 0-0 draw) against Chesham United. Whites travelled to the South West in a league fixture in October, winning 3-2 thanks to Stefan Payne’s last-minute goal.

*BS*GRIMSBY TOWN*BF* – 4/1 favourites
Paul Hurst’s Mariners have been made the favourites to lift the FA Trophy by the bookmakers, and rightly so – their recent run of form in all competitions has been exceptional. Whilst their focus this season will be on finally returning to League football, a trip to Wembley would be the perfect addition to this. Dover lost 1-0 at Blundell Park last month, with the return fixture taking place at Crabble in April. Town have beaten Weston-super-Mare (3-1) and Solihull Moors (3-2 in a replay, after an initial 1-1 draw) to get to this stage. This would likely be the draw that Chris Kinnear’s men would hope to avoid, at this stage at least.

*BS*FC HALIFAX*BF* – 20/1 or *BS*BARROW*BF* – 40/1
These two sides saw their second round match postponed on Saturday, meaning that they must try again on Tuesday night. Both recorded wins to nil in the previous round, with Barrow beating Sutton Coldfield Town (1-0) and FC Halifax breezing past Tamworth (5-0). Each side will be disappointed at how their Vanarama National League campaigns have fared thus far, with Barrow sitting in 17th and Halifax in 19th. Dover have played both league matches against Barrow in this season, losing 2-1 away from home on the opening day, before exacting revenge at Crabble in November with a 3-1 victory – whilst against Halifax, Whites lost 4-2 away from home and have the return fixture scheduled for early April. Barrow have won the FA Trophy on two occasions.

*BS*GATESHEAD*BF*
Another long trip up to Tyneside could be in order after Monday’s draw, with Gateshead another potential opponent. Whilst it is a journey that has proved fruitful for Whites in the last two seasons – wins of 2-1 and 3-2 have been recorded – a shorter trip would be preferable. Gateshead racked up the miles in round two, impressively winning at Eastleigh (2-1), which followed up a first round win at home to Stocksbridge Park Steels (4-1).

*BS*BOGNOR REGIS TOWN*BF* – 100/1 or *BS*ALTRINCHAM*BF* – 50/1
This second round fixture will take place on Tuesday night, owing to Altrincham only playing their first round match on Saturday. Then, they overcame Leamington 2-1 after extra time in a replay, following their initial 1-1 draw. Lee Sinnott’s side are in 21st place in the Vanarama National League table, with Bognor Regis sitting sixth in the Ryman Premier League. The West Sussex club have beaten Maidstone United (1-0), Bath City (1-0), Taunton Town (4-1) and East Grinstead Town (3-0) in the competiton thus far.

*BS*BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)*BF* – 50/1 or *BS*NANTWICH TOWN*BF* – 100/1
After their second round tie was postponed on Saturday, these two will try again on Wednesday evening. An historic side, Bradford (Park Avenue) are a reincarnation of the club that played in the Football League up until 1970. They now ply their trade in the Vanarama National League North, and are 15th in the league after 21 games. Nantwich Town, based in Cheshire, are in 4th place in the Northern Premier Division, seven points behind league leaders Blyth Spartans. Already in this season’s FA Trophy, Bradford (Park Avenue) have beaten Lincoln City (2-1) and Buxton (2-1), whilst Nantwich have seen off Matlock Town (2-0), Stockport County (2-0), Kings Lynn Town (5-1) and Salford City (2-1).

*BS*WOKING*BF* – 8/1
Garry Hill’s men were the big winners in round two on Saturday, winning 6-1 at home to Maidenhead United. In the previous round, they beat Boreham Wood (2-1) and have serious Trophy pedigree, having already won the competition on three occasions – the joint highest of any club. Despite losing Dan Holman to Cheltenham Town, Woking continue to impress after an early-season slump and are now sixth in the Vanarama National League table. In terms of distance, a trip to Kingfield would be one of the closer options.

*BS*OXFORD CITY*BF* – 80/1 or *BS*CHELTENHAM TOWN*BF* – 5/1 second favourites
In an obvious sign of prioritising their promotion push, Cheltenham fielded a side predominantly consisting of teenagers – including five debutants – in their 2-2 draw away at Oxford City on Saturday. That draw means the side will try again on Wednesday evening, with Cheltenham facing Kidderminster Harriers in the league the night before, signifying that they will keep faith in their youngsters in their FA Trophy campaign. Town are top of the Vanarama National League table, two points clear of Forest Green Rovers and eleven ahead of Dover – and with the sides set to meet at Crabble in front of the BT Sport cameras this coming Sunday, what price a league/trophy double header? Oxford City are sixth in the Vanarama National League South, and previously beat Ebbsfleet United (3-1) and Marlow (6-3) in the competition. Cheltenham’s first round win came against Chelmsford City (3-1). Cheltenham have won the FA Trophy once before, in 1998.

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*IS**BS*FA TROPHY – Second Round
DATE:*BF* Saturday 16th January 2016
*BS*KICK-OFF:*BF* 3.00pm
*BS*VENUE:*BF* Crabble*IF*

*BS*Dover Athletic continue their FA Trophy campaign on Saturday, with fellow Vanarama National League side Southport coming to Crabble. Last season, Whites made it to the quarter-final stage, and will be keen to better that run this time around.*BF*

After the club’s excellent 3-2 victory over Lincoln City in the league on Saturday – a match in which Whites found themselves behind on two occasions, but rallied superbly to pick up all three points – Chris Kinnear’s men now turn their attentions to the next match in their 2015/16 FA Trophy campaign.

Whites are in this stage thanks to a 3-1 victory away at Whitehawk in the First Round, with opponents Southport here after a 3-2 replay victory (following an initial 0-0 draw) against Vanarama National League North outfit Worcester City.

The Sandgrounders have seen their form completely turn around since the appointment of Dino Maamria in mid-November. Upon his arrival, the side were in the relegation zone and in turmoil. Now, two months on, the Merseyside club are in 14th place, ten points clear from safety – and have won six of their last seven National League matches, picking a point up in the other.

Therefore, on form alone, this is arguably as tough as it could have come for Whites as they seek to progress in the FA Trophy and emulate their quarter-final run of last season. The respective league positions of the two clubs, added to Dover’s strong home record, means that the hosts will start as favourites but cannot underestimate Maamria’s revitalised men one iota.

At this stage of the competition last season, Whites won 1-0 away at Havant & Waterloovile, with a late goal from Ricky Modeste sealing the side’s progression through to the next round. In an interview for the club’s matchday magazine which will be on sale on Saturday, midfielder Nicky Deverdics expresses his disappointment in the club’s exit against Bath City last time around: “On the day we did not turn up and got caught cold early on – we know we messed it up big style. Everyone still regrets it as we should have got to Wembley – if not won it.”

And so, Saturday offers Whites a chance to continue the path of erasing those memories of last season – plus, more importantly, picking up £6,000 in prize money for winning the tie.

Away from home, Port have the 11th best record in the division, having picked up wins away at Woking (2-1), Kidderminster Harriers (1-0), Welling United (1-0), Gateshead (1-0) and Wrexham (1-0). Their ten goals scored on their league travels is the joint second lowest in the division, however their tally of twelve conceded gives them the third meanest away defence in the Vanarama National League.

Whites continue to impress at home, having lost just twice in thirteen matches, and picking up 27 points.

Dover are likely to remain unchanged from the win against Lincoln City, with Tyrone Sterling expected to keep his place in central defence ahead of Jamie Grimes. Stefan Payne will serve the second match of his four game suspension, giving Tom Murphy a further opportunity to re-establish himself within the starting XI. The focal point of attack will be Ricky Miller, who scored two at Sincil Bank last weekend.

The two sides met at Haig Avenue back in September in the Vanarama National League, and were held to a 0-0 stalemate. Despite hitting the woodwork early on in the first half as well as having chances cleared off the line later on in the match, Whites could not find the back of the net against a resilient Southport side. Ricky Miller shook the top of the crossbar with an audacious effort from 25 yards midway through the half after driving forward up the field. Whites also had an effort cleared off the line by Matty Challoner in the second half after Sean Raggett headed on target as the visitors were pressurising to find a winner.

Last season, the two league matches between the sides ended in 2-2 draws. Highlights from the home match, in which Sean Raggett and Dan Holman netted for Dover, can be viewed here:

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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.

If the match is drawn, then the replay will be held at Haig Avenue on Tuesday 19th January, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

*BS*OTHER FA TROPHY FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Saturday 16th January, 3.00pm*IF*
Dulwich Hamlet vs Guiseley AFC

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Truro City vs Macclesfield Town
Braintree Town vs Stourbridge
Chester vs Hungerford Town
Eastbourne Borough vs AFC Fylde
Sutton United vs Curzon Ashton
Torquay United vs Wrexham
Grimsby Town vs Weston Super Mare
FC Halifax Town vs Barrow AFC
Eastleigh vs Gateshead
Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Nantwich Town
Woking vs Maidenhead United
Oxford City vs Cheltenham Town