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*BS*Following the theft of our Under 13’s kit over the past couple of days, Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter has generously stepped forward to supply new shirts for the side.*BF*

The theft took place on either Sunday or Monday from the manager’s car, in Margate.

Jim was very disappointed to hear of this news, and it is undeniable that theft from young players is particularly nasty. In the absence of any firm leads as to the whereabouts of the stolen property, the Dover Athletic chairman has stepped forward and offered to supply new shirts for the Under 13’s side.

This will enable the youngsters to continue playing for the side in their correct kit, and will avoid additional expense to our Youth Section who would otherwise have had to purchase new kit.

Despite this offering a positive update to the case, we are still keen to hear from anybody with relevant information about the initial theft. Information can be given to Youth Section Chairman Roger Knight on 01304 821000.

*BS*’Tis the season for sharing and giving and a few of the Dover squad have shared what they want Father Christmas to deliver.*BF*

Whether the man in the red suit does give them what they want remains to be seen.

Captain JAMIE GRIMES wants three things, not that the central defender is being greedy.

“I want three points, to score a goal and a clean sheet against Welling on Boxing Day – that would be perfect,” he said. Grimes’ fellow defender SAM MAGRI has his hopes set on getting a new lap-top.

Another of the defensive back line, left-back TYRONE STERLING, is keen to receive a MacBook Air and if he doesn’t, well.

“I’d like a right foot,” he laughed.

Midfielder JACK PARKINSON and goalkeeper ANDY RAFFERTY were also in jovial spirits. Parkinson was hoping Father Christmas was going to be kind to young defender SEAN RAGGETT. He said: “I hope Raggs gets some decent jumpers in his stocking to improve his poor collection – ho, ho, ho.

“Seriously though, I want us to get nine points over the festive period.”

Rafferty’s letter to Father Christmas was also full of humour at the expense of goalkeeping coach LEE HOOK.

“I just asked him (Father Christmas) if he could not deliver any more fake tanning cream for Hooky to put on his face, “ he laughed. As for Hook, well, tanning cream wasn’t on his list. “Aftershave will do me nicely – thanks Santa,” he said.

But what else are Whites’ players hoping to get?

CHRIS KINNEAR jnr says he’s been a good boy and hopes to be rewarded with a GoPro. Assistant manager JAKE LEBERL would be thrilled with nine points and a clean sheet.

*BS*’Tis the season for sharing and giving and a few of the Dover squad have shared what they want Father Christmas to deliver.*BF*

Whether the man in the red suit does give them what they want remains to be seen.

Captain JAMIE GRIMES wants three things, not that the central defender is being greedy.

“I want three points, to score a goal and a clean sheet against Welling on Boxing Day – that would be perfect,” he said. Grimes’ fellow defender SAM MAGRI has his hopes set on getting a new lap-top.

Another of the defensive back line, left-back TYRONE STERLING, is keen to receive a MacBook Air and if he doesn’t, well.

“I’d like a right foot,” he laughed.

Midfielder JACK PARKINSON and goalkeeper ANDY RAFFERTY were also in jovial spirits. Parkinson was hoping Father Christmas was going to be kind to young defender SEAN RAGGETT. He said: “I hope Raggs gets some decent jumpers in his stocking to improve his poor collection – ho, ho, ho.

“Seriously though, I want us to get nine points over the festive period.”

Rafferty’s letter to Father Christmas was also full of humour at the expense of goalkeeping coach LEE HOOK.

“I just asked him (Father Christmas) if he could not deliver any more fake tanning cream for Hooky to put on his face, “ he laughed. As for Hook, well, tanning cream wasn’t on his list. “Aftershave will do me nicely – thanks Santa,” he said.

But what else are Whites’ players hoping to get?

CHRIS KINNEAR jnr says he’s been a good boy and hopes to be rewarded with a GoPro. Assistant manager JAKE LEBERL would be thrilled with nine points and a clean sheet.

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*BS*CONFERENCE YOUTH ALLIANCE CUP*BF*
Dover Athletic 5-0 AFC Sudbury Reds
DAFC Goalscorers: Tom Carlton (2), Brandon de Grout, Kyran Connelly, Ben Cardwell

*IS*Match report by Michael Dowling*IF*

Dover started the game very well with high pressure and with many chances and didn’t have to defend much. Dover had many chances throughout the 45 minutes but wasn’t able to break down AFC Sudbury. As Dover’s final ball was not as good as it normally is. However AFC Sudbury held off every Dover attack.

There were three golden chances that on any other day Dover would of scored. The first coming from a corner that Kyron Lightfoot whipped in between the six yard box and penalty spot were the ball found Kyran Conolly’s head but headed the ball wide of the post. The second chance came from a hard low cross from striker Brandon De Grout who put the ball across the box where Kyron Lightfoot just couldn’t reach his leg out to tap the ball into the back of the net.

The third chance came from lovely play in the middle from Dover to find Alfie Paxman to work a shot from the edge of the box that would normally go into the back of the net but not on this occasion as he rattled the bar. AFC Sudbury had made it to half time from defending every chance that Dover had.

As Dover came back out for the second half they knew that they had to keep creating chances as they knew that one of them chances would eventually go in. About ten minutes into the second half Brandon De Grout got the first from a through ball from a low cross into the box to find Brandon’s feet and put it in underneath the keeper. 1-0 Dover.

Five minutes on from this Dover had scored again from Tom Carlton who had dribbled past two defenders and had placed the ball into the bottom corner past the fully stretched out keeper. 2-0 Dover.

Dover looked more comfortable and looked like they wanted to get more. Dover had then got a third from Tom Carlton who had made great link up play with Alfie Paxman and Brandon De Grout to pass through the AFC Sudbury defence for Tom Carlton to take it to the side of the goal keeper and just pass it into the net. 3-0 Dover.

The fourth goal came moments later from Kyron Lightfoot who had a free kick on the left corner of the box and whipped in a low hard ball into the box which was on target and went past everyone to find the bottom far corner. 4-0 Dover.

The fifth goal came from substitute Ben Cardwell who had came on sharp. He had got the ball on the right wing cut in and drove at the AFC Sudbury Left Back and kept the fullback off of him and had cut in on his weaker foot striking the ball in to the near post past the goalie. Dover’s defenders and goalkeeper were also played very well as the had got a clean sheet and defended well against the few attacks that AFC Sudbury Reds had.

*BS*CONFERENCE YOUTH ALLIANCE CUP*BF*
Dover Athletic 5-0 AFC Sudbury Reds
DAFC Goalscorers: Tom Carlton (2), Brandon de Grout, Kyran Connelly, Ben Cardwell

*IS*Match report by Michael Dowling*IF*

Dover started the game very well with high pressure and with many chances and didn’t have to defend much. Dover had many chances throughout the 45 minutes but wasn’t able to break down AFC Sudbury. As Dover’s final ball was not as good as it normally is. However AFC Sudbury held off every Dover attack.

There were three golden chances that on any other day Dover would of scored. The first coming from a corner that Kyron Lightfoot whipped in between the six yard box and penalty spot were the ball found Kyran Conolly’s head but headed the ball wide of the post. The second chance came from a hard low cross from striker Brandon De Grout who put the ball across the box where Kyron Lightfoot just couldn’t reach his leg out to tap the ball into the back of the net.

The third chance came from lovely play in the middle from Dover to find Alfie Paxman to work a shot from the edge of the box that would normally go into the back of the net but not on this occasion as he rattled the bar. AFC Sudbury had made it to half time from defending every chance that Dover had.

As Dover came back out for the second half they knew that they had to keep creating chances as they knew that one of them chances would eventually go in. About ten minutes into the second half Brandon De Grout got the first from a through ball from a low cross into the box to find Brandon’s feet and put it in underneath the keeper. 1-0 Dover.

Five minutes on from this Dover had scored again from Tom Carlton who had dribbled past two defenders and had placed the ball into the bottom corner past the fully stretched out keeper. 2-0 Dover.

Dover looked more comfortable and looked like they wanted to get more. Dover had then got a third from Tom Carlton who had made great link up play with Alfie Paxman and Brandon De Grout to pass through the AFC Sudbury defence for Tom Carlton to take it to the side of the goal keeper and just pass it into the net. 3-0 Dover.

The fourth goal came moments later from Kyron Lightfoot who had a free kick on the left corner of the box and whipped in a low hard ball into the box which was on target and went past everyone to find the bottom far corner. 4-0 Dover.

The fifth goal came from substitute Ben Cardwell who had came on sharp. He had got the ball on the right wing cut in and drove at the AFC Sudbury Left Back and kept the fullback off of him and had cut in on his weaker foot striking the ball in to the near post past the goalie. Dover’s defenders and goalkeeper were also played very well as the had got a clean sheet and defended well against the few attacks that AFC Sudbury Reds had.

*IS**BS*VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE
DATE:*BF* Saturday 19th December 2015
*BS*KICK-OFF:*BF* 3.00pm
*BS*VENUE:*BF* Blundell Park, DN35 7PY*IF*

*BS*Dover Athletic travel to Blundell Park on Saturday, looking to cement third place over the Christmas period. Opponents Grimsby are in fifth, and have won their last four matches in the Vanarama National League.*BF*

After an inconsistent November, Dover have rallied and got this month off to a perfect start – two wins from two, eight goals scored and progression sealed in the FA Trophy. Having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Stourbridge, the FA Trophy offered Whites their last opportunity to compete in a knockout competition parallel to the playoff push, and it was a chance seized with both hands.

A strong side travelled to East Sussex to take on Steve King’s side, and the 3-1 victory came courtesy of a goal from Nicky Deverdics, and two from Stefan Payne. Next up in the competition are either Southport or Worcester City at Crabble, with the sides needing a replay after their initial 0-0 draw.

Prior to that, Whites dismantled a poor Aldershot side 5-2 to continue their excellent home form, which would have given confidence ahead of this Saturday when they return to league action, with Grimsby Town the opponents.

Paul Hurst’s Town are fierce opponents – they sit in fifth place, two below Whites, but have two games in hand to try and make up the one point cushion between the sides. At home, they have lost just twice in the Vanarama National League so far this season – to Macclesfield Town (0-2) in August, and to leaders Cheltenham Town (0-1) in October.

They have scored 29 goals in their 12 home matches – the second highest tally in the division – and have scored four or more in front of their home fans on four occasions (4-1 vs Barrow, 4-1 vs Bromley, 4-1 vs Aldershot Town, 7-0 vs FC Halifax).

However, Kinnear’s charges are full of belief in their own abilities, both individually and as a unit – indeed, some of their best performances have come away from home against sides fancied to make a promotion push – notably in the 5-2 defeat of Eastleigh, and the 1-0 win at Prenton Park against Tranmere Rovers.

Grimsby’s form over the last four league matches could not be better – four wins from four, and just two goals shipped.

They have, however, played three matches since their last league outing. They lost 1-0 in an FA Cup replay to League One side Shrewsbury Town after an initial 0-0 draw, and laboured to a 1-1 draw in the FA Trophy against National League North outfit Solihull Moors.

A win for Dover at the weekend could see them finish the day level on points with Forest Green Rovers in second place, whilst a home win for Town will see them climb at least one place, potentially two depending on Eastleigh’s result at home to Kidderminster Harriers.

For Dover, this is likely to be their toughest test over the Christmas period – after Saturday, the side face Welling United twice, with a clash against Bromley sandwiched inbetween the games against The Wings. With three winnable matches forthcoming, it would be fair to say that avoiding defeat at Blundell Park would be more than acceptable – but this is a Dover side who are confident, competent and more than able to spring a surprise.

Whites will be hoping that captain Jamie Grimes has recovered from a slight groin strain which saw him miss the win against Whitehawk, which would likely see him return alongside Richard Orlu and Sean Raggett in central defence.

Grimsby’s top scorer this season is Padraig Amond, who has 14 league goals to his name, and two in the FA Cup. Also in double figures is strike partner Omar Bogle, who has ten in the league thus far. Whites’ top scorer in the league remains Stefan Payne with 11, three ahead of Ricky Miller and Nicky Deverdics.

Last season, Whites travelled to Blundell Park in the second weekend of the season, and picked up their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw. Then, an 86th minute strike by Matt Lock gave Athletic their first league goal of the season, securing a point in the process as he levelled the terms after Jon-Paul Pittman put the Mariners ahead just ten minutes earlier.

Adding to the drama, Whites were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of stoppage time, gifting them with the opportunity to take all three points back to Kent however Christian Nanetti’s low drive from the spot was well saved by Grimsby keeper James McKeown.

In the return fixture at Crabble, in March, Whites lost 1-0 courtesy of a sixth minute strike from Lenell John-Lewis, who is now on the books of League Two side Newport County.

Highlights from the home defeat can be viewed here:

[utube]

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.

Visiting supporters will be housed in the Osmond Stand Corner. The away supporters section of the Osmond Stand has a seating capacity of 586. Entry to this stand is in Harrington Street. All concessions will need to be purchased from the Ticket Office.

*BS*OTHER VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Friday 18th December, 7.45pm*IF* – live on BT Sport
Braintree vs Wrexham

*IS*Saturday 19th December, 3.00pm*IF*
Aldershot v Guiseley
Cheltenham v Altrincham
Chester v Torquay
Eastleigh v Kidderminster
Halifax v Tranmere
Forest Green v Boreham Wood
Gateshead v Woking
Lincoln City v Barrow
Southport v Bromley
Welling v Macclesfield

*IS**BS*VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE
DATE:*BF* Saturday 19th December 2015
*BS*KICK-OFF:*BF* 3.00pm
*BS*VENUE:*BF* Blundell Park, DN35 7PY*IF*

*BS*Dover Athletic travel to Blundell Park on Saturday, looking to cement third place over the Christmas period. Opponents Grimsby are in fifth, and have won their last four matches in the Vanarama National League.*BF*

After an inconsistent November, Dover have rallied and got this month off to a perfect start – two wins from two, eight goals scored and progression sealed in the FA Trophy. Having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Stourbridge, the FA Trophy offered Whites their last opportunity to compete in a knockout competition parallel to the playoff push, and it was a chance seized with both hands.

A strong side travelled to East Sussex to take on Steve King’s side, and the 3-1 victory came courtesy of a goal from Nicky Deverdics, and two from Stefan Payne. Next up in the competition are either Southport or Worcester City at Crabble, with the sides needing a replay after their initial 0-0 draw.

Prior to that, Whites dismantled a poor Aldershot side 5-2 to continue their excellent home form, which would have given confidence ahead of this Saturday when they return to league action, with Grimsby Town the opponents.

Paul Hurst’s Town are fierce opponents – they sit in fifth place, two below Whites, but have two games in hand to try and make up the one point cushion between the sides. At home, they have lost just twice in the Vanarama National League so far this season – to Macclesfield Town (0-2) in August, and to leaders Cheltenham Town (0-1) in October.

They have scored 29 goals in their 12 home matches – the second highest tally in the division – and have scored four or more in front of their home fans on four occasions (4-1 vs Barrow, 4-1 vs Bromley, 4-1 vs Aldershot Town, 7-0 vs FC Halifax).

However, Kinnear’s charges are full of belief in their own abilities, both individually and as a unit – indeed, some of their best performances have come away from home against sides fancied to make a promotion push – notably in the 5-2 defeat of Eastleigh, and the 1-0 win at Prenton Park against Tranmere Rovers.

Grimsby’s form over the last four league matches could not be better – four wins from four, and just two goals shipped.

They have, however, played three matches since their last league outing. They lost 1-0 in an FA Cup replay to League One side Shrewsbury Town after an initial 0-0 draw, and laboured to a 1-1 draw in the FA Trophy against National League North outfit Solihull Moors.

A win for Dover at the weekend could see them finish the day level on points with Forest Green Rovers in second place, whilst a home win for Town will see them climb at least one place, potentially two depending on Eastleigh’s result at home to Kidderminster Harriers.

For Dover, this is likely to be their toughest test over the Christmas period – after Saturday, the side face Welling United twice, with a clash against Bromley sandwiched inbetween the games against The Wings. With three winnable matches forthcoming, it would be fair to say that avoiding defeat at Blundell Park would be more than acceptable – but this is a Dover side who are confident, competent and more than able to spring a surprise.

Whites will be hoping that captain Jamie Grimes has recovered from a slight groin strain which saw him miss the win against Whitehawk, which would likely see him return alongside Richard Orlu and Sean Raggett in central defence.

Grimsby’s top scorer this season is Padraig Amond, who has 14 league goals to his name, and two in the FA Cup. Also in double figures is strike partner Omar Bogle, who has ten in the league thus far. Whites’ top scorer in the league remains Stefan Payne with 11, three ahead of Ricky Miller and Nicky Deverdics.

Last season, Whites travelled to Blundell Park in the second weekend of the season, and picked up their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw. Then, an 86th minute strike by Matt Lock gave Athletic their first league goal of the season, securing a point in the process as he levelled the terms after Jon-Paul Pittman put the Mariners ahead just ten minutes earlier.

Adding to the drama, Whites were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of stoppage time, gifting them with the opportunity to take all three points back to Kent however Christian Nanetti’s low drive from the spot was well saved by Grimsby keeper James McKeown.

In the return fixture at Crabble, in March, Whites lost 1-0 courtesy of a sixth minute strike from Lenell John-Lewis, who is now on the books of League Two side Newport County.

Highlights from the home defeat can be viewed here:

[utube]

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.

Visiting supporters will be housed in the Osmond Stand Corner. The away supporters section of the Osmond Stand has a seating capacity of 586. Entry to this stand is in Harrington Street. All concessions will need to be purchased from the Ticket Office.

*BS*OTHER VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Friday 18th December, 7.45pm*IF* – live on BT Sport
Braintree vs Wrexham

*IS*Saturday 19th December, 3.00pm*IF*
Aldershot v Guiseley
Cheltenham v Altrincham
Chester v Torquay
Eastleigh v Kidderminster
Halifax v Tranmere
Forest Green v Boreham Wood
Gateshead v Woking
Lincoln City v Barrow
Southport v Bromley
Welling v Macclesfield