Archives: News

COMMUNITY DAY NUMBER 2

Come and join our second community day of the season. 

On Saturday 21st October, Dover Athletic Football Club will be holding their second community day of the season, in conjunction with the Dover Athletic Community Trust. 1000 adult and child tickets have gone out to local schools over the last few weeks, as part of the community day drive to ensure we have as many people as possible seeing all the great things we have lined up.

Captain Crab was making himself busy the last time out.

 

On the day, gates open at 11:45am.  There will be a children’s disco in the Centre Spot from 12pm-2pm.  Free face painting will be available on the day along with goodie bags. Captain Crab will be around the ground for photos. All of our activities will be inside/undercover
The Vista Twisters Cheerleading Club will be performing on the pitch just after 2pm and again prior to kick off. The Whites host Hemel Hempstead as they look to get back into Vanarama National South action so dont miss out. Check out the socials for updates as we approach the day.
If anyone wishes to volunteer on the day (we would love for you to give us a hand), please contact Vikki Pawley on [email protected]

KENT CUP DRAW – 2ND ROUND

Whites find out 2nd round opponents

Dover Athletic will travel to Beckenham Town in the 2nd Round of the Kent Senior Cup and the match will be played on Tuesday 31 October, 7.45pm Kick-off

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker results for Wednesday 18th October

Congratulations to all the winners and better luck next time if your name wasn’t drawn out. It could well be your time next week.

For anyone who doesn’t know how the Striker Lottery works well let me explain if for you. Each week, so long as you have paid your £1 weekly subscription, your number will be entered into a draw. If your number is drawn, congratulations – you’re a winner! It’s as simple as that. The draw is held every Wednesday. Keep an eye on the website and social media pages for full details. Who knows, your number could scoop the £1,000 top prize.

Please note that only paid-for tickets are entered in the draw. For your convenience, your membership fee can be collected from you, or you can pay at the Club Office or, to save time, you can pay monthly or quarterly by standing order.

Contact [email protected] to register your interest and good luck

THE SAD PASSING OF NEIL LE BIHAN

Earlier this week we were saddened to hear the news of the passing of former Midfielder Neil Le Bihan.

Neil was part of, arguably, our best ever midfield in 1999/2000. Neil made 171 (+12) competitive appearances and scored 18 Goals across 5 seasons (1997-2002) with us. His goals included netting the winner in a 1-0 win away at Doncaster (April 2000) and a goal in a rare 3-1 win away at Stevenage (April 2002).

The one that he’ll be remembered most for scoring is that stunning equaliser at home to Cheltenham Town in the FA Trophy Semi-Final Second Leg at Crabble in April 1998.

Sadly, Neil took his own life after a challenging period of mental health, something that he had bravely fought against for a considerable time.

If you are struggling yourself please reach out to someone.

Samaritans are always here to listen, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you’re going through a tough time, we encourage you to visit their website below or call their helpline.

Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

Former teammate Jake Leberl: Such sad news, a wonderful guy a great teammate where we shared many happy memories, stood out from the rest of us with his intelligence on & off the field. RIP Neil & condolences to his young family.

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN – VIP STYLE

Fancy watching the Whites take on Hemel Hempstead Town in style? Of course you do.

Mitch Brundle and the boys will be looking to put on a show and where else would you rather watch it than here with us.

Watch the game from the best seats in the house and let our match day hospitality provide the ultimate way to spend your time with us.

The package includes:

  • Butler hosted lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game

  • A three-course meal served at your table

  • Reserved undercover premium padded seating

  • Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water, plus a dedicated paid bar before and after the match

  • Complimentary match day team sheet

The very special experience costs £28 per person and is available for individual and group bookings, or as a gift voucher.

Please note that this price does NOT include entry for non-season ticket holders who do attend, and they will still need to pay at the turnstile on the day.

On the menu for the game will be :

  • Pate & Melba toast
  • Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Roast potatoes, Peas, Carrots & Gravy
  • Raspberry & Elderflower Cones

Arrival at the ground should be at 1pm and food will be served at 1.30pm.

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email [email protected] or call the office on 01304 822373

EASTLEIGH 1 DOVER ATHLETIC 0

Whites exit the FA Cup.

Dover’s FA Cup fire was extinguished in the Fourth Qualifying Round when a 1-0 defeat away to Eastleigh curtailed our chances of reaching the First Round Proper for another season. It was a bright start for the hosts who were confidently popping the ball around, trying to open up the Whites defence and they so nearly did when Rutherford burst through the away defence, only to blaze over the crossbar.

Henry Young battling for the ball before his late dismissal – Photo Eastleigh FC Website

Dover looked to play on the break with the explosive Lock and Zidan on either flank, looking to cause trouble with every attack, but it was the home side who could have opened the scoring with flurry of chances midway through the first half including a neat save from Terrell to keep the scores level going into the break. John Oyenuga had the best chance for the visitors with a rasping drive low to the goalkeepers right but McDonnell was equal to it.

The hosts continued with the pressure and on the hour mark it paid off as Taylor threaded the ball through the Dover defence to Carter, who finished from close range. Terrell and his defenders remonstrated with the linesman for an offside decision that never came. It was going to be an uphill task for the Whites now. The home side kept bearing down on Terrell’s goal, forcing him into another smart stop to keep the lead down to one.

Then came all the drama. With just ten minutes remaining, Eastleigh struck both uprights in the space of three minutes and you were starting to feel like there could be something in this for us. In the 84th minute, a loose ball was contested by Taylor and Young, with the Dover player getting there a little later, and the referee flashed a red card to send the Whites down to ten men.

The mountain to climb was now Everest. With just minutes remaining, Dover had a flurry of corners to try and find the equaliser and we thought we had when a loose ball fell to Nick Dembele just three yards out and as the bench jumped up to celebrate a certain goal, somehow McDonnell in the Eastleigh goal, stuck out a left arm to palm the shot away. It was a fantastic last ditch save.

With the game seemingly slipping away from the visitors, a corner at the death meant a forward run from goalkeeper Billy Terrell. The ball was swung in and it was Terrell who got his head to the ball, only for it to fall to safety. Moments later and Eastleigh were celebrating their win and a chance to play Boreham Wood in the First Round.

Dover Athletic: Terrell, Ojemen, Dunne, Sutherland, Naylor, Mensah, Hatcher, Young, Dembele, Oyenuga, Lock

Subs: Powell, Anifowose, Nikaj, Allen, Holness, Baptiste, Stewart

Eastleigh: McDonnell, Francillette, Carter, Taylor, McCallum, Boldewijn, Langston, Mauguire, Panter, Quigley, Rutherford

Subs: Scott, Barlow, Tshaka, Stock, Yang, Bagan

 

UP NEXT – EASTLEIGH (FA CUP EDITION)

The Whites head to the Silverlake Stadium in another FA Cup instalment.

Mitch Brundle takes his side along the coast to Eastleigh for the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup and a chance to progress for the winners, into the First Round Proper. There is a plethora of big clubs waiting who could be classed as a plumb draw but first the Whites need to see off the Spitfires in what will prove to be a very tough fixture.

Luke Baptiste last time out against Haringey Borough – Pic Steve Johnson

Eastleigh enter the competition at this stage whereas this is now the third fixture for Dover so far. The Spitfires sit just two points out of the play-off picture in the Vanarama National League and will be looking to put their league ambitions aside for the day. Mitch Brundle will no doubt have done his homework on the opposition and will look to mastermind an upset and send the travelling fans home with smiles on their faces.

34 places in the football pyramid separate the two sides but this is the FA Cup and as you know it can provide some magical moments. We hope to see you there.

You have to play the good teams at some point if you want to go far in the competition. – Mitch Brundle

Form Guide:

Pics courtesy of Flashscore.com

Head to Head:

Ticket Information: – Eastleigh Football Club can confirm ticket details for our Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round fixture against Dover Athletic.

The Spitfires host Dover Athletic in the FA Cup on Saturday 14th October with (KO 3pm).

Tickets for this fixture will be priced at:

£10 Adults

£5 Concessions

£2 Under 16s

On the matchday, the North, West, and South stand will be open. Please note that seating is unreserved. Sherwoods Bar will be open as will the South Stand kiosk for supporters to purchase food and drinks.

Parking will be available on a first come, first serve basis and will be priced at £5 per car. Please note, 2023/24 parking passes will not be valid for this fixture.

Away supporters will be housed in Block 1 of the South Stand.

For any disabled supporters looking to obtain a free carer ticket please email a copy of your middle/higher rate DLA/PIP to [email protected] along with your phone number, and we will give you a call to process this.

 

 

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker results for Wednesday 11th October

Congratulations to all the winners and better luck next time if your name wasn’t drawn out. It could well be your time next week.

For anyone who doesn’t know how the Striker Lottery works well let me explain if for you. Each week, so long as you have paid your £1 weekly subscription, your number will be entered into a draw. If your number is drawn, congratulations – you’re a winner! It’s as simple as that. The draw is held every Wednesday. Keep an eye on the website and social media pages for full details. Who knows, your number could scoop the £1,000 top prize.

Please note that only paid-for tickets are entered in the draw. For your convenience, your membership fee can be collected from you, or you can pay at the Club Office or, to save time, you can pay monthly or quarterly by standing order.

Contact [email protected] to register your interest and good luck

DOVER ATHLETIC 2 TAUNTON TOWN 2

Whites hit back to earn a point as Table Toppers are held. 

Two league games against teams sitting at the top of the table and two 2-2 draws played out. Unlike Bath a couple of weeks back, The Whites had to come from a goal behind to salvage a point in a game that could have gone either way. Mitch Brundle’s side started like a house on fire and for the first 20 minutes, you would have been hard pushed to decide on which of the two teams were the side sitting pretty at the top. It’s now four unbeaten for Brundle across all competitions.

Paris Lock had his marker on toast in the opening periods, turning him one way and the other, delivering some lovely low crosses that we couldn’t quite capitalise on. Then in the 17th minute, Dover were rewarded for their brave attacking play. A cross by Hatcher was blocked and with the ball rebounding back to the youngster who faked to cross, cut back on his left and fired in a low ball that defender Peter Ojemen was able to turn into the net.

 

Peter Ojemen opens his Dover account – Photo Steve Johnson

Dover kept the pressure on and when Nick Dembele dispossessed Grimes on the half way line, he raced towards the River End with just the visiting goalkeeper in his sights. His touch was a little too heavy just at the vital time and a snap shot cannoned back off Lavercombe who got up smartly to block the rebound from Zidan. It was an opportunity for the Whites to kill the game off but Taunton were hanging on in there.

Moments later and Dover were to rue that missed chance as Foulston ghosted in at the back post from a corner to bring the teams level. Deep into first half stoppage time, the visitors took the lead when Stern danced past the Whites defence, rounded Billy Terrell and slotted into the empty net.

It’s a good point against top of the league but we now look forward to next week and our FA Cup game with Eastleigh – Mitch Brundle

The game ebbed and flowed in the second half with both teams looking to get the next goal and it was looking like it was going to be a bad day at the office until the Whites were awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty are in the 78th minute. Zidan and Hatcher stood over the ball and once Zidan had made his dummy run, Hatcher stepped up to curl the ball into the net to send the Dover fans behind the goal wild. It was a fantastic strike from a player who has certainly repaid the faith that manager has shown in him. Paris Lock was exceptional on the day and was well worthy of the Man of the Match award. Lock has been sensational since his loan started from AFC Wimbledon and will be looking to add to these performances as the season goes on.

Dover now have an FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round match against Eastleigh before resuming National League South duties against Hemel Hempstead Town. We hope to see you all there.

COYW!

A special mention goes out to one of our media team, Bradley Kesby, who wrote a match report for the Non League Paper, covering the game. Well done mate.

Dover Athletic: Terrell, Oyenuga, Naylor, Mensah, Ojemen, Lock, Sutherland, Dunne, Hatcher, Powell, Dembele

Subs: Stewart, Allen, Baptiste, Nikaj, Young

Taunton Town: Lavercombe, Foulston, Grimes, Booth, Chamberlain, James, Jarvis, Stern, Lucas, Morgan, Evans

Subs: McCootie, Guest, Smith, Day, Sims-Burgess

UP NEXT – TAUNTON TOWN

The Peacocks head to town. 

With the Whites having hosted Haringey Borough in the FA Cup last weekend, this Saturday sees Mitch Brundle’s babes back in Vanarama National South action. Taunton Town head to the Megger Community Stadium full of confidence following a 2-1 win last time out against Eastbourne Borough, to send them to the top of the table. Our last league encounter saw us play the team occupying first place when we travelled west to Bath, culminating in an enthralling 2-2 draw, despite leading 2-0.

We don’t fear anyone. The league has shown anyone can beat anyone.

We just want to give a good account of ourselves and a performance we’re proud of – whether that’s win, lose or draw – Mitch Brundle

Archie Hatcher waiting to take a free-kick into the penalty area Picture Steve Johnson

It had been highlighted after last weeks match how young the starting eleven were, averaging at just over 20 years old. The Gaffer was keen to point out that if you are good enough you are old enough. Henry Young and Archie Hatcher have both recently signed their first professional contracts and dont look out of place in the Whites squad so far this campaign.

Speaking to Kent Online Sport, manager Brundle said ‘I’ll always be honest and truthful with the players. If you’re not, then I think you lose the dressing room. I could have quite easily thrown Dunney back into the midfield and changed the midfield but they did well – and they did well for 66 minutes against Bath, so I didn’t think it was right. For me, age doesn’t matter. It’s something I’m really proud of. Baptiste came in and was excellent. He does what’s on the tin, he’ll consistently work. I thought, in the first half, he was a major threat. I thought their right-back was very good and tried to be in our half more than his own. But Baptiste managed to keep pinning him back. I thought he was outstanding.’

Lets hope we can get a few more through the gate on Saturday to cheer on these young guns.

COYW!

Form Guide:

Picture courtesy of Flashscore.com

 

Head to Head:

 

We still have players available to sponsor, an updated list will be in Saturdays match day programme. If you are interested click HERE

Ticket Information:

Admission for this match is by turnstile only. We accept both card and cash on the gate.

Adults – £17

Over 60 – £15

Under 18 – £9

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

We are also offering a five game ticket. These can only be used by one individual per match and not in groups.

Adult – £75 (£10 saving)
Concession – £65 (£10 saving)