Archives: News

DOVER ATHLETIC 1 BRAINTREE TOWN 1

Whites hit back to earn a point.

As the mid day sun beat down on the Megger Community Stadium, Braintree Town headed to Crabble for another piece of Vanarama National South action. It was a glorious afternoon on the Kent coast with the Whites looking to bounce back from defeat last time out. Mitch Brundle switched from a back four to a three as the Gaffer looked to get back to winning ways. But it was the visitors who started the brighter of the two teams.

In the first minute the post saved Dover when it looked like the Iron were about to open their account on the day. They didn’t have to wait long before netting the opener. With just four minutes on the clock, captain Clements swept home a corner to give the visitors the lead. Set pieces are becoming a real Achilles heel of late and again we were punished and chasing the game early on.

Dover looked to get back into the match and grew with each passing attack until the referee pointed to the spot in the 26th minute after Luke Baptiste had adjudged to have been brought down. Skipper James Dunne took the responsibility and coolly sent Jack Sims the wrong way to level the scores at 1-1. With the home side now on the ascendancy, it looked like the Whites would score just minutes later when Nick Dembele swivelled and shot, with his effort sliding agonisingly the wrong side of the post.

The second half began and the Whites looked like they meant business with Charlie Naylor stepping out from defence, through the midfield before unleashing a fizzing shot that flashed just wide. Henry Young also troubled Sims with a dipping volley from just outside the box as the home side pushed hard for their second goal but it was the visitors who nearly snatched it with 15 minutes to go when Billy Terrell pulled off a wonderful save to deny the Iron all three points. It was another top performance from the on loan stopper who seems to grow in confidence with each game.

Eventually both teams had to settle for a point each but it was another step in the right direction for this new look Dover team. ‘It’s another point. You have to work hard for each point in this league. We gave ourselves a mountain to climb after the start but I will take a look at that. Overall I am pleased but we lacked that little something in the final third. We now look forward to next Saturday,’ said Brundle after the game.

James Dunne sends Sims the wrong way to level – Pic Courtesy of George Cory

Dover Athletic: Terrell, Oyenuga, Naylor, Charles-Cook, Olarewaju, McLean, Dunne, Young, Baptiste, Sutherland, Dembele

Subs: Wilkinson, Anifowose, Olu, Bello, Hatcher

Braintree Town: Sims, Dawudo, Stevenson, Grimwood, Clements, Beadle, Davies, Quantrell, Davies, Lambe, Blackwell

Subs: Tomkins, Blunkell, Nwachuku, Payne

Attendance: 610

UP NEXT – BRAINTREE TOWN

The Iron head to Crabble for our latest test.

We now look forward to the visit of Braintree Town to the Megger Community Stadium this coming Saturday, following the disappointing result against Tonbridge Angels. Mitch Brundle will be looking to see what kind of characters he has in his squad as they look to bounce back with three points at Crabble. ‘Every single one is willing to take advice and criticism on board. That’s good because I’m always ruthless, said Brundle when quizzed by Kent Online Sport. ‘Once you accept one bad performance, they think it’s okay to have another one. But people have written them off and it’s got a fire in their bellies.’

It’s a good learning curve for some of the lads and also a good wake up call. We had a training session yesterday and then it’s back to Saturday with the games coming around thick and fast – Mitch Brundle

The Iron had excelled themselves last season with many people expecting them to struggle, finishing in the play-off spots before eventually losing out to Worthing 2-1. The Whites will fancy their chances at getting back to winning ways with the head to head leaning favourably towards the home side but anything can happen on the day.

Form Guide:

Head to Head:

Ticket Information:

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)

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 hope to see as many of you there as possible.

COYW.

TONBRIDGE ANGELS 1 DOVER ATHLETIC 0

The Whites taste defeat for the first time this campaign.

It was Status Quo for the lads in white, who were given an opportunity to go again, following the win on the road last time out against Slough Town but Tonbridge Angels seemed to be a game too far as Mitch Brundle’s side played out their first defeat of the campaign.

Both sides started the game well and when Zidan Sutherland nipped in to put the Whites ahead early in the first half, it looked like it was going to be another good night on the road for the lads. Unfortunately the linesman’s flag put pay to any following supports celebrations. It was the finest of margins, something that would become more prevalent later on in the game.

In the 26th minute, and after a flurry of corner for the home side, the Angels took the lead through Lewis Gard when a scuffed shot made its way through a sea of legs to nestle in the far bottom corner. It had been coming for the home side who had forced Billy Terrell into a couple of early saves.

George Nikaj chased a long hopeful ball into the corner and seemed to twist his knee as he turned, finishing with the young forward being replaced by last weeks hero, Luke Baptiste. Stefan Payne, former Dover striker, had a chance to double the lead but his shot was low into the body of Terrell. The sides went into the break with the hosts holding onto their 1-0 lead.

In the 60th minute, Dover were handed a lifeline when Fielding was adjudged to have fouled his man in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Zidan Sutherland, who had been red hot in his first two matches, placed the ball on the floor, took his run up but saw his kick saved by Jonny Henley. The Angels stopper dived low to his right to push away the spot kick and then claim the rebound.

It was proving to be Henley’s night, who was given man of the match by the home support after a shot which seemed to be heading straight into his path took a wicked deflection causing a first class reaction save to his left to palm the ball away. The Dover bench were on their feet to celebrate but somehow he managed to keep the ball out.

The penalty miss seemed to galvanise the home side who hit the post through Turner and forced another two good saves from Terrell. Even with seven additional minutes of injury time the Whites just couldn’t seem to get going. It was a bump in the road but we go again on Saturday against Braintree Town at Crabble.

Hopefully we can see you there to give the lads a push and get back to winning ways.

COYW!

Dover Athletic: Terrell, Oyenuga, McLean, Olarewaju, Naylor, Charles-Cook, Dunne, Young, Bello, Nikaj, Sutherland

Subs: Ojemen, Olu, Kayani, Baptiste, Dembele

Tonbridge Angels: Henley, Fielding, Lyons-Foster, Gard, Higgs, Akanbi, Soares-Junior, Hinds, Meade, Wagstaff, Payne

Subs: Parkinson, Turner, Powell, Wood, Fagg

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker results for Wednesday 16th August

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

WHITE MONDAY – DEALS TO BE HAD

Take a look at our latest deals.

With the Whites playing four home matches in the next calendar month, why not look at ways to save money and enjoy the supporter experience even more. In the platinum lounge, anyone booking five pre-match meals will be given a free £10 voucher to spend in the lounges bar. For anyone wishing to purchase eight meals, you will be given a £20 voucher.

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

5 match package is £140 while the 8 match package is £224

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.

Check out our 40th anniversary ticket deal.

We are giving you the chance to buy a multi game mini season ticket. For the cost of £75, you can purchase a five match ticket that can be used to watch any five games of your choice. This gives you a saving of £10 over the matches, knocking general admission down to £15 per match.

These tickets are available for both Adult and Concessions with the latter being £65 for the deal, still saving £10 over the five games.

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

Tickets must only be used by the purchaser and not shared out by multiple people for the same match. Lost tickets are non-refundable.

Tickets can be purchased at the office or over the phone. You can contact the office on 01304 822373

COYW

UP NEXT – TONBRIDGE ANGELS

The Whites are on the road again.

Following the teams dramatic late winner on Saturday the Whites make the relatively short trip to Tonbridge to face the Angels, looking the avenge the 4-0 drubbing that we encountered on our last visit to Longmead. Mitch Brundle was delighted with the boys for their efforts in the opening two matches but his attention now turns to this tough away fixture on his doorstep.

Zidan Sutherland scored his second in two games but he limped off following a collision, midway through the second half. Tonbridge have not yet found their feet following two defeats from the opening two matches but will be itching to get off the mark as the Whites head to town.

Form Guide:

Head to Head:

Ticket Information:

Adult (18 & over) £16.00
Senior/Concession (65 & over) £13.00
Youth (12 to 17) £7.00
Junior (under 12) FREE

Children under 15 only admitted if with an adult.

The Halcyon Wealth Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JF

We hope to see as many of you there as possible. COYW

BRAINTREE TOWN – VIP STYLE

Fancy watching the Whites take on Braintree 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 :

Prawn cocktail
Chicken, Mushroom & Leek Pie, Mash Potato, Vegetables & Gravy.
Chocolate & Raspberry Torte Served with cream.

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

SLOUGH TOWN 1 DOVER ATHLETIC 2

Baptiste strikes late to win it for the Whites.

A 94th minute winner from Luke Baptiste sent the dover faithful home with smiles on their faces after a winner at the death sealed three points for the Whites on their travels.

Dover headed to Slough for the first away trip of the campaign with both teams tipped to be propping up the table, this already seemed to be a fixture that neither team wanted to lose. Gaffer Mitch Brundle made only one change to the starting eleven that came back to draw against Torquay United, with Bello coming in to replace the injured Allen on the left flank. That was of course until the warm up when Josh Anifowose turned his ankle on the 4G pitch, giving youngster Henry Young his debut.

It was a fairly even start to the game with both sides sizing each other up. Billy Terrell made a fantastic stop midway through the first half to keep the scores level, palming away a header from a corner when it looked like the Rebels would take the lead. Dover built up confidence and the in form Zidan Sutherland struck low to put the Whites 1-0 to the good and take his tally to two from two. It was a decent half for the visitors, who by the referee’s half time whistle, had complete control of the match.

Scott Davies made a double substitution at the break, desperate to upset Athletics flow. Slough had played most of their attacking intent down Dover’s right but the impressive John Oyenuga was having none of it, snubbing out wave after wave of attack. His opposite number George was hooked at half time and Slough switched flanks in a bid to get back into the match.

Unfortunately for the Whites it was a set piece that was their undoing as a free header from Minhas brought the teams level. Slough looked the more likely to get the win as they pressed Dover further and further back, forcing Terrell into action again but the young stopper was equal to it. As the clock ticked into injury time it looked like both sides were going to settle for a point. Dover cleared their lines with the ball bouncing into the path of the energetic Bello. The forward took a couple of touches, dragging two defenders with him before sliding a pass down the side to Luke Baptiste. Baptiste looked to shoot on his right but the path to goal was blocked before switching to his left foot and slamming the ball home with barely seconds left on the clock.

The travelling fans behind the goal went wild and showed the players their appreciation at the final whistle. Thank you for your support, the lads really appreciate it.

Onto Tonbridge Tuesday night to face the Angels.

COYW!

Dover Athletic: Terrell, Oyenuga, McLean, Naylor, Olarewaju, Charles-Cook, Bello, Young, Dunne, Nikaj, Sutherland

Subs: Ojemen, Olu, Baptiste, Kayani, Dembele

Slough Town: Graczyk, Dandy, Prosper, Minhas, Goddard, Parillon, Alexander, Davies, George, Dice, Sundire

Subs: Giles, Ogbonna, Louis, Spicer, McElroy

UP NEXT – SLOUGH TOWN

Whites head to Slough in the search of three points.

Mitch Brundle takes his side on the road for the first time this campaign, looking to build on the 2-2 draw with Torquay United on the opening day last weekend. Roman Charles-Cook’s second half equaliser meant that both sides left Crabble with a point each on matchday one but the gaffer will be looking at improving on that. With many predicting that in the off season that the Whites will finish 24th in the division, Slough Town were predicted only one place higher.

Speaking to Kent Online Sport Brundle said ‘Everyone’s a different side this year. I’ve got to go and watch what they did on Saturday. That’s my work this week.’ Having dug in and secured a draw last time out, you would be forgiven in thinking that the manager might stick with the same eleven who battled so valiantly against Torquay but that might not be the case come 3pm Saturday afternoon.

‘Some games suit certain personnel better. I’ll pick it on what team I think is going to win – not who’s done well. I pick my team on what I think is best to win that game of football. I’ll continue to do so. If that means upsetting a couple of people because they’re not in the squad, of course I want them to be disappointed. But I always have said since day one when we started pre-season, if you’re going to sulk, sulk with me. Don’t sulk with the [other] players, just go around and make sure they’re on fire for the game. I pick a team, their team-mates don’t, so don’t sulk with them. If you’ve got a problem, then sulk with me. I’m big enough and ugly enough to deal with it – and I’ll always tell them honestly. I won’t beat around the bush. I’ll tell them the reasons why. Obviously I won’t do it at the game but, come Tuesday, I’ll speak to people individually.

They’ll be thinking ‘I want to play’ – everyone wants to play – and I get that. But the fact is there’s going to be a lot of changes throughout the season.’

Slough Town will be looking to get on the board themselves as they were beaten on the opening day in Kent by Maidstone United, going down to Reiss Greenidge strike midway through the second half, following a red card to Dan Bayliss, who will miss the game through suspension.

Dover will be in there home strip for the match and there will be no supporters coach running for this game.

We hope to see as many of you there as possible as we look to claim a valuable three points.

Form Guide:

Head to Head:

Ticket Information:

Adult 18-64 – £13

Concessions 65+ – £8

Student 16-17, NUS – £3

Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough, SL2 5AY

Parking:

There is no charge for parking in Unreserved bays at Arbour Park. Parking is not allocated and is managed on a first come, first served basis. Parking for Blue Badge holders is available on a first come, first served basis.

From the M25 (south): Exit at Junction 15 (signposted Reading/Slough) onto the M4. Exit the M4 at Junction 5 (signposted Colnbrook/Datchet/Langley). Head west on London Road (A4). Pass the Sainsbury’s Superstore on your right hand side and drive straight over the roundabout, continuing on London Road. Pass the Tesco Slough Extra store and then the turning to Slough Rail station on your right and at the next junction, turn right onto Stoke Road (B416). Continue along Stoke Road for 0.7 miles, going straight ahead at the crossroads with Shaggy Calf Lane and Elliman Avenue (following the signpost to Slough Cemetery & Crematorium, Wexham Park Hospital and Stoke Poges). The entrance to Arbour Park is a few hundred yards further on the right hand side.