Archives: News

YOUNG UP TRUMPS – HENRY PUTS PEN TO PAPER

Academy product signs on the dotted line. 

Henry Young signed his first contract with the club this week, following his 18th birthday. The young midfielder has made 5 appearances so far this campaign, including his debut away at Slough Town when an injury in the warm up to Josh Anifowose meant that the manager would give Young the nod. Playing next to the experienced James Dunne has helped the youngster grow into his role and we look forward to watching Henry develop as the season continues.

Young in action during a recent match against Chippenham Town – Picture Steve Johnson

Mike Sandmann from the academy was quick to heap praise on the midfielder. ‘I couldn’t be more pleased for Youngy and adds to the list of Academy boys progressing into our first team. This club has been great at giving these young players opportunities and Youngy has taken his with both hands. He is still only going to keep improving and has the right character and attributes to have a great career. At the Academy we will continue the hard work developing these young players and hopefully we continue to introduce a few more as the season progresses.’

Congratulations Youngy, and good luck for the rest of the season.

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker results for Wednesday 13th September

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 1 WEYMOUTH 3

The Terras terror the Whites with defeat at Crabble. 

On arguably one of the hottest days that I have ever endured at a football match, Weymouth made their trip along the south coast for this National League South match. For the fourth consecutive Saturday in a row, Mitch Brundle’s side held home advantage, again with the Megger Community Stadium basking in glorious sunshine.

Billy Terrell picking up his POTM award – Picture George Cory

 

Prior to kick-off, Billy Terrell was handed the Megger Player of the Month award for August, for his fine displays in his first month here at Crabble. Unfortunately for Terrell, he would be picking the ball out of his net after just eight minutes when a free header back across Dover’s penalty area was volleyed home by the unmarked Touray, making his Terras debut. Touray had been a late replacement with Roberts pulling up injured during the warm-up.

Johl Powell, making his home debut after signing during midweek, was booked for what looked like an innocuous challenge, following Peter Ojemen who had already been carded early on. Minutes later and the referee was at the centre of it all again, this time booking the Gaffer for throwing the ball back onto the pitch. It seemed very harsh and a little odd but the man in the middle was saving his best performance for later on.

As the board for added time was held up, Bearwish was booked for a high foot in the face of Powell. Then just moments later, disaster struck. Terrell, receiving a back pass, took a touch and slammed the ball against the advancing Touray. The ball looped high towards the summer sun, bounced once and dropped in off the underside of the crossbar.

Charles-Cook holds off his man – Picture Stuart Brock

If that wasn’t a kick in the teeth for the Whites, seconds after the restart, Powell looked to flick a ball into the channel but a Weymouth defender took a risky route of trying to header the ball clear from around knee high. This resulted in Powell catching his man with his boot and the referee couldn’t have got his cards out quick enough as first he raised a second yellow and then flashed a red for Powell who looked absolutely flabbergasted. No one in the stadium could quite believe it. Common sense should have prevailed and the referee could have easily have taken the midfielder to one side but then again common sense isn’t that common.

After the restart, the numbers were evened out as Bearwish, who was about to take a throw in, dropped the ball for his teammate and was deemed to be time wasting by the referee and was shown a second yellow, followed by a red. It was all square on the pitch but the Whites still trailed by a two goal deficit. This then became a three goal lead when Rollinson ran across the face of the 18 yard box before firing past Terrell to give the visitors all three points.

Gaffer Mitch Brundle is carded during a fiery first half – Picture Steve Johnson

Dover did manage a consolation strike through Roman Charles-Cook who bundled home with only minutes remaining on the clock. Two defeats in four days and still no win at home this season left the punters leaving a little disgruntled. This week however, sees a break from league action as we face Hastings United in the FA Cup.

“I’m not asking for world-beaters every week, we know what we’ve got to work with, but we have to do something to make it right.

I’ll never stop fighting and trying to make sure this goes right. – Mitch Brundle

Dover Athletic: Terrell, Oyenuga, McLean, Menasah, Olarewaju, Ojemen, Dunne, Powell, Anifowose, Nikaj, Sutherland

Subs: Baptiste, Hatcher, Allen, Charles-Cook, Stewart

Weymouth: Benfield, Howe, Hamblin, Cheshire, Thompson, Rowan, O’Connell, Bearwish, Roberts, Slade, Rollinson

Subs: Thomson, Touray, Stag, Brooks, Olu

Attendance: 568

 

UP NEXT – WEYMOUTH

We face off against the Terras. 

Another Saturday, another home game. This time we face off against Weymouth in a game that already both teams will be looking forward to hopefully getting some more much needed points on the board. Both ourselves and todays opponents dropped three points mid-week with neither team scoring a goal so today will see a game where a win will be vital.

It’s down to having someone who puts the ball in the back of the net. Whether you’re 17 or you’re 29, if you’re in front of the goal, you’ve got to score – Mitch Brundle

The last time the two sides met was of course on the final game of the 2022/23 campaign in which the Whites needed a point or more to secure National League South status and relegate the Terras, but it was the visiting team who celebrated on the pitch with their fans as a 2-0 win ensured survival. Dover needed a helping hand from Chippenham Town but both sides stayed up, nevertheless.

Mitch Brundle will be hoping that his team can put in another Chippenham style performance, adding goals into the mix. While the results seem to be going against the Whites, the team is not a million miles away from where it needs to be. A penalty miss against Tonbridge, unable to find a second against Chippenham and even a handball goal disallowed (it wasn’t), have potentially cost us an additional couple of points, but that’s football. Decisions tend to even themselves out over the course of the campaign.

Lets get behind the boys and push them to securing a vital three points.

COYW!

Form Guide:

Pictures 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)

 

ST ALBANS CITY 2 DOVER ATHLETIC 0

A rough night in Hertfordshire as Whites fall to defeat.

It was a balmy night at Clarence Park as the two sides took to the field in 20 odd degree heat. The hosts were looking to win only for the second time this campaign while the visitors were in the same boat.

It was a lively start for the Whites and in particular new signing Johl Powell, who had an early left footed shot well saved by Johnson, who palmed away with no Dover player following in. Shooting down the slope looked to be another tool in Dover’s armoury as the Whites found both wingers with ease, although the final ball was always a little off key.

An attacking corner for Dover is cleared

 

In the 16th minute, Weiss broke down the Dover right following a long throw by Brown, and by getting the wrong side of Naylor, was able to cut back across goal for Georgiou to smash the ball into the net for the hosts. Moments later and the energetic Powell drove through the midfield, rounding the last defender and when it looked like the St Albans net was going to bulge, a defender in yellow made a last gasp block to keep the scores at 1-0. It was a lead that St Albans held until the interval.

Dover came out from the break with their tails up but despite a flurry of crosses and corners into the box, never quite got the x-factor in front of goal. It was something that would come back to haunt them in the 71st minute. Rasulo’s slide rule pass into the feet of Mitchell Weiss had just enough weight on it for the forward to take a touch, shift the ball past his marker and fire a low shot under the body of Terrell. 2-0.

Dover looked to have reduced the deficit with around 10 minutes remaining but Sutherlands neat finish was adjudged to have hit his arm. The travelling fans said different but it was the man in the middle who cut short any celebrations and when he brought the game to a halt, it was only the home end who would sing into the night.

Consistency is the one thing that’s killing us at the moment – Mitch Brundle

 

Dover Athletic: Terrell, Oyenuga, McLean, Naylor, Ojemen, Dunne, Baptiste, Powell, Charles-Cook, Allen, Sutherland

Subs: Nikaj, Olarewaju, Stewart, Anifowose, Hatcher

St Albans City: Johnson, James, Brown, Smith, Clark, Blackman, Rasulo, Weiss, Georgiou, Carlyle, Wyatt

Subs: Jeffers, Dunn, Fage, Da Silva, Lawal

 

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker results for Wednesday 6th September

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

WEYMOUTH – VIP STYLE

Fancy watching the Whites take on Weymouth 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
  • Chicken mushroom & leek pie, mash potato, veg & gravy
  • Cheesecake

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

UP NEXT – ST ALBANS CITY

The Whites hit the road for some midweek action. 

Having played host to Chippenham Town just 48 hours ago, Dover get on the road as Mitch Brundle and his side look to bring home three points from Clarence Park. It was a stormy encounter the last time the two sides met back in March with the Whites ending the match with only nine men and on the end of a 1-0 score line that went in the favour of the home side who eventually crept into the play-offs.

Henry Young – keeping things ticking over in the midfield

 

St Albans have only one win for their efforts so far this season, coming on the opening day against Havant & Waterlooville, so it will be an interesting match up with both teams desperate for the points at this early stage. Our only win has also come on the road so the lads will be looking to add to that as we try and navigate our way up the National League South table. Dover have fallen into the bottom four and while it is certainly too early for panic stations, the emphasis like every game, will be to go out on the front foot and try to get a positive result.

 

Form Guide: 

Pic Courtesy of Flashscore.com

Head to Head:

Ticket Information:

Adult – £16.50

Concession – £11.00

Her Game Too STH – £11.00

18-23 – £8

12-17 – £6

Child U12 – Free

THE MAGIC OF THE CUP – FA CUP DRAW

The draw for the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. 

The Whites will take on either Erith & Belvedere or Hastings United in the 2nd Qualifying round of the FA Cup. The tie will be played at Crabble on Saturday 16 September.

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

COYW!

 

DOVER ATHLETIC 1 CHIPPENHAM TOWN 1

A share of the spoils as Whites are held at home.

On another beautiful day at Crabble, Dover looked to get back to winning ways with Chippenham Town heading to the South Kent coast. The team returned to a more familiar 4-4-2 formation as opposed to the 3-5-2 used against Dartford on Bank Holiday Monday. The Whites looked to have plenty of possession in the early stages with the build up playing coming down both flanks.

Chevron McLean twice evaded his man, working his way into the penalty area before shooting at the goalkeepers near post when a cross field pass could have been the better option. Chippenham began to apply a little pressure with a flurry of corners midway through the first half but Dover cleared with ease, something that couldn’t always been said so far this season. Will Henry was called into action in the visitors goal, first denying Sutherland with a fine save and then from Allen, who’s snap shot was again kept out.

 

Charles-Cook leads another attack

The teams went into the break with the scores level but it was the home side who were dictating the play. Then in the 58th minute and against the run of play, Chippenham took the lead through a slice of luck. Craig Fasanmade’s shot deflected off a body and sent Terrell the wrong way with the Dover stopper adjusting his body but not able to make the ground up to keep the ball from spinning into the net.

Dover clicked into gear and again began wave after wave of attack with both wings the main outlet. Zidan Sutherland picked up the ball in the left hand channel and flashed a cross come shot across the six yard box where a Bluebird defender sliced into his own net to level the scores. 1-1.

Sutherland again should have sealed the points when clean through, only to fire straight into the body of Henry who rushed out smartly to meet him. Dover pushed and pushed but Chippenham held firm, nearly claiming all three points themselves at the death when first a fine stop by Terrell and then the Whites were saved by the crossbar. It was a case of two points dropped rather than one gained but all eyes are now on Tuesdays match away at St Albans.

‘We created enough chances to win three matches,’ said Brundle after the game. ‘That’s where strikers earn their money. It was a much better performance than on Monday. It’s hard to take a 1-1 with the amount of chances we had.’

A special mention to Billy Terrell who picked up the Megger Player of the Month Award for August. Well done, Billy.

Dover Athletic: Terrell, Oyenuga, McLean, Naylor, Ojemen, Charles-Cook, Allen, Dunne, Young, Sutherland, Stewart

Subs: Olarwaju, Baptiste, Dembele, Anifowose, Nikaj

Chippenham Town: Henry, Jones, Grant, Fasanmade, Haines, Evans, McClure, Windsor, Nicholls, Spokes, Williams

Subs: Holloway, Lewis, King, Heal, Tuodolo