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MANAGER REACTION – TORQUAY UNITED

Mitch Brundle gives his verdict on the weekends action. 

It was a whirlwind start to the campaign for the Whites after coming from two goals down against Torquay United to eventually salvage a point. Zidan Sutherland and Roman Charles-Cook scored to ensure that both teams left the field with a point each, but not before hitting the crossbar twice through Zidan and Bello. It was a game of high energy, even in the deluge of rain that was more akin to a match in November than on the opening day of the season.

‘We are delighted’, said Brundle. ‘It feels like a win coming from 2-0 down. Some sloppy goals, we gifted them the first one but showed great desire and determination, all the things that I ask for. We changed things at half time in terms of how I thought we could hurt them. We went positive and I knew if we played football we would get a result. They are favourites to go up so I’m delighted.’

Charles-Cook’s strike hits the net to send the River End wild – Pic Steve Johnson

It was a sentiment that our Gaffer echoed talking to Kent Online Sport. ‘It’s a fantastic start to the season,’ reflected 28-year-old Brundle. ‘But we don’t want to get too carried away. When they’re 2-0 up, you sort of think ‘Ooh, what’s going on?’ But we went in at half-time and saw we were creating problems, but it was just sloppy errors for the goals. The way we changed at half-time, we showed real bouncebackability. I know I’ve got that in the dressing room now. It’s hard to see if we have got that in pre-season because the games don’t mean anything. But to come from 2-0 down against a top side in this league and draw 2-2, that’s a fantastic result.

It’s brilliant for the football club. There’s lots of things being said around the football club at the minute. I’m just glad that we’ve managed to put a little positive on people going home – you see them all smiling, applauding us off, because they saw the work-rate that we put in from start to finish.”

Debutant defender Chevron McLean was the unlucky victim of an early own goal but his performance after the error went a long way to eradicating it. Brundle said: “He just didn’t move his feet. Some of these boys, they’re going to make mistakes. They’ve got to learn from them quickly to stay in the team, but that’s the type of character you want. You can make a mistake in your first game for the club – four minutes in he scored an own goal – and some players could fold. But thankfully, he didn’t.’

The Whites head to Slough Town this Saturday looking for their first three points of the new season and we hope to see as many of you there as we can.

COYW

 

DOVER ATHLETIC 2 TORQUAY UNITED 2

Whites hit back to earn a point.

We kick started our National League South campaign with a hard fought draw against promotion favourites, Torquay United. Despite falling behind to a Chevron McLean own goal after only three minutes, the Whites rallied to ensure that the River End went home satisfied, following a battling second half performance.

The season literally couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start as no sooner had Mitch Brundle sent the lads onto the pitch, they found themselves a goal behind in the most bizarre of circumstances. A low cross from the Torquay left caused panic to debutant McLean who didn’t know whether to stick or twist and ended up putting the ball into his own net. It was a nightmare start for the hosts.

Dover looked rattled after the early setback and took some time to find a rhythm. In the 21st minute, a wicked cross by McGavin was met by opposing skipper Asa Hall, who’s effort doubled the lead for the Gulls and left debutant goalkeeper Billy Terrell picking the ball out his net again. While you could have been forgiven for thinking how many could this be now, the boys in white rolled up their sleeves and began to dig in. Moments after the second goal, debutant Zidan Sutherland struck a fierce shot that Mark Halstead could only palm onto the top of his crossbar with the ball falling agonisingly the wrong side of the goal.

Just minutes before half time, Sutherland again was in the thick of the action. A snapshot by George Nikaj went through a sea of legs, with Sutherland getting the slightest of touches before the ball hit the inside of the post before slowly trickling along the line and into the far bottom corner. The home support cheered and the Whites were back in the game at a vital time.

In the second half, Dover were like a greyhound out of the traps with the impressive Roman Charles-Cook beginning to open his legs down the right hand side. With the home side now playing the game at their pace, it was only a matter of time before the River End would be celebrating another goal. Mclean, desperate to appease his earlier error, began marauding down the left flank and managed to find Bello. The forward hit an early shot but somehow Halstead stuck out a leg and pushed it onto the crossbar to see the woodwork wobble for a second time in the match.

In the 67th minute Charles-Cook restored parity. Neat link up play by Nikaj and Sutherland dragged the Gulls defence out of shape before slipping a pass into the feet of Charles-Cook who rammed it through the legs of Halstead and into the net. The River End went wild. It was a well deserved goal for the Whites after the hard graft the lads had put in.

The hosts pushed and pushed but couldn’t complete the comeback and eventually settled for a draw. It was a fantastic result considering the opening period of the match but it certainly shows that this team has spirit and character. We now focus on our next match on Saturday at Slough Town.

Dover Athletic: Terrell, Charles-Cook, Olarewaju, Naylor, Oyenuga, Dunne, Anifowose, Allen, Sutherland, McLean, Nikaj

Subs: Baptiste, Bello, Dembele, Young, Ojemen

Torquay United: Halstead, Lapslie, Hall, Jarvis, Collins, Ash, McGavin, Craske, Donnellan, Jenkins-Davies, Tomlinson

Subs: Martin, Hanson, De Silva, Lovett, Moxey

Attendance: 798

NEW SPONSOR ANNOUNCED AHEAD OF THE BIG KICK OFF

NewsTeam Group and Dover Athletic Football Club Announce Sponsorship for the 2023/24 Season 

Great News that a National Company that started in Dover is now supporting the club that is close to the hearts of the Directors and staff at NewsTeam.

NewsTeam Group Limited announces a new sponsorship deal that will see the NewsTeam logo on the back and sleeves of the team shirts as well as advertising around the Megger Community Stadium, Crabble.

This will be the beginning of a long-term partnership withthe club.

Paul Goddard, Commercial Director of NewsTeam said, “this is a very exciting venture for us, Dover is where the company began on 23rd October 2003. We are delighted to support a club which is close to hearts of the Directors and staff who have been on this incredible journey from a small beginning delivering Newspapers and Magazines to a handful of houses in Dover to a national company delivering to over 100,000 addresses a day. We are looking forward to supporting the club over a long periodand celebrating our 20th anniversary at the ground in October.”

Dover Chairman Jim PARMENTER commented:

“Everyone at the Club is delighted that such an important National company has agreed to join a partnership with the Club. Particularly as it will mean working with some old friends of the club.

We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

About NewsTeam Group

NewsTeam Group Ltd (NTG) is the largest Home News Delivery (HND) company in the UK providing professional early morning deliveries of newspapers and magazines to over 100,000 addresses across the UK. In addition to our own customer base, we fulfil the delivery of subscription copies on behalf of several publishers including the Non-League Paper and the Football league Paper.

NTG operates a delivery network consisting of strategically placed distribution and packing hubs; working with several hundred contractor deliverers and partner retailers to offer 75% national post code coverage. 

NTG’s business model is to work directly with news and magazine publishers. 

Our primary markets are individual households, retailers,and corporations. 

Media Contact:

NewsTeam Group ltd

Paul Goddard

Commercial Director

[email protected]

07831 650979

www.newsteamgroup.co.uk

Media Contact:

Dover Athletic Football Club

Jim Parmenter

Chairman

[email protected]

www.doverathletic.com

John McNicoll

Media Manager

[email protected]

www.doverathletic.com

UP NEXT – TORQUAY UNITED

Whites kick off their National League South campaign.

Mitch Brundle’s side have completed their pre-season and now look forward to an opening day fixture at Crabble against Torquay United. The Gulls make the long journey east towards the south Kent coast to look at getting three points, having been relegated from the National League in 2022/23.

We now look forward to getting down to business in the league – Mitch Brundle

The Gaffer has made wholesale changes to his squad over the summer and will be looking forward to moulding a team with his own philosophy. If the team can match the personality and style on the pitch that Mitch Brundle showed then we should be in for a rollercoaster of a season.

Form Guide: NA

Head to Head:

The form book is certainly leaning towards a Torquay United victory but with the season not even a day old, the Whites will be looking to catch the visitors cold.

Image courtesy of Flashscore.com

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.

AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE GAFFER

To the fans,

As we approach the start of an exciting new season, I wanted to take a moment to address you, and share my utmost passion for this club and my unwavering commitment to its success.

Our pre-season has been rocky to say the least but I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by my players.

Together, we have begun to lay the foundation for what I hope will be a memorable journey ahead.

I am thrilled to welcome our new signings and am grateful for the opportunity to have built my own team. Their talent, skill, and commitment have already made a significant impact during our preparations.

They all bring a fresh dynamic to the squad, and I am confident that they will prove to be valuable assets throughout the season. Our dressing room is certainly united.

While the pundits may predict a challenging season for us, I firmly believe that we are capable of exceeding expectations.

Our club has a rich history, and in what will be its 40th anniversary season, it is that very spirit that will drive us forward. We have set ambitious goals for the season, and with the support and passion of the fans, we will relentlessly pursue success both on and off the pitch.

I call upon each and every one of you to be the 12th man, to stand united with us, and to create an atmosphere in the stands.Your support can inspire the team to perform at their best and push the boundaries of what you might think is possible.

Together, we will face challenges head-on, celebrate our triumphs, and grow stronger as a community.

As we gear up for our first game against tough opposition in Torquay this Saturday, join us in filling Crabble with chants of support, as we start on the journey of the 23/24 season.

Thank you all for being the lifeblood of this club, we would be nothing without you.

Onwards and upwards!

Yours faithfully,
Mitch Brundle
Manager, Dover Athletic Football Club

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker results for Wednesday 2nd 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

A WEEK OF INCOMINGS

We take a look back at this weeks incomings at the club.

As well as the arrival of our new number one in Billy Terrell from Bournemouth, we cast an eye over a host of other signings.

Brundle Add’s an additional four to his squad

Mitch Brundle has made more additions to his playing squad in preparation for the beginning of the National League South season starting on Saturday against Torquay United with Charlie Naylor, Olu Durojaiye, Oreofe Bello and Roman Charles-Cook.

Charlie Naylor joins the Whites after spending 4 years in America. He played for the West Virginia Wesleyan College playing 38 games and scoring 4 times. The 6ft 2 defender you may recognise from pre-season friendlies often playing with the number 15.

Olu Durojaiye started last season playing 2 games for Peterborough Sports in the National League North before moving to Haringey Borough where he played 31 times scoring 4 goals. The 30 year old midfielder has also played for the likes of Maidstone United, Dartford and Welling.

Exciting forward Oreofe Bello joins from Isthmian League outfit Carshalton United. You may recognise him from pre-season where the striker often wore the number 14 and scored a hat-trick against Ayelsford!

Finally, attacking wing-back Roman Charles-Cook joins from League 2 side Sutton United’s academy after having two loan spells last season at Cray Wanderers and Harrow Borough. Roman also made his international debut with Grenada last June too.

Squad numbers are still to be decided but will be revealed shortly.

Welcome to Dover lads!

Article written by Bradley Kesby – Media Team and River End.

FLAVIN DEPARTS CRABBLE

Lee Flavin steps down from his role as assistant manager 

We’d like to put on record our sincere thanks to former assistant manager Lee Flavin for his hard work throughout our preseason campaign – including his help with recruitment via his platform Non League Chance. His diligent work with our young players did not go unnoticed. We wish him every success in his future endeavours

WELCOME, LEE FLAVIN

Our new assistant manager looks forward to the new campaign.

We welcome Lee Flavin to the club as part of Mitch Brundle’s back room staff in the role of assistant manager. It’s a role that Flavin has held previously as well as a managers role with Sutton Common FC. Lee also holds a wealth of non league footballing knowledge with his company Non League Chance running for over a decade. Non League Chance is a showcase company to help football players at all levels improve and grasp opportunities to progress in sport, most notably football.

‘First of all I’d like to say hello to the fans and hope you all enjoyed your summer & our Pre Season Schedule so far,’ said Flavin. ‘We hope your all itching to get the first 3 points on the board just as much as us & having a good start to the campaign, We are nearly there and hopefully I get a chance to share a drink with some of you shortly.

I don’t think we can get a bigger league opener then hosting title favourites Torquay United on the first day of the season !

The first team has had a complete rebuild in terms of staff and players over the summer and at this level it’s really hard to adapt quickly to changes as big as these but the Gaffer has been very active in identifying his targets, getting them over the line and now the squad is starting to take shape. Last season was a tough experience for the fans, I hope this season will be a lot better and you see a lot of our managers traits/brand of football in the team we send out on the 5th.

I’d like to mention we have some top youngsters coming through the academy here at Dover having had a chance to work with some of them this pre season, so great work to the academy guys.

I’d like to thank all the staff who has been very welcoming and helpful in my time here so far and I look forward to seeing all the fans very soon in your numbers.

Lee Flavin
Assistant Manager

Welcome to Crabble, Lee.

TORQUAY UNITED – VIP STYLE

Fancy watching the Whites take on Torquay United 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. It’s the first home match of the season so why not treat yourself to see in the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

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 :

  • Potato & Leek soup with Ciabatta roll and butter
  • Chicken Breast with White Wine Garlic and Cream sauce, Baby Potato’s, and Veg
  • Apple Tartlet with Custard

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