*BS*Whites missed out on a quarter final place in the FA Trophy after conceding two goals in the last 10 minutes at Eastleigh on Saturday.*BF*

Eastleigh took an early lead in the game and could have been three goals in front before Dover had settled. However, Michael Kamara’s header brought Whites back on level terms after 34 minutes.

Just as Whites looked to have a foothold in the game, striker Nathan Elder was given a straight red card for violent conduct shortly before half time. The remaining 10 men started the second half well, enjoying a dominant 20 minute spell in which they took the lead through a Barry Cogan penalty.

However, Eastleigh boss Richard Hill injected fresh legs into their attack soon after, pushing Whites deep into their own half and creating numerous chances to get on level terms. Eventually the equaliser came and Whites’ valiant attempts to hold on for a draw were undone in the second minute of injury time.

*Link1*

*Link2*

Eastleigh progress to host Cambridge United or Luton Town in the quarter finals, leaving Whites to focus on their league form and the Kent Senior Cup.

The two teams meet again at the Silverlake Stadium on Tuesday night at 7.45pm in Skrill South action. You can follow the game on *Link3*

Jake Leberl is insistent Dover can get a result away to Eastleigh tomorrow night in spite of two recent defeats by the Hampshire team. ‘Let’s make no mistake, they are a big strong experienced side with players that are still good enough to play in the league, but we showed in both games that we can compete with them and in the two matches we conceded in the last minute!’

Whites’ latest loss to their Conference South promotion rivals came in the trophy on Saturday. Whites stunned temporarily stunned their hosts by coming from behind to lead 2 – 1 thanks to goals from Michael Kamara and a Barry Cogan penalty even though top scorer Nathan Elder saw red for violent conduct mid way through the first half. However the home team fought back and two goals in the last 10 minutes swung the game back in their favour and sealed their progression into the quarter finals of the Trophy.

According to Jake, the heroic efforts of the ten men were scant consolation after coming so close to achieving a replay. ‘It is so disappointing after all the hard work, especially as the winner came from what was a poor corner and Mitchell Walker had not been making save after save. But the lads did everything that was asked of them.’

Nathan Elder will miss three matches due to suspension, with Jake admitting his surprise to the giant striker’s red card. ‘Nathan is one of the most placid guys you will ever meet and it was completely out of character. Red cards in recent games have cost us; even though we stressed how important good discipline is the minute we walked through the door.’*Lpic1*

Jake pointed out the makeshift attack of Liam Bellamy and Tom Murphy for special praise after the loss of the main focal point of attack. ‘We asked them to close down and push back the full backs and they are both super fit lads. Ricky Modeste was not ready to play and the other two lads on the bench could not have done the job they were doing’.

Whites have conceded six in the last two games, but this is something Leberl is not duly concerned about as he explained ‘What with Sean Raggett and Craig stone suspended recently and Tom Wynter injured, the defence has been very unsettled and the nature of the goals that we conceded on Saturday were very unlucky.’

Whites get another attempt against Eastleigh tomorrow night with the team in desperate need of a positive result to get their promotion push back on track after two disappointing defeats. ‘We are not where we want to be, but no one here is downbeat and we were on a decent run not so long ago. There are lots more games to go between now and the season.’

Dover welcome back Chris Kinnear Junior and Sean Raggett to the fold after suspension, whilst also Moses Ademola could feature after his recent loan spell with Canvey Island. Ricky Modeste is also in the squad, but is unlikely to start as he continues his recovery from injury.

BS*Book your seat on the Supporters Club coach going to Boreham Wood on Saturday 25th January.

Adult Member £17 – Accompanied Child (U16) £5

Non-Member £22 – Accompanied Child (U16) £10

Departs Crabble @ 11.30am*BF*

All coaches are covered by insurance, if the game gets called off you get a refund.
(Supporters Club Members only)

*BS*Please call or text Bob on 07938 021916*BF*
(If possible in the evening, otherwise leave a message and he will get back to you.)

*BS*Bob will be in the Centre Spot before & after every home game*BF*

*BS*Please book early so we know what size of coach to book as the larger one if needed may not be available later in the week*BF*

*BS*RULES FOR THE COACH TRAVEL*BF*

*IS*All vehicles are NON SMOKING
No alcohol will be permitted on our vehicles at any time (which means not just drinking alcohol but also taking it on the coach).
Any damage caused will be charged to the Supporters Club.
Any abnormal or excessive cleaning will result in a £50 fine payable by the Supporters Club.
No excessively rowdy behaviour will be tolerated.

Bayliss runs a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY if any of the above restrictions are breached and any individual found to be flaunting the rules, they will be removed from the coach immediately, irrespective of the location of the vehicle.

It is obviously in everyone’s interest and to encourage people who are understandably wary about using the coach, that behaviour is kept within the bounds of common sense.

Supporters Coaches are operated by the Dover Athletic Supporters’ Club and are in no way organised by or the responsibility of Dover Athletic F.C.*IF*

*BS*Whites missed out on a quarter final place in the FA Trophy after conceding two goals in the last 10 minutes at Eastleigh on Saturday.*BF*

Eastleigh took an early lead in the game and could have been three goals in front before Dover had settled. However, Michael Kamara’s header brought Whites back on level terms after 34 minutes.

Just as Whites looked to have a foothold in the game, striker Nathan Elder was given a straight red card for violent conduct shortly before half time. The remaining 10 men started the second half well, enjoying a dominant 20 minute spell in which they took the lead through a Barry Cogan penalty.

However, Eastleigh boss Richard Hill injected fresh legs into their attack soon after, pushing Whites deep into their own half and creating numerous chances to get on level terms. Eventually the equaliser came and Whites’ valiant attempts to hold on for a draw were undone in the second minute of injury time.

*Link1*

*Link2*

Eastleigh progress to host Cambridge United or Luton Town in the quarter finals, leaving Whites to focus on their league form and the Kent Senior Cup.

The two teams meet again at the Silverlake Stadium on Tuesday night at 7.45pm in Skrill South action. You can follow the game on *Link3*

*BS*Dover Athletic travel to Hampshire on Saturday to face Eastleigh in the FA Trophy, with a place in the quarter finals at stake. Whites have won on their last five visits to the Silverlake Stadium, but will be missing two key players through suspension.*BF*

In a season that has not offered much consistency thus far, one positive has undoubtedly been the side’s progress in the knockout competition.

A memorable FA Cup run ended with an unfortunate 1-0 defeat away at MK Dons a month ago, a Kent Senior Cup quarter-final is in the offing against local rivals Dartford and the last 16 stage of the FA Trophy has been reached for the first time since the 2009/10 season.

The draw for the third round saw Whites avoid Skrill Premier sides including Cambridge United, Luton Town and Grimsby Town, instead pitting the side against fellow Skrill South outfit Eastleigh.

Of the sixteen sides left in the competition, ten play their football outside of the top flight of non-league football, offering hope that the Premier’s recent stranglehold on the Trophy can be ended. Grays Athletic’s victory in the 2004/05 final was the last time a side from outside the Conference Premier won the title.

Whites travel to Eastleigh on Saturday with recent head-to-head form at the Silverlake Stadium firmly in their favour – the last five matches between the two in Hampshire have ended in five victories for Chris Kinnear’s men.

The most recent of these was the first leg of last season’s play-off semi-final, where Athletic claimed a well-deserved 3-1 win thanks to goals from Moses Ademola, Ben May and Daryl McMahon. Prior to that, the side recorded 3-1, 3-2, 2-0 and 2-1 victories on their travels to the home of The Spitfires, and the last time Eastleigh recorded a home victory over Dover was back in the 2004/05 season.

Eastleigh have enjoyed strong financial backing in the past couple of years, and have put last season’s play-off heartbreak well behind them – after 19 league matches, Richard Hill’s side have picked up 42 points and find themselves in second place, eleven points behind Bromley – but with three games in hand.

Their home form this season has been crucial to the league position they sit in. Winning seven of their ten matches on their own ground, and losing only once, Eastleigh have one of the best home records in the league and have only conceded five goals in the process. However, the majority of their home victories have been by a 1-0 scoreline – twelve goals scored in ten matches at the Silverlake shows that whilst they don’t concede many at home, there is also no fantastic firepower displayed by a number of other sides in the division.

This attacking threat will be depleted by the absence of striker Stuart Fleetwood, who scored the winner when the two sides met at Crabble three weeks ago. Fleetwood starts a suspension earned following his sending-off against Bath City in the final game of 2013.

Dover will also be without two key men due to suspension, with defender Sean Raggett and midfielder Chris Kinnear Jr ruled out. The pair have been two of Whites’ most consistent performers this season, and their absence will make the task in hand even harder. Craig Stone is likely to replace Raggett in defence, and Barry Cogan can expect to earn a recall to the sign in the place of Kinnear Jr, however both modifications to the side will require a tactical shuffle as neither are naturally like-for-like replacements.

Familiar names in the Eastleigh squad include goalkeeper Ross Flitney and midfielder Glen Southam, both who have enjoyed spells at Crabble in recent times.

Both sides have won three ties in the competition so far, with Whites defeating Bath City (2-0), East Thurrock (1-1, 3-1 after replay) and Leamington (2-0). Nathan Elder, James Rogers and Liam Bellamy all have two goals to their name in this season’s FA Trophy.

Eastleigh’s victories have come over Maidstone United (2-1), Bury Town (3-0) and Gateshead (2-0). Striking duo Craig McAllister and Ben Strevens lead The Spitfire’s scoring charts in the competitions, both with two goals.

Their victory over Skrill Premier side Gateshead in December was impressive; their opponents, currently 8th in the league above, fielded a strong side but were undone by goals from Jamie Collins and Stuart Fleetwood.

Eastleigh have won their last five games in all competitions, starting with that win against Gateshead – since then, victories have been achieved over Dover, Dorchester Town, Bath City and Eastbourne Borough. The last three have all been by a scoreline of 2-1.

Whites, on the other hand, have only won two of their last five outings, against Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels and Ebbsfleet United. The side’s last match saw them 2-0 up against Bishops Stortford at half time, but a calamitous second half saw three goals conceded to continue a poor season in front of the Crabble crowd.

This home record may mean that Kinnear’s best opportunity to progress in the FA Trophy may be on Saturday, instead of bringing Eastleigh back to Crabble on Tuesday night. Eastleigh have the best away record in the Skrill South, as displayed in their recent victory on the Kent coast.

Along with a place in the quarter-finals, prize money of £7,000 is on offer for Saturday’s winners.

*BS*Dover Athletic travel to Hampshire on Saturday to face Eastleigh in the FA Trophy, with a place in the quarter finals at stake. Whites have won on their last five visits to the Silverlake Stadium, but will be missing two key players through suspension.*BF*

In a season that has not offered much consistency thus far, one positive has undoubtedly been the side’s progress in the knockout competition.

A memorable FA Cup run ended with an unfortunate 1-0 defeat away at MK Dons a month ago, a Kent Senior Cup quarter-final is in the offing against local rivals Dartford and the last 16 stage of the FA Trophy has been reached for the first time since the 2009/10 season.

The draw for the third round saw Whites avoid Skrill Premier sides including Cambridge United, Luton Town and Grimsby Town, instead pitting the side against fellow Skrill South outfit Eastleigh.

Of the sixteen sides left in the competition, ten play their football outside of the top flight of non-league football, offering hope that the Premier’s recent stranglehold on the Trophy can be ended. Grays Athletic’s victory in the 2004/05 final was the last time a side from outside the Conference Premier won the title.

Whites travel to Eastleigh on Saturday with recent head-to-head form at the Silverlake Stadium firmly in their favour – the last five matches between the two in Hampshire have ended in five victories for Chris Kinnear’s men.

The most recent of these was the first leg of last season’s play-off semi-final, where Athletic claimed a well-deserved 3-1 win thanks to goals from Moses Ademola, Ben May and Daryl McMahon. Prior to that, the side recorded 3-1, 3-2, 2-0 and 2-1 victories on their travels to the home of The Spitfires, and the last time Eastleigh recorded a home victory over Dover was back in the 2004/05 season.

Eastleigh have enjoyed strong financial backing in the past couple of years, and have put last season’s play-off heartbreak well behind them – after 19 league matches, Richard Hill’s side have picked up 42 points and find themselves in second place, eleven points behind Bromley – but with three games in hand.

Their home form this season has been crucial to the league position they sit in. Winning seven of their ten matches on their own ground, and losing only once, Eastleigh have one of the best home records in the league and have only conceded five goals in the process. However, the majority of their home victories have been by a 1-0 scoreline – twelve goals scored in ten matches at the Silverlake shows that whilst they don’t concede many at home, there is also no fantastic firepower displayed by a number of other sides in the division.

This attacking threat will be depleted by the absence of striker Stuart Fleetwood, who scored the winner when the two sides met at Crabble three weeks ago. Fleetwood starts a suspension earned following his sending-off against Bath City in the final game of 2013.

Dover will also be without two key men due to suspension, with defender Sean Raggett and midfielder Chris Kinnear Jr ruled out. The pair have been two of Whites’ most consistent performers this season, and their absence will make the task in hand even harder. Craig Stone is likely to replace Raggett in defence, and Barry Cogan can expect to earn a recall to the sign in the place of Kinnear Jr, however both modifications to the side will require a tactical shuffle as neither are naturally like-for-like replacements.

Familiar names in the Eastleigh squad include goalkeeper Ross Flitney and midfielder Glen Southam, both who have enjoyed spells at Crabble in recent times.

Both sides have won three ties in the competition so far, with Whites defeating Bath City (2-0), East Thurrock (1-1, 3-1 after replay) and Leamington (2-0). Nathan Elder, James Rogers and Liam Bellamy all have two goals to their name in this season’s FA Trophy.

Eastleigh’s victories have come over Maidstone United (2-1), Bury Town (3-0) and Gateshead (2-0). Striking duo Craig McAllister and Ben Strevens lead The Spitfire’s scoring charts in the competitions, both with two goals.

Their victory over Skrill Premier side Gateshead in December was impressive; their opponents, currently 8th in the league above, fielded a strong side but were undone by goals from Jamie Collins and Stuart Fleetwood.

Eastleigh have won their last five games in all competitions, starting with that win against Gateshead – since then, victories have been achieved over Dover, Dorchester Town, Bath City and Eastbourne Borough. The last three have all been by a scoreline of 2-1.

Whites, on the other hand, have only won two of their last five outings, against Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels and Ebbsfleet United. The side’s last match saw them 2-0 up against Bishops Stortford at half time, but a calamitous second half saw three goals conceded to continue a poor season in front of the Crabble crowd.

This home record may mean that Kinnear’s best opportunity to progress in the FA Trophy may be on Saturday, instead of bringing Eastleigh back to Crabble on Tuesday night. Eastleigh have the best away record in the Skrill South, as displayed in their recent victory on the Kent coast.

Along with a place in the quarter-finals, prize money of £7,000 is on offer for Saturday’s winners.

*BS*Book your seat on the Supporters Club coach going to Eastleigh for the FA Trophy tie on Saturday 11th January.

Adult Member £19 – Accompanied Child (U16) £5

Non-Member £24 – Accompanied Child (U16) £11

Departs Crabble @ 10:30am*BF*

All coaches are covered by insurance, if the game gets called off you get a refund.
(Supporters Club Members only)

*BS*Please call or text Bob on 07938 021916*BF*
(If possible in the evening, otherwise leave a message and he will get back to you.)

*BS*Bob will be in the Centre Spot before & after every home game*BF*

*BS*Please book early so we know what size of coach to book as the larger one if needed may not be available later in the week*BF*

*BS*RULES FOR THE COACH TRAVEL*BF*

*IS*All vehicles are NON SMOKING
No alcohol will be permitted on our vehicles at any time (which means not just drinking alcohol but also taking it on the coach).
Any damage caused will be charged to the Supporters Club.
Any abnormal or excessive cleaning will result in a £50 fine payable by the Supporters Club.
No excessively rowdy behaviour will be tolerated.

Bayliss runs a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY if any of the above restrictions are breached and any individual found to be flaunting the rules, they will be removed from the coach immediately, irrespective of the location of the vehicle.

It is obviously in everyone’s interest and to encourage people who are understandably wary about using the coach, that behaviour is kept within the bounds of common sense.

Supporters Coaches are operated by the Dover Athletic Supporters’ Club and are in no way organised by or the responsibility of Dover Athletic F.C.*IF*

*BS*Whites missed the opportunity to climb into the play-off places in the Skrill South on Saturday, suffering their sixth home defeat of the season with a 3-2 loss against Bishops Stortford.*BF*

Things were looking positive at half-time – goals from Liam Bellamy and Tom Murphy gave Dover a 2-0 lead going into the break, but a disappointing performance in the second period saw three goals conceded and the visitors leave with all three points.

It was midfielder Bellamy, who has been one of the most consistent players over the past few games, who contacted me after the game to express both his frustration and desire to improve his own performances:

“I think we all need to apologise to the fans for what happened on Saturday. We went into half-time two goals up, which probably should have been more – Nathan’s goal definitely wasn’t offside. It was a real Jekyll & Hyde performance.

“The second half was very poor. We looked a totally different team and there’s no way we should have lost that game after being in such a comfortable position. Our home form hasn’t been great, but we still go into every game thinking we will win – I think that showed in the first half.

“We let ourselves down, and the supporters down. We now have two huge games coming up – at home to Sutton in the league (note: match has since been postponed), and then we travel to Eastleigh in the FA Trophy.

“I firmly believe that we have one of the best sides in the division and it is becoming very important that we start to show that at home, as well as away.

“My own aspirations are to get back playing football professionally, and that is why I came to Dover. I didn’t join to play for a club that wasn’t ambitious or good enough to be promoted – I want to be right up there in the league. Promotion is the main reason I came to Dover – I could have gone elsewhere, and I live in Wanstead, but I wanted to be a part of this club and I am determined to help us up the table.

“I am quite happy with my recent form – especially as I’ve started to add goals to my game – but there is always room for improvement. I have areas of my game I want to be stronger in.

“There is still a lot of football to be played this season, and we can still have a successful season. If we can maintain our excellent away record and start to win more games at home then, usually, that is promotion form.

“We need to learn our mistakes from Saturday but also need to make sure that doesn’t stay in our mind for too long – the next games are a perfect opportunity for us to right those wrongs and pick up a win which would put us right back up there.”

NULL

*BS*Book your seat on the Supporters Club coach going to Eastleigh for the FA Trophy tie on Saturday 11th January.

Adult Member £19 – Accompanied Child (U16) £5

Non-Member £24 – Accompanied Child (U16) £11

Departs Crabble @ 10:30am*BF*

All coaches are covered by insurance, if the game gets called off you get a refund.
(Supporters Club Members only)

*BS*Please call or text Bob on 07938 021916*BF*
(If possible in the evening, otherwise leave a message and he will get back to you.)

*BS*Bob will be in the Centre Spot before & after every home game*BF*

*BS*Please book early so we know what size of coach to book as the larger one if needed may not be available later in the week*BF*

*BS*RULES FOR THE COACH TRAVEL*BF*

*IS*All vehicles are NON SMOKING
No alcohol will be permitted on our vehicles at any time (which means not just drinking alcohol but also taking it on the coach).
Any damage caused will be charged to the Supporters Club.
Any abnormal or excessive cleaning will result in a £50 fine payable by the Supporters Club.
No excessively rowdy behaviour will be tolerated.

Bayliss runs a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY if any of the above restrictions are breached and any individual found to be flaunting the rules, they will be removed from the coach immediately, irrespective of the location of the vehicle.

It is obviously in everyone’s interest and to encourage people who are understandably wary about using the coach, that behaviour is kept within the bounds of common sense.

Supporters Coaches are operated by the Dover Athletic Supporters’ Club and are in no way organised by or the responsibility of Dover Athletic F.C.*IF*