*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*Whites let slip the chance of moving up to fifth place in the league on Saturday, losing 3-2 to Bishop’s Stortford after being 2-0 ahead in a game of two contrasting halves at Crabble.*BF*

Jason Burns reports: “Bishop’s Stortford stunned Dover at a windswept and wet Crabble, coming from behind to win after a second half comeback.

“Cool first half finishes from Liam Bellamy and Tom Murphy put Whites in command, but following a tactical gamble and substitutions by the visitors, Stortford levelled through strikes from Ashley Miller and Cliff Akurang.

“With Dover pushing for a winner in ever worsening conditions, Stortford hit Whites on the counter attack with Brian Woodall slotting home the winner to lift the opposition into the play off places.”

*Link1*

*Link2*

*BS*Whites let slip the chance of moving up to fifth place in the league on Saturday, losing 3-2 to Bishop’s Stortford after being 2-0 ahead in a game of two contrasting halves at Crabble.*BF*

Jason Burns reports: “Bishop’s Stortford stunned Dover at a windswept and wet Crabble, coming from behind to win after a second half comeback.

“Cool first half finishes from Liam Bellamy and Tom Murphy put Whites in command, but following a tactical gamble and substitutions by the visitors, Stortford levelled through strikes from Ashley Miller and Cliff Akurang.

“With Dover pushing for a winner in ever worsening conditions, Stortford hit Whites on the counter attack with Brian Woodall slotting home the winner to lift the opposition into the play off places.”

*Link1*

*Link2*

Whites lost Saturday’s crucial home league game in spite of holding a comfortable two goal lead at half time thanks to goals from Liam Bellamy and Tom Murphy, only for Bishop’s Stortford to hit back with recent departed Brian Woodall scoring the winner on his debut for the away side with five minutes on the clock remaining.

‘Very disappointed obviously as in the first half the pitch was in good conditions and we were coasting. It looked like it was going to be a case of how many are we going to get.’ Said Kinnear after the game whilst also adding ‘They gambled and perhaps because we are a young side and the pitch got a bit heavy, we panicked a bit and found it difficult to the ball forward in the difficult conditions. We did not really get going in the second half and in the end they nicked it – we definitely should have won the game and three points have been thrown away, no doubt about that.’

Home has not been where the heart is for Dover so far this season with the team losing 6 of their last 10 at Crabble; however Kinnear pointed to a bigger picture. ‘It is ridiculous that we have lost that amount of home games, but if you include the MK Dons game, we have lost 5 in 21 – Which is not bad form for such a young side.’*Q1*

A bit of nous and experience at any level is essential when defending a lead, of which according to Dover’s boss, is lacking from his youthful team currently. ‘Experience was lacking. We have seven lads under the age of 25 and when you are a young side, this sort of thing can catch you – It was one of those of things. I am sure Craig Stone would have made a difference talking to the lads with his experience, but he is only 24 as well.’

Whites remain four points off the play offs, but Kinnear is still optimistic despite this afternoon’s set back. ‘There is a long way to go and we can still reach the play offs. Our record this season in all competitions is still good considering that we have such a young side. We won’t be panicking, pointing fingers and blaming people as we are in it as a team. We cannot feel sorry for ourselves, we have to bounce back and have a go.’*Lpic1*

Kinnear also urged supporters to keep getting behind his young guns. ‘I understand it is disappointing for everyone involved with the club, but we all need to stick together as we are trying to build a team. There has been a high turnover of players in the last few years and a lot of good young players have left Dover and gone on to do very well. We have to keep our young players and teach them whilst also trying to win at the same time. We have the nucleus of a good side here.’

NULL

Whites lost Saturday’s crucial home league game in spite of holding a comfortable two goal lead at half time thanks to goals from Liam Bellamy and Tom Murphy, only for Bishop’s Stortford to hit back with recent departed Brian Woodall scoring the winner on his debut for the away side with five minutes on the clock remaining.

‘Very disappointed obviously as in the first half the pitch was in good conditions and we were coasting. It looked like it was going to be a case of how many are we going to get.’ Said Kinnear after the game whilst also adding ‘They gambled and perhaps because we are a young side and the pitch got a bit heavy, we panicked a bit and found it difficult to the ball forward in the difficult conditions. We did not really get going in the second half and in the end they nicked it – we definitely should have won the game and three points have been thrown away, no doubt about that.’

Home has not been where the heart is for Dover so far this season with the team losing 6 of their last 10 at Crabble; however Kinnear pointed to a bigger picture. ‘It is ridiculous that we have lost that amount of home games, but if you include the MK Dons game, we have lost 5 in 21 – Which is not bad form for such a young side.’*Q1*

A bit of nous and experience at any level is essential when defending a lead, of which according to Dover’s boss, is lacking from his youthful team currently. ‘Experience was lacking. We have seven lads under the age of 25 and when you are a young side, this sort of thing can catch you – It was one of those of things. I am sure Craig Stone would have made a difference talking to the lads with his experience, but he is only 24 as well.’

Whites remain four points off the play offs, but Kinnear is still optimistic despite this afternoon’s set back. ‘There is a long way to go and we can still reach the play offs. Our record this season in all competitions is still good considering that we have such a young side. We won’t be panicking, pointing fingers and blaming people as we are in it as a team. We cannot feel sorry for ourselves, we have to bounce back and have a go.’*Lpic1*

Kinnear also urged supporters to keep getting behind his young guns. ‘I understand it is disappointing for everyone involved with the club, but we all need to stick together as we are trying to build a team. There has been a high turnover of players in the last few years and a lot of good young players have left Dover and gone on to do very well. We have to keep our young players and teach them whilst also trying to win at the same time. We have the nucleus of a good side here.’

NULL

*BS*Are you under 16 and looking to join a successful football academy? Dover Athletic would like to hear from you…*BF*

Follow in the footsteps of first-team players Lloyd Harrington and Sean Raggett by joining the club’s Football Academy.

Dover Athletic are looking for current U16 players and current 11 year students to join our Football Academy next year. Trial dates will be announced in the new year.

Based at the Abbey School in Faversham, the Academy team benefit from excellent facilities and modern 3G training pitches, and play many of their home fixtures on the superb pitch at Crabble, Dover Athletic’s home stadium.

*BS*Are you interested?*BF* Contact Academy Manager Mike Sandmann for more details including our upcoming trial information: *Link1*

*BS*Are you under 16 and looking to join a successful football academy? Dover Athletic would like to hear from you…*BF*

Follow in the footsteps of first-team players Lloyd Harrington and Sean Raggett by joining the club’s Football Academy.

Dover Athletic are looking for current U16 players and current 11 year students to join our Football Academy next year. Trial dates will be announced in the new year.

Based at the Abbey School in Faversham, the Academy team benefit from excellent facilities and modern 3G training pitches, and play many of their home fixtures on the superb pitch at Crabble, Dover Athletic’s home stadium.

*BS*Are you interested?*BF* Contact Academy Manager Mike Sandmann for more details including our upcoming trial information: *Link1*