*BS*Dover’s stopper has Wembley in his sights after Athletic continued their unbeaten run in the cup with a battling 1-1 against East Thurrock to secure a Tuesday night Crabble replay.*BF*

In spite of East Thurrock scoring late in the game to force a replay, Mitchell Walker was relieved to have come away with the unbeaten cup run still in tact. ‘Of course we are disappointed not to have won, but East Thurrock defended really well and restricted our chances – It was a really hard game.’

*Q1*An eighth cup win on the spin looked odds on when Tom Murphy smashed home with ten minutes left to play, but United levelled close to the end through David Murphy’s close range finish. Murphy’s third goal in two games was tinged with controversy with protests of foul play as Whites had just kicked the ball out for sporting reasons, but with the best view on the pitch, Mitchell saw nothing wrong.

‘Michael Bakare meant to kick it out for a goal kick but, it accidently went for a throw in, which we acknowledged and did not chase down the goalkeeper when he received the throw in. It was unfortunate for him that the ball was kicked into no man’s land and we scored from it, but there was nothing wrong with the goal – We are all for sportsmanship here’.

*Lpic1*The first round proper saw ten Skrill Premier teams fall at the first hurdle, with a further five facing tricky Tuesday night replays and should Whites be able to navigate their way past East Thurrock, a second round tie against Northwich Victoria or Leamington Spa awaits.

‘We have a really good record in the cups and I am confident we can win tomorrow’ said Walker, who is also dreaming of a Wembley appearance. ‘Premier teams are always favourite to win, but a lot of them are already out so why not? – There are not many games between now and the final.’

It is not just the Trophy where Whites are looking to surprise a few people this season, as Saturday sees Chris Kinnear’s men travel to MK Dons, who themselves appear to be having a tough time. Eight defeats from eleven matches does not make good reading for the League one side and according to Walker, he and his team mates really have nothing to lose.

‘Nobody is expecting us to win and it will be a really difficult game, but there have been bigger shocks in the cup and we are on a really good run at the moment. It is a really good platform for us players.’

*BS*Whites play host to East Thurrock at Crabble on Tuesday 3rd December in a 19:45 kick off.*BF*

*BS*Kicking off a week of FA Cup oriented interviews, Dover Athletic midfielder Liam Bellamy speaks to Jack O’Sullivan about Saturday’s FA Cup match against MK Dons – assuring supporters that the side firmly believe they can get a result.*BF*

The tall 22-year-old midfielder was Chris Kinnear’s fourth signing during the summer of 2013 and, despite an injury setback in pre-season, is now well on the way to establishing himself as an instrumental part of the Whites side.

Before Saturday’s tie, Dover face an FA Trophy replay against East Thurrock – a match Bellamy feels they should have won at the first attempt: “We were expected to win at their place, but the gaffer had warned us beforehand that they are decent at home – they’ve had some good results in cup competitions here before.

“It was a tough place to play. There were some strong challenges going in, a few naughty ones too – I’ve got stud marks down the back of my achilles where one of their players scraped his studs whilst I was running. Realistically, the Trophy is a competition we have a genuine chance of doing very well in, perhaps even winning. We’re disappointed we didn’t win on Saturday, but what’s happened has happened – now, we just have to win tomorrow.

“Whilst they do have some good players, facing them at our home ground is a game we should be looking to win quite comfortably.”

Bellamy’s hopes for a good Trophy run were boosted this lunchtime, when the draw for the next round was made. If victory is sealed tomorrow, Whites have again avoided Conference opposition and will host either Leamington or Northwich Victoria in the second round – knowing that a win in that round would leave the club just three victories from a Wembley final.

Despite the injury picked up against AFC Hornchurch back in July, Bellamy remained focused on getting his place in the side back and has now started the last three matches: “I’ve been determined to show the boss what I can do. I was brought into the club to do a job, and I’m glad I’ve been able to show that recently.

“I think I’m a versatile player and that I am able to affect the game. I’m able to play out on the right, but am much more comfortable through the middle. Against Chelmsford, when Lee (Sawyer) was sent off, I moved into the centre and felt I performed much better. And no matter what anyone says, that was definitely my goal!

“It’s the most frustrating thing as a footballer to be sitting on the sidelines and not able to influence a game. All of the squad are desperate to play games, we all think we’re good enough to be starting – so when the opportunity comes, you have to take it.”

Despite there being over 70 league places between Dover and MK Dons, the ex-Charlton midfielder is adamant that the side are not just going to Milton Keynes to make up the numbers and is eagerly anticipating the match: “I’m absolutely buzzing, I can’t wait for Saturday. I honestly believe that, with the squad we have and the way we’ve played over the last two months, we can cause an upset.

“Of course, it’ll be very tough and we’ll go in as big underdogs, but that will suit us. There’s no point us going into the match thinking we will lose. We’re going there to win.”

One obvious difference between the two sides could be fitness levels, with Saturday’s opponents being full-time, but this does not concern Bellamy: “We’ve got some very, very fit players in our side. The backroom staff are very strict about us taking care of ourselves off the pitch, which translates onto the pitch – they really look after us.

“I played in the first round of the FA Cup last season for Ebbsfleet, against Carlisle. For the first hour we matched their fitness levels, but there were some tired legs after that (three of Carlisle’s eventual four goals were scored in the final 30 minutes). That won’t happen to us on Saturday, though – we’re a very fit side.

“With players like Nathan (Elder), Terrell (Forbes) and Barry (Cogan) in our side, plus those of us who played for professional clubs at youth level, we have a good amount of Football League experience in our side. The fans will play a big part of the day, and it’ll be great to see so many making the trip – I’ve got a coachload of friends coming up.”

Like many of Saturday’s side, this will be Bellamy’s first appearance at this stage of the FA Cup, and says it will naturally be one of the most important games he has taken part in: “The whole experience will be special, and I can’t think of a bigger game that I have – hopefully – been involved in.”

Whites will have Barry Cogan available for selection, with his suspension now ended, but Ricky Modeste remains a doubt: “I’m not sure if Ricky will feature – even if he is fit, he wouldn’t have played for a good few weeks and it’s a big game to come back into. Hopefully he can play some part, though.”

As a West Ham fan, Bellamy says his dream third round tie would be a trip to Upton Park, but assures me that he would still want to win. The other club he would dream of facing are Arsenal: “I’ve got some friends who play for Arsenal, so playing there would be amazing. If we get through this round, we’ve got as good a chance as anyone of playing them.”

The successful Cup run of the 2010/11 did almost culminate in a trip to The Emirates, with Whites’ eventual conquerors Huddersfield Town being drawn against the Premier League leaders.

With eight games currently scheduled for December, the benefit of having a large squad is sure benefit the club over the next four weeks, and Bellamy believes still being involved in four competitions can only be a good thing: “Personally, the more games the better for me – I want to be playing every week and the fitness I mentioned previously will help us.

“There’s a lot of games coming up, but that’s because we’ve done well in the knockout competitions so far – I’d rather have a lot of games coming up than only the league matches.”

Quite how much of an impact any Cup runs will have upon the club’s league performances remains to be seen, but Bellamy feels this can be a successful season all-round: “I don’t think our league position at the moment is a fair reflection of how good we are. We’re 11th, but only three points from 4th, and still have the best defensive record in the league.

“I genuinely believe that we can be promoted this season. We’re good enough, and we all want it – there’s no reason we can’t get top spot.”

Asked about his notable hair colour – a question Bellamy is probably used to answering by now – he revealed a promise made to him by club director Alistair Bayliss: “He’s promised me that, if we do get promoted, he’ll dye his hair so it’s the same as mine – which I would love to see! It just started out as a bit of banter, but a couple of the lads actually like it – and if we do get a result on Saturday, I won’t change it back until we’re out of the Cup…”

*BS*Dover’s stopper has Wembley in his sights after Athletic continued their unbeaten run in the cup with a battling 1-1 against East Thurrock to secure a Tuesday night Crabble replay.*BF*

In spite of East Thurrock scoring late in the game to force a replay, Mitchell Walker was relieved to have come away with the unbeaten cup run still in tact. ‘Of course we are disappointed not to have won, but East Thurrock defended really well and restricted our chances – It was a really hard game.’

*Q1*An eighth cup win on the spin looked odds on when Tom Murphy smashed home with ten minutes left to play, but United levelled close to the end through David Murphy’s close range finish. Murphy’s third goal in two games was tinged with controversy with protests of foul play as Whites had just kicked the ball out for sporting reasons, but with the best view on the pitch, Mitchell saw nothing wrong.

‘Michael Bakare meant to kick it out for a goal kick but, it accidently went for a throw in, which we acknowledged and did not chase down the goalkeeper when he received the throw in. It was unfortunate for him that the ball was kicked into no man’s land and we scored from it, but there was nothing wrong with the goal – We are all for sportsmanship here’.

*Lpic1*The first round proper saw ten Skrill Premier teams fall at the first hurdle, with a further five facing tricky Tuesday night replays and should Whites be able to navigate their way past East Thurrock, a second round tie against Northwich Victoria or Leamington Spa awaits.

‘We have a really good record in the cups and I am confident we can win tomorrow’ said Walker, who is also dreaming of a Wembley appearance. ‘Premier teams are always favourite to win, but a lot of them are already out so why not? – There are not many games between now and the final.’

It is not just the Trophy where Whites are looking to surprise a few people this season, as Saturday sees Chris Kinnear’s men travel to MK Dons, who themselves appear to be having a tough time. Eight defeats from eleven matches does not make good reading for the League one side and according to Walker, he and his team mates really have nothing to lose.

‘Nobody is expecting us to win and it will be a really difficult game, but there have been bigger shocks in the cup and we are on a really good run at the moment. It is a really good platform for us players.’

*BS*Whites play host to East Thurrock at Crabble on Tuesday 3rd December in a 19:45 kick off.*BF*

*BS*Kicking off a week of FA Cup oriented interviews, Dover Athletic midfielder Liam Bellamy speaks to Jack O’Sullivan about Saturday’s FA Cup match against MK Dons – assuring supporters that the side firmly believe they can get a result.*BF*

The tall 22-year-old midfielder was Chris Kinnear’s fourth signing during the summer of 2013 and, despite an injury setback in pre-season, is now well on the way to establishing himself as an instrumental part of the Whites side.

Before Saturday’s tie, Dover face an FA Trophy replay against East Thurrock – a match Bellamy feels they should have won at the first attempt: “We were expected to win at their place, but the gaffer had warned us beforehand that they are decent at home – they’ve had some good results in cup competitions here before.

“It was a tough place to play. There were some strong challenges going in, a few naughty ones too – I’ve got stud marks down the back of my achilles where one of their players scraped his studs whilst I was running. Realistically, the Trophy is a competition we have a genuine chance of doing very well in, perhaps even winning. We’re disappointed we didn’t win on Saturday, but what’s happened has happened – now, we just have to win tomorrow.

“Whilst they do have some good players, facing them at our home ground is a game we should be looking to win quite comfortably.”

Bellamy’s hopes for a good Trophy run were boosted this lunchtime, when the draw for the next round was made. If victory is sealed tomorrow, Whites have again avoided Conference opposition and will host either Leamington or Northwich Victoria in the second round – knowing that a win in that round would leave the club just three victories from a Wembley final.

Despite the injury picked up against AFC Hornchurch back in July, Bellamy remained focused on getting his place in the side back and has now started the last three matches: “I’ve been determined to show the boss what I can do. I was brought into the club to do a job, and I’m glad I’ve been able to show that recently.

“I think I’m a versatile player and that I am able to affect the game. I’m able to play out on the right, but am much more comfortable through the middle. Against Chelmsford, when Lee (Sawyer) was sent off, I moved into the centre and felt I performed much better. And no matter what anyone says, that was definitely my goal!

“It’s the most frustrating thing as a footballer to be sitting on the sidelines and not able to influence a game. All of the squad are desperate to play games, we all think we’re good enough to be starting – so when the opportunity comes, you have to take it.”

Despite there being over 70 league places between Dover and MK Dons, the ex-Charlton midfielder is adamant that the side are not just going to Milton Keynes to make up the numbers and is eagerly anticipating the match: “I’m absolutely buzzing, I can’t wait for Saturday. I honestly believe that, with the squad we have and the way we’ve played over the last two months, we can cause an upset.

“Of course, it’ll be very tough and we’ll go in as big underdogs, but that will suit us. There’s no point us going into the match thinking we will lose. We’re going there to win.”

One obvious difference between the two sides could be fitness levels, with Saturday’s opponents being full-time, but this does not concern Bellamy: “We’ve got some very, very fit players in our side. The backroom staff are very strict about us taking care of ourselves off the pitch, which translates onto the pitch – they really look after us.

“I played in the first round of the FA Cup last season for Ebbsfleet, against Carlisle. For the first hour we matched their fitness levels, but there were some tired legs after that (three of Carlisle’s eventual four goals were scored in the final 30 minutes). That won’t happen to us on Saturday, though – we’re a very fit side.

“With players like Nathan (Elder), Terrell (Forbes) and Barry (Cogan) in our side, plus those of us who played for professional clubs at youth level, we have a good amount of Football League experience in our side. The fans will play a big part of the day, and it’ll be great to see so many making the trip – I’ve got a coachload of friends coming up.”

Like many of Saturday’s side, this will be Bellamy’s first appearance at this stage of the FA Cup, and says it will naturally be one of the most important games he has taken part in: “The whole experience will be special, and I can’t think of a bigger game that I have – hopefully – been involved in.”

Whites will have Barry Cogan available for selection, with his suspension now ended, but Ricky Modeste remains a doubt: “I’m not sure if Ricky will feature – even if he is fit, he wouldn’t have played for a good few weeks and it’s a big game to come back into. Hopefully he can play some part, though.”

As a West Ham fan, Bellamy says his dream third round tie would be a trip to Upton Park, but assures me that he would still want to win. The other club he would dream of facing are Arsenal: “I’ve got some friends who play for Arsenal, so playing there would be amazing. If we get through this round, we’ve got as good a chance as anyone of playing them.”

The successful Cup run of the 2010/11 did almost culminate in a trip to The Emirates, with Whites’ eventual conquerors Huddersfield Town being drawn against the Premier League leaders.

With eight games currently scheduled for December, the benefit of having a large squad is sure benefit the club over the next four weeks, and Bellamy believes still being involved in four competitions can only be a good thing: “Personally, the more games the better for me – I want to be playing every week and the fitness I mentioned previously will help us.

“There’s a lot of games coming up, but that’s because we’ve done well in the knockout competitions so far – I’d rather have a lot of games coming up than only the league matches.”

Quite how much of an impact any Cup runs will have upon the club’s league performances remains to be seen, but Bellamy feels this can be a successful season all-round: “I don’t think our league position at the moment is a fair reflection of how good we are. We’re 11th, but only three points from 4th, and still have the best defensive record in the league.

“I genuinely believe that we can be promoted this season. We’re good enough, and we all want it – there’s no reason we can’t get top spot.”

Asked about his notable hair colour – a question Bellamy is probably used to answering by now – he revealed a promise made to him by club director Alistair Bayliss: “He’s promised me that, if we do get promoted, he’ll dye his hair so it’s the same as mine – which I would love to see! It just started out as a bit of banter, but a couple of the lads actually like it – and if we do get a result on Saturday, I won’t change it back until we’re out of the Cup…”

*BS*Book your seat on the Supporters Club coach going to MK Dons on Saturday 7th December 2013 for Whites’ FA Cup 2nd round tie in Milton Keynes.

Adult Member £15 – Accompanied Child (U16) £5

Non-Member £20 – Accompanied Child (U16) £10

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*

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*BS*Book your seat on the Supporters Club coach going to MK Dons on Saturday 7th December 2013 for Whites’ FA Cup 2nd round tie in Milton Keynes.

Adult Member £15 – Accompanied Child (U16) £5

Non-Member £20 – Accompanied Child (U16) £10

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*

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*BS*Dover Athletic face their eighth cup game of the season on Saturday, and with a 100% thus far there is every reason to be confident – especially given the side’s overall form.*BF*

With ten wins, one draw and just one defeat from their previous twelve games, and fresh off the back of an emphatic 4-0 victory away at Chelmsford City, Dover will really start to feel that they have turned the corner and are now able to turn this season into a successful one.

The club still bring involved in four competitions approaching December – the Conference South, FA Cup, FA Trophy and Kent Senior Cup – has previously been a rare achievement. Despite Saturday’s opponents being in a lower division to Dover, and with a trip to MK Dons to enjoy next weekend, the signs are that manager Chris Kinnear will take this competition as seriously as ever, and be determined to progress to the next round.

Speaking after the draw was made, Kinnear said: “There would have been a time early in my career when I would have prioritised the league, but nowadays I just want to win every game. There’s no reason why a club like Dover, with a squad as strong as ours, can’t be competing in several competitions. We want to win them all.”

Whilst lifting the FA Cup is – let’s be honest – unlikely, the general consensus is that there is no reason why success cannot come in the Trophy. The furthest the side have reached in the competition is the semi-final. In the 1997/98 season, Whites reached the last four stage but missed out on an appearance at Wembley, losing to Cheltenham Town.

Midfielder Liam Bellamy states: “The club want to win the Trophy, and I think we can win it too – the cup runs have so far been great for everyone involved with the club.”

The prize money from cup competitions have so far seen almost £50,000 added to the club’s coffers, with an additional £5,000 on offer for the winners of Saturday’s match.

Opponents East Thurrock United currently sit in 18th place in the Ryman Premier Division, having won two, drawn one and lost four of their seven matches at their Rookery Hill ground so far. They are at this stage of the competition, just one round away from their best ever performance, on the back of wins against Eastbourne Town (0-0, 6-2 in the replay), Canvey Island (2-0) and Merthyr Tydfil (4-2).

The sides met in a pre-season friendly in 2011, when goals from George Purcell and Donovan Simmonds sealed a 2-1 victory for Dover.

Their overall form in the last seven games is impressive, with five wins, one draw and one defeat – meaning that they are likely to hold their own confidence coming into the match. Top scorer for The Rocks is Leon McKenzie, with eight goals from 18 appearances. Also in John Coventry’s side is ex-Whites midfielder Simon Glover, who joined the club in September after a spell at AFC Hornchurch.

Despite an unfruitful start to the season in front of goal, Whites have now found the net 14 times in their last six games, with four of those six seeing the side win to nil.

Barry Cogan will miss the game with this being the third and final match of his suspension.

This match – along with the scheduled Kent Senior Cup quarter-final clash away at Dartford on Tuesday night – gives players a chance to impress Chris Kinnear ahead of the forthcoming FA Cup tie with MK Dons.

*BS*A Football Association arbitration panel has ruled in favour of Dover Athletic following a claim for compensation from Margate FC in relation to the signing of Tom Murphy.*BF*

Whites had originally made a gesture offer of £500 to the Thanet club after Murphy signed for Dover back in August.  The offer was turned down by Margate, who asked for FA Arbitration.  

Following Tuesdays meeting at Wembley, the FA found that the original offer was satisfactory.