*BS*Ben Hunt wheels away in celebration after netting an injury time equaliser against Staines on Saturday. The substitute striker headed in a deep cross by Luke I’Anson to snatch a point.*BF*

The former Bristol Rovers forward made an immediate impact on his full debut, running onto a through ball towards goal before being fouled by Darty Brown on the edge of the penalty area, earning the Staines defender a red card.

Kevin Harris reports on doverathletic.com: “The one-man advantage ended up lasting less than a minute. After Jon Wallis’ free kick had been charged down by former-White Gareth Risbridger, he fed Richard Butler who went racing up the field.

“Joe Tabiri had been booked for a late challenge on Simon Jackson after a mere four minutes, and the referee had no option but to shown him his second yellow card after another late foul, and level the numbers at 10 men each.”
*Q1*
Staines forward Richard Butler was a nuisance for the Dover defence throughout the match, often dropping into the hole between midfield and attack to collect the ball and slow the game down. His tendency to go to ground all too easily blemished an otherwise excellent performance.

Kevin Harris reports: “With 20 minutes played, the Swans took the lead. Marc Charles-Smith was played in on goal, and prodded the ball past Ross Flitney. Olly Schulz scrambled back to clear off the line, but Richard Butler was on hand to tap into the net from close range.”

Despite a disjointed performance by Dover, it was the home side which created the more clear cut opportunities. Olly Schulz struck the post from three yards just before half time and Adam Birchall was twice denied by Louis Wells, outstanding in the Staines goal.

*Lpic1*Wells was at last beaten, however, in the dying minutes and Whites’ supporters breathed a sigh of relief.

*Link1*

*Link2*

Unbeaten after three games, Martin Hayes’ new side may have stuttered somewhat on Saturday but should take heart from their ability to grind out points going into Tuesday’s Kent derby at Ebbsfleet.

*BS*Ebbsfleet United vs Dover Athletic*BF*
Stonebridge Road – Tuesday 24 August at 7.45pm

*BS*Ben Hunt wheels away in celebration after netting an injury time equaliser against Staines on Saturday. The substitute striker headed in a deep cross by Luke I’Anson to snatch a point.*BF*

The former Bristol Rovers forward made an immediate impact on his full debut, running onto a through ball towards goal before being fouled by Darty Brown on the edge of the penalty area, earning the Staines defender a red card.

Kevin Harris reports on doverathletic.com: “The one-man advantage ended up lasting less than a minute. After Jon Wallis’ free kick had been charged down by former-White Gareth Risbridger, he fed Richard Butler who went racing up the field.

“Joe Tabiri had been booked for a late challenge on Simon Jackson after a mere four minutes, and the referee had no option but to shown him his second yellow card after another late foul, and level the numbers at 10 men each.”
*Q1*
Staines forward Richard Butler was a nuisance for the Dover defence throughout the match, often dropping into the hole between midfield and attack to collect the ball and slow the game down. His tendency to go to ground all too easily blemished an otherwise excellent performance.

Kevin Harris reports: “With 20 minutes played, the Swans took the lead. Marc Charles-Smith was played in on goal, and prodded the ball past Ross Flitney. Olly Schulz scrambled back to clear off the line, but Richard Butler was on hand to tap into the net from close range.”

Despite a disjointed performance by Dover, it was the home side which created the more clear cut opportunities. Olly Schulz struck the post from three yards just before half time and Adam Birchall was twice denied by Louis Wells, outstanding in the Staines goal.

*Lpic1*Wells was at last beaten, however, in the dying minutes and Whites’ supporters breathed a sigh of relief.

*Link1*

*Link2*

Unbeaten after three games, Martin Hayes’ new side may have stuttered somewhat on Saturday but should take heart from their ability to grind out points going into Tuesday’s Kent derby at Ebbsfleet.

*BS*Ebbsfleet United vs Dover Athletic*BF*
Stonebridge Road – Tuesday 24 August at 7.45pm

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In a ground breaking deal, which will be a first in English football between a major football competition and a broadcaster, the Football Conference has signed up to a unique partnership with Premier Sports TV to show 30 matches per season from the Blue Square Bet Premier over the next three years, including their Premier Play Off’s and the prestigious Premier Promotion Final.

In a joint enterprise with Premier Sports, the Conference can now offer those who want the opportunity to watch all that is best outside the Premiership and Football League, the ability to subscribe to a monthly membership for just £6.99. The uniqueness of the deal over and above the normal rights fee paid by the broadcaster to the competition, will see the Conference receive 50% of all subscriptions once a nominal level of subscribers has been achieved.

No other competition has had this style of agreement before and in addition the Conference will also earn 50% from all internet revenue associated with the deal and allow them to retain advertising rights allied to those adverts shown with their matches. This really is a ‘joint venture’ first in football.

Despite the fact that 12 months ago the Conference lost their then broadcaster partner due to financial reasons, they have bounced back strongly from that adversity to again lead the way with this deal.

The full details attached to the partnership are being conveyed to member clubs first before these are made public together with the actual format and first tranche of matches being revealed.

Fans of the Blue Square Bet Premier can be assured though that LIVE matches will commence on the 4th September via Channel 433, at a minimum rate of 3 per month and as little disruption to the current fixture list will take place as possible. The Football Conference and Premier Sports has identified this partnership opportunity and recognise there is a niche market for all football fans who love the game at the level at which the competition plays.

In a ground breaking deal, which will be a first in English football between a major football competition and a broadcaster, the Football Conference has signed up to a unique partnership with Premier Sports TV to show 30 matches per season from the Blue Square Bet Premier over the next three years, including their Premier Play Off’s and the prestigious Premier Promotion Final.

In a joint enterprise with Premier Sports, the Conference can now offer those who want the opportunity to watch all that is best outside the Premiership and Football League, the ability to subscribe to a monthly membership for just £6.99. The uniqueness of the deal over and above the normal rights fee paid by the broadcaster to the competition, will see the Conference receive 50% of all subscriptions once a nominal level of subscribers has been achieved.

No other competition has had this style of agreement before and in addition the Conference will also earn 50% from all internet revenue associated with the deal and allow them to retain advertising rights allied to those adverts shown with their matches. This really is a ‘joint venture’ first in football.

Despite the fact that 12 months ago the Conference lost their then broadcaster partner due to financial reasons, they have bounced back strongly from that adversity to again lead the way with this deal.

The full details attached to the partnership are being conveyed to member clubs first before these are made public together with the actual format and first tranche of matches being revealed.

Fans of the Blue Square Bet Premier can be assured though that LIVE matches will commence on the 4th September via Channel 433, at a minimum rate of 3 per month and as little disruption to the current fixture list will take place as possible. The Football Conference and Premier Sports has identified this partnership opportunity and recognise there is a niche market for all football fans who love the game at the level at which the competition plays.

*BS*Here’s a little wheeze I heartily recommend you replicate if you’re of the persuasion that enjoys good company and a snifter or two on a Sunday afternoon…*BF*

Simply find a welcoming pub that is showing a live Premier League game on Sky and make yourself comfortable.

Watch the match up to the point when you need to visit the little boy’s room and then announce to the assembled throng:

“Speaking as a Dover fan, I don’t know how you can watch this boring old tosh every week!”

This was my response to the first half of the Liverpool v Arsenal game last Sunday and it certainly provoked a little lively debate amongst the customers of the Red Lion. The thing is, I meant it.

You’ll have surmised, no doubt, that I was still chipper following the Mighty Whites’ fabulous start to the season the previous day. And whilst there could scarcely be a better way to start the season than winning 1-0 at Woking, it was the way Dover supporters reacted to the start of the new season that, for this punter at least, was the day’s most pleasing factor.

Of course, both clubs had hoped to start this season playing at a higher level. Both missed out in the play-offs. And whilst that’s a problem that so often creates a hangover that carries on into the following season, this wasn’t an ailment that Whites seemed to be suffering from. And whilst I’ve never known a Woking crowd – of over 1,400 – to be so subdued, neither have I known Dover fans of all ages, shapes and sizes to be quite so keyed up over the start of a season.

“Buzzin, mate, just buzzin!” in the words of the Champion fellow.

Dover fans have turned a few away games into home ones by sheer volume and numbers, of course. Doing so at Kingfield is something altogether different.

There’s nothing like a little upheaval and righteous indignation to rally the troops, I guess. And I should be thankful for the fact that I wasn’t writing back page local newspaper leads in the close season, as I would almost certainly have misbehaved and spent a week or two in the naughty chair. In the event, I felt like a proper grown-up when I simply deleted our “Manager” Ian Hendon’s mobile phone number from my contacts list, rather than posting it on Facebook.

*Q1*Seriously, I rather take the view that these things happen for a reason and I don’t suppose I’m alone in thinking that matters, following the appointment of Martin Hayes, have panned out just fine. Naturally, Andy Hessenthaler will be a tough act to follow. His three seasons at the club were halcyon days that will live long in the memory. Did I say long? I meant forever.

Quite simply, we’ve been spoilt rotten. But we’re worth it!

The club have been on a roll for a little while now and I can’t see any reason why this state of affairs can’t continue, particularly if we fans continue to concentrate on what our club is doing rather than concern ourselves with what’s going on elsewhere. And having gone through our share of bad times – and boy did we have our share of those – we’re far better equipped to milk the good days for all they’re worth.

Do you remember what you were doing six years ago, almost to the day? I do, as I’m sad that way. I was enduring one of my worst Dover-supporting afternoons, watching Whites get battered 5-2 at Cheshunt. Football comparisons fail me, but imagine that you’ve been strapped to a chair and forced to watch the entire box set of Friends whilst having your leg hacked off with a dull spoon.

Well, the Cheshunt experience wasn’t that nice, but it’s days like this that enable us to doubly appreciate what we have now. Accordingly, an indifferent second half showing in a 2-2 draw with Welling on Tuesday was still a comparative bowl of cherries.

What I’m saying, I guess, is that these are the good times and we should celebrate them while we can. Never, I genuinely believe, has the football at Crabble been more entertaining than in recent times. Given Martin Hayes’ beliefs about how he feels the game should be played, I’m sure we’ll continue to get our money’s worth.

I’m not sure what the gaffer thought of the aforementioned Arsenal game, but I’ll be sure to ask.

*BS*MARTIN HAYES has this morning completed the signing of central defender Bobby Aisien.

*BF*Aisien played for the Whites during pre-season against Carshalton and comes highly recommended from Rushden and Diamonds boss Justin Edinburgh.

Hayes said: “We needed some cover at centre-half, as we only really have Dean Hill as back-up in that position.

“Bobby was at Wingate and Finchley when I was there very briefly. I didn’t really know him that well as I was there for a short time and he was a very young player.

“But since then he has played in the Conference and is a strong lad. I am happy to take him on board to battle it out with the other lads for a starting spot.”

*Link1*

*BS*Here’s a little wheeze I heartily recommend you replicate if you’re of the persuasion that enjoys good company and a snifter or two on a Sunday afternoon…*BF*

Simply find a welcoming pub that is showing a live Premier League game on Sky and make yourself comfortable.

Watch the match up to the point when you need to visit the little boy’s room and then announce to the assembled throng:

“Speaking as a Dover fan, I don’t know how you can watch this boring old tosh every week!”

This was my response to the first half of the Liverpool v Arsenal game last Sunday and it certainly provoked a little lively debate amongst the customers of the Red Lion. The thing is, I meant it.

You’ll have surmised, no doubt, that I was still chipper following the Mighty Whites’ fabulous start to the season the previous day. And whilst there could scarcely be a better way to start the season than winning 1-0 at Woking, it was the way Dover supporters reacted to the start of the new season that, for this punter at least, was the day’s most pleasing factor.

Of course, both clubs had hoped to start this season playing at a higher level. Both missed out in the play-offs. And whilst that’s a problem that so often creates a hangover that carries on into the following season, this wasn’t an ailment that Whites seemed to be suffering from. And whilst I’ve never known a Woking crowd – of over 1,400 – to be so subdued, neither have I known Dover fans of all ages, shapes and sizes to be quite so keyed up over the start of a season.

“Buzzin, mate, just buzzin!” in the words of the Champion fellow.

Dover fans have turned a few away games into home ones by sheer volume and numbers, of course. Doing so at Kingfield is something altogether different.

There’s nothing like a little upheaval and righteous indignation to rally the troops, I guess. And I should be thankful for the fact that I wasn’t writing back page local newspaper leads in the close season, as I would almost certainly have misbehaved and spent a week or two in the naughty chair. In the event, I felt like a proper grown-up when I simply deleted our “Manager” Ian Hendon’s mobile phone number from my contacts list, rather than posting it on Facebook.

*Q1*Seriously, I rather take the view that these things happen for a reason and I don’t suppose I’m alone in thinking that matters, following the appointment of Martin Hayes, have panned out just fine. Naturally, Andy Hessenthaler will be a tough act to follow. His three seasons at the club were halcyon days that will live long in the memory. Did I say long? I meant forever.

Quite simply, we’ve been spoilt rotten. But we’re worth it!

The club have been on a roll for a little while now and I can’t see any reason why this state of affairs can’t continue, particularly if we fans continue to concentrate on what our club is doing rather than concern ourselves with what’s going on elsewhere. And having gone through our share of bad times – and boy did we have our share of those – we’re far better equipped to milk the good days for all they’re worth.

Do you remember what you were doing six years ago, almost to the day? I do, as I’m sad that way. I was enduring one of my worst Dover-supporting afternoons, watching Whites get battered 5-2 at Cheshunt. Football comparisons fail me, but imagine that you’ve been strapped to a chair and forced to watch the entire box set of Friends whilst having your leg hacked off with a dull spoon.

Well, the Cheshunt experience wasn’t that nice, but it’s days like this that enable us to doubly appreciate what we have now. Accordingly, an indifferent second half showing in a 2-2 draw with Welling on Tuesday was still a comparative bowl of cherries.

What I’m saying, I guess, is that these are the good times and we should celebrate them while we can. Never, I genuinely believe, has the football at Crabble been more entertaining than in recent times. Given Martin Hayes’ beliefs about how he feels the game should be played, I’m sure we’ll continue to get our money’s worth.

I’m not sure what the gaffer thought of the aforementioned Arsenal game, but I’ll be sure to ask.

*BS*MARTIN HAYES has this morning completed the signing of central defender Bobby Aisien.

*BF*Aisien played for the Whites during pre-season against Carshalton and comes highly recommended from Rushden and Diamonds boss Justin Edinburgh.

Hayes said: “We needed some cover at centre-half, as we only really have Dean Hill as back-up in that position.

“Bobby was at Wingate and Finchley when I was there very briefly. I didn’t really know him that well as I was there for a short time and he was a very young player.

“But since then he has played in the Conference and is a strong lad. I am happy to take him on board to battle it out with the other lads for a starting spot.”

*Link1*