Archives: News

A JOB WELL DONE – FROM TAUNTON TO HAVANT

The Whites returned back to White Cliffs country with the points but attention already turns to Havant. 

It was a hard fought victory on Saturday with the only goal coming from a neat Jordan Higgs finish, following some good build-up play by both Brandon Pierrick and George Nikaj. The gaffer was delighted with the win and getting back on the bus with three points after travelling all morning was well worth the journey.

‘It was fantastic,’ said Brundle. ‘From start to finish, we could of won by more but thats been our downfall all season. I couldn’t of asked for more. It was a perfect performance, coming away from home, 1-0 win, long journey. I’m delighted for the boys who put the hard work in. The players were dead on their feet after the game with the effort that they put in. They worked so hard. It’s 8 points from 12 now which puts us in good stead and now we focus on the next game.

Two clean sheets in a row, the back for and goalkeeper have been fantastic. They defended like proper men today. Taunton put some great deliveries into our box but again Jake Goodman, who only missed one header all day, was superb. We played against a team who have the second best defensive record in the league so to get two clean sheets in a row shows how far we have come in a short space of time.

We move on to the next game now on Tuesday and we take a lot of confidence from the performance. Freddie Oliver has come in on his debut and was outstanding. It couldn’t have gone any better for him and now the task for him is to keep that level of performance. We know he wont be able to play like that every week as he’s only young but he read the game so well on Saturday and he’s given himself a chance and put himself in our plans for the remainder of the season.

There is a real togetherness in the squad at the moment but its not just the players, it’s the backroom staff as well. There is a little buzz about the place and we are delighted with the recent attitude of everyone.

Just want to say thank you to all the traveling fans on Saturday. Unbelievable commitment to travel and support us in number and it certainly got us over the line, helping us get 3 points. The players appreciate it so thank you.’

Debutant Freddie Oliver had brought plaudits from both the fans and his boss after a cracking performance in the heart of the Whites midfield. The youngster looked like he had over 100 appearances under his belt rather than just making his first.

‘First game today. I was a little nervous before it started but as the game went on I got into it and now I am buzzing after the game. Coming away from home, tough pitch and a long coach journey, it was always going to be a tough match but we got the three points which is the main thing. We done the business. Thank you to the supporters for their support Saturday. To hear the noise they were making throughout the game helped me and filled me with confidence.’

The Whites have a quick turnaround with Havant & Waterlooville heading back to Kent for our rearranged fixture tomorrow night.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for this game can be purchased at the turnstile only.

Prices are as follows:

Adults – £16

Over 60 – £14

Under 18 – £8

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

 

TAUNTON TOWN 0 DOVER ATHLETIC 1

Dover head back to Crabble with all three points.

It was a first half that Dover seemed to dominate with possession but unfortunately couldn’t find that killer pass.

The home side forced a flurry of corners in the opening stages but Dover defended any balls into the box well. It was a strange half in the respect that the home team were playing like the away side and trying to catch Dover on the break, which were few and far between.

The first shot of the game came in the 24th minute. Dylan Morgan shot straight down the throat of Nelson who never broke sweat in the opening 45 minutes.

Seconds later and Jordan Higgs hit an identical shot to Morgan which was easily claimed by Irish in the Taunton goal.

In the 42nd Martin, Lee Martin was fouled after some lovely footwork from the skipper had enable him to evade two challenges before a cynical foul from Lee Lucas drew the first booking from the referee. Martin took the resulting free kick himself and bent the ball inches over the crossbar.

Dover had played well but were heading into the break level. We were still waiting for the debutant to burst into life. Pierrick had shown flashes on the ball but it’s never easy coming straight into a new side and system.

Minutes after the restart and the debutant broke down line before a fizzer from Judd forced a smart save from Irish in the home goal. Dover had begun the half in emphatic fashion and were looking the team more likely to break the deadlock.

Just ten minutes later and the Whites were celebrating. Pierrick again breaking down the right hand side, crossing into the feet of George Nikaj who set the ball back into the path of Jordan Higgs, who fired past Irish to send the travelling contingent wild. It was everything that Dover deserved for their possession and build up play.

The home side rallied but despite their best efforts, couldn’t force Dover into any mistakes. The referee must have brought some new cards this week and was determined to use them as he starting flashing them around as the game started to get scrappy.

Dover looked like they could of extended their lead midway through the half when Josh Ajayi broke through. Ajayi had George Nikaj square of the winger who tried to play in his teammate only for the Taunton defender to get a block in when it looked like Ajayi should of been a little more selfish.

The Whites did manage to get the ball in the net for a second time through Luke Baptiste but it was ruled offside after Ajayi had flicked the ball past Irish. It wasn’t clear if the ball would of ended in the net but Baptiste made sure and the linesman raised his flag.

Like last week, the back four had held firm and it was a well deserved clean sheet with all four defenders worthy of honourable mentions. Freddie Oliver looked like a player who had been playing first team football for ages with a very confident dispaly in the middle of the pitch.

Taunton were hot on the tail of Dover with games in hand but this result will ensure that those games will mean a little more for the peacocks.

Dover are definitely looking up after that performance and long may it continue. Enjoy your weekend, all.

COYW.

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Judd, Paxman, Goodman, Sterling, Higgs, Martin, Oliver, Ajayi, Nikaj, Pierrick

Subs: Moses, Agbebi, Brundle, Baptiste, Carney

Taunton Town: Irish, Foulston, Grimes, Wannell, James, McCootie, Guest, Smith, Sims-Burgess, Morgan, Lucas

Subs: Ball, Stearn, Chamberlain, Evans

Attendance: 787

UP NEXT – TAUNTON TOWN

Dover head west to Taunton.

The Whites face Taunton Town on Saturday looking to extend their unbeaten run. It will be a tricky away tie at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium with the Peacocks looking to avenge the 1-0 defeat at the turn of the year. Mitch Brundle was in the caretaker position for this win but will now want to take the points in his new role.

The manager has a selection dilemma ahead of the game with David Boateng limping off in the first half against Chelmsford City. The loanee from Crystal Palace will definitely miss the trip to Somerset but Myles Judd will return from his suspension. The travel has also played a part in the preparation for the team.

Speaking to Kent Sport Online Brundle said ‘We have got Myles Judd back. He didn’t want the break to come. It’s good we have a replacement to come straight back in, but it might not be like-for-like. I don’t know what team I’m picking yet. It’s a tough game, it’s a long journey, and they seem to do well at home. We just need to stick to our consistency levels. I’m looking forward to the game and I think the boys are as well. Hopefully, we can come out for the long journey home with a positive result.

Early team news for the Whites

David Boateng misses out with what looks like a groin injury as well as George Wilkinson who still has a slight issue with his knee. Will Moses is also closing in on a return to first team action.

‘Hopefully he can come back and get some consistency, said Brundle when quizzed about Wilkinson. ‘George hasn’t had that consistency this season. But he’s resilient enough and, once he’s back fit, we will try to get him some games and get that match sharpness back.’

We hope to see as many of you down there as possible to cheer on the boys. Please see the website for details regarding coach travel.

COYW!

The Cygnet Health Care Stadium, Wordsworth Drive, Taunton, Somerset TA1 2HG
Telephone: 01823 254909

Admission Prices 2022-23:

Payable by card or cash at the turnstile:

Adults (ages 18 to 67 incl.): £12

Concessions (State Pensioners & Students with ID): £10

Juniors (14-17 years): £5

Children aged 13 and under have free entry when accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied Under 14’s will not be admitted.

Parking
There are two car parks at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium. The main is car park 2 at the front of the ground adjoining the road is for spectators while coaches for visiting teams should be parked at the far end of the car park after receiving guidance from a club steward.

The inner car park situated on the left of the stadium behind one goal (Car Park 1) is currently unavailable as a car park and is restricted for use by matchday refreshment providers or by any other parties subject to prior agreement by the club.

Disabled parking spaces are located immediately to the left of the main turnstile.

By Car
The Cygnet Health Care Stadium is easily accessible from all major routes into the town.

M5 – leave the motorway at Junction 25. Take the exit off roundabout signposted Taunton (A38). Go straight over first roundabout, keeping in left hand or middle lane. Continue along the Toneway and keep straight on at the four-way traffic light junction until reaching a roundabout where the left hand lane should be taken onto Chritchard Way. Stay left and take exit at traffic lights, then go straight ahead at traffic lights immediately after. Continue around the corner into Wordsworth Drive and the ground is on the left.

A303 – approach Taunton via A358 through Henlade. At M5 Junction 25 roundabout follow signs for Taunton as above.

A38 from West – approaching the town past the Stonegallows pub on the left, go straight over the first roundabout. Follow Wellington Road towards the town, past University Centre Somerset on the left. Carry straight on at traffic lights by Tesco and take right hand lane into Cann Street. Keep left and follow road into Upper High Street. Carry straight on until reaching traffic lights at Sainsburys. Keep in left hand lane through first set of traffic lights and then straight on at next set before going right at next set of lights onto East Reach. Keep straight on until reaching set of lights at bottom of East Reach where right hand lane should be taken into Wordsworth Drive and ground is on the left.

A38 from East – enter outskirts of town through Bathpool. At four way traffic light junction, take right turn onto Toneway signposted Taunton. Continue until reaching a roundabout where the left hand lane should be taken onto Chritchard Way. Stay left and take exit at traffic lights, then go straight ahead at traffic lights immediately after. Continue around the corner into Wordsworth Drive and the ground is on the left.

By Rail
The Cygnet Health Care Stadium is an approximate 25 minute walk from Taunton Railway Station. There are various routes available; turn left when leaving the station onto Trenchard Way and walk eastwards, going over bridge until reaching roundabout adjoining Priory Fields Retail Park. Cross over road into Priory Avenue and turn left. Route will take you onto footpath in Victoria Park. Exit onto Alfred Street which leads to East Reach. Cross road at traffic lights by Holcombes Car Mart and keep right into Wordsworth Drive. Ground is on the left. Should you wish to walk via the town centre, this is signposted from the railway station.

Alternatively taxis and buses are available. Bus No 1 runs to the Parade in the town centre and from there No 4 and No 51 drop off at Leycroft Road, a three minute walk from the ground.

WELCOME BRANDON

Brandon Pierrick puts pen to paper on a deal with the Whites.

Pierrick Brandon Leroy Keutcha signs as a free agent to bolster Mitch Brundle’s squad and add more excitement to this new look Dover squad. Known as Brandon Pierrick, the 21 year old winger will be looking to make a good impression at Crabble after having already appearanced in the Premier League, Scottish Premier League and Danish Superliga.

Pierrick made his debut for Crystal Palace in the 2019-20 season and then moved north to Kilmarnock to gain some more experience on loan. The next stop on his footballing journey took him to Denmark and Vejle Boldklub where the winger made a handful of appearances. The Whites had to wait for International clearance before announcing the deal. 

Pierrick will wear the number 32 and is available for selection this weekend.

We welcome you to Crabble, Brandon.

HARRISON BYFORD IN ONE MONTH LOAN DEAL

Harrison Byford joins Faversham Town on a one month loan deal.

The young defender who has been around the first team for a while now, will be looking to get some much needed minutes into his legs and has gone on a months loan to Faversham Town in the Isthmian League.

Good Luck, Harrison.

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT – YEOVIL TOWN 1 DOVER ATHLETIC 3

The young Whites come from behind to advance in the National League Youth Cup.

Mike Sandmann’s young Whites showed fantastic character away from home today to advance into the semi-final of the National League Cup. After falling behind in the opening moments of the match, Dover turned on the magic to once again show their cup pedigree at Youth level.

It certainly wasn’t an ideal start for the away side with Yeovil taking the lead after just one minute. This only stoked the fire in the Whites who scored through Archie Hatcher and Dan Lott. Hatcher had notched a brace while Freddie Oliver received the Man of the Match for his performance.

‘I’m really proud of the players today to come from behind after such a long journey,’ said Sandmann. ‘Yeovil made it difficult for us with their management of the game after they scored. We started slowly which which give ourselves a difficult task but we responded brilliantly. I’m more proud of their professional performance, maintaining discipline and focus and not allowing the manner of the game to affect their jobs.
As soon as we scored early in the second half I knew we would only get better. I could sense their determination at half time to turn it around and we are now only a game away from the National League Cup final. I know the players will be desperate to get into it.’
Well done lads. Superb stuff.
Come on you Young Whites!

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker Lottery results for Wednesday 22nd February. 

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.

AWAY TRAVEL TO TAUNTON

DASC are running a coach for this weeks trip to Taunton Town. 

RULES FOR THE COACH TRAVEL

All vehicles are NON SMOKING No alcohol will be permitted on our vehicles at any time. (This means not just drinking alcohol but also taking it on the coach) Any damage caused will be charged to the Supporters Club

If any Coach Traveller identifies a problem when boarding, please inform the person Over-seeing the Coach. Any abnormal or excessive cleaning will result in a fine payable by the Supporters Club No excessively rowdy behaviour will be tolerated The Coach Company 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.

Pre Arranged Drop-Offs and Pick-Ups will be permitted on route with NO Detours. 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.

BLANKETY BLANK – WHITES FAIL TO FIND THE NET

The manager’s reaction following the stalemate with Chelmsford City.

It might have been another point on the board for the Whites this weekend but it wasn’t enough for the boss who was slightly disappointed. Chelmsford are a well drilled side who are in touching distance of the play off picture themselves but Mitch Brundle thought his team could have taken more than just the solitary point. It’s a work in progress still and a sign that things are most definitely on the up at the Megger Community Stadium.

Speaking to Kent Online Sport Brundle said ‘I didn’t think we played particularly well, I’m a little bit disappointed but that shows you where we’ve come from, unbeaten in three and five points from the last nine. They’re higher than us. You can be critical but to be fair the boys did everything in terms of their work-rate, commitment and desire that we look for. I’m quite pleased but I also feel like it was a missed opportunity. It’s a bit frustrating because we did well in spells, I thought we deserved to win the game. Credit to them, they are resilient as a team but we were as well. A couple of months ago we might have lost that game with the chances late on. I thought defensively, especially the two centre-halves, were excellent. We huffed and puffed and lacked that real clinical edge.

Josh Ajayi had opened his account last week but couldn’t add to it after some fine goalkeeping by the opposition stopper. ‘You score that one, you like to hope you kick on,’ said the gaffer. ‘We put ourselves in good areas but we just weren’t clinical enough. We’re creating chances but it comes down to the saying “if you don’t finish your dinner, you’re going to be hungry.” We can’t be critical of the team. They didn’t out-work us, it was a good battle between two good teams. We want to be in their position so go out and prove it. If we can keep the run going then we’ll keep moving forward.’

Brundle declared on the ‘Meet the Manager’ evening that he wanted his team to play a certain style. The players have clearly brought into the new philosophy even if the results haven’t always gone our way. ‘Consistency has been our big problem, today it wasn’t so that’s credit to the dressing room,’ Brundle continued. ‘It can’t just be two games, it needs to be three and then four and five. At the minute we’re not at that stage, we’re still developing and building and still trying to get as many points on the board as we can.’

The Whites travel to Taunton on Saturday this week to face Taunton Town, looking to extend the unbeaten run to four matches. We hope to see you there.

COYW.

 

FIXTURE UPDATE – HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE

Havant & Waterlooville head to the Megger Community Stadium on Tuesday 28th February 2023.

The original tie was postponed last month and the original rearranged date had been moved to this one so make a note in your diary and we look forward to welcoming you through the gates in just over a weeks time. Kick off will be at 19.45. There will be further news on the fixture next week.