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DOVER ATHLETIC 0 CHELMSFORD CITY 0

Whites draw blank as Chelmsford prove a tough nut to crack.

Dover began the first half like they ended the last game, on the front foot. Within a minute Josh Ajayi had warmed the hands of Ed Beach in the Chelmsford goal with a side footed volley that the visiting keeper did well to push away.

Tyrone Sterling had hearts in mouths moments later when a pass back to Stuart Nelson had the Dover stopper scrambling back to his line to clear with the visiting support behind the goal cheering as they thought it had crossed the line. It was a real let off for the Whites.

In the 13th minute, Jordan Higgs nearly opened the scoring when he tried to bundle the ball over the line after a volleyed cross by Wanadio seemed to evade everyone in the six yard box.

Minutes later and Jack Paxman shot agonisingly wide of the post after twisting and turning away from his marker. The Whites had been pushing hard for the opener and they thought had it on the half hour mark.

With neat build up play on the edge of the Chelmsford penalty area, the ball finally made its way to George Nikaj who’s first time shot looped over the stranded Beach, only for the ball to come back off the crossbar. Lee Martin reacted the quickest to head into the net but the celebrations were cut short as the flag was raised for offside.

Ajayi and Wanadio were terrorising their full backs and the latter fired over the crossbar after a cross by Ajayi. Dover certainly deserved more for their endeavour at the halfway stage.

It was a better opening of the second half than the first for the visitors with the away team showing a little more purpose. Khale Da Costa was acrobatic with an overhead kick that flashed wide as Chelmsford tried to get a foot hold in the match.

Jack Paxman went into the referee’s notebook after an accumulation of fouls and the resulting free-kick was fired straight into the body of Nelson. Arjanit Krasniqi was the next offender to be brandished a yellow card as the game began to get a little tetchy from both sides.

Dover still tried to play the way that the manager wanted and even though some of the passing was a little off, it was plain to see that there was a pattern of play in place.

Substitute Tom Blackwell nearly opened the scoring for the visitors but his shot was scuffed safely into the hands of Nelson when he really should have found the net. It was the first real scare for the Whites as Chelmsford looked to gain some momentum.

It wasn’t for the want of trying but it was just one of those days for Brundle’s side who just couldn’t maintain the high levels from the first half but it was a clean sheet and another positive performance.

COYW.

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Paxman A, Goodman, Higgs, Wanadio, Martin, Sterling, Nikaj, Ajayi, Paxman J, Boateng

Subs: Moses, Carney, Baptiste, Byford, Oliver

Chelmsford City: Beach, Barnum-Bobb, Trotter, Winfield, Jackson, Da Costa, Alfa, Grant, Terry, Brooke’s, Krasniqi

Subs: Marsden, James, Blackwell, Jones, Yila.

Attendance: 719

UP NEXT – CHELMSFORD CITY

We look ahead to our next clash at home against Chelmsford City.

The visit of Chelmsford will pose a tough test for Mitch Brundle’s side with both teams sharing the spoils last time out. A 0-0 draw back in November couldn’t separate the two teams who have had a fairly even record over the last decade with two draws and both teams claiming a victory each.

It was a super performance by the Whites against Eastbourne Borough with the crowd playing their part in the win. Speaking to Kent Online Sport the manager said ‘We had 600-odd on Saturday. That can only go up – but it only goes up if you win games. I know that. The brand of football is exciting for people to watch so I urge more people to come. We can get better as a team. With all the chances we’re creating, the reason why they’re not going in is because we’re not at a better level yet. We’re creating chances, most games are won in midfield, and you let the star boys shine and stand out – like Josh did.

Josh Ajayi scored his maiden goal in a Dover shirt but it wasn’t for the want of trying in his previous few performances. ‘I’m delighted for him. He’s had a tough time in terms of playing time and that belief. But I’m giving him that belief – I believe in him. He’s a cracking player and he’s one I know that can step up and be unbelievable.’

The boss was also impressed with the returning George Nikaj. ‘I thought he was excellent,’ noted Brundle. ‘I said to him at half-time that you need to be more aerially dominant when you’re the No.9 in the team. He’s got to be more physical. This level is a step up so, for him to do it, his fitness levels need to go up. He’ll only get better. He’s had the chances with a couple of shots at goal and his work-rate was fantastic. I’ll never question anyone if they give me everything.

After the game, the whistle blows and he has his hands on his knees, so you know he’s given everything. I can’t ask for much more. Eventually, I can ask for more in terms of quality and finishing but, first game back, I’ve given him that belief and that trust, starting him as a No.9 for Dover. That’s what he wanted so he’s delighted. I’ll continue to work with him and he can only get better. Once he gets a goal under my realm, I think he’ll step up in confidence and feel like he’s right for the level.

Sometimes, it’s tough. When you go on loan, you don’t feel wanted. But that’s not the case with me. He had a loan in place – otherwise he’d have played a lot sooner than he has – but we honoured that loan and he wanted that loan, and it’s only done him good. He fits into the mould of what we want and we’re going to work with him so we can get another good centre-forward from our Academy. His style of play fits into what I’m trying to do as a manager and he’s bought right into it. He’s not thrown his toys out the pram, he’s not holding any grudges, and I personally get on really well with him.’

Luke Wanadio had been placed on the transfer list but in his last two appearances had shone brightly. ‘Maybe someone is looking over me and thanking me for not getting rid of him!’ quipped Brundle. ‘But we’re at the start of what we’re doing and we’ll take confidence from Saturday.”

Early team news for the Whites:

George Wilkinson missed the Saturday win over Boro through injury while defender Will Moses remains unavailable.

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

CHELMSFORD CITY – VIP STYLE

Fancy watching the Whites take on Chelmsford City in style? Of course you do.

This Saturday we host Chelmsford in the Vanarama National South, looking to kick on from our great performance from last week. Mitch Brundle and the boys will be looking to put on another show and where else would you rather watch it than here with us.

Watch the game from the best seats in the house and let our match day hospitality provide the ultimate way to spend your time with us.

The package includes:

Butler hosted lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game
A three-course meal served at your table
Reserved undercover premium padded seating
Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water, plus a dedicated paid bar before and after the match
Complimentary match day team sheet

The very special experience costs £28 per person and is available for individual and group bookings, or as a gift voucher.

Please note that this price does NOT include entry for non-season ticket holders who do attend, and they will still need to pay at the turnstile on the day.

On the menu for the game will be :

Leek and potato soup
Roast beef
Strawberry cheesecake and cream

Arrival at the ground should be at 1pm and food will be served at 1.30pm.

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email [email protected] or call the office on 01304 822373

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker Lottery results for Wednesday 15th 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.

THREE POINTS, TWO GOALS, ONE STEP FORWARD

We hear from the men who made Dover’s victory over Eastbourne Borough possible.

Despite an early setback with the Whites conceding inside two minutes, it was a spirited performance and the first reversal since pre covid. It’s a statistic that has stretched on for far too long but not only was it a first win in six but also showed character to come from behind.

Speaking to Kent Online Sport, manager Mitch Brundle said ‘Like I said when I first took the job, it’s a work in progress. The players have got to trust the process, and they have. Today, we have scored two goals, which I’m delighted with. I’m glad to see Josh get off the mark. I’m hoping now that gives him a bit of confidence. The team did everything I asked of them, with their desire, their commitment, their work ethic and their respect for each other to do each others’ jobs. It’s something we’ve had in all our performances, to be fair, since we’ve actually been able to bring players in and shake the squad up how we want it to be.

I think that’s two draws, a win and a loss since we brought players in, which is fantastic. We were missing goals but, today, we got them. The actual work ethic of the team is the thing that makes me the most proud because they’re running for me and they’re running for the club. You could see the celebrations after the game and that just comes from hard work. I said that at half-time. I said “You didn’t drop your heads, you didn’t think the world was against you, you didn’t sulk. You dug in and made sure that you turned the result around.” They believe in what we’re trying to do.

Second minute, the goal went in and I was thinking “Oh God, here we go”. But fair play to them, all credit to them, and their hard work pays off. We just move onto the next one now. I thought Lee Martin was outstanding. Pax (Jack Paxman) joins in with the front lads unbelievably well and Higgsy (Jordan Higgs) is Higgsy. He’s consistent. Consistently throughout the season, he performs to a level which makes him such a valuable player to us.’

There was also a special mention for Stuart Nelson who’s save in the second half helped to secure the points. Nelson has since been named in the Vanarama National South Team of the Week.

Tyrone Sterling rolled back the years and scored a fantastic header to level the score at one a piece. ‘What a great feeling to get the team back in the game,’ he said. I don’t score many but to hear the crowd erupt after scoring is always so special.’

Josh Ajayi finally opened his account after knocking on the door, well the woodwork actually, in his last few outings. It was a sublime finish from a player who is clearly starting to enjoy life at Crabble. ‘It was a great performance from the boys, not just myself,’ said Ajayi. We dug deep, especially after going behind so early on. I think i’m settling in quite well, it’s a great bunch of lads who haven’t made it hard for me at all.

I think now that I have got my goal it’s a bit of pressure off my back and has given me the extra confidence to keep going and hopefully scoring and helping the team as much as I can. We have shown what we are capable of, whether at training or on game day so we just need to keep building on these positives going forward.’

COYW.

WE MOURN THE PASSING OF BRIAN LEE

Rest in peace, Brian Lee

It is with the greatest of regret and deepest sadness that the National League announces the passing of Brian Lee MBE, former Chairman and President of the League. He passed peacefully in hospital on Sunday 12 February.
During his lifetime of achievements in football Brian was so well respected and received wherever he went. Many individuals and clubs will owe a debt of gratitude for his persistence and foresight in laying down foundations on which clubs depend.
The National League recognised Brian’s commitment across many aspects of the game when presenting him with a special recognition award at their Gala Awards Evening in June 2022.
High on the list of achievements was the formation of the National League Trust, aided by the Premier League and PFA, which Brian developed the seed of club community engagement into the flower which successfully blossoms across the membership today.
Brian had a playing, coaching and managerial career during his early life and he became director of Bisham Abbey, after his time at Lilleshall which played a pivotal role as a training base for England’s success in the 1966 World Cup.
Brian went on to manage Wycombe Wanderers and was instrumental in the move to, and building of, their current stadium, Adams Park.
Even right up to recent times he could be found supporting the Chairboys, making the short trip from his nearby home. He remains a club legend to many a generation who follow the team.
Involvement with the National League, previously the Football Conference, started back in 1991 as Vice Chairman and then elevated to Chairman in 2007.
Over the ensuing years he led the competition with an assurance and dignity befitting his experience in the game. He stepped down from that position in June 2015 and accepted the honour to become President and in the same year was honoured with an MBE to recognise his service to football.
Brian touched so many lives inside and outside of the game. His influence cannot be underestimated, and his passing is a tremendous blow to the family so soon after the passing of his wife and soulmate Shirley-Ann.
Jack Pearce, Chair of the National League, commented “Brian was a friend and colleague to many and a fountain of wisdom to those of us who worked alongside him across his lifetime. Brian was a true gentleman, communicator and above all else, a compassionate and caring individual. May I, on behalf of all connected with the National League, extend our sincere condolences to his sons, Bryn and
Tim and all other members of the Lee family at this difficult time.”
As a mark of respect, the League will observe a one-minute silence with players wearing black armbands across all fixtures on Saturday 18 February 2023.

DOVER ATHLETIC 2 EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 1

The Brundle era is off and running after a superb home win.

There seems to be a theme at the moment with Dover games in that we keep conceding early on and this match was to be no different as Leone Gravata scored inside two minutes after a good ball in from the right.

Unlike the last few matches that the Whites had gone behind in, this time there was a higher sense of urgency in trying to get back into the game. Luke Wanadio weaved down the right hand side only for his cross to undo all his good work.

Midway through the first half and with Dover pressing, a breakdown in attack left a hole at the heart of the defence in which Eastbourne Boro exploited only for the quick thinking of Stuart Nelson, who spread himself superbly to deny the visitors extending their lead.

Josh Ajayi looked to have opened his account when he cut inside his man and curled a beautiful shot towards the far post, only for Lee Worgan to dive at full strength to push it around the post.

Ajayi was at the centre of it again when in the 29th minute his header from a corner hit the woodwork. Boro cleared their lines but Dover regained possession and a lovely ball back into the area was met by Tyrone Sterling. His header was super, beating the dive of the despairing Worgan.

Dover and in particular Jack Paxman were purring. It was a spirited performance and certainly worthy of going into the break level. The Whites had dominated the possession with some neat interplay trough the midfield with Higgs, Paxman and Martin all combining well.

It was Dover who started the second half the quicker out of the two teams with George Nikaj nipping in twice inside the early moments of the half but both efforts were denied by Worgan.

Ajayi had been unlucky in the first half but that was about to change on the hour when a quickly taken free-kick found the feet of Ajayi who spun round and bent his shot into the far top corner. It was a beautiful strike. Take a bow son.

It was a lead that Dover deserved as their play had been bold up until this point. But it was nearly taken away from them when a sweetly struck set piece was pushed onto the crossbar by Nelson, who was up quick enough to claim the rebound.

In the 75th minute and with the bit between his teeth, Ajayi flashed a shot over Worgan’s crossbar after neat play by Nikaj. It was a move that had started near the right back position and was well worked from back to front, carving through the opposition team.

The Ajayi Worgan saga continued with the ex Whites stopper again at full stretch to keep his side in the match. It was a superb save, diving down to his left to palm away the forwards curling effort.

In the end it was irrelevant as Dover held on to get the first three points of the Brundle era. It was a performance worthy of the win with Dover dominating large parts of the match. It’s the little building blocks in which the manager can now start putting together with his team but we are off and running.

COYW.

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Paxman A, Goodman, Sterling, Boateng, Martin, Higgs, Paxman J, Ajayi, Wanadio, Nikaj

Subs: Carney, Byford, Oliver, Baptiste, Agbebi

Eastbourne Borough: Worgan, Birchall, Innocent, Dickenson, Bartley, Perez, Walker, Bendle, Remy, Pearce, Gravata

Subs: Kastrati, Pitoula-Wabo, Bull, Houlter, Scarlett

Attendance: 629

MEET THE MANAGER – THE OUTCOME

The fans got to put their questions to the manager last night. Here is the best of them.

Q – First one to chairman. Prior to the season starting should we have been competing considering our budget given pre season? JP – Our budget was competitive compared to others. We are a top ten team budget wise but we can’t improve on this without fans coming through the gate. MB – we haven’t had the luck so far. Look at the Worthing game. A red card rescinded. This club is built on a group of players with work ethic. The togetherness had gone. We are changing the squad and personnel. The chairman backs me. They need to match my philosophy.

Q – I think we are in a relegation battle. We have a very young side. Will you reconsider your decision to not play? MB – I trust the group but I could possibly come back in. We are changing to a possession based team and we have the team to do that. Would I put my boots back on? Yes. I am trying to focus the team as a whole and when I think it’s right, I will make that call.

Q – Years ago when you first came here, all the players used to come into the clubhouse and mix with the fans, is this something that could happen again? MB – We need to get back to that. Togetherness from the players and the fans. We make all the players now stay till 6. It’s something we want to get back into. The lads need to come in and mingle with the fans, win lose or draw. We want the fans to be in the bar win lose or draw also. We need to United. We can only be better as a whole.

Q – Who would you say was your biggest managerial influence and what was the biggest thing you have taken? MB – Peter Reid for me. I have spoken to him personally he has told me you have to galvanise the club. It takes time. It’s not an overnight thing. The hardest thing for me to get to grips with is trying to get the best of this football club. I work for 7 days to get this right. The chairman has given me the trust to knit this all together. I know all the back room staff.

Q – In light of the financial difficulties, what ambition do you have in the short term and the medium term? MB – I would say the recruitment has been wrong. No disrespect to AH but he has a diff way of doing things to me. We have created 57 chances scoring 4 goals which we can all see is a problem. We can change this if we can change the mindset of the players from front to back. I put lads on the transfer list because I wanted to free up money but also because I want players to work like I want them too. Do we have a shot of the play offs? It could happen. There is always a way. We have our own ambitions. The players I have brought in have been class.

JP – one of the reasons we decided to give Mitch the chance was because of his knowledge and his football network. These players will fit well in the budget as we have made expensive mistakes. I believe he has the capability to turn it around.

Q – is there money in the budget for signings? MB – yes there is. I’m speaking to managers more then my wife at the moment. We are creating a network and making contact with various clubs. I’m in the position where I can decide now who I want. We lost Alfie Pavey but he won’t suit the way we will now be playing. I made a decision to let him go. It was a tough one. He’s one of my mates on and off the pitch but for me to succeed here I need to make ruthless decisions. We let Kandi and Pavey go to bring in Paxman, Ajayi and Boateng.

JP – Talking about budget. It’s a chicken and egg scenario. We need people through the gate to make the budget larger. If we can have 900-1000 a game, that’s an additional £100k a year for the kitty for players. You get your luck by working hard. We are getting the worst decisions I’ve ever seen but we will keep working hard and eventually we will come out good.

MB – what can we do that will galvanise us as a club back together? One of the things that galvanises supporters is having a go at goal. MB – we will find the players and system that will do that. I understand the criticism and I do take it on board. I know we turn down opportunities. It’s about excitement. We need ruthlessness.

Q – You have spoken a lot about players not fitting the system, but who does currently? MB – I can highlight a couple but there’s no point in shooting peoples confidence. There’s a lot of people in that team. You can see a change in that team. Josh Ajayi, once he gets his first goal he then goes bang, bang, bang. He’s committed to the process that we are working with.

Q – I think there are some issues off the pitch regarding other clubs saying it’s unpleasant coming here. We seem to have complaints all the time. Our reputation is not very good at present. MB – we don’t want to call games off. We look at other teams who have played less who have also called them off. Maybe them called them off too early. We try to take it to the wire with every game to make sure we play. We want the games to be Saturdays and not Tuesdays. We want the fans there behind us as we know it’s a little less likely in the week. People blame the chairman but there is a huge sum spent on expenditure on a match day so we want them games to be on. People don’t like us because we are bigger than them. We are a national league team but not in stature. They don’t like it. They all have something against us.

JP – There’s a rumour that we don’t let clubs video here which is true but it’s not through us not wanting too. We only have enough room to video for ourselves but we can send the away team the footage. But they never ask. Some of the stick we get is unjustified. MB – All I want is a team that you can clap at the end of the game who has worked their socks off. Ebbsfleet told us we were the best footballing side they played against. So I know we are going in the right way. Sometimes we will be good, other times not. I want to galvanise the community. I want to go into schools. I know I will make mistakes. I won’t shy away from seeing the fans if we lose. I will take the brunt of it. I will make sure I’m here for you.

Q – Are you going to be playing right back Saturday? MB – No ha ha.

Q – There will be a section from the support who will like the siege mentality but others who don’t. MB – what can I do to change the fans thoughts on that? I will take it on board to make it better. JP – we don’t disrespect any other clubs. We treat them well when they come here but it’s easy to jump on the bandwagon about us due to our standings in non league. MB – in the national league south we are a big team. People don’t like us but can we meet and help each other to make things better? We want to perform on the pitch but off it too. Forget the trolls and negativity. I can’t afford to run the club like the chairman. But I can try and get a football team worthy of playing in front of you. I want you all to come and support the team. Get people back through the gates. I’m as honest as the day is long. I will always answer any questions.

Q – Is there an opportunity in a marketing strategy for the club ? JP – we have done various marketing strategies. Megger have saved our lives with a three year deal. They want to get involved with the community but at the moment DDC have put a block on till we make another meeting with them. MB – we want to bring the club back to the community. Schools, shopping centres, etc. we want to get a 3G pitch sorted but again we need fans through the door to free up finances etc. Money is tight at the moment but we know we can come together. People like you make this club. We need help though. Can we bring a friend? Stay in the bar after the game? We want to create all that.

Q – You make be excited to be a Dover fan at the moment. Can we go any further than the National League? MB – again we need more fans for more budget and more budget is better playing squad. We only get people through the door by winning. We know it’s a two way street. The club can go as far as it wants. We can push on with big gates for sure.

Q – What can we say to you regarding making a difference. Can we get a discount for multiple home games in a month? MB – we can certainly have a look. Me and the chairman talk privately about things like this all the time for the greater good. There is never a stupid question. We will always look at the best possible situation for the football club. We want to benefit the club and yourself. We want you all in here to have the best time.

Q – Can we change the fortunes in the cups next season? MB – I’d love to reach the quarters, semi or final. But seriously we would love to have the Crystal Palace’s again but we look to prioritise this Saturday.

Q – Did releasing Alfie Pavey seem a gamble? MB – of course it is. Every transfer is a gamble. Bringing players in is a gamble. Me being honest as a manager, Pavey has not quite hit the heights from open play. It’s up to me to recruit.

Q – The charity match against the legends went down well, will we see a repeat? MB – I’m only focusing on the games that matter to me. JP – When we get some more legends we will make it happen.

Q – The Copa 90 documentary has come out today. What was you hoping to get out of it? JP – it was brought about regarding covid fiasco but Sky were going to get it but it got blackballed and Copa took it on. I haven’t seen it yet.

Q – Are you putting money in or have you had enough? JP – when I come here we were hundreds of thousands in debt. We have punched above our weight consistently. We have had cup runs etc but I’ve always put money in. I’m retired now. My resources are now becoming limited. But it can’t go on forever. We can only do so much. It goes back to crowds again. We didn’t play at home for nearly 2 months. We have to pay the bills still. We won’t see the club go to debt. MB – the chairman is doing the best for the club. It’s not all about signing strikers. It’s about balancing the books and the club as a business. We need to keep things in perspective. We got through covid. And we are still debt free. Fair play to the chairman.

MB – You did a fantastic job chairman, can we give him a round of applause (applause from the audience).

Q – With penalties, do we have a nominated penalty taker? MB – I have in my head. I didn’t want to take one at Uxbridge due to not being warm so I didn’t want to be in that position. I’ve got my own designated taker. I’ll keep that close to my chest for now as I don’t want to put him under pressure.

Q – Will we go back to daytime training? MB – can we get lads in who can train in the day? Some are part time etc who work in the day. We can’t always give them the financial benefit that we used to be able too.

JP – Thanks for coming. Hopefully it’s answered all your questions. I’m always about on match days if you want to come and chat with me. Don’t Listen to all the stuff that’s written about us. We want you to support us and not jump on what other teams write. Thanks for your time.

UP NEXT – EASTBOURNE BOROUGH

Boro head to the Megger Community Stadium looking to do a league double over the Whites.

Mitch Brundle and his side will be looking to continue their good work after a draw on the road last time out against Slough Town. Eastbourne Borough will be no pushovers as the team from Priory Lane look to head back home with the three points following their win over the Whites back in September.

Dover have a good record on home soil, winning three and drawing three of the last six matches against Eastbourne. The bookies have made the visitors slight favourites but Brundle will relish the opportunity to upset the form book, a task made a little more difficult with his defensive options beginning to thin out. Myles Judd will now serve his suspension after breaching the ten booking fresh hold.

Speaking to Kent Online Sport, Brundle said ‘Juddy has been fantastic. He plays the game on the front foot and he’s aggressive. We will miss him but, obviously, that’s what the squad is for. We will see how the week goes in training. I have ideas already. I’m training all the time – that’s a thought if it comes down to it. But I believe in the group. If I don’t trust them, then there’s no real point bringing them in. I’ve told them that I believe in them and it’s up to them. We will look at what the best solution is.’

The gaffer was delighted with David Boateng’s first goal for the club and was also looking forward to the prospect of welcoming back George Nikaj from loan. ‘It’s the chance to play at a higher level which is what he needs. He has done really well at that level. There was a chance to extend it but we haven’t. He deserves a chance as he has been scoring. He will be playing a part in our team – it’s up to him to see whether he can do it at this level.’

When quizzed about any further signings the manager seemed to be in an optimistic mood. ‘We’re actively looking, it’s just about getting the right ones in,” the boss said. ‘We need to find someone who fits into the way we work. We’ve identified a few. It’s just about whether we can get it over the line.’

We hope to see you all at Crabble tomorrow.

COYW.

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

CONCORD RANGERS RESCHEDULED

The away tie at Concord Rangers has now been moved to April.

Our scheduled Vanarama National South match away at Concord Rangers has now changed from Tuesday 21st February to Tuesday 18th April. All the relevant ticket and travel information will be posted closer to the time.