Whites take a break from the National League on Saturday as they face Eastbourne Borough in the first round of the Buildbase FA Trophy.
And Chris Kinnear’s men will be looking to build on their impressive 4-0 victory against Hartlepool last Saturday.
Currently 15th in the National League South standings, Jamie Howell’s side needed a replay and penalties to knock out Royston Town in the last round after drawing 1-1 at home in the first game.
Eastbourne’s Harry Ransom scored late in the reverse fixture to make it 2-2 and take the match to extra time, with the visitors victorious in the shootout.
Home fans will recognise two members of the away squad.
Defender Ian Simpemba made 49 appearances for Whites over a two-year period and Leon Redwood featured for Dover on loan in 2012.
Two of Athletic’s goalkeepers will also be facing their former side.
Mitch Walker made 12 appearances for Borough during a loan spell five years ago and goalkeeper coach Lee Hook was the number one at Priory Lane between 2005-09.
EASTBOURNE’S RECENT FORM
BRAINTREE 3-2 EASTBOURNE
Billy Crook kept his cool from the spot as the hosts came from behind to win the three points.
Borough were ahead early on when Shaun Okojie slotted in after great work from teammate Lloyd Dawes.
Phil Roberts levelled with a powerful shot from the edge of the box and the striker put his side ahead after the break, nodding in after the visitors failed to properly clear Crook’s delivery.
But the away team were level once again minutes later, Kieran Khinda-John firing through a crowded area into the bottom corner.
But Town won it with just over ten minutes remaining as Crook sent Bourne goalkeeper Mark Smith the wrong way with his penalty.
PREVIOUS MEETING
24/10/15 – EASTBOURNE 1-2 DOVER
Whites qualified for the first round of the FA Cup first round proper for the third consecutive season with a narrow win at Priory Lane.
Chris Kinnear’s men led after only three minutes thanks to Stefan Payne’s nonchalant back-heel.
And Craig Stone stopped Dover doubling their lead moments later, heading Nicky Deverdics’ corner off the goalline.
The hosts levelled the tie on 77 minutes. Sub Gavin McCallum cut inside and rifled in an effort from 25-yards.
But Sean Raggett rose highest in injury time to head in Deverdics’ corner and send Athletic into the next round.
TICKET NEWS
Prices are as follows:
Adults – £17
Over 60’s – £14
Under 18’s – £8
Under 11’s (With an accompanying adult) – Free
COVERAGE
The game starts at 3pm but if you are unable to make the trip, we will have live updates on Twitter – @DAFCLiveText – follow us and get all the news as it happens!
Coverage starts from 2pm.
SATURDAY’S OTHER FA TROPHY FIXTURES
BILLERICAY TOWN V HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE
BLYTH SPARTANS V TELFORD
BRAINTREE TOWN V BRACKLEY TOWN
CHESHAM UNITED V WESTON-SUPER-MARE
CHESTER V FYLDE
CHORLEY V MARINE
DARTFORD V BOREHAM WOOD
EAST THURROCK V ALDERSHOT TOWN
EBBSFLEET UNITED V EASTLEIGH
FC HALIFAX TOWN V MACCLESFIELD TOWN
GATESHEAD V GUISELEY
HAMPTON & RICHMOND V HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS
HARINGEY BOROUGH V LEYTON ORIENT
HARTLEY WINTNEY V BROMLEY
HENDON V BATH
HEREFORD FC V DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS V YORK CITY
LANCASTER CITY V STOCKPORT COUNTY
LEAMINGTON V STOURBRIDGE
NUNEATON V BARROW
SOLIHULL MOORS V GAINSBORUGH
SUTTON UNITED V TRURO CITY
TAUNTON TOWN V BOGNOR REGIS
TORQUAY UNITED V MAIDSTONE UNITED
WARRINGTON TOWN V ALTRINCHAM
WEALDSTONE V WINGATE & FINCHLEY
WHITEHAWK V ST ALBANS CITY
WOKING V MAIDENHEAD UNITED
WORKINGTON V HARTLEPOOL UNITED
WREXHAM V HARROGATE TOWN
AWAY TRAVEL
There is a coach travelling to Wrexham on Saturday 23rd December and it’s not too late to book a seat on it.
Prices are as follows:
Adult members £30, adult non-members £45 and accompanied child (Under 16) £15
And there is also a coach travelling to Maidstone on Monday 1st January.
The costs are: Adult members £12, Adult non-members £25 and accompanied child (Under 16) £6.
Please call or text Andy on 0793 4300335 to book your seat, or see him in the Centre Spot after the match against Eastbourne.
Please note you are now required to pay for your seat in advance by cash or via bank transfer.