Dover enter the FA Cup in the first qualifying round and face Isthmian South East Division side Sittingbourne at Woodstock Park. It’s 30 years since the clubs last met in the FA Cup, with Sittingbourne running out 2-1 replay winners after a 1-1 draw, also in the first qualifying round stage.
Dover Athletic
The Whites come in off the back of a 3-1 win at Horsham last Saturday. Despite falling behind to an early Horsham goal in the 22nd minute, Dover responded just before halftime with George Nikaj’s header from a corner, making it 1-1. The second half saw Dover dominate, taking the lead in the 69th minute when Luke Baptiste capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area. Dover’s defense, led by captain Mitch Walker, thwarted Horsham’s efforts to equalize, including a crucial close-range save. A swift counter-attack in the 81st minute saw Soares-Junior score, sealing the 3-1 victory. Dover’s disciplined and clinical second-half performance earned them three valuable points, boosting their position in the league.
Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury. Harrison Pont is suspended.
From the Manager
“I think it’s a really tough draw and a very difficult place to go. Sittingbourne have been used to winning for a couple of years. They’ve got some experienced and strong players, and they’re going to be right up for it. I’ve just said to our lads it’s all about attitude. On Saturday, if we can compete and do what we’ve been doing, hopefully we have enough. But it’s the FA Cup, anything can happen. It would be fantastic for the fans, more than anything, to have a great run in the competition this year.”
Kit
Dover Athletic will line up in our yellow and green away strip with our goalkeeper in pink. Sittingbourne play in red and black.
The Opposition
On Bank Holiday Monday, Sittingbourne had a convincing 3-1 win over Ashford United Goals from Troy Howard, Mitchell May and Jay Beckford sealed the win after Ashford’s Louis Collins scored the first. All three goal scorers coming on as second half substitutes.
In the previous round of the FA Cup, Sittingbourne played away at Farnham and won 4-2. A 3rd minute goal from Liam Smith put them 1-0 up but Farnham equalised in the 29th minute. After 59 minutes Mitchell May was fouled in the penalty area and stepped up himself to put the Brickies 2-1 up. Mitchell went on to get his hattrick and Sittingbourne’s 4th to progress to the next round.
Sittingbourne manager, Ryan Maxwell, told Kent Online this week “In terms of what it means to everybody, it’s the biggest game I’ve had since I’ve been here. It’s FA Cup football, a Kent derby against a team in a higher league – it has to be the biggest game. I’m aware of the importance of it for the fans. They can’t wait – they’re excited.”
The Venue
Car – Set your SatNav to ME9 8AD (will take you past our entrance on the left so keep alert!) ME9 8AG (will take you into the Kent Science Park so ignore it when the voice tells you turn right but go up the hill and turn left into the ground!)
More info: https://www.kentmcl.co.uk/directions/
Sittingbourne Football Club The Staxson Stadium Woodstock Park Broadoak Road, Sittingbourne, ME9 8AG
Admission
Buy Tickets HERE (https://www.kentmcl.co.uk/)
Adults (18-59) £10.00
Concessions (60+) £6.00
Students (with Student Card) £6.00
Young Persons (11-17) £3.00
Under 11 (Free with Paying Adult)