Due to circumstances beyond our control, unfortunately, the Happy Feet sessions for children on Saturday mornings at Crabble remain suspended until further notice.

If there are any changes to the situation we will update you as soon as possible.

Adam Birchall marked his return to Crabble with a stunning five-goal haul as Andy Hessenthaler’s Invitational XI showed they still had the wow factor in the fundraising match at Crabble on Sunday.

Hessenthaler’s squad of former Dover stars won the game against Warren ‘Pep’ Dyer’s supporters’ team 19-2, but the day was not about the final scoreline.

It was about the club and the community coming together as one and having some fun while raising some much-needed funds.

More than 300 people braved the torrential rain to watch the game and they were treated to some stunning strikes from Hess and company.

Birchall proved he still had an eye for goal, scoring a hat-trick inside the opening 20 minutes and completing it either side of sublime long-range goals from Hessenthaler and Nicky Southall.

It could have been a lot more than 12-0 at half-time had it not been for the heroics of goalkeeper Dan Fletcher, who produced a number of stunning saves which were deservedly applauded by the 309-strong crowd and the Invitational players.

Dyer’s team reduced the arrears in the second half thanks to goals from Charlie Brown and Muj Aspendos before Birchall and James Strouts completed the scoring.

Frannie Collin, Nathan Elder, and Strouts all scored twice for the Invitational side while Hessenthaler, Southall, Jon Wallis, Matt Carruthers, Craig Stone, Sammy Moore, and Connor Essam were also on target.

The unfortunate Andy Rolfe also got his name on the scoresheet for Hessenthaler’s side, with an own goal.

We would like to thank the ‘legends’ for giving their time, the fans who paid to play, and those who came through the turnstiles to watch.

We really do appreciate the support from one and all.

It’s time for Warren ‘Pep’ Dyer to put down the book he’s been studying ‘An Ode to Four Four Two’ Football’s Simplest and Finest Formation because the day of the big kick-off has arrived.

Dyer is the manager of the two supporters team that will go head-to-head against Andy Hessenthaler and his Invitational XI in the fundraising match at Crabble this afternoon.

One of Dyer’s teams will play in the first half before the other plays in the second against some of the greatest names to have played for the club.

But is the book Dyer has been reading, which examines how coaches settled on the 4-4-2 formation to build iconic teams which would dominate both domestically and in Europe, the key to his tactics?

Well, if Dyer struggles to remember what’s his read in the pressure cooker environment of sitting in the visitors’ dugout, he could ask one of his players to give him a hint.

John McNicoll is the author of the book and the Lydden resident and Dover fan is playing.

Hessenthaler, who will be the player/manager of his side, played down the threat of Dyer, (pictured above) and his inside knowledge.

“He (Dyer) could have read the book from cover to cover for years, but a book is not going to be out there where it matters – on the pitch,” our manager said with an icy cold stare.

“Let’s be honest, we mean business as our reputations are on the line today.

“It’s time for that so-called Pep and his players to let their football do the talking.

“All jokes aside, we are looking forward to it and we hope we get a great crowd in the ground for the occasion.

“It’s a fantastic initiative and one we hope gets really well supported.

“We are looking forward to seeing you all there.”

As for Dyer, well, he wasn’t available for media duties – he was studying his book!!