Archives: News

BARROW TRIP POSTPONED

Due to Barrow’s involvement in the FA Trophy, our visit to the Progession Solicitors’ Stadium on Tuesday 7th January has been postponed.

The Bluebirds will now be hosting Northern Premier League side Atherton Collieries in a First Round Replay on that same date, following a 2-2 draw at the Colls earlier this month.

A new date for the National League match, originally cancelled from Saturday October 12th, will be announced in due course.

MIKE SANDMANN’S ACADEMY ROUNDUP

Squad One bid farewell to 2019 with a 3-0 victory against Hampton & Richmond to remain unbeaten in the National League South Division

Kumiranshe Bepe’s spot-kick was followed by goals from Rolando Onu and George Nikaj to hand White’s youngsters yet another victory.

Academy manager Mike Sandmann said: “It’s been a good start to the season.  Being unbeaten is great for the boys, but I have been more impressed with our tough to beat mentality which comes from how hard the players are prepared to work off the ball.

“We have conceded just three goals in six games, which shows our desire to defend as well as score goals.

“The division is so much more competitive this season, which will only help the players develop.”

Meanwhile, Squad Two picked up their first win of the campaign, beating Ebbsfleet United 3-2 despite trailing twice.

Two goals from Charlie Meade and Franky Nwaokolo secured a much-deserved victory.

Sandmann said: “That sort of result has been coming for weeks and I’m so pleased for the boys.  We always knew this season would be tough for them, but their work ethic and determination has been excellent and we are hoping they will continue to improve.”

Overall it has been a fantastic 2019 for the Academy.  Squad One have gone the whole year, unbeaten in the National Youth League and were also crowned ‘Champions of Champions’ in May, plus PGMOL VAR Champions at St George’s Park in June.

Some players made their debut for the first team in the Kent Senior Cup, with Marshall Wratten rewarded for his academy performances with a full-time contract.  Ryan Kingsford was the pick of the players who gained full scholarships to America and was voted player of the season in the US.

Some of our youngsters have also gone out on loan to help them gain valuable experience and each year the Academy continues to go from strength to strength.

We all look forward to 2020 and from everyone at the academy, we wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

NEW HOME DATE WITH POOL CONFIRMED

Our home match against Hartlepool United will now take place on Saturday 11th January 2020.

The National League fixture, originally scheduled for Saturday 4th January, had been postponed due to Hartlepool’s participation in the FA Cup that same weekend.

The game at Crabble will kick off at 3pm.

VIDEO: MANAGER REACTION

Boss Andy Hessenthaler reflects on his side’s penalty shootout loss away to King’s Lynn Town in the Buildbase FA Trophy on Saturday.

 

ACADEMY UPDATE

Squad One remain unbeaten in the National League South Division follwing a 3-0 home victory against Boreham Wood.

Goals from Rolando Onu, Alex Green and Bepe Paldon handed Whites’ youngsters an emphatic victory against a side also unbeaten prior to the match.

Both teams struggled to create any real chances early on, however Dover opened the scoring when Harrison Pont’s quick throw-in caught the Boreham Wood defence off guard, allowing Onu to fire home.

Athletic’s defence continued to limit Boreham Wood to few chances and doubled their lead with 15 minutes remaining when Green connected with Paldon’s cross.

Paldon was in the action again, making it three following some fantastic individual skill inside the penalty area.

After watching his side’s victory, academy manager Mike Sandmann said: “ I was really pleased with the performance today and the shape and structure of the team made it very difficult for them to create any chances or get a foothold in the game.

“We played some good football going forward and more than deserved the victory.  It’s good to see the group keep a clean sheet against a decent side.

“I believe we outworked them from minute one until the end which is pleasing. The team’s work ethic is fantastic and I’m glad they are getting their rewards.

“It’s great to remain unbeaten in the league and to only concede three goals in the five games.”

Meanwhile, the Development squad progressed to the semi-final of the Kent Schools Academies Cup thanks to a 3-1 away win against Hugh Christie (Tonbridge Angels).

Two strikes from George Nikaj, as well as a goal from George Young, sealed Whites’ spot in the final four.

STRIKER MAKES MOVE TO CRABBLE

Andy Hessenthaler has bolstered his attacking options with the signing of striker Ade Yusuff from National League South side Dulwich Hamlet.

The 25-year-old joined Dulwich from Folkestone Invicta in May this year and scored seven goals in 15 appearances during his time with them.

The former Dagenham & Redbridge man scored 51 goals in 102 appearances for Neil Cugley’s side before making the move to full-time with Dulwich.

Prior to joining the then League Two Daggers, Yussuf played for Chatham Town, scoring 24 goals in 38 games.

He also a week’s trial at Manchester United as a youngster before spells at Charlton and Stevenage.

Yusuff, who will wear the no 14 shirt, is in contention to make his debut for Dover in the National League match at Chorley on Saturday 21st December due to being cup-tied for the FA Trophy.

Welcome to Crabble Ade!