*IS**BS*VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE
DATE:*BF* Tuesday 10th November 2015
*BS*KICK-OFF:*BF* 7.45pm
*BS*VENUE:*BF* Crabble*IF*

*BS*Dover Athletic return to action in the Vanarama National League on Tuesday, with Eastleigh the visitors to Crabble. Whites will be looking to bounce back from defeat in the Emirates FA Cup at the weekend, and continue their record of being the only side undefeated in the league at home.*BF*

Chris Kinnear’s men were on the wrong end of a giant-killing on Saturday afternoon at Crabble, with Evo-Stick Northern Premier side Stourbridge picking up a 2-1 victory.

It was a match in which Whites failed to really get going in, and manager Kinnear described the defeat as both ‘disappointing’ and ‘a waste’. However, his mood will undoubtedly be buoyed if his side can pick up all three points against Eastleigh on Tuesday night, a result which would further cement his side’s now-realistic playoff aspirations.

It was not even the outcome of Saturday’s tie which frustrated many, more the performance – having been treated to some exceptional football over the past couple of months, not least in their previous match – a memorable 1-0 victory away at Tranmere Rovers – Dover just could not get going against a well organised Stourbridge side.

If any consolation is needed, it quickly comes from a look at the current Vanarama National League table. Sitting in third place, just two points away from league leaders Forest Green Rovers, Whites have developed a five point cushion ahead Wrexham in sixth place.

Recent form in the Vanarama National League could not be much better, with the side having picked up 21 points from a possible 24 in a run stretching back almost two months.

Whites have gone 30 games since losing consecutive matches in the league, and indeed when they have games in other competitions this season – namely against Barrow, Cheltenham Town, Bromley and Braintree Town – the side have won three of the four following games, drawing the other.

After the disappointment of Saturday, the match against Eastleigh – who are currently in 7th – offers an immediate opportunity for Dover to continue their superb start to the season.

Other statistics make good reading for Whites fans. Top scorer Stefan Payne has recorded the most shots on target in the division – his 34 efforts have yielded 9 league goals – and midfielder Nicky Deverdics is top of the assists chart, with 8. Added to his six goals, it’s been a great start to the season for Devs, who has also scored the most penalties in the league, having found the net on four occasions from the spot. Defensively, Mitch Walker has made the most saves in the division – 94 so far.

A win for Dover could – depending on results for Forest Green and Cheltenham Town – see them top of the league by the late hours of Tuesday night. Three points for the visitors could see them rise to 4th.

Whites have the best home record in the division, with their 7 wins from 9 games yielding well over 2 points per game. On their travels, Eastleigh have had a decent run, taking 15 points from 9 trips. Away from home in the league, they have beaten Southport (4-0), Aldershot Town (2-1), Wrexham (3-2) and Tranmere Rovers (2-1). In addition, they beat League One side Crewe Alexandra 1-0 away from home in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday.

Eastleigh’s recent form is second only to Dover’s, meaning that Tuesday’s clash at Crabble promises to be a cracker.

Whites will be forced to make at least one change, with Mitch Walker’s red card against Stourbridge meaning the goalkeeper is suspended – paving the way for Andy Rafferty to try and make the position his own once again. Jaydon Gibbs (back) and Liam Bellamy (knee) remain unavailable, whilst Nicky Deverdics is a concern, having been taken off with a dead leg on Saturday.

Top scorer for Eastleigh this season is James Constable, who has six goals, with Ross Lafayette and Yemi Odubade both on four.

Whites have had the beating of Eastleigh in recent times, with the last three meetings ending in victory for Dover. That run began with the 2-1 win last August at Crabble, and the double was completed when a Sean Raggett header was enough to win at the Silverlake towards the end of last season. Then, just under two months ago, Dover thumped Eastleigh 5-2 away from home – which turned out to be Richard Hill’s last match in charge.

Highlights from the home win last season can be viewed here:

[utube]

Supporters unable to make the game are able to follow the action via our Live Text service on Twitter – all you need to do is follow @DAFCLiveText.

*BS*OTHER VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Tuesday 10th November, 7.45pm*IF*
Barrow v Grimsby
Bromley v Boreham Wood
Cheltenham v Guiseley
Chester v Kidderminster
Macclesfield v Altrincham
Welling v Forest Green
Woking v Braintree

*IS*Wednesday 11th November, 7.45pm*IF*
Aldershot vs Lincoln City

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*BS*The National League is combining forces with The Royal British Legion over the forthcoming weeks to raise the awareness of their annual Poppy Appeal and how those financial contributions aid the sterling work done to support members of our armed forces who need care in our communities at this time.*BF*

All 68 National League clubs will be working in unison with their local branch of The Royal British Legion to oversee collections are held at each club and this will be supplemented through a unique partnership, whereby a specially produced ‘captains armband’ will be worn by each respective club captain at all matches to be played in The National League on Saturday 14th November.

Each armband will then be available for auction by the respective member club and it is hoped across the whole of The National League an additional £10,000 can be raised to supplement those amounts raised via ground collections and any other individual local arrangements around Remembrance Day.

Brian Barwick, Chairman of The National League remarked, “Each and every one of our member clubs already work within their communities in many varied ways, so we see this partnership as an extension of supplementing the sterling work many do. Raising awareness of the work undertaken by The Royal British Legion alongside the Poppy Appeal will enable more funding to be made available for those who have served their country and need our help. In 2015 we have sadly been reminded only too graphically of the dangers our service personnel face, so we are pleased to be able to work together to enhance the awareness of the Poppy Appeal. May I thank everyone taking part in this initiative for their valued contribution and we look forward to the auction of the ‘captains armbands’ raising even more needed extra funds”.

In response to his comments, Claire Rowcliffe, Head of Regional Fundraising with The Royal British Legion stated. “Having the support of The National League for this year’s Poppy Appeal means a lot. Funds raised will help us to continue providing vital support to serving individuals, those who are moving on or have moved back to civilian life, and importantly their families too.”

The Poppy Appeal: Registered Charity Number: 219279 www.britishlegion.org.uk

*BS*Further details about our auction will be communicated next week.*BF*

*BS*Today is the last opportunity to become a Priority Whites member before the club look to embark on another FA Cup run – so sign up now and make sure you don’t miss out on tickets for any big Whites game this season!*BF*

Priority Whites is a unique membership club offering supporters a range of benefits, including priority on tickets, for a small annual fee.

The club launched the scheme back in August, aiming to provide fans with the inside track of everything going on at the club. As a Priority Whites member, you will receive:

– Priority access to match tickets (after season ticket holders) for games which are all-ticket (including Emirates FA Cup ties);
– A welcome pack including your membership card;
– A Dover Athletic car sticker;
– A Dover Athletic pin badge;
– Special news and information updates straight to your inbox;
– Exclusive competitions and offers.

Memberships are now available from www.dafcdirect.com for the low, one-off yearly cost of just £15.

If the club progress in the Emirates FA Cup tie against Stourbridge tomorrow, then new memberships will be temporarily suspended before the Second Round draw. At the club’s discretion, they may become available once again after the draw has been made. This policy will apply to all potential future rounds of the competition, as we are keen for our genuine supporters to have the best access, rather than those who may only decide to seek tickets in the event of a lucrative tie, as in the event of last season’s match against Crystal Palace.

A Priority Whites member will never need to worry about potentially missing out on a big game again – plus, you’ll be supporting your club whilst receiving special perks at the same time!

Join NOW at the below link:

*Link1*

*BS*The National League is combining forces with The Royal British Legion over the forthcoming weeks to raise the awareness of their annual Poppy Appeal and how those financial contributions aid the sterling work done to support members of our armed forces who need care in our communities at this time.*BF*

All 68 National League clubs will be working in unison with their local branch of The Royal British Legion to oversee collections are held at each club and this will be supplemented through a unique partnership, whereby a specially produced ‘captains armband’ will be worn by each respective club captain at all matches to be played in The National League on Saturday 14th November.

Each armband will then be available for auction by the respective member club and it is hoped across the whole of The National League an additional £10,000 can be raised to supplement those amounts raised via ground collections and any other individual local arrangements around Remembrance Day.

Brian Barwick, Chairman of The National League remarked, “Each and every one of our member clubs already work within their communities in many varied ways, so we see this partnership as an extension of supplementing the sterling work many do. Raising awareness of the work undertaken by The Royal British Legion alongside the Poppy Appeal will enable more funding to be made available for those who have served their country and need our help. In 2015 we have sadly been reminded only too graphically of the dangers our service personnel face, so we are pleased to be able to work together to enhance the awareness of the Poppy Appeal. May I thank everyone taking part in this initiative for their valued contribution and we look forward to the auction of the ‘captains armbands’ raising even more needed extra funds”.

In response to his comments, Claire Rowcliffe, Head of Regional Fundraising with The Royal British Legion stated. “Having the support of The National League for this year’s Poppy Appeal means a lot. Funds raised will help us to continue providing vital support to serving individuals, those who are moving on or have moved back to civilian life, and importantly their families too.”

The Poppy Appeal: Registered Charity Number: 219279 www.britishlegion.org.uk

*BS*Further details about our auction will be communicated next week.*BF*

*BS*Today is the last opportunity to become a Priority Whites member before the club look to embark on another FA Cup run – so sign up now and make sure you don’t miss out on tickets for any big Whites game this season!*BF*

Priority Whites is a unique membership club offering supporters a range of benefits, including priority on tickets, for a small annual fee.

The club launched the scheme back in August, aiming to provide fans with the inside track of everything going on at the club. As a Priority Whites member, you will receive:

– Priority access to match tickets (after season ticket holders) for games which are all-ticket (including Emirates FA Cup ties);
– A welcome pack including your membership card;
– A Dover Athletic car sticker;
– A Dover Athletic pin badge;
– Special news and information updates straight to your inbox;
– Exclusive competitions and offers.

Memberships are now available from www.dafcdirect.com for the low, one-off yearly cost of just £15.

If the club progress in the Emirates FA Cup tie against Stourbridge tomorrow, then new memberships will be temporarily suspended before the Second Round draw. At the club’s discretion, they may become available once again after the draw has been made. This policy will apply to all potential future rounds of the competition, as we are keen for our genuine supporters to have the best access, rather than those who may only decide to seek tickets in the event of a lucrative tie, as in the event of last season’s match against Crystal Palace.

A Priority Whites member will never need to worry about potentially missing out on a big game again – plus, you’ll be supporting your club whilst receiving special perks at the same time!

Join NOW at the below link:

*Link1*

*BS*Dover Athletic boss Chris Kinnear has been named as the Vanamara National League Manager of Month for October. Six wins in seven games, including victories at Gateshead and Tranmere Rovers, saw CK scoop the award.*BF*

Whites began October in 9th place in the Vanarama National League, seven points behind top spot – however, a superb run of form in both the league and the FA Cup saw the side end in third place, just two points behind league leaders Forest Green Rovers – and into the First Round of the FA Cup.

It is the second time that Kinnear has been given this recognition, having previous won the November 2014 award. Then, similar to now, Whites faced an FA Cup tie two days later – beating Cheltenham Town 1-0 in the Second Round.

*BS**IS*THE WAY IT WAS WON*IF**BF*

3rd October, Vanarama National League : Gateshead 2-3 Dover Athletic
Scorers: Stefan Payne, Aswad Thomas, Jack Parkinson

6th October, Vanarama National League: Torquay United 2-3 Dover Athletic
Scorers: Stefan Payne 2, Jack Parkinson

10th October, Vanarama National League: Dover Athletic 2-1 Wrexham
Scorers: Ricky Miller, Toby Ajala

13th October, Vanarama National League: Braintree Town 1-0 Dover Athletic

17th October, Vanarama National League: Dover Athletic 2-1 Macclesfield Town
Scorers: Stefan Payne, Nicky Deverdics

24th October, Emirates FA Cup: Eastbourne Borough 1-2 Dover Athletic
Scorers: Stefan Payne, Sean Raggett

31st October, Vanarama National League: Tranmere Rovers 0-1 Dover Athletic
Scorer: Ricky Miller

*BS*Dover Athletic boss Chris Kinnear has been named as the Vanamara National League Manager of Month for October. Six wins in seven games, including victories at Gateshead and Tranmere Rovers, saw CK scoop the award.*BF*

Whites began October in 9th place in the Vanarama National League, seven points behind top spot – however, a superb run of form in both the league and the FA Cup saw the side end in third place, just two points behind league leaders Forest Green Rovers – and into the First Round of the FA Cup.

It is the second time that Kinnear has been given this recognition, having previous won the November 2014 award. Then, similar to now, Whites faced an FA Cup tie two days later – beating Cheltenham Town 1-0 in the Second Round.

*BS**IS*THE WAY IT WAS WON*IF**BF*

3rd October, Vanarama National League : Gateshead 2-3 Dover Athletic
Scorers: Stefan Payne, Aswad Thomas, Jack Parkinson

6th October, Vanarama National League: Torquay United 2-3 Dover Athletic
Scorers: Stefan Payne 2, Jack Parkinson

10th October, Vanarama National League: Dover Athletic 2-1 Wrexham
Scorers: Ricky Miller, Toby Ajala

13th October, Vanarama National League: Braintree Town 1-0 Dover Athletic

17th October, Vanarama National League: Dover Athletic 2-1 Macclesfield Town
Scorers: Stefan Payne, Nicky Deverdics

24th October, Emirates FA Cup: Eastbourne Borough 1-2 Dover Athletic
Scorers: Stefan Payne, Sean Raggett

31st October, Vanarama National League: Tranmere Rovers 0-1 Dover Athletic
Scorer: Ricky Miller

*IS**BS*THE EMIRATES FA CUP
DATE:*BF* Saturday 7th November 2015
*BS*KICK-OFF:*BF* 3.00pm
*BS*VENUE:*BF* Crabble*IF*

*BS*The glitz and glamour of the Emirates FA Cup returns to Crabble on Saturday, with Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division side Stourbridge making the trip to Kent. Both sides will be fighting for a place in the Second Round, leaving them just one victory away from a potentially lucrative tie against a Premier League club.*BF*

Whites’ superb run of form continued last weekend, when a solitary goal from Ricky Miller sealed a win against Tranmere Rovers, who – just two seasons ago – were plying their trade in League One. The long trip to Birkenhead, and the occasion of playing in a stadium three times the capacity of Crabble, didn’t overawe Chris Kinnear’s men at all and the deserved victory meant it is now eight wins from the first team’s last nine competitive fixtures.

This weekend offers Whites a temporary break from their league campaign, however on offer is the chance to continue attempting to emulate the club’s achievements in last season’s FA Cup. After historically struggling to progress to the First Round Proper, it is now a stage that Dover have reached for the last three seasons, a club record.

Coming to Crabble are Stourbridge, who are 7th in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division, just one point away from the playoff places. There is prize money of £18,000 on offer to the winner of this tie.

Whilst Whites have only had to win one match to get this far in the competition – a 2-1 win away at Vanarama National League South side Eastbourne Borough a fortnight ago – The Glassboys have had to navigate their way through four ties to be at this stage.

In the First Qualifying Round, they travelled to Black County rivals Tividale and won 1-0, before a 3-1 home victory over Dunkirk in the following round. The Third Qualifying Round saw them claim a 1-0 win against Rushall Olympic to make it through to the final round of qualifying, where they would be drawn to face Vanarama National League outfit Kidderminster Harriers.

Despite having home advantage, and facing a side struggling in the top flight of non-league football, Harriers started the tie as slight favourites but came completely undone – in front of a crowd of over 2,000, Stourbridge won the tie 3-0 and piled on the misery for Kidderminster.

That victory shows that, undoubtedly, the two-division gap between Saturday’s opponents could well count for very little on the day. They are indeed a side with real Cup pedigree in recent seasons, having reached the First Round Proper four times in seven seasons. They have reached the Second Round on two occasions – most recently in 2013/14 when they bowed out 4-0 to Stevenage, and in 2011/12 when they lost – again to Stevenage – 3-0, having beaten Plymouth Argyle 2-0 in a replay in the round previous.

Whites will be keen to get the FA Cup campaign well on track and, with a real taste for the competition after last season’s home match against Premier League side Crystal Palace, will start as favourites.

Fans are heralding this Whites side as one of the best in the club’s history, with a number of players leading the way in the records for the division. Stefan Payne has recorded the most shots in target in the Vanarama National League, and has scored ten goals in all competitions so far – and midfielder Nicky Deverdics is top of the assists chart, with 8. In goal, stalwart Mitch Walker has made the most saves in the division.

Stourbridge’s top scorer is the much-travelled striker Karl Hawley, who has 12 for the season.

With many Vanarama National League sides out of the competition already – including Gateshead, Wrexham, Tranmere Rovers and Bromley – progression for both sides will be top priority come 3pm on Saturday. There are only four other ties in this round in which both sides are non-league, increasing the victor’s chances of a trip to a big League One side in the next round – or for televised coverage.

Whites have a real sense of momentum currently, and the opportunity to kick start the ‘proper’ rounds of the FA Cup is something assistant manager Jake Leberl is happy with. Speaking earlier in the weekend to the Dover Athletic media team, he said: “I really believe last year’s run [in the FA Cup] helped us after our poor start to the season. Crabble is now a really good place to be. The FA Cup is a nice distraction [from the league] and seems to galvanise the fans.”

Despite their comfortable home win in the last round, it’s actually on their travels that Stourbridge have had most success in the league thus far. They have won five of their eight away matches, drawing the other three, as opposed to their home record of won three, drawn three, lost two. Their 25 goals conceded in 17 games is the third highest tally in the top nine, with their 30 goals standing as the fifth highest in that same bracket of sides.

There are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip, with an unchanged line-up expected to take to the field. Midfielder Liam Bellamy is now the only long-term injury doubt, as he battles to recover from a knee ligament injury.

Stourbridge’s possible line-up for Saturday, and player details, is as follows:

*BS*1. Lewis Solly*BF* – Experienced goalkeeper who returned between the sticks in March 2015 after a back injury disrupted his playing career. Initially saw service with Wolves.
*BS*2. Kristian Green*BF* – An energetic right-sided defender or wing-back who joined from Halesowen Town in the summer of 2015.
*BS*3. Daniel Scarr*BF* – A promising young central defender who joined in June 2015 from Redditch United where he impressed last season.
*BS*4. Tom Tonks*BF* – Joined from Halesowen Town in June 2015. A versatile and hard-working central midfield player who also has a tremendous long throw in his armory.
*BS*5. Brian Smikle*BF* – A pacey attacking midfielder or frontrunner snapped up by in March 2014 after leaving Stafford Rangers. The Tipton -born player originally progressed through West Bromwich Albion’s youth set-up, signing a professional contract in the summer of 2005.
*BS*6. Stuart Pierpoint*BF* – A Halesowen-based central defender recruited from Brackley Town in June 2015. He is an experienced and commanding player, and the club’s captain, who is a good organiser at the back, is strong in the air and reads the game well.
*BS*7. Matt Dodd*BF* – Joined from Leamington in March 2015. A pacey Wolverhampton born wide midfielder who came through the youth ranks at Sutton Coldfield Town.
*BS*8. Leon Broadhurst*BF* – A highly regarded and versatile player who re-joined for a third spell in October 2009 after a brief stint with Leamington and he reached 550 appearances for the club in February 2015. He has also notched over 100 goals for the Glassboys.
*BS*9. Karl Hawley*BF* – A vastly experienced and much travelled Walsall born striker who joined in August 2015. He started his career with his home-town club.
*BS*10. Justin Richards*BF* – A powerful and much experienced veteran striker signed from Sutton Coldfield Town in September 2015. His 29 goals in all competitions helped the Royals to win promotion via the Evo-Stik League Division One South play-offs last May.
*BS*11. Chris Lait*BF* – A quick and skilful wide midfield player, capable of getting amongst the goals, who arrived from Rushall Olympic in March 2015.

Saturday’s fixture will not be segregated, and standard admission prices apply – £15 for adults, £12 for over 60s, £6 for under 18s and under 11s entering free when accompanied by an adult. As this is a Cup competition, season tickets are not valid – all must pay.

If the match ends in a draw, the replay will be held at Stourbridge’s home ground Amblecote, on Monday November 16th.

Supporters unable to make it to Crabble on Saturday are able to follow the action via our Live Text service on Twitter – all you need to do is follow @DAFCLiveText.

*BS*OTHER EMIRATES FA CUP FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Friday 6th November, 7.55pm*IF*
Salford City vs Notts County

*IS*Saturday 7th November, 3.00pm*IF*
Accrington v York
AFC Wimbledon v Forest Green
Altrincham v Barnsley
Barnet v Blackpool
Barwell v Welling
Burton v Peterborough
Bury v Wigan
Cambridge v Basingstoke Town
Coventry v Northampton
Crawley v Luton
Crewe v Eastleigh
Dag & Red v Morecambe
Doncaster v Stalybridge Celtic
Grimsby v St Albans City
Hartlepool v Cheltenham
Leyton Orient v Staines Town
Mansfield v Oldham
Millwall v AFC Fylde
Northwich Victoria v Boreham Wood
Plymouth v Carlisle
Portsmouth v Macclesfield
Rochdale v Swindon
Scunthorpe v Southend
Sheff Utd v Worcester City
Stevenage v Gillingham
Walsall v Fleetwood
Wealdstone v Colchester

*IS*Sunday 8th November*IF*
Didcot Town v Exeter, 12.00pm
Aldershot v Bradford, 2.00pm
Brackley Town v Newport, 2.00pm
Braintree v Oxford Utd, 2.00pm
Bristol Rovers v Chesham United, 2.00pm
Gainsborough Trinity v Shrewsbury, 2.00pm
Halifax Town v Wycombe, 2.00pm
Maidstone United v Yeovil, 2.00pm
Whitehawk v Lincoln City, 2.00pm
Port Vale v Maidenhead United, 3.00pm