*BS*After a run of four consecutive Skrill South defeats, Whites made the long journey to face Bath City on Saturday aiming to stop the rot and get back to winning ways.

After a much-improved team performance, this was achieved as goals from Nathan Elder and Tom Murphy sealing all three points.*BF*

Elder, whose goal was his first in the league this season, was delighted to finally break his duck: “I was ridiculously relieved. I hadn’t been starting many games, so knew I had to start taking my chances when they came my way. I’m delighted to get my first, and hopefully it’ll get easier from here on in.”

I asked Nathan if his self-belief had dropped at all, as before Saturday’s game I am sure he would’ve hoped to have already scored – but he was adamant in his reply: “I’m always confident so I kept my head up. I didn’t doubt myself.

“Now I need to keep my place in the side. If I want to score more goals then I need to be playing games week in, week out.”

The 28-year-old brings five years of Football League experience to the side, making him the most experienced of the attacking options Chris Kinnear has to choose from. Competing for a starting position in attack alongside Elliott Charles and Michael Bakare, his chances have thus far been limited but the imposing striker is now focusing on a regular starting shirt: “It’s great to have healthy competition – Elliott and Michael are two quality strikers, but I’m 100% looking to cement my place.

“The main thing, though, is the team – I want all of the boys to do well, and if they’re scoring then I’m happy. The other guys up front with me are younger, and if I can help them out with my experience then I’m more than happy to do that. Elliott is a real grafter. He’s in the same position I was, desperate to get his first goal – and like me, when he gets his first one his confidence will go through the roof.

“We need to remember how young he still is. For his age, his size and ability is fantastic – yes, he needs a bit of coaching and advice along the way but he’ll do so well in his career. He’s an asset to the club and I’d much rather have him on my side than play against him.”

Saturday’s win came just four days after a disappointing performance in the 1-0 loss away at Sutton United, in which Elder felt his experience helped him get through the game: “We had to be sure our heads didn’t drop. Things weren’t going our way, especially with the red card (for Moses Ademola), but we still created chances to score.

“If our heads drop, things will just go downhill. If we don’t give it our all, we let the fans and the gaffer down – even when we’re losing, we need to show a lot of effort and quality to fight back from it. Despite the run of defeats, it wasn’t hard for us to stay positive – we weren’t getting beaten heavily, our problem just lied in the final third and not being able to get the ball into the net.

*Q1*“I’m sure we won’t lose four games in a row again this season. Every side is going to have a bit of a poor run, and if we’ve got ours out of the way early on then I think that’s better than it happening in February or March. Now we have to focus on getting a good run going.”

Whites travel to Lancing FC to face Guernsey in the FA Cup second qualifying round next Saturday, before hosting Erith & Belvedere in the Kent Senior Cup (assuming there is no FA Cup replay) and bottom side Dorchester Town in the Skrill South: “On paper, we should do well in the next couple of weeks. We need to do a professional job though – we don’t underestimate any side that we play, as shown against Margate.

“Sometimes in football, you get games where you come off the pitch and have had a really enjoyable game – that was my feeling after that win. It was enjoyable and everyone expressed themselves really well, and the result was deserved.”

Elder’s time spent in the Football League makes him one of the more experienced members of the squad, and states that one aspect of his time at Crabble he is enjoying is the opportunity to help the side’s younger members in their own development: “Everyone at the side has got talent, and if I can help them improve and reach their potential then that’s a real accomplishment.

*Q2*“There are a couple of young guys in the squad who will go far, such as Sean Raggett – he’s been incredible this season, and against Bath he was immense. For his age, he’s a brilliant player. Also, Lloyd Harrington – his injury was very unfortunate but I’m sure once he’s back in the side he’ll be a huge player for us.”

Elder explains that, despite being an ambitious person and wanting to do as well as he can, he is more than happy at the current level of football: “My life has changed from when I was playing professional football – I’ve recently got engaged and have two young boys, so travelling around the country three of four times a month isn’t really for me anymore.

“Besides, if I was going to be back playing in the Football League then I think it would’ve happened by now. My focus is 100% for whoever I’m playing for, and to score as many goals as possible. Whether it’s at this level, or even lower, then as long as I’m playing football I’ll be happy.

“I had some great moments whilst playing professionally, but also some bad times. What I can say, though, is that the team spirit at Dover is the best I’ve ever seen. At Ebbsfleet last season, when we were losing games the mood was very negative. You used to get little groups of three or four players keep themselves to themselves and the environment wasn’t good.

“At Dover, even when we were losing games we stayed positive. We’re a team, and not just a group of individuals like I had last season. You find a lot more out about yourself, and your team-mates, when you’re on a bad run than when you’re winning games.”

*BS*After a run of four consecutive Skrill South defeats, Whites made the long journey to face Bath City on Saturday aiming to stop the rot and get back to winning ways.

After a much-improved team performance, this was achieved as goals from Nathan Elder and Tom Murphy sealing all three points.*BF*

Elder, whose goal was his first in the league this season, was delighted to finally break his duck: “I was ridiculously relieved. I hadn’t been starting many games, so knew I had to start taking my chances when they came my way. I’m delighted to get my first, and hopefully it’ll get easier from here on in.”

I asked Nathan if his self-belief had dropped at all, as before Saturday’s game I am sure he would’ve hoped to have already scored – but he was adamant in his reply: “I’m always confident so I kept my head up. I didn’t doubt myself.

“Now I need to keep my place in the side. If I want to score more goals then I need to be playing games week in, week out.”

The 28-year-old brings five years of Football League experience to the side, making him the most experienced of the attacking options Chris Kinnear has to choose from. Competing for a starting position in attack alongside Elliott Charles and Michael Bakare, his chances have thus far been limited but the imposing striker is now focusing on a regular starting shirt: “It’s great to have healthy competition – Elliott and Michael are two quality strikers, but I’m 100% looking to cement my place.

“The main thing, though, is the team – I want all of the boys to do well, and if they’re scoring then I’m happy. The other guys up front with me are younger, and if I can help them out with my experience then I’m more than happy to do that. Elliott is a real grafter. He’s in the same position I was, desperate to get his first goal – and like me, when he gets his first one his confidence will go through the roof.

“We need to remember how young he still is. For his age, his size and ability is fantastic – yes, he needs a bit of coaching and advice along the way but he’ll do so well in his career. He’s an asset to the club and I’d much rather have him on my side than play against him.”

Saturday’s win came just four days after a disappointing performance in the 1-0 loss away at Sutton United, in which Elder felt his experience helped him get through the game: “We had to be sure our heads didn’t drop. Things weren’t going our way, especially with the red card (for Moses Ademola), but we still created chances to score.

“If our heads drop, things will just go downhill. If we don’t give it our all, we let the fans and the gaffer down – even when we’re losing, we need to show a lot of effort and quality to fight back from it. Despite the run of defeats, it wasn’t hard for us to stay positive – we weren’t getting beaten heavily, our problem just lied in the final third and not being able to get the ball into the net.

*Q1*“I’m sure we won’t lose four games in a row again this season. Every side is going to have a bit of a poor run, and if we’ve got ours out of the way early on then I think that’s better than it happening in February or March. Now we have to focus on getting a good run going.”

Whites travel to Lancing FC to face Guernsey in the FA Cup second qualifying round next Saturday, before hosting Erith & Belvedere in the Kent Senior Cup (assuming there is no FA Cup replay) and bottom side Dorchester Town in the Skrill South: “On paper, we should do well in the next couple of weeks. We need to do a professional job though – we don’t underestimate any side that we play, as shown against Margate.

“Sometimes in football, you get games where you come off the pitch and have had a really enjoyable game – that was my feeling after that win. It was enjoyable and everyone expressed themselves really well, and the result was deserved.”

Elder’s time spent in the Football League makes him one of the more experienced members of the squad, and states that one aspect of his time at Crabble he is enjoying is the opportunity to help the side’s younger members in their own development: “Everyone at the side has got talent, and if I can help them improve and reach their potential then that’s a real accomplishment.

*Q2*“There are a couple of young guys in the squad who will go far, such as Sean Raggett – he’s been incredible this season, and against Bath he was immense. For his age, he’s a brilliant player. Also, Lloyd Harrington – his injury was very unfortunate but I’m sure once he’s back in the side he’ll be a huge player for us.”

Elder explains that, despite being an ambitious person and wanting to do as well as he can, he is more than happy at the current level of football: “My life has changed from when I was playing professional football – I’ve recently got engaged and have two young boys, so travelling around the country three of four times a month isn’t really for me anymore.

“Besides, if I was going to be back playing in the Football League then I think it would’ve happened by now. My focus is 100% for whoever I’m playing for, and to score as many goals as possible. Whether it’s at this level, or even lower, then as long as I’m playing football I’ll be happy.

“I had some great moments whilst playing professionally, but also some bad times. What I can say, though, is that the team spirit at Dover is the best I’ve ever seen. At Ebbsfleet last season, when we were losing games the mood was very negative. You used to get little groups of three or four players keep themselves to themselves and the environment wasn’t good.

“At Dover, even when we were losing games we stayed positive. We’re a team, and not just a group of individuals like I had last season. You find a lot more out about yourself, and your team-mates, when you’re on a bad run than when you’re winning games.”

*BS*As part of the club’s efforts to play an active role in the local community, Dover Athletic have appointed Matt Harris as Football Community Officer.*BF*

Matt lays out the club’s plan in more detail to doverathletic.com: “Our key aim is to create an increased sense of wellbeing throughout the local community by developing higher levels of involvement in active lifestyles.

“We believe that sport can help bring people together from a diverse social composition, where without prejudice, we use sport as a hook to help break down barriers and strive to overcome the social difficulties faced by the local community.”

With this in mind, the Whites will be aiming to run a Saturday morning kids sports club and schools competition in the near future, with disability sports events and girls football following suit. With all projects aimed at supporting Dover and the surrounding area Matt added: “The program that we have devised is a project that will offer not only a range of physical and social opportunities, but will also have an educational theme running through its core. All activities are offered to each social group within our widely diverse community with the aim of bringing people together through the power of sport!”

With funding already applied for through the ‘You Decide’ grant scheme and currently awaiting approval, Matt has much confidence in the scheme is already on the hunt for volunteers to help start and grow these projects: “We are passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives, and are confident in creating an environment that allows all people of our community to partake in social activities – I’m looking for people to help in anyway they can, be it local coaches on a Saturday morning, local businesses to help promote active lifestyles or budding photographers to help take photos – The more support we can get, the bigger it can be. It’s exciting to see where it can go.”

Matt continued: “It’s a fantastic opportunity and a chance to combat some of the difficulties faced by our community. We aim to educate young people and participating families, in not only the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle, but also how that can be achieved through easily accessible means. There are lots of things to do in the local area that people are probably not aware of.”

*BS*Should anyone be interested in supporting Dover Athletic’s community scheme, or have any suggestions please email Matthew Harris on e-mail:*BF* *Link1*

*BS*Dover Athletic are pleased to announce the return of James Rogers to Crabble. The versatile left-sided player joins from Skrill Premier side Dartford on a free transfer.*BF*

Whites’ boss Chris Kinnear moved quickly to sign Rogers after learning that Lloyd Harrington has suffered a significant set-back in his recovery from a knee ligament injury.

With left back Tom Wynter also currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Rogers is likely to go straight into the side for tomorrow’s trip to Bath City.

James originally came to Dover Athletic as a 16 year-old and progressed through the youth system to become part of the first-team squad under then-manager Clive Walker.

‘Rogo’ went on to become an integral part of Andy Hessenthaler’s squad, which won successive promotions from Ryman South through to Conference South with back-to-back championships.

The versatile defender/midfielder scored some crucial goals in Whites’ Ryman Premier championship-winning season, including the first of six goals against Sutton United at Crabble to seal promotion.

Rogers left Crabble in 2010 to join Margate before becoming a key part of Dartford’s Conference Premier side after helping them win promotion in 2011. He has made over 100 appearances for the Darts, scoring six goals.

*Link1*

*BS*Dover Athletic’s FA Cup second qualifying round clash against Guernsey FC will be played at the ground of Lancing FC on Saturday 28th September at 3.00pm.*BF*

The match was originally scheduled to be played at Guernsey’s Footes Lane Stadium, however the ground was unable to be used at the required 1pm kick-off time – owing to Guernsey FC’s groundsharing arrangement with the island’s rugby club.

The ground is the Sussex County FA headquarters and has a capacity of 2000.

*Link1*

If the match ends in a draw, the replay shall be played at Crabble on Tuesday 1st October with a 7.45pm kick-off.

*BS*As part of the club’s efforts to play an active role in the local community, Dover Athletic have appointed Matt Harris as Football Community Officer.*BF*

Matt lays out the club’s plan in more detail to doverathletic.com: “Our key aim is to create an increased sense of wellbeing throughout the local community by developing higher levels of involvement in active lifestyles.

“We believe that sport can help bring people together from a diverse social composition, where without prejudice, we use sport as a hook to help break down barriers and strive to overcome the social difficulties faced by the local community.”

With this in mind, the Whites will be aiming to run a Saturday morning kids sports club and schools competition in the near future, with disability sports events and girls football following suit. With all projects aimed at supporting Dover and the surrounding area Matt added: “The program that we have devised is a project that will offer not only a range of physical and social opportunities, but will also have an educational theme running through its core. All activities are offered to each social group within our widely diverse community with the aim of bringing people together through the power of sport!”

With funding already applied for through the ‘You Decide’ grant scheme and currently awaiting approval, Matt has much confidence in the scheme is already on the hunt for volunteers to help start and grow these projects: “We are passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives, and are confident in creating an environment that allows all people of our community to partake in social activities – I’m looking for people to help in anyway they can, be it local coaches on a Saturday morning, local businesses to help promote active lifestyles or budding photographers to help take photos – The more support we can get, the bigger it can be. It’s exciting to see where it can go.”

Matt continued: “It’s a fantastic opportunity and a chance to combat some of the difficulties faced by our community. We aim to educate young people and participating families, in not only the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle, but also how that can be achieved through easily accessible means. There are lots of things to do in the local area that people are probably not aware of.”

*BS*Should anyone be interested in supporting Dover Athletic’s community scheme, or have any suggestions please email Matthew Harris on e-mail:*BF* *Link1*

*BS*Dover Athletic are pleased to announce the return of James Rogers to Crabble. The versatile left-sided player joins from Skrill Premier side Dartford on a free transfer.*BF*

Whites’ boss Chris Kinnear moved quickly to sign Rogers after learning that Lloyd Harrington has suffered a significant set-back in his recovery from a knee ligament injury.

With left back Tom Wynter also currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Rogers is likely to go straight into the side for tomorrow’s trip to Bath City.

James originally came to Dover Athletic as a 16 year-old and progressed through the youth system to become part of the first-team squad under then-manager Clive Walker.

‘Rogo’ went on to become an integral part of Andy Hessenthaler’s squad, which won successive promotions from Ryman South through to Conference South with back-to-back championships.

The versatile defender/midfielder scored some crucial goals in Whites’ Ryman Premier championship-winning season, including the first of six goals against Sutton United at Crabble to seal promotion.

Rogers left Crabble in 2010 to join Margate before becoming a key part of Dartford’s Conference Premier side after helping them win promotion in 2011. He has made over 100 appearances for the Darts, scoring six goals.

*Link1*

*BS*Dover Athletic’s FA Cup second qualifying round clash against Guernsey FC will be played at the ground of Lancing FC on Saturday 28th September at 3.00pm.*BF*

The match was originally scheduled to be played at Guernsey’s Footes Lane Stadium, however the ground was unable to be used at the required 1pm kick-off time – owing to Guernsey FC’s groundsharing arrangement with the island’s rugby club.

The ground is the Sussex County FA headquarters and has a capacity of 2000.

*Link1*

If the match ends in a draw, the replay shall be played at Crabble on Tuesday 1st October with a 7.45pm kick-off.

*BS*Four consecutive Skrill South defeats have seen the club drop down to 15th place in the league, however with the season still very much in the early stages Dover enter Saturday’s game knowing that all three points could push them up the table by as many as nine places.*BF*

Tuesday night’s defeat away at Sutton United continued a dismal few weeks for the side, and are now just one defeat away from matching the five-game losing run which saw Nicky Forster lose his managerial position just eight months ago.

Despite the downturn in results, spirits are still high within the Whites squad and the general consensus amongst the side is that things will click soon and the good form enjoyed by Kinnear during the second half of last season will return.

Saturday’s match sees Dover make the long trip to Somerset to face a Bath City side who have won just once at Twerton Park this season, defeating Concord Rangers 3-1 on the last day of August. Their last result was a 1-0 loss away at Staines Town in midweek, whilst draws against Ebbsfleet United and Tonbridge Angels in the two games previous to this mean that the hosts start the match in 12th place, with nine points from their opening seven games.

Last season’s encounters between the sides ended in two victories for Dover – goals from Billy Bricknell and Steven Thomson saw Whites come back from a goal behind to take all three points in the away fixture, whilst a 2-0 home victory came courtesy of Ben May and a memorable Gethin Jones own goal.

Top scorers for Lee Howells’ side this season are David Pratt and Ross Stearn, with three goals apiece. Pratt – who set a new world record in 2008 for the quickest sending-off in a match, timed at three seconds – impressed during his time at Chippenham Town and will be looking to add to his tally for this campaign.

Whites are likely to be without Moses Ademola for the match – the midfielder’s suspension following on from his red card against Sutton has not kicked in yet, however in the event that led to his dismissal an ankle injury was picked up which should rule him out of contention.

Defenders Tom Wynter and Terrell Forbes are also facing a battle to be fit for the game and both are likely to miss out, meaning club captain Craig Stone should revert to defence. Lloyd Harrington remains unavailable for selection following his injury sustained against Ebbsfleet United a month ago.

Elliott Charles, Nathan Elder and Michael Bakare are once again competing for a maximum of two starting places. Elder, whose work rate on Tuesday night was admirable, is the most likely of the trio to keep his place in the side, whilst Charles will be hopeful of a starting position after putting in a determined performance in midweek.

Dover Athletic Chairman Jim Parmenter has commented on recent speculation, rumours and statements made in relation to the arrangements for our FA Cup tie against Guernsey FC.

The board and I are concerned about the recent press release by Guernsey FC along with “official tweets” and re-tweets by them (which under FA rules are considered tweets by the club) regarding their pending home tie in the FA Cup with this football club.

Much of what has been published is disingenuous and aggressive and has been published before any formal agreement between the two clubs and the FA over the fixture.

While we are aware that competition rules do provision for the fixture being moved to the mainland if agreement for rescheduling cannot be reached, as of today we have not received official confirmation that this is the case.

The chances of being drawn at home on this date should have been no surprise to GFC and we are very surprised, in light of their ground share arrangements, that they have not addressed the potential fixture clash prior to entering the competition.

Guernsey FC enjoy the privilege of special rules (appendix two) regarding their entry into the FA Cup, agreed independently by them with the FA. It is the view of this club that, whilst we will be as accommodating as possible, where we can, Guernsey should operate within the rules of the competition without complaint, as every other club in the competition has to do.

We will provide supporters with further information once arrangements have been agreed and confirmed.