Archives: News

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT – YEOVIL TOWN 1 DOVER ATHLETIC 3

The young Whites come from behind to advance in the National League Youth Cup.

Mike Sandmann’s young Whites showed fantastic character away from home today to advance into the semi-final of the National League Cup. After falling behind in the opening moments of the match, Dover turned on the magic to once again show their cup pedigree at Youth level.

It certainly wasn’t an ideal start for the away side with Yeovil taking the lead after just one minute. This only stoked the fire in the Whites who scored through Archie Hatcher and Dan Lott. Hatcher had notched a brace while Freddie Oliver received the Man of the Match for his performance.

‘I’m really proud of the players today to come from behind after such a long journey,’ said Sandmann. ‘Yeovil made it difficult for us with their management of the game after they scored. We started slowly which which give ourselves a difficult task but we responded brilliantly. I’m more proud of their professional performance, maintaining discipline and focus and not allowing the manner of the game to affect their jobs.
As soon as we scored early in the second half I knew we would only get better. I could sense their determination at half time to turn it around and we are now only a game away from the National League Cup final. I know the players will be desperate to get into it.’
Well done lads. Superb stuff.
Come on you Young Whites!

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker Lottery results for Wednesday 22nd February. 

Congratulations to all the winners and better luck next time if your name wasn’t drawn out. It could well be your time next week.

For anyone who doesn’t know how the Striker Lottery works well let me explain if for you. Each week, so long as you have paid your £1 weekly subscription, your number will be entered into a draw. If your number is drawn, congratulations – you’re a winner! It’s as simple as that. The draw is held every Wednesday. Keep an eye on the website and social media pages for full details. Who knows, your number could scoop the £1,000 top prize.

Please note that only paid-for tickets are entered in the draw. For your convenience, your membership fee can be collected from you, or you can pay at the Club Office or, to save time, you can pay monthly or quarterly by standing order.

Contact [email protected] to register your interest and good luck.

AWAY TRAVEL TO TAUNTON

DASC are running a coach for this weeks trip to Taunton Town. 

RULES FOR THE COACH TRAVEL

All vehicles are NON SMOKING No alcohol will be permitted on our vehicles at any time. (This means not just drinking alcohol but also taking it on the coach) Any damage caused will be charged to the Supporters Club

If any Coach Traveller identifies a problem when boarding, please inform the person Over-seeing the Coach. Any abnormal or excessive cleaning will result in a fine payable by the Supporters Club No excessively rowdy behaviour will be tolerated The Coach Company runs a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY if any of the above restrictions are breached and any individual found to be flaunting the rules, they will be removed from the coach immediately,

Irrespective of the location of the vehicle. It is obviously in everyone’s interest and to encourage people who are understandably wary about using the coach that behaviour is kept within the bounds of common sense.

Pre Arranged Drop-Offs and Pick-Ups will be permitted on route with NO Detours. Supporters Coaches are operated by the Dover Athletic Supporters’ Club and are in no way organised by, or the responsibility of Dover Athletic F.C.

BLANKETY BLANK – WHITES FAIL TO FIND THE NET

The manager’s reaction following the stalemate with Chelmsford City.

It might have been another point on the board for the Whites this weekend but it wasn’t enough for the boss who was slightly disappointed. Chelmsford are a well drilled side who are in touching distance of the play off picture themselves but Mitch Brundle thought his team could have taken more than just the solitary point. It’s a work in progress still and a sign that things are most definitely on the up at the Megger Community Stadium.

Speaking to Kent Online Sport Brundle said ‘I didn’t think we played particularly well, I’m a little bit disappointed but that shows you where we’ve come from, unbeaten in three and five points from the last nine. They’re higher than us. You can be critical but to be fair the boys did everything in terms of their work-rate, commitment and desire that we look for. I’m quite pleased but I also feel like it was a missed opportunity. It’s a bit frustrating because we did well in spells, I thought we deserved to win the game. Credit to them, they are resilient as a team but we were as well. A couple of months ago we might have lost that game with the chances late on. I thought defensively, especially the two centre-halves, were excellent. We huffed and puffed and lacked that real clinical edge.

Josh Ajayi had opened his account last week but couldn’t add to it after some fine goalkeeping by the opposition stopper. ‘You score that one, you like to hope you kick on,’ said the gaffer. ‘We put ourselves in good areas but we just weren’t clinical enough. We’re creating chances but it comes down to the saying “if you don’t finish your dinner, you’re going to be hungry.” We can’t be critical of the team. They didn’t out-work us, it was a good battle between two good teams. We want to be in their position so go out and prove it. If we can keep the run going then we’ll keep moving forward.’

Brundle declared on the ‘Meet the Manager’ evening that he wanted his team to play a certain style. The players have clearly brought into the new philosophy even if the results haven’t always gone our way. ‘Consistency has been our big problem, today it wasn’t so that’s credit to the dressing room,’ Brundle continued. ‘It can’t just be two games, it needs to be three and then four and five. At the minute we’re not at that stage, we’re still developing and building and still trying to get as many points on the board as we can.’

The Whites travel to Taunton on Saturday this week to face Taunton Town, looking to extend the unbeaten run to four matches. We hope to see you there.

COYW.

 

FIXTURE UPDATE – HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE

Havant & Waterlooville head to the Megger Community Stadium on Tuesday 28th February 2023.

The original tie was postponed last month and the original rearranged date had been moved to this one so make a note in your diary and we look forward to welcoming you through the gates in just over a weeks time. Kick off will be at 19.45. There will be further news on the fixture next week.

 

DOVER ATHLETIC 0 CHELMSFORD CITY 0

Whites draw blank as Chelmsford prove a tough nut to crack.

Dover began the first half like they ended the last game, on the front foot. Within a minute Josh Ajayi had warmed the hands of Ed Beach in the Chelmsford goal with a side footed volley that the visiting keeper did well to push away.

Tyrone Sterling had hearts in mouths moments later when a pass back to Stuart Nelson had the Dover stopper scrambling back to his line to clear with the visiting support behind the goal cheering as they thought it had crossed the line. It was a real let off for the Whites.

In the 13th minute, Jordan Higgs nearly opened the scoring when he tried to bundle the ball over the line after a volleyed cross by Wanadio seemed to evade everyone in the six yard box.

Minutes later and Jack Paxman shot agonisingly wide of the post after twisting and turning away from his marker. The Whites had been pushing hard for the opener and they thought had it on the half hour mark.

With neat build up play on the edge of the Chelmsford penalty area, the ball finally made its way to George Nikaj who’s first time shot looped over the stranded Beach, only for the ball to come back off the crossbar. Lee Martin reacted the quickest to head into the net but the celebrations were cut short as the flag was raised for offside.

Ajayi and Wanadio were terrorising their full backs and the latter fired over the crossbar after a cross by Ajayi. Dover certainly deserved more for their endeavour at the halfway stage.

It was a better opening of the second half than the first for the visitors with the away team showing a little more purpose. Khale Da Costa was acrobatic with an overhead kick that flashed wide as Chelmsford tried to get a foot hold in the match.

Jack Paxman went into the referee’s notebook after an accumulation of fouls and the resulting free-kick was fired straight into the body of Nelson. Arjanit Krasniqi was the next offender to be brandished a yellow card as the game began to get a little tetchy from both sides.

Dover still tried to play the way that the manager wanted and even though some of the passing was a little off, it was plain to see that there was a pattern of play in place.

Substitute Tom Blackwell nearly opened the scoring for the visitors but his shot was scuffed safely into the hands of Nelson when he really should have found the net. It was the first real scare for the Whites as Chelmsford looked to gain some momentum.

It wasn’t for the want of trying but it was just one of those days for Brundle’s side who just couldn’t maintain the high levels from the first half but it was a clean sheet and another positive performance.

COYW.

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Paxman A, Goodman, Higgs, Wanadio, Martin, Sterling, Nikaj, Ajayi, Paxman J, Boateng

Subs: Moses, Carney, Baptiste, Byford, Oliver

Chelmsford City: Beach, Barnum-Bobb, Trotter, Winfield, Jackson, Da Costa, Alfa, Grant, Terry, Brooke’s, Krasniqi

Subs: Marsden, James, Blackwell, Jones, Yila.

Attendance: 719

UP NEXT – CHELMSFORD CITY

We look ahead to our next clash at home against Chelmsford City.

The visit of Chelmsford will pose a tough test for Mitch Brundle’s side with both teams sharing the spoils last time out. A 0-0 draw back in November couldn’t separate the two teams who have had a fairly even record over the last decade with two draws and both teams claiming a victory each.

It was a super performance by the Whites against Eastbourne Borough with the crowd playing their part in the win. Speaking to Kent Online Sport the manager said ‘We had 600-odd on Saturday. That can only go up – but it only goes up if you win games. I know that. The brand of football is exciting for people to watch so I urge more people to come. We can get better as a team. With all the chances we’re creating, the reason why they’re not going in is because we’re not at a better level yet. We’re creating chances, most games are won in midfield, and you let the star boys shine and stand out – like Josh did.

Josh Ajayi scored his maiden goal in a Dover shirt but it wasn’t for the want of trying in his previous few performances. ‘I’m delighted for him. He’s had a tough time in terms of playing time and that belief. But I’m giving him that belief – I believe in him. He’s a cracking player and he’s one I know that can step up and be unbelievable.’

The boss was also impressed with the returning George Nikaj. ‘I thought he was excellent,’ noted Brundle. ‘I said to him at half-time that you need to be more aerially dominant when you’re the No.9 in the team. He’s got to be more physical. This level is a step up so, for him to do it, his fitness levels need to go up. He’ll only get better. He’s had the chances with a couple of shots at goal and his work-rate was fantastic. I’ll never question anyone if they give me everything.

After the game, the whistle blows and he has his hands on his knees, so you know he’s given everything. I can’t ask for much more. Eventually, I can ask for more in terms of quality and finishing but, first game back, I’ve given him that belief and that trust, starting him as a No.9 for Dover. That’s what he wanted so he’s delighted. I’ll continue to work with him and he can only get better. Once he gets a goal under my realm, I think he’ll step up in confidence and feel like he’s right for the level.

Sometimes, it’s tough. When you go on loan, you don’t feel wanted. But that’s not the case with me. He had a loan in place – otherwise he’d have played a lot sooner than he has – but we honoured that loan and he wanted that loan, and it’s only done him good. He fits into the mould of what we want and we’re going to work with him so we can get another good centre-forward from our Academy. His style of play fits into what I’m trying to do as a manager and he’s bought right into it. He’s not thrown his toys out the pram, he’s not holding any grudges, and I personally get on really well with him.’

Luke Wanadio had been placed on the transfer list but in his last two appearances had shone brightly. ‘Maybe someone is looking over me and thanking me for not getting rid of him!’ quipped Brundle. ‘But we’re at the start of what we’re doing and we’ll take confidence from Saturday.”

Early team news for the Whites:

George Wilkinson missed the Saturday win over Boro through injury while defender Will Moses remains unavailable.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for this game can be purchased at the turnstile only.

Prices are as follows:

Adults – £16

Over 60 – £14

Under 18 – £8

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

CHELMSFORD CITY – VIP STYLE

Fancy watching the Whites take on Chelmsford City in style? Of course you do.

This Saturday we host Chelmsford in the Vanarama National South, looking to kick on from our great performance from last week. Mitch Brundle and the boys will be looking to put on another show and where else would you rather watch it than here with us.

Watch the game from the best seats in the house and let our match day hospitality provide the ultimate way to spend your time with us.

The package includes:

  • Butler hosted lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game

  • A three-course meal served at your table

  • Reserved undercover premium padded seating

  • Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water, plus a dedicated paid bar before and after the match

  • Complimentary match day team sheet

The very special experience costs £28 per person and is available for individual and group bookings, or as a gift voucher.

Please note that this price does NOT include entry for non-season ticket holders who do attend, and they will still need to pay at the turnstile on the day.

On the menu for the game will be :

  • Leek and potato soup
  • Roast beef
  • Strawberry cheesecake and cream

Arrival at the ground should be at 1pm and food will be served at 1.30pm.

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email [email protected] or call the office on 01304 822373

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker Lottery results for Wednesday 15th February

Congratulations to all the winners and better luck next time if your name wasn’t drawn out. It could well be your time next week.

For anyone who doesn’t know how the Striker Lottery works well let me explain if for you. Each week, so long as you have paid your £1 weekly subscription, your number will be entered into a draw. If your number is drawn, congratulations – you’re a winner! It’s as simple as that. The draw is held every Wednesday. Keep an eye on the website and social media pages for full details. Who knows, your number could scoop the £1,000 top prize.

Please note that only paid-for tickets are entered in the draw. For your convenience, your membership fee can be collected from you, or you can pay at the Club Office or, to save time, you can pay monthly or quarterly by standing order.

Contact [email protected] to register your interest and good luck.

THREE POINTS, TWO GOALS, ONE STEP FORWARD

We hear from the men who made Dover’s victory over Eastbourne Borough possible.

Despite an early setback with the Whites conceding inside two minutes, it was a spirited performance and the first reversal since pre covid. It’s a statistic that has stretched on for far too long but not only was it a first win in six but also showed character to come from behind.

Speaking to Kent Online Sport, manager Mitch Brundle said ‘Like I said when I first took the job, it’s a work in progress. The players have got to trust the process, and they have. Today, we have scored two goals, which I’m delighted with. I’m glad to see Josh get off the mark. I’m hoping now that gives him a bit of confidence. The team did everything I asked of them, with their desire, their commitment, their work ethic and their respect for each other to do each others’ jobs. It’s something we’ve had in all our performances, to be fair, since we’ve actually been able to bring players in and shake the squad up how we want it to be.

I think that’s two draws, a win and a loss since we brought players in, which is fantastic. We were missing goals but, today, we got them. The actual work ethic of the team is the thing that makes me the most proud because they’re running for me and they’re running for the club. You could see the celebrations after the game and that just comes from hard work. I said that at half-time. I said “You didn’t drop your heads, you didn’t think the world was against you, you didn’t sulk. You dug in and made sure that you turned the result around.” They believe in what we’re trying to do.

Second minute, the goal went in and I was thinking “Oh God, here we go”. But fair play to them, all credit to them, and their hard work pays off. We just move onto the next one now. I thought Lee Martin was outstanding. Pax (Jack Paxman) joins in with the front lads unbelievably well and Higgsy (Jordan Higgs) is Higgsy. He’s consistent. Consistently throughout the season, he performs to a level which makes him such a valuable player to us.’

There was also a special mention for Stuart Nelson who’s save in the second half helped to secure the points. Nelson has since been named in the Vanarama National South Team of the Week.

Tyrone Sterling rolled back the years and scored a fantastic header to level the score at one a piece. ‘What a great feeling to get the team back in the game,’ he said. I don’t score many but to hear the crowd erupt after scoring is always so special.’

Josh Ajayi finally opened his account after knocking on the door, well the woodwork actually, in his last few outings. It was a sublime finish from a player who is clearly starting to enjoy life at Crabble. ‘It was a great performance from the boys, not just myself,’ said Ajayi. We dug deep, especially after going behind so early on. I think i’m settling in quite well, it’s a great bunch of lads who haven’t made it hard for me at all.

I think now that I have got my goal it’s a bit of pressure off my back and has given me the extra confidence to keep going and hopefully scoring and helping the team as much as I can. We have shown what we are capable of, whether at training or on game day so we just need to keep building on these positives going forward.’

COYW.