Season: 2018-2019

Dover Athletic v Havant & Waterlooville

DOVER overturned a two-goal deficit to win 4-3 in a thriller at Crabble on Tuesday night.

Kevin Lokko headed in Mitch Brundle’s corner five minutes from the end to put Chris Kinnear’s men ahead for a second time in the match after conceding three quick-fire goals just after the break.

Whites had led by Nortei Nortey fine individual strike at half-time, but a Jamie Allen penalty and a stunning volley from Mitch Brundle levelled the scores at 3-3.

And with time running out, Lokko slotted in Brundle’s corner as Athletic registered their first win of the campaign at the fourth attempt.

Earlier, visiting keeper Ryan Young did enough to turn away Allen’s angled drive.

Havant’s number one was then a mere spectator a few minutes later as Nortey curled a sumptuous effort narrowly past the far post.

And Young played a major role in keeping the scores level on the half-hour mark.

The stopper was out quickly to deny Inih Effiong from close range and then pulled off a smart save to keep out Josh Passley’s fierce drive.

Mitch Walker then had to be alert to block Daniel Strugnell’s rocket before blocking Nicke Kabamba’s follow up, even though the striker was flagged offside.

And that save proved crucial as Dover went ahead on 36 minutes in spectacular fashion.

Nortey picked the ball up in midfield and unleashed an unstoppable curling strike over the head of Young from 35 yards.

Havant almost responded just before the break, a clever free-kick ended with Walker parrying a blaster from Lewis from the edge of the area.

But the game was turned on its head within minutes of the restart.

Walker parried substitute Alfie Pavey’s header, but Wes Fogden was on hand to nod in the rebound to level matters.

And the two players combined to put the Hawks ahead seconds later.

Fogen this time turned provider, crossing for Pavey, who directed his header into the bottom corner.

Athletic’s chances of earning their first points at Crabble this season took another dent a minute later.

Strugnell slung a ball into the area for the outstretched Lewis to prod the ball over a helpless Walker.

But Whites were given a lifeline on 65 minutes after Allen was felled in the box.

The striker picked himself up to slot in his third goal of the campaign.

Brundle then unleashed a long-range shot over the bar and Rory Williams was on hand to head Tim Schmoll’s goalbound header off the line.

The pressure continued and no Dover player was unable to get on the end of Jack Connors’ fizzed pass across the ball.

But Chris Kinnear’s men got a deserved equaliser from their captain with 13 minutes remaining.

Brundle crashed a 25-yard volley through a crowded area into the bottom corner to make the scores 3-3.

And the turnaround was completed on 84 minutes.

Brundle’s corner found it’s way to Lokko to fire Dover ahead and send the home crowd into a frenzy, even though Pavey almost scored in the dying seconds, blazing a free-kick a mere centimetres wide.

However, the home side held on to move up to 13th in the National League ladder.

Earlier, Kinnear named the same starting line-up for the fourth consecutive match.

Whites next travel to Fylde on Saturday 18th August, kick-off 3 pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE REACTION

https://youtu.be/CFHkrw3ADw0

MATCH GALLERY

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”262″ gal_title=”DAFC v Havant & Waterlooville 14/08/18″]

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Gateshead v Dover Athletic

A LATE winner from Luke Armstrong saw Whites leave Gateshead pointless.

The striker, on loan from Middlesbrough, blasted home his fourth goal of the season on 87 minutes after substitute Steve Rigg had an initial shot blocked.

Jamie Allen had put Dover ahead after 20 minutes, with Robbie Tinkler levelling for the home side nine minutes later.

Early on, Mike Williamson headed over Greg Olley’s corner on ten minutes.

And Armstrong went even closer moments later.

The forward robbed Mitch Brundle and sent a 25-yard screamer past the wrong side of visiting keeper Mitch Walker’s far post.

Dover’s goalie then had to be wary enough to stop Tom White’s looping cross from heading straight in.

But the opening goal of the afternoon came at the other end of the pitch.

Essam headed Brundle’s corner goalwards and Allen was on hand to flick the ball into the back of the net with the faintest of touches.

But the scores were level soon after.

Tinkler nodded Olley’s corner downwards and though Jack Connors was able to stick his foot in the way, the defender was unable to prevent the ball from spinning up and into the back of the net via the crossbar.

And the woodwork came to Athletic’s rescue three minutes later.

Williamson headed Olley’s cross onto the top of the bar as home team Heed pushed to move ahead for the first time in the match.

Following the restart, Cameron Salkeld sent a dangerous ball into the area, but no home player was able to take advantage.

Inih Effiong then poked wide from Connors’ pass into the box and Brundle sent a 20-yard free-kick narrowly over.

And towards the end of a low key second-half, Armstrong found space and drove home the winning goal.

There was almost even more late drama when sub Kadell Daniel saw his late free-kick fly narrowly wide.

Earlier, boss Kinnear named the same side that started the 2-2 draw at Bromley in midweek.

Whites next host Havant & Waterlooville on Tuesday 14th August, kick-off 7:45 pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

GATESHEAD REACTION

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Bromley v Dover Athletic

A LATE penalty denied Dover a first win of the season in the Kent derby.

Tim Schmoll’s handball was duly punished by Frankie Sutherland’s fierce spot-kick two minutes from time after goals from Jamie Allen and Kevin Lokko had cancelled out Dan Johnson’s early opener for the hosts.

Whites almost made a great start, Allen lobbing wide after latching onto Mitch Brundle’s ball – instead, it was a perfect beginning for the home team after three minutes.

Defender Johnson strode forward and fired a deflected effort into the bottom corner of Mitch Walker’s net.

Dover responded and a long throw from Brundle, flicked on by Schmoll, almost reached Allen, but home keeper David Gregory was faster than Dover’s striker to the ball.

But Allen did not have the wait long for his first goal of the season.

Josh Passley’s exquisite pass found Brundle and after beating his man, Athletic’s skipper fizzed in a pass for Allen to slot in.

Gregory then needed to be at his best to stop the visitors taking a 2-1 lead.

The stopper stretched to tip Brundle’s 30-yard piledriver onto the top of the crossbar.

George Porter’s swirling volley flew past the wrong side of the post and Allen was furious to see the referee wave away the claims his header crossed the line.

Following the restart, Walker was quick off his line to beat Bobby-Joe Taylor to a long ball.

And Brundle went close once again, bustling through the Bromley defence and curling an effort narrowly off target.

The Dover pressure continued and a flowing move involving Nortei Nortey and Allen ended with Passley seeing his shot blocked at Gregory’s near post.

Jack Connors was in the right place on the back post to stop Omar Bugiel’s header from creeping in from a corner.

But Connors had a big say as Whites’ went ahead for the first time this season.

Substitute Reece Meechams kicked the ball against the defender, allowing Connors to whip in a ball for the lying-in-wait Lokko to slide home into the far corner.

Brundle had his hands on his head after his free-kick only just cleared the bar.

And substitute Kadell Daniel could only curl wide as Dover hit Bromley on the counter-attack.

Those misses proved costly as Sutherland converted his penalty to ensure the points were shared.

Earlier, boss Chris Kinnear named the same side that started the previous match against Wrexham.

Whites next travel to Gateshead on Saturday 11th August.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

BROMLEY REACTION

MATCH GALLERY

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”261″ gal_title=”Bromley v DAFC 07/08/18″]

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Dover Athletic v Wrexham

WHITES were unable to make a winning start to their National League campaign after Mike Fondop’s spectacular first-half strike.

The striker, with his back to goal, converted Luke Summerfield’s cross to hand visitors Wrexham a first-ever win against Chris Kinnear’s men at the ninth attempt.

And Whites will feel they should have equalised, but away keeper Rob Lainton saved Inih Effiong’s spot-kick after the burly striker was fouled in the area just before the break.

Earlier, Paul Rutherford was the first to try his luck, firing wide from the edge of the box.

And Jamie Allen went even closer moments later, striking the top of the crossbar from 20-yards with a dipping effort.

Fondop’s rampaging run ending with a disappointing shot wide and great work from Summerfield ended with Luke Young scuffing an effort off target.

But it was Fondop who carried on his pre-season form with the first goal of the afternoon, though Dover almost bounced back with Bedsente Gomis and Kevin Lokko unable to convert their chances.

Whites almost responded immediately after the break, with Allen heading narrowly wide.

Walker then had to be alert to keep out James Jennings’ free-kick from floating straight in and also clasp onto Summerfield’s fiercely struck free-kick.

At the other end, Tim Schmoll headed a long throw-in into the arms of Lainton and Shaun Pearson went close to doubling the lead with two minutes to go, heading a corner goalwards, with Nortei Nortey on hand to clear the ball from danger.

Lainton dropped Jack Connors’ deep cross, but Kevin Lokko was unable to convert the rebound.

And the visiting stopper was at the centre of controversy with three minutes remaining.

After colliding with his own defender, Lainton spilt a high ball, which  Allen gleefully slotting in, but the striker was adjudged to have fouled Pearson in the build up.

Earlier, Kinnear kept with the same side that played Woking in their final pre-season friendly last week.

Whites next travel to Bromley on Tuesday 7th August, kick-off 7:45 pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

WREXHAM REACTION

MATCH GALLERY

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”260″ gal_title=”DAFC v Wrexham 04/08/18″]

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Woking v Dover Athletic

WHITES ended their pre-season preparations with a draw at National South Woking.

Inih Effiong gave the visitors a first-half lead, but Duane-Ofori Acheampong headed in a free-kick after the break to equalise for the Cards.

Mitch Walker was forced to turn over Fabio Saraiva’s curling free-kick early on.

And Dover’s keeper was called into action moments later, bravely blocking at the feet of Max Kretzschmar after the midfielder was set free.

Walker could then only watch as a snapshot from Saraiva bobbled just past the wrong side of the post.

And home stopper Berti Schottel was soon in the thick of the action.

The big German was at full stretch to tip Nortei Nortey’s well-placed shot around the post.

On the half-hour mark, Effiong’s powerful header from Brundle’s corner flew off target.

But the big striker fared much better with his next effort moments later.

An accurate cross from wide bounced off Effiong’s thigh and into the bottom corner to give Athletic the lead.

And it was almost two for both Dover and Effiong within seconds.  The forward beat Nathan Collier to the ball before thrashing his shot narrowly wide.

Jamie Allen was then within a whisker of finding the top corner after latching onto a blocked shot from Nortey and at the other end, Walker spectacularly denied Jake Hyde, palming away the attacker’s header on the goalline.

After the break, Effiong rose highest to meet Brundle’s pinpoint corner, his header just cleared the crossbar.

Ofori-Acheampong will feel he should have levelled after failing to connect with Dan Spence’s cross.

And Woking went even closer to equalising with their next chance.

Spence’s ball over the top found Kretzschmar, who could only watch as he touched the ball the inches wide of the mark.

Josh Casey almost headed Josh Passley’s cross into his own net and Dover’s right-back provided another assist, this time nodding the ball into Brundle’s path, but Whites’ skipper could only direct his header wide.

But Ofori-Acheampong had no such trouble for Woking.

The striker headed in from a free-kick from the left to equalise for the National South side just before the hour mark.

Walker needed to be alert to see away a cross from Saraiva that almost crept in.

The final chance of the match saw substitute Paul Hodges’ strike well blocked by the Dover defence as both sides start their domestic seasons in a week’s time.

Earlier, boss Kinnear made one chance to the side that started in the home friendly with Welling on Tuesday night.  Nortey replacing the injured Anthony Jeffrey.

Athletic next entertain Wrexham in their opening National League game of the 2018/19 season on Saturday 4th August.  Kick off 3 pm

Dover:  Walker, Essam, Schmoll, Lokko, Passley, Trialist (Daniel 63), Brundle (c), Nortey, Gomis, Allen, Effiong.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

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Dover Athletic v Welling United

JAMIE Allen’s winner five minutes from time saw Whites continue their National League preparations with a home win against National South Welling United.

The striker latched onto substitute Nortei Nortey’s through ball and slotted coolly into the bottom corner as Chris Kinnear’s men won their first friendly in three attempts.

Athletic fashioned the first chance with Connor Essam curling narrowly wide following a free-kick into the box.

Craig Braham-Barrett stung the palms of home keeper Mitch Walker and at the other end, Inih Effiong curled a sumptuous effort just past the post.

Dover skipper Mitch Brundle seized upon Charles Banya’s misplaced pass but skewed his shot off target.

And Kevin Lokko thought he had given Dover the lead minutes later.

The summer signing from Stevenage sent a looping header into the top corner, only to see the referee disallow his effort for a push.

Brundle’s scorching free-kick sailed narrowly over and Allen’s vicious volley just cleared the crossbar following hesitant Welling defending as Dover pressed for a lead.

Allen burst through but saw his low strike well saved by visiting stopper Dan Wilks.

Following the restart, Bedsente Gomis fired over when well placed and Nortey shot into the arms of Wilks.

And Essam thought he had put Whites ahead just after the hour mark.

The sweeper rose highest to meet Josh Passley’s cross but saw his header flash the wrong side of the post.

Gomis fired on target, only for his strike to deflect narrowly wide and Allen’s shot from close range was well blocked by the substitute trialist keeper.

But it was third time lucky for Allen as he converted Nortey’s pass before Kadell Daniel missed a golden opportunity to double Dover’s lead.

The substitute dived to meet Allen’s pinpoint cross but somehow headed the ball off target.

Athletic next travel to Woking on Saturday 28th July.  Kick off 3 pm.

Dover:  Walker, Passley, Lokko, Essam, Schmoll, Trialist, Brundle (c), Gomis, Jeffrey (Nortey 17), Allen, Effiong (Daniel 80).

Welling:  Wilks (Trialist 78), Banya, Braham-Barrett (Trialist 55), Acheampong, Orlu (Trialist 63), Audel (Trialist 55), Jebb (Trialist 60), Mendy (Trialist 63), Mills (Trialist 87), Goldberg (Trialist 72), Kissock (Trialist 52).

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

MATCH GALLERY

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”259″ gal_title=”DAFC v Welling United 24/07/18″]

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Dover Athletic v Gillingham

WHITES suffered their second consecutive pre-season loss with a home defeat against League One Gillingham.

The match, played on Crabble’s new state-of-the-art hybrid pitch for the first time, was only 11 minutes old when David Nasseri opened the scoring.

And further strikes from Liam Nash and Nessari saw the side from two divisions higher run out comfortable victors.

Early on, Liam Nash curled narrowly over the bar as Gills looked to make their higher league status count.

And an early goal for the visitors arrived moments later.

David Nasseri’s took aim from range with an effort that struck defender Connor Essam and rolled into the bottom corner of the net.

Away keeper Tomas Holy dived onto Mitch Brundle’s low drive as Whites registered their first shot on target of the game.

Josh Parker’s curling free-kick flew just past the top corner and shortly after, a quick counter-attack ended with Regan Charles-Cook flicking the ball past Walker’s post.

Parker’s curling strike deflected off target and Max Ehmer volleyed ferociously wide from 30-yards out as Athletic ended the half a goal down to their League One opponents.

After the restart, Mark Byrne fizzed a shot just wide, but the defender played a part in the visitor’s second goal

Byrne passed the ball into the area from out wide to the oncoming Nash, who fired high into the net from close range.

Inih Effiong almost reduced the arrears, latching on Anthony Jeffrey’s clever pass and firing into the side-netting via the hand of Holy.

And at the other end, Nasseri grabbed doubled his tally for the afternoon just after the hour mark.

The midfielder took aim and fired past an outstretched Walker from 25 yards to make it 3-0 to the away team.

Parker skewed Byrne’s pass horribly wide and Nash had two opportunities to make it four goals for the afternoon, firstly beating the offside trap and lobbing just over and then blasting straight at Walker.

Jamie Allen almost grabbed a late consolation, running onto Nortei Nortey’s ball and firing just wide.

Dover next host Welling on Tuesday 24th July, kick off 7:45 pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

MATCH GALLERY

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”258″ gal_title=”DAFC v Gillingham 21/07/18″]

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Chelmsford City v Dover Athletic

WHITES suffered their first defeat of pre-season, conceding the only goal of the game in injury time on Wednesday night in Essex.

With time running out, City substitute Amos Nasha fired into an empty net after visiting keeper Mitch Walker (Pictured) had parried an initial Chelmsford effort.

Chris Kinnear’s men almost took an early lead as Anthony Jeffrey’s cross-cum-shot fell at the feet of Kevin Lokko, but the big defender was unable to convert at the back post.

Mitch Brundle then took aim from range for Dover but dragged his 25-yard effort wide.

Moments later, a visiting triallist fired towards the Chelmsford goal, only for Ross Worner, on loan from Sutton for the season, to parry clear.

And it was the home side who were denied an opening goal on the half-hour mark.

Rob Swaine’s volley appeared destined for the top corner, however, Connor Essam reacted brilliantly to head the ball over his own crossbar.

Following the restart, substitute Kadell Daniel forced Worner into another smart save with a curling effort from the edge of the area.

And another triallist burst through 20 minutes from time, only to be denied by Worner once more.

But it was the hosts who won the match late on in a game of few chances.

Whites host League One Gillingham on Saturday 21st July.  Kick off 3 pm.

WHITES:  Walker, Passley, Essam (Adebowale 45), Lokko, Triallist, Fazakerley, Brundle(c) (Triallist 45), Gomis (Triallist 45), Jeffrey (Triallist 45), Effiong (Triallist 45), Allen (Daniel 45).

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Folkestone Invicta v Dover Athletic

WHITES battled back from a goal down at half-time to draw 1-1 at Folkestone Invicta in their third pre-season friendly of the campaign.

A triallist, one of six introduced after the restart, slotted the ball past the outstretched arm of substitute home keeper Nick Shaw to level matters after Johan Ter Horst had put the hosts ahead before the break.

Early on, Connor Essam volleyed over Kadell Daniel’s corner from six yards and Inih Effiong saw his close-range shot from Josh Passley’s cross blocked by Invicta stopper Tim Roberts.

But it was the hosts who went ahead on 24 minutes.

A mistimed tackle from defender Ejiro Okosieme allowed Kieron McCann to cross for the waiting Ter Horst to fire past a helpless Mitch Walker in the Athletic goal.

A similar error at the other end almost saw Effiong equalise, but the burly forward was unable to connect properly with the ball.

And Dover’s summer signing felt he should have been given a free shot on goal just before the restart.

Effiong burst through and appeared to be felled in the area, however, the referee thought otherwise and waved play-on, in spite of the visitor’s protests.

Boss Chris Kinnear made ten changes after the restart and two of the triallists almost made the breakthrough for Whites after Folkestone’s Ian Draycott blazed over substitute keeper Chris Lewington’s bar.

Firstly, one of the triallists saw his curling effort from the edge of the box tipped away by Roberts and Kinnear’s men went even closer to restoring parity on 77 minutes.

Another of the triallists turned smartly and fired on target, only to see his shot cleared away by the Folkestone defender back on goalline.

But in hot conditions, Dover were able to muster an equaliser a minute later to continue their unbeaten pre-season run.

Athletic next travel to Chelmsford City on Wednesday 18th July.  Kick off 7:45pm.

Whites XI:  Walker (Lewington 45), Triallist, Passley (Fazakerley 45), Essam (Adebowale 45), Lokko (Diarra 45), Okosieme (Triallist 45), Gomis (Triallist 45), Brundle (Triallist 45), Jeffrey (Triallist 45), Effiong (Triallist 45), Daniel (Triallist 45).

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

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Hythe Town v Dover Athletic

KADELL Daniel’s curling second-half free-kick was the difference as Dover battled to a single-goal victory at Hythe Town on Monday night.

The winger found the bottom corner of the net from 25-yards as Athletic registered their second consecutive pre-season win.

And the visitors could have been ahead earlier, but both Jamie Allen and Inih Effiong were both off target.

Allen then seemed destined to find the back of the net following a wonderful solo run but placed his effort wide with only the home keeper to beat.

Effiong then more than matched his strike partner’s effort, running at the Hythe defence before forcing the goalie to tip over his fierce shot.

But it was the hosts who almost had the lead on the stroke of half-time, striking the inside of the post from the edge of the box with Mitch Walker relieved to see the ball bounce across the line before being cleared from danger.

Allen, Effiong and Tobi Sho-Silva were all denied by goalline clearances following the restart and Effiong went even closer to breaking the deadlock just minutes later.

The striker volleyed Loui Fazakerley’s pinpoint cross goalwards, but could only find the top of the crossbar from just outside the six-yard area.

However, Daniel duly delivered the winner, though the home side almost mustered an injury-time equaliser.

Substitute keeper Chris Lewington was at full stretch to tip away a low drive as Dover added to their 5-1 friendly win at Deal Town a week earlier.

Chris Kinnear’s men next travel to Bostik Premier Folkestone Invicta on Saturday 14th July, kick off 3 pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

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