Category: Match Preview

Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Tonbridge Angels

Match Preview by Fred Deveson.

Dover host Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels and the Whites will be looking to pick up their first win of the year against a Tonbridge side who have been struggling as of late.

Coming into this fixture, both sides have been struggling and they each have one win in their last five games, with both losing three and drawing the other. 

The visitors have struggled with scoring lately, scoring just twice in their last four games, with both goals coming in a 2-1 win over Weymouth just over two weeks ago. 

Tonbridge have failed to beat a Kent rival since they beat Dover Athletic 1-0 at their home ground, and have since lost to Maidstone and Hythe, which is something The Whites could look to capitalise on.

For Dover, scoring has been an issue too. The hosts have failed to score more than one goal in a game since the Boxing Day win against Aveley, and the team has only scored once in the last three games, thanks to a header from Nikaj against Taunton. 

The last three meetings between the two sides have all gone the way of Tonbridge, with Dover losing all three. The Whites have not seen success of their Kent rival for almost ten years when the two sides met in the same division in 2014.

The team will be hoping for the fans to be in full voice at Crabble as they look to beat Tonbridge Angels for the first time in almost a decade.

Ahead of this game First Team Coach Mike Sandmann has said:

We are pleased to be back at home this evening after a couple of long away trips. Myself and Jake were extremely pleased with the performance away at Torquay despite coming away empty handed. I would like to thank the 13 supporters who travelled on Saturday. As always your support does not go unnoticed.

Mike Sandmann

Dover Athletic vs Tonbridge Angels – Tuesday 23 January 2024, 7.45pm

Ticket Information:

Admission for this match is by turnstile only. We accept both card and cash on the gate.

Adults – £17

Over 60 – £15

Under 18 – £9

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

We are also offering a five game ticket. These can only be used by one individual per match and not in groups.

Adult – £75 (£10 saving)
Concession – £65 (£10 saving)

Up Next – Torquay United vs Dover Athletic

Match Preview by Fred Deveson

It’s another long trip this weekend for the Whites as they face playoff chasing Torquay, who are looking to get back into the National League after their recent relegation.

Torquay and Dover have faced off plenty of times in the past, with the record swaying in Torquay’s favour. This weekend’s hosts have won 7 of the 13 meetings between the two sides, with Dover winning 4. Goalscoring is even between the two, with The Gulls outscoring Dover by a single goal. 

This weekend’s hosts have a particular liking for this fixture, being unbeaten in the last 5 games against The Whites, which is something Dover will want to correct on Saturday.

Despite the recent head-to-head record, Dover are coming off the back of a good performance in the South West, and will be looking to capitalise on the recent poor form of The Gulls, who have not had a victory since mid-December when they beat Hemel Hempstead 3-2. 

This weekend’s hosts have failed to win in their last two home games, losing to Truro and, most recently, losing to struggling Eastbourne. 

Torquay have also struggled with scoring goals lately. They have netted just twice in their last 4 games, with both goals coming in the 2-2 draw with Eastbourne. Dover will be looking to make the most of this and score a couple of their own this weekend against the struggling Gulls.

Dover’s recent record has not been something to shout about, but there have been some positive signs. New goalkeeper Jinadu impressed on his debut against Taunton since signing on loan from Maidenhead, and new striker Oladipo looks to be a good investment after his cameo last weekend had some positive signs. 

The Whites have not won since the boxing day victory against Aveley, but they have come close since. The narrow loss away to Aveley and the draw away to Taunton shows there are some positive signs in the weeks ahead, as performances have been good, it’s just the goals that are lacking as of late. Dover have scored twice in their last three, which is something they’ll be looking to put right this weekend.

Torquay and Dover have faced off plenty of times in the past, with the record swaying in Torquay’s favour. This weekend’s hosts have won 7 of the 13 meetings between the two sides, with Dover winning 4. Goalscoring is even between the two, with The Gulls outscoring Dover by a single goal. 

This weekend’s hosts have a particular liking for this fixture, being unbeaten in the last 5 games against The Whites, which is something Dover will want to correct on Saturday.

Torquay United vs Dover Athletic – Saturday 20 January 2024 3pm:

Tickets for this encounter are available to purchase online now HERE.

There are savings on tickets when booking in advance, Torquay also advise travelling supporters wishing to purchase online should ensure they choose the ‘Change to Away’ option when viewing the stadium seating plan, as this will then direct them to the away allocation.

Individual Match Ticket Prices 2023/24

StandAdult (advance)Adult (matchday)Concessions (advance)Concessions (matchday)Under-18 (advance)Under-18 (matchday)Under-7
Bristow’s Bench£20£22£18£20£11£13FREE with a paying adult
Family Stand£19£21£17£19£11£13FREE with a paying adult
Popside£18£20£16£18£11£13FREE with a paying adult

Up Next – Taunton Town

Match Preview by Fred Deveson.

The Whites are on the road to Taunton Town this weekend, as Dover continue on their own road to survival. 

Dover may be fancying their chances this weekend as despite their recent loss at home to Truro, Taunton’s recent record has been noticeably poor. The hosts for this weekend have gained just one point in their last 5.

Taunton have lost their last 3 and have only netted on one occasion in those games, with their only goal coming away at Yeovil. 

Their last home win came against Farnborough in early December, where they dispatched the visitors 4-0. This win is their only success in the league since they beat Eastbourne at the end of September last year. 

Dover will be encouraged by this poor record, as performances have improved on the whole for the Whites, and there could be no better time to play the Somerset outfit. 

Dover have lost their last 2 games, scoring just once, but they have not been short of chances to win games and they will be hoping that their frontline can be potent against Taunton this weekend. 

The Whites’ away record has been poor of late, losing 4 of the last 5 away from home. A positive is that they have scored in their last 3 away games, which is something they’d love to take with them on Saturday. 

Dover and Taunton have only faced each other 3 times in the past, but the Whites are unbeaten in those 3 games, winning 2 and drawing the other earlier this season at Crabble. 

There are some positive signs this weekend ahead of the trip to Somerset, so the players should be encouraged by recent records and possibly pick up 3 points in the race to stay in the National League South. 

Taunton Town vs Dover Athletic – Saturday 13 January 2024

Adults (ages 18 to 67 incl.): £14

Concessions (State Pensioners & Students with ID): £11

Youth (13-18 years): £5

Junior (6-12 years): £2

Children aged under 6 are free with a paying adult

Tickets can be pre purchased here: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures?fanStoreType=Fixtures&clubId=184

Up Next – Truro City

Match Preview by Fred Deveson.


It’s a new year for Dover Athletic, and there’s a chance to make it a perfect start, with the Whites hosting mid-table Truro for their first game of 2024. 

Dover have had an incredibly positive last few games, having been unbeaten in 3 prior to the trip to Aveley, where The Whites narrowly lost to a cruel last-minute winner. Dover had just got their first home win of the season a few days before against the same opponents.

Dover can be positive heading into this weekend’s game against Truro; they are unbeaten at home since the 25th November and, having won their last home game on Boxing Day, hopes are high for Saturday. 

Dover Athletic are currently 12 points off safety, but it isn’ttotally bleak for them, as if they continue the form they’re in, they have a real shot at doing the seemingly impossible and staying in the National League South. 

Zidan Sutherland has been in good form of late, picking up an assist in the defeat at Aveley and scoring the equalising goal in the win at home on Boxing Day. Iffy Allen has also been impactful from the bench, scoring the winner against Aveley and being a difference maker at key times for Dover. 

Truro are in excellent form coming into the weekend, having won 5 of the last 6 games, including most recently, an away win at promotion chasing Torquay United. They have won their last 3 games away from home and are climbing up the table fast. 

This weekend’s visitors have also kept a clean sheet in their last two, winning both by a single goal. It will be a tough backline to break down for Dover this weekend, but with the form of the hosts’ front players being good, there is a good chance that their defence can be breached. 

It’s been over ten years since the two sides faced off, but Dover had the upper hand in the last three meetings, winning 3-2 in 2013 and 3-0 and 3-1 in 2012. The Whites will be hoping for more of the same this weekend.

The stats show that we’re in for a great game this weekend against visitors Truro, and Dover will be looking to return to winning ways once again at Crabble.

Going into this game, First Team Coach Mike Sandmann has said:

We have shown in recent weeks we can compete against some good teams in this league and this afternoon will be no different.

The atmosphere after the home match against Aveley is what we want to strive for week in week out at home and it’s our job to give everything we have to earn that support from you.

Mike Sandmann

Dover Athletic vs Truro City – Saturday 6 January 2024

Ticket Information:

Admission for this match is by turnstile only. We accept both card and cash on the gate.

Adults – £17

Over 60 – £15

Under 18 – £9

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

We are also offering a five game ticket. These can only be used by one individual per match and not in groups.

Adult – £75 (£10 saving)
Concession – £65 (£10 saving)

UP NEXT – BATH CITY

Romans return to Dover for our next home league fixture.

Bath City make their longest National League South journey of the season this Saturday as they make the 400-mile round trip to Crabble in what will be Jake Leberl and Mike Sandmann’s first game together in the dugout.

Bath beat National League outfit Boreham Wood in the third round of the FA Trophy last Saturday with a late goal from Dan Hayfield and sit 7th in the NLS table. The reverse fixture between Bath and Dover back in September finished 2-2 as The Whites drew after being 2-0 up, the goals came from Archie Hatcher and Iffy Allen.

With our game against Truro last Saturday being postponed, Jake and the team have had plenty of time to work on the training ground as we look to turn our season around. New loan keeper David Aziaya is set to make his debut between the sticks with new defender Scott Holding arriving for the month from Watford.

COYW!

Bath City Form Guide:

Pictures courtesy of Flashscore.com

Head to Head:

We still have players available to sponsor, an updated list will be in todays match day programme. If you are interested click HERE

Ticket Information:

Admission for this match is by turnstile only. We accept both card and cash on the gate.

Adults – £17

Over 60 – £15

Under 18 – £9

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

We are also offering a five game ticket. These can only be used by one individual per match and not in groups.

Adult – £75 (£10 saving)
Concession – £65 (£10 saving)

UP NEXT – HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN & CHELMSFORD CITY

The Tudors head to Crabble followed by a trip to Essex. 

The Whites face a quick turnaround this weekend with first Hemel Hempstead Town heading to the Megger Community Stadium and then just 48 hours later, Mitch Brundle’s side travel to Essex to face Chelmsford City. It’s now time to focus on league duty with a run of games coming up in the next few weeks, having finished our FA Cup exploits last weekend. We hope to see as many of you as possible for both games to continue giving the boys the fantastic backing that you have so far this campaign.

Dont forget that this Saturday sees our second community day of the season. You can find out more HERE. 

Form Guide:

Pictures courtesy of Flashscore.com

 

Head to Head: 

We still have players available to sponsor, an updated list will be in Saturdays match day programme. If you are interested click HERE

Ticket Information:

Admission for this match is by turnstile only. We accept both card and cash on the gate.

Adults – £17

Over 60 – £15

Under 18 – £9

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

We are also offering a five game ticket. These can only be used by one individual per match and not in groups.

Adult – £75 (£10 saving)
Concession – £65 (£10 saving)

 

 

Form Guide:

Head to Head: 

Ticket Information:

 

Travel Information:

How to find us:

Melbourne Community Stadium
Salerno Way
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 2EH
(01245) 290959

Visiting the Melbourne Community Stadium

By Car

There are a small number of parking spaces on matchday located at the centre, and limited parking is available on street, so we would ask where possible for visiting fans to make use of their own coach services. If travelling independently we would ask you to consider the public transport options listed below. If you do have to drive to the venue, we would ask all supporters to consider our neighbours when attending games. Please do not block access to driveways or garages when parking

Public transport

Chelmsford Railway Station is served by the London Liverpool Street to Ipswich main line. In order to make a 15:00pm Saturday kick-off the latest train you should catch from London Liverpool Street by no later than is 12:45pm to comfortably make kick-off and the same applies from Ipswich. To make a midweek 19:45pm kick-off, leave London Liverpool Street by no later than 18:15pm and Ipswich by 18:00pm.

Travelling by bus

The C2, C3 and C11 buses run a regular service every ten to fifteen minutes, departing from the Bus Station, which is situated on the left hand side of Duke Street just after the viaduct. Your journey should take around fifteen minutes from this point.

Taxi

There is a Taxi Rank at the rear of the station.

The Melbourne Community Stadium is a no smoking stadium, however there is a designated smoking area on the hard-standing outside of the main clubhouse. The clubhouse is open before, during and after the game for refreshments.

 

 

 

KENT CUP DRAW – 2ND ROUND

Whites find out 2nd round opponents

Dover Athletic will travel to Beckenham Town in the 2nd Round of the Kent Senior Cup and the match will be played on Tuesday 31 October, 7.45pm Kick-off

UP NEXT – EASTLEIGH (FA CUP EDITION)

The Whites head to the Silverlake Stadium in another FA Cup instalment.

Mitch Brundle takes his side along the coast to Eastleigh for the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup and a chance to progress for the winners, into the First Round Proper. There is a plethora of big clubs waiting who could be classed as a plumb draw but first the Whites need to see off the Spitfires in what will prove to be a very tough fixture.

Luke Baptiste last time out against Haringey Borough – Pic Steve Johnson

Eastleigh enter the competition at this stage whereas this is now the third fixture for Dover so far. The Spitfires sit just two points out of the play-off picture in the Vanarama National League and will be looking to put their league ambitions aside for the day. Mitch Brundle will no doubt have done his homework on the opposition and will look to mastermind an upset and send the travelling fans home with smiles on their faces.

34 places in the football pyramid separate the two sides but this is the FA Cup and as you know it can provide some magical moments. We hope to see you there.

You have to play the good teams at some point if you want to go far in the competition. – Mitch Brundle

Form Guide:

Pics courtesy of Flashscore.com

Head to Head:

Ticket Information: – Eastleigh Football Club can confirm ticket details for our Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round fixture against Dover Athletic.

The Spitfires host Dover Athletic in the FA Cup on Saturday 14th October with (KO 3pm).

Tickets for this fixture will be priced at:


£10 Adults


£5 Concessions


£2 Under 16s

On the matchday, the North, West, and South stand will be open. Please note that seating is unreserved. Sherwoods Bar will be open as will the South Stand kiosk for supporters to purchase food and drinks.

Parking will be available on a first come, first serve basis and will be priced at £5 per car. Please note, 2023/24 parking passes will not be valid for this fixture.

Away supporters will be housed in Block 1 of the South Stand.

For any disabled supporters looking to obtain a free carer ticket please email a copy of your middle/higher rate DLA/PIP to jdewey@eastleighfc.com along with your phone number, and we will give you a call to process this.

 

 

UP NEXT – TAUNTON TOWN

The Peacocks head to town. 

With the Whites having hosted Haringey Borough in the FA Cup last weekend, this Saturday sees Mitch Brundle’s babes back in Vanarama National South action. Taunton Town head to the Megger Community Stadium full of confidence following a 2-1 win last time out against Eastbourne Borough, to send them to the top of the table. Our last league encounter saw us play the team occupying first place when we travelled west to Bath, culminating in an enthralling 2-2 draw, despite leading 2-0.

We don’t fear anyone. The league has shown anyone can beat anyone.

We just want to give a good account of ourselves and a performance we’re proud of – whether that’s win, lose or draw – Mitch Brundle

Archie Hatcher waiting to take a free-kick into the penalty area Picture Steve Johnson

It had been highlighted after last weeks match how young the starting eleven were, averaging at just over 20 years old. The Gaffer was keen to point out that if you are good enough you are old enough. Henry Young and Archie Hatcher have both recently signed their first professional contracts and dont look out of place in the Whites squad so far this campaign.

Speaking to Kent Online Sport, manager Brundle said ‘I’ll always be honest and truthful with the players. If you’re not, then I think you lose the dressing room. I could have quite easily thrown Dunney back into the midfield and changed the midfield but they did well – and they did well for 66 minutes against Bath, so I didn’t think it was right. For me, age doesn’t matter. It’s something I’m really proud of. Baptiste came in and was excellent. He does what’s on the tin, he’ll consistently work. I thought, in the first half, he was a major threat. I thought their right-back was very good and tried to be in our half more than his own. But Baptiste managed to keep pinning him back. I thought he was outstanding.’

Lets hope we can get a few more through the gate on Saturday to cheer on these young guns.

COYW!

Form Guide:

Picture courtesy of Flashscore.com

 

Head to Head:

 

We still have players available to sponsor, an updated list will be in Saturdays match day programme. If you are interested click HERE

Ticket Information:

Admission for this match is by turnstile only. We accept both card and cash on the gate.

Adults – £17

Over 60 – £15

Under 18 – £9

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

We are also offering a five game ticket. These can only be used by one individual per match and not in groups.

Adult – £75 (£10 saving)
Concession – £65 (£10 saving)

 

 

UP NEXT – HARINGEY BOROUGH (FA CUP EDITION)

The Whites look to advance in the FA Cup.

Mitch Brundle and his charges will be looking to progress to the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup when Haringey Borough head to town. It will be the second home tie of the competition following the match last time out with Hastings United, which the Whites won 3-2, courtesy of goals from Iffy Allen, George Nikaj and Luke Baptiste. Despite a late flurry from the visitors who were down to ten men, the Whites had dominated the game and should have been out of sight, but eventually held on to secure a place in the Third Qualifying Round.

Skipper James Dunne clears the danger last time out against Hastings United – Photo Steve Johnson

The winner of this tie will be one step closer to the First Round proper where the likes of Reading, Derby County, Bolton Wanderers and many more await. The following round, should Dover get there, will include the National League teams for the first time. There are still some big clubs kicking about, even without Notts County and Wrexham, who were both promoted to League Two. Chesterfield, Oldham Athletic, Hartlepool United and even Southend United, with all their struggles, still boast football league alumni.

Haringey have not hit top form of yet in their domestic league, currently sitting in 21st position, one league below the Whites, in the Ryman Premier League. While this looks like it could be perceived as an easy fixture, Borough despatched of Tonbridge Angels 4-2 in the last round, showing that the magic of the cup is most definitely alive and kicking.

Our aim is to be in the hat for the next round and try and stay in the competition as long as possible – Mitch Brundle

Peter Ojemen will miss the clash having been dismissed for two yellow cards last time out at Bath City but Johl Powell will be back at Crabble following his suspension in the cup last time out.

Form Guide:

Picture courtesy of Flashscore.com

Head to Head:

Unable to provide any information from Dover Athletic as it is now, maybe someone of an older generation might remember a fixture dating further back?

Ticket Information – All Must Pay:

Admission for this match is by turnstile only. We accept both card and cash on the gate.

Adults – £17

Over 60 – £15

Under 18 – £9

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult