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

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.

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:

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:

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£10 Adults

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£5 Concessions

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£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.

 

 

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

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:

 

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)

 

 

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.

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:

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

 

 

The Whites make their first long away trip of the campaign.

Dover make their first trip to the west country this Saturday when the Whites head to high flying Bath City to renew old rivalries. For fans of an older persuasion, you will no doubt remember the 1989-90 season when we were stripped of promotion due to Crabble seemingly not up to standard, only for Bath to take our place in the then GM Vauxhall Conference, following an exhilarating title between the two clubs. Just two years later and the Whites made amends, joining City in the fifth tier of English football.

Mitch Brundle takes his side to Twerton Park looking to add more points on the board but will find a City side that is absolutely flying at the summit of the National League South. To add fuel to the fire, Bath are holding a ‘Pay what you like’, Community Day, with punters asked to pay a minimum £2 on the gate. This will no doubt ensure that the crowd will be bolstered with such a good deal in place to add to an already carnival atmosphere.

Form Guide:

Head to Head:

Ticket Information:

A Pay What You Like, Community Day Match. You can select standard ticket prices or enter the amount you want to donate per person in the Pay What You Like box (£2 minimum to cover transaction charges and administration. You can pay any amount on the gate).

Adult £15

Senior £12

Student U18 £7

Under 16 £2

Whites head into FA Cup action. 

This week sees the welcome distraction from league duty as we head into FA Cup action with Hastings United coming to town. There have been some memorable FA Cup matches over the years with the likes of Oxford United, Aldershot Town, Peterborough United, MK Dons, Cheltenham Town, Huddersfield Town and most fondly remembered would be the televised Third Round tie against Crystal Palace.

Some results have been euphoric where has some have been not so easy on the eye. There have been many upsets with the Whites being on both sides of the coin but I’m sure you can all remember that sweet, sweet day at Priestfield when we turned over Gillingham in their own backyard. Then there was the late winner from Ruel Sotiriou against Southend United. I mean I could go on and on.

Is it a massive game? Yes, of course. I want to have a cup run.

The FA Cup has always excited me as a player and, as a kid, I watched it.’ – Mitch Brundle

While it’s always nice to take a trip down memory lane, football is played in the here and now and Mitch Brundle will be desperate to get his FA Cup maiden voyage as boss off to a flyer. He will have to do it without the outward departing Chevron McLean and Mike Olarewaju, who left the club this week by mutual consent. We wish them well in the future and thank them for their efforts in a white shirt.

Henry Young put pen to paper on a deal following his 18th birthday. Congratulations, Youngy. Over to you now lads, lets make sure we are in the hat for the next round.

COYW!

Form Guide:

Head to Head:

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

We face off against the Terras. 

Another Saturday, another home game. This time we face off against Weymouth in a game that already both teams will be looking forward to hopefully getting some more much needed points on the board. Both ourselves and todays opponents dropped three points mid-week with neither team scoring a goal so today will see a game where a win will be vital.

It’s down to having someone who puts the ball in the back of the net. Whether you’re 17 or you’re 29, if you’re in front of the goal, you’ve got to score – Mitch Brundle

The last time the two sides met was of course on the final game of the 2022/23 campaign in which the Whites needed a point or more to secure National League South status and relegate the Terras, but it was the visiting team who celebrated on the pitch with their fans as a 2-0 win ensured survival. Dover needed a helping hand from Chippenham Town but both sides stayed up, nevertheless.

Mitch Brundle will be hoping that his team can put in another Chippenham style performance, adding goals into the mix. While the results seem to be going against the Whites, the team is not a million miles away from where it needs to be. A penalty miss against Tonbridge, unable to find a second against Chippenham and even a handball goal disallowed (it wasn’t), have potentially cost us an additional couple of points, but that’s football. Decisions tend to even themselves out over the course of the campaign.

Lets get behind the boys and push them to securing a vital three points.

COYW!

Form Guide:

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)

 

The Whites hit the road for some midweek action. 

Having played host to Chippenham Town just 48 hours ago, Dover get on the road as Mitch Brundle and his side look to bring home three points from Clarence Park. It was a stormy encounter the last time the two sides met back in March with the Whites ending the match with only nine men and on the end of a 1-0 score line that went in the favour of the home side who eventually crept into the play-offs.

 

St Albans have only one win for their efforts so far this season, coming on the opening day against Havant & Waterlooville, so it will be an interesting match up with both teams desperate for the points at this early stage. Our only win has also come on the road so the lads will be looking to add to that as we try and navigate our way up the National League South table. Dover have fallen into the bottom four and while it is certainly too early for panic stations, the emphasis like every game, will be to go out on the front foot and try to get a positive result.

 

Form Guide: 

Head to Head:

Ticket Information:

Adult – £16.50

Concession – £11.00

Her Game Too STH – £11.00

18-23 – £8

12-17 – £6

Child U12 – Free

The Whites look to get back to winning ways. 

With back to back defeats over the Bank Holiday weekend, Mitch Brundle will be keen to get back to winning ways at home to Chippenham Town this coming Saturday. The Bluebirds will head to the Megger Community Stadium in decent form having beaten Slough Town 2-1 on Monday to continue their good start to the campaign.

The two teams met twice last season for the first time in the clubs history and the Bluebirds had the upper hand over us with four points out of a possible six. Those who travelled to Chippenham last season will remember the fantastic goal scored by Myles Judd from a Lee Martin Corner, which was probably the highlight of the two games for the Whites who will be hoping to take the upper hand this time around.

This week saw two departures from the club as the manager looked to free up space in his squad with both Olu Durojaiye and Imran Kayani both heading out the Crabble exit door. Olu had yet to play a single minute while Kayani had only showed glimpses in a couple of substitute appearances. Speaking to Kent Online Sport on the decision to release the players Brundle said ‘It’s the harsh reality of football. It’s horrible to do but I’ve chosen to do it because you never know what will become available. Certain top Premier League clubs don’t let players go until a certain time or a certain date when their window shuts. We’ll be looking at that market’

We wish both lads all the best moving forward with their careers.

The players will be in the Centre Spot until 6pm after the match for anyone wishing to meet them.

Form Guide:

 

Head to Head:

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)

COYW!

 

We look forward to a Bank Holiday weekend double header.

This weekend sees the Whites head into battle on two fronts with the games coming thick and fast as we host Worthing FC on the Saturday before making the relatively short trip north to Dartford. Mitch Brundle will be looking at getting more points on the board as he continues his positive start to the campaign.

There’s a feel-good factor everywhere. The fans have been fantastic. – Mitch Brundle.

 

Saturday 26th August – Worthing (H)

First up we look at high flying Worthing who again are looking to push hard for a play-off place come what April after finishing fourth in the 2022/23 campaign. The Mackerel Men were one of the most impressive outfits when they visited Crabble last season and the Gaffer knows his team are going to have to be on their ‘A’ game. Worthing lost to high flying Avely last time out but Brundle knows that teams at this level will always have a blip and then come back strong. ‘They won’t go away from their philosophy,’ said Brundle, when quizzed by Kent Online Sport. ‘We’ll watch their games. We won’t just watch that game they’ve lost, we’ll watch the games that they played well in. They had started the season very well. They’ll have a lot of possession but we’ll, hopefully, find a way that can hurt them in transitions.’

 

Form Guide:

 

Head to Head:

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)

 

Monday 28th August – Dartford (A)

On Bank Holiday Monday we make the trip to Princes Park, Dartford, for our second Kent derby of the season. Mitch Brundle will be hoping for a better performance than the last time the two teams faced each other back in April when a 2-1 defeat meant that the Whites were fighting for their National South lives. The Darts have been struggling to gain all three points from their opening four matches with draws hampering their play-off push for this campaign.

 

 

Form Guide:

Head to Head:

Ticket Information:

Adults – £16

Concessions – £11

Youth 13-17 (Must be with an adult) – £5

Junior (Must be with an adult) – £2

Grassbanks, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1RT

We hope to see as many of you there as possible.

COYW!