PREVIEW: WHITES V EASTLEIGH

Athletic will aim to continue setting the pace in the National League standings following a two-week break.

And boss Chris Kinnear will be hoping his side can keep up their impressive record against this weekend’s opponents.

Dover have won five and lost just once in six National League matches against the Spitfires.

However Richard Hill’s side come to Crabble in confident mood, having won 2-1 at Macclesfield in their previous away game.

Top scorer Ryan Bird and centre-back Connor Essam both started the last campaign as Eastleigh players and could feature against their former side.

Home fans might also recognise some familiar faces from the visiting squad.

Goalkeeper Ross Flitney made 55 appearances for Whites over a two year period and defender Ayo Obileye featured three times during a loan spell last season.

And Assistant Manager Andy Hessenthaler managed Dover during a three-year spell, winning two successive promotions.

EASTLEIGH’S RECENT FORM

EASTLEIGH 2-2 CHESTER

Strugglers Chester came back from two goals down at the Silverlake Stadium to claim only their second away point since Marcus Bignot took over as manager.

Ben Williamson put the home side ahead from 18 yards on two minutes and Gary McSheffrey doubled the Spitfires lead shortly after the restart.

James Akintunde tucked in Kingsley James’ cross seven minutes later to reduce the arrears and the visitors were denied a second after home keeper Ross Flitney saved Ryan Astles’ effort.

But the big defender was not to be kept out for long, powering in Lucas Dawson’s corner in the last minute.

PREVIOUS MEETING

25/02/17: DOVER 3-0 EASTLEIGH

Ricky Miller’s fourth hat-trick of the season ensured there was no happy return to Crabble for Richard Hill.

Caretaker boss Hill, who was in charge of his first game since Martin Allen’s sacking, could only watch as Dover condemned the Hampshire side to a fourth consecutive National League defeat.

Home fans did not have to wait long to celebrate a goal as Miller opened the scoring on three minutes. Visiting goalkeeper Rya Clarke parried Nicky Deverdics’ shot and predator Miller finished it off from close range.

James Constable’s turn and shot whistled past Steve Arnold’s post and Ross Lafayette, sporting a bandage from a cut to the forehead earlier in the match, saw a deflected effort fly wide.

Whites doubled their advantage on 71 minutes, with that man Miller on the scoresheet again. The striker’s half-volley slipped from Clarke’s grasp and rolled into the net.

Miller completed his treble eight minutes later after robbing Adam Dugdale and curling into the far corner.

OTHER LEAGUE MEETINGS

16/08/16: Eastleigh 2-4 Dover
10/11/15: Dover 1-2 Eastleigh
22/09/15: Eastleigh 2-5 Dover

TICKET NEWS

Prices are as follows:

Adults – £17
Over 60’s – £14
Under 18’s – £8
Under 11’s – Free with an accompanying result.

COVERAGE

The game starts at 3pm but if you are unable to make the trip, we will have live updates on Twitter – @DAFCLiveText – follow us and get all the news as it happens!

Coverage starts from 2pm.

SATURDAY’S OTHER NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES (3pm unless stated).

ALDERSHOT TOWN V AFC FYLDE
BARROW V MACCLESFIELD TOWN
BOREHAM WOOD V HARTLEPOOL UNITED
FC HALIFAX TOWN V WOKING
GUISELEY V BROMLEY
MAIDENHEAD UNITED V GATESHEAD
SOLIHULL MOORS V SUTTON UNITED
TORQUAY UNITED V MAIDSTONE UNITED
TRANMERE ROVERS V DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
EBBSFLEET UNITED V LEYTON ORIENT (5:30pm)

AWAY TRAVEL

There are coaches travelling to Leyton Orient (Saturday 18th November), Dagenham (Tuesday 21st November) and Bromley (Saturday 2nd December).

It’s not too late to book a seat and prices are per game:

Adult members £15, adult non-members £30 and accompanied child (Under 16) £5

Please call or text Andy on 0793 4300335 to book your seat, or see him in the Centre Spot after the match against Eastleigh.

Please note you are now required to pay for your seat in advance by cash or via bank transfer.