PREVIEW: WHITES V GATESHEAD

Play-off chasing Dover will be aiming to continue their impressive home record against the Heed in front of a bumper Community Day crowd this weekend.

Chris Kinnear’s men have won three consecutive matches against the Tyne & Wear side at Crabble since promotion to the National League in 2014.

Gateshead are yet to score at Dover’s ground in three attempts, although Athletic boss Chris Kinnear will be wary of two of Gateshead’s dangermen this weekend.

Strikers Jordan Burrows and Danny Johnson have scored 10 league goals apiece this season for Steve Watson’s team.

The Dover Athletic end-of-season awards presentation will take place in the Centre Spot at 5.15pm.

GATESHEAD’S RECENT FORM

17/04/18:  ALDERSHOT 1-0 GATESHEAD

Scott Rendell’s strike just before half-time was enough to send the Shots up to third in the table.

The striker pounced on Jim Kellerman’s dangerous cross to fire in the game’s only goal.

Gary Waddock’s men had already hit the woodwork twice, including visiting keeper James Montgomery touching Matt McClure’s long range strike onto the post.

McClure blazed over as Town tried to extend their lead, but the home side held on to claim the three points.

PREVIOUS MEETING

21/10/17:  GATESHEAD 0-0 DOVER

Dover stayed top of the league ladder after battling to a goalless draw in windy conditions at the International Stadium.

Luke Hannant struck the bar once in each half for the hosts as Kinnear’s men held on for a point in Gateshead manager Steve Watson’s first home game in charge.

With the wind in their favour before the break, Heed midfielder Hannant blazed over and Jordan Preston dragged wide, with both efforts coming from outside the area.

Bird blazed over Mitch Pinnock’s accurate cross from close range, but it was Gateshead who went closest midway through the half.

Paddy McLaughlin’s ball into the penalty area found Hannant in space and the midfielder’s volley looped over Mitch Walker and bounced off the underside of the bar into the grateful arms of Dover’s keeper.

Hannant then struck an effort inches past the wrong side of the post and in a rare Athletic attack at the other end of the pitch, Pinnock fired into the side-netting after beating Newcastle loanee Callum Williams for pace.

An unmarked Giancarlo Gallifuoco headed Mitch Brundle’s corner well wide and Dover’s skipper then curled a free-kick into Dan Hanford’s arms.

And Whites were almost flying back home to Kent without a point after Gateshead hit the woodwork for a second time.

Hannant rose highest to meet Jordan Burrows’ cross, but his header struck the crossbar and bounced out of play, much to the relief of Walker.

OTHER MEETINGS

01/04/17:  Dover 2-0 Gateshead

08/10/16:  Gateshead 4-2 Dover

13/02/16:  Dover 4-0 Gateshead

TICKET NEWS

Prices are as follows:

Adults: £17

Over 60’s: £14

Under 18s: £8

Under 11s: Free

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 (Kick off 3pm unless stated)

AFC FYLDE V SOLIHULL MOORS

ALDERSHOT TOWN V BARROW

BROMLEY V BOREHAM WOOD

CHESTER V MAIDSTONE UNITED

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE V MAIDENHEAD UNITED

EASTLEIGH V MACCLESFIELD TOWN (12:30)

EBBSFLEET UNITED V SUTTON UNITED

FC HALIFAX TOWN V TRANMERE ROVERS

GUISELEY V WOKING

HARTLEPOOL UNITED V TORQUAY UNITED

LEYTON ORIENT V WOKING

AWAY TRAVEL

There is a coach going to Woking at 9:15am on Saturday 28th April and it’s not too late to book your seat on it.

Costs are: Adult members £15, adult non-members £30 and accompanied child (Under 16) £10

Please call or text Andy on 0793 4300335 to book.

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