Dover Athletic : From bottom to top

[casey32]

And it begins.....

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In the year 2013 Dover Athletic an set to take part in their first season in the professional leagues of English football as they get ready to take on the big boys of League 2. The last two season has seen the club smashing non league and club records, with back to back promotions, gathering two league tittles and two cups with the FA trophy. The key to this recent success could be down to one man, Irish manager Simon Casey, he arrived in the summer of 2011 where Dover were a semi pro side in the Conference South. His 4-1-3-2 attacking style with an array of talent joining the club from all over the globe saw instance success, but now Dover face there biggest challenge.


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So lets start with the squad, many of the players who played in the Conference South winning side still remain yet a few of the main men were lost and lost without any reward as a number of key players refused to sign part-time contracts and were therefore free to leave for bigger clubs without any compensation. A few new names have joined this season mostly youthful additions most notable would be promising striker Bernard Mensah whom was released by Watford in the summer, The older leagues of the emerging back to back promotions side left as the manager felt their role was over as they would no be needed as a growing team is needed rather than chopping and changing.

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Well lets introduce firstly from the back, Sam Walker a 6 "6 ft keeper and former Chelsea's youth academy graduate will be the main man between the posts, Dutch Keeper Raymond Lenting will be pushing the youngster for a place. Full backs now, on the right Turk Senol Solak (regen) and the Frenchman Chris Makengo will be looking to fight for a start and as for the left, any of the trio of Joel Untersee, Maxime Buthiaux and Gerson Sousa could make the position theirs. As for the centre backs the experienced Danny Shittu and Tomas Kalas on loan from Chelsea will surely be favourites to cement a solid partnership and they combine pace and power.

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The midfield is also strong with Isacc Hayden former Gunner has impressed in pre season in a defesinve midfield role but will have competion from Oumar N'Diaye and Christian Haselberger but the main playmaker sitting infront of them will surely be either son of Michael, Mads Laudrup or the exciting dutch 23 year old Bastian Weiser.

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The wings will be attacked on a regular basis, on the left German Elias Pech, Brother of Scott, Jake Sinclair and maybe Laudrup at times and on the right, Euloge Ahodikpe, ageing be a good servant to the club, Danny Amankwaa and Romario Sabajo.

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Now to were the glory goes, the strikers. Daniele Conti, one of the first signing joining on a free after bring released by Palermo in the summer of 2011, the main player in the side with immense talent, fears he wants to move to a bigger club and with his contract ending next summer it may be time to cash in on the club captain or will they take the risk of fighting to keep him with risk of the blow of losing him on a free when major cash could be made from him. Kennedy Igboananike another great talent again contract expires next summer and unwilling it seems to negotiated a new one, hot and cold at times but a great poacher. Agustin Torassa, Argentine who may be the future if the main strikeforce are lost, a good all rounder but bit on the short side, There is a future at the club in terms of strikers with Yassine Benzia formerly of Lyon and the before mentioned Mensah and Sinclair.

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All feedback welcome, please like, rate and comment...
(more detailed monthly updates to follow)​

 

[casey32]

August 2013

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(note from september 2013 monthly updates will be in more detail as will be at were the game is currently)



League Two

Dover 3-1 Port Vale

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nice start to the league campaign with a win, surprise instance impact from Mensah coming on from the bench to score two late goals securing the points on his debut.



Carling Cup 1st Rnd

Cardiff 1-5 Dover

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we were just clinical everything we touched seemed to go in, Conti pulled the strings in this shock win as he again proves how valuable he is to the club yet also just how high up maybe he should be playing.



League Two

Accrington 2-2 Dover

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Accrington got lucky, unlike the Cardiff game this time we couldn't put away the chances when needed, poor second goal conceded from a sloppy corner.



League Two

Dover 2-0 Walsall

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First clean sheet of the season always nice to get, an easy win controlled the game with a solid back line.



League Two

AFC Wimbledon 0-7 Dover

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Boom! now that's what I'm talking about, a huge win over a club who have inspired Dover with there recent rapid climb. Conti again looks a player far too good for the league. Pech and Sinclair also shined.



Carling Cup 2nd Rnd

Leeds 2-5 Dover

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Amazingly they have done it again shocking many, is it just a lucky run or is this the start of something special. No surprises who the man of the match was, the magician Conti.
League Two
Dover 4-1 Crawley

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A close game, a few moments of brilliance from Torassa made it look worse than it was, the Argentine impressing as he replaced the rested Conti.



League Table

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Couldn't of asked for a better start, top of the league and unbeaten, goals flying in and solid defensive performances to boot.​

 

[casey32]

September 2013

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Johnstone's Paint Trophy South 1st Rnd

Dover 3-1 AFC Wimbledon

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After the 7-0 thrashing away expectations were high from the Dover fans. Went 1-0 down after an own goal from Kalas, a sliced clearance from a poor cross, a goal from nothing. Soon came back after complete domination. Untersse sent off for a two-footed tackle on his debut. Conti was poor, Torassa on as a sub impressing again. Igboananike should have had a hat trick but missed a number of chances. Wimbledon failed to get one shot on target all game.


League Two

Cheltenham 2-1 Dover

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Go behind for second game in a row. 41st minute a beautiful move that would leave Barca in awe saw Igboananike strike the inside of the post, moments later Conti smashed home from the spot to go in at half time level. 20 seconds after restart Chetlenham restored their lead. 52nd minute Igboananike scores but it’s ruled out for shirt pulling. Chetlenham only threatened from range but two counters won the game. French defender Ludovic Colin made his professional debut as he started due to players being away on international duty.



League Two

Dover 3-1 Brentford

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1st against 3rd as Dover look to test themselves against the league leaders. Dover took the lead after a trademark goal from Pech meeting a low cross at the far post that was whipped in by Igboananike, Danny Shiitu made it 2-0 soon after, scoring from a well worked corner. Walker pulled off some fantastic saves today, showing his potential. Dover failed to convert simple chances made by superb though balls from midfield. When the game went 2-1 things looked nervy but a goal from speedster Igboananike aloud Dover fans to relax. Dover climb to 2nd as Brentford drop to 4th .



​Transfer News

George Thorne has signed from West Brom on a 3-month loan deal. The 20 year old has two under 21 caps for England and is an exciting prospect for the Baggies. He can play both central and defensive midfield as Dover look to add more English grown talent in order to meet the minimum of six players trained in England rule while also having options. Thorne himself did say he would be interested in a permanent deal as he has not getting playing time for the Baggies and it may be time to move on. Another player joining is Krisztian Adorjan, formerly of Liverpool and a Hungarian youth international, the manager is said to be look to convert him into a central midfield role as his great passing, creativity and technique could see him add a bit of gold to the attack.


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League Two

Aldershot 3-3 Dover

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2-0 at half time thanks to two wonderful crosses from the full backs with one assist from each. To the delight of the Dover fans Thorne came on for the last 25 minutes to make his debut for the club. Sub Sinclair was unlucky to score an own goal after a shot from a corner deflected of him to make it 2-1 which lead to a tense last 15. Kalas gifted Aldershot an equalizer, losing the ball just outside the box. Solak then completed missed timed a sliding tackle to give Aldershot a penalty and a chance to surely get all 3 points, which they put away and it was former Dover winger Gyasi who put it away to add salt to the wounds. Thorne will not be happy that his introduction was where it fell apart, with Dover giving up a 2-0 lead, not necessarily a bad performance but maybe a sign of a how key Hayden is to the side’s success. Yet in the dying moments, it was again the poacher supreme as the Nigerian made it level in injury time to help save the embarrassment but still the management will not be happy, a game they should have won.



League Two

Dover 4-0 Bury

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After Pech put his side ahead the last thing his manager wanted to see was the German rolling around in pain, Pech was then taken off a replaced by Sinclair. Ahodkipe got his 1st​ goal of the season with a thunderous drive into the top corner early in the second half. Adorjan came on for his 1st​ appearance for the club and played upfront with Conti who had been recapturing his earlier form from august, making great runs and some sublime passing. Adorjan scored on his debut slotting home a well delivered corner, the Hungarian also saw a free kick of his strike of the upright. Sinclair scored an easy tap in after a wonder run from Conti. It was the Conti show as he ended the game with two assists, Dover go top on goal difference. Pech to miss two months due to strained knee ligaments.



Carling Cup 3rd Rnd

Dover 0-2 Everton

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The big one, the Carling Cup 3rd round at home to Everton, the game the fans had been waiting for. Pech out through injury, Thorne cup tied and Conti jaded yet starting, things did not look good for Dover. Despite playing a relatively inexperience side, Everton dominated possession in the 1st half and peppered the Dover goal with shots. 2nd​ half Dover started the brighter with Sinclair getting himself in some good positions but having said that the left flank looks a lot weaker without Pech. Cahill made it 2-0 with a real poachers effort after Dover failed to deal with an in swinging corner, Walker looked distraught after he had made a string of saves before this and they now seemed meaningless. 2-0 was how it finished, you have to feel for Walker who had a stormer and didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.



League Two

Torquay 0-4 Dover

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The last game of the month, Torquay, 1st VS 15th. a lucky goal to take the lead for Dover as a Sinclair cross was deflected not once but twice to leave Ahodikipe with the easiest of finishes. Sinclair then chipped a ball over the defence for Igboananike to chase and not many can keep up with him, Watkins did but only got close enough to hack him down for a penalty and a resulting red card for the Torquay defender, Igboananike put it away to make it 2-0. Adorjan scored a spectacular volley from the edge of the area to make it 3-0, he also tested to keeper with two curling piledrivers during his time on the pitch. Sinclair won a penalty late it the game as his trickery and pace lead Oastler to bring him down for the second spot kick of the game, sub Torassa coolly put it away. Sinclair was on fire.



League Table

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Another great month as we end it top of the table again, the performances have been strong and the squads depth looks good. The loss to Everton was disappointing yet expected and how the team defended was an encouraging sign for the future. It’s hard to pick out a player that stood out this month with so many impressing but Hayden will be the one I will mention, a player whos role rarely gets rewarded but he plays the holding midfielder role with such ease and his consistency is a managers dream and at only 18 he has a great future ahead.


​

 

[casey32]

October 2013

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League Two

Dag & Red 0-5 Dover

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Conti finally put back on his scoring boots, Sinclair provided an assist for the second with a mazy run. Igboananike got his second, he reacted first to a Conti header that hit the post and was handed a gift of a goal. Igboananike later teed up Sinclair for a simple tap in to make it 4-0 after a Conti through ball set the Nigerian free, whom ended the game with a hat trick, he now has ten league goals this season. Conti’s goal made him Dover’s new record league goalscorer with 54 goals surpassing Frannie Collin.



Johnstone’s Paint Trophy South 2nd​ Rnd

Dover 1-0 Dag & Red

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Again Dag & Red are the opposition but this time at home in the cup. Solak again with a superb cross that was volleyed home by Sinclair, Jake seems well on his way to hit the same heights as his brother Scott, Pech may struggle to get back in the side when he returns from injury. A dull match Dover controlled the game but never killed it off, 3rd​ cleansheet in a row.



League Two

Dover 2-0 Oldham

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Kalas, Solak and Adorjan away on international duty, new free signing Deen-Conteh set to make debut in central defence as the solid defence sees two changes. Conti jaded and given rest as Torassa steps in. Torassa again proving his worth, heading home a Laudrup corner. Conti came on to score a diving header to seal the win. Dover were looking poor before his arrival on the pitch but as soon as he came on he pulled the strings making chance after chance, although he did miss a penalty. Conti made a driving run which mirrored Maradona in 86 but Conti hit the post missing out on a world class goal. Dover go two points clear at the top.




League Two

Southend 1-3 Dover

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No surprises who got on an end of a cross to make it 1-0, that boy Jake Sinclair, Conti soon after made it 2-0. Shittu gave away a penalty when he was judged to be pushing during a corner, Neil Harris put it away to make it 2-1 and kill Dovers fine defensive record. Adorjan made another super sub appearance coming off the bench and smashing the ball in the roof of the net, thats three in three in the league now. Ahodikipe was the main man today with two assists. Five straights wins in the league.



League Two

Dover 2-0 Oxford

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Oxford bossed the opening stages of the game creating many chances. Hitting the post on one occasion but it somehow Dover went in 1-0 with their only chance after Ahodikipe headed home from a few yards after a Buthiaux. Straight after kick off Sinclair played in Conti who slotted it by the keeper from a tight angle leaving Oxford rueing their missed chances in the 1st​ half. Good defensive work and solid finishing gave Dover the 3 points.



League Two

Plymouth 1-1 Dover

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Baseya put Plymouth ahead with his tenth of the season after Walker failed to deal with a Walton shot, spilling it into the path of the striker. Walton again looked threatening, striking the post from a dead ball. Plymouth dominated the 1st​ half as Dover are looking weak, struggling to get out of their own half in this promotion clash. An Ahodikipe cross is meet by Sinclairs head, it crashes of the crossbar yet fall to Sinclair again but this time it strikes the post, Dover look more alive in the 2nd​ half. Dovers spell didn’t last long as Plymouth control play yet again. 82nd​ minute would you believe it super sub Adorjan scores a cracker against the run of play making it 1-1.



League Table

Top of the league, well joint top with Wrexham but a far superior goal difference. Improvements to the stadium were completed this month with 1000 of the capacity converted to seated bringing the total to 2000 of the 6500 seated. Aziz Deen-Conteh joined the club on a free after recently been released by Chelsea, he has blistering pace which will surely help the back line when called upon. There is a low point there seems to be money pouring out of the club on a monthly basis and with a low wage budget already, it may be time to cash in on Conti to keep the club going instead of taking a gamble that he will have a change of heart a sign a new contract, the club are just £300k in profit but last month made a huge loss of £120k with tax and “other” being a chunk of that. With 2 goals conceded in 6 games and for cleansheets Sam Walker deserves a mention pulling of some outstanding saves when needed but Sinclair really stood out this month as he is rise to stardom begins.


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[yamyam91]

Loving it mate, KUTGW

 

[casey32]

thanks mate need the support, keep following and make suggestions for the game and layout

 

[casey32]

November 2013


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League Two

Dover 4-1 Morecombe

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Morecombe are a side with a strong striker partnership and it only took a minute to show it, Marlon Jackson tapping in after a scramble in the box. On the 2nd​ minute it was 1-1 Conti converting a Ahodikpe cross, the game really started with a bang. Conti made it 2-1 just under 15 minutes played. Conti then completed his hat trick on the 70th​ minute breaking the offside trap before blasting it by the helpless keeper. Full back Buthiaux was given a second yellow and therefore sent off late in the match. Conti finished with four goals to his name as he lived up to all the recent hype surround him.



League Two

Dover 2-2 Stevenage

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Deen-Conteh made a good impact in the left back role as his cross was the source of their 1st​ goal. Walker was to blame for the equalizer as his decision to come out was a bad one. In a tight game Igboananike put away a penalty to make it 2-1 before being replace straight after by Adorjan. Rankine scored his 1st​ goal for Stevenage to make it 2-2 just both sides were reduced to ten men each, Howard for Stevenage sent off for a horrific tackle which left Deen-Conteh unable to continue with a twisted ankle and will miss five weeks. Dover stay unbeaten but should have won this and strengthen their lead at the top.



Johnstone’s Paint Trophy South Quarter Final

Dover 3-0 Oxford

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Conti scored a screamer from 30 yards that clipped the inside of the post before crossing the line for Dover’s second. Igboananike and was unimpressive as his dip inform continues, Sinclair on the other hand is continuing his find form on the left wing, scoring again to make it 3-0. Conti picked up his 5th​ yellow of the season and will face a one match ban. Ahodikpe came off with a broken arm and will miss 8 weeks but Pech is set to return.



FA Cup 1st​ Rnd

Notts County 4-2 Dover

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The big one has begun, a good cup run could bring much needed cash to the club, not exactly the game you want Conti suspended for so in comes Torassa, Hayden rested and Thorne brought in, Pech also returns to the squad. Adams gave Notts a 1-0 lead early with Dover looking lost without the major names of Conti and Ahodikpe. Shittu nearly equalized from a corner but for a goal line clearance. Judge made it 2-0 after 36 minutes as Dover looked to be sinking without a trace. Words at half time must have inspired Dover as within ten minutes of the second half it was 2-1 via Igboananike who did look offside. Shittu then equalized with a carbon copy of his chance in the 1st​ half but this time it went in. Paton made it 3-2 for Notts , Dover failed to deal with a low cross and paid the price. 84th​ minute Manset puts Notts 4-2 up, game, set, match, Dover go crashing out. Away to a League One side would always be tough but still Dover will find this hard to take. To add more bad news ,a few days later Buthiaux twisted his knee and will miss 3 to 4 weeks.



League Two

Newport 3-1 Dover

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Clash of the two recently promoted sides, hopes were high from Dover fans. Five minutes in, penalty, Shittu’s headed effort was destined for the top corner, Herlein threw up his hands to block it, red card and 1-0, Igboananike’s 50th​ for Dover. Ex New York Red Bull striker Luke Rodgers made it 1-1, Popadiyn made it 2-1 from a freekick. 3-1 Caskey heading home from a corner. Dover looked weak on the wings, Pech has done next to nothing since his return, look to be missing Ahodikpe. Against ten men for 85 minutes and still couldn’t win, a smash and grab for Newport or a sign of things to come for Dover? But still only 1st​ defeat in 12 in the league.




League Two

Northampton 1-4 Dover

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A struggling Northampton is surely just what Dover needed to regain form, Pech dropped, Sinclair moved back to the left and Sabajo given a chance on the right. Conti scored again his 21st​ of the season in all competitions, an easy header from a Sousa corner. Shittu made it 2-0 after a Laudrup shot deflected of the Nigerian and lucky for him when past the keeper. Igboananike made it 3-0 from a Sinclair cross. Just as the team seemed to have found a new rhythm Sabajo was forced of with an injury, Amankwaa was allowed a rare chance to prove himself. Sinclair popped up to make it 4-0, showing just how affective he can be on the left. 4-0 at half time, dream start. Fyfield was shown a straight red despite being on a yellow already for a cynical foul in the second half to reduce his side to ten. Amankwaa later had to be substituted due to injury. Again Dover looked weaker against ten than eleven, Moncur even managed to pull one back as Dover lacked any drive on the game. Sabajo will miss 5 weeks with a fractured arm.



League Table


Still sitting at the top as Wrexham failed to capitalize on Dover recent below par performances, most disappointing was the defeat in the FA Cup to Notts County as a good cup run was much need to help the club finically, yet having said that a recent boost in attendance surely due to the unexpected success this season is having a great impact. A loss of £58k is a lot for the month but half of the total of last month. Conti has been on fine form this month, with 15 league goals he is the top goalscorer in League Two, which is also the highest amount in the football league this season. The next month will surely been the deciding point in regards to the Conti/Igboananike situation, should they cash in now, or risk holding on to them further and hoping they change their minds and sign a new deal because as of January 1st​ foreign clubs can approach the players on a free. It is rumoured that Dover have been searching Scandinavia to look at recent releases from clubs and future releases but it is not known if these will be replacement they are looking at. Conti was estimated to be worth £1.1million in May 2013 and now £600k due to his expiring contract with nearly double the current balance of the club lost will they cash in, what do you think they should do??

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[ollieconnolly]

like it, loved my save with Dover greta club and very supportive chairman KUTGW and check out my story

 

[casey32]

like it, loved my save with Dover greta club and very supportive chairman KUTGW and check out my story

thanks mate, how far did you get with them?

 

[ollieconnolly]

I managed too get back to back promotions then finished rock bottom of league two with next to no points, then i moved on saves

 

[casey32]

Conti Put Pen To Paper

Daniele Conti has finally ended the rumours and signed a new contract to keep him at Dover till 2016, his new contract it suggested to be arround £2.3k a week plus numerous clauses and a big signing on fee. It is worry that the signing on fee, agent fees and higher wage will put the club under huge financial pressure, Dover came out and said "it is worth the risk to keep Daniele here, he will lead this club forward and repay us". The club capatain and all time top league scorer is signed to be delighted to finally agree terms with his new 3 year deal worth £375k. Igboananike on the other hand is still remaining stubborn and may be looking for a new club after hearing the Conti news.

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[casey32]

December 2013

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Johnstone’s Paint Trophy South Semi Final

Dover 3-0 Colchester

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Facing League One side Colchester was always going to be tough for Dover, especially with the problems on the right wing of late, Torassa straight upfront with Igboananike and Conti on the right wing. Sinclair scored a screamer to put his side 1-0 up, curling it into the top corner from 25 yards. Moments later Sinclair tried it again, cutting inside and striking from range but it crashed of the crossbar. Laudrup topped Sinclair’s goal, curling in a beauty from 35 yards, What a goal. Higdon saw red on the 63rd​ minute after receiving a 2nd​ yellow. The game was as good as over when Torassa made it 3-0.



League Two

Dover 3-2 Wrexham

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The top two went head to head in today’s clash, it could prove vital in the race for the title. Frey put Wrexham ahead after just 13 minutes, Torassa level the game 5 minutes later. Torassa added another just before half time but a goal from Boden after a Walker mistake saw the two sides go in level. Just after half time Torassa got his hattrick, his 10th​ goal of the season. Dover secure a big win thanks to Torassa, 4 points clear at the top now.



League Two

Shrewsbury 1-6 Dover

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The same starting eleven against Wrexham start again. Igboananike made it 2-0 with a sweet left foot finish as Dover are attacking with menace. Proctor put Shrewsbury back in the game with a goal against the run of play. Sinclair picked up an injury 1st​ half and was replaced by Pech. Dover went in 3-1 up but they could of had 6-7. Second half Hayden scored, his first ever senior goal, hopefully now more will follow. Pech made a quick impact setting up Torassa for his 2nd​ of the game, Torassa went on to get another, his 2nd​ hattrick in 2 games and 10 in 7 league games. Dover took it easy after the 6th​ goal, late in the game Hayden picked up a yellow that will see him miss the next match, Solak also picked up his 5th​ yellow on the season and will miss it too. It wasn’t surprising when the Shrewsbury boss was sacked follow the result.



League Two

Dover 4-0 Exeter

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Makengo and Weiser in for the suspended duo, Weiser started with a bang scoring in the 2nd​ minute. Sinclair made it 2-0 and only 6 minutes played. Weiser made it 4-0 on the 36th​ minute. Despite Igboananike scoring he did again show wastefull finishing proving that some fans might be right when they say “he is just pace”. A solid win against a good Exeter side.



League Two

Barnet 1-3 Dover

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Sinclair and Conti rested, Ahodikpe returns to the starting eleven. Hayden returns from suspension to put his side into the lead after one minute, strangely he got a 2nd​ soon after, a case of right time, right place. Even though being 2-0 it was all Barnet in the early stages. Shittu made it 3-0 from a corner, completed unexpected an secured the win that came in bizarre fashion as Barnet outplayed Dover. Dover played the last ten minutes a man down as Pech came off injured again with all subs being used already. The Defend earned those 3 points.



League Two

Port Vale 0-7 Dover

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Amankwaa and Mensah given a chance while others are rested, this a good Port Vale side so it will a task for the youngsters. Laudrup capitalized on a poor pass back to go up 1-0. The ref was card happy with four yellow given out in the first half hour, one of which was in the 1st​ minute. Dover went in at half time 3-0, the decision to rest a few players hasn’t backfired. Dover were 5-0 up within five minutes of the 2nd​ half. Torassa scored another hattrick, his pace, finishing and dribbling is destroying teams, along with Conti through balls he looks unstoppable. Igboananike made a cameo from the bench coming on to get his 20th​ of the season. All I’ll say is 10/10.



League Table

Starting to pull away at the top, playing some exciting football and winning when not at are best, things are looking good for promotion. In news about finances a loss of £130k was recorded last month and without only £100k left in the kitty its time to raise funds or reduce the spending. A two day friendly inbetween matches against Celtic and Rangers has been organized to raise money but it comes at a risk of injuries and killing that winning mentality. A number of players were sold mostly for free to reduce wages but the £150k made, £50k has already been added to the balance and the other £100k is to be paid over the next 48 months. A big issue is the fact that the only sponsorship money being made is a shirt deal of £7.5k a year until 2016. Shittu and Laudrup signed a years extension as it’s not all bad news at Dover off the field. Torassa without a doubt has been the best player this month, his stats speak for themselves.

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[casey32]

January 2014



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League Two

Dover 3-1 Accrington

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After the friendly between Celtic and Rangers the club wanted to hit back to winning ways. Ten minutes in Dover won a penalty after Sinclair was bundled down in the box, Conti calmly dispatched it. Solak was sent off in the 1st​ half for a two footed tackle, Igboananike was replaced by Deen-Conteh leaving Torassa upfront on his own but moments later he came of injured. Sinclair made it 2-0 on the 50th​ minute to ease the fans nerves. Tounkara took advantage of a mistake by Deen-Conteh to make it 2-1. Hayden picked up a knock and was subbed off and soon after Adorjan need to come off but with no substitutions left Dover were forced to play the final 20 minutes with 9 V 11. The nine men managed to make it 3-1 hitting them on the break and that’s how it finished, Sinclair run the show playing a role in all three goals. Torassa will be out for 3 months and was sent to a specialist to treat a hip injury.



League Two

Walsall 1-1 Dover

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Souleymane Coulibaly signed on loan until the end of the season comes in for the injured Torassa, Sinclair rested due to fatigue. Igboananike’s pace broke him away from the defence for the 1st​ goal of the game, he then missed a chance to get his 2nd​ from the spot and in the 2nd​ half was shown red for a two footed tackle. Macken equalized as Kalas was off the pitched injured, Dover sportingly gave the ball back but for Walsall to boot the ball down the field taking advantage of the deep freekick takers position, breaking the offside trap for a tap in. Dover really struggled with ten men and the squad seemed exhausted. Walsall were throwing everything at them hitting the woodwork on three occasions. But Dover somehow hung on.



League Two

Dover 2-1 AFC Wimbledon

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Loanee Hurst makes 1st​ starts while others Afobe and Limbombe on bench. Big man Shittu banged in another header to bring it to 1-0. Conti headed home a Ahodikpe cross he is looking back on form today. Butcher pulled one back just before half time, he was left unmarked during a corner and was left with an easy finish. Hurst was sent off for a two footed tackle, their 3rd​ red for the exact same thing in 3 games... Both Afobe and Limbombe came on to make their debuts. Dover 9 points clear at the top.



Johnstone’s Paint Trophy South Final Leg 1

Dover 0-0 Bournemouth

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Gamwanya makes debut as Hayden Jaded, Lucas Piazon starts for Bournemouth, Dovers confidence is low with so many out suspended. Afobe has had 4 or 5 half chances and has failed to test the keeper. The match is very tense and players from both sides look nervy. Coulibaly missed a simple chance in the dying moments of the game to put Dover ahead. League One Bournemouth will be the happier side by maybe slightly disappointed they could not win.



League Two

Crawley 2-3 Dover

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A chopped and changed squad again as the team are in need of a rest. 4 minutes in Injury to Deen-Conteh. Wood put Crawley ahead after he was left completely unmarked. Dover were just so poor in the 1st​ half, it has not been a good 2014 for them so far, could is be a turning point in their season.Limbombe picked up an injury 2nd​ half, next was Sinclair to be injured. Kearney killed it and made it 2-0, easily the worse performance ive seen by Dover, by a mile. Coulibaly got a late goal but it didn’t matter by then or did it as moments later he scored again making it 2-2. Injury time a Coulibaly cross was deflected into the goal to win it for Dover crazy stuff, Conti and Laudrup gave life to the side when they came on. Sinclair will miss 5 weeks with a fractured arm, Deen-Conteh the same amount of time but a twisted ankle.



League Table

Sitting pretty top of the league but the month has not been an easy one. The friendlies against the two Glasgow raise £80k, a much need £80k as that is all that remains in the kitty at the club. The Dover chairman is now reported to be willing to listen to offers for the club yet none have been made as of today. Plenty of faces have gone and plenty have come in on loan as they look to add the depth lost, also one player did join on a free maybe not the best choice with the finances in mind but management felt an opportunity to sign Serge Gamwanya could not be missed. Dover has been playing poorly this month and a lot of suspensions and injuries have not helped. Jake Sinclair was the best player this month and he will be missed.

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[Botty]

The layout is lovely mate, very easy on the eye makes it all a joy to read if I'm honest

 

[casey32]

February 2014


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League Two

Dover 1-2 Cheltenham

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The snow fell in Dover as they faced the one of only two sides to beat them in the league so far. Dover again started slow and couldn’t hold onto the ball, went 1-0 down just after the half hour mark. Solak scored an own goal to make it 2-0 as Dover face their 1st​ home defeat of the league campaign. Every time Cheltenham went forward Dover looked nervy and as for their finishing, that has been appalling. Conti made it 2-1, ironically with a superb finish but Dover keep leaving it too late to set up a gear. Conti came so close to making it 2-2 on the 76th​ minute but his header was cleared of the line.



League Two

Brentford 0-2 Dover

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Afobe and Igboananike start upfront together as Dover look towards speed. Dover this time starting well. Ahodikpe was causing problem down the right and his cross set up Afobe to score his 1st​ for the club and allow Dover to go in at the the break ahead, but maybe should be leading by more. The Togo winger then scored himself as he drags his team along. A much needed win and cleansheet.



Johnstone’s Paint Trophy South Final Leg 2

Bournemouth 1-2 Dover

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Going to Bournemouth 0-0 made Dover the underdogs plus the fact they are a league higher too. A nervy start by Dover saw Bournemouth bombard the Dover goal, Limbombe nearly put Dover ahead after a nice counter attack but for a great saw from the keeper, Limbombe broke away a 2nd​ time and teed up Afobe who really should of scored. The 1st​ half was very tight, end to end stuff could of gone either way. Afobe and the Bournemouth keeper were having a right battle, Shittu sent one just over the bar from a corner. Afobe played in Igboananike who had all day long to pick his spot, 1-0 Dover. Straight after Kalas was judged to be pushing whilst defending a corner, penalty Bournemouth, 1-1. A Limbombe header cleared of the line as Bournemouth hung on. With 15 minutes to go it couldn’t of been any tighter. 77th​ minute a Bournemouth freekick hits the post, Conti comes on to spur his side on. 88th​ minute an Adorjan freekick hits the crossbar, Kalas jumps hightest and puts it in the back of the net only to see the linesman flag up. 5th​ minute of injury time, Afobe clean through, 2-1, Dover are through to the final!!! Dover will face Coventry in the final.



League Two

Dover 5-2 Aldershot

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Few players rested after the cup match, mostly the midfield whom had ran their socks off. Afobe kept up his fine form scoring within 5 minutes of kick off. An Afobe cross in the 2nd​ half came off a defender to make it 2-0 as Dover look to be gathering momentum. Bignall pulled one back to make it 2-1. Afobe then made it 3-1 to ease concerns. Kalas put it his own net, 3-2, a nervy last 15 or show you would think, Coulibaly scoring straight after tip, 4-2. Moments later 5-2, Laudrup the scorer.



League Two

Bury 0-3 Dover

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Title challengers versus relegations battlers today. 10th​ minute Afobe made it 1-0 with a placed header. Conti made it 2-0 after the break cutting in and curling one home, his goals have dried up of late but he has been playing on the wing in order to cover the injured Sinclair. Solak replaced the injured Shittu in a new look defensive partnership. Afobe made it 3-0 putting the game to bed and getting the 100th​ Dover league goal this season. Would be nice to see Dover control possession in the future, it’s the only element missing from their game. Shittu will be out for 5 weeks after pulling his hamstring.



League Two

Dover 3-1 Torquay

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The on fire Afobe was involved in the 1st​ goal after his pressure made O’Kane put the ball past his own keeper. Ian Morris levelled the score from the spot. Limbombe was forced off in the 1st​ half and was replaced by Conti. Afobe latched onto a long ball to go one on one with the keeper, he coolly put it past the goalie, 2-1. 2-1 at half time Dover just edging Torquay. On the 48th​ minute Hurst was the 2nd​ Dover player to be forced off by injury. Afobe ran the show again, the arsenal man looks fearless at present.



League Table

Eleven points clear at the top, Dover regaining form plus the added bonuses of Sinclair coming back, Suspensions served and the team more or less injury free bar Shittu. The team does look jaded though but when the fringe players have been called upon they have delivered. The club is in the process of a board takeover as a fan’s group looks to buy the club which may save the financial difficulties. Afobe has been the main man this month, bagging 7 goals in his last 5 games.

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[casey32]

March 2014


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League Two

Dover 1-0 Dag & Red

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Sinclair makes his return, Conti starts upfront with Afobe. Ahodikpe forced off in the 1st​ half with an injury. Afobe again putting Dover 1-0 up with his 8th​ for the club. Conti looked to enjoy his return to a striking role but couldn’t find the back of the net. A solid defensive performance but lacked creativity in attack. Gap at the top grows to 13 points after win.



League Two

Oldham 1-1 Dover

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Line up unchanged as Dover played in gold for the 1st​ time this season. A dull 1st​ half left fans wanting an improvement. Nimely put Oldham ahead after the break. Makengo got his 1st​ for the club to made it 1-1. Oldham deserved to win but their finishing let them down, again Dover fail to create chances.



League Two

Dover 2-0 Southend

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Conti scored the opener after a superb pass from Hurst, a ball from in his own area that beat all the opposition defence, long balls from the full backs have been a great source of chance creation for Dover this season. Dover dominated the 1st​ half but their passing and finishing in the final 3rd​ let them down. Conti got his 2nd​ and secured the win heading home a Sinclair cross.



League Two

Oxford 1-3 Dover

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Dover faced a tough Oxford side pushing for promotion. Igboananike and Afobe so good teamwork for the 1st​ goal as their partnership grows. Sinclair gave away a stupid penalty diving in on a tackle that didn’t need to be made. Walker saved the penalty from Hussey. Hussey’s night got worse when he put the ball past his own keeper. Conti made a cameo from the bench to make it 3-0. Oxford pulled one back late in the game but too late.



League Two

Dover 2-1 Plymouth

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Torassa and Shittu return for Dover, strongest starting eleven that has played in awhile. Torassa marked his return after just 30 minutes making it 2-0. Key man left full back Sousa from himself needed to come off minutes later. Torassa seems to add sometime to the team that nobody else can. On the 73rd​ minute Zozimar made it 2-1 to make an exciting end to the game. Dover should of won by a more convincing scoreline, they did hit the woodwork on 3 occasions.



League Two

Morecambe 1-3 Dover

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Number of players rested with the next match being the final, some big names still played do to a win would guarantee promotion. Weiser played in Afobe as he continues his good scoring record for the club. Deen-Conteh came off injured in the 1st​ half. Sims made it 1-1 heading in a freekick. Weiser created 3 clear chances in the 1st​ half, one of which was taken, he might have played his way into a starting role for the final. Conti bagged his 30th​ of the season. Oh yeah forgot, Promotion ensured.



Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final

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A historic day for Dover, who would of imaged nearly three years ago Dover would of just secured promotion to League One and playing in Wembley in front of 47,000 in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final, by far the biggest day in the clubs 31 year history. Coventry sitting mid table in League One have a very small side due to the clubs insercure financial situation but they do have talent in the likes of Harewood,Zohore (on loan), Fleck, McSheffery , Jutkiewicz and Bigirimana. A real attacking force if they can get going. The Dover side that started were Walker, Makengo, Solak, Shittu, Hurst, Hayden, Laudrup, Conti, Ahodikpe, Afobe and Torassa.


2nd​ mins in Zohore broke free of the last defend but put it just wide fizzing off the post to the relief of the Dover faithful. 5th​ Minute Bigirimana playing in Lyng 1-0 Coventry, nightmare start. 12th​ minute Afobe clips a ball for Torassa to run onto, he shots but saved by Murphy. 25th​ minutes Laudrup plays in Afobe, saved again by Murphy, he is having a blinder so far, Laudrup whips in the resulting corner, Torassa is 1st​ to it, 1-1. 27th​ minute Torassa plays a lovely ball that Afobe latches onto, he rounds the keeper and puts it away, offside still 1-1. 29th ​minute Torassa plays it to Afobe again who has half a chance but the youngster blasts it over the bar. 35th​ minute Zohore forced off after a collision with Conti, on comes Jutkiewicz. 42nd​ minute Jutkiewicz takes a snap shot that Walkers pushes wide, Brilliant save, Coventry look strong since the substitution. 46th​ minute of the 1st​ half, Laudrup launches a ball into the box that reaches the head of the 5”5 Torassa, outstanding save again by Murphy, he has kept his side in this game. At half time its level, Dover perhaps the better side but it’s very close.


2nd​ half starts slower the 1st​ as the sides look a bit more nervy, 56th​ minute Ahodikpe booked, Dover’s 1st​ yellow of the game, Coventry already with two bookings. 60 minutes gone now and Coventry look the stronger putting pressure on the Dover backline. 62nd​ minute Walker stops another shot from Coventry this time McSheffery, Dover need to change things if they want to win this. 65th​ minute Torassa links up again with Laudrup heading home to make it 2-1, Coventry immediately chance from a flat 4-5-1 to a 4-4-2. 67th​ minute Afobe bursts by the defence like there not there, one on one with the keeper, great last ditch tackle from Wood to save his side. An exhausted Torassa comes off for Sinclair. 78th​ a dangerous ball goes across the Dover box, Lyng with a sitter, he has put it wide. 80th​ minute Hayden booked for persistent fouling, Coventry take the freekick quickly and play it to McSheffery on the wing, he drives it low across goal and Harewood bundles it over the line 2-2. Igboananike and Sousa come on for Ahodikpe and Makengo. 84th​ minute a well worked freekicks McSheffery free at the edge of the box, he shots from range, blocked on the line by Hurst. 86th​ Minute Harewood shots, stopped by Walker but the rebound has fallen to Jutkiewicz, 3-2, you could sense it coming since Torassa came off. 91st​ minute, Dover are going for broke, Igboananike sets up Afobe, side netting he really should have scored it was put on a plate for him. It’s all over Coventry win the cup, a great day for Coventry and the neutrals after a cracking game of football but a day Dover will want to forgetting after going so close.


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League Table

An up and down month securing promotion was a major highlight of the season but the cup loss was a bitter taste to swallow. The final did bring around £100k to the club so it was not all doom and gloom. The club takeover is still in talks and a transfer embargo has been put in place. Torassa would be the man of the moment with his messiah like return, he has been incredible this season with 19 in 19.

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[kazm]

Cool, looking forward to more of this.

This makes me want to the Blue square too

 

[casey32]

Cool, looking forward to more of this.

This makes me want to the Blue square too

the timing of the new patch is annoying though as this save is in the old one

 

[euanstokie123]

Conti Put Pen To Paper

Daniele Conti has finally ended the rumours and signed a new contract to keep him at Dover till 2016, his new contract it suggested to be arround £2.3k a week plus numerous clauses and a big signing on fee. It is worry that the signing on fee, agent fees and higher wage will put the club under huge financial pressure, Dover came out and said "it is worth the risk to keep Daniele here, he will lead this club forward and repay us". The club capatain and all time top league scorer is signed to be delighted to finally agree terms with his new 3 year deal worth £375k. Igboananike on the other hand is still remaining stubborn and may be looking for a new club after hearing the Conti news.

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Is this save over now mate? If so, what happened.

 

[casey32]

Is this save over now mate? If so, what happened.

just dont have the time at the moment but its not over, it will make a comeback