Today saw High flying Athletic travel to local rivals Margate in the Kit for Fit cup 2nd round. The game begun with the now customary positive, high pressing Athletic team performance we are all used to, giving the opposition no time on the ball, winning the important individual challenges all over the pitch. Dover looked their usual dangerous attacking selves with pace and accuracy in the final third. On 15 minutes left winger Kyle Miller slotted the ball home from close range after a progressive period of possession from the away team. This was followed up three minutes later, after continued sustained pressure on the Margate defence with a penalty awarded after a foul inside the 18 yard box. Athletic Striker Liam Middleton stepped up to convert with accuracy,18 minutes gone Dover two up. The onslaught continued from the kick off. On 27 minutes, some great passing movements inside the final third drew out the Margate centre back who gave away a free kick on the edge of the box. Top Goal Scorer Jack Gealer stepped up and fired a low hard shot into the back of the back of the net. Margate, again fought back, trying to come up with a plan to get back into the game, came close on 37 minutes and again on 39 minutes hitting the bar from a header inside the Dover penalty area, and the latter with a shot just wide of the target. However, it was Dover who extended their lead on 40 minutes once again from prolific striker Liam Middleton with a great finish. Half time score Margate 0 – 4 Dover.

The second half begun with Margate looking to try to claw their way back into the game. Dover soaked up the pressure, with some fantastic phases frustrating the opposition, maintaining possession with controlled, disciplined triangular passing movements, Target could not get near the ball, and were drawn into giving away further fouls. On 56 minutes Athletic striker Cody Allcock entered the play, where he immediately looked to impose himself on the opposition defence, on 58 minutes Allcock hit a powerful volley heading for the top corner, only to see the Margate GK pull off a fantastic stretching save, However, this was only a short reprieve, with Allcock getting his just rewards on 70 minutes with a fine conversion from close range, after a superb asset from right winger Alfie Bryant firing a low, hard cross in the six yard area. Margate, clawed a goal back from a well worked counter attack making the score 1-5.

Dover completed their rout on 85 minutes with a second assist of the day from Alfie Bryant, delivering a quality cross into the same danger area where this time Jack Gealer was on hand finalise the a great game.