This fixture was to be the last Pre-Season friendly of the new look Dover Athletic U18’s schedule prior to the start of the 2017/18 Season. Bringing their tally to two wins and one narrow loss against Premier League opposition in the space of the five weeks. Scoring eleven goals in the process.

The first half gave a glimpse of the high potential talent which will be on show this coming season from a fresh, young and hungry Athletic squad. The game begun brightly with Athletic dominating the early possession and creating multiple goal scoring opportunities. Athletic set out with an attacking 3-5-2 formation which ultimately ensured the result was taken care of well before half time, going into the interval 0-3 up. Goals from Jack Gealer, Kyle Miller and Ben Cassingena having set the standard.

This was the perfect opportunity to give every player, including three emerging u16’s prospects an opportunity to play at within a first team stadium under flood lights against a local rival team representing the U18’s.

Second half, a number of substitutions were made along with a switch to a more conservative 4-4-2 formation, to allow for Athletic to use their squad depth and continue their progression over the set three formations which will be employed throughout the coming season.

Ramsgate begun with a little more optimism and showed fight by taking the game to Athletic in the second period. They got their reward 20 minutes into the half pulling one back to make the score 1-3. Athletic had allowed their opposition to take control of the midfield battle for possession. However, the damage had been done, the gap to great, with Ramsgate unable to capitalise further, although it must be said Ramsgate had a better second half than they did in the first, much of this was down to Dover allowing their opponents back into the game.

The match ending with a 3-1 win for Athletic.

Manager’s comments:
This was a great way to end the pre-Season schedule. I was impressed with the first half performance, disciplined, very dangerous when attacking in the final third. However, this was a game of two halves, the second half saw a decline in the overall tempo, and Dover for first time in the match begun to lose the important battles especially in midfield region, this resulted in Ramsgate being allowed to create a couple of chances to come back into the game.

I was extremely pleased to see young Bailey, Jack and Dylan from the U16’s squad step up in a real game scenario and produce performances on par with what’s expected from the U18’s squad, if not exceeding expectations in certain phases of the game.
It was great to witness Owen H, take control of his area, he was quick off his line, showed very good distribution and made some important interceptions first half, making sure the opposition (who were limited to two attempts in and around our box) had no chance of converting. Owen S had a very good second outing with his new team mates, making some crucial challenges second half as well as his overall distribution from the back being excellent. Liam Jones completely dominating midfield, winning almost every battle he went in for, with Ben C linking up play in the second third, Alfy B looked Sharpe on the right wing and Kyle Miller was devastating going forwards providing quick counters, taking on his man and beating them several times whilst producing great end product into the box.

Jack Gealer looking dangerous up front showing what he can do in front of goal, Bailey with his first start for the U18’s was strong in the challenge, played the ball out of defence well several times, and looked like he was ready to represent the older age group from now on.

All in all a decent result, as always back to training next Tuesday where we will be working on transitions and retention of possession under varied scenarios, such as 3-0 up and seeing the game out in a controlled and disciplined fashion.
Thought of the day, just because you go in at half time 0-3 up, doesn’t mean the game is over, you all know these formations and you all have separate jobs to complete. We have been going on about self-reflection since the beginning of Pre-Season, its important you do so, think about what you personally did well, didn’t do so well at and make it right next session.