Faversham Trophies Challenge Cup
Dover Athletic 4 vs Kent Football 1
Sunday saw a rematch of last season’s quarter final tie in which Kent Football had inflicted Dover’s only defeat of 2017 so far. Arriving confident from winning last season’s cup Kent Football arrived with some towering individuals who would not look out of place in an U18s side! Dover though, wearing their new kit (kindly sponsored by GrassoParkerGreen www.grassoparkergreen.co.uk) this season were not to be intimated and were ahead with 5 mins on the clock. After good one touch play in the midfield George Nikaj was on hand to continue his impressive start to season poking home from close range to give Dover the lead. Not to be outdone 1-0 became 2-0 when Liam McVie picked the ball up in his own half and slalomed his way through the Kent Football defence before rounding the GK to score. The second goal seemed to stir Kent Football into life and they pressed themselves back into the game, After an excellent goal line clearance from Toby Swinn, kept the 2 goal lead, it was no surprise when Kent Football finally got their goal. In somewhat fortunate circumstances a mistimed bounce caught out the Luke Lockhart in the Dover goal giving the Kent Football striker the easy opportunity of scoring into an empty net. Dover held out until half time and on the counter attack missed 2 great opportunities just before half time to restore their 2 goal advantage. The second half started similar to the first half with Dover scoring early on again. This time good footwork from George Nikaj created space for him to tee up Terry Mills to increase Dover’s lead from close range. The goal gave Dover the breathing space they needed in what was a fiercely contested fixture. Luke Lockhart made up for his early mistake with a commanding second half performance as Kent Football pressed to get back into the game and the result was sealed 10 mins from time as again Liam McVie showed his ability with the ball at his slicing through the Kent Football defence before this time being brought down in the box. Liam dusted himself down to coolly slot home Dover’s fourth goal from the spot and seal the tie. 8 goals in 2 games Dover’s excellent start continued from their league and they will be hopeful of going all the way in this year’s cup, much to the delight of the clubs new sponsor (www.grassoparkergreen.co.uk).
