Dover Athletic 9-1 Faversham Town

Today’s match saw Dover entertain Faversham, who have previously have put in some good performances this season so far. The first half saw the customary typical Dover display, with a combination of high octane press and quality link up play with great distribution percentages. It wasn’t long before Dover made the early pressure count with a great headed finish from League top goal scorer Jack Gealer on 9 minutes. 12 minutes later Gealer was on hand once again to convert his second of the game, once again with a headed finish. On 28 minutes in form left winger Alfie Bryant turned his man in the Faversham box and slotted home with a fine low drive. On 37 minutes Gealer rounded off his hat-trick with another fine finish from close range. On 44 minutes attacking midfielder Ben Cassingena was on hand to make it 5-0 Dover at the interval.

Second half commenced with multiple changes in personnel. Faversham to their credit came out fighting and managed to produce some good attacking phases, however their hard work was undone once again on 68 Minutes when Athletic striker Cody Allcock popped up to make it six. At this stage Faversham suffering from a lack of confidence under heavy pressure begun to try to limit the damage by defending deeper. This played right into Dover’s hands and on 75 minutes Ben Cassingena finished of a superb Dover move making it seven. Dover maintained the high press, closing down their opponents all over the field forcing error after error, which on 77 minutes was further capitalized upon after a great cross from the right flank found young winger Finlay Fletcher at the far post who was able to volley the ball into the back of the net making the score line 8-0.

Faversham pushed forwards from the kick off and found their striker in the Dover box, the striker attempted to cross the ball which ended up in the back of the Dover net. Dover clearly unhappy at not keeping a clean sheet surged forwards once more with some great interlinking play through midfield and out wide with great entries into the final third were frustrated several more times with shots raining down on the Faversham goal, the Faversham GK making some good saves. On 87 Minutes Gealer finished off the days work scoring his 4th of the game and Dover’s ninth.

Manager’s Comments
The first half display today was immense, this was the best 45 minutes of football i have seen since i arrived two years ago. Credit must go to the players who have worked tiresly over this period. The match was won by half time, but today’s game wasn’t about the scoreline, it was about how we play, with confidence, accuracy, and clinical in front of goal. The team discipline both in and out of possession was at a high level which is now customary for this high potential squad. The second half saw three changes in order to give rest where required and other squad players a change to impress further. We lost a little in midfield in terms of accuracy, it was also good to see defender Dan Groombridge back after injury who also joined the game at the break, as well as a call up for u16;s midfielder Jack Hanson who also did well.
Overall possession stats saw the first half 80 – 20 % in favor of Dover, while the second 45 minutes saw the average drop to approximately 65%, which is still very high.

Man of the Match today goes to Jack Gealer who has now scored 7 in 2 games (4 today).
We look forward to next weeks fixture home to Hythe Town.

We maintain our unbeaten run which now has stretched to 7 wins from 8 games 1 x draw 0 losses, having scored 26 and conceded 8 from 8 games with a goal difference of + 19. We are top of the table looking to secure this league by early January. Confidence is high, the question is can we keep this momentum and remain disciplined and professional until the end of the season.

Chris Lynch
Head of Youth Development/U18’s Manager
Dover Athletic FC