A wet and windy Tilmanstone welcomed Central league opponents once again in the cup, this time south London side Welling United. Dover again started slowly and were soon 2-0 down inside the first 20 minutes, sloppy defending and perhaps fatigue after being taken to extra-time last Sunday were factors. But Dover soon got a foot on the ball and got back into the game, captain Alfie Smith-Bainbridge pushed upfront after 25 minutes pulled a goal back. Dover again switched off nearing half time and Welling increased their lead to 3-1 and the game looked done.
The boys stayed positive at half time and memories of last week’s comeback at Tonbridge were still fresh. Dover dominated the 2nd half but the howling wind and hail made things difficult still to create much. 20 minutes into the 2nd half the fightback began, striker Lewis Saunders set up Smith-Bainbridge for his and Dover’s second, 2-3. It was all Dover and four minutes later the equaliser, a cross/shot from Saunders looked to be going over the bar but the wind held it back and was headed in by Max Spurr…….3-3 and extra time again !
The boys were keen to avenge last week’s extra time defeat and came out strong and in the second period of extra time Lewis Saunder’s strength and pace put him through for the winner….. 4-3 !
All enjoyed a superb cup win against strong opposition
Boys and parents wet and shattered,but into the last 16, Faversham or Kennington await
Scorers: Smith-Bainbridge 2, Spurr, Saunders
