Maidstone V Tranmere – 24/02/2018

So this weekends Non league adventure was Maidstone V Tranmere. It was my first visit to The Gallegher Stadium. Possibly the first sunny and dry game I have covered this year! It was a cracking 5 goal game which saw Tranmere come out as late winners. Along with it saw Maidstones unfortunate run of bad form continue.

To quote ‘They snatched defeat from the jaws of victory!’ Even the Stones fans were singing ‘how shit are you we are winning at home’ to the away supporters at one point.

Maidstone V Tranmere

Maidstones manager Jay Saunders celebrates after his side goes a goal up during the Vanorama National League match between Maidstone United and Tranmere Rovers at The Gallagher Stadium, Kent on 24 January 2018.

Possibly the shot that for me summed up the whole anguish and heartbreak is this one:

Maidstone v Tranmere

Tranmeres forward Andrew Mangan celebrates after Tranmere pull level during the Vanorama National League match between Maidstone United and Tranmere Rovers at The Gallagher Stadium, Kent on 24 January 2018.

As usual there is a full gallery available here but for now here are some of my own favorites from the game.

Dover Athletic v Dagenham and Redbridge FC – 20/02/2018

Dover Athletic v Dagenham and Redbridge FC. The Whites were looking to pull themselves out of a lack lustre run and get back into the playoff running. Right from the start they looked like a side on a mission. It was Mitch Pinnocks overhead kick that turned out to be the winner. It could quite possibly turn out to be a contender for the goal of the season.

Dover Athletic v Dagenham and Redbridge FC

Dover’s forward Mitchell Pinnock scores with a spectacular over head kick during the Vanorama National League match between Dover Athletic and Dagenham and redbridge FC at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 6 January 2018.

It was one of those goals that you sit there watching thinking; “Hes not going to try that is he?…. oh he has, well surely he wont score…..Damn!” Then much to my surprise he reeled around and ran right at me (cheers for that ;)). So much so I had to shout stop at him to stop him getting to close so I could keep taking pictures! But what is pulling the shorts up high all about?

Dover Athletic v Dagenham and Redbridge FC

Dover’s forward Mitchell Pinnock elated after scoring his spectacular over head kicked goal during the Vanorama National League match between Dover Athletic and Dagenham and redbridge FC at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 6 January 2018.

Here are a few favourites from the game

If you still want more there is a larger gallery here

 

Margate FC V Burgess Hill Town – 17/02/2018

Margate FC V Burgess Hill Town FC in the Isthmian League, sponsored by Bostik. I’ll put it out there that I really do enjoy covering Non League football. To put it simply there is more action and more emotion, proper football!

Margate were heading into this game on a six game winning roll. They were to make it seven, with a pretty much an answered match with rock bottom Burgess Hill Town. Gate are very much looking like they want promotion.

Margate FC

Margates Jordan Chiedozie is brought down during the Isthmian League Premier Division match between Margate FC and Burgess Hill Town at Hartsdown Road, England on 17 February 2018.

Here are a few more of my favorites, more can be found in a gallery here:

I wonder where I’ll end up next week?

Dover Athletic v Sutton United – 10/02/2018

Dover Athletic v Sutton United. I am fast coming to the conclusion that football has to be played in the rain! I think its about 6 straight weeks now and I’d be lost without my ThinkTank Hydraphobias

Dover Athletic v Sutton United

Dovers Ryan Bird cannot believe his luck as he narrowly misses scoring

So torrential rain and a game that was too close to call what was not to like! Sadly it wasn’t to be Dovers day as Sutton ran out winners by a single goal. Despite being reduced to 10 men and surviving a barrage of pressure from Dover during the closing minutes the equaliser remaind elusive. The frustrastion on the Dover players faces is clear to see.

There is a full gallery from the game here

Dover Athletic v Leyton Orient in the FA Trophy – 03/02/2018

Dover Athletic v Leyton Orient in the FA Trophy. Possibly the first time the two sides have met at Crabble, happy to be corrected on that one. It was a thrilling 7 goal thriller which the visitors ran out winners with a stoppage time winning goal. One of those days where your just at the wrong end!

Dover Athletic v Leyton Orient in the FA Trophy

Leyton Orient’s defender George Elokobi celebrates after scoring the O’s first goal during the The FA Trophy match between Dover Athletic and Leyton Orient at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 3 February 2018.

There was a moment when it appeared that Dover were on the verge of an epic comeback. They came back from 3 goals down to level the score. But alas it wasn’t to be.

Dover Athletic v Leyton Orient in the FA Trophy

Team mates flock to Dover’s forward Ryan Bird to celebrate his goal during the The FA Trophy match between Dover Athletic and Leyton Orient at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 3 February 2018. Photo by Matt Bristow.

Here are a few of my favorites from the game. There is a full gallery here and as usual there will be pictures in The Non-League Football Paper