August 2018 - Matt Bristow

Dover Athletic FC v Eastleigh FC – Dover’s continued poor start to their National League season continued. They went down to the Spitfires by two goals to one in a game of two halfs, no pun intended, honestly!

I’m not going to turn this post into a ‘pundit like’ criticism. However, Eastleigh have one of the smallest squads in the league but played to their strengths playing possession football are were rewarded for their efforts, they deserved the win.

Unfortunately, Dover still look like a team that just have not gelled yet. Whites new signing Aryan Tajbakhsh was undoubtedly one of the good things for them to take away from what was otherwise a forgettable afternoon.

New signing Dovers midfielder Aryan Tajbakhsh on the ball.

Here are a few of my favourites from the game:

: Dovers forward Jamie Allen falls to the floor with Eastleighs midfielder Joe Jones and Eastleighs keeper Graham Stack as the ball goes just wide.

: Dovers midfielder Anthony Jeffrey surges forward past Eastleighs midfielder Joe Jones and Eastleighs defender Josh Hare.

: Dovers forward Inih Effiong unsuccessfully tries to break through the Eastleigh defence.

: Eastleighs keeper Graham Stack punches the ball away.

: Dover’s Nortei Nortey takes a shot at goal.

: Eastleighs defender Réda Johnson clashes with Dovers defender Tim Schmoll and in the process takes out Eastleighs keeper Graham Stack.

: Eastleighs defender Josh Hare sends Dovers defender Jack Connors crashing to the ground Dovers midfielder Aryan Tajbakhsh can only look on.

: Eastleighs forward Paul McCallum clearly not happy with the referee.

There is a full gallery here all images are available for licence and self billing applies where applicable. If in doubt get in touch with me.

Dover Athletic FC v Wrexham FC – So the 2018 season got underway. However, it wasn’t the result that Dover were looking for loosing by a goal to nothing.

Probably, even more galling was the fact they could have been winners. If it was not for possibly the weakest penalty I have ever seen that was saved as a result and having a goal disallowed by a questionable decision. But this is football and there is a long, long way to go yet! Here are a few of my favorites from the game.

Dovers defender Josh Passley is wresstled to the ground by Wrexhams forward Stuart Beavon during the opening National League match between Dover Athletic and Wrexham FC at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 04 August 2018.

I think its far too early to start making any far reaching statements, there is a load of talent in the new Dover squad given time I am convinced they will be right up there.

Dovers defender Tim Schmoll and Wrexhams midfielder Luke Young clash mid field during the opening National League match between Dover Athletic and Wrexham FC at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 04 August 2018.

Here are a few more: