Dover Athletic Archives

Dover Athletic – The Crabble Fortress?

Posted on November 26, 2018 by mattbristow

The Crabble Fortress? Lets hope so! Due to other work commitments it was the first time for me covering the new look Dover Athletic under new boss Andy Hessenthaler. To see them notch up their forth win this season, was a real bonus. However, I was commissioned to cover the game for Hartlepool United, awkward! What follows are just a few of my favourites in no particular order.

The ‘new look’ Whites line-up look sharp and finally look like a cohesive unit and certainly committed.

Dover’s Stuart Lewis celebrates after the game

There is a full gallery here. All the images on this page and in the gallery are available for licence. If your not sure if you can use it or not get in touch with me.

Here are a few more action pictures from the game:

: Dover’s midfielder Jai Reason and Hartlepool’s midfielder Ryan Donaldson both vie for the ball in the air.

: Hartlepool’s defender Myles Anderson on the ball.

: Hartlepool’s defender Mark Kitching clears the ball

: Hartlepool’s forward Luke James hustles for the ball from Dover’s midfielder Mitch Brundle

: Hartlepool’s defender Carl Magnay keeps Dover’s forward Inih Effiong from the ball.

: Hartlepool’s midfielder Ryan Donaldson and Dover’s forward Jamie Allen

: Hartlepool’s midfielder Ryan Donaldson and Dover’s forward Tobi Sho-Silva

: Hartlepool’s defender Myles Anderson keeps Dover’s defender Kevin Lokko from the ball.

: Dover’s midfielder Anthony Jeffrey takes on Hartlepool’s defender Peter Kioso

: Dover’s forward Inih Effiong celebrates scoring.

: Dover’s forward Jamie Allen beats a Hartlepool challenge.

: Dover’s midfielder Bedsenté Gomis tries to guide the ball towards the Hartlepool goal.

: Dover’s midfielder Bedsenté Gomis slots home Dovers first goal

: Action during the match

: Hartlepool’s midfielder Patrick McLaughlin holds his head in frstration after his shot just goes wide.

: Dover’s midfielder Anthony Jeffrey takes on Hartlepool’s defender Peter Kioso

However, there was a moment late in the game when Hartlepools keeper Scott Loach went forward for a late corner and very nearly nodded the ball in! (I still have that to get ticked off my list of shots to get in my career!)

Desperate to level the score in the dying minutes Hartlepool’s keeper Scott Loach goes forward for a corner.

Dover get off the foot of the table still with a mountain to climb to avoid relegation. At least the #hessexpress is gathering speed!

Dover Athletic – a game of survival?

Posted on October 6, 2018 by mattbristow

A question. Whats the hardest part of being a sports photographer shooting football? The answer, covering a game of the club you support when they are struggling and you have to get pictures that are newsworthy! roughly translated means I had to basically cover them getting stuffed and be at the end of goals!

Its been a pretty hard week/season at Dover. No Sh*t Sherlock I hear you say. But, probably not for the reasons that are immediately obvious. But enough of that as I am no pundit or reporter, I am just a humble photographer that sits and takes pictures of what happens in front of me! Here are just a few personal favourites from today’s clash against high flying Salford City FC. It was however, not the result that the club wanted but in my opinion a lot of positives to take away. To be fair the difference was this fella, Adam Rooney currently top scorer in the league, and today he bagged a hat trick in what has to be said style.

Salford’s defender Carl Piergianni celebrates with Salford’s forward Adam Rooney after scoring his hat-trick during the National League match between Dover Athletic FC and Salford City FC.

I think for now, Dover’s problems are clear and simple. But as a rudderless ship adrift in the suddenly very competitive National League. However, salvation will come from a very strong leader be that who it may. It is my peronsla opinion is that at this level now to succeed you just have to be full time. But I guess this week will be full of announcements and revelations.

: Dovers midfielder Nortei Nortey clashes with Salford’s midfielder Danny Lloyd.

: Dovers forward Tobi Sho-Silva leaps to head the ball.

: Dovers midfielder Bedsenté Gomis fires home Dovers only goal during the National League match between Dover Athletic FC and Salford City FC

: Salford’s forward Adam Rooney reels away after scoring for the third time.

: Salford’s forward Adam Rooney heads the ball past Dovers midfielder Nortei Nortey for his second goal.

: Salford’s forward Adam Rooney keeps Dovers defender George Smith at bay.

: Dovers defender Connor Essam wins the ball over Salford’s forward Adam Rooney.

: Dovers keeper Mitch Walker collects the ball ahead of Salford’s forward Rory Gaffney.

There is a larger gallery here. All images are copyright to me, self billing applies. If in doubt please get in contact with me.

The 2017-2018 Football Season, a Retrospective of Sorts

Posted on May 16, 2018 by mattbristow

2017-2018 Football Season

As the 2017-2018 Football Season draws to a close with the FA cup Final to be played this coming Saturday, apparently there is a wedding on the same day as well but I don’t know much about that! I thought it might be an opportune time to take a quick look back on a few of my favourites from the 2017-2018 Football Season. A season I might add that I found myself covering on average a game a week. I know this doesn’t actually sound a lot but I also work as a Commercial, Editorial, PR and Press photographer.

So in 8 months the tally is roughly 19 grounds, 54 teams that included everything from a full international friendly all the way down to step 6 and I absolutely loved it! At this point I should thank both Pro Sport Images and The Non league Paper as well as a load of other publications that continued to commission me to head out and work.

Football is such an ethereal thing; filled with passion and commitment. What follows is a selection of my work I personally like. As an aside about 80% of is published.

So I think I’ll divide this into three: Celebrations – The photographers holy grail, Action – in the game it happens and Passion – whats behind the game.

Celebrations – The photographers holy grail

There are is a moment in football that overcomes all else for a photographer, that of the celebration. The moment where everything pales into insignificance. Yes the goal is good and if I’m honest normally happens behind a load of players from where I am sitting. There is something magical about that moment after the goal, the celebration moment when I sometimes think I can see the real player. The elation and sometimes the relief!

NOVEMBER 4, 2017: Folkestone Invicta against Dorking Wanderers in Bostik League Premier Division. Where the home side ran out 3 to 1 winners. Fullicks Stadium, England.Folkestones Ade Yusuff celebrates after putting the home side 3 to 1 up from his penalty in the 90th minute.

: Dover’s defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco and Dover’s forward Ryan Bird celebrate Dover’s forward Ryan Bird scoring his second and Dovers forth goal during the Vanorama National League match between Dover Athletic and Hartlepool United at the Crabble Stadium, Kent, England on 9 December 2017.

: Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates the first of his brace against Nigeria on 27 March 2018.

: Dover Athletics defender Connor Essam celebrates scoring Dover’s second goal in the second half.

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

: Bradford’s Charlie Wyke celebrates scoring from the spot against Southend on 9 December 2017.

Its cool isn’t it? However take it from me its the hardest thing to take a photograph of in the game!

Action – in the game, as it happens

Probably the bit that is easiest or is it? many years ago I always remember being told that if its action and the ball isn’t in the frame then don’t bother sending it. Its a mantra I have followed since as everything else can be changed, straightened, made darker\lighter. Sometimes though it doesn’t matter.

Third from top Dover Athletic against second from bottom Solihull Moors in Conference Premier at Crabble Stadium in Dover, England. Dover ran out winners by a goal to nothing. Dover’s defender Manny Parry puts Solihulls goal keeper Nathan Vaughan under pressure.

I always find looking at players faces during the action is where the true emotion comes out

: Blackpool attack the Charlton goal

: Dover’s forward Anthony Jeffrey rushes to the ball ahead of Tranmeres defender Adam Buxton and Tranmeres midfielder Larnell Cole during the Vanorama National League match between Dover Athletic and Tranmere Rovers at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 17 April 2018.

: Top of the table Dover Athletic FC host eighth place Boreham Wood FC in Conference Premier at Crabble Stadium in Dover, England. The visitors, Boreham Wood ran out winners a goal to nothing. Dover’s forward Jamie Allen battles to keep Boreham Wood’s Tom Champion away from the ball.

: Braintrees Reece Grant had alot to celebrate as he bagged himself a brace against Gloucester City

: Wigan’s midfielder Sam Sayed Morsy pulls the visitors level in the 81st minutes during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Gillingham and Wigan Athletic at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham, England on 17 October 2017.

: Beaconsfield Town FC and Hayes and Yeading United at Holloways Park Beaconsfield on 21 April 2018.

: Whitstable Town Football Club, Belmont Road, Whitstable. Whitstable Town v Croydon in FA Cup.

: Blackpools Sessi D’Almeida is taken down

: Dover’s defender Manny Parry controls the ball during the Vanorama National League match between Leyton Orient and Dover Athletic at the Matchroom Stadium, London, England on 18 November 2017.

: Barnet’s midfielder Jamal Campbell-Ryce is sent flying by Crawley’s midfielder Jimmy Smith during the EFL Sky Bet League 2 match between Crawley Town and Barnet at the Checkatrade.com Stadium, Crawley, England on 13 January 2018.

: Oxford’s forward Wes Thomas tries to get a toe to the ball ahead of Charlton Athletics midfielder Johnnie Jackson during the EFL Trophy 3rd round match between Charlton Athletic and Oxford United at The Valley, London, England on 9 January 2018.

Passion – whats behind the game

Its always hard to force yourself to see the game from a slightly different angle, but when you do the rewards are nearly always better than the action itself.

Dover’s Manager Chris Kinnear

Managers and fans a like its about the passion!

: Leyton Orient’s manager Justin Edinburgh looks on as his side win a thilling 7 goal cup tie during the The FA Trophy match between Dover Athletic and Leyton Orient at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 3 February 2018.

: Fans during the EFL Sky Bet League 2 match between Crawley Town and Barnet at the Checkatrade.com Stadium, Crawley, England on 13 January 2018.

: During the match between Beaconsfield Town FC and Hayes and Yeading United at Holloways Park Beaconsfield on 21 April 2018.

So when all is said and told do I have a favourite? not really. But, then again a huge amount of my time was spent getting wet and cold covering Dover Athletic and truth be told I have become a fan! So my favourite picture from the past season has to be this one. For me it sums up their season, an inexperienced team thrown together and very nearly did the unthinkable.

Dover’s midfielder Nortei Nortey celebrates scoring Dovers first goal late in the first half during the Vanorama National League match between Leyton Orient and Dover Athletic at the Matchroom Stadium, London, England on 18 November 2017

So whatever happens during the impending FA Cup final and the much talked about World Cup 2018 in Russia I will be chomping at the bit to get going again for the new season.

Dover Athletic v Tranmere Rovers – 17/04/2018

Posted on April 18, 2018 by mattbristow

Dover Athletic v Tranmere Rovers – As the 2018 season draws to its conclusion the games become more and more edgy. Tranmere Rovers are chasing the top spot and Dover Athletic are chasing a place in the newly reorganised play-offs. Unfortunately for the young Dover Athletic side they came up against a very inform experienced Tranmere Rovers side. The visitors ran out winners by a single goal thanks to Tranmere’s Andy Cook.

It was a very physical game, here are a selection of pictures. There is a full gallery that is available for licenced use here.

Dover’s forward Anthony Jeffrey rushes to the ball ahead of Tranmeres defender Adam Buxton and Tranmeres midfielder Larnell Cole.

For me Anthony Jeffrey was the Dover Man of the match. He has just got better and better over the last few games and is a problem for most teams, too little too late?

: Dover’s defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco surges forward while Tranmeres defender Adam Buxton rushes to clear the ball.

: Tranmeres defender Ritchie Sutton stretches to clear the ball.

: Dover’s midfielder Mitch Brundle wins the ball in the air.

: Tranmeres keeper Scott Davies and Tranmeres defender Ritchie Sutton clash.

: Tranmeres forward Andy Cook celebrates scoring the only goal of the game.

: Dover’s forward Anthony Jeffrey and Tranmeres defender Adam Buxton both rush for the ball.

: Tranmeres midfielder Larnell Cole stretches for the ball ahead of Dover’s defender Femi Ilesanmi.

Oh and did I say it was physical? Kadell Daniel showing what commitment is!

Tranmeres forward Connor Jennings and Dover’s forward Kadell Daniel both go flying.

Dover Athletic v Torquay United – 07/04/2018

Posted on April 8, 2018 by mattbristow

Dover Athletic v Torquay United. As the season gets to the sharp end and play-off places are hard fought for. It made a change to actually have sunshine. I know as a sports photographer moaning comes with the job but still I thought I was about to start to rust. The game itself was a meeting of teams at both ends of the league and neither team wanted to take any risks. Here are a few of my favorites. There is a full gallery here.

I give you the footballer totam pole! Although nobody seems particularly happy!

Dover’s forward Ryan Bird rises above Torquay’s defender Sean McGinty and team mate Giancarlo Gallifuoco

: Dover’s defender Femi Ilesanmi intercepts a Torquay pass.

: Dover’s forward Anthony Jeffrey and Torquay’s defender Conrad Balatoni collide in the air.

: Dover’s midfielder Nortei Nortey rushes to congratulate Dover’s forward Ryan Bird on his goal.

: Torquay’s defender Joshua Gowling pushes Dover’s forward Anthony Jeffrey off the ball to concede a free kick.

: Dover’s defender Femi Ilesanmi is sent crashing to the ground after a challenge from Torquay’s forward Elliott Romain.

Lastly for now a shot of Mitch Walker that illustrates his commitment putting his well being on the line. This really brought tears to my eyes!

Dover’s keeper Mitch Walker bravely saves an effort by Torquays Brett Williams.

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

Posted on February 21, 2018 by mattbristow

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’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’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

: Dovers Mitch Pinnock rushes to celebrate after scoring during the Vanorama National League match between Dover Athletic and Dagenham and redbridge FC

: Dover’s forward Mitchell Pinnock tries to copntrol a high ball during the Vanorama National League match between Dover Athletic and Dagenham and redbridge FC

: Dover’s midefiedler Liam Bellamy just gets a toe to the ball ahead of two Dagenham players during the Vanorama National League match between Dover Athletic and Dagenham and redbridge FC

: Dover’s forward Anthony Jeffrey and Dagenhams defender Craig Robson during the Vanorama National League match between Dover Athletic and Dagenham and redbridge FC

: Dover’s forward Kadell Daniel during the Vanorama National League match between Dover Athletic and Dagenham and redbridge FC

: Dover’s midefiedler Liam Bellamy heads the ball on during the Vanorama National League match between Dover Athletic and Dagenham and redbridge FC

: Dover’s midfielder Mitch Brundle and Dagenhams defender Craig Robson battle over the ball as Dagenhams keeper Mark Cousins comes to the ball during the Vanorama National League match between Dover Athletic and Dagenham and redbridge FC

If you still want more there is a larger gallery here

Dover Athletic v Sutton United – 10/02/2018

Posted on February 11, 2018 by mattbristow

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

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.

: Dover’s defender Femi Ilesanmi and Sutton’s midfielder Tom Bolarinwa.

: Dover’s forward Kane Richards stretches to control the ball.

: Dover’s forward Mitchell Pinnock jumps over a challenge from Sutton’s midfielder Nicky Bailey.

: Dover’s defender Manny Parry rises to a crossed ball during.

: Sutton’s midfielder Kieron Cadogan fires home the only goal of the game.

: Dover’s forward Ryan Bird shot is deflected away from the Sutton goal.

There is a full gallery from the game here

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

Posted on February 3, 2018 by mattbristow

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!

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.

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

: Leyton Orient’s keeper Dean Brill comes to colect the ball to deny Dover’s forward Ryan Bird during the The FA Trophy match between Dover Athletic and Leyton Orient at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 3 February 2018. Photo by Matt Bristow.

: Leyton Orient’s forward Matt Harrold wins the ball over team mate Leyton Orient’s defender Josh Coulson and Dover’s defender Manny Parry during the The FA Trophy match between Dover Athletic and Leyton Orient at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 3 February 2018. Photo by Matt Bristow.

: Leyton Orient’s manager Justin Edinburgh looks on as his side win a thilling 7 goal cup tie during the The FA Trophy match between Dover Athletic and Leyton Orient at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 3 February 2018. Photo by Matt Bristow.

: Scenes of joy on the Orient bench at the final whistle during the The FA Trophy match between Dover Athletic and Leyton Orient at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 3 February 2018. Photo by Matt Bristow.

: Leyton Orient’s defender Josh Coulson rushes to keep the ball away from Dover’s forward Ryan Bird during the The FA Trophy match between Dover Athletic and Leyton Orient at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 3 February 2018. Photo by Matt Bristow.

: Dover’s manager Chris Kinnear watches his side loose in a thrilling 4-3 during the The FA Trophy match between Dover Athletic and Leyton Orient at Crabble Stadium, Kent on 3 February 2018. Photo by Matt Bristow.

Dover Athletic v Guiseley FC – 27/01/2018

Posted on January 27, 2018 by mattbristow

Dover Athletic v Guiseley FC. It is a wet and windy January and high flying Dover Athletic host lowely Guiseley FC in the Vanorama National League. Whats not to like?

Guiseleys defender Harry Flowers keeps Dover’s midfielder Mitch Brundle from the ball.

Here are a few of my favorites:

: Dover’s manager Chris Kinnear looks on in the pouring rain.

: Guiseleys forward Dayle Southwell celebrates bring the visitors level and opens up the game.

: Guiseleys midfielder Simon Lenighan and Dover’s midfielder Mitch Brundle clash while challenging for the ball.

: Dover’s forward Ryan Bird controls the ball and scores only to be judged off side. He was desperately unlucky as he had two goals disallowed.

: Dover’s midfielder Nortei Nortey and Guiseleys forward James Roberts.

Now I’m not one to complain and its great to have a player celebrate right in front of you, but sometimes its too close! I literally couldn’t focus on Mitch Pinnock. I did get up and move back and Mitch Brundle then performed some kind of smack down move on my stool LOL!

Thanks guys but too close! fail on my behalf!

There is a larger gallery of Dover Athletic v Guiseley FC on my Photoshelter account

Leyton Orient v Dover Athletic - First Visit To The Matchroom Stadium

Leyton Orient v Dover Athletic – 18/11/2017

Posted on November 19, 2017 by mattbristow

Leyton Orient v Dover Athletic – To set the scene. Its a cold, damp Saturday in November and its my first time working at the very nice Matchroom Stadium.

Leyton Orient v Dover Athletic – My first visit to the Matchroom Stadium. The sides, rather surprisingly have never met before in competitive competition. So its a massive jumble of unknown. Dover Athletic, who currently sit at the top of the National League and Leyton Orient who after relegation from the football league last season are fighting to stay out of the relegation zone. The final score line was a draw with each side bagging a goal a piece. Here are a few of my favorites from the game. There is a larger gallery here, all images are available for licenced use, self billing applies where appropriate.

Dover players celebrate after Nortei Nortey scores Dovers first goal in the first half during the Vanorama National League match between Leyton Orient and Dover Athletic at the Matchroom Stadium, London, England on 18 November 2017.

Leyton Orient’s keeper Sam Sargeant comes to collect the ball as Dover’s defender Manny Parry lines up for a shot during the Vanorama National League match between Leyton Orient and Dover Athletic at the Matchroom Stadium, London, England on 18 November 2017.

: Dover’s defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco beats Leyton Orient’s forward Macauley Bonne in the air during the Vanorama National League match.

: Dover’s defender Manny Parry controls the ball during the Vanorama National League match.

: Dover’s midfielder Nortei Nortey celebrates scoring Dovers first goal late in the first half during the Vanorama National League match.

: Leyton Orient’s keeper Sam Sargeant collects the ball during the Vanorama National League match.

: Dover’s forward James Alabi makes a first half shot at goal during the Vanorama National League match.