National League Archives

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dover Athletic FC v Eastleigh FC – 25/08/2018

Posted on August 26, 2018 by mattbristow

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:

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

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

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

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

: Eastleighs keeper Graham Stack punches the ball away.

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

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

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

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 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 keeper Scott Davies and Tranmeres defender Ritchie Sutton clash.

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

: Tranmeres defender Ritchie Sutton stretches to clear the ball.

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

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

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

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

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

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

: 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 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 Kadell Daniel 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

: 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 Anthony Jeffrey and Dagenhams defender Craig Robson 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 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:

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

: 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.

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

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

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

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

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

: Dover’s defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco beats Leyton Orient’s forward Macauley Bonne in the air 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.

Dover Athletic v Eastleigh FC – 11/11/2017

Posted on November 13, 2017 by mattbristow

Dover Athletic v Eastleigh FC – 11th November, 2017

As a full time sports photographer I love my job, its particularly enjoyable when its your local football team that is literally meeting the Conference battle head-on. Dover Athletic v Eastleigh FC. Its nearly half way through the season and the Whites are top of the league! and might I add look like they could stay there for sometime. This new Dover team has come together better than most would have dreamt of. Whats probably more inspiring is their goal difference. They are in good company as only a handful of League and Premiership sides have a similar boast.

Top of the table Dover Athletic hosted visitors Eastleigh in Conference Premier at Crabble Stadium in Dover, England. The home side ran out emphatic winners 2-0 to remain at the top of the National League. Here are just a few of my favorites. A full gallery can be found here.

Moments before Dover’s forward James Alabi heads the whites first goal.

I do feel that the current run of success to largely due to Chris Kinnear and his ability to build an effective team

NOVEMBER 11: Dover’s manager Chris Kinnear looks on as his side retain the top spot.

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

: Dover’s forward Ryan Bird shoots.

: Eastleigh players cant believe thier bad luck as Dover’s keeper Mitch Walker gathers the ball safely.

: Dover’s defender Femi Ilesanmi keeps Eastleigh’s forward Ben Williamson from the ball.

: Dover’s forward James Alabi celebrates putting the hosts a goal up.

: Eastleigh’s defender Gavin Hoyte and Dover’s forward Kadell Daniel.

: Dover’s forward James Alabi cant believe how he missed a chance of another goal.

Dover Athletic V Chester FC – 16th September 2017

Posted on September 17, 2017 by mattbristow

Dover Athletic V Chester FC – 16th September 2017. So at the end of an unexpected long day for me Dover were playing at home against struggling manager-less Chester FC. It is fair to say that this years home record for Dover has left a lot of room for improvement. Something that the Whites most definitely put paid to running out emphatic 4 goals to nothing and climbing up to second in the league!

Here, are a couple of my favorites from the game. Loads more can be found here. As usual all usage has to be paid for and self billing applies.

Dover’s defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco celebrates after putting Dover a goal up.

: Dover’s midfielder Nortei Nortey passes the ball despite the best efforts of Chester’s Lucas Dawson.

: Chesters Wade Joyce and Criag Mahon sandwich Dover’s defender Femi Ilesanmi.

: Dover’s midfielder Nortei Nortey celebrates scoring Dovers third goal. Clear to see how much this means to him.

: Chester’s keeper Alex Lynch at full stretch to deny Dover’s forward Kadell Daniel.

Dover Athletic V Boreham Wood 12th September 2017

Posted on September 13, 2017 by mattbristow

Dover Athletic V Boreham Wood. So who would have thought it the Whites are top of the table! I know its early days but surely the last time this must have happened someone thought that hover craft were the new way to get to France! It was a text book Autumn Tuesday evening, very windy and rain! Unfortunately not the result the home side were looking for.

Here are a few of my favorites from the game. A full gallery can be found here. As usual all usage has to be paid for and self billing applies.

Dover Athletic v Boreham Wood. Conference Premier

Dover’s forward Ryan Bird is swamped by Boreham Wood players.

: Boreham Wood’s Mark Ricketts tackles Dover’s defender Josh Passley.

: Dover’s defender Manny Parry makes a surge forward.

: Dover’s defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco and Boreham Wood’s goalkeeper Grant Smith locked contesting the ball.

: Dover’s Kadell Daniel gets muscled off the ball by two Boreham Wood players. 1

xxx