The Peacocks go in search of their second Vanarama National League South away win of the season when they travel to Dover Athletic tomorrow (7th October), ko 3.00pm.
Last weekend’s victory over Eastbourne Borough propelled Town to the historic heady heights of the top of the table but whether they remain there at 5.00pm tomorrow will depend upon what transpires at the Crabble against a Dover side currently occupying penultimate spot with seven points from ten games. Half of those have ended in defeat with their sole victory coming at Slough in the second game of the season, three days after holding Torquay United at home in the opener. Their five matches at the Crabble have resulted in three draws and two losses but in the Emirates FA Cup it is a different matter, with victories over Hastings United and Haringey Borough in the previous two rounds earning them an away tie at National League Eastleigh next weekend. Manager Mitch Brundle has a young squad at his disposal, with the average age of the side which beat Haringey last weekend being around 20, with experience coming in the shape of former Welling United skipper James Dunne and ex-Farnborough defender John Oyenuga.
The Peacocks have yet to come out as the winning side against a Dover team, losing twice last season and also conceding the double to their predecessors Dover FC in 1978. Hoping to stop that trend, Town will make their longest League trip of the season boosted by the return of Ollie Chamberlain and Nick McCootie who have missed the last two games and Zac Smith who sat out the midweek cup tie against Portishead Town while centre half Dan Ball who played 15 minutes on Tuesday is nearly ready for a full return. Head of Football Rob Dray remarked:” Tomorrow is probably one of the first times we go into a game as favourites in this League on paper but the things that got us to where we are, hard work and discipline are going to be vitally important if we want to stay there. Dover go into the game off the back of two good results with a draw at Bath and then a win in the FA Cup so they will have confidence. Add into the mix the long journey and we will no doubt be in for a testing afternoon.”
Traveller Info
Ground: Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0JB
Ground to Ground: 220.5 miles (via A303/M3/M25/M20)
Directions: Leave the M20/A20 in Folkestone. Take the A260 exit towards Canterbury before taking first left turning onto Alkham Valley Road. Continue for around six miles before turning right onto Lower Road just before railway bridge. Continue on Lower Road until end and turn right onto Crabble Road. The ground is further along on the left.
Admission: Adults £17, Over 60’s £15, Under 18’s £9, Under 11’s free with accompanying adult. Pay by cash or card at the turnstile.
Live commentary will be available on Peacocks Radio
Last meeting: the Peacocks conceded the League double to Dover last season, a 1-0 defeat in Kent being repeated at Wordsworth Drive where a second half goal from Jordan Higgs proved decisive. Relive the match highlights HERE