Chelmsford City VS Dover Athletic 23/11/013 Programme article

Today welcome Dover Athletic to the Melbourne Stadium, a club who have a short history, but are just part of a long tradition. Dover’s football history dates as far back as 1894, when the original Kent league side, Dover FC, were founded. Different variants of the club have since folded and started around the harbour town, with the 1950’s existence the first to join the Southern Leagues. FA Cup history was made in Essex in 1975 with Dover’s involvement in the competition. By beating Colchester United in the first round, Dover were drawn a tie at Roots Hall against Southend United. What made the record books was the fact that the tie was to be played on the Saturday evening. It was the first instance that a game was scheduled to be played after the draw for the following round in the cup’s history. Dover never got to play the third round drawn tie against Brighton as they fell out of the competition in the second round, losing 4-1 to Southend.
 
In 1983, massive debts forced the team to fold, and the current Kent existence, Dover Athletic FC was formed. Fielding mainly reserves from their predecessors in their first season, the Whites initially struggled, finishing second from bottom. In 1985 the clubs fortunes were turned when Chris Kinnear took charge as manager. Two top five finishes were followed by celebrations of success on the Kent shores when Dover Athletic won the 1989-1990 Southern League title. The celebrations were bittersweet as the side failed to achieve promotion due to the ground not meeting minimum regulations. It was three seasons later that this achievement was replicated and finally the Whites entered the Conference for the first time in their history.
The club faced tough times in the early ‘90s, battling fiercely against relegation. Even the appointment of former England international Peter Taylor was not enough to prevent the side from finishing second from bottom in the 1995-96 campaign. However, this time luck was on Dover’s side as they kept their place in the Conference at the expense of Boston United. The runners up of the Northern Premier failed to submit their application for promotion before the deadline, which was the only thing that prevented the two clubs from changing tiers.

Later on in the decade Dover reported mixed fortunes. Their highest Conference finish of sixth place was recorded, and the club got as far as the semi-finals of the FA trophy. However, managers came and went, and financial problems saw control of the club move over to the supporters trust. Dover’s achievements sunk into history as they were relegated into the Southern League Premier Division. A restructure of non-league divisions then saw them compete in the Isthmian League Premier Division before then being relegated into the Isthmian League Division One.

In January 2005, former Director, Jim Parmenter, returned and headed up a consortium that financially stabilised the club for the first time in many years. Two failed promotion challenges were finally followed by back to back titles, firstly in the Division One South, and then the Isthmian League Premier Division. In 2009/10, Dover reached the Conference South playoffs, losing out in the semi-finals to Woking. They went on to reach the FA Cup 3^rd round proper the following season, recording a victory over Kent rivals Gillingham in the first round and Aldershot in the second. Dover lost out in the playoffs of the Conference South to Salisbury Town last year.

Dover will aim to build upon these achievements this time around, and currently sit mid-table with a playoff position not too far from sight. After a good start to the season, winning their first two league games, Dover lost their way early on, taking just 3 points from a possible 18. A break within this run came in the Kent senior cup in early September against Ryman Premier League side, and local rivals, Margate. Dover ran out 8-0 winners, equalling their biggest competitive victory which was previously set in September 2009. A change in formation and change of personnel produced a crushing victory for the Whites who progressed to the next round.

Dover’s form again picked up, and an unbeaten run of four games has propelled them back up the table, the Kent side now looking up the table rather than over their shoulder at the relegation places. To couple their recent league successes, Dover are proving formidable in the cup. The side remain in every competition, and have progressed to the second round of the FA cup. The furthest that they have reached in this competition is the third round, which they will strive to duplicate in their away tie next month against League One side MK Dons.

Michael Bakere will be under the watchful eye of Clarets fans tonight following two spells here in Essex. Bakere was rewarded with a move to then football league club Macclesfield Town after impressing in his first spell at the Melbourne. With the move not working out long term, Bakere found his way back to the Clarets and occupied multiple positions before making his way to Dover this summer. Bakere has already bagged a hat-trick this season in the sides 8-0 win over Margate.

Ricky Modeste is another familiar face arriving from Kent today, partly because of his appearances on reality TV show Football Icon, but mainly because he started his career here at Chelmsford. Modeste won the young player of the year award in 2009, going on to become a regular for the Clarets before leaving for Dover in 2012.

We wish the Dover fans a safe journey back to the South of England this evening, and you all for your attendance at the Melbourne Stadium today.