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Dover Athletic: Match Report

Posted by Luke Davis
Posted on Sat 16 Mar 2019
Posted in Match Report

FC Halifax Town fell to a 2-1 loss against south-coast side Dover Athletic in the Vanarama National League.

Goals from Alfie Pavey and Anthony Jeffrey were too much for the Shaymen who couldnโ€™t complete the comeback after Matty Kosyloโ€™s goal.

Dover had the first chance of the game as an early cross was claimed well by Sam Johnson. Only two minutes later and Dover threatened again, this time from a free kick. The free kick was whipped in but Matty Brown did well to deal with it.

Townโ€™s first chance of the game came from a James Berrett corner. Berrett found Nathan Clarke but his header never troubled Lee Worgan.

Neither side held onto possession well as the wind carried the ball every time it left the ground. Dover had their first corner on 10 minutes which was wasted as Scott Quigley headed back to Johnson.

Once again it was Dover who came close as Niall Maherโ€™s challenge on the edge of the box gave Dover a free kick. Mitch Brundleโ€™s delivery was palmed away by Johnson. Stuart Lewis followed up and fired a shot straight at Johnson who held it well.

Halifax came close shortly after as Devante Rodney was put through on goal. In similar position to where he scored on Tuesday, Rodney fired a shot across goal. However, Worgan did well to tip it just wide.

Dover made the breakthrough on the 24th minute. Jai Reason appeared to control the ball with his hand, turned and found Pavey in the box. Pavey had a simple finish and tapped it past Johnson who couldnโ€™t do anything. Matty Kosylo picked up a yellow card for protesting to the referee.

A long ball from the Shaymen caused confusion in the Dover back line. Worgan came out of his area to head the ball away but only found Rodney. Rodney was brought down and won Halifax a free kick in a dangerous area. The free kick came to nothing as Worgan came out and claimed the cross.

Halifax got off to quick start after the break as they instantly won a corner. Berrett found Maher on the edge of the area. However, his volley never troubled the keeper as it went well over the bar.

Again, Town had a good chance to equalise as Berrett picked at an onrushing Kosylo. Kosylo did well to get the ball into the box and his shot forced a good save out of Worgan.

Dover doubled their lead on the hour mark courtesy of Jeffrey. A cross-come-shot ended up finding the bottom corner as neither Brown nor Johnson could get to it.

Their two-goal lead lasted less than three minutes as Town pulled one back. A long ball from Johnson was carried by the wind over Brundleโ€™s head. It fell to Kosylo who headed over the onrushing Worgan to make it 2-1.

Town made their first change in the 67th minute as Scott Quigley made way for Manny Duku. Almost immediately, Duku was played through by King. Duku stumbled before getting his shot away and failed to find the net.

Ryan Gondoh made his debut for the Shaymen on the 81st minute, replacing Berrett. A good run saw Gondoh beat two men but his cross was blocked by Worgan.

Town failed to create enough clear opportunities as Dover successfully saw the game out. The results see the Shaymen remain 14th whilst Dover move five points clear of the relegation zone.

My man of the match: Michael Duckworth

Dover Athletic: 31 Lee Worgan, 5 Kevin lokko, 7 Anthony Jeffreyย (Nortey Nortei 87), 8 Mitch Brundle (c), 10 Jamie Allen (Scott Doe 87), 14 Alfie Pavey (12 Inih Effiong 80), 20 Danny McNamara, 23 Bedsente Gomis, 27 Stuart Lewis, 29 Bobby-Joe Taylor, 30 Jai Reason

Subs: 2 Josh Passley, 11 Kadell Daniel

FC Halifax Town: 1 Sam Johnson, 2 Michael Duckworth, 4 Nathan Clarke, 5 Matty Brown (c), 7 Matty Kosylo, 8 Cameron King, 18 James Berrett (33 Ryan Gondoh 84), 31 Niall Maher, 35 Devante Rodney, 37 Scott Quigley (34 Manny Duku 67), 39 Joe Skarz

Subs: 6 Josh Staunton, 19 Jordan Preston, 21 Shaun Rowley

Referee: Simeon Lucas

Assistants: Damith Bandara and Darin Geary

4th Official: Gerry Heron

Goals: Pavey 25, Jeffrey 60, Kosylo 64

Yellow Cards: Maher 17, Kosylo 25, Brown

Red Cards: None

Attendance: 897

Full Time: Dover Athletic 2 FC Halifax Town 1

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