by John Mead.
The Kent Coast beckons this coming Bank Holiday Monday for Wood Fans as we make the trip to Crabble, to face our old foes.
This is the second time we have emulated the promotion success of our hosts just one season after their achievements and in truth I am sure they were glad to see the back of us on both occasions!
The two sides recently spent four seasons together in the Conference South until The Whites gained promotion two seasons ago via the play offs.
In our first promotion season in The Conference South we lost both games to Dover, but recovered to go three seasons unbeaten against the Kent side, winning three and drawing three of our League encounters up until their promotion when they overcame Sutton United then Ebbsfleet United to reach the pinnacle of Non League football, joining Champions Eastleigh, whom they finished seventeen points behind.
It was promotion to the newly rebranded National League for The Whites at the third time of asking via the play offs. Their first appearance in the knockout stage came in 2009-2010 when they were aiming at a third promotion in as many seasons. Midway through that run our paths crossed in 2008-2009 when they romped to the Ryman Premier title.
Narrowly losing 2-3 at Meadow Park we were still fighting off relegation with four matches to play when we visited the already crowned Champions in early April of that season. A guard of honour was sportingly formed by the Wood team prior to kick off, but the pleasantries ended there with the majority of the 1400 fans who had turned up to watch their side lift the League Trophy witnessing a 1-2 win by Wood on the afternoon.
The Whites, managed by Chris Kinnear had a fantastic first season at the “ top table” posting an 8th placed finish, whilst embarking upon an F A Cup Run, beating Morecambe then Cheltenhan Town to draw a plum Third Round tie at home to Crystal Palace, which they lost 0-4.
This campaign Dover are currently in tenth spot, are unbeaten at home and have lost just once at the time of writing, that in their opening fixture of the season.
Kinnear has strengthened his defences with the signing of Aswad Thomas who spent two years at Grimsby Town and has experience with Braintree Town and Woking.
Jayden Gibbs , brother of Kieron also made the move to Crabble per season from Aldershot Town.
Sam Magri is another addition, the 21 year old defender signed from Portsmouth has enjoyed a regular starting place.
Striker Ricky Miller from Luton Town and utility player Jack Parkinson who turned down a move to Leyton Orient from Maidstone United complete the pre season signings.
With limited places in the third supporters mini bus still up for grabs why not join the band of travelling fans to cheer on the boys to hopefully back to back wins on the road in The National League!
The Vanarama National League
Dover Athletic v Boreham Wood.
Monday August 31st, kick off 3pm.
Crabble Athletic Ground.
Lewisham Road,
Dover.
CT17 0JB.
