Dover Athletic book place in last sixteen to keep Wembley dream alive

Tuesday 12th January 2010

DOVER ATHLETIC booked their place in the last sixteen of the FA Carlsberg Trophy, thanks to a resilient 1-0 win at Fleetwood Town tonight, writes Stephen McCartney.

Adam Birchall’s deflected strike, a couple minutes before half-time, proved to be decisive against the high-flying Blue Square North side, who had spent £15,000 on covering their Highbury pitch to ensure that the second round tie could go ahead.

Dover Athletic handed Hakeen Adelakun his debut, having arrived on a loan period from Championship side Crystal Palace, and he slotted in a left-back as James Rogers, Dean Hill and Sam Gore were all suspended.

But Andy Hessenthaler and his side, who were supported by around 22 people that travelled up to Lancashire on a bitterly cold night, can now look forward to a trip to holders Stevenage Borough in the next round on Saturday 30th January - if the Blue Square Premier leaders can get past Vauxhall Motors in their delayed second round tie.

Visit Dover Athletic’s website: www.doverathletic.com