Soccer Shorts: On song Dryden a major doubt for Dover Athletic's trophy tussle

www.kentishfootball.co.uk brings you some news ahead of tomorrow’s games, involving Dover Athletic, Lordswood, Hythe Town, Maidstone United, Folkestone Invicta, Tunbridge Wells, Ebbsfleet United, VCD Athletic and Bromley.

In-form striker James Dryden is rated doubtful for Dover Athletic ahead of their home FA Carlsberg Trophy third qualifying round tie against Sutton United tomorrow.

The 13-goal striker has torn a muscle in his arm and is a “major doubt” for the home clash against the Blue Square South’s bottom side.

Another striker, Shaun Welford, is cup-tied, having played for Ramsgate in a previous round - but versatile Craig Wilkins, who can play at the back or as a target man, is fit.

“It’s another big game, against a team two leagues above, so it’s going to be a good test to see how far we have come as a team,” said Whites’ player-boss Andy Hessenthaler, whose led Dover Athletic to the Ryman League Division One South summit.

Lordswood boss Shawn Mitchell has signed two players in time of their Kent Senior Trophy clash against Thamesmead Town.

Striker Dave Masters (ex-Herne Bay) and midfielder James Lyons (Faversham Town) have signed for the Lords.

Lyons has stepped down into the Kent League, despite scoring the goal that mathematically secured Chatham Town’s Ryman League status last season.

Looking ahead to their home game against Thamesmead Town tomorrow, Mitchell said: “It’s going to be a tough game but we’re playing well but just not getting luck in front of goal.”

But he added: “I’m sure we can cause an upset Saturday as we’re full of confidence.”

Midfielder Jamie Taylor, meanwhile, faces a fitness test prior to the game.

Mitchell, however, kept tight-lipped over the identity of one of his targets, a striker that he’s submitted a seven-day approach for.

Central defender James Gregory, who can also play down the left-hand side, will be making his Hythe Town debut tomorrow, for their Kent League game against Erith & Belvedere at Reachfields Stadium tomorrow.

Gregory has signed from Ryman League Division One South club Sittingbourne.

Gavin Ransley and Ian Ross both return to the squad following injury, but Ian Hayes (knee) is the only injury concern for boss Paul Fisk.

“We are looking forward to the game but we know it will be very difficult as they are real title challengers,” he said.

Alan Walker, the joint-manager of Maidstone United will draft striker Mo Takaloo back into the side for tomorrow’s FA Carlsberg Trophy third qualifying round clash against former winners Canvey Island.

Takaloo returns to the side after Luis Cumbers, 19, was recalled by League One side Gillingham earlier in the week, only to go to Blue Square Premier club Grays Athletic on loan.

The Chelmsford based striker netted eleven goals for the Stones, which saw the club climb themselves away from the foot of the Ryman Premier League table into sixth place.

Last weekend’s 4-3 win at Margate was all down to the impressive Cumbers, who played a part in all four goals - scoring a brace himself.

The Stones are without Lynden Rowland, Errison Ahwan and Rob Owen for the Bourne Park clash against a club that’s now plying their trade in the Ryman League Division One North.

And striker Alex Tiesse cannot be recalled from his loan spell to Ryman League Division One South club Leatherhead until 14th December.

But reserves James Peacock, Chris Smalling and Jimmy Bodle have been drafted in.

Ryman Premier League club Folkestone Invicta would like to remind all shareholders that their next shareholders meeting takes place in Stripes Club on Tuesday 4^th December, starting at 7:30pm.

And Kent League club Tunbridge Wells held an EGM at Culverden Stadium last night.

“Gary Stevens withdrew his proposal and is looking at ways he can work with the club,” said a very short club statement.

Combative Ebbsfleet United defender/midfielder Michael Bostwick has signed a contract with the club until the end of the 2007-08 season.

The former Millwall, Crawley Town and Rushden & Diamonds teenager had previously been on non-contract terms following his arrival in August 2007, originally as defensive cover.

Bostwick has played 16 games for the Fleet, scoring once - in the 1-1 draw at Exeter City.

Equally at home as a central defender, or in midfield, he is another player who boosts manager Liam Daish's squad options and this new contract now ties the sought-after player to Ebbsfleet until May 2008.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk are covering the Blue Square Premier game between Ebbsfleet United and Stafford Rangers at Stonebridge Road tomorrow.

VCD Athletic welcome Deal Town to Oakwood in the Kent Senior Trophy second round.

The Crayford based side welcome back Jack Parkinson from suspension and former Maidstone United player Kane Rice returns from his recent bout of flu.

But Kevin Wincombe serves the first of a three-match ban and teenager Juan Ramirez has returned to Colombia for a six-week period.

“Tomorrow’s game will be a tough one, especially as we beat Deal less than a month ago in the league” said boss Paul Foley.

“We are looking to continue our excellent form over the last six games and defend the trophy that we won last time we were competing in it.”

Vickers, who clinched the Kent Senior Trophy two years ago, having defeated Tunbridge Wells on penalties, played in the Kent Senior Cup last season, so were unable to defend the silverware that Martin Ford’s side won at Park View Road, the home of Welling United.

Four players are receiving treatment ahead of Bromley’s FA Carlsberg Trophy third qualifying round tie against Chippenham Town.

Chippenham Town were the side that Deal Town defeated in the 2000 FA Vase final, when Roly Graham scored a late winner for the Kent side in the last final played at the old Wembley Stadium.

Former Margate striker Danny Hockton (back), Simon Osborn (hamstring), Bobby Bowry (dead leg) and Simon Glover (groin) are all receiving treatment and are expected to miss the Hayes Lane clash.

Meanwhile, striker Adrian Stone, has returned to the Blue Square club, following his release from Ryman League Division One South outfit Ashford Town.

Two players are currently playing on dual-registration terms between Bromley and two Ryman League clubs; Barry Moore (AFC Hornchurch) and Junior Adeniyi (Dulwich Hamlet).

And former Bromley star, Kirk Watts, 28, put pen to paper for Tonbridge Angels on Thursday night.

The versatile winger has signed on a free-transfer from Blue Square South club Lewes and has signed a contract until the end of next season.