Dover Athletic 1 Gillingham 4

Match 02/07/619 - Saturday, 21st July 2007 - Pre-season Friendly

Dover Athletic (0) 1 Pouton 59
Gillingham (2) 4 Mulligan 24, 31 Crofts 66 Pugh 80
Att. 3,011

Entrance: £9
Programme: £1.50
Mileage 96/171

The Dover website predicted a 3,000 crowd for this Pre-Season Friendly, I for one poured scorn on such a figure, but was proved completely wrong as 3,011 turned up to see Andy Hessenthaler’s opening match as the manager of Dover Athletic. I would guess that Gillingham fans made up 50% of the attendance and this would be as much a tribute to the true Gillingham legend as to the fans wish to see their new signings for a first time. As a Tonbridge supporter, Douvre, as they are affectionately known because of their close proximity to France, are great rivals, but with Hess in charge I can only wish them the very best of luck for the coming season.
I like Crabble, high on a hill and surrounded by trees, it appears that it has been built on a plateau. It is a ground that whilst these days may not satisfy the criteria of their previously owned Conference status, it is far above the standard of most of their counterparts in Ryman South. There are covered terraces behind both goals and a seated stand that goes the full length of the pitch. The second length is a bit of a gaggle of buildings with a smaller stand and a wooden club house and as you walk along the touchline you actually descend below the level of the pitch but that adds to its charm.

Gillingham arrived direct from a four day training stint in Le Touquet. It was a shame they did not play a open doors match in France as this proved to be a very good day out a couple of years ago. They started with what would be considered their first choice side at this stage of pre-season. Of the new boys, Barry Cogan showed up well and it was a very good cross that allowed Mulligan a deft header for the second goal. Efe Sodje and Simon King looked solid enough in the centre of defence, but perhaps next week’s game against Charlton will be a better stage to judge their partnership. Aaron Brown flitted in and out of the game with no great effect. As always with these pre-season games the second half became disjointed with substitutions and after a great free kick from Alan Pouton brought the score back to 2-1, goals from Crofts and Pugh sealed the game.
Match Report