Saturday 4 September 2004	Ryman League Premier Division	Matt Gerrard reports from Hoverspeed Stadium
Dover Athletic	0
Northwood	1	Chakaodza 10

Langley's reign comes to an end

The reign of Richard Langley came to an end after a disappointing display against another mediocre Ryman Premier side in Northwood. 

Once again changes were made with the formation being tinkered with as Dover went for a more attacking 4-3-3 formation with new trialist Jon Scarborough - looking solid - fitting in well at the centre of the defence. 

The new formation brought early impetus with Matt Carruthers' free kicks into the box causing problems, though Shaun Welford with a free header straight at keeper Rob Bullivant should have done better.

The sucker punch to deflate the Whites came in the 10th minute, following neat play down the right and despite a saving tackle by Dean Readings, the ball was not cleared and returned across the box which the defenders failed to cut out and striker Kevin Chakaodza slid in to score at the far post. 

Pressure continued to come from Dover with the tactic of punting high balls up to Craig Wilkins and Welford without really threatening the goal, though the best chances continued to fall to Welford with a header over the bar while a weak effort was gathered comfortably by Bullivant. 

The ball did find the back of the Northwood net in the 31st minute from Craig Cloke's free kick but was disallowed for an infringement on the keeper. 

Further chances came mainly from Carruthers' crosses but the forwards failed to make any decent connection. 

A lively start to the second period began with Cloke firing over from a well-worked corner routine, while a high ball caused confusion with Welford colliding with Bullivent, but Wilkins shot wide after rushing his effort. 

Paul Hyde had to be alert when another breakaway Northwood attack forced him to make a fine save as his defence went missing. 

The lack of any imagination from the Dover midfield saw the continuation of the long ball, which was now being cut out by big defender Mark Dennison, but when they did find their target the poor placement by the front man continued.

A hamstring strain ended Wilkins' afternoon and he was replaced by Chris Wright, and the pressure continued with Carruthers' shooting wide from 20 yards after his initial effort was well blocked. 

The introduction of James Rogers gave the Whites much needed balance on the left hand side though two defenders immediately shackled him.

In the final frantic minutes both sides could have scored with Hyde producing a first class save from a quickly taken free kick and in the final minute Readings wasted their most clear cut opportunity when he headed a corner straight into the welcome arms of Bullivent.

Though Dover were dominant for large periods their lack of any real cutting edge and creativity was plain to see and their inability to create any real goal scoring chances is reflected in the scoreline. 

The fans' frustration was levelled at Langley not at the players and their request for his departure was met with him being relieved of his duties as Head Coach later that evening.


Dover Athletic:  Hyde, Hickman, Smidmore (Skelton), Humphrey, Readings, Scarborough, Smissen (Rogers), Cloke, Wilkins (Wright), Welford, Carruthers Subs:  Mullin, Spiller

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