Well what a performance!

As one would expect Bay were put to the sword, particularly in the first half, but the defence withstood the continual pressure exerted by their Blue Square Bet South rivals.

Heroic performances throughout the side, non more so than that of keeper, Dan Eason. In the first half alone he pulled off save after save, denying and frustrating the Dover forwards. Although the visitors were always threatening Bay did have a few good chances but nothing to worry former Whitstable keeper. Lee Hook, in the ‘whites’ goal. That is until Danny Williams struck in the closing minutes of the first half. Fantastic work from Dean Grant on the left flank; jinking his way past two defenders before drilling a low cross into the box. Williams was first to the ball, smashing home from close range.

Dover were visibly stunned. Despite their dominance of the first period it was Bay who were the happier dressing room.

This goal seemed to give Bay the energy, desire, and most of all, belief that they could actually win this game. Their performance in the 2nd period was unbelievable. Dan Wisker and Josh Sergeant were controlling the midfield, and creating chances for Williams and Grant up front. Williams, in particular, ran his heart out, causing real problems for the experienced Dover defenders.

Dover were never out of the game but the belief and determination from Steven Lloyd, Calum McGeehan, Tom Bryant and Gary Sayer in Bay’s defence ensured that the visitors very seldom got through to threaten Eason. But when they did break through Dan was as safe as houses.
As the clock ticked down it looked very much like Williams goal would do the trick. Nicky Forster came off the bench to inject more pressure on Bay and then with 2 minutes left on the clock it was Forster who was left unmarked in the box drove the ball low and decisively into the bottom corner, taking the game into extra time.

It was Forster who should have made it safe for the visitors. Eason had just taken a free kick 30 yards out from his goal. The ball was headed straight back to Forster, who raced through and should have lobbed the keeper who was still out of his area, but he chose to pass the ball to his left and the chance was gone.

Dover had made a couple of substitutes at the start of extra time, one of them being local boy Harry Brown, Ben’s brother, who is part of the Dover Academy. Unfortunately for Harry it was his attempted headed clearance that was the assist to Bay’s winning goal. Andy Irvine, who had replaced the injured Grant, out jumped the Dover defenders to head past Hook. No time for celebration as the referee blew to end the first period of extra time. Dover laid siege on Bay’s goal for the final 15 minutes but this was when Bay were their most dangerous as they counter attacked with speed ensuring Dover had to be aware of the dangers of throwing everyone forward. But It was Eason who had the last say as he
brilliantly turned a thunderbolt of a shot onto the bar and away to safety.

Man of the match candidates all over the field tonight but it had to be Dan Eason.

Bay now wait for the result of Chatham Town v Charlton Athletic to see who they meet in the next round. This match is due to be played on 22nd October.

Att: 230
Team: Eason, Sayer, Bryant, Lloyd, McGeehan, Eastwood, Sergeant, Wisker, Landais, Williams, Grant,
Subs used: Nelder (Eastwood 59 min) Turner J (Landais 73 min) Irvine (Grant 80 min)
Not used: Okundalaiye, Parker
MOM: Dan Eason