With the recent arsenal-esque capitulation fresh in their memory, the Dons were able looking to further their impressive cup run. However their opponents, heralding from the league above would certainly be no walkover. The game itself was also called into question with continued pitch inspections by the match officials, due to a frozen pitch. However under much pressure from both sides the officials agreed to let the game kick off.

The frozen pitch seemed to affect the mindsets of the Dons player, early on who started sluggishly. This allowed their opponents to take an early lead when the Dons failed to clear their lines allowing a cross to come in, which was met with a delightful volley from the opposition’s main threat, a striker who could only be described as Peter Crouch due to his gangly physical appearance. Don’s fans were no doubt worried as tall strikers often represent a great challenge for the Dons defence, who are hardly renowned for their height or ability to deal effectively with balls in the air.

The half continued with neither side seemingly able to keep hold of the ball and neither side willing to make many crunching tackles, no doubt due to the pitch which still resembled an arena more befitting ‘Jurassic park on ice’, than a football match. The hosts almost doubled their lead through a Whitehead header which luckily bounced off the post and into the arms of the grateful Sewell. However just before half time the Dons were able to get back into the match when a corner was met bravely by the head of John Fairbairn who wasn’t put off by Luke ‘The big hairy monster’ Vint screaming behind him and Fairbairn levelled the scores going into half time.

Goal Scorer J Fairbairn celebrates with Vint

The second half continued in a sloppy manner, with neither side able to dominate. A great chance fell to the opposition strikers when Sewell made a great save which was parried to an opposition player just 12 yards out who struck a vicious goal bound effort goalwards only to be blocked albeit with a hint of handball by Sargeant who was able to save the Dons with some defending John Terry would be proud of! However his good fortune did not last long as a pull over the top caught him out of position and put Crouch through on goal and with neither Sargeant, Mendes or Fairbairn able to catch him Crouch dully slotted the ball comfortable into the corner passed Sewell making the score 2-1 to the hosts.

The Dons aren’t renowned for battling back from losing positions but this did not enter their minds as the continued to fight their way back into the game. Perhaps inspired by their captain Marvel and his inspirational words of ‘come on lads this isn’t a tea party’. With his words fresh in the minds of the players the Dons were able to level when a delightful ball from Matt Fairbairn was controlled expertly by super sub Oakley who dispatched the ball into the net sending the Dons fans wild and continuing his fine tradition of only scoring important and impressive goals.

The Dons were sensing rivers of blood and continued to look for a winner, with Mendes in particular impressing at the back as the Dons finally seemed as though they had Crouch under control. Mendes’ determination was highlighted by his aerial battle with Whitehead who continued to look a threat in the air, with one clash of heads resulting in Mendes chipping Whiteheads tooth.

Finally however the Dons were able to take the lead. A Dons attack was looking promising when another ball was played through to Oakley who turned on a six pence and found himself through on goal… However the referee inexplicable did not allow play and pulled the game back for an earlier infringement much to the Dons Fury. However they need not have worried as from the resulting Mendes free kick Luke Vint rose like a salmon the put the Dons ahead for the 1st time, with not long remaining. However with recent defensive problems the game was far from over as the dons have shown all season by conceding late goals. However in this instance they were able to hold out for the win, setting up an eagerly anticipated semi-final as they go in search of their 1st silverware.

Result: 2 – 3 (W)

Man of the Match: Nick “the baby face assasin” Oakley

The NK Dons Christmas break was cut short as their rearranged game with league leader, Longfield Athletic, took precedents. The rivalry between these two clubs dates back to their founding years. Both Clubs were founded in mid 2010, during a period of economic downturn both nationally and globally; when you consider both originated from the same part of Longfield also, you begin to see the similarities in the make up of the clubs. Their first season in the league produced two 1-1 draws, and a semi final meeting also mustered the same result (with Longfield winning by virtue of a penalty shootout). Longfield finished the season above NK Dons on goal difference as the rivalry continued to develop on the pitch.

Following promotion, both teams relocated North of the A2 into bandit country. The teams were originally scheduled to meet in late November, but with the new facilities deemed unsuitable to cope with such a bitter rivalry the County League took the unprecedented steps to postpone the game whilst work was carried out to stadium. With the game ultimately rescheduled for the 8^th day of 2012 players for both teams cut their Christmas breaks short, this allowed Gravesend Spartan Manager Brian Nash the opportunity to watch over one of the division’s most intense games.

With chairman Swain eager for his team to record their first victory over their rivals a message of support and encouragement was sent out. Prior to the game there was a feeling among the Dons squad of a will to win. Despite Top Scorer Wade still being sidelined, the Dons were able to call upon J. Fairbairn.

Top Scorer Wade remains 'injured'

The first 10 minutes caught the Dons by surprise as Longfield retained possession, however the Dons rode the storm and came out the over side better for the experienced. As the tide changed Kyte delivered a free kick into the danger area but unfortunately Vint was unable to make the proper connection he had hoped for. Not long after though Vint would get a second chance. Menzies delivered a free kick from the centre of the pitch and as the ball dropped behind the Longfield backline Vint was on que to header passed the flapping keeper.

 The game restarted and the Dons were in the ascendancy Kyte came closest when he cut in from the left only to see his curling effort go just wide. Vint and J Fairbain also had good opportunities as the midfield 3 continued to work tirelessly in their quest to boss the midfield. A second goal for the Dons was beginning to feel like it was a case of when, rather than if. And sure enough a second came prior to half time when Chick threaded a ball between the Longfield centre backs, who had been holding a high line. Vint stormed onto the end of it to find himself one on one with the keeper and slotted calmly to claim his second of the match.

Confidence was high at half time and the Dons started the second half how they finished the first. Lonfield’s players were beginning to feel the pressure; arguments with the referee led to two players getting booked. Their players were left feeling further incensed when they deemed that Kyte used his hand to control the ball on the right wing; but the ref waved play on and Kyte pulled the ball back to Vint who rolled the ball into the back of the net passed the stranded goalkeeper. Vint was clearly ecstatic to have claimed his first hat trick of the season.

Nash had the opportunity to put the Don’s 4-0 to the good when he found himself one on one with the Longfield keeper. The incident is said to have angered his chairman and Nash was forced to explain to his chairman what was going through his head (via twitter).

Exclusive Pictures! Nash forced to explain his actions through a social media website

To the dismay of Team mates and Supporters alike Nash thoughts and actions were #CompletelyDifferent.

Sloppy defending from the Dons cost them a goal but the Dons were able to gain control of the game once more and the chances kept flowing. However as the game entered the last 10 minutes, Longfield’s persistence began to reveal a light at the end of the tunnel. More sloppy defending meant that only an unpunished handball by Sargeant let the Dons off the hook. With time running out Longfield had slung 3 upfront and were now looking to merely pump the ball into the area at any given opportunity; and as one ball in particular came in, and out stretched leg by M Fairbairn caught the ball at the wrong angle. The ball flew passed keeper Sewell into the back of the back of the net.

For the first time in the game Lonfield had real belief of getting something from the game. Unfortunately for the Dons the pressure now showed. They had lost all shape and when a long throw was delivered into the heart of the Dons box they were unable to deal with the pressure. Having played 3 short passes in the congested box Longfield were able to slide the ball into the far corner. This would prove to be the final goal and the deflated Dons left pitch with another draw entered into the record books against the Longfield derby.

Result: 3 – 3 (D)

MoM: Vint

“Did someone say Curry? I love a good Curry I do. Nah, I aint playing football! Nah I aint writing the Match Report. Im eating curry!!! I love a good Curry I do!!”

Tom Nash "Have I missed the Curry??"

“…….Anyone else want to cume for a curry?? Guru Hargobind Sahib?? Fancy a curry??”

Result: 3 – 2 (L)

MoM:  Curry House Kitchen Staff

 The saying goes, “if you don’t buy a ticket you wont win the lottery,” and as the Dons approach the winter months of their season they are beginning to find that they may have bought too many tickets. Having been knocked out of two cups, they now find themselves up against the same higher division opponents two weeks on the trot in two seperate cup competitions.

 Scandalously, the Sun had heard through sources not connected with email hacking; that when club Secretary Vint informed Chairman Swain and TreasurerTom Nash that the same team had been drawn twice, Nash was quoted as saying, “lets make sure we beat them then.” Speculation suggesting Nash would have had no interest in progressing through the cup completion had different teams been drawn has been described as idiotic by Chairman Swain.

 Regardless, Nash’s will to win seemed unshared by others. Jon F who was expected to return to the starting line up after a lengthy absence was withdrawn due to a stomach bug, Sargeant was AWOL, early rumours suggest Oakley was ‘trapped’ in his garage and Evola was recovering from the side effects of jet lack following a late flight from Italy to England.

What ever happend to Sargeant AWOL????

 None-the-less this meant the Don’s still had 11 players. Swain and his team of Chick and the ever reliable Fowler were early attendants and proceeded to set the pitch and goals up. As kickoff approached it became apparent that the Don’s, to their dismay, might have had to start the game with 10 men as Vint was no where to be seen. Thankfully on this occasion the referee had gone to the Don’s former home ground (If I had a pound for every time Andy D’Urso ended up in Woolwich…). Luckey escape for Vint.

The Dons started the game with the unusual diamond formation speared by Don’s captain, Mulvihill, propped up by Nash and flanked by Kyte & Fowler. The Don’s begun the game solid at the back but struggled to adapt to the new formation. Despite not creating a lot going forward the Don’s managed to win a freekick within ‘Menzies range,’ from the halfway line Menzies sent his freekick sail over the on rushing goalkeeper and into the roof of the net.

After about 20 minutes the Don’s reverted to the well known 451 formation, though if fairness it yielded little more reward and the Don’s were forced to rely on another goalkeeping howler as the keeper tripped up and spilled the ball into the path of the waiting Fowler. Fowler demonstrated why the Don’s are standing against goal line technology. 2-0 and the debate will continue to fill the back pages on whether the ball went through the hole in the net or agonisingly wide. 

 The Dons left the pitch for half time and despite not creating any clear cut chances they found themselves 2-0 up with goalkeeper Sewell having had little to do. With no subs on the pitch the Don’s returned the field of play with the same 11. 11 warriors.

 The 2^nd half was very much more of the same, but after wining three consecutive corners the inform Vinnie Chick struck to ‘faceplanted’ the ball into the goal. Despite the now commanding lead the Dons still looked void of ideas up front and a lot of the game became bogged down in midfield with neither team getting beyond their opponents back line.

A Chick face-plant give the Dons a 3-0 lead

 However, there was time for one well worked piece of attacking play; Vint, who by his own omission has struggled for goals this term, cut inside the two centre backs from the right wing, and as he seemed to be loosing balance directed a low powerful shot from the edge of the box into the Guru goal.

The score finished 4-0 which arguably flattered the Don’s attacking prowess. Though if the Don’s are to take any positives they are; that for once the rearguard managed 90 minutes without any calamity moments; the Dons are capable of beating higher division opponents; and finally, the tested diamond formation, with Chick up-front, need never be mentioned in conversation again – now, merely consigned to Room 101 at Don’s HQ.

Result: 4-0 (W)

MoM: Gray

After an undeserved cup exit the Dons looked to bounce back against Northfleet United and reignite their league campaign. The Dons could be forgiven for thinking this match would be a walk over. The previous meeting between the two teams resulted in a Dons 3-0 win with ample chances to get into the double digits. Today would not be as smooth sailing.
The Dons would be without their talisman Chris Wade, due to injury, and were also missing other key players who decided to scout for upcoming stars at Bloomfield Road.

The Dons needed a quick start and did not disappoint, flying out of the blocks, creating wave after wave of attacks. Zach Kyte and Matthew Fairbairn were finding themselves in acres of space down the left wing with the midfield finding plenty of possession on the ball.

It didn’t take long before the Northfleet United defence crumbled under the ever present pressure of the Dons attacking force. A stunning ball whipped into the box by Seán Mulvihill couldn’t be missed, and the flying head of Luke Vint ensured the Dons took the early lead. NK Dons 1 – 0 Northfleet United.

Vint throws his head at the ball to open the scoring

With memories of the previous victory and the dominant start by the Dons, it was clear the players were tallying up how many fantasy football points they’ll be able to earn. The floodgates were opening… or were they…

Northfleet’s attacks were easy to defend against during open play, however it was a set piece which proved the undoing of the Dons defence. A floated free-kick into the box gave rise to a “heart in the mouth” goal mouth scramble. Not wanting to settle for just one own goal in the season or just trying to deny a Northfleet attacker the right to the goal, Nick Menzies took it upon himself to deliver a tidy finish into the bottom corner of the Dons goal. NK Dons 1 – 1 Northfleet United.

It couldn’t have been more than 30 seconds from the restart and the Dons showed just why they have been heralded as the next Barcelona. The Dons carved through Northfleet’s defence like a knife through butter, and with some keep ball reminiscent of the Dons pre-season training routine, it only took a stunning low drive by Dons stand in Simon to reclaim the lead. NK Dons 2 – 1 Northfleet United.

10 minutes later the Dons showed their defensive Achilles heel again… set pieces. A Northfleet United corner was floated into the box and saw an unchallenged towering forward, header the ball into the corner of the goal. NK Dons 2 – 2 Northfleet United.

The two goals against the Dons were unmistakeably against the run of play. It showed as the Dons retook the majority of possession and kept pressing forward, looking to go ahead for the third time in the game.

Unfortunately Northfleet United managed to win themselves another free-kick on the edge of the Dons box. With both goals conceded from set pieces and minutes before half-time the Dons were noticeably nervous. The ball was delivered and after a handful of sliced clearances the ball finally
broke to the feet of Northfleet United and was driven past a helpless Phil Sewell. NK Dons 2 – 3 Northfleet United.

HALF-TIME : 2 – 3

Half-time saw James Sargent replaced by “Dan Fowler” and, with a slight formation change, the Dons looked to start the second half the same way they started the first.

Expect to see the New Dan "Fahhhla" disguises in the Club Shop soon

It was a tense first 10 minutes of the second half with both teams seeing plenty of the ball. The late goal in the first half seemed to give Northfleet United hope, and they played with more confidence creating a few chances which put the Dons on edge.

After 60 minutes the superior fitness of the NK Dons became apparent with the hours of pre-season fitness training showing its worth. The Dons reclaimed the majority of possession and with fluent passing football were able to open up Northfleet United’s defence. Luke Vint slotted through Seán Mulvihill who tucked away the equaliser with a very tidy finish, a goal which the captain thoroughly deserved. NK Dons 3 – 3 Northfleet United.

The game was now on a knife-edge with both teams looking to snatch the 3 points. The Dons needed to try a new attacking option and it came in the form of the long throw. Many opponents seem to have this in their arsenal; however none of them had the illegitimate son of Rory Delap. Newly brought on “Dan Fowler” delivering throws right into the heart of Northfleet United’s penalty area. Every throw brought the Dons more hope with the chaos it created for the Northfleet United defence.

It happened rarely during the game, but a worrying moment for the Dons was when a counter-attack by Northfleet United found many of the Dons players out of position. It took a blatant professional foul by Lewis Gray to see this attack break up when he tripped the attacker who was running through on goal. There were cries for a red card however Gray was only cautioned to the disbelief of the Northfleet players.

15 minutes before the end Gray rubbed more salt in the wounds by heading past the Northfleet keeper. The goal came from one of the long throws which had caused so many problems during the second half. The NK Dons had taken the lead for the third time during the game, and only 15 minutes to hold on. NK Dons 4 – 3 Northfleet United.

The NK Dons were able to hold off Northfleet United’s attack for the last 15 minutes to record themselves their second league win of the season moving them up to 6th place. The NK Dons were deserved winners but were made to work very hard for the victory in this 7 goal thriller.

Result : 4 – 3 (W)

MoM : Seán Mulvihill

A big week for the dons on and off the pitch!!!! Or by the look of some of the players and fans no names (Kelly Ackary and Karen Hensler) a big night / big date and I’m not talking size 18 (Phil Sewell) the night before the game.

With training cancelled at the last minute due to Dan ‘you owe us a jug’ Fowler having a date, Chris Wade was unable to crock any players for today’s line up and so extend his lead in the dons fantasy league as he has done in previous weeks. In fact with Chris turning up late claiming he forgot the clocks went forward when they actually went back, he then tried to claim our Iranian friend was trying to hack his work computers and he was on call???? A place on the bench for Chris Wade the Fantasy League leader was the result. Was anyone going to be able to take advantage?

The Dons are looking to kick start their season, was today the day? For the biggest game of the season so far against a team 2 leagues above, the dons turned up mostly hungover and as is becoming usual this season late. Some even with breakfast in hand a box of special k (Luke and Sophie). Sophie was apparently promised breakfast in bed before Luke moves to London. ( that was never going to happen on a Sunday morning.) with fitness coaches Tom and Cheesey. We wish you luck boys. Tell me its not going to be like this?

With some absentees most noticeably Fitness coach Tom who had more important things to do in Alton Towers with his girlfriend, Nick Oakley and Sarge. Sorry Nick was there in body but the jager had taken its toal. However on a positive note the Dons welcomed back Sean to the middle of the park.

The game began and it soon became apparent that maybe the dons should go out on the lash every week. Battles were won all over the park and Hartley soon realised that the Dons were not just going to roll over. With tackles flying in the Dons were on top of the game and if it wasn’t for a suspect lino who apparently had been doing the line for years maybe he should invest in some glasses could have taken the lead on a couple of occasions. However it was Hartley much against the run of play who took the lead after some sloppy defending down the left hand side let the Hartley forward also known as Superman (as he took the throw ins corners free kicks and penalties as the dons found out) in. He hit a solid strike across Sewell in goal that went in off the post.  1 – 0 Hartley was there going to be a superman for the Dons? Maybe Fowler? Not if today’s running was anything to go by!

Fowler's erratic running brought numerous attacks into the surrounding woodland

Unfortunately for the Dons the luck was not with them today and not for the first time this season. With the ball being kicked against the arm of Swain which was by his side the ref blew for a penalty??????? 9/10 would not have given it. The Hartley forward stepped up and sent Sewell the wrong way. 2 – 0 to Hartley much against the run of play. The Dons heads didn’t drop as they were the team playing the football but the first half ended 2 – 0 Hartley. The Dons were playing well and Hartley knew they were lucky.

Season top scorer and fantasy league leader Wade was introduced at half time for the hungover Oakley could he make the difference? The Dons continued to play the football and Hartley were pegged back in their own half. From Goal Keeper to forwards the Dons efforts could not be questioned with the individual battles being won all over the pitch. As the Dons pushed for a goal Hartley hit occasionally on the break but the main pressure was coming from the passing football of the dons. As time went by in the game it was becoming obvious that the Dons could have played for another 90 minutes and a wouldn’t have scored there was only one thing for it and the 90^th minute hero from the boat game Gray from centre back was introduced into attack to add some height. Unfortunately for the Dons this still did nothing and despite long range attempts and a disallowed goal the Dons were not going to get back into this game.

The final whistle blew and the Dons team were congratulated even though they lost by the team 2 leagues above. A credit to the Dons and if they play like this for the rest of the season the results will come.

Result: 0 – 2 (L)

MoM:

I woke up late and had to drive myself because Phil and his dad drove Jamie, Vinnie and Dan. That made me angry!!! Then I played smackers for 90 minutes.

Then I went to the Swan. I was still angry.

Me playing Smackers

Result: 2 – 2 (D)

MoM: Chris Wade

The Dons went into this game looking to extend their recent good form, dreaming of a cup final run to Wembley. The current record for fans taken to the new Wembly (and indeed the old) by one team is held by Millwall Football Club; but if today’s turn out from the home team is anything to go by we may see that record brokenn in the not so distance future.

 With today’s opponents heralding from a completely different league, the Dons were unsure exactly what to expect from the game. Would the opposition all be big and black seeing as they came from Laaaaandon? Would they be dirty? Would they all have silly accents? But most importantly would they be any good?

NK Dons in conjunction with the FA are in full support of all campaigns to rid football of unseemly stereotypes

  Unfortunately for the neutrals, the answer to this last question was an overwhelming NO! With an obvious lack of footballing ability not seen since the games against Northfleet dynamos the difference in class was soon plain for everybody to see. With one neutral claiming it was like watching Brazilplay Charlton. Immediately from the kick off the Dons had their first chance, which Sean Mulvihill fluffed. However, Nick Oakley soon made up for this with a well taken effort. The Dons continued to press but a counter attack and poor defending from Sargeant allowedRyeto somehow score against the run of play. Yet the Dons needn’t worry as they continued to press and as Fowler drove down the right wing Wade would make his way to the back post; Wade bided his time as Fowler cut the Rye full back inside and out before delivering a specula cross to the back post. Wade who had now the space he craved and delivery he wished for struck the ball on the volley into the roof of the net. Truly a goal of world class status.

 Cult hero Dan fowler was continuing to impress and delight the crowd with his usual unorthodox footballing style, which was rounded of with a delightful and cheekily executed lob over the RyePark goalkeeping further fuelling recent comparisons of Fowler being the Dons answer to Dennis Bergkamp?

 Wade made it 4-1 before half time and it soon became clear it was merely a question of by how many the Dons would win… except to Captain Cautious, Sean Mulverhill, who bizarrely still urged his team mates to ‘see the game out,’ because ‘the game wasn’t over yet’

Mulvihill may be looking to follow the likes of Vinnie Jones and Alan Shearer into acting. I wonder if hes eyeing up a particular film?

 The second half saw the introduction of Fairbairn for Swain, surely to protect him from a yellow card following several bad challenges by him in the 1st half. The second half also saw the return of James ‘Fabian Barthez’ Sargeant in goal, which always results in an erratic display!

 The dons continued to bang in the goals in the second half with Wade grabbing a further 2, Fowler getting a simple tap in and another great header from Nick Menzies. Plus a contender for goal of the season, albeit an own goal scored by a Rye park player with an amazing front post glancing header, mere moments after he launched an astonishing attack at his own players including such phrases as ‘why won’t u pass the ball to me… Am I black or something?’ This phase may explain whyRye’s only actual black player did not see as much of the ball as the Dons first feared.

 The only sour point came when slack defending allowed Rye through on goal and the resulting shot was heading wide before Menzies unwittingly guided it into his own net.

 Nick Oakley completed the scoring after the dubious goal committee elected to credit him with the goal, initially thought to be a 3^rd own goal of the game. Man of the match Chris Wade, as well as having scored 4 and set up 3, became the only keeper on the day not to concede as he moved inbetween the sticks to allow Evola and Sargeant to continue their battle to score their first Don’s goal; the only two in the Don’s squad not to have scored. Of not from their personal battles Evola scooped the ball and Sargeant tired after 5 minutes before clearing the ball off theRye goal line.

 A special mention should also be made for the awesome punch up on the other pitch… which was probably the most exciting part of the day because everybody loves a good old fashioned brawl!

Result: 9 – 2 (W)

MoM: Chris Wade

The Dons arrived, late as usual with the exception of Nash and with chairman Swain once again blaming the British rail network for the transport related debacle that is becoming a regular feature of the Dons campaign. For the Dons this would be their first venture into cup football against a team who have also been struggling for wins of late in division three.

Notable absentees were Nick Oakley who was out with a case of under the thumbness by his other/better half and fans favourite Luke Vint who had a ‘bruisey-woosey’ on knee.

The game started at a fairly frantic pace with the Dons looking to pass their way from the back which has become a trademark of the style of play they are adopting this season. The opposition were struggling to counter the 4-5-1 barca-esque formation employed by the Dons with Wade and Kyte enjoying particular time and space on both wings. It was these two who would combine for what would be the first goal of the game. With the Dons enjoying the better of the chances the fans were eager for NK to capitalise on their dominance and to put it mildly our first goal was ‘sick blud!’

A goal kick from the impervious Sewell was skilfully flicked on by Menzies, who has settled seamlessly into the Dons side since his arrival at the back end of last season for an undisclosed fee, to Mulvihill whose deft touch bought the ball to the feet of Chick who found Kyte in acres on the right wing. Kyte had various options moving forward and yet decided to plum for an audacious cross reminiscent of David Beckham in his prime to somehow find Wade lurking around like a fart in a space suit at the back post to give the Dons a deserved lead.

A 2^nd followed soon after, in a goal which did contain an element of poetic justice about it. Good play once again from the back found Winstone, who was playing the lone striker role perfectly constantly holding on to the ball and bringing in players further up the field. Winstone attempted to get his shot away from the edge of the box but was callously taken down by the opposition skipper. The Dons felt aggrieved not to have had a penalty; nonetheless, the corner was given. Wade’s whipped in cross was flicked on by Nash to Mulvihill who made no mistake from less than a yard out to give the Dons a 2-0 half time lead.

Fowler Fowler Fowler (pron.  Fahhhla Fahhhla Fahhhla ) was introduced at half time in what would be a much more subdued half as the Dons coasted to victory. Sewell made several smart saves to keep his clean sheet intact with Gray and Menzies ever present at the back with Swain and Fairbairn continuing to support the ever frequent attacks. Vinny Chick, looking to build on his brace against Spartans, let out a belter of a shot from 30 yards out which was only diverted from goal by the swirling wind that had engulfed the pitch. Fowler was teasing the opposition with his skill and pace but should have done better when put through one on one; the whole ground had expected Fowler to seal his first competitive goal for the club, but they were left disappointed as the his shot narrowly went over. But in a show of defiance against Northfleet United, and act of support for Fowler, the ground rang with chants for the wizard. Over his time at the club Fowler has become somewhat of a cult hero amongst the terraces to the level that his football chant has gone commercial.

As the game drew to an end it was left to Winstone, who was put through by Wade, to seal the victory for the Dons and ensure progression to the next round!

Result: 3 – 0 (W)

MoM; Kyte.

Recently returned centre back Gray earns the NK Dons a point away at the Boat with the last kick of the game, as the Boat keeper spills the ball from a Chris Wade cross.

The Centre back saved the Dons from their second loss of the season, lashing the ball over the line in injury time to equal the score line at 2-2 on the hottest day of October since records began.

The Dons started the game with a 4-4-2 formation due to absences of Mulvihill, Swain and Nash. Kyte was pulled into the centre of midfield to accommodate for Sargeant moving up onto the right wing and Evola taking Sargeants place at full back.

For the first 20 minutes of the game neither side were able to open the scoring, with good passing and defensive football being played by both teams.

Sargeant, although close to scoring his first NK Dons goal, was struggling with the heat and pace required on the right flank so Vint moved him back into his usual full back position and sent Fairbairn up onto the right wing.

Luke "Tinker Bell" Vint was at a loss to find the best tactics

The changes appeared to have worked as Wade broke the deadlock. Wade, who picked up on a failed clearance by the Boat, immediately cut inside of the Boat fullback on the edge of the 18 yard box and smacked the ball with his weaker foot into the top left corner of the goal to give the Dons a 1-0 lead.

Unfortunately, the Dons lead did not last longer than 5 minutes. One of the Boats midfielders managed to fend off a number of failed Dons challenges inside the penalty area to ‘sail’ a decent shot into the far top corner of the goal, leaving Dons keeper Winstone with no chance.

Following the equaliser the Dons morale and focus seemed drop somewhat. The Boat, on the other hand, still on a high from their first goal were now outplaying the Dons on the pitch and it wasn’t long before they scored a second. Sloppy ball control from the Dons defence enabled one of the Boats strikers to seal the ball deep into the Dons half. After managing to slip past a couple of half hearted Dons tackles the player then thumped the ball, in a similar fashion to their first goal, into the back of the Dons goal from just inside the penalty area.

The Dons Manager, Vint, clearly disappointed by the team’s attitude, tried to boost morale during the half time team talk which shortly followed. Vint also reverted the Dons to the 4-5-1 formation that had been preferred in the previous season. To allow for this change, Oakley was substituted for Fowler, and Fowler replaced Wade on the wing who was brought into central midfield with Chick and Kyte.

The Dons had a number of efforts throughout the second half, most notably by Vint who hit the crossbar and by Fairbairn who couldn’t quite beat the Boats keeper following a through ball.

Sargeant became particularly frustrated with the Dons not being able to find a breakthrough and, as a result, couldn’t stop himself from flying in with a savage challenge that added another yellow card to his name.

With 90 minutes gone the game looked to be over as the Boat won a corner and attempted to shield the ball from the Dons at the corner flag. Sargeant, angered by their play, immediately began to sprint towards them from around 30 yards away as if possessed by rage. As everyone could read what kind of a tackle Sargeant had in mind, shouts from of ‘No Sarge Noo!!’ could be heard all across the pitch. Luckily for the Dons, before Sargeant could reach the play, Vint managed to steal the ball from the Boat attack.

Gray equalises in the dying seconds of the game

The Dons quickly pushed deep into the opposition half and managed to win a corner from a deflected effort. It was so late into the game that everyone knew the Dons corner would be the last piece of action, so every Dons player, including keeper Winstone, was brought forward into the Boat area. The game looked to be over as the ball from the corner, taken by Wade, headed straight for the Boat keeper. Surprisingly, despite a strong game, the Boat keeper fumbled the ball which conveniently fell to Gray who was practically standing on the goal line, and Gray was not going to miss from there.