Dover Athletic manager Mitch Brundle reacts to 1-1 National League South home draw against Chippenham Town
08:20, 03 September 2023
updated: 08:40, 03 September 2023
Boss Mitch Brundle felt Dover created the most chances he’s seen them create at home since he took charge in their National League South draw with Chippenham on Saturday.
Whites dominated but squandered several opportunities before a fluke Craig Fasanmade goal put the visitors ahead in the 55th minute at Crabble.
Dover responded with an own goal to claim a point after back-to-back losses and could have won it but were left to rue missed chances, as it finished 1-1.
Asked if it felt like two points dropped rather than one gained, Brundle, who took the helm in January, replied: “It feels like it.
“They’re not a bad team. The way we started the game and the reaction I wanted, it was all there - apart from in the opposition’s box today.
“You’re not going to win games if you’re not going to put those chances away.
“I think that’s probably the most amount of chances we’ve had at home, certainly since I’ve been back here. But that little bit [of quality in the final third] is missing.”
It was largely a day to forget for Dover’s forwards as even their solitary goal came from a Chippenham player when Luke Haines deflected Zidan Sutherland’s left-wing cross into his own net.
Even in stoppage time, though, the away side could have claimed a winner.
On-loan Whites keeper Billy Terrell saved from substitute Marcel Lewis and midfielder Jake Evans cracked an effort against the crossbar.
Brundle, who parted company with forward Imran Kayani and midfielder Olu Durojaiye in the week, reflected: “The strikers are getting their chances so they can’t moan that they’re not getting enough service. They can’t moan that they’re not getting enough chances.
“That’s where they earn their money - by putting it in the back of their net. It’s just a frustrating one because we’re getting in such good areas. It’s just about having that calm, composed, finishing.
“Players can say ‘Next week’ but, unfortunately, that’s not how this industry works. If we had a centre-forward today who could score goals, then I don’t think you’d be wrong in thinking it could have finished 5-1.
“They went close [to winning it] even at the end but that’s what happens in this league. If you don’t finish teams off - fair play to them for still coming at us - they hit the crossbar and Bill makes a save.
“Bill’s not had to do much throughout the whole game. When called upon, he was there.
“But the game should have been out of sight.”
Dover are now in the relegation zone at this early stage of the campaign and visit St Albans, one point better off after seven league fixtures, on Tuesday.
St Albans were held to a goalless weekend draw at Welling.
Latest news
Features
Most popular
- 1
Boy, 16, found safe after going missing nine days ago
- 2
‘This rat-run bridge isn’t wide enough - someone will be killed soon’
- 3
Only shop in village to shut this week as ‘devastated’ couple leave Kent
17 - 4
A-road shut in both directions after water main bursts
- 5
Mum joined teen son in smashing up ex’s family home and car