Interviews

Under-21s enjoy comfortable win over Dover

Andrew Crofts's under-21s were 4-1 winners over the Whites.

By Luke Nicoli • 20 July 2022

By Paul Hazlewood
Andrew Crofts' team defeated Dover 4-1 on Wednesday.

Our men's under-21s ran out comfortable 4-1 winners at Dover Athletic in their latest pre-season friendly on Wednesday night.

Cam Peupion, Evan Ferguson, Marc Leonard and Todd Miller were all on target, with the visitors making a particularly impressive start to the game at the Crabble.

“We got off to an absolute flier and were 2-0 up after six minutes,” said coach Andrew Crofts. “Dover got a goal back, which looked like a foul on our keeper Tom [McGill], and that could have potentially let them back into the game, but I was really pleased with our football. 

By Paul Hazlewood
Cam Peupion recently signed a new contract with us that runs until June 2024.

“The boys looked really sharp and that was epitomised by our second goal as we played through the thirds. 

“It was a really good team goal which started with a goal kick from Tom and Evan rounding the move off.

“Cam also took his goal really well, with some really sharp play in and around the box. We had further opportunities before half-time, but this was a Dover team that was always going to make things difficult, first coming out of the blocks to try and press, then putting up a bit of a low block, so we had to be patient.”

Albion made numerous changes in the second half against their National League South opponents, but Crofts was delighted with the tempo maintained by his side as Leonard and Miller further extended the lead.

By Paul Hazlewood
Marc Leonard got on the scoresheet for Albion.

“The rhythm remained in our play and the lads who came on got into the game quickly,” he added. “Marc scored a really well taken free-kick, which he whipped in from 25 yards. The lads have been practising set-pieces a lot with Sal Bibbo, the goalkeeping coach, so that was nice to see. 

“Todd then finished off another good team move with a lovely controlled finish, having been picked out by Sam Packham with a nice pull-back. 

“Again, we could have scored a couple more goals but overall it was a really professional performance. You’re trying to get into good habits in terms of moving the ball quickly and staying efficient, and for the majority of the time we managed that, which was very pleasing.”

Next up for the side is a friendly against National League side Eastleigh, and another chance for the players to build up their game-time ahead of the new campaign.

“Eastleigh will be a different test on Saturday,” Crofts pointed out. “Each game presents different challenges but we just have to focus in these games on how we want to play, with and without the ball, and the principles we work to. Physically it provides another good opportunity for the lads to get more minutes into the legs and build up their match sharpness.”