Metropolitan Police

Metropolitan Police FC is a non-league football club based in East Molesey, Surrey around twelve miles south west of central London. The club was formed as a recreational department for officers and staff of the force in 1919 at their newly purchased base at Imber Court, playing friendly games before joining the Spartan League in 1928.

In the 1931-32 season the Police reached round one of the FA Cup, but were swept aside 9-0 by Northampton Town at the County Ground. In 1960 ‘The Met’ switched to the Metropolitan League before joining the Southern League for the 1971-72 campaign.

The club moved across to the Isthmian League for 1977-78, ending as Division Two runners-up and winning promotion. Round one of the FA Cup was reached again in 1984-85, where Dartford won through at Imber Court. The team were relegated the following season.

Two years later, the Blues went up once again with John Cottam at the helm before suffering relegation in 1991. In 1993-94, Crawley Town defeated Police 2-0 at Imber Court in the FA Cup first round. The Isthmian League was restructured for the 2002-03 campaign, with the Met being placed in Division One South.

Players gradually joined the club from outside the force as Jim Cooper took over as team manager. The club reached the end-of-season playoffs in 2005-06 and 2008-09, but were defeated at the semi-final stage by Dover Athletic and then Fleet Town. Not to be denied,the Met won the Division One South title in 2010-11 and promotion to the Premier Division with it.

Crawley Town returned to East Molesey in 2012-13, this time as a Football League club, for another FA Cup first round clash. Again, the Red Devils conquered, this time 2-1. The 2014-15 saw the Met reach the end of season play-offs, where they lost in the semi-final away to Hendon.

An eighteenth-place finish in 2016-17 was sandwiched by two midtable endings. The club was transferred in the summer of 2018 from the Isthmian League to the Southern League, leading to Cooper's resignation. Gavin MacPherson was appointed as the new manager. He brought in several new players, which saw the Blues go on a run in the FA Cup. 

A home victory against National League side Havant & Waterlooville to set up a first-round clash at Imber Court against Newport County, in which the Welshmen won 2-0. Met reached the play-offs in 2018-19, defeating Salisbury and then Poole Town in the final.

However, owing to non-league restructuring, the team then had to face Tonbridge Angels in a Super Final to win promotion, in which they were defeated 3-2 at Imber Court. Following a couple of abandoned seasons, the Met again reached the playoffs in 2021-22, losing their semifinal tie to Farnborough. 

Eight-place ensued twelve months later, before the club was voluntarily relegated to the South Central Division of the Isthmian League as manager Macpherson departed. The travel costs were cited as their reasoning, with Scott Kemp and Suj Khera being appointed as joint managers to foster a pathway between the youth sides at the club and the first team. 

The team was relegated to the Combined Counties Premier Division South at the end of the 2025-26 season, with Paul Burnell coming in as the new manager.

Metropolitan Police FC will play in the Combined Counties Premier Division South in the 2026-27 season.

My visits

Tuesday 6th September 2006

With a day off work, I decided to go exploring with my new digital camera and visit some new venues. After calling in at nearby Hampton & Richmond Borough, I took a bus near Imber Court.

I had actually been inside the complex a few months previously when I went to a Bank Holiday racing at Sandown Park. Old workmate Alan had driven another colleague and pal Jeff and as a former officer, he took us inside the plush social club for libation before selecting our losers!

On my revisit, the lady on reception was a little reticent to let me through, but after a little bit of explanation and the production of the staff card from my job at London Underground, I was in. She kindly gave me directions on how to get to the main gate.

Imber Court was a fine, smart venue. It had been upgraded in the 1980s through funding from a work lottery scheme. It was now holding various prestigious games as a neutral venue. The gate was open, and a groundsman was working on the billiard table-like playing surface.

A neat raised seated stand was on the far side of the pitch, straddling the halfway line. The rest of the ground had a few steps of terracing all around it. The near end was covered, but the rest of the ground was open. Everything was immaculate and well-tended.

Once I finished, I said my thank you when leaving, and rather than hanging around for a bus, I cut up Orchard Lane and across the River Mole to Neilson Recreation Ground and through to Molesey Park Road towards Walton Lane and the home of Molesey FC. My hobby was educational and a great way of staying fit!

Metropolitan Police 0 Harrow Borough 3 (Tuesday 14th January 2014) Isthmian League Cup Round Four (Att: 44)

It was a wet and windy evening after my early shift at work. Many fixtures fell foul of the weather, but Metropolitan Police confirmed by Twitter that there were no problems with the Imber Court surface. 

I got to the ground a couple of minutes into the game thanks to the packed late-running South West Trains service to Esher out of Waterloo. I even managed to get lost finding the pitch from the entrance as no signs were helping out.

The club website stated that it was a ten-minute walk from there? Maybe by squad car, but not on my trotters! Admission cost a steep £10. I also purchased a programme, which had an updated four-page insert from the originally postponed game which had been scheduled before Christmas. 

I purchased a Golden Goal ticket for £1 and inadvertently picked up two. They were for the third & fourth minutes. I gave myself no hope, yet I had a near miss as the visitors took the lead on seven minutes through Shaun Lucien.

I took a seat in the impressive stand as Harrow Boro, cheered on by a few hardy vocal souls behind the goal, rattled in another couple of goals courtesy of Simeon Akinola before the break, past the sixteen-year-old Police academy keeper. Akinola looked impressive with his power and pace all evening.

I got chatting to a nice bloke who turned out to be the Police kit manager. On seeing my Scarborough jacket, he told me of his son’s adventures up there as a Barnet player in their debut Football League season. His lad was Gavin Macpherson, the assistant boss at Imber Court who had joined the force after an ankle injury curtailed his full-time playing career. 

He also told me that around half the first team were missing for the match, and a similar percentage of serving officers make up the squad. Lack of recruitment over the last few years has meant that the Met had to look elsewhere for players.

I treated myself to a Bovril for £1 at the snack bar along with a Snickers for a further 80p. There was the welcome sight of a pepper pot for my drink. All clubs should provide it, especially in the cold winter months.

The home skipper was helped off just before the break with what looked like a chest injury. He collapsed in the tunnel, meaning players had to go off around the stand at the interval. An ambulance arrived during the second half. Fortunately, the player was sitting up coughing on the stretcher as he was taken away.

The Met gave it a good go after the interval, but could not score. A couple of decent chances were spurned. I departed a couple of minutes before full-time so that I could make the 9.51 back into town from Esher. 

It was cold and wet, and the game was done. An enjoyable revisit to a ground where I'd previously called in to take photos on a good old ramble eight years previously.

As a footnote, I enjoyed the use of The Clash, and I Fought the Law over the PA to greet the teams as they came back out after their halftime oranges. Not enough clubs use imagination in this department.

Metropolitan Police 1 Hendon 0 (Tuesday 16th October 2018) Southern League Cup Round One (att: 65)

Autumn was well and truly kicking in as I finished my set of night shifts and headed to Waterloo after a nap. There was time for a swift pint in the Waterloo Tap before meeting up with my mate Jeff, who was going to the match with me.

The busy train deposited us at Thames Ditton station. Don's youth player Cheyce Grant was also on the train but heading straight to Imber Court. We, however, had refreshments in mind. Poor planning on my part soon showed we’d got out at a station too early.

The good walk of a mile or so took us over the Thames to the rather smart Mute Swan pub for a couple of pints before an Uber cab arrived to take us to the match. There was still time for a rather rapid pint of Speckled Hen in the clubhouse before we headed to the turnstiles.

Admission was a tenner, with the programme a further couple of quid. It was soon apparent that the match had not attracted a huge crowd as we walked round to the stand side; where I purchased a decent cheeseburger for £3.50.

Both sides were fielding very youthful experimental sides. Met had an FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round tie at home a few days later, while Dons boss Jimmy Gray decided to run the rule over players on the fringe of the first team and squad members.

The first half saw precious little opportunity for either side to score. Met came the closest as Antonios Kozakis saw his shot saved by Dan Purdue, before the hosts also had a goal chalked off for offside. Alexandros Kozakis in the home net made a good stop from Cole Brown.

At the interval, we dashed round for another pint and got chatting to an old Kingstonian fan who regaled us with travelling tales. A couple of Hampton & Richmond fans chatted and gave us an update on how the former Dons players were settling into their new surroundings.

Purdue made another good save from the outside playing Kozakis before Mathias Bakare saw an effort come back off the foot of the Blues' post. After fifty-seven minutes, Hendon missed one of the chances of the season, in almost comedy style.

Gianni Crichlow’s shot from twenty-five yards came back down off the crossbar. Keeper Kozakis was prostrate on the floor as the ball came back down to Tyriq Hunte who somehow managed to hit the custodian from four yards with the goal gaping.

Crichlow was about to be rested until that moment. The visiting bench changed the number board and gave Hunte the hook. Sub William Murphy looked to have scored but the officials conferred and decided the ball found him via the touch from a player in an offside position.

With about fifteen minutes remaining, Met took the lead when a low John Gilbert seemed to catch Purdue unsighted as it went into the net. Crichlow had two golden opportunities to equalise but put both of his efforts wide of the post.

Matty Newman also came close before Purdue made another decent stop in the closing stages to keep out a Bayley Mummery shot. We headed off at the final whistle. The two Hampton fans questioned how on earth Hendon had lost? They were decent judges.

We made the 10:50 service back to Waterloo, where we headed across the road to the overpriced but vibrant Wellington. I had the following day off work and insisted we took the bus for one last hurrah at The Shakespeare’s Head at Holborn.

Jeff headed off, but I remained for an extra nightcap. I believe I made my journey back via the tube. I even managed to wake up in time to get out at Kingsbury!

Metropolitan Police 3 Hendon 0 (Saturday 12th January 2019) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 145)

I’d returned from a wonderful few days' extended break in Andalusia the previous afternoon, ready to cheer on the Dons once again, hoping to see them end their run of seven consecutive defeats.

As I was due to attend a gathering near Vauxhall on Saturday night to commemorate the passing of a friend and Chiang Mai cricket colleague, Terry Skillett, I was mindful of not going to too many pubs before the game. Fortunately, Steve B had a plan.

We headed by tube and then train to Surbiton, where he had a couple of establishments marked down. The Antelope was also the home of the Big Smoke Brewery, where we enjoyed a fine ale before wandering round to The Lamb.

This quirky pub dispensed fine pints of Runmore Bitter and Summer Lighting, among others, and was so nice that I had an Eureka moment. We really only had time for a pint, but I looked up our location and realised that it wasn’t too far to the ground as the crow flew.

Rather than walk nearly ten minutes back to the station and then fifteen minutes from Thames Ditton, I suggested we requisition an Uber cab. My drinking pal didn’t offer much of an argument! It only cost £6 and took ten minutes. It was a masterstroke.

We went straight into the ground where I enjoyed a nice hot dog and a Bovril. I was most impressed that a pepper pot was provided to spice up my drink on a cold afternoon. We got two seats with excellent views in the back row of the stand to take in proceedings. Hendon went with three at the back once again and looked like a reasonably solid unit. 

However, they weren’t offering much of a forward threat to the Police defence. The hosts were in fine form and in the play-off berths. Danny Boness was probably the busier of the two keepers, despite Luke Tingey having a half chance from a Brendan Murphy-McVey corner, but it would take until the eighteenth minute for the Met to go ahead.

A fine, quick passing movement down the right-hand side found Max Blackmore, whose low cross was neatly put away by top scorer Jack Mazzone. Gianni Crichlow broke the offside trap for the Dons as halftime approached, but his run sent him too wide and any chance was lost.

Jimmy Gray rang the changes at halftime to change the formation and to take off Connor Calcutt, whose mobility was severely restricted by a back injury. Crichlow overran the ball again just after the restart, allowing Bertie Schotterl to collect the ball easily in the Met goal.

The keeper was to deny substitute Shaq Hippolyte-Patrick shortly after, with a brave block following Crichlow’s pullback. However, that was to be as good as it got for the Dons. Not for the first time in the campaign, an attacking short corner was to end in calamity.

Murphy-McVey’s set piece was poor. The ball was lost with the hosts passing and moving at pace up the field. Mazzone played his part once again before the ball found Blackmore in acres of space, who finished with aplomb.

Tanasheh Abrahams was having a bit of a shocker for Hendon at full-back, either fouling, complaining in frustration or being found out of position. Blackmore took advantage of this once more but was denied thanks to a decent stop by Boness.

Elliott Charles was doing his best up front but was continually caught offside. The Police made it 3-0 eleven minutes from time when the ball was given away cheaply for the umpteenth time by the men in green. The ball found its way to an unmarked Jonathan Hippolyte, who made no mistake.

Lewis Toomey had a good chance for a consolation goal but headed over when well placed before the hosts had a further couple of decent opportunities as the game entered stoppage time. Boness made a save from one of them. At full time, we trudged disconsolately back to Thames Ditton station, where a small gathering of Hendon fans were in subdued form. 

They were starting to worry about potential relegation troubles. We left them to get out at Surbiton, where we enjoyed a couple of fine ales in the superb Coronation Hall Wetherspoons pub. We would certainly be back to this fine suburb for drinking; hopefully for a league game the following season!

Steve jumped out early on the way to London while I stayed on to speak at Terry’s drinks do at The Cock on Kennington Road. An interesting couple of hours flew by as friends old and new were united. It was a fitting occasion.

I met up with my mate once again at the Waterloo Tap before we headed back to Kingsbury. I was concerned and a bit fed up with the football, but the evening reminded me that it was only a game and there were more important things in life.

Metropolitan Police 1 Poole Town 0 (Monday 6th May 2019) Southern League Premier Division South Playoff Final (att: 1,025)

It looked unlikely that I was going to make a game on Bank Holiday Monday, but kind work colleagues were to play a helping hand. I was a spare man, and business was extremely quiet. My regular travelling pal, Tony, texted me at lunchtime.

After a little negotiation, it was arranged for him to pick me up at Eastcote station at 1.30. The journey across the suburbs was far easier than anticipated, and we were parking up on Embercourt Road not long after two o’clock.

Another mutual mate, Mark, was already at the clubhouse. He’d kindly sorted our programmes out in advance. There was even time to have a fine pint of Twickenham Brewery ale from the bar bulging with Poole fans.

The ground was busy when we entered ten minutes before kick-off. John, another friend from the cricket went to queue for a burger. I had a quick lap of the ground before taking up a position on the open side terrace for the first time on my visits.

The visiting Dolphins had a good following, some with musical instruments. It wasn’t the same as the final I’d visited the season before when Dulwich Hamlet defeated Hendon in front of over 3,000 fans at Tooting, but there was still a big game feel about it.

The game was extremely tight from the off with plenty at stake. Midfields and defences were on top. It wasn’t until the seventeenth minute that the first goalmouth action occurred. Poole’s Marvin Brooks shot from a Jex Bedford cross, forcing Bertie Schotterl to save with his feet.

Early Met substitute John Gilbert went close after thirty-four minutes, but he failed to steer his volley on target. Ethan Chislett then put in a cross from a set piece, and Jack Mazzone got on target, but the visiting keeper, Luke Cairney, saved easily.

The score was blank at the break. John reappeared just after the restart, having finally got his food! A long Josh Leslie-Smith throw fell to Bedford, who failed to test Schotterl. At the other end, Cairney pulled off a superb save to deny Gilbert.

Around the seventy-minute mark, Poole forced some pressure. Jake Smeeton saw his header put behind for a corner, which Corby Moore delivered. Marvin Brook's header looked like it was going in before the Met defence scrambled it clear.

However, the hosts went ahead a couple of minutes later in a slightly controversial fashion. A ball was lofted into the area. Cairney came out but was beaten by the head of Mazzone. The ball was cleared by Jack Dickson, but the linesman on the far side signalled that the ball had crossed the line.

The jury was out among our congregation. I was pretty uncertain, but the goal counted. The Poole players and bench, including manager Tom Killick, were apoplectic with rage. They continued to harangue the officials over every decision thereafter.

With nine minutes left on the clock, another Leslie-Smith was flicked on by Brooks to AFC Bournemouth loanee Jake Scrimshaw, who put a golden opportunity to equalise over the bar. It would be Town’s last chance to get back into the game.

Gavin MacPherson’s side saw out the game with relative ease. They really were a well-set-up outfit. Their reward was a Super playoff final the following Saturday at home to Tonbridge Angels to try and win a place in the National League South.

I must admit to having a wry smile. Killick’s behaviour in defeat to Hendon at Silver Jubilee Park earlier in the season wasn’t befitting of a man of his status. Met were classy in both their victories over the Dons. They were indeed a well-run club and team.

Metropolitan Police 1 Hendon 0 (Tuesday 3rd November 2020) Southern League Premier Division South (Att: 159)

The next set of regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic was imminent as the league was about to be suspended. Just as bad was the news that pubs were about to be shut for a spell.

Steve B again joined me for the journey towards Surbiton, just four days after our previous visit for the FA Trophy tie, which saw Hendon go down 5-4 in a thriller away to Corinthian-Casuals. We were determined to make the most of our relative freedom.

Our first point of call in Surbiton was The Black Lion, a tremendous old Young’s pub with friendly table service. We headed to the busy Antelope where we enjoyed the half-priced Big Smoke ales which were brewed on the premises.

As the pub was busy, we opted to stand outside rather than wait for a table. We lamented the madness of the rules. The pub would be forced to close, even to those standing outdoors while the convenience store next door could sell alcohol at will.

From there, we headed round to meet Lee at The Coronation Hall, with Bob joining us later. We initially had to queue for ten minutes, with the staff doing a sterling job. A gent apologised for giving us a poor table, yet we thought it perfect near the loos and bar.

Once again, the JDW establishment was desperate to get rid of its stock. We were drinking Oakham Citra for 99p a pint. It seemed a terrible shame when it was time to order our Uber cabs to the match. If only we’d have known…

Admission to Imber Court was £11. The programmes had sold out by the time we’d arrived. If I say that the highlight of my time at the ground was the excellent cheeseburger, it probably sums up the match and my thoughts on Hendon’s performance.

It was a match of endeavour rather than flowing football, which was abysmally refereed by a veteran official. I did wonder if he had won a competition to do the game. I know it's not an easy job, but blimey.

He should enter Britain's Got Talent playing the National Anthem on his whistle. The pea must have felt battered and bruised by full-time. He was poor for both sides I must add, spoiling any chance of fluidity and adding much frustration to all present.

Shaun Lucien caused a few problems early on for the Dons before the defence quickly worked him out before Ollie Knight saw his shot come back off the angle of the post and bar after being set up by the consistent Jack Mazzone with keeper Jonathan North well-beaten.

Knight had a further good chance but shot straight at North before Oshodi missed a great chance to open the scoring as the ball dropped to him from a set piece. At the break, we headed back to the bar for a swift half. It was nice to see friendly faces, as we didn’t know when we’d meet again.

The Met took the lead on forty-nine minutes when Sam De St Croix crossed for Mazzone to fire home. I thought Hendon were a bit one-paced and predictable though they forced Rhys Forster into a good save a few minutes from time before sub, Matt Ball fired over a great chance.

I had to tip my cap to Blues boss Gavin Macpherson. They might not be the most attractive to the eye, but they were continually difficult to beat. You had to feel a little for him and his side. Imber Court is a smashing venue but always feels a little soulless with minimal home support.

Lots of stoppages throughout the game and a late kick-off meant we would have had to run for the train at Thames Ditton. I lost Steve on the way out with the others ahead of us. Tom Stockman saved the day offering us a lift back to Kingsbury as we masked up for the ride.

I realise football is a game of opinions and a manager will generally defend his side, but I think I’d gone to a different game than Lee Allinson on hearing his post-match interview. The break would probably be good timing for Hendon, but I'd definitely miss my pals!

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic FC is a non-league semi-professional football club from the port of Dover in Kent, on the south-eastern tip of England. The club was formed in 1983 after the previous club, Dover FC, folded due to debt.

The history of the senior football club in the town is an interesting history, to say the least. The original Dover FC was formed in 1894, when they joined the Kent League, only to fold in 1901. By then, the Crabble Athletic Grounds were in use.

A new Dover FC took over as a purely amateur club, but they lasted just eight years. Dover United FC took over the mantle of representing the town in 1920, playing in local league competition. United broke the turf at the current ‘upper ground’ at The Crabble in 1931.

They disbanded in 1933, to be replaced by a new incarnation of Dover FC. Unfortunately, they only lasted between 1934 and 1947. The final Dover FC was quickly formed as a semi-professional outfit.

The new club quickly made its mark, finishing as Kent League runners-up in 1947-48, before claiming the title in 1951-52. Two further second places arrived at Dover in the 1950’s, before the club joined the Southern League in 1959. Dover were crowned Division One champions in 1966-67 and were promoted to the Premier Division, where they remained until 1978, when they were relegated to Division One South.

Dover won Division One South in 1978-79, at which point the Southern League scrapped its Premier Division and had Midland and Southern Divisions instead. Dover remained in the Southern Division until the debts built up and eventually led to the club folding in 1983.

Dover Athletic was formed and took the place of the old club in the Southern League Southern Division, ready for the 1983-84 season, while continuing at The Crabble. Former Dover FC player Alan Jones was appointed as team manager.

Steve McRae replaced Jones as the club initially struggled. Chris Kinnear was appointed as manager in November 1985, as he began to turn fortunes around; initially with two top-five league finishes.

My drawing of the Crabble, along with Dover kits.
Click on the image if you want an enlarged view.

In 1987-88, Athletic were promoted to the Premier Division, going on to be crowned as Southern League champions in 1989-90, but the club was denied promotion to the Football Conference owing to ground grading regulations. 

In 1991-92, ‘The Whites’ ended as runners-up before collecting a second title the following season. This time, The Crabble was up to the standards required, so Dover claimed their place in the Conference.

During their second season in non league’s elite, Kinnear was dismissed and replaced by John Ryan for a short spell before Peter Taylor took over the hot seat. The Whites avoided relegation in 1995-96 as Boston United failed to put in their application for promotion in on time.

A fine run in 1997-98 under new boss Bill Williams saw Athletic reach the FA Trophy semi-final, before Cheltenham Town ruined their dreams of a Wembley appearance. Williams departed in 2001 as financial troubles led to several directors departing.

Managers came and went, but Dover’s run in the Conference came to an end in 2002 when they were relegated to the Southern League under Clive Walker. The club entered a CVA to try to clear the debts, which were estimated to be £400,000.

In 2004, Athletic were switched to the Isthmian League after Walker, and then Richard Langley had spells as team manager as the team was relegated to Division One South. The following year, the club was saved from extinction when director Jim Parmenter headed up a consortium and took over as chairman. He also reappointed Walker and cleared the CVA debts.

In 2005-06 and 2006-07, Athletic reached the semi-finals of the play-offs, but were defeated by Tonbridge Angels and then Hastings United. Former Gillingham midfielder Andy Hessenthaler came in as manager in the summer of 2007, and in his first season at the helm, he led the club to the title and promotion to the Premier Division.

Dover’s fine run continued as they lifted the Isthmian League title and won promotion to the Conference South. Hessenthaler took the side to the semi-final of the play-offs, where they lost out to Woking, before departing to take the manager's job at Gillingham, to be replaced by Ian Hendon. His spell was short-lived, with former Arsenal striker Martin Hayes replacing him at The Crabble.

Hayes' side went on a fine FA Cup run in 2010-11, which saw wins against Erith Town, Cambridge City, and Farnborough give Athletic a round one tie at Gillingham. Former boss Hendon had moved to The Gills as assistant to Hessenthaler, much to the annoyance of Athletic.

Revenge was sweet at Priestfield as Dover won 2-0. The run continued with a victory over Aldershot Town before Huddersfield Town ended the run in West Yorkshire with a 2-0 win. In turn, Hayes was replaced by veteran Football League striker Nicky Forster.

Forster remained at the helm until January 2013, when he was placed on gardening leave as Chris Kinnear returned once more. Kinnear’s side reached the end-of-season play-off final, but were defeated 4-1 away to Salisbury City.

The 2013-14 campaign saw Athletic embark on a season, as a run against fellow non-league sides in the FA Cup took the team to round two, where they were eliminated away from home by Milton Keynes Dons. Dover also reached the third round of the FA Trophy.

However, it would be in Conference South where the greatest rewards were gathered. Kinnear’s side reached the play-offs, where they saw off Sutton United before beating Ebbsfleet United 1-0 away, thanks to a Nathan Elder goal to gain a place in the top flight of non-league football.

The FA Cup success gave the Whites a passport to the fourth qualifying round in 2014-15. They took advantage, progressing and defeating Morecambe and then Cheltenham Town to set up a third-round home tie against Crystal Palace, which the Premier League side won 4-0.

The 2015-16 campaign saw Athletic go for promotion from the National League, as the Conference had been rebranded, with on-field investment paying dividends as Ricky Miller banged in the goals, leading to a play-off place. Forest Green Rovers ended any dreams of promotion in the semi-final.

Dover came close to repeating play-off places for the following couple of seasons before a poor run of form led to the sacking of club legend Kinnear, as Hessenthaler returned for a second spell at the helm. The team ended in fourteenth place in 2018-19.

The Whites sat in eleventh place when the 2019-20 campaign was truncated owing to the outbreak of Coronavirus. The pandemic showed little signs of abating during the 2020-21 season when chairman Parmenter made a controversial call.

He pulled the club out of any further matches after January 30th, citing financial implications that would bankrupt the club. The team's results were expunged, and they were given a twelve-point deduction at the start of the 2021-22 campaign as well as being placed in National League South.

Hessenthaler departed in January 2023 to be replaced by Mitch Brundle. He was succeeded by Jake Leberl in December 2023. Athletic were relegated to the Isthmian League at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. Twelve months later, the side had regrouped and defeated Dartford and Billericay Town to win promotion back to the second tier of non-league via the playoffs.

Dover Athletic FC will play in the National League South in the 2026-27 season.

My visits

  

Dover Athletic 1 Scarborough 1 (Saturday 9th October 1999) Football Conference (att: 945)

It was a pleasant late summer’s afternoon as I arrived from the train in the town of the white cliffs after completing a bit of overtime cleaning the new Media Centre carpet at Lord’s Cricket Ground. I plumped for a taxi to The Crabble as I was aware that it was getting on for a couple of miles from Dover Priory station and I was getting thirsty!

I met several pals, including Gillingham-based Seadog Simon Keane, by the ground, but as the gates were still to be opened, we went into The Cricketers on Crabble Avenue, just under the slope of the cricket ground. At the same time, Sweden played in a vital Euro qualifier in England’s group that afternoon, and it was being shown on the pub's TV, so we lost at least one companion!

Crabble Road was a steep hill that passed the cricket ground, which had also been the original Athletic Grounds where football kicked off in the town, before climbing higher to the peak and the ground's entrance. The Scarborough team bus had just arrived. Chairman extraordinaire John Russell somehow wangled for four of us to get free admission via the players' gate!

The Crabble was a decent ground. Both ends had a reasonably sized covered terrace. The nearest side had a small seated stand near the changing rooms block towards the corner flag, and then some open standing with the clubhouse nearer the far end. It all seemed to be clinging to the brow of the hill. The final touchline had a full-length seated stand with a TV gantry in the centre.

We adjourned to the clubhouse and caught up with travelling Boro fans who were staying over for the weekend and also having a trip over the Channel to boost their shopping trolleys.

Wendy Toms was refereeing the game. One of her ‘Assistants’ was a female, as was the third ref. It’s fair to say we waited with plenty of interest to see how the game would be officiated, as it was still at an early stage of women in charge. Feedback from previous games had not been too promising.

Boro took the lead, but in controversial circumstances. A shot was blocked on the line by the hand of a Dover defender. However, the rebound was tucked away. Instead of using common sense, awarding the goal and booking the offender, Ms. Toms awarded a penalty kick and sent off the home player. Nobody was happy. Thankfully, Gareth Williams slotted home the resulting penalty kick.

Boro midfielder David Bass was one of several players who had picked up ‘soft’ yellow cards. Following one challenge, he had to go off for treatment. Thinking that he’d been given the OK to return to action, he came back on the pitch. Ms Toms decided otherwise and gave Bass a second caution and sent him off.

Dover equalised in the game, and a draw was probably the correct result, but the players, fans and officials of both clubs were left fuming at the performance of the officials. One old boy, who was eighty if he was a day, told me he’d never go to another match if a woman was refereeing. It had been shambolic.

After a couple of pints in the friendly clubhouse, I walked down the hill and took the bus back into town. I had a walk around to see if I could find anything of interest, but the place was run down and soul-destroying, with not too many English voices to be heard. I called it a day and caught a train back to London after a quick beer in a very average pub.

Dover Athletic 2 Scarborough 1 - after extra time (Monday 17th February 2003) FA Trophy Round Four Replay (att: 801)

It was a cold Monday at work at Lord’s, and I hadn’t really set out to go to the match, but it was a quiet day, and I needed cheering up, so I left a little early and caught the train. This time I headed to Kearsney station as I was told it was easily walkable. The station was quite remote. I had to negotiate a narrow lane before joining the main London Road down towards the ground. 

I arrived in good time for a couple of beers and was pleasantly surprised to find a few fellow Seadogs already there. The temperatures were dipping, and the pitch was starting to sparkle with frost. The referee was inspecting the surface, and we were dreading a postponement. Thankfully, the official gave the game the all-clear to go ahead. 

I was looking forward to it. Apparently, Boro should have won the first game, so we were optimistic. The side came out and played some excellent football and went ahead with a goal from Paul Dempsey. Boro were totally dominant and should have added to their tally, but for some strange reason, they began to take their foot off the gas.

I had been talking with fellow fans Paul Whelan, who lived in Wimbledon, and Ady Buck, who was based in Luton. I was kindly offered a ride back with Ady, which was most helpful as I would have had a rush at full-time. Their assistance changed from helpful to necessary as Dover took the game to extra time, much to the annoyance of us Seadogs.

The effort Boro put in wasn’t up to scratch. Forwards Keith Scott and Neil Campbell, in particular, were raising our collective blood pressure. Sure enough, Dover scored what proved to be the winner in extra time, as we were just hoping that Boro could hang on until penalties. Some local youths added to our ire by coming onto the terrace alongside to wind us up. We left the ground in an angry mood.

It was to get worse. Ady had parked in the River area up near the ground. When we got to his car, the back window had been smashed. There was nobody around to ask if they’d seen anything. The journey back was very cold as we kept as much clothing on as possible. The wind coming onto my neck from the back was very bracing.

Ady kindly dropped me in Cricklewood on his way to the M1 after we’d driven across London. I got home around 1.30am. It wasn’t the greatest night watching the club, but it had certainly been an adventure!

Friday 26th July 2019

My week's holiday away from work was nearing the end, and I was determined to make the most of it, despite struggling with a slight knee strain. A pre-season friendly fixture between Gillingham and Southend United had caught my attention and offered me a great opportunity for a ride to the coast first.

I listened to Ireland’s capitulation in the Lord’s Test match to England while riding on the train and arriving at Priory station. I took a bus into the town centre before catching the small number 91 service, which deposited me on Crabble Lane.

After a brief look at the “lower” Crabble, which was once home to Dover Cricket Club until their closure and now hosts the town’s rugby club, I continued another hundred metres up the hill, where the open gates to the stadium were a welcome sight.

The staff continued to prepare for the following day’s friendly against Colchester United. I was keen to update my photo collection as my previous visits coincided with a period when I never really considered taking snaps in the days when you had to pay for developing each time.

A new wooden stand had replaced the old structure on the entrance side, while the rest of the arena was smartly maintained and looking at its best in the lovely weather. Once done, I walked to the main London Road to catch a bus to the Pencester Gardens terminus.

It was time to take a look at the waterfront, which looked far more attractive than I remembered in the past. I was aware of a micropub near the station, so I headed in its general direction when I came across The Mash Tun Micropub on Bench Street.

Quirky would be the first word I’d think of to describe it. There was just one other customer when I entered. The gent owner was dressed very smart, while a lady sat knitting in one of the pieces of furniture that made the place feel like an old front room. The classical piped music added to its ambience.

The beer was steady enough if a little cool, despite the warm weather outside. I took a seat at a tall table towards the back, unsure whether to join in the conversation. It was a good call as one of the subjects covered was the wise words of Margaret Thatcher and other leaders.

After a pint, I wandered off to find The Lanes Micropub, where the welcome was warm, and all the customers were friendly and keen to chat. The service was top-class and genuine. I enjoyed a couple of pints with advice for pubs offered at my next destination.

It seemed a shame to leave the pub, but I wanted to take the opportunity to have a brief look around Canterbury, a very beautiful small city, on my way to the match. I thoroughly enjoyed Dover and definitely took away a far better impression than after previous visits.

Plymouth Argyle

Plymouth Argyle FC is a football club originally called Argyle FC when formed in 1897, from the naval port of Plymouth on the Devon coast in the south west of England. The club moved into their Home Park ground overlooking the city on formation.

In 1903, the club took its present name astheye turned professional and joined the Southern League, as well as the Western League for their second side. After finishing as Southern League runners-up on a couple of occasions, Argyle won the title in 1912-13. The 'Pilgrims’ became founder members of Division Three South in 1920-21. 

Amazingly, the decade saw the club end as league runners-up in six consecutive seasons in the days when only one club was promoted. In the summer of 2014, Argyle embarked on a highly successful tour of South America, where they defeated the Uruguay national team 4-0 in their first game, before beating Argentina 1-0 and drawing 1-1 with Boca Juniors. Captain Moses Russell earned the plaudits of the hosts.

Eventually, in 1929-30, Argyle won the league and were promoted to Division Two. During World WaIIwo Home Park as well as the city, was badly damaged by the German Luftwaffe. The Grandstand was all but destroyed, and the pitch was heavily cratered. The Pilgrims remained in the second tier until relegation in 1950.

Two years later, they reclaimed their place as the new Mayflower Grandstand was opened, but the spell lasted only four seasons before Argyle found themselves back in Division Three South. In 195,8, Plymouth were placed in Division Three after the Football League reorganisation, before winning the title at the first attempt. In 1964-65, Argyle reached the League Cup semi-final before being defeated by Leicester City.

In 1968, the club was relegated again, but once more they reached the last four of the League Cup in 1973-74 with former England centre forward Paul Mariner in the line-up. This time, Manchester City ended the dreams of the green army.

In 1975, Tony Waiters’ side won promotion as runners-up. In October 1977, Home Park played host to the Manchester United v St Etienne European Cup Winners' Cup tie, after United were forced to play at least two hundred and fifty miles from Old Trafford following crowd trouble at the first leg in France. The same year saw Argyle relegated, although long-serving Kevin Hodges made his debut to lift the gloom.

In 1983-84, Plymouth went on an amazing FA Cup run all the way to the semi-final as Southend United, Barking, Newport County, Darlington, West Bromwich Albion, and Derby County were defeated. Watford won the semi-final at Villa Park, but John Hore’s side, including David Phillips, had done the club proud. Dave Smith took over team affairs and led Argyle to Division Two in 1984-95.

Relegation followed in 1992. Peter Shilton arrived as manager and took the team to the play-offs, where they were defeated by Burnley in the semi-final. Worse was to follow as Argyle were later relegated to the newly named bottom-tier Division Three for the first time in their history.

Neil Warnock arrived at Home Park, taking the side up in 1995-96 as a Ronnie Mauge header won the playoff final at Wembley against Darlington. Warnock was sacked the following season, to be replaced by his assistant Mick Jones. He failed to stem the team's decline as Argyle found themselves in the League’s basement once again. Kevin Hodges took over as manager.

Paul Sturrock arrived as manager in 2000, saving the club from relegation from the Football League and gradually transforming fortunes. In 2001, Home Park oversaw a massive redevelopment as three sides were rebuilt. 2001-02 saw Argyle crowned as Division Three champions with goalkeeper Romain Larieu proving a hero. 

After a season of consolidation, another championship was added, as Plymouth found themselves in The Championship. However, Sturrock moved on to take the manager's job at Southampton, to be replaced by Bobby Williamson.

During the 2005-06 season, Williamson departed, with Tony Pulis taking over a fine side including Mickey Evans, Akos Buzsaky, and Tony Capaldi. Pulis steadied the ship, but gained a reputation for dour football. In the summer of 2006, he departed to take up the same role at Stoke City, to be replaced by Ian Holloway. 

He continued the good work and took the side to the last eight of the FA Cup before controversially walking out to take the Leicester City job. In turn, Sturrock resigned at Swindon Town to return to Home Park.

My drawings of Argyle kits over the years
Click on the image to enlarge it.

In December 2010, Sturrock moved to an ‘upstairs’ role after poor results. Former playing hero Paul Mariner was appointed as the new team manager as Jamie Mackie banged in the goals. However, it was to be in vain as Argyle were relegated at the end of the 2010-11 season. Mariner was replaced by Peter Reid. 

Crowds were dropping as games were lost. To add to the turmoil, Argyle were hit with a winding-up order by HRMC over unpaid tax in November 2011, as directors walked away from the club. Reid auctioned his FA Cup runners-up medal earned with Everton to try to bring in money to pay the players.

The team was relegated in May 2012. Peter Risdale came in as acting chairman and controversially sacked Reid in September 2012, with player Carl Fletcher taking over. There had been rumours that Kevin Heaney, the property developer and chairman of Truro City, was keen to buy the club, but his bid was turned down before he eventually went bankrupt. 

Fortunately for Argyle, banker James Brent’s Akkeron Group agreed to buy the club and come to a deal to pay off its creditors while selling Home Park back to Plymouth Council. John Sheridan was appointed as team manager in January 2013 as the team struggled to retain their League status, before ending in twenty-first position. 

Brent agreed to secure land next to Home Park in September 2013 under the club's leasehold agreement for the construction of leisure and conference facilities to subsidise the building of a new Grandstand and to make the club financially self-sufficient.

The side reached the playoffs in 2014-15, losing in the semifinals to Wycombe Wanderers. The following season saw another playoff appearance, by which time Derek Adams had replaced Sheridan. Portsmouth were defeated before AFC Wimbledon won the final 2-0 at Wembley.

Promotion was achieved in 2016-17, with the playoffs in League One just being missed out on twelve months later. Simon Hallett bought the club as finances became more secure to allow planning for a brighter future.

The team was relegated back to the bottom tier in 2018-19, which saw Ryan Lowe arrive as manager at the season's end. The new manager steered the side to promotion on the first attempt as Antoni Sarcevic led the scoring.

The goals of Luke Jephcott in 2020-21 helped Argyle to survive. Steven Schumacher took over as manager in December 2021, with his side just missing out on a playoff berth as the goals of Ryan Hardie thrilled the Home Park faithful.

Finn Azaz starred in a real team effort in 2022-23 as Plymouth lifted the League One title. Heroic manager Schumacher was attracted to the Stoke City job as Ian Collins replaced him. Morgan Whittaker provided the goals as the side retained their second-tier status. Wayne Rooney was appointed as the new Argyle manager in May 2024.

He lasted until December 2024, when he was replaced by Miron Muslić, who in turn was succeeded by Tom Cleverley in June 2025 after Argyle had been relegated back down to League One, taking the side to a whisker of the playoffs the following season.

Plymouth Argyle will play in the EFL League One in the 2026-27 season.

My visit

Plymouth Argyle 2 Torquay United 0 (Wednesday 1st January 2014) Football League Two (att: 10,126)

I had regretted not visiting Home Park for many years, when I didn’t make Scarborough’s dramatic 3-3 draw there in the League Cup back in 1992. I’d passed with views of the floodlights on a few occasions when visiting my good friends in Looe, Alain and Linda Le Ker, but didn’t have an opportunity to get to a game.

Something had to be done to put the record right, especially as I was closing in on completing the current ninety-two League grounds. New Year's Eve never really did it for me as a big night, especially since I moved to London. 

I had been pondering whether to have yet another quiet one and go to the game the following day in good form. I bit the bullet and bought a ticket online, despite the risk of awful weather postponing the game. The Argyle Twitter account and fans' forum seemed confident.

My local pub was extremely average on New Year's Eve. I felt lonely and like a stranger in a place where I normally struck up conversation. An early night was definitely the right decision, even though some loud bangs woke me up briefly around midnight!

The all-night running tube was full of discarded rubbish as I travelled to Waterloo for my train. Taking the South West Trains route to Exeter and then buying a separate ticket between there and Plymouth would allow me to get a third off the fare. I also had some vouchers to use from previous delayed journeys. 

The trip was pleasant, especially after getting towards Wiltshire as the girls spoke with accents fit for Ambrosia rice pudding adverts. The guard was a jolly chap, and everyone made light of the flooding around the track and the awful weather. I was getting a little concerned, but the positive Tweets kept coming from Argyle.

My plan was to take stock at Exeter, maybe over a pint, a bullet-running train to Plymouth was due within a few minutes, so I jumped aboard. My backup games were out of the question and were being postponed one by one. It was to be Home Park or bust!

The squally showers continued as I alighted, but I was in a resolute mood. I marched up the hill of Alma Road with Central Park to my right, as small streams flowed down the footpaths. I reached the Wetherspoons Britannia Inn, where fortunately no queues were waiting to get in. The pub was extremely busy, but the service was excellent. 

 After three pints of locally sourced ale at very agreeable prices and a chat with some friendly visiting Torquay fans who reminisced over previous visits to Scarborough, I strolled the last five minutes to the ground. The supporters had reassured me that the game was never going to be called off because of Argyle’s superb drainage system.

The rain had thankfully stopped as I strolled past a van selling tempting pasties to a long queue, so I decided to purchase some much-needed grub inside. After buying the decent programme for £3 and wandering past the Plymouth Life Centre, where Tom Daley and future Olympic hopefuls practised their diving, I entered a busy concourse.

Fans were eating and drinking while watching the conclusion of the Swansea City v Manchester City lunchtime game. I bought a steak and kidney pie and Bovril, which was OK, and then a pastie to take to my seat, which was excellent and cheaper.

Home Park offered the old and the new. The Mayflower Grandstand was a majestic structure, with a large upper deck and a middle section with boxes at the rear. There was an added roof nearest our end and a police building like a cottage at the far corner. The large open terraced paddock at the front of the stand was no longer in commission. 

The Devonport and Barn Park End Stands were at either end and joined up with the Lyndhurst Stand down the side with a continuous single seating deck and roof. I liked it, especially the little touches like the murals of former players on the entrance walls leading to the seats.

My seat was to the side of the goal on the second row from the back. The leg room was thankfully decent. Mascot Pete the Pirate and the Argyle Angels dancers provided entertainment. The girls must have been frozen in their skimpy outfits. 

The teams took the pitch as the Mariners ' Semper Fidelis March played over the PA system. Quite rightly, the brilliant groundstaff were given praise by the man on the mic as they received a warm ovation. This was the only game on for around a hundred and fifty miles.

No matter how many different titles the Football League had given their divisions over the years, there was something unmistakable about what constituted the fourth division far, and this was it. The pitch was playing well, although in fairness, the wind must have been causing havoc.

There were a couple of shots that caused a few problems for the keepers with a little swerve. United’s custodian, Michael Poke, brought down a marauding Argyle forward outside the box with a rash challenge as he was heading away from goal. Despite the howls of the locals, I thought referee Keith Stroud called it right by issuing a yellow card.

At the break, I braved the packed concourse, although the queues were far too long to contemplate a hot drink. The arrangements allowed me to roam along the front of the Lyndhurst Stand to take photos around the stadium.

The second half was a slight improvement. There wasn’t too much to choose between the sides, although Argyle looked the most likely to create, and so it proved. After much short passing, they eventually created a chance when Caolan Lavery, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, headed home at the near post after an hour. 

 The 888 travelling Gulls fans present, cheering on ‘yellows’ who were wearing all sky blue, we saw their team restricted in their chances. Plymouth keeper Luke McCormick kept out a long-range swerving effort from Jordan Chappell. Ruben Reid showed signs of strength up front at the other end for the Greens.

Argyle continued to probe, eventually putting the game to bed with five minutes of normal time remaining when Lewis Alessandra chested home a cross from skipper Conor Hourihane to send the majority of the crowd home happy.

I gave it a couple more minutes before making a move, just in case any trains had been delayed on the return journey. It was certainly easier walking back to the station! However, rather than saving time, the boards gave the news that my intended train had been cancelled because of flooding. I had to catch one ten minutes later.

When nearing Exeter, I used my iPhone app to see if my continuing service was on time, only to find out that the route was suspended owing to flooding. A quick call to South West Trains eased my fears when they said I could use any route possible back to London. The guard on my Great Western service confirmed this, which was extremely handy as the train I was on was going all the way to Paddington!

I sat back, bought a tea, and relaxed with an occasional nap before getting back to Paddington and then to my flat with a takeaway just as Match of the Day was starting. My gamble had paid off. Many other groundhoppers were left with a blank day. I’d ticked off a really awkward ground in my quest. It was immensely more enjoyable than New Year's Eve!