Charlton Park suffered defeat in the first game of the New Year in a match punctuated by penalties and endless 'conferences' between referee and captains, which at one point produced a cry of 'come on ref, I'm supposed to be going out tonight' from the frustrated sideline.
Again, fielding a much changed side, Park succumbed to an early 7 pointer after the opposition Full back sliced through the Park midfield to score cloe to the posts.
5 minutes later Dover scored again. A wayward Park lineout was snaffled by the Dover forwards and quick hands put the left winger in for try number two in the corner, the ensuing conversion attempt unsuccessful.
Park then had a period of dominance, resulting in a host of penalties but a spilt ball close to the tryline meant that the pressure went unrewarded.
Dover finished the half 15-0 to the good following a successful penalty attempt.
Park had just not clicked at all, some good continuity at times was let down either by lack of support or a poor final pass.
After some stern words from the coaches at half time, the home side started the second half strongly, and, following a lineout in opposition territory, the ball ended up in the hands of young second row Mal Ayres who thundered over the tryline, taking a Dover defender with him.
The conversion was unsuccessful but Park now had the upper hand.
However, a succession of yellow cards, 2 for Park 1 for Dover, and countless stoppages hindered Park's progress and Dover, with a man advantage, managed to manufacture another try in the corner, again unconverted.
Another unconverted try gave Dover the bonus point but in a seemingly never-ending second half Park scored the final try of the afternoon/evening when slick hands put Ross Sidebottom away in the corner.
The kick went unconverted and eventually the referee's whistle blew to end the match.

Final Score: Charlton Park 10 Dover 25

Whether it was missing personnel, 4 weeks without a match or the stop start nature of the match (there must have been in excess of 30 awarded in the match), this was not a true reflection of Park's abilities. Better things are to come

Next Saturday, Park are away at Bromley - Kick off is 2PM - all support welcome.