Dover Athletic secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Hendon at Silver Jubilee Park, bouncing back strongly after consecutive defeats. The visitors dominated proceedings from the outset, with Ruben Soares-Junior leading by example. The Dover captain opened the scoring in the 18th minute, rising highest to head home from a corner. Just over ten minutes later, Soares-Junior doubled the lead with a superb strike from the edge of the box, leaving the Hendon goalkeeper with no chance. Dover maintained control for the remainder of the first half, pushing for a third before the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Dover dictating play and creating chances. Their pressure paid off in the 65th minute when George Nikaj burst down the wing, beat his defender, and fired a low shot past the keeper at the near post to make it 3-0. Soares-Junior continued to press for a hat trick, while the rest of the Dover team displayed solid organisation to stifle any attempts by Hendon to gain a foothold in the game.

Hendon struggled to cope with Dover’s intensity, and frustrations boiled over with bookings for former Dover player Kurtis Cumberbatch and Lewis Smith. Despite a flurry of substitutions, the home side rarely threatened Jordan Gillmore in the Dover goal. The Whites, meanwhile, stayed disciplined and professional, comfortably seeing out the match to secure all three points.

This victory keeps Dover top of the league as they prepare to host Lewes next Saturday.

Isthmian League – Premier Division

Attendance: 324

Kick-off: 3pm

Referee: Jake Hillier

Venue: Silver Jubilee Park

Hendon:

1 Luke Campbell, 2 Lesley Duru, 3 Michael O’Donoghue, 4 Ronny Mfinda, 5 Ethan Light, 6 George Abbott, 7 Lewis Smith, 8 Kurtis Cumberbatch, 9 Luke Cook, 10 Niko Muir, 11 Aderi Dede SUBS: 12 Youel Emmanuel, 14 Ibrahim Meite, 15 Lonit Talla, 16 Stefan Ilic, 17 Dave Diedhiou

Dover Athletic:

27 Jordan Gillmore, 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 3 Fuad Sesay, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 7 Luke Baptiste, 8 Alfie Matthews, 10 George Nikaj, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior, 24 Francis Mampolo, 25 Charlie Naylor, 26 Jacob Mensah SUBS: 4 Jeremiah Gyebi, 5 Joe Tennent, 9 Eniye Amgbaduba, 15 Tamas Amgbaduba, 23 George Wilkinson

Dover are back on the road and head to Hendon in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic fell to a 2-1 defeat against Horsham in wet, windy conditions at the Megger Community Stadium. Despite Horsham’s early dominance, Dover took the lead in the 32nd minute through Alfie Matthews’ deflected strike. The visitors equalised in the 72nd minute when James Hammond converted from a corner, and just three minutes later, Reece Myles-Meekums’ looping cross put Horsham ahead. Dover pushed hard for an equaliser, with Matthews’ free kick and a goal-line clearance denying them. Horsham held on for the win to overturn the halftime deficit to take all three points.

From the Manager

“Hendon is a long way to go for us. We need to be a bit more confident, so a win there would obviously help that massively. We’ll go there, obviously, looking for three points. And if we give the same effort as we have been and continue everything that we’ve been doing, there’s no reason why we won’t pick up three points.”

Hendon

Our hosts game on Saturday against Cheshunt was postponed. Last time out, Hendon conceded a stoppage time goal for the second consecutive Saturday to fall to defeat at Cray Wanderers. Kenny Coker followed up in the 95th minute to secure the points for the hosts, who had made most of the running but came up against a resolute back line, with Ethan Light and George Abbott particularly impressive.

Hendon currently sits in 17th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 26 points from 22 matches. Their campaign includes 7 wins, 5 draws, and 10 losses. At home, Hendon has been fairly solid, winning 7 out of 11 matches, but their away form has been a struggle, with no wins and only 5 draws from 11 games. The team has scored 33 goals but conceded 30, resulting in a goal difference of +3.

Last 6

28/12 – Cray Wanderers (A) – Lost 0-1
26/12 – Potters Bar Town (H) – Lost 0-4
21/12 – Chichester City (A) – Lost 0-1
14/12 – Canvey Island (H) – Lost 0-1
10/12 – Hashtag United (A) – Lost 2-3
03/12 – Tilbury (H) – Won 2-1 (Alan Turvey Trophy)

The Venue

Address :Silver Jubilee Park
Townsend Lane
Kingsbury
London
NW9 7NE

More info: https://www.hendonfc.net/ClubInfo

Admission  

Adults: £12
Concessions: £8
U18: £1

In an afternoon dominated by heavy rain and strong winds, Dover Athletic fell to a 2-1 defeat against Horsham in a closely contested match at the Megger Community Stadium. The difficult weather conditions, which turned the pitch into a muddy challenge for both sides, set the tone for a scrappy yet intense encounter.

The game began with Horsham asserting early dominance, earning two corners within the first three minutes. However, their momentum was interrupted in the 7th minute when Reece Myles-Meekums replaced the injured Bobby-Joe Taylor, forcing an early tactical adjustment. Despite the substitution, Horsham continued to press, with their wide players creating several chances. Dover goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore was called into action multiple times, making key saves in the 9th and 10th minutes to deny the visitors an early lead.

Dover slowly grew into the game and created their first real opportunity in the 23rd minute, but George Nikaj and Luke Baptiste were unable to convert during the attack. The Whites came close again three minutes later when George Wilkinson’s effort narrowly missed the target. However, it was Alfie Matthews who broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. A powerful strike from the edge of the box took a deflection off a Horsham defender and found its way into the net, giving Dover a deserved lead after withstanding Horsham’s early pressure.

The home side went into halftime with a narrow 1-0 advantage, but it was clear that Horsham would not back down. The second half began with both teams battling for control. Dover had chances to double their lead, with Wilkinson firing a shot over the bar in the 55th minute. Meanwhile, Horsham kept pushing forward and were rewarded in the 72nd minute when James Hammond scored from a corner to level the game.

Just three minutes later, Horsham took the lead through Reece Myles-Meekums. A seemingly harmless cross caught Gillmore off guard and looped into the net, leaving the home side stunned. Dover responded immediately, pushing for an equaliser. They came agonisingly close in the 79th minute when Matthews’ free kick was saved by Horsham goalkeeper Lewis Carey, and Jake Elliott cleared a follow-up effort off the line.

Dover introduced fresh legs in the closing stages, but Horsham’s defense remained resolute. The visitors managed the game well, making strategic substitutions to see out the remaining minutes. Despite Dover’s best efforts, they were unable to break through, and the match ended 2-1 in Horsham’s favor.

Dover remain top of the Isthmian League table and head to Hendon on Saturday.

Dover Athletic:
27 Jordan Gillmore, 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 3 Fuad Sesay, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 7 Luke Baptiste, 8 Alfie Matthews, 10 George Nikaj, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior (C), 23 George Wilkinson, 25 Charlie Naylor, 26 Jacob Mensah SUBS: 4 Jeremiah Gyebi, 5 Joe Tennent, 9 Eniye Amgbaduba, 15 Tamas Amgbaduba, 24 Francis Mampolo

Horsham:
1 Lewis Carey, 2 Jake Elliott, 3 Harvey Sparks, 4 Danny Barker, 6 Jack Strange, 7 James Hammond, 8 Charlie Hester-Cook, 12 Bobby-Joe Taylor, 11 Ola Ogunwamide, 20 Lee Harding (C), 19 Chris Dickson SUBS: 14 Joel Daly, 9 Shamir Fenelon, 16 Montel Agyemang, 17 Lucas Rodrigues, 18 Reece Myles-Meekums

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 849
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: David Spain
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

CHARLIE NAYLOR caught up with Justin Allen for a chin-wag about his return to Dover Athletic.
The anchor midfielder discusses about what he learned from last season’s relegation season, the contrast in atmosphere around the club and his hopes for the second half of the campaign.
He also reveals a saucy gift one of the players received from the “secret Santa”, the fun the group had on their Christmas party trip to Dublin as well as what his new year’s resolution is for 2025.
Charlie also reflects on the loss against Billericay and the team’s hope to bounce back on New Year’s Day at home to Horsham.

Dover Athletic welcome Horsham to The Megger Community Stadium on New Year’s Day

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Billericay Town despite dominating large spells. Dover started brightly, with George Wilkinson forcing two superb saves from the visiting goalkeeper. However, a deflected Montel McKenzie free-kick on the stroke of half-time proved decisive. The second half saw relentless pressure from Dover but the visitors’ defence held firm. Late substitutions added fresh energy, but the hosts couldn’t find an equaliser.

In our previous encounter with Horsham this season Dover secured a 3-1 victory at the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium. Horsham took the lead in the 22nd minute when Isaac Philpot scored from a corner, but George Nikaj equalised for Dover just before halftime with a header. The second half saw Dover dominate, with Luke Baptiste capitalising on a loose ball in the 69th minute to make it 2-1. Soares-Junior sealed the win with a counter-attack goal in the 81st minute.

Horsham

Last time out, Horsham delivered a stunning performance at The Orbital Fasteners Stadium, overwhelming Potters Bar Town with a 6-0 win in the Isthmian League Premier Division. The visitors set the tone early as Ola Ogunwamide struck in the 7th minute. Chris Dickson’s clinical finishing saw him net a hat-trick, with goals in first-half injury time (45+1′), the 52nd minute, and again in the 77th. Charlie Hester-Cook added to the tally in the 70th minute before James Hammond capped the rout in the 90th.

Horsham currently sits 6th in the Isthmian Premier League with 35 points from 21 matches. They have had a solid season, recording 11 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses. Their home form has been particularly impressive, winning 7 of 10 matches, while their away form has been mixed with 4 wins and 5 losses. Horsham has scored 40 goals and conceded 26, resulting in a strong goal difference of +14.

Last 5

28/12 – Potters Bar Town (A) – Won 6-0
26/12 – Bognor Regis Town (H) – Won 2-1
21/12 – Canvey Island (A) – Won 1-0
17/12 – Dartford (H) – Lost 1-3
14/12 – Cheshunt (H) – Won 3-1
10/12 – Torquay United (A) – Lost 0-2 (FA Trophy)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Horsham to the Megger Community Stadium. More information on getting to the ground can be found here: https://doverathletic.com/visit-crabble/

Megger Community Stadium. Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 0JB.

Admission  

Adults: £15
Concessions: £14
U18: £9
U11: FREE with a paying adult

We now only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground.

Dover Athletic suffered a narrow defeat at home to Billericay Town in a hard-fought contest, with a first-half free-kick from Montel McKenzie proving to be the difference. Despite controlling large periods of the match and creating several clear-cut chances, Dover were unable to find the breakthrough needed to take anything from the game.

The match began with promise for Dover, as Roman Charles-Cook delivered a dangerous cross into the box in the third minute, only for George Nikaj to head narrowly wide. The home side continued to press forward, with Alfie Matthews and Luke Baptiste linking well in midfield to drive the team’s attack. However, Billericay gradually grew into the game, forcing Jordan Gillmore into a routine save from a close-range effort by De-Carrey Sheriff in the 15th minute.

Dover’s best opportunities of the first half came midway through, with George Wilkinson at the heart of the action. In the 24th minute, his close-range effort was brilliantly saved by Billericay’s goalkeeper Sam Donkin, who then produced another outstanding stop moments later to deny Wilkinson once again. Despite Dover’s dominance, it was Billericay who broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time. A deflected free-kick from McKenzie found the bottom corner, leaving Gillmore helpless and the home crowd stunned.

The second half saw Dover come out with renewed energy, pushing relentlessly for an equaliser. Alfie Matthews orchestrated play from midfield, and full-back Fuad Sesay, who was booked late in the first half, tested Donkin with a long-range effort in the 87th minute. Despite sustained pressure, including a few late corners toward the end, the Whites were unable to capitalise.

Changes in the closing stages brought fresh legs onto the pitch, with Eniye Amgbaduba and Francis Mampolo introduced to add attacking impetus. However, Billericay’s defence, stood firm. Frustration was evident among the Dover supporters as key decisions went against the home side.

Ultimately, the result leaves Dover reflecting on missed opportunities but still 4 points clear at the summit of the Isthmian Premier Division table. The squad will look to bounce back on New Year’s Day against Horsham.

Attendance: 1,236
Referee: Joseph Dann-Pye
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

Dover Athletic: 27 Jordan Gillmore, 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 3 Fuad Sesay, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 7 Luke Baptiste, 8 Alfie Matthews, 10 George Nikaj, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior, 23 George Wilkinson, 25 Charlie Naylor, 26 Jacob Mensah SUBS: 18 Henry Young, 5 Joe Tennent, 9 Eniye Amgbaduba, 15 Tamas Amgbaduba, 24 Francis Mampolo

Billericay Town: 1 Sam Donkin, 2 Montel McKenzie, 3 Jay Porter, 4 Matt Johnson, 9 Moses Emmanuel, 10 Frankie Merrifield, 11 De-Carrey Sheriff, 12 Tommy Davis, 19 Femi Akinwande, 22 Ben Steward, 23 Charlie Panton SUBS: 5 Aron Pollock, 14 Ade Azeez, 17 Tyrell Miller-Rodney, 18 Ashley Nzala, 25 Arjanit Krasniqi

Dover Athletic welcome Billericay to The Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic claimed a 2-0 win over Hastings United at The Pilot Field in a confident display. Luke Baptiste opened the scoring in the 14th minute, followed by a brilliant team goal finished by George Nikaj in the 29th. Hastings improved after halftime, creating chances but failing to capitalise as Dover’s defence held firm. Despite late pressure, Dover’s resilience ensured a clean sheet and all three points. A professional performance combined clinical first-half finishing with determined defending, keeping Dover firmly on track in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

Billericay Town

Yesterday, Billericay Town secured an impressive 3-0 home victory over Canvey Island. Tyrell Miller-Rodney opened the scoring early, followed by Tommy Davis doubling the lead with a striker-like finish. Canvey missed a chance to respond when Bradley Sach’s penalty was saved by Blues goalkeeper Donkin. Substitute Arj Krasniqi sealed the win with a stunning late free-kick. The Blues dominated much of the match, thwarting Canvey’s efforts and creating numerous opportunities.

Billericay Town currently sits 2nd in the Isthmian Premier League with 42 points from 21 matches. Recording 12 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses. At home, they have been particularly strong, securing 8 wins from 11 matches, while their away form is solid with 4 wins and 3 draws in 10 matches. Billericay has scored 39 goals and conceded 19, giving them a goal difference of +20.

Last 5

26/12 – Canvey Island (H) – Won 3-0
21/12 – Cray Wanderers (A) – Drew 1-1
14/12 – Hastings United (H) – Drew 1-1
07/12 – Wingate & Finchley (A) – Won 1-0
03/12 – Horsham (H) – Won 2-1
30/11 – Hendon (H) – Won 1-0

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Billericay to the Megger Community Stadium. More information on getting to the ground can be found here: https://doverathletic.com/visit-crabble/

Megger Community Stadium. Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 0JB.

Admission  

Adults: £15
Concessions: £14
U18: £9
U11: FREE with a paying adult

We now only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground.

Dover Athletic delivered a composed and professional performance at The Pilot Field to claim a 2-0 victory against Hastings United. First-half goals from Luke Baptiste and George Nikaj were enough to secure all three points.

The game began with Dover taking early control, capitalising on signs of nervousness from the hosts. A route-one attack nearly paid off in the 9th minute, but Luke Baptiste’s effort was blocked. Just five minutes later, Baptiste broke the deadlock with a well-taken goal, capitalising on Dover’s dominance in the early stages. The visitors continued to press and were rewarded again in the 29th minute with a moment of brilliance. George Nikaj finished off a stunning team move, topping off Dover’s fluid and cohesive attacking play.

Hastings United made three changes at halftime in an effort to regain control of the game. They started the second half with renewed energy and created several opportunities, coming close in the 51st and 53rd minutes. Despite the pressure, Dover’s defence, stood strong. Gillmore made a crucial save in the 77th minute to deny Hastings at the near post, preserving his side’s clean sheet.

As Hastings pushed forward in the final stages of the match, Dover dropped deeper to protect their lead. A chaotic scramble in the 79th minute somehow kept the ball out of Dover’s net, as the visitors held firm against a wave of Hastings attacks. In the closing minutes, Dover expertly managed the game, soaking up pressure and ensuring their two-goal advantage remained intact.

The result solidifies Dover’s position at the top of Isthmian League Premier Division going into a congested period of fixtures, with Billericay up next at Crabble.

Hastings United 0-2 Dover Athletic
Scorers: Baptiste (14′), Nikaj (29′)
Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 1,239
Venue: The Pilot Field

Hastings United: 1 Matt Kerbey, 2 Kane Penn, 3 George Walker, 4 Jack Dixon, 5 Finn O’Mara, 6 Sam Cruttwell, 7 Davide Rodari, 8 Ben Wells, 9 Will Harley, 10 Tommie Fagg, 11 Adam Lovatt (C) SUBS: 12 Kian Moynes, 14 Tom Howard, 15 Finley Chapman, 16 Freddie Legg, 17 Kyron McKay

Dover Athletic: 27 Jordan Gillmore, 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 3 Fuad Sesay, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 7 Luke Baptiste, 8 Alfie Matthews, 10 George Nikaj, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior (C), 13 George Wilkinson, 25 Charlie Naylor, 26 Jacob Mensah SUBS: 4 Jeremiah Gyebi, 5 Joe Tennent, 9 Eniye Amgbaduba, 15 Tamas Amgbaduba, 24 Francis Mampolo

Dover Athletic head down the coast to East Sussex to take on Hastings on Boxing Day.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a gritty 2-1 away win at Cheshunt, thanks to first-half goals from George Nikaj and Luke Baptiste. Nikaj opened the scoring in the 4th minute, finishing a Ruben Soares-Junior cross. Baptiste doubled the lead with a composed strike after a flowing move. Dover dominated the first half, nearly adding a third, while Cheshunt struggled to gain momentum. The hosts improved after the break, but Dover’s defence, led by Luca Cocoracchio, held firm. Uko Oji’s 83rd-minute goal sparked late drama, but Dover managed the final minutes expertly to claim the points.

From the Manager

“It’s going to be a big period for every club, there’s a lot of points to be won over this period. It’s really good to bounce back after last week and we’re looking forward to the 4 games coming up, obviously the boys enjoy being together and we’re looking forward to picking up points over the Christmas period”

Hastings

On Saturday, Hastings United fell 4-2 to Bowers & Pitsea despite a spirited fightback. After conceding two early goals, Fin Chapman pulled one back before halftime, setting up an exciting second half. Davide Rodari equalized in the 60th minute with a well-taken goal, giving Hastings hope. However, defensive lapses proved costly as Bowers scored twice late on, with Dexter Peter and Evan Kouassi sealing the visitors’ victory. Despite moments of promise, Hastings struggled to maintain momentum and were punished for errors in critical moments.

Hastings United currently sits in 18th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 20 points from 20 matches. Their campaign has been challenging, featuring 5 wins, 5 draws, and 10 losses. At home, they have secured 3 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses, while their away form reflects a similar struggle with 2 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses. Hastings has scored 22 goals but conceded 42, leaving them with a goal difference of -20.

Last 6

21/12 – Bowers & Pitsea (H) – Lost 2-4
14/12 – Billericay Town (A) – Drew 1-1
07/12 – Chichester City (A) – Won 3-2
03/12 – Cray Valley PM (H) – Drew 1-1 (Won 5-4 on penalties) (Alan Turvey Trophy)
30/11 – Dartford (H) – Lost 0-3
26/11 – Carshalton Athletic (H) – Drew 1-1

The Venue

Address:  Pilot Field, Elphinstone Road Hastings East Sussex TN34 2AX

More information: https://www.hastingsunited.com/club/getting-to-the-ground/

Admission  

Adult £12 (£13 on the day)
Concession £8 (£9 on the day)
U16 FREE

Buy online: https://hufc.onlineticketseller.com/events/94386

Turnstiles open at 12:30 Merchandise Shop, Burger & Tea Bar and Pilot Bar will be open

Matchday Programmes will be on sale £3.00

Dover Athletic claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Cheshunt, with first-half goals from George Nikaj and Luke Baptiste proving enough to secure the points, despite a late response from Uko Oji for the hosts.

The visitors started brightly and capitalised on their dominance in the early stages. Just four minutes in, Ruben Soares-Junior burst down the wing, delivering a pinpoint pass across the face of goal for Nikaj to slot home. It was a clinical finish from the forward, and it set the tone for a Dover side that looked full of intent.

Cheshunt struggled to find a foothold in the game, with Dover exploiting the wet and windy conditions to great effect. The Whites continued to press, and Baptiste nearly doubled the lead in the 18th minute with a curling effort that narrowly missed the far post.

Dover’s persistence paid off again in the 30th minute. A flowing move involving Nikaj, Alfie Matthews, and Baptiste saw the latter receive a clever through ball before firing past the Cheshunt goalkeeper to make it 2-0. The Whites could have added a third before the break, but Wilkinson’s diving header sailed over the bar.

Cheshunt came out with more urgency in the second half, but Dover’s defence, marshaled superbly by Luca Cocoracchio, stood firm. Cocoracchio made a crucial last-ditch tackle in the 63rd minute to deny the hosts a clear chance.

As the game wore on, Cheshunt began to throw more bodies forward. Substitute Uko Oji gave the home side hope in the 83rd minute, finding the back of the net to set up a tense finish. However, Dover managed the final minutes well, with Nikaj shielding the ball in the corner and the team showing resilience to secure the win.