Dover are back at the Megger Community Stadium once again for another big Kent Derby against Dartford. After a disappointing FA Cup exit in midweek, The Whites turn their attention back to the Isthmian Premier Division campaign.
Dover Athletic
On Tuesday, Dover hosted Kent rivals Sittingbourne in an FA Cup First Qualifying Round replay at Crabble. Sittingbourne dominated early, quickly taking the lead with a header that looped over Walker. Dover struggled in the first half, only coming close when Soares-Junior hit the post. In the second half, Matthews tried to inspire a comeback with several chances, including a long-range shot that hit the bar. Manager Jake Leberl’s substitutions injected energy, but Dover couldn’t find a breakthrough. Despite late pressure and a penalty shout, Dover’s FA Cup run ended as Sittingbourne held on to progress to the next round.
Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.
From the Manager
“The boys have given a hell of a lot, there’s a lot of tired boys, we have a few niggles as well, so we’re seeing where we are at training on Thursday. We’ve got to get over disappointments, never too high, never too low. We’ve started off incredibly well in the league and this is the first real big disappointment. On Tuesday, for the first time, for the first game, I actually didn’t see us scoring and we have scored in every game so far, and that happens. Like I say, it’s how we react to that, how the boys react to that. We’ve got to dust ourselves down and regroup and go again.”
Dartford
Dartford FC, who came down to the Isthmian Premier Division with us, have had a strong start to their season, winning four of their first five league matches. They secured away victories against Cray Valley (2-1) and Carshalton Athletic (1-0), and home wins over Canvey Island (2-0) and Chatham Town (3-1). Their only setback came in a 0-1 home loss to Potters Bar Town.
Last Saturday, Dartford cruised to a dominant 6-2 victory over Marlow in the FA Cup at Princes Park. The match began with Dartford asserting control early on, and despite Marlow’s brief resistance, Eddie Dsane opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a clinical finish. Olly Box added a second just before halftime, putting Dartford firmly in control.
After the break, Dartford quickly extended their lead, with Box scoring again in the 49th minute. Although Marlow pulled one back through a penalty by Kareem Akinnibi, Dartford responded with three more goals, including a brace from Ben Allen and a late strike from Callum Jones. Dartford’s comprehensive performance secured their place in the next round.
Head to Head
17 Feb 2024 Dover 1-2 Dartford
28 Aug 2023 Dartford 2-0 Dover
10 Apr 2023 Dartford 2-1 Dover
13 Sep 2022 Dover 1-3 Dartford
13 Dec 2016 Dover 1-2 Dartford
10 Dec 2016 Dartford 1-1 Dover
17 Jan 2015 Dover 6-1 Dartford
16 Sep 2014 Dartford 2-1 Dover
Kit
Dover Athletic will line up in our white and black home kit, with our goalkeeper in pink. Dartford play in all blue.
The Venue
We look forward to welcoming Dartford 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.