Dover Athletic 2-0 Arsenal U18s
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 19 July 2025
Megger Community Stadium, Crabble
Attendance: 1,351
Dover Athletic continued their pre-season preparations with a well-earned 2-0 win over Arsenal U18s at Crabble, in a match that saw former Whites hero Adam Birchall return to his old club as coach of the visiting side.
Birchall – remembered fondly by Dover supporters for scoring 45 goals in the 2010/11 season – brought a talented Arsenal U18 squad to Kent, including recent professional signings Khari Ranson and Louis Zecevic John, while schoolboy Angelinou Pedro started at centre-back. In the second half, Emerson Nwaneri – younger brother of Arsenal first-team prospect Ethan Nwaneri – also featured.
Dover named a strong starting XI featuring ex-Gunner Alfie Matthews, who came through Arsenal’s academy alongside Bukayo Saka. Matthews was lively from the off, forcing a save after just six minutes as the Whites made the early running.
The breakthrough came in the 15th minute. George Nikaj saw his initial strike cannon off the post, but Luke Baptiste was alert to fire home the rebound from close range to give the home side a deserved lead.
Dover maintained control throughout the first half. Matthews saw another effort saved following a clever free-kick routine, while Nikaj went close with a curling attempt just before the break. Arsenal’s best chance of the half saw goalkeeper Mitch Walker make an excellent save to punch clear from a dangerous attack shortly before the interval.
At half-time, Dover introduced new signings Jalen Jones and Mo Jallow, and began the second period brightly. Matthews nearly doubled the lead with a half-volley that flew inches wide after a pinpoint corner delivery.
Midway through the second half, Dover extended their advantage. Substitute Francis Mampolo won a penalty after being brought down inside the area. The winger calmly stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and put Dover 2-0 up.
Further substitutions disrupted the flow of the game, but the Whites continued to press for a third. Arsenal enjoyed more possession but were unable to break down a resolute Dover defence, with substitute goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo, introduced late on, managing a quiet spell between the sticks.
In the closing stages, Dover saw out the game comfortably, with solid defending and composed possession frustrating their young visitors.
A solid workout for Jake Leberl’s side, who now look ahead to hosting Bracknell Town next Saturday.
Dover Athletic Starting XI:
Walker; Charles-Cook, Sesay, Hanson, Tennent, Beadle, Wilkinson, Matthews, Soares-Junior, Nikaj, Baptiste.
Subs Used: Lukombo, Jones, Boakye-Sarfo, Mensah, Jallow, Sheriff, Coker, Mampolo, Cocoracchio, Fiddes, Trialist.
Arsenal U18s XI:
Ranson, King, Onyekachukwu, Pedro, Ogunnaike, Murisa, Hashi, Marciniak, O’Neill, Zecevic John, Bailey Joseph.
Next Fixture:
Dover Athletic vs Bracknell Town
Saturday 26 July 2025 3pm, Megger Community Stadium