Enterprise National League South – Saturday 9 August 2025
Megger Community Stadium – 3pm Kick-Off
The wait is over. This Saturday marks Dover Athletic’s long-awaited return to the National League South, and we kick off the new campaign at home to newly promoted AFC Totton.
After bouncing back to Step 2 at the first time of asking through the Isthmian Premier play-offs, Jake Leberl’s side will be hoping to carry the momentum into a fresh start.
Pre-Season Recap
It’s been a mixed bag in terms of summer results for the Whites, but plenty of positives have emerged. We started July with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Faversham Town, before League 2 neighbours Gillingham edged us out in a narrow 1-0 defeat. That was followed by a resounding 6-0 victory over Deal Town. A professional 2-0 win followed in our fourth fixture, with a brace of goals seeing off our opponents. In the latter stages of pre-season, we shared the spoils in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Bracknell Town and were narrowly beaten 4-3 by local rivals Folkestone Invicta. But we signed off strongly, putting in an encouraging performance to defeat Margate 3-1 just one week before the league curtain-raiser.
AFC Totton
Our visitors today, AFC Totton, come into the division full of confidence after a dramatic play-off triumph last term. Having fallen just short in 2023/24 – losing the previous year’s final on penalties – the Stags were determined not to miss out again. After finishing second in the Southern League Premier South with 88 points, they mounted a stunning comeback in the play-off semi-finals, overturning a 2-0 deficit in stoppage time to beat Dorchester Town 4-3 after extra time. The ever-dangerous Charlie Austin scored the crucial winner that night, and he was again on the scoresheet in their 1-0 final victory over Gloucester City.
Manager Jimmy Ball has assembled a dangerous outfit with some real pedigree. Son of World Cup winner Alan Ball, Jimmy has coached at Forest Green Rovers, Portsmouth, and Stevenage, among others, and brings tactical nous and professionalism to the Hampshire club. Much like ourselves, Totton are not here to make up the numbers – and could prove a tough test for any side in this division.
From the Gaffer
Jake Leberl’s pre-match message to supporters is clear – the team is prepared, the squad is hungry, and the backing of the fans will again be vital this season.
“Pre-season has been a bit stop-start, but we’re happy with where we are. The new lads have settled in really well, and we’re pleased to have kept the core of last year’s group. The pitch is in great condition, and there’s a buzz around the place. We know the National League South is a big step up, but we’re here to compete and push forward. We’ll need your support again – so get behind the lads and let’s make this a season to remember.”
The Venue
We look forward to welcoming AFC Totton 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: £18
Concessions: £17
U18: £10
U11: FREE with a paying adult
We only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground.
Join us as we begin a brand new chapter, together.
Come on you Whites.