Dover Athletic return to Crabble on Saturday looking to bounce back from their FA Cup exit with a crucial National League South clash against Hampton & Richmond Borough. The Whites face a tough test against a Hampton side that have started the campaign strongly. Jake Leberl’s men will be aiming to replicate the spirit shown in last weekend’s league win at Farnborough as they seek to build momentum in front of the home supporters.

Community Day

Saturday’s fixture has been designated as our first Community Day of the season, with plenty happening both on and off the pitch. Gates open at 1pm, with a children’s disco in the Centre Spot and a face-painting stall inside the ground. We’ve given out over 1,000 free tickets to local schools, community groups and the care sector, while goodie bags will be available for young supporters on the day.

This is also our Food Bank Fixture in partnership with Dover Food Bank – we’re encouraging fans to bring food donations. After the match, players will head into the Centre Spot for photos, autographs, and meet & greets. And of course, our mascot Captain Crab will be there to join the fun!

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic’s FA Cup journey ended with a 4–1 defeat at Farnborough. After a bright start, the Whites went ahead on 26 minutes when Ruben Soares-Junior volleyed home. The lead was short-lived as Dominic Poleon equalised four minutes later before Mason Bloomfield fired the hosts ahead from a corner. Dover pushed after the break but Poleon struck again on 54 minutes, finishing at the second attempt. Chasing the game, Dover were caught late on when Rakish Bingham sealed Farnborough’s passage to the next round. Jake Leberl’s side now turn their focus back to league action at Crabble against Hampton & Richmond.

From the Management

“Obviously, we’re back in league action against Hampton & Richmond. I think the boys know – we all know – that if you’re not at it from the first minute to the last, you’ll get found out. And we definitely got found out against Farnborough on Saturday.”

Hampton & Richmond Borough

Hampton & Richmond Borough came from behind to progress in the Emirates FA Cup with a 4–2 victory over AFC Croydon Athletic at the Beveree. The visitors struck first when Luke Dreher fired home after 24 minutes, but Hampton levelled quickly through Reece Grego-Cox. Croydon regained the lead before half-time via Kadell Daniel, leaving the Beavers with work to do after the break. Sam Deadfield equalised on 62 minutes before substitute Craig Fasanmade put the hosts ahead six minutes later. Another replacement, Ronan Silva, sealed the win late on with Hampton’s fourth, capping a strong second-half fightback in front of 446 fans.

Hampton & Richmond Borough arrive at Crabble with a radically reshaped squad after last season’s struggles, which saw them lose 15 of their final 17 games and finish 18th in National League South. Manager Alan Julian, who stepped into the dugout after ending a 20-year playing career, has overseen wholesale changes with more than a dozen new arrivals. Experienced campaigners such as Alan Massey and Rohan Ince add pedigree, while former Hastings forward Davide Rodari and ex-Daggers striker Reece Grego-Cox provide attacking options. Borough’s heavy turnover brings unpredictability, but they will be determined to steady the ship this term.

Last Six

Hampton & Richmond 2–1 Dagenham & Redbridge (23 Aug, National League South)

Chesham United 1–2 Hampton & Richmond (25 Aug, National League South)

Hampton & Richmond 3–2 Ebbsfleet United (30 Aug, National League South)

Hampton & Richmond 2–2 Torquay United (2 Sept, National League South)

Chippenham Town 1–1 Hampton & Richmond (6 Sept, National League South)

Hampton & Richmond 4–2 AFC Croydon Athletic (13 Sept, FA Cup Second Qualifying Round)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Hampton 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.