Dover head to Cray Wanderers in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a crucial 1-0 win over Dulwich Hamlet at the Megger Community Stadium, with Luca Cocoracchio’s 12th-minute strike proving the difference on a packed Community Day. The defender calmly chipped home after a scramble in the box to net his first goal of the season. Dover dominated large spells, striking the woodwork and forcing several saves from Dulwich keeper Dillon Barnes. Despite late pressure, including a last-gasp effort against the post, Dover held firm for a deserved victory.

In the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic’s long unbeaten run ended with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cray Wanderers at Crabble in a fiery Isthmian Premier clash. Despite dominating for long spells and creating multiple chances, Dover were undone by Kenny Coker’s 47th-minute strike. The Whites started brightly, with early efforts from George Nikaj and Ruben Soares-Junior, but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Luke Baptiste’s header hit the bar late on, while Francis Mampolo went close.

From the Management

“This is a young group, and I keep mentioning how young the group is, but the expectations on this group were low at the start of the year. I think they have to get massive credit with how well we’ve done this year. We’ve got to keep working, keep trying to pick up wins in the last six games, and who knows where it can take us.” – Mike Sandmann

Cray Wanderers

Cray Wanderers relegated Bowers & Pitsea with a 4-0 win on Non-League Day, powered by Nyren Clunis’ 16-minute second-half hat-trick. Ike Orji opened the scoring just before half-time, and Clunis struck three times after the break to seal the result. It was a good win for Cray following manager Neil Smith’s departure, with assistant Tim O’Shea stepping in. Bowers, winless in 2025, battled but couldn’t stop their slide. New loanee Kivalli Heywood impressed, while Cray gave debuts to several U23s

Cray Wanderers sit in 11th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 54 points from 36 matches. Their record includes 16 wins, 6 draws, and 14 defeats. At home, they’ve been solid, winning 8 of 18 matches, while away from home they’ve matched that with another 8 wins from 18. They’ve scored 46 goals and conceded 40, giving them a goal difference of +6. Although not in the playoff spots, Cray Wanderers remain competitive in mid-table and will be hoping for a strong finish to the season to push further up the standings.

Last 6

22/03 – Bowers & Pitsea (H) – Won 4-0
15/03 – Carshalton Athletic (A) – Lost 1-2
08/03 – Canvey Island (H) – Won 3-1
01/03 – Chichester City (A) – Lost 1-2
22/02 – Folkestone Invicta (H) – Won 3-2
15/02 – Cheshunt (H) – Won 2-1

The Venue

Flamingo Park
Sidcup Bypass
Chislehurst
BR7 6HL

Admission  

Adult – £12.00
Concession (16-18 yrs & over 65) – £6.00
Under 16s – £0.00

Buy online via fanbase, see link:
https://www.cray-wanderers.com/tickets/

Alfie Matthews catches up with Justin Allen to reflect on a big win over Dulwich on Non-League Day, looks ahead to the run-in, his recent relocation and future

Dover Athletic returned to winning ways with a gritty 1-0 victory over Dulwich Hamlet at the Megger Community Stadium, thanks to a first-half strike from Luca Cocoracchio on a lively Community Day in front of over 3,000 supporters.

Jake Leberl named an unchanged XI from the midweek defeat to Chatham, and the response from his players was immediate and determined. Dover started the match shooting towards the Town End, and after surviving some early pressure from the visitors, the home side settled into the contest.

Dulwich’s Dillon Barnes was called into action early, tipping over a long-range effort inside the opening minutes, while Dover came close through Ryan Hanson after a flurry of corners. But it was Cocoracchio who made the breakthrough on 12 minutes. Following a goalmouth scramble, the midfielder showed composure to lift the ball over Barnes and into the net — his first goal of the season, and one greeted with jubilation from the home support.

Dover looked dangerous from set pieces throughout the first half, with Luke Baptiste and Ruben Soares-Junior offering width and energy, while Alfie Matthews battled through an early knock to keep the visitors pinned back.

Dulwich were forced into an early substitution as Kreshnic Krasniqi limped off after 28 minutes, replaced by Ryley Scott. Soon after, Luke Wanadio went into the referee’s book for a late challenge on goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore.

As the half drew to a close, Dover nearly doubled their lead — Baptiste, finding plenty of joy down the left, delivered a pinpoint cross to Hanson, whose shot was well-blocked. Three minutes were added, and Dulwich made a second change as David Bremang came on for Amaru Kaunda.

The second half saw Dover start brightly again. Baptiste struck the post with a fierce drive on 47 minutes as the home side looked to kill the game. Dulwich responded with several efforts from range, but Gillmore remained solid between the sticks.

Cocoracchio, not content with just his goal, turned provider with a slick through ball to Soares-Junior, who forced an excellent save from Barnes as Dover pressed for a second. Substitutions followed for both sides — Kweku Lucan for Dover and Louis Ramsay was introduced as Dulwich reshuffled in search of a reply.

Matthews, before being withdrawn late on, saw a powerful header saved, and Baptiste continued to threaten, slicing narrowly wide after a driving run. The Whites created enough chances to put the game to bed, but Barnes kept Dulwich in it with a string of strong saves.

As the match wore on, Dover managed the game well, with Gillmore’s command of his area and some disciplined defending keeping Dulwich at bay. There was a late scare in stoppage time when Dulwich struck the upright in the dying seconds, but Dover held firm to claim a vital three points in their promotion push.

The win lifts Dover further in the play-off places and marked another successful Community Day, organised by the club’s Community Engagement and Inclusion Officer, Vikki Pawley — a day to remember both on and off the pitch.

Dover Athletic: Gillmore, Charles-Cook, Sesay, Mensah, Tennent, Cocoracchio, Baptiste, Matthews (Wilkinson 88mins), Nikaj (Lucan 65mins), Soares-Junior, Hanson. Subs not used: T.Amgbaduba, E.Amgbaduba, Mampolo.

Dulwich Hamlet: Barnes, Williams-Bushell, Wanadio, Chambers, Mason (Porter 79mins), Mills, Bonnett-Johnson (Ramsay 66mins), Marshall, Krasqini (Scott 28mins), Binnon-Williams, Kaunda (Bremang 46mins). Sub not used: Adepoju.

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 3,021
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: David Spain
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

Dover Athletic welcome Dulwich Hamlet to The Megger Community Stadium.

Community Day

Gates open at 1pm, with live music from Taylor Clark and free face painting in the Centre Spot. We’ve given out 1,000 adult and child tickets to local schools and community groups, with every child receiving a DAFC goodie bag full of treats and merchandise. This is also our ‘Food Bank Fixture’ in partnership with Dover Food Bank, encouraging fans to bring food donations. We’re also supporting Prostate Cancer UK, with donation buckets around the ground. After the game, players will be in the Centre Spot for photos, autographs, and meet & greets. And of course, Dover Athletic’s mascot, Captain Crab, will be making an appearance.

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday, Dover Athletic suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chatham Town at Crabble, with Trevon Bryan’s 28th-minute strike proving decisive after a defensive mistake. Dover dominated much of the game, creating several chances, but failed to convert. Nikaj and Soares-Junior went close, while Matthews forced a fine save. The second half saw frequent stoppages, disrupting Dover’s rhythm, as Chatham slowed the game. Hanson had a late effort blocked, but despite nine minutes of added time, the hosts couldn’t find an equaliser.

In our previous encounter with Dulwich, Dover Athletic overcame an early own goal to secure a dominant 4-1 win. Dulwich took an early lead after Luca Cocoracchio’s own goal, but Dover responded with intensity. Ruben Soares-Junior equalised before halftime, and George Nikaj put Dover ahead with a precise strike. Alfie Matthews added a stunning volley, and Soares-Junior sealed the win with a clever flick. Despite strong home support, Dulwich struggled against Dover’s relentless attack, leaving the visitors firmly in control of the title race.

From The Manager

“Community Days here at Dover are really good and obviously Dulwich are a big club. So we are looking forward to that, and hopefully we can get a reaction and three points on the board.”

Dulwich Hamlet

In their last outing, A late penalty from Vas Vasiliou secured Cheshunt a dramatic 1-0 win over Dulwich Hamlet at Champion Hill. Dulwich dominated much of the game, with Amaru Kaunda and David Bremang going close in the first half. In the 48th minute, Dulwich earned a penalty, but ex-Hamlet keeper R’avan Constable saved Bremang’s effort after receiving advice from the Cheshunt bench. The game remained tense until the 90th minute when a handball in the Dulwich box gifted Cheshunt a penalty, which Vasiliou calmly converted. Despite controlling the match, Dulwich were left heartbroken by the last-minute defeat.

Dulwich Hamlet sits in 16th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 40 points from 35 matches. Their season has been inconsistent, with 11 wins, 7 draws, and 17 losses. At home, they have managed 7 wins from 17 matches, while their away form has been weaker, with just 4 wins in 18 games. They have scored 52 goals but conceded 64, leaving them with a goal difference of -12.

Last 6

16/03 – Cheshunt (H) – Lost 0-1
12/03 – Potters Bar Town (A) – Won 1-0
08/03 – Hashtag United (A) – Drew 3-3
01/03 – Lewes (H) – Lost 1-3
25/02 – Charlton (A) – Won 2-0 (London Senior Cup Quarter-final)
15/02 – Hastings United (A) – Drew 0-0

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Chatham 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 welcome Chatham to The Megger Community Stadium in our rearranged Isthmian Premier Division fixture.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic fell 2-1 to Cray Valley PM despite taking the lead early in the second half. Goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo conceded a penalty in the opening minute but redeemed himself with a crucial save. Dover defended well in a scrappy first half, with Ruben Soares-Junior and George Nikaj coming close. Soares-Junior struck in the 56th minute, but Cray equalized two minutes later before netting the winner in the 72nd. Dover pushed for an equaliser but couldn’t break through, with Cray nearly adding a third late on.

In our previous encounter with Chatham this season Dover played to a 1-1 draw in a competitive Isthmian League Premier Division clash at The Bauvill Stadium, watched by 1,903 fans. Chatham dominated early possession but couldn’t break Dover’s defence, with the first half ending goalless. Jack Evans gave Chatham the lead in the 51st minute with a curling strike, but Dover responded swiftly as George Nikaj equalised in the 64th. Both sides pushed for a winner, but resolute defending and key saves ensured the points were shared.

Chatham

On Saturday, Chatham earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Bognor. Freddie Sears put the Chats ahead just before halftime, punishing defensive confusion. Bognor responded after the break, but Higgs leveled with a composed finish following excellent work on the right. Chatham looked the more dangerous side late on but couldn’t find a winner. In front of 1,608 fans at the Bauvill Stadium, the Chats showed resilience and control in midfield. Despite Bognor’s improvement under new management, Chatham’s defensive discipline and attacking intent ensured a valuable away point.

Chatham Town currently sits in 12th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 49 points from 34 matches. Their season has been mixed, with 13 wins, 10 draws, and 11 losses. At home, they have won 9 out of 18 matches, while their away form has seen 4 wins in 16 games. They have scored 61 goals but conceded 45, giving them a goal difference of +16.

Last 6

16/03 – Bognor Regis Town (H) – Drew 1-1
12/03 – Hendon (H) – Won 2-1 (Alan Turvey Trophy Semi-final)
08/03 – Whitehawk (A) – Won 2-0
04/03 – Hastings United (H) – Won 2-0
01/03 – Cheshunt (H) – Won 4-1
15/02 – Horsham (A) – Drew 1-1

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Chatham 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.

Ryan Hanson is delighted to be back at his home-town club Dover Athletic.

And he sat down to catch up with Justin Allen on DAFCtv to speak about his return.

The box-to-box midfielder – who made a goalscoring impact in his first game in the 2-0 win against Bowers & Pitsea – is on loan from Tonbridge until the end of the season.

In an in-depth interview, Hanson talks through his career – from being a kid with Dover Rangers, his time with Crystal Palace to then being around the first-team squad at Hull.

The Dover-raised player – who lives in River – talks through his first spell with the club which coincided with one of the toughest times in the club’s history in the National League during the Covid period and the fallout from that.

Hanson impressed enough though to be snapped up by Torquay before returning to Kent with Tonbridge.

Injury has hampered his progress but he is still ambitious and wants to become a professional again.

And he also speaks about his future plans.

Dover head to Cray Valley PM in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic ended a five-match winless streak with a crucial 2-0 victory over bottom club Bowers & Pitsea at Crabble. Ryan Hanson opened the scoring early before Luke Baptiste secured the win before half-time. The visitors almost stunned the crowd when Alfie Evans hit the crossbar, but Dover responded quickly. Baptiste’s relentless pressing earned him his 17th goal of the season. The Whites pushed for a third, with Matthews and Soares-Junior going close, but the win and a second consecutive clean sheet were secured.

In the reverse fixture Dover Athletic were denied victory in dramatic fashion as Cray Valley PM snatched a 2-2 draw with a last-gasp equaliser in a thrilling Isthmian League clash. Ruben Soares-Junior’s stunning overhead kick gave Dover an early lead, but Cray Valley pressed hard. Freddie Parker missed a penalty before Matthew Vigor equalised late on. Dover thought they had won when Roman Charles-Cook scored in stoppage time, but Mohammed Idris Oshilaja’s audacious backheel rescued a point for Cray.

From the Manager

“We’ve got nine to go. There’s still 27 points to play for, still a lot of football to be played. It’s just pleasing that the last couple of games we haven’t let any sloppy goals in because obviously that was becoming our Achilles heel a little bit. We’re looking strong, and I always thought we’d finish the season strong. But we’ve got some tough games coming up, and obviously Cray have had an amazing season. It’s going to be very difficult, but we’re really looking forward to that one.”

“As we approach the business end of the season, every game matters. Your support from the stands plays a key role in driving the success of this team going forward. We encourage all fans to get behind the players in a positive and respectful way. We also remind everyone to represent the club responsibly and ensure good behaviour on the terraces. Let’s create an atmosphere that helps the team perform at their best. See you at the game.”

Cray Valley PM

The Millers secured their first win since January 25th, ending a six-game drought with a 2-0 victory over Potters Bar. Captain Kiki Oshilaja scrambled home the opener from a corner before Tom Beere sealed the win with a fine finish from Barney Williams’ pass. Goalkeeper Harrison Chamberlain made vital saves, first at 0-0 and again in stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet. Dan Bowry saw red late on for a second yellow, but the Millers held firm to take all three points back to South East London.

Cray Valley PM sits in 4th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 62 points from 34 matches. Their season has been solid, with 17 wins, 11 draws, and 6 losses. At home, they have been strong, winning 9 of 17 matches, while their away form has also been commendable with 8 wins in 17 games. They have scored 64 goals and conceded 47, leaving them with a goal difference of +17.

Last 6

08/03 – Potters Bar Town (A) – Won 2-0
04/03 – Hendon (H) – Drew 1-1
01/03 – Hastings United (H) – Drew 1-1
22/02 – Horsham (A) – Lost 1-2
15/02 – Chichester City (A) – Drew 2-2
04/02 – Lewes (H) – Drew 0-0

The Venue

The Artic Stadium, Badgers Sports, Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, SE9 5HP

More information: https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/a/ground-directions-57003.html

Admission  

Adult: £12
Concessions (65+ / 16-17 / Students): £7
Children 11-15: £5
Children U11: Free

Pay cash or card on the gate or help reduce the queues and save yourself some time by buying online via fanbase, see link
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures

Dover Athletic returned to winning ways with a much-needed 2-0 victory over bottom club Bowers & Pitsea at Crabble, ending a five-match winless streak and securing their first home triumph since mid-November. Former captain Ryan Hanson marked his return to the side in style, opening the scoring early on, before Luke Baptiste doubled the lead before half-time to ensure Jake Leberl’s side strengthened their promotion push.

The visitors, despite their lowly league position, started brightly and almost stunned the home crowd of 661 in just the fourth minute when Alfie Evans’ ambitious strike rattled the crossbar with Claudio Boakye-Sarfo beaten.

But Dover, desperate for three points, responded swiftly and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. A cross from the right caused problems for the Bowers defence, and when the clearance fell invitingly, Hanson showed great determination to beat Luca Albon to the ball, sending a looping header beyond goalkeeper David Hughes.

The home side’s momentum continued, and they nearly doubled their advantage five minutes later, with Hughes denying Baptiste at his near post. Bowers suffered an early setback when Albon was forced off through injury, replaced by Kai Redgrave.

Dover’s second goal arrived soon after and came courtesy of relentless pressing high up the pitch. A combination of top scorer George Nikaj and Alfie Matthews forced an error, allowing Baptiste to race through and drill an assured finish into the bottom corner for his 17th goal of an impressive season.

The Whites remained on the front foot, with Matthews going closest to a third when his strike cannoned off the crossbar. Captain Ruben Soares-Junior then saw his header drift wide before Nikaj, who had looked lively throughout, spurned a glorious opportunity, breaking free from the offside trap but seeing his effort smothered by Hughes.

Bowers struggled to create clear-cut chances but nearly found a way back into the contest before half-time when George Scales’ long-range effort whistled just past Boakye-Sarfo’s right-hand post. The second half saw Dover manage the game well, although there was concern when Hanson pulled up with a groin issue while stretching to cut out a pass. However, the midfielder was able to continue before being substituted later in the half.

Soares-Junior was denied by Hughes’ legs after a strong run from the left, while at the other end, Boakye-Sarfo produced a smart stop to keep out TQ Addy after a dangerous free-kick delivery fell his way.Leberl’s side continued to push for a third, with Baptiste going close once again, dragging a shot inches wide following good play from Matthews and Soares-Junior.

The hosts had further opportunities in stoppage time, with defender Fuad Sesay missing the target from close range before Hughes made a fine late save to prevent substitute Eniye Amgbaduba from adding a third. Nevertheless, Dover had done enough to claim all three points, securing a second consecutive clean sheet in the process.

Next up, the Whites face a crucial trip to fellow play-off hopefuls Cray Valley before returning to Crabble for a rearranged Kent derby against Chatham Town on March 18.

Former Dover player Ryan Hanson has rejoined the club on loan from Tonbridge Angels until the end of the season.

The 24 year-old midfielder began his career at Crystal Palace as a youth before moving on to Hull City where he was a regular in their Under-23 side. On his release from the EFL club in the summer of 2021, he joined his hometown club of Dover Athletic, where he had previously spent a loan spell and in season 2021/22 he made 26 appearances for the Whites.

A good season attracted the attention of Torquay United and he signed for the then National League club during the summer of 2022. He signed for Tonbridge during the 23/24 season.

We can also confirm the departure of midfielder Charlie Naylor. We thank Charlie for his efforts this season and wish him all the best going forward.