AFC Totton and Dover Athletic meet on Saturday with just two points separating the sides in the National League South table, setting up a tightly poised contest. Totton come into the fixture in 14th place with 36 points from 26 matches, while Dover sit just below them in 15th on 34 points, having played one game more. With both teams looking to pull clear of those around them, the stakes are high as two evenly matched sides go head-to-head, knowing that a positive result could provide valuable momentum heading into the next run of fixtures.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic were beaten by two second-half goals at Dagenham & Redbridge after a competitive first half. The Whites made a positive start and created chances through Nikaj and Sheriff, while Walker was called into action at the other end. With little to separate the sides at the break, Dagenham increased the pressure after half-time and broke the deadlock just after the hour when Stephenson headed home from a cross. Dover battled to respond but were unable to halt the momentum, and a late finish from Harrack sealed the result.

From the Management

“On Saturday we’ve got Totton away. They beat us on the opening day of the season. Do we want to go there and try to get three points? Absolutely. We said in there that the second-half performance against Dagenham and the character shown were similar to the first half against Totton at home. We know what Totton are about, and we’re going to have to be a lot better than we were on Tuesday if we want to get anything from the game.”

AFC Totton

AFC Totton suffered a frustrating 4–1 defeat away at Tonbridge Angels after a damaging second-half collapse. Despite dominating possession early on, The Stags fell behind against the run of play when Marcus Sablier finished from close range. Totton responded quickly through Ash Clarke, who calmly converted one-on-one to level the scores. The visitors moved the ball well before the break but lacked a cutting edge. Tonbridge emerged strongly after half-time and regained the lead through Frankie Baker before goals from Bunmi Babajide and Ricky Korboa put the result beyond doubt. A second half to forget for Totton.

Last Time

The last time the sides met, on the opening day of the season, Dover Athletic were edged out 3–2 by AFC Totton at the Megger Community Stadium after a difficult first half. Totton dominated early and raced into a three-goal lead before the break through Batzelis, Haunstrup and Vigrass. Dover struggled to match the visitors’ energy but improved after the interval following a number of changes. The introduction of Mampolo sparked a late revival, with Nikaj pulling a goal back before adding a second deep into stoppage time. Despite a frantic finish, Totton held on, leaving Dover to rue a flat opening 45 minutes.

Last Six

Woking 2–0 AFC Totton (13 Dec, FA Trophy Third Round)
AFC Totton 1–0 Torquay United (20 Dec, National League South)
Salisbury 3–1 AFC Totton (26 Dec, National League South)
AFC Totton 1–1 Chippenham Town (30 Dec, National League South)
AFC Totton 3–2 Enfield (3 Jan, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 4–1 AFC Totton (17 Jan, National League South)

The Venue

The Snows Stadium
Salisbury Road
Totton
Southampton
SO40 2RW

More info: https://www.afctotton.com/club-info/snows-stadium

Admission  

Matchday tickets can be purchased online , and fans can also pay at the turnstile using cash or card. There are 4 turnstiles at the ground.

https://afctotton.ticketco.events/uk/en

Tickets purchased in advance:
Adults – £15
Over 65s & students, Concession – £11
Registered Disabled, Concession – £11
Child (5-17 years) – £6 
All under 5’s FREE with accompanied adult

Due to increased staffing and operational costs on Matchdays, the prices on the gate are as follows:

Adults – £17
Over 65s & students, Concession – £13
Registered Disabled, Concession – £13
Child (5-17 years) – £8 
All under 5’s FREE with accompanied adult

Dover Athletic were left empty-handed at the Chigwell Construction Stadium as Dagenham & Redbridge struck twice in the second half to claim the points, despite a competitive and evenly matched opening 45 minutes.

The Whites started positively and caused early problems from set plays, with Beadle’s long throw inside the opening three minutes leading to the first corner of the evening. Dagenham responded with a spell of possession, but Jones was well positioned to clear a dangerous cross as the hosts looked to settle into the contest.

The first real attempt of the match came just after the 10-minute mark when Haigh fired over from distance, before Walker was called into action moments later, saving sharply at his near post after Stephenson found space inside the box.

Dover’s first effort arrived on 20 minutes, Nikaj trying his luck from range, though the shot was comfortably gathered by Howes. That sparked a lively spell in the game, with both sides exchanging chances. Dagenham came closest on 25 minutes when Haigh cut inside and rattled the crossbar with a curling effort, while at the other end Sodje delivered low into the box and Nikaj just failed to keep his effort down.

The Whites continued to threaten from wide areas and set pieces. Sheriff saw a powerful header tipped over following a dangerous delivery from Nikaj, and moments later Dover went agonisingly close to taking the lead when Nikaj met a cross unmarked inside the area, only for Howes to produce an acrobatic save to keep the scores level heading into the break.

At half-time there was little to separate the sides, with Dover more than holding their own against a well-organised home outfit.

The second half began with Dagenham applying sustained pressure, pinning Dover back and delivering regularly from wide areas. Walker was again called upon early, dealing with a deflected effort before Dover stood firm through a spell of corners and free kicks.

The breakthrough came just past the hour mark. A well-worked move down the flank saw a pinpoint cross delivered by Young, allowing Stephenson the space to rise and power a header beyond Walker to give the hosts the lead.

Dover responded by making changes, introducing Matthews for Coker, but momentum continued to favour Dagenham. Walker produced an excellent save to deny Haigh from a free kick on the edge of the box, while Beadle was required to make a crucial block on the line as the pressure mounted.

Further substitutions followed as Soares-Junior replaced Cocoracchio, but the hosts sealed the contest with six minutes remaining. Leech did well to pull the ball back across the area, where Harrack arrived to sweep a first-time finish into the top corner, leaving Dover with too much to do late on.

Despite late efforts to push forward, Dover were unable to find a route back into the game, with yellow cards shown to Charles-Cook and Hanson during a scrappy closing period.

A travelling contingent of 92 supporters were in attendance as part of a crowd of 1,125. Dover Athletic now turn their attention to Saturday’s trip to Totton, looking to respond quickly on the road.

Dover Athletic: 1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 4 Jones, 16 Beadle, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 25 Hanson, 7 Baptiste, 11 Sheriff, 9 Coker and 10 Nikaj. Substitutes: Gillmore, Matthews, Gurung, Soares-Junior, Mensah, Wilkinson and Mampolo.

Dagenham & Redbridge: 13 Howes, 3 Maghoma, 5 Graham, 6 Panter, 11 Haigh, 18 Stephenson, 20 Harrack, 21 Broad, 23 Lawless, 29 Leech and 38 Dieng (C). Substitutes: Nightingale, Lusala, Marsh, Scott, N’Guessan, De Silva and Young.

Fancy watching the Whites take on Torquay in style? Of course you do.

The boys will be looking to put on a show and where else would you rather watch it than here with us.

Watch the game from the best seats in the house and let our match day hospitality provide the ultimate way to spend your time with us.

The package includes:

• Lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game
• A one-course meal served at your table
• Reserved undercover premium padded seating
• Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water, plus a dedicated paid bar before and after the match
• Complimentary match day programme

The very special experience costs £20 per person and is available for individual and group bookings, or as a gift voucher.

Please note that this price does NOT include entry for non-season ticket holders who do attend, and they will still need to pay at the turnstile on the day.

On the menu for the game will be :

Main: Cottage Pie served with Peas, Carrots and Gravy.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email enquiries@doverathletic.com or call the office on 01304 822373

Dover Athletic make the trip to Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday night for a tightly poised National League South fixture between two sides separated by just a single point. The Whites head to Victoria Road sitting 14th with 34 points from 26 matches, narrowly ahead of the Daggers in 15th. With both teams having won eight games this season and little to choose between them in the standings, it sets the scene for a competitive contest as Dover look to build on recent momentum on the road.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic ended their losing run with a hard-fought 1–0 National League South victory over Bath City at the Megger Community Stadium. The decisive moment came early, as Jones headed home from a Sodje corner to give the Whites an eighth-minute lead. Dover controlled much of the first half and went close through Nikaj and Baptiste but could not extend their advantage. Bath applied pressure after the break, striking the woodwork from a corner, while Nikaj and substitute Matthews both came close for the hosts. Strong defending and a late save from Walker secured a valuable three points.

From the Management

“I’m really looking forward to Tuesday night away at Dagenham. We want to carry this momentum on. We look at the season in blocks of five games, and this is the start of the next one. We want to build on Saturday, keep another clean sheet, and go there looking to get all three points.”

Dagenham & Redbridge

The Daggers were narrowly beaten 1–0 by Salisbury in their first home match of 2026, despite creating a host of chances. The hosts started brightly, with Dabre, Leech and Haigh all going close before the breakthrough. Haigh twice tested the Salisbury goalkeeper in the first half, but momentum shifted just before the break when Leech was sent off for an off-the-ball incident. Reduced to ten men, the Daggers continued to threaten after the restart, Haigh again denied from close range. Salisbury capitalised in the 77th minute as Odokonyero tapped home from a low cross. Late Haigh chances went unrewarded.

Last Time

The last time the sides met at Crabble, Dover Athletic were denied all three points late on as a dramatic 2–2 draw unfolded on a Tuesday night. The visitors struck inside two minutes through Wilson, but the contest shifted when Panter was sent off midway through the first half. Dover pressed and, after the break, hit back immediately as Soares-Junior headed in from a Mampolo cross. The turnaround was completed when Soares-Junior reacted quickest to a rebound to make it 2–1. Despite sustained pressure, Dover were pegged back late on as Hemmings converted a penalty, forcing the Whites to settle for a point.

Last Six

Tonbridge Angels 2–2 Dagenham & Redbridge (20 Dec, National League South)
Dagenham & Redbridge 2–3 Hornchurch (26 Dec, National League South)
Chelmsford City 1–4 Dagenham & Redbridge (29 Dec, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 1–0 Dagenham & Redbridge (3 Jan, National League South)
Wealdstone 1–0 Dagenham & Redbridge (10 Jan, FA Trophy Fourth Round)
Dagenham & Redbridge 0–1 Salisbury (17 Jan, National League South)

The Venue

The Chigwell Construction Stadium
Victoria Road, Dagenham
RM10 7XL

More info – https://daggers.co.uk/visit-us/

Admission  

Away supporters will be situated in the Choice Training Stand. 

Please note that tickets are available to be purchased in advance online at the link below: 

https://www.tixr.com/groups/daggers/events/daggers-v-dover-athletic-167023

Tickets are available online right through to kick-off, and will also be available on the day at the turnstiles (cash & card) although this is subject to availability, and an increase in pricing. 

Ticket prices are discounted in advance with Adults, Concessions and Next Gen (17–21-year-olds) tickets increasing by £2 on the day of the fixture, with the discounted prices available until midnight the day before the game. 

This stand is all seated and has catering facilities open before the game and at half time. Please note that there are no bar facilities for away supporters once inside the ground. Away fans are welcome to use our Clubhouse both before and after the game if they wish. 

Entry is via turnstile 8 which is accessed via the rear of the main car park, or through the gates from Pondfield Park to the rear of the ground. Turnstiles will open one hour and a half before kick-off. There is also plenty of parking in the area surrounding the ground. 

Ticket Prices

Away supporters prices are as follows: 

Adults £20.00 (£22.00 on matchday) 

Concessions £15.00 (£17.00 on matchday) 

Young Adults (17-21) £12.00 (£14.00 on matchday) 

Juniors (10-16) £8.00 (£10.00 on matchday) 

Under 10’s £1.00 (£1.00 on matchday) 

Dover Athletic brought a frustrating run to an end with a gritty 1–0 National League South victory over Bath City at the Megger Community Stadium, earning a deserved three points built on early intensity, defensive resilience and a nerveless finish.

After a cagey opening, it was the Whites who struck the decisive blow inside the first 10 minutes. A corner from the recalled Sodje caused immediate problems in the Bath box, and despite appeals from visiting goalkeeper Wiles-Richards, Jones rose highest to power a header into the net. The defender’s third goal of the season proved enough to separate the sides and reward a bright start from Jake Leberl’s team.

Bath looked to respond quickly, launching a long throw into the Dover area in the opening minutes, but Jones was again alert to head clear as the follow-up effort sailed over. At the other end, Nikaj began to find pockets of space, twisting away from his marker and forcing blocks as Dover pushed Bath back with sharp pressing and purposeful movement.

The Whites continued to look dangerous on the break. A swift counter midway through the half saw Charles-Cook deliver from the right, forcing Bath to concede another corner, while Beadle’s long throw shortly afterwards almost caught the visitors out again as Jones glanced a header that drifted just wide.

Dover should perhaps have gone into the interval with a more comfortable cushion. Nikaj twice went close, first turning smartly inside the area and dragging a left-footed effort inches wide, then seeing another attempt bobble just past the post with Wiles-Richards unable to reach it. Baptiste also tested the Bath keeper with a snapshot late in the half, as the Whites enjoyed the clearer chances without finding a second goal.

The visitors had a let-off in first-half stoppage time when a defensive miscue allowed Ash a sight of goal, but the striker failed to make the most of the opportunity, allowing Dover to reach the break with their narrow advantage intact.

Dover carried their threat into the second half, maintaining a high line and catching Bath offside twice in quick succession as the Romans struggled to build momentum. Nikaj was again inches away from doubling the lead just before the hour, dragging wide when well placed after good work down the flank.

Bath’s best spell came midway through the half, forcing Dover to dig deep. A corner almost crept in at the near post, with Walker relieved to see the effort crash back off the woodwork and away to safety. As pressure mounted, Leberl turned to his bench, introducing Matthews for his first appearance since Boxing Day, and the change nearly paid instant dividends. Within minutes, Matthews met a half-cleared corner and rattled the underside of the crossbar, drawing a collective gasp from the home crowd.

The final stages were played largely in Dover territory, with the Whites throwing bodies on the line and defending with real determination. A late Dover lapse saw substitute Jenkins Davies played through by Ruben Soares-Junior, but Walker reacted superbly to block with his feet and preserve the lead. At the other end, Baptiste was denied in the dying moments as Wiles-Richards made a smart save.

Six minutes of added time tested nerves, and Walker was booked for time-wasting as Bath pressed for an equaliser, but Dover held firm. When the final whistle sounded, it confirmed a valuable clean-sheet victory, a first league win in six and a reward for a committed, disciplined display.

Dover now turn their attention to a tough midweek trip to Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday night, before returning to league action next weekend at AFC Totton, with renewed confidence and momentum after an important afternoon at Crabble.

Dover Athletic: Walker, Charles-Cook, Jones, Beadle, Sodje, Cocoracchio, Hanson, Baptiste, Sheriff, Coker (Matthews 72mins), Nikaj (Soares-Junior 89mins). Subs not used: Sesay, Gurung, Mensah, Wilkinson, Mampolo.

Bath City: Wiles-Richards, Raynes, Greenslade, Batten, Parselle, Alves, Ash (Fisher 64mins), Tillson (Sheppard 82mins), Russe (Jenkins Davies 64mins), Bowman (Beardmore 84mins), Windsor (Putman 57mins). Subs not used: Binns, Sweeten.

Fancy watching the Whites take on Bath in style? Of course you do.

The boys will be looking to put on a show and where else would you rather watch it than here with us.

Watch the game from the best seats in the house and let our match day hospitality provide the ultimate way to spend your time with us.

The package includes:

• Lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game
• A three-course meal served at your table
• Reserved undercover premium padded seating
• Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water, plus a dedicated paid bar before and after the match
• Complimentary match day programme

The very special experience costs £32.50 per person and is available for individual and group bookings, or as a gift voucher.

Please note that this price does NOT include entry for non-season ticket holders who do attend, and they will still need to pay at the turnstile on the day.

Starter:

Potato and Leek Soup served with a Ciabatta Roll

Main:

Chicken, Mushroom and Leek Pie served with Mash Potato, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert:

Salted Caramel Blonde Cheesecake served with Cream

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email enquiries@doverathletic.com or call the office on 01304 822373

Dover Athletic return to Crabble on Saturday looking to halt a difficult run of results as they take on Bath City in a key National League South clash. The Whites sit 15th in the table and will be eager to turn recent performances into points against a Bath side just four places below them in 19th. With City also having one eye on their rearranged fixture against Southend on Tuesday, Dover will be keen to make home advantage count and reassert themselves in a tightly packed lower half of the division.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic were narrowly beaten 2–1 by Hemel Hempstead Town at Crabble as their winless run continued. An early setback saw the visitors take the lead inside two minutes, but Dover responded well and drew level when George Nikaj finished a fine cross from Decarrey Sheriff. The Whites pushed on and created chances, striking the post early in the second half and enjoying a strong spell of pressure. However, Hemel regained the lead midway through the half with a well-taken finish. Despite late pressure and six minutes of added time, Dover were unable to find an equaliser.

From the Management

“Bath here on Saturday — we want three points from every game, of course we do. It’s relentless. Bath are a really good side and, although we won down there, it was a really tough game. It’ll be no different here.”

Bath City

Bath City come to Crabble following a disrupted schedule, with their last two games postponed — the league fixture against Ebbsfleet and yesterday’s FA Trophy tie at home to Southend. City now face Southend in the rearranged fixture on Tuesday.

Bath ended 2025 with a hard-fought 0–0 draw against Torquay United at Twerton Park. The visitors dominated early but were denied by Harvey Wiles-Richards, who made key saves to keep City level. After weathering the pressure, Bath grew into the game and created chances through Jordan Alves and Owen Windsor. The second half remained even, with Bath City looking secure defensively and going closest late on when Matt Bowman fired narrowly over.

Last Time

Last time against Bath City, Dover Athletic secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory at Twerton Park to claim their first points of the season. Bath dominated long spells and twice struck the woodwork, but Dover stayed resilient and made their chances count. Early in the second half, Francis Mampolo delivered a fine cross for Ruben Soares-Junior to head the Whites in front, before Mampolo marked his birthday by racing through to double the lead. Bath responded late through Alex Fisher and pushed hard in stoppage time, yet Dover’s defence and Mitch Walker held firm to see out a disciplined and determined away win.

Last Six

Bath City 1–1 Enfield (29 Nov, National League South)
Maidstone United 2–0 Bath City (6 Dec, National League South)
Dorking Wanderers 1–1 Bath City (13 Dec, FA Trophy Third Round, Bath City won 4–2 on penalties)
Bath City 2–0 Salisbury (20 Dec, National League South)
Chippenham Town 3–2 Bath City (26 Dec, National League South)
Bath City 0–0 Torquay United (30 Dec, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Bath 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.

Dover Athletic’s difficult run continued as they were narrowly beaten 2–1 by Hemel Hempstead Town in a closely contested National League South fixture at the Megger Community Stadium.

The afternoon could hardly have started worse for the Whites. Inside the opening two minutes, a midfield collision left Ryan Hanson grounded and struggling to recover his position as Hemel pressed forward. Dover failed to fully clear their lines and, after Mitch Walker had done well to tip an initial effort from debutant Oliver Davis onto the crossbar, Millar Matthews-Lewis reacted quickest to bundle the rebound over the line and give the visitors an early advantage.

To their credit, Dover responded positively. The tempo lifted, particularly down the left, and George Nikaj began to cause problems in the final third. His first sight of goal came on 16 minutes when he glanced a header over from Luke Baptiste’s corner, before strong appeals for a penalty were waved away moments later when he went down under pressure from James Bateson inside the area.

The equaliser arrived on 22 minutes and was fully deserved. Decarrey Sheriff broke into space down the left and delivered a superb cross into the box, which Nikaj guided calmly past Michael Johnson and into the bottom corner to bring the scores level. Dover continued to look threatening, with Johnson forced into a sharp intervention to cut out another Sheriff delivery as Nikaj again threatened in the penalty area.

Hemel had their own appeals dismissed late in the half following a challenge by Fuad Sesay, before chances began to arrive from set pieces at the other end. As the surface started to cut up, Dover forced a series of corners just before the break, seeing multiple goalbound efforts blocked amid heavy pressure, but the sides went in level at the interval.

The visitors began the second half quickly, flashing a dangerous ball across the face of goal within seconds of the restart, before Sheriff came agonisingly close to putting Dover ahead when his curling effort struck the post after a defensive lapse. Dover enjoyed a strong spell, winning further corners and pinning Hemel back, but were dealt a blow when Hanson was forced off injured and replaced by Bivesh Gurung.

Against the run of play, Hemel retook the lead on 65 minutes. A quick passage through midfield ended with substitute Trae Cook-Appiah finding Matthews-Lewis, who drilled a precise finish into the bottom corner to restore the visitors’ advantage.

Dover pushed for a response, but Hemel began to manage the game effectively. Late pressure from the Whites was met by a disciplined defensive display, while the visitors carried their own threat on the break. Davis went close to sealing the result when his late strike bounced up off the surface and crashed against the post, while Walker was alert to gather a dangerous cross in the closing stages.

In stoppage time, Dover committed bodies forward, even sacrificing height at the back in search of an equaliser, but despite prolonged pressure and a final long throw into the box, the breakthrough would not come.

The defeat leaves Dover 15th in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone, and extends their winless run to five matches. Attention now turns to next weekend, when the Whites return to Crabble to face Bath City.

Dover Athletic: Walker, Charles-Cook, Jones (Onu 92mins, Beadle, Sesay (Sodje 71mins), Cocoracchio (Mampolo 83mins), Hanson (Gurung 53mins), Wilkinson (Coker 71mins), Baptiste, Sheriff, Nikaj.
Subs not used: Mensah, Gillmore.

Hemel Hempstead Town: Johnson, Adenola, Dowrich, Ajayi, Rowan, Matthews-Lewis (Wilkinson 87mins), Davis, Achuba, Bateson, Vilhete (Cook-Appiah 59mins), Lorentzen-Jones (Wiltshire 68mins).
Subs not used: Holden, Williams, Gray, Stanley.

Referee: Craig Barnett.

Attendance: 620.

After an early inspection, the pitch has been deemed playable and our game against Hemel Hempstead Town is on. 

We look forward to seeing you at The Megger Community Stadium this afternoon. Kick off at 3pm.