Dover Athletic return to the Megger Community Stadium on Saturday looking to build on Tuesday night’s Kent derby victory over Tonbridge Angels as they host Chippenham Town on Community Day.

The Whites climbed to 16th in the National League South table after that result, now sitting 14 points clear of the relegation zone and 14 points off the play-off places heading into the final stretch of the season. Jake Leberl’s side will be aiming to continue their strong recent home form against a Chippenham side currently sitting 22nd, just one point off the bottom of the table.

The visitors have struggled on their travels this season, failing to win away from home in 19 attempts, drawing three and losing 16 with a goal difference of –25. Dover will hope to take advantage as they look to back up Tuesday’s performance with another positive result at Crabble.

Saturday also marks the return of Community Day at the Megger Community Stadium. Around 1,000 tickets have been distributed to schools, youth groups and local care providers across Dover and Deal, helping introduce a new generation of supporters to football at Crabble.

Gates open at 1pm, with plenty taking place around the ground ahead of kick-off. Every supporter attending will receive a free gift, while face painting will be available for younger fans. Dover District Council’s Community Team will also be present with their Community Roots van on the community training pitch behind the River End stand, sharing information about local initiatives and support services.

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday, Dover Athletic secured three valuable points at Crabble with a 2–0 victory over Tonbridge Angels, thanks to a brace from Wilkinson. The Whites made the breakthrough on 21 minutes when Wilkinson finished neatly into the bottom corner after a well-worked passing move. Tonbridge pushed for a response but struggled to create clear chances before the break. Wilkinson doubled Dover’s lead eight minutes into the second half with a stunning first-time strike from 30 yards that flew into the top corner. The visitors enjoyed spells of possession late on but rarely troubled Walker, as Dover saw out a comfortable win in front of 731 supporters.

From the Management

“Hopefully we can go back-to-back. It’s really pleasing to see our home form — we’ve been doing well here since the turn of the year. Obviously it’s Community Day on Saturday against Chippenham, and we’ll be looking to put in another strong performance and hopefully get another result.”

Chippenham Town

This week, Chippenham Town were denied a point in dramatic fashion as Hemel Hempstead Town scored deep into stoppage time to claim a 3–2 win at Vauxhall Road. Caine Bradbury opened the scoring with a superb 25-yard free-kick before Noel-Williams equalised for the hosts before the break. Chippenham responded immediately, with Harry Parsons finishing from Bradbury’s low cross to restore the lead. George Williams levelled early in the second half with a curling strike as both sides created chances in an open game. With the Bluebirds set to earn a point, Hemel struck in the 93rd minute when Jake Gray smashed home from close range to seal victory.

In the reverse fixture back in October, Dover Athletic fought back to earn a 1–1 draw with Chippenham Town at Hardenhuish Park. The hosts struck early when Owen-Evans’ deflected effort looped over Walker to give Chippenham the lead inside three minutes. Dover struggled to gain control during the first half, with Walker producing several important saves to keep the deficit at one. After the break, the Whites improved and levelled just past the hour mark. Beadle’s long throw was flicked on by Jones and Baptiste reacted quickest to volley into the top corner. Both sides pushed for a winner late on, but Dover held firm to claim a valuable away point.

Last Six

Chippenham Town 1–0 Torquay United (10 Feb, National League South)
Salisbury 1–0 Chippenham Town (17 Feb, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 3–2 Chippenham Town (21 Feb, National League South)
Farnborough 2–1 Chippenham Town (25 Feb, National League South)
Chippenham Town 1–0 Enfield (7 Mar, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 3–2 Chippenham Town (10 Mar, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Chippenham 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 secured three valuable points at Crabble with a disciplined 2–0 victory over Tonbridge Angels, as two moments of quality from Wilkinson proved decisive in an otherwise tight and scrappy contest.

Jake Leberl’s side made a couple of changes for the Kent derby, with Wilkinson coming into midfield and Jones returning to the defence, while Sheriff was named among the substitutes.

The early exchanges were scrappy, with neither side able to gain a foothold in the game. Dover showed the first attacking intent in the fourth minute when Wilkinson delivered a cross towards the box, but it failed to find a white shirt.

Tonbridge’s first opportunity arrived three minutes later following a swift counter-attack involving Korboa, Baker, Babajide and Williams. The move ended with Pavey firing over the crossbar.

Chances remained limited as the match settled into a stop-start rhythm. Sodje tried his luck from distance for Dover in the 17th minute, but his effort bobbled harmlessly wide.

The breakthrough came on 21 minutes. A neat spell of passing from the Whites worked the ball through midfield before a well-weighted through ball released Wilkinson, who calmly slotted past Rowley into the bottom corner to give Dover the lead.

Jones then produced an important defensive intervention on the half-hour mark, using his strength to halt a dangerous run from Pavey. Tonbridge pushed forward in search of an equaliser before the break, with Baker looking particularly lively, while Babajide fired over from the edge of the box as the visitors applied pressure.

Despite their possession, the Angels struggled to create clear chances and Dover carried their 1–0 advantage into half-time.

Dover began the second half kicking towards the River End, but Tonbridge threatened early when Akehurst found Pavey at the back post. The striker brought the ball down before shooting, only for the effort to be blocked.

The decisive moment arrived in the 53rd minute and it was a goal of real quality. Beadle delivered into the box but Tonbridge managed to clear. The ball dropped invitingly for Wilkinson around 30 yards from goal and he struck it first time, sending a stunning effort into the top corner with Rowley unable to stretch far enough.

The Whites looked to build on their two-goal lead and nearly added a third shortly after the hour mark when Nikaj delivered a low cross that Rowley managed to gather ahead of Baptiste.

Tonbridge attempted to respond and Akehurst almost caught Walker out from a tight angle, but the Dover captain reacted well to push the shot away at his near post.

Dover managed the closing stages professionally. Mensah replaced Baptiste midway through the half, before Sheriff came on for Nikaj as the Whites looked to control the game.

Although Tonbridge saw plenty of the ball in the final minutes, they struggled to seriously test the Dover defence, with the hosts remaining organised and compact.

Further changes saw Gurung replace the two-goal hero Wilkinson late on, while Coker was introduced in stoppage time for Soares-Junior as Dover comfortably saw out the result.

Tonbridge huffed and puffed without finding a breakthrough, and two moments of quality from Wilkinson ultimately proved the difference on the night as the Whites claimed an important victory at Crabble.

Dover return to action on Saturday when they host Chippenham Town at the Megger Community Stadium.

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Dover Athletic

1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 16 Beadle, 4 Jones, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 25 Hanson, 23 Wilkinson, 7 Baptiste, 14 Soares-Junior, 10 Nikaj

Subs: Mensah, Matthews, Coker, Jallow, Gurung, Sheriff, Mampolo

Tonbridge Angels

1 Rowley, 2 Williams, 3 Warren, 5 Sutcliffe, 7 Korboa, 9 Baker, 11 Babajide, 17 McCann, 18 Bakrin, 20 Thompson, 29 Pavey

Subs: West-Astuti, Wagstaff, Sablier, Omole, Richardson, Shields, Akehurst

Tuesday night brings a Kent Derby under the lights at the Megger Community Stadium as Dover Athletic host Tonbridge Angels in a crucial Enterprise National League South clash. Just one point separates the two sides near the foot of the table, with Tonbridge sitting 16th on 44 points and Dover a place behind in 17th on 43. With both teams still looking over their shoulders in the battle to secure their National League South status, the stakes could hardly be higher heading into this midweek meeting. Tonbridge arrive on the back of mixed form in recent weeks, while the Whites will be looking to bounce back and close the gap in front of their home supporters.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic were beaten 2–1 by Hampton & Richmond Borough at the Beveree Stadium in the Enterprise National League South. The hosts made a fast start and took the lead on 12 minutes when Ronan Silva fired home from the edge of the box after a cut-back from Reece Greco-Cox. Hampton doubled their advantage nine minutes later as Silva turned provider, crossing for Greco-Cox to finish at the back post. The Whites responded through Luke Baptiste on 30 minutes, his deep cross looping over Marcus Dewhurst and into the far corner. Dover pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but Hampton defended resolutely to secure the points.

From the Management

“We’re fighting against teams that are desperate to stay in this league and we need to start games a lot better than we have been. It will be no different at Tonbridge. We were poor there earlier in the season and we need a reaction. It’s a big game on Tuesday night if we’re still looking over our shoulder – and of course we are. It’s going to go to the wire and we need to pick up points. I don’t think anyone believes we’re safe yet. We’re far from it. We need to get back on it, start games better and start picking up points.”

Tonbridge Angels

On Saturday, Tonbridge Angels claimed a dramatic 1–0 victory over Worthing at Longmead thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Ricky Korboa. In a game short on clear chances, Tonbridge looked most dangerous from set-pieces in the first half, with Marcus Sablier testing goalkeeper Taylor Seymour and Sean Shields curling a free-kick narrowly wide. Worthing created openings of their own, but Matt Rowley was rarely troubled in the Tonbridge goal. The second half was disrupted by injuries and substitutions, limiting both sides to few opportunities. Just as the game looked destined for a draw, Korboa cut inside from the left in stoppage time and curled a deflected effort beyond Seymour to secure all three points for Tonbridge.

In the reverse fixture back in October, Dover Athletic suffered a 2–1 defeat in the Kent Derby at Longmead Stadium despite taking the lead through Jalen Jones. The Whites started well and went ahead on 25 minutes when Jones rifled home from close range following good build-up play and a cross from the left. Ruben Soares-Junior later tested the Tonbridge goalkeeper as Dover went into the break ahead. However, the hosts turned the game around early in the second half, with Scott Wagstaff levelling from a rebound before Peart finished at the far post minutes later. Dover pushed for a response but struggled to create clear chances as Tonbridge held on.

Last Six

Tonbridge Angels 0–1 Maidenhead United (10 Feb, National League South)
Hornchurch 3–2 Tonbridge Angels (14 Feb, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 3–2 Chippenham Town (21 Feb, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 2–0 Hampton & Richmond Borough (24 Feb, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead 1–0 Tonbridge Angels (28 Feb, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 1–0 Worthing (7 Mar, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Tonbridge 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.

Enterprise National League South
Saturday 7 March 2026 – Beveree Stadium
Attendance: 915
Referee: Adam Merchant

Dover Athletic were left to rue a difficult opening twenty minutes as Hampton & Richmond Borough held on to claim a 2–1 victory at the Beveree Stadium.

The Whites began brightly and saw plenty of the ball in the opening exchanges, but Hampton threatened early on the break. After Dover conceded the game’s first corner, Mitch Walker was called into action inside five minutes, diving low to save a powerful effort before the rebound was turned in from an offside position.

The home side continued to press, with Eduino Vaz cutting inside from the left and firing into the side netting following a swift counterattack. At the other end, Dover showed their own attacking intent when George Nikaj forced Marcus Dewhurst into a smart save after Ryan Hanson’s dangerous delivery from the right.

However, Hampton took the lead on 12 minutes. Reece Greco-Cox found space down the right flank and picked out Ronan Silva arriving on the edge of the box, who struck a first-time effort past Walker to give the Beavers the advantage.

The hosts doubled their lead nine minutes later with another quick counterattack. This time Silva turned provider, driving down the left before delivering a pinpoint cross to the back post where Greco-Cox slid home to make it 2–0.

Dover responded well and were rewarded just after the half-hour mark. Luke Baptiste showed great determination to win possession back near the corner flag after Alan Massey failed to clear his lines. The winger’s deep cross looped over Dewhurst and dropped into the far top corner to halve the deficit.

The goal lifted the Whites, who finished the half on the front foot and won their first corner shortly before the interval, although Hampton held firm to take a 2–1 lead into the break.

Early in the second half, Walker produced an excellent save to keep Dover in the contest, denying Silva after the Hampton forward found space inside the area. Shortly after, play was briefly halted following a clash of heads involving Harry Beadle, who required treatment but was able to continue.

Dover pushed for an equaliser as the half progressed. Ruben Soares-Junior struck the side netting from a tight angle before the visitors began to increase the pressure, with Jake Leberl’s side introducing George Wilkinson, Momodou Jallow and Alfie Matthews in search of a breakthrough.

Hampton remained dangerous on the counter, with Walker again called into action to deny Vaz after Nana Boateng’s driving run created another opportunity for the hosts.

The Whites continued to press late on, with Francis Mampolo and Kenny Coker also introduced as Dover pushed bodies forward during eight minutes of added time. Despite sustained pressure around the Hampton penalty area, the Beavers defended resolutely to see out the victory.

Dover now turn their attention to a Tuesday night Kent Derby against Tonbridge Angels as they look to respond and return to winning ways.

Dover Athletic: 1 Mitch Walker (C), 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 16 Harry Beadle, 21 Jacob Mensah, 15 Harrison Sodje, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 25 Ryan Hanson, 18 Bivesh Gurung, 7 Luke Baptiste, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior, 10 George Nikaj.
Subs: 4 Jalen Jones, 8 Alfie Matthews, 27 Jordan Gillmore, 9 Kenny Coker, 22 Momodou Jallow, 23 George Wilkinson, 24 Francis Mampolo.

Hampton & Richmond Borough: 31 Marcus Dewhurst, 3 Eduino Vaz, 5 Ronan Silva, 8 Sam Deadfield, 10 Max Kretzchmar, 21 Nana Boateng, 24 Alan Massey (C), 26 Kwaku Frimpong, 30 David Longe-King, 37 Luis Fernandez, 39 Reece Greco-Cox.
Subs: 6 Haydon Vaughan, 7 Brendan Kiernan, 9 Craig Fasanmade, 12 Jordan Greenidge, 14 Aaron Lacey, 25 Harry Gardner, 27 Mike Atkinson.

Fancy watching the Whites take on Chippenham 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:

Pate served with Melba Toast and Salad Garnish

Main:

Roast Beef served with Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert:

Apple Tart served with Ice Cream

The dress code is smart casual.

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

Fancy watching the Whites take on Tonbridge 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 Hampton & Richmond Borough this weekend, with the hosts facing a quick turnaround after their Tuesday night clash with Enfield. Hampton currently sit 19th in the National League South, just four points above the relegation zone, and will be eager to pick up vital points in their fight for survival.

The Whites, meanwhile, arrive in 16th place and 11 points clear of the drop, looking to build on a steady run of form. With both sides needing points for different reasons, Saturday’s encounter promises to be a competitive contest in south west London.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic earned a hard-fought point with a late equaliser in a disrupted 1–1 draw at Slough Town. The hosts started strongly, but Walker produced key saves and Nikaj cleared off the line to keep it level at the break. Slough took the lead on 68 minutes when Clarke’s strike was diverted goalwards by Makowski. Dover struggled to create clear chances but stayed in the contest. Their reward came on 85 minutes as Soares-Junior’s cross was turned into his own net by Oshilaja. Despite late pressure, neither side found a winner as Dover secured a valuable away point.

From the Management

“Another away trip next Saturday against Hampton. They’re obviously fighting for their lives, and we’ll need to be much more on it than we were against Slough to get anything from the game.”

Hampton & Richmond Borough

Hampton & Richmond Borough fell to a late 2–1 home defeat against Eastbourne Borough. The visitors started strongly, with George Alexander testing Marcus Dewhurst before Matthew Burgess tapped home early on. The Beavers struggled to respond in a quiet first half but improved after the break. Max Kretzschmar equalised with a glancing header following sustained pressure, and Ronan Silva twice went close to putting them ahead. However, against the run of play, Kingsley Anokye struck late to win it for Eastbourne. Hampton pushed for another equaliser, with Aaron Lacey going closest, but could not find a way through.

When the sides met in the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic staged a dramatic comeback to earn a 3–3 draw at the Megger Community Stadium. Hampton & Richmond raced into a two-goal lead through Craig Fasanmade, punishing defensive errors, before Ruben Soares-Junior pulled one back early in the second half. Harry Gardner quickly restored the visitors’ advantage, but Dover responded again as Soares-Junior set up Decarrey Sheriff to make it 3–2. With time running out, the Whites piled on pressure and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Kenny Coker scrambled home a 96th-minute equaliser to seal a memorable point.

Last Six

Hampton & Richmond Borough 2–2 Hornchurch (7 Feb, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead 0–3 Hampton & Richmond Borough (10 Feb, National League South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 1–3 Chelmsford City (14 Feb, National League South)
AFC Totton 1–1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (17 Feb, National League South)
Bath City 0–4 Hampton & Richmond Borough (21 Feb, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 2–0 Hampton & Richmond Borough (24 Feb, National League South)

The Venue

Beveree Stadium, Beaver Close, off Station Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2BX

More info: https://hamrichfc.com/pages/faqs-and-information

Admission  

https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/ChooseQuantity?ticketId=1940&fixtureId=17518

Adult – £15.00

Concession – £12.00

Over 65 & Students

Wheelchair Access – £12.00

Under 18 – £5.00

Carer – £1.00

Under 5 – £0.00

Dover Athletic battled back to earn a point on the road as a late own goal cancelled out Slough Town’s second-half opener in a stop-start National League South encounter.

The Whites had to withstand early pressure from the hosts, who started brightly and forced a series of corners inside the opening exchanges. Mensah and Charles-Cook were called into action defensively, while Slough threatened through Makowski and Shakpoke without finding a breakthrough.

After a cagey opening, Dover began to settle. Sheriff won a free-kick in a promising position, but the game was repeatedly disrupted by injuries, including a lengthy stoppage involving Slough goalkeeper Desbois. The first half never truly found a rhythm, with both sides struggling to build momentum amid the interruptions.

The best chance of the half fell to Slough, but Walker produced an excellent save to deny Gidaree in a one-on-one. Nikaj then made a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve parity, ensuring the sides went into the break level after an extended period of added time.

Slough emerged strongly after the restart and again tested Walker, who made a superb double save early in the second half. The hosts continued to look the more threatening side, with Gidaree and Makowski both going close as Dover found it difficult to gain a foothold in the final third.

Sheriff registered Dover’s first notable effort after the break, directing a shot straight at Desbois from a Beadle long throw, but chances remained limited.

The breakthrough came on 68 minutes. A Slough corner was only partially cleared, falling to Clarke on the edge of the box. His strike was met by Makowski, whose touch appeared to divert the ball past Walker and into the net to give the hosts the lead.

Slough pushed for a second and came close through Drakes-Thomas, but Dover stayed in the contest. Substitutions introduced fresh energy, with Coker, Wilkinson and Baptiste all entering the fray as the Whites looked for a response. That response arrived five minutes from time. Soares-Junior delivered a dangerous cross into the near post, and under pressure, Oshilaja turned the ball into his own net to bring Dover level and spark late hope.

Despite five minutes of added time, neither side could find a winner, and the points were shared.

Dover now turn their attention to another away trip on Saturday, travelling to Hampton & Richmond Borough.

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Dover Athletic

1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 16 Beadle, 21 Mensah, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 25 Hanson, 18 Gurung, 11 Sheriff, 14 Soares-Junior, 10 Nikaj

Subs: Baptiste, Matthews, Gillmore, Coker, Jallow, Wilkinson, Mampolo

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Slough Town

1 Desbois, 2 Gidaree, 5 Oshilaja, 7 Clarke, 10 Goddard, 11 Makowski, 17 Dyce, 20 Makumbi, 22 Borgnis, 24 Shakpoke, 25 Walker

Subs: 3 Long, 8 Drakes-Thomas, 9 Sami, 13 Zabeli, 15 Nelson, 16 Roth, 29 Holness

Dover Athletic returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion at the Megger Community Stadium, producing a clinical display to see off Hornchurch 4-1 in front of 711 supporters.

An unchanged side from Saturday’s draw with Weston-super-Mare started brightly, and it didn’t take long for the Whites to impose themselves on proceedings. After an early Hornchurch effort was comfortably gathered by Walker, Dover began to find their rhythm.

The breakthrough arrived on 10 minutes. Soares-Junior was at the heart of it, driving down the flank and delivering a dangerous ball into the box. Nikaj rose well to meet it, and while his header caused problems, it was Sheriff who reacted quickest to finish from close range and give Dover a deserved lead.

Hornchurch responded with intent, looking sharp on the counter, and they found their equaliser on 20 minutes. A partially cleared free-kick fell to Morias on the right, who cut inside and curled a superb left-footed strike into the far corner from a tight angle.

The Whites, however, continued to look dangerous going forward, particularly down the left. Their persistence paid off on 32 minutes when Sodje produced a moment of real quality. Shaping to cross, he instead whipped an audacious effort into the top corner from a tight angle to restore Dover’s advantage.

Dover pushed for a third before the break, with Nikaj going close and the Hornchurch goalkeeper forced into action, but the Whites had to settle for a 2-1 lead at the interval after an entertaining first half.

The second half began with Hornchurch making a change, but it was Dover who seized control. On 53 minutes, Nikaj was brought down in the box, earning a penalty and a booking for the visitors. The forward stepped up himself and made no mistake from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 3-1.

From there, Dover managed the game well. Hornchurch saw more of the ball in spells but struggled to create clear chances, with Walker largely untroubled until a late period of pressure. When called upon, he delivered, producing a strong save to deny Morias and tipping another effort over the bar.

As the game wore on, the Whites showed resilience and composure, making changes to maintain energy levels. The result was put beyond doubt on 86 minutes when Soares-Junior was again involved, with the forward finishing to seal an impressive victory.

Late substitutions allowed Dover to see out the closing stages comfortably, and after five minutes of added time, the full-time whistle confirmed a deserved 4-1 win.

A sharp attacking display, combined with disciplined defending and key moments of quality, ensured all three points stayed at Crabble as the Whites now turn their attention to Saturday’s trip to Slough Town.

Dover Athletic: 1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 16 Beadle, 21 Mensah, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 25 Hanson, 18 Gurung, 11 Sheriff, 14 Soares-Junior, 10 Nikaj

Subs: Baptiste, Matthews, Onu, Coker, Jallow, Wilkinson, Mampolo

Hornchurch: 1 Nasta, 3 Hare, 4 Welch, 5 Gibbs, 7 Rees, 8 Wraight (C), 9 Hearn, 11 Weston, 15 Phillips, 21 Bertram-Cooper, 27 Morias

Subs: 46 Jordan, 12 McQueen, 14 Pegrum, 19 Ling, 22 Edwards, 26 Poleon, 34 Kelman

Dover Athletic return to Crabble on Tuesday night to face a tough test against promotion-chasing Hornchurch, who currently sit third in the National League South. Despite their strong league position, Hornchurch arrive in mixed form, with just one win from their last five matches. Dover, meanwhile, remain 16th and continue to battle in a congested mid-to-lower table, having taken on six promotion contenders in their last seven fixtures. With another top side in town, the Whites will be looking to build on recent resilient performances and turn them into a valuable three points on home soil.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic earned a solid 1–1 draw against play-off chasing Weston-super-Mare at Crabble. After early pressure from the visitors, Dover took the lead on 16 minutes when Mensah reacted quickest to finish from a Beadle long throw. The advantage lasted just four minutes as Coulson equalised from the penalty spot after Dawes was brought down. Dover grew into the game, with Sheriff hitting the post before being flagged offside, while Weston pushed late on. Walker produced a key save and a stoppage-time goal was ruled out for a foul, ensuring the Whites claimed a deserved point.

From the Management

“We’re back at home again on Tuesday night against Hornchurch. It’s been a tough run for us, we’ve faced most of the top seven in our last few games, and this is another big test. They’re a strong side and showed that when they came here in the Trophy, although we were heavily depleted that day. They might not have picked up a result today, but we know the quality they’ve got. Results haven’t always gone our way recently, but performance-wise I think we’ve more than held our own against some of the best teams in the league.”

Hornchurch

On Saturday, Hornchurch endured a frustrating afternoon as they fell to a 1–0 defeat away at AFC Totton. The visitors struggled to find rhythm early on, with limited chances in a scrappy first half. The decisive moment came when Gibbs turned a dangerous cross into his own net, giving Totton a deserved lead. The second half saw Hornchurch under sustained pressure, with Nasta producing several strong saves to keep the score down. Although they improved late on and saw more of the ball, they couldn’t find a breakthrough. Tempers flared in a tense finish, but Hornchurch left empty-handed after a difficult contest.

The last time the sides met was in the FA Trophy in December, when Hornchurch ran out 4–1 winners at Crabble with a dominant display. They took control early and led through Gibbs before a Baptiste own goal made it 2–0 at the break. Hornchurch continued to dictate after half-time, with Balanta adding a third following good work from Morias. Dover briefly responded through Wilkinson, but any hopes of a comeback were ended when Sandat struck late to seal an emphatic win. It was a composed and clinical performance from Hornchurch, who controlled the game throughout to progress comfortably.

Earlier in the season in the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic earned a valuable 0–0 draw away at the then league leaders Hornchurch with a disciplined performance. The hosts started strongly, forcing early saves from Walker, but Dover grew into the game and created chances of their own, with Nikaj and Baptiste linking up well. Hornchurch came closest before the break when McQueen struck the woodwork. Dover pushed again in the second half and nearly snatched it as Mensah headed against the post. Despite late pressure from both sides, neither could find a breakthrough, and the Whites secured a hard-earned point against the division’s form team.

Last Six

Weston-super-Mare 1–2 Hornchurch (24 Jan, National League South)
Hornchurch 1–2 Torquay United (31 Jan, National League South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 2–2 Hornchurch (7 Feb, National League South)
Hornchurch 3–2 Tonbridge Angels (14 Feb, National League South)
Dorking Wanderers 1–0 Hornchurch (17 Feb, National League South)
AFC Totton 1–0 Hornchurch (18 Feb, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Hornchurch 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.