Category: Club News

Report – Dover Athletic 0-1 Gillingham

Report by Joe Scott

Robbie McKenzie’s strike late in the first half was the difference as the Whites were narrowly beaten by League Two outfit Gillingham in their second showing of pre-season. 

It was the newly promoted National League South side who made the brighter start to proceedings on a fine summer’s evening as Jake Leberl named three trialists in the starting eleven featuring across the back line and midfield.

It was the familiar faces at the top end of the pitch who were central to the Whites’ early pressure however. Last season’s playoff hero Ruben Soares-Junior looked lively early on as he looked to stretch the Gills backline following a throw up the other end of the pitch before Luke Baptise earned Leberl’s men the first corner of the game.  

George Nikaj also tried his luck from the halfway line after spotting Jake Turner off his line but his audacious attempt was wide of the mark. The first real chance of the match did fall the way of the home side as a quick one-two between Nikaj and Alfie Matthews found the former with a shooting opportunity inside the box but his effort was comfortable for Turner.

It wouldn’t be long before the Whites had yet another effort on goal as Nikaj turned provider for Matthews this time.  His deflected effort almost caught out Turner in the Gillingham goal but the Gills stopper was able recover and make the save. After a quiet twenty minutes in the Dover goal, Mitch Walker would finally be called into action as his smart save denied Bradley Dack from close range.

The Whites still had plenty of chances of their own as Nikaj again forced a save out of Turner on the half hour mark before a Soares-Junior and Matthews linked up well with the latter curling a shot over the bar. The visitors did almost find a breakthrough just prior to the interval as Jake Leberl’s men were caught off guard by a quick free kick only for Henry Lukombo to recover well and foil the dangerous attack.

It would be a set-piece that undone Dover’s bright start as a free-kick swung in from the left found Robbie McKenzie unmarked at the back post. The former Hull City man would make no mistake in dispatching past Walker to give Gareth Ainsworth’s men the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Both sides would struggle to recapture the intensity of the first half as Jake Leberl named ten changes to his side. Only Henry Lukombo survived the mass exodus at the interval. Opportunities were few and far between but the best chance of the half for Leberl’s men would come after a spell of sustained possession from the visitors as Luca Cocoracchio couldn’t convert George Wilkinson’s corner at the back post.

The away side would have the better of the chances without testing Claudio Boakye-Sarfo in the Dover net. Seb Palmer-Holden came closest to adding a second goal to the game as he volleyed narrowly over the bar from a deep cross from the right. The visitors almost doubled their advantage but Joe Tennent’s superbly timed challenge at the death kept the scoreline as it was.

2025/2026 Fixtures Announced

The 2025/2026 season gets underway on Saturday 9 August across all three divisions in the Enterprise National League.

The 46 match days are split across 33 weekends, 10 midweeks and four Bank Holidays (August Bank Holiday, Boxing Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday) for all three divisions.

We kick off our 2025/26 campaign at home. We welcome AFC Totton on the opening day of the season on August 9th to begin what will be an exciting season in the Enterprise National League South.

Notable dates for your diary are the Kent derbies against Maidstone (Fri Dec 26 A & Fri Apr 3 H), Tonbridge Angels (Sat Oct 4 A & Tue Mar 10 H) and Ebbsfleet (Tue Dec 30 & Mon Apr 6 A). Our final game of the season will see us at home against Chesham United.

Full scheduled below. All dates & times are subject to change, we will update the website on all fixtures ASAP. COYW!


Sat Aug 9 AFC Totton H

Sat Aug 16 Bath City A

Tue Aug 19 Eastbourne Borough A

Sat Aug 23 Salisbury H

Mon Aug 25 Torquay United A

Sat Aug 30 Maidenhead United H

Tue Sep 2 Dagenham & Redbridge H

Sat Sep 6 Farnborough A

Sat Sep 20 Hampton & Richmond Borough H

Sat Oct 4 Tonbridge Angels A

Sat Oct 11 Chelmsford City H

Sat Oct 18 Chippenham Town A

Tue Oct 21 Dorking Wanderers H

Sat Oct 25 Worthing A

Sat Nov 1 Hemel Hempstead Town H

Tue Nov 4 Horsham A

Sat Nov 8 Enfield Town H

Sat Nov 22 Weston-super-Mare A

Tue Nov 25 Hornchurch A

Sat Nov 29 Slough Town H

Sat Dec 6 Chesham United A

Sat Dec 20 Eastbourne Borough H

Fri Dec 26 Maidstone United A

Tue Dec 30 Ebbsfleet United H

Sat Jan 3 Torquay United H

Sat Jan 10 Dagenham & Redbridge A

Sat Jan 17 Bath City H

Sat Jan 24 AFC Totton A

Tue Jan 27 Horsham H

Sat Jan 31 Hemel Hempstead Town A

Sat Feb 7 Worthing H

Tue Feb 10 Dorking Wanderers A

Sat Feb 14 Enfield Town A

Sat Feb 21 Weston-super-Mare H

Tue Feb 24 Hornchurch H

Sat Feb 28 Slough Town A

Sat Mar 7 Hampton & Richmond Borough A

Tue Mar 10 Tonbridge Angels H

Sat Mar 14 Chippenham Town H

Sat Mar 21 Chelmsford City A

Sat Mar 28 Salisbury A

Fri Apr 3 Maidstone United H

Mon Apr 6 Ebbsfleet United A

Sat Apr 11 Farnborough H

Sat Apr 18 Maidenhead United A

Sat Apr 25 Chesham United H

The Mighty Kitchen

Dover Athletic Announce The Mighty Kitchen as Major Sponsor for 2025–2026 Season

Dover Athletic are happy to announce that The Mighty Kitchen will be a major sponsor for the club in the 2025–2026 season and are the new front of shirt sponsor for our Youth Section teams.

The Mighty Kitchen is part of the NewsTeam Group of companies, who has supported the club in the last couple of years. Known for their innovation in the plant-based food sector, The Mighty Kitchen brings with it a fresh energy that aligns with the club’s own forward-thinking approach and commitment to sustainability and community.

In their efforts to remain a proactive part of the Dover community in the most effective way possible, NewsTeam Group has agreed for The Mighty Kitchen to take over its slot as the second sponsor, whilst remaining committed to helping and growing its impact on the club in the best way possible.

Dover Athletic would like to thank NewsTeam Group for their continued support, and we look forward to building a strong and successful relationship with The Mighty Kitchen as we head into the new season.

Announcing New Partnership with Chislehurst Glebe FC

Dover Athletic Football Club is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with Chislehurst Glebe Football Club as the Whites embark on their first season back in the National League South.

The link-up will see the Whites utilising Foxbury Avenue, the Southern Counties East Football League side’s highly impressive home, as one of the club’s official training venues for the forthcoming season.

Foxbury Avenue is currently undergoing £1.3m worth of ground improvements with a newly installed 3G artificial playing surface and a 350-seater stand within the 1,500 capacity stadium in Chislehurst.

In addition to the state-of-the-art pitch, the Whites will also benefit from the club’s meeting spaces for pre and post-match analysis, as well as other on-site facilities including a new-look gym if needed.

This is a huge boost to the Whites’ management and players having not had a permanent home for Thursday evening training throughout last season’s Isthmian Premier play-off winning campaign.

Whites manager Jake Leberl said: “We’re delighted to announce a new partnership with Chislehurst Glebe, which will see us using their brand-new 4G facility on Thursday evenings as part of our preparation for Saturday matchdays. A big thank you to Chislehurst Glebe and Rocky McMillan for making this possible. We look forward to building a strong relationship that benefits both clubs going forward.”

The new partnership could see the Whites’ talented young players making temporary moves to Foxbury Avenue to gain vital first-team experience. The club may also help guide Chislehurst Glebe’s high performers in making the step up the pyramid in the future.

Chislehurst Glebe chairman Rocky McMillan commented: “I’m thrilled to enter into a partnership agreement with Dover Athletic FC. Importantly both sets of management know and have high respect for each other. We will be given the first opportunity to look at exciting young talent needing to develop their game whilst Dover have a first-class facility as a training base. This is a win-win deal for both sides and the future is really exciting.”

Girls Big Football Day

As the Lionesses take centre stage in the UEFA Women’s EUROs 2025, playing France on Saturday, Dover Athletic Community Trust along with Dover Athletic Girls’ Youth Teams will be hosting a Big Football Day powered by The National Lottery. 

From 4pm-6pm, on the community training pitch, there will be various opportunities to test your skills, learn new skills and participate in fun activities and mini matches.  We are inviting females of any ability to come along.  There will be food and drink available in The Centre Spot from 4pm. 

In the lead up to the 8pm match, being shown on the big screens in The Centre Spot, there will be a fun football quiz from 6:30pm-7:30pm

Preseason – VIP Style

Preseason, premium style.

Join us for Dover Athletic’s home pre-season fixtures and enjoy the action with a touch of VIP treatment.

Get the best view in the house, a hearty plate of Shepherd’s Pie, and soak up the atmosphere from our exclusive match day lounge.

Your hospitality package includes:

  • Access to our butler-hosted lounge with big screen match coverage
  • A one-course Shepherd’s Pie meal served at your table
  • Reserved, undercover premium padded seating
  • Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water
  • Paid bar available before and after the match

Price: £20 per person
Match entry is NOT included – non-season ticket holders must still pay at the turnstile.

Only 64 places are available and it’s first-come, first-served.

  • Tue 8 July – Gillingham (H) – 7:30pm
  • Fri 11 July – Deal Town (H) – 7:45pm
  • Sat 19 July – Arsenal U18s (H) – 3:00pm
  • Sat 26 July – Bracknell Town (H) – 3:00pm
  • Tue 29 July – Folkestone Invicta (H) – 7:45pm
  • Sat 2 August – Margate (H) – 3:00pm

Dress code: smart casual.
To book, email enquiries@doverathletic.com or call 01304 822373.

Goalkeeper Shirts Available

We are delighted to offer fans the opportunity to purchase a replica of this seasons pink ‘home’ keeper shirt.

As worn by Mitch Walker, the keeper shirt will be short sleeve. In order to pre-order, we will need shirts to be prepaid before 4pm on 31st July. Turn around time will be 6-8 weeks.

Price: £46 – kids shirts will also be available at £39

For more information and to order please email enquiries@doverathletic.com, phone the office on 01304 822373 or pop in to the office on a match day.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: PA ANNOUNCER

The Whites are on the lookout for a volunteer PA Announcer to join the team.

We are looking for a volunteer PA announce to work as part of the team covering match days working on a rota basis. Your role will be to read out the teams, goals, substitutions and any other announcements that you would normally hear on a match day.

Free entry to games and a free meal will be provided for the candidate.

Volunteers are a vital component of the running of the Club, and we remain incredibly grateful for the help we receive.

For anyone interested in the position, please contact enquiries@doverathletic.com or pop into the office.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Matchday Ball Coordinator

The Whites are looking for a Matchday Ball Coordinator to join our matchday team.

As a Matchday Ball Coordinator, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of football matches by managing the supply, condition, and availability of footballs. This behind-the-scenes role supports the team and officials by making sure all match balls are ready, properly inflated, and available throughout the game.

Volunteers are a vital part of Dover Athletic, and we truly appreciate the time and dedication given to helping the club operate smoothly on matchdays.

If you’re interested in joining the team, please get in touch with jim.parmenter@doverathletic.com.

Key Responsibilities:
– Prepare and inspect match balls before kickoff (check pressure, cleanliness, and condition). – Distribute footballs to designated areas (e.g., ball boys/girls, officials).
– Retrieve and rotate balls during the match as needed.
– Assist with post-match collection and storage of all footballs.
– Maintain a basic log of football usage and report any damaged or missing items.
– Support the equipment team with other light duties as required.

Skills & Attributes:
– Reliable and punctual with good attention to detail.
– Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.
– Able to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
– Interest in football or sports operations is a plus.
– Physically able to move around the pitch area and carry light equipment.

What You’ll Gain:
– Experience in sports event operations.
– Opportunity to be part of a passionate football community. – Behind-the-scenes access to matchday activities.
– Volunteer certificate and references upon request.

Dover Athletic Physio Hailed a Hero in Barcelona

Dover Athletic’s Academy tour to the Copa Catalunya Cup in Barcelona took an unexpected turn this week when club physio Will Narramore stepped in to assist during a medical emergency.

Will, who was watching a match as a spectator on Monday, sprang into action when a young player from Italian side NAGC Sardegna collapsed. With no medical staff immediately on hand, Will’s calm and professional response ensured the player received vital care until emergency services arrived.

The two teams weren’t due to meet in the tournament until later in the week, but when they finally faced each other on Wednesday, gratitude was in the air. Sardegna players, coaches and the player’s family rushed to thank Will before kick-off, showering him with hugs and praise.

The Sardinian team have expressed their deep appreciation and intend to share the story in their local press, recognising Will’s quick thinking and compassion.

The entire Dover Athletic family is proud of Will and the way he represented the club — not just in football, but in character.