Category: Club News

Fans’ Forum – Tue 21 Apr

Dover Athletic Football Club will be hosting a Fans’ Forum on Tuesday 21st April at the Megger Community Stadium, starting at 7pm.

Supporters are invited to join Chairman Jim Parmenter and the club’s management team for an open and honest discussion about the current season and the direction of the club.

The forum provides an opportunity for fans to ask questions, share their views and hear directly from those leading the club both on and off the pitch.

We encourage all supporters to attend and be part of the conversation.

Up Next – Maidenhead United vs Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic make the trip to Maidenhead United this weekend for their final away game of the season, facing a side firmly in the play-off mix. Sitting seventh with 73 points, Maidenhead remain right in the hunt despite a mixed run of form and will see this as a key opportunity to strengthen their position.

The Whites arrive off the back of five straight defeats, now sitting 19th, but survival is still very much within reach. Results elsewhere have helped, with Chippenham dropping points, leaving only Bath with a mathematical chance of catching Dover — though they would need to win all three remaining games and overturn a significant goal difference. Attention now turns to Maidenhead, with Dover looking to halt their slide and make their way to safety.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic made a bright start but fell to a 3–1 defeat against Farnborough at Crabble. Harry Beadle gave the Whites an early lead, reacting quickest to a corner, and Dover dominated much of the opening half with Nikaj and Soares-Junior going close. Farnborough grew into the game and struck twice before the break through Ollie Robinson and Rakish Bingham. A scrappy second half followed, with few clear chances for Dover, before Mason Bloomfield sealed the win from the penalty spot. Despite a strong start, the Whites were undone by clinical finishing and a late third goal.

From the Management

Another really tough game, and we can’t hide the fact we’re on the back of a really poor run. You can make excuses — players are tired, we’ve got a small squad — but we showed at the start of the game on Saturday that we can be a good side. We’ve proven so many times this season that when we get it right, we’re difficult to play against. Staying up in this division would be a huge achievement, but we go into Saturday looking to get a result that makes that mathematically possible.

Maidenhead United

Maidenhead United earned a point on the road with a 1–1 draw at Chelmsford, as Josh Umerah’s late penalty cancelled out Jack Barham’s second-half opener. The Magpies were the better side in the first half, creating several chances, with Umerah and Clerima going close, but were unable to find a breakthrough. The second half was more subdued until Chelmsford took the lead, Barham heading home after a misplaced pass. Maidenhead responded late, winning a penalty after a handball, which Umerah confidently converted. A crucial late block from Popoola ensured the visitors held on for a deserved point.

In the reverse fixture back in August, Dover Athletic fell to a 2–1 defeat against Maidenhead United at the Megger Community Stadium. The visitors started strongly and took an early lead through former White Will de Havilland. Dover improved after the break, with George Nikaj curling home a fine equaliser to spark momentum. However, Maidenhead regained control and de Havilland struck again, heading in the winner from a cross. Despite late pressure and changes from the bench, the Whites couldn’t find a way through a disciplined defence, with key defensive lapses proving costly on the day.

Last Six

Chelmsford City 1–1 Maidenhead United (11 Apr, National League South)
Maidenhead United 2–1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (6 Apr, National League South)
Slough Town 2–2 Maidenhead United (3 Apr, National League South)
Maidenhead United 3–0 Bath City (31 Mar, National League South)
Maidenhead United 1–2 Weston-super-Mare (28 Mar, National League South)
Maidenhead United 2–0 Dorking Wanderers (21 Mar, National League South)

The Venue

Maidenhead United Football Club
York Road
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL6 1SF

https://www.maidenheadunitedfc.org/our-club/find-us

Admission  

Adult £18 (£20) 
Concession Ticket (Over 65s) £13.50 (£15) 
Next Generation (17-22 years old) £9 (£10) 
Under 17s  £4 (£5) 

Prices in brackets indicate on-the-gate admission 

Please note online sales close 2 hours before kick-off 

Tickets can be purchased here: https://ethicalticketing.org/maidenhead-united-fc/event/606372126

Report – Dover Athletic 1-3 Farnborough

Dover Athletic’s difficult end to the season continued as Farnborough came from behind to secure a 3–1 victory at the Crabble Athletic Ground.

The Whites made a bright and purposeful start, immediately putting Farnborough under pressure and forcing them onto the back foot. That early intent paid off inside five minutes. A deep corner from Wilkinson caused problems, with Jones reacting well at the back post to head the ball back into the danger area. Harry Beadle was quickest to respond, hooking home from close range to give Dover a deserved early lead.

Dover looked in control during the opening exchanges, playing with energy and confidence. Nikaj was lively throughout, twice going close — first seeing a curling effort pushed away, before linking up well with Soares-Junior to create another opening that Wilkinson fired narrowly over. The same corner routine that led to the opener nearly brought a second, as Farnborough struggled to deal with Dover’s delivery.

Despite Dover’s dominance, Farnborough began to grow into the contest midway through the half. A warning sign came when Sandah struck the post, before Walker was called into action with a pair of excellent saves to deny Bingham and Bloomfield in quick succession, with heroic defending completing the clearance.

The visitors’ pressure eventually told late in the half. On 44 minutes, Robinson rose to head home from a Sandah cross after a well-worked move down the right. Moments later, Farnborough struck again in stoppage time. Another break saw the ball worked into the box, and although Bloomfield failed to connect, Bingham was on hand to finish and turn the game on its head before the break.

The second half struggled to reach the same intensity, becoming a more scrappy and disjointed affair. Dover looked to regain momentum, with Sheriff introduced just before the hour, but clear chances were limited. Farnborough, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counter, with Bingham firing narrowly wide and Fonguck striking the post as the visitors threatened a third.

That decisive moment came with ten minutes remaining. Stickland was adjudged to have been fouled in the area, and the referee pointed to the spot. Bloomfield stepped up and calmly converted, sending Walker the wrong way to extend Farnborough’s lead.

Dover pushed for a response late on, with Nikaj going close to pulling one back, but it wasn’t to be. Despite a strong opening and early lead, the Whites were ultimately undone by two quick-fire goals before the break and a clinical Farnborough performance in the closing stages.

Attention now turns to the final away day of the season, as the Whites make the trip to Maidenhead looking to end the campaign on a positive note.


Dover Athletic Squad:
Walker (C), Charles-Cook, Jones, Cocoracchio, Nikaj, Soares-Junior, Sodje, Beadle, Mensah, Wilkinson, Hanson
Subs: Baptiste, Sheriff, Gurung, Onu, Jallow, Marjoram

Farnborough Squad:
Duncan, Beacroft, Stickland, Robinson (C), Tuck, Bingham, Fonguck, Bower, Sandah, Bloomfield, Holzman
Subs: Anthony, Prince, Oyenuga, Senior

Chesham – Hospitality Package (Brunch Menu)

Fancy ending the season in style? Of course you do.

With an earlier kick-off for our final game of the season against Chesham, we’re doing something a little different at the Megger Community Stadium… introducing Crabble Brunch.

Join us before the game and fuel up for the finale as the Whites look to finish the season on a high.

Enjoy a proper matchday breakfast with:

Bacon, sausages, fresh tomato, hash browns, beans, scrambled egg, fried bread & mushrooms

All for just £15 per person and is available for individual and group bookings, or as a gift voucher.

Watch the game from the best seats in the house, get behind the lads, and make a day of the last game of the season.

The package includes:

  • Lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game
  • brunch 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

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.

The dress code is smart casual.

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

Will Narramore to Step Down as First Team Physio

Dover Athletic can confirm that First Team Physio Will Narramore will be stepping down from his role at the end of the season, bringing to a close four memorable seasons with the club.

Will has been a key part of the club’s backroom staff, supporting players across a demanding schedule with professionalism and care.

Will will now be moving on to pursue new opportunities, but we are pleased to confirm that he will continue to work within the club and continue in his current role as Physio for the Dover Athletic Academy.

Everyone at Dover Athletic would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Will for all of his hard work, commitment and contribution over the past four seasons, and we wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.

The club will begin the process of recruiting a new First Team Physio ahead of the 2026/27 season, with further updates to follow in due course.

Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Farnborough

Dover Athletic return to Crabble looking to halt a run of four consecutive defeats as they edge towards safety in National League South. The Whites sit 17th, two points ahead of Farnborough, and eight clear of the drop with just three games remaining, knowing a positive result could all but secure their status mathematically.

Farnborough arrive buoyed by a crucial 2–0 win over Horsham, a result that has given them a foothold in the survival race. Currently 20th with 47 points, their recent form has kept them within touching distance. With both sides still looking over their shoulder, this clash carries plenty at stake at the bottom end of the table.

Dover Athletic

Ebbsfleet United ran out 4–0 winners over Dover Athletic in the Easter Monday Kent derby. The Whites had early sights of goal, with Nikaj testing Hall and Soares-Junior hitting the bar, but fell behind on 14 minutes when Nelson reacted quickest from a corner. Chapman doubled the lead early in the second half with a curled finish. Dover saw spells of possession without creating clear openings, and the game was put beyond reach when Seaman converted a rebound on 70 minutes. Appiah added a fourth late on, as the hosts punished Dover with a clinical display.

From the Management

“It’s a really difficult period for us. We’ve had four defeats on the bounce, the squad is depleted, confidence is low and there’s frustration from the fans. But if we’re honest, at the start of the season we would have taken this position. We’ve given ourselves a really good chance of staying up. It’s just the way it’s unfolded that’s made it tough for everyone.”

Farnborough FC

Farnborough secured a 2–0 victory over Horsham at the Saunders Transport Community Stadium, with Mason Bloomfield netting twice in the second half. After a goalless opening period, the hosts grew into the game following several changes, including the introduction of Wesley Fonguck at the break. Bloomfield broke the deadlock on 59 minutes, finishing well to give Farnborough the lead. Horsham struggled to respond, and Bloomfield struck again on 72 minutes to seal the points. Farnborough managed the closing stages comfortably, making further substitutions to see out the game and secure a solid home win in National League South action.

Dover Athletic have already faced Farnborough twice this season, first in the reverse league fixture before meeting again a week later in the Emirates FA Cup, with mixed results. In the National League South clash, Dover secured a 2–1 win at Cherrywood Road. Ruben Soares-Junior gave the Whites an early lead, and despite Farnborough levelling through Lachlan Byrd, Dover remained on top. George Nikaj restored the advantage in the second half, and the visitors held firm under late pressure to claim all three points.

However, the FA Cup tie told a different story. Dover again started brightly, with Soares-Junior opening the scoring, but Farnborough responded quickly. Goals from Dominic Poleon and Mason Bloomfield turned the game around before the break, with Poleon adding a second and Rakish Bingham sealing a 4–1 win.

Last Six

Farnborough 2–3 Dagenham & Redbridge (17 Mar, National League South)
Farnborough 2–0 Slough Town (21 Mar, National League South)
Farnborough 4–2 Chelmsford City (25 Mar, National League South)
Farnborough 2–2 Hornchurch (28 Mar, National League South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 3–1 Farnborough (3 Apr, National League South)
Farnborough 2–0 Horsham (6 Apr, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Farnborough 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.

Report – Ebbsfleet United 4-0 Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic fell to a 4–0 defeat away at Ebbsfleet United on Easter Monday, with the hosts proving clinical across the 90 minutes.

The Whites started steadily without creating clear-cut openings, although Nikaj did force an early save from Hall at his near post. Dover showed flashes from set-pieces, with Soares-Junior seeing a header saved before striking the crossbar shortly after, but Ebbsfleet looked dangerous on the break.

The hosts took the lead on 14 minutes from a corner. A low delivery into the box wasn’t dealt with and Nelson reacted quickest to finish first time and give Ebbsfleet the advantage.

Nikaj struck the post midway through the half as Dover searched for a response, while Wilkinson also tested Hall, but Ebbsfleet carried a threat of their own with Walker required to deny Barnes as the half progressed.

Dover had moments without fully taking control, and went into the break a goal behind.

Ebbsfleet took charge after the restart and doubled their lead on 51 minutes. Chapman picked the ball up just inside the area and curled a composed finish into the side netting.

The Whites saw plenty of the ball but struggled to create clear openings against a strong Ebbsfleet side. Jallow saw an effort deflected wide, while Cocoracchio forced a save, but the hosts remained in control.

The game was effectively settled on 70 minutes when Walker saved from close range, only for Seaman to react quickest and convert the rebound.

Ebbsfleet added a fourth eight minutes later, Barnes delivering from the left for Appiah to head home and complete the scoring.

Walker made further saves late on to keep the scoreline from increasing, while Sodje was booked in the closing stages, but it was a difficult afternoon for the Whites on the road.

Dover return to Crabble on Saturday to face Farnborough.


Dover Athletic:
Walker (C), Charles-Cook (Marjoram 79), Cocoracchio, Mensah, Sodje, Jallow (Sheriff 71), Wilkinson, Gurung, Baptiste, Soares-Junior, Nikaj

Subs:
Jones, Sesay, Sheriff, Onu, Marjoram, Agbebi, Boakye-Sarfo


Ebbsfleet United:
Hall, Seaman, Dallison, Passley, Edser, Nelson, Samuel, Kennedy, Barnes, Coley, Chapman

Subs:
Sandford, Coker, Cosgrave, Appiah, Manktelow, Olagunju, Wyllie

Up Next – Ebbsfleet United vs Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic make the short trip to Ebbsfleet United this Easter Monday for another crucial Kent derby, as the Whites look to respond quickly following Good Friday’s result. It’s a tough test on the road against a Fleet side firmly in the play-off places, sitting 5th with 71 points and pushing for promotion. Dover, meanwhile, remain unchanged in the table and still hold an 11-point cushion above the relegation zone. With local pride on the line and a quick turnaround between fixtures, it promises to be a competitive and high-intensity encounter.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic were beaten 2–0 by Maidstone United in a Kent derby at Crabble despite creating the better chances. The Whites struck the woodwork twice early on through Soares-Junior and Nikaj, but fell behind on 12 minutes when Pattisson’s deflected effort beat Walker. Dover responded well, with Baptiste going close and sustained pressure from set-pieces and long throws, but Maidstone held firm. Walker produced a fine double save to keep it at 1–0, while Dover were denied a late penalty. Pushing forward in stoppage time, the hosts were caught out as Tanga sealed the win late on.

From the Management

“It’s a really quick turnaround and, naturally, we’re at a disadvantage compared to a club like Ebbsfleet. We’ve got a few players struggling and the squad is stretched, but we’ve just got to get on with it and look to finish the season as strongly as we can.”

Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United strengthened their National League South play-off push with a 2–1 win at Tonbridge Angels, completing the league double. Early goals proved decisive, as Chapman opened the scoring inside five minutes with a fine finish before Appiah doubled the lead from a corner soon after. Fleet controlled much of the game, with Hall making a key save and Coley hitting the post as they pushed for a third. Tonbridge rallied late and pulled one back through Leahy on 87 minutes, but Ebbsfleet held firm under pressure to secure a valuable three points on the road.

In the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic were left frustrated as a strong spell either side of half-time was not enough to prevent a 2–1 defeat to in-form Ebbsfleet United. The visitors started brightly and took the lead through Edser before Dover responded well, with Coker, Hanson and Sheriff all going close. The Whites carried that momentum into the second half and deservedly equalised when Coker powered home from Baptiste’s free-kick. However, Ebbsfleet regained the lead soon after as Samuel headed in at the far post. Dover pushed late, with penalty appeals waved away, but were unable to find another leveller.

Last Six

Eastbourne Borough 1–3 Ebbsfleet United (10 Mar, National League South)
Dorking Wanderers 3–1 Ebbsfleet United (14 Mar, National League South)
Maidenhead United 2–3 Ebbsfleet United (17 Mar, National League South)
Ebbsfleet United 1–3 Weston-super-Mare (21 Mar, National League South)
Ebbsfleet United 2–1 Slough Town (28 Mar, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 1–2 Ebbsfleet United (3 Apr, National League South)

The Venue

https://ebbsfleetunited.co.uk/stadium/visitors-information/

The Kuflink Stadium, Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9GN

Admission 

Away ticket link: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/ChooseQuantity?ticketId=1641&fixtureId=17645 

Adult – £17.00

Concession – £13.00

Young Adult (17-21) – £11.00

Youth (12-16) – £7.00

Under 12 – £1.00

Report – Dover Athletic 0-2 Maidstone United

Dover Athletic were beaten 2–0 by Maidstone United at the Megger Community Stadium in a tightly contested Kent derby, despite creating a number of chances and striking the woodwork twice in an entertaining encounter.

The Whites were handed a boost ahead of kick-off with the return of Jones from international duty, although Sheriff missed out through injury. Agbebi was named among the substitutes as Dover looked to respond following recent results.

It was Maidstone who threatened early, with Walker alert to gather a dangerous ball over the top inside three minutes. Dover quickly settled, however, and nearly took the lead on nine minutes. Baptiste’s corner delivery was met powerfully by Soares-Junior, whose header crashed back off the crossbar in a huge let-off for the visitors.

Moments later, Dover were left frustrated again as Nikaj saw an effort also come back off the woodwork, underlining a strong start from the hosts. Maidstone took the lead on 12 minutes. Court showed pace down the flank before cutting the ball back to Pattisson, whose deflected strike beat Walker at the near post to make it 1–0.

Dover responded well, continuing to apply pressure. Hanson fired from range and Wilkinson looked to unlock the defence with a well-weighted through ball, while Baptiste and Wilkinson combined well in attacking areas. Despite this, Maidstone’s defence held firm.

At the other end, Court remained a threat and Walker was called into action late in the half, producing a strong save to tip an effort over the bar. The Whites continued to push forward into added time but were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval.

HT: Dover Athletic 0–1 Maidstone United

Dover came out with intent after the break and almost found an immediate equaliser. Charles-Cook’s long throw caused problems in the box, with Baptiste directing a header goalwards, but Holden was equal to it.

The Whites continued to rely on set-pieces and long throws to create pressure, but Maidstone stood firm defensively. Changes followed, with Gurung, Onu and Marjoram all introduced as Dover searched for a way back into the game.

Jones went close with a header from a wide free kick, while Soares-Junior and Nikaj both picked up bookings as the game became increasingly tense.

Maidstone continued to carry a threat on the counter, and Walker produced an outstanding double save midway through the half, first denying Gilbert before quickly recovering to stop Yila at the near post.

Dover pushed hard in the closing stages, throwing bodies forward and delivering a series of aerial balls into the box. There were loud appeals for a penalty when Soares-Junior was brought down following a fumble from the goalkeeper, but the referee waved play on.

As the clock ticked into added time, the Whites continued to press, but were ultimately caught out. Maidstone sealed the points in the 95th minute as Gilbert played through Tanga, who finished low under Walker to make it 2–0.

Despite a committed performance and chances created, Dover were left to rue missed opportunities and fine margins in front of goal.

FT: Dover Athletic 0–2 Maidstone United

Dover Athletic: 1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 21 Mensah, 4 Jones, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 25 Hanson (Gurung 63’), 23 Wilkinson (Marjoram 74’), 7 Baptiste (Onu 67’), 14 Soares-Junior, 10 Nikaj
Subs not used: Sesay, Jallow, Agbebi, Boakye-Sarfo

Maidstone United: 13 Holden, 3 Hamblin, 4 Beeden, 5 Fowler, 6 Bramble, 7 Tanga, 8 Corne (C), 11 Yila, 17 Court, 20 Pattisson, 24 Foran
Subs: Harness, Sesay, Gilbert, Boruk, Mbogba, Kargbo, Berkeley-Agyepong

Farnborough – Hospitality Package

Fancy watching the Whites take on Farnborough 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:

Prawn Cocktail

Main:

Roasted Chicken Breast served with Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert:

Pistachio Semifreddo 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