Category: Club News

Up Next: Weston-super-Mare vs Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic return to the road on Saturday as they make the trip to Somerset to face Weston-super-Mare in National League South. The Whites head west looking to respond after Tuesday night’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Tonbridge Angels, a game in which Dover played the entire second half with ten men but still produced a spirited performance and pushed strongly for an equaliser. Weston have made a strong start to the campaign and currently sit second in the table with seven points from their opening three matches, having recorded two wins and a draw. The Seagulls come into the fixture following a goalless draw away at Torquay United in midweek. With Weston unbeaten so far and the Whites looking to bounce back from their midweek defeat, another competitive encounter is expected at the Optima Stadium.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tonbridge Angels at the Megger Stadium after playing the entire second half with ten men. The visitors enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, although Dover grew into the contest and went close on the half-hour when Bates crossed for Sheriff, whose header beat Harness but struck Baptiste on its way through. Fish was forced off shortly before the interval, with Onu replacing him, before the game’s major turning point arrived in stoppage time. Bakrin was shown a second yellow card following a tussle in the box, leaving Dover a man down. Tonbridge took advantage seven minutes after the restart when Tanga capitalised on a mistake and fired into the corner. Despite the setback, Dover responded strongly and enjoyed their best spell of the game. Bates caused problems from set pieces, while Oyenuga drove into the area and forced Harness into a save at his near post as the Whites applied sustained pressure. Tonbridge threatened only sporadically thereafter, with Walker denying Gardner from distance, but Dover were unable to find an equaliser. A spirited second-half display ultimately went unrewarded as Tonbridge held on for all three points.

From the Management

“Games come thick and fast, and obviously we’ve got a difficult one down at Weston next. After the performance there last season, we’ll go there with some confidence. We’ll travel down on the Friday. The chairman has put on a hotel, so we’ll do things properly. We’ll have a little recovery session on the Thursday and we’ve got to stick together, pick ourselves up and have a right go.”

Weston-super-Mare

Weston-super-Mare earned a hard-fought point at Plainmoor on Tuesday night, holding Torquay United to a goalless draw despite spending long periods under pressure. The hosts started strongly and forced Max Harris into an early save, with the Weston goalkeeper producing a fine parry to deny Deon Moore from the edge of the box. Harris was called upon again midway through the first half when Isaac Westendorf worked his way into the area and got a shot away, but Weston survived and reached the interval level. Torquay continued to dominate possession and territory after the break, although Weston’s defence stood firm and repeatedly blocked efforts before they could trouble Harris. The visitors offered little going forward for much of the contest, but remained organised and resilient as United pushed for a winner. Torquay came closest in stoppage time when a late effort was cleared off the line, before Weston nearly snatched all three points at the other end. Louis Britton fired a low drive from the edge of the area, forcing Toby Savin into a smart late save. Weston ultimately left Devon with a valuable point following a determined defensive display.

Weston-super-Mare enjoyed a landmark 2025/26 campaign, finishing sixth in National League South to secure the club’s highest-ever league position and a first play-off appearance at this level. Their run eventually ended in the semi-finals against eventual winners Hornchurch. Scott Rogers remains in charge after stepping up from his assistant manager role during last season, with the Seagulls retaining much of the experienced core that helped deliver their play-off finish. Louis Britton, who scored 19 league goals last term, continues to provide the main attacking threat, while Luke Coulson and Will Dawes offer further experience in the final third. There have also been several notable additions over the summer, including experienced midfielder Liam Sercombe from Forest Green Rovers, Brad Ash from Bath City and Ollie Hulbert from Barry Town. Will Jenkins-Davies has also arrived from Bath, while defender Archie Taylor has joined from Bristol City. Weston have, however, suffered an early blow with centre-back Emlyn Lewis sustaining a serious knee injury during pre-season. Captain Sam Avery remains an important figure at the back, with Max Harris continuing in goal after playing every league minute last season.

Last Time

Last time Dover Athletic faced Weston-super-Mare at Crabble, the two sides shared the points in a 1-1 draw in National League South. Weston started brightly, with Dawes and Dewsbury both threatening during the opening exchanges, but it was Dover who struck first after 16 minutes. A long throw from Beadle caused problems inside the Weston area and Mensah reacted quickest to guide the loose ball beyond Harris. The lead lasted only four minutes. Weston were awarded a penalty after Dawes went down under a challenge from Gurung, allowing Coulson to send Walker the wrong way and restore parity. Dover grew into the contest and remained dangerous on the counter, while Walker was required to deal with several Weston efforts before the break. The Whites started the second half positively and Sheriff struck the post after being picked out by Nikaj, although the offside flag had already been raised. Weston applied increasing pressure as the game progressed, but Dover defended resolutely. Walker produced an excellent late save before the visitors had a stoppage-time effort ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper. Dover survived the late pressure to secure a hard-earned point.

The Venue

The Optima Stadium Winterstoke Road Weston-super-Mare Somerset BS24 9AA 

Admission  

Adult – £16.00
Concession – £12.00 (Senior 60+, Student ID, Armed Forces ID, NHS ID)
14–17 Year Olds – £6.50
8–13 Year Olds – £4.50 (Must be accompanied by an adult)
Under 8s – Free (Must be accompanied by an adult)

https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/ChooseQuantity?ticketId=25041&fixtureId=20158

Report: Dover Athletic 0-1 Tonbridge Angels

Ten-man Dover edged out in Kent derby

Dover Athletic were left frustrated at the Megger Stadium as Tonbridge Angels claimed a narrow 1-0 victory in a fiercely contested Kent derby, with the decisive moment coming early in the second half after the Whites had been reduced to ten men deep into first-half stoppage time.

The opening stages were broken up by a number of stoppages, with much of the first five minutes played inside the Dover half as Tonbridge looked to apply early pressure through set pieces and long throws. Dover stayed organised, dealt with the early aerial threat and gradually began to work their way into the contest.

The Whites won their first corner after eight minutes and Bates immediately caused problems with the delivery, sending the ball towards the goalmouth where it appeared to be looping underneath the crossbar before the Tonbridge goalkeeper was forced to punch clear.

Tonbridge then won a free-kick in a dangerous position at the other end after Wilkinson committed a foul on the edge of the area, but the resulting delivery was comfortably dealt with and Dover were able to clear their lines without Walker being seriously tested.

Dover started to find some rhythm in possession as Bates and Wilkinson combined neatly in midfield, with the move eventually opening space for Sesay to send a ball into the area, although there was nobody arriving to meet it.

That promising spell was interrupted when Sesay went down inside the Dover penalty area and required treatment. The defender was eventually helped to the sideline, leaving the Whites temporarily down to ten men while play continued, but Tonbridge were unable to take advantage of the extra player and Sesay returned to the pitch in the 19th minute.

Bakrin picked up the first booking of the evening three minutes later, before Tonbridge produced the clearest chance of the game up to that point. Tanga found room to get a shot away and sent the ball narrowly wide of Walker’s far post, with the Dover goalkeeper watching it drift just beyond the upright.

Dover continued to look for openings of their own and Baptiste found space to attack down the flank on 29 minutes, although his chipped cross was overhit and sailed away from the intended target.

The Whites then came agonisingly close to opening the scoring just a minute later. Bates delivered another excellent ball into the area and Sheriff rose to meet it with his head, sending the ball beyond the goalkeeper, but the effort struck Baptiste on its way through and the accidental touch prevented it from finding the net.

It was a moment which summed up a first half in which Dover had begun to look increasingly dangerous whenever they were able to put together sustained passages of play.

Another stoppage followed in the 38th minute when Fish went down and required treatment. Dover had been beginning to enjoy their best spell of the half before the break in play, but after several minutes of attention it became clear Fish would be unable to continue and Onu was introduced in his place in the 44th minute.

Eight minutes of additional time were signalled at the end of the half and the game then took a dramatic turn.

Four minutes into stoppage time, Bakrin became involved in a tussle inside the penalty area and the referee showed him a second yellow card, leaving Dover to play the remainder of the match with ten men. A Tonbridge player was also cautioned following the incident.

Sheriff was then shown a yellow card two minutes later after returning to the field of play too early, while a card was also shown to the Dover technical area during a chaotic end to the opening 45 minutes.

Despite all of the interruptions and controversy, the score remained goalless at the interval, with the Whites having created arguably the best attacking moment of the half through Sheriff’s header.

Tonbridge made their numerical advantage count seven minutes after the restart.

A Dover mistake allowed Tanga to capitalise in a dangerous area and he made no mistake with the opportunity, driving a low finish into the corner to put the visitors 1-0 ahead.

The response from Dover, however, was immediate and encouraging.

Rather than sit deep and simply try to limit the damage with ten men, the Whites continued to push forward and enjoyed a prolonged spell of pressure as they searched for an equaliser.

Bates remained a constant threat from dead-ball situations and another dangerous corner in the 57th minute caused problems inside the Tonbridge area. The goalkeeper was forced to punch clear before Dover could bundle the loose ball home, while those behind the goal in the River End were also appealing for a foul during the scramble.

Dover’s pressure continued and Oyenuga was next to threaten, driving into the penalty area in the 64th minute before forcing Harness into a save at his near post. The Tonbridge goalkeeper could only palm the effort behind, giving the Whites another corner and adding to a sustained spell in which the visitors were being pushed deeper despite holding the numerical advantage.

Another Dover corner followed soon afterwards as the home side kept the pressure on, with Tonbridge struggling to relieve it for any meaningful period.

It was not until the 73rd minute that the Angels registered another serious attempt after taking the lead. Gardner tried his luck from around 20 yards with a swerving effort, but Walker reacted well and punched the ball away from danger.

By that stage Dover had spent much of the previous ten minutes on top, showing plenty of energy and ambition despite having played the whole of the second half with a man fewer.

Leberl made another change in the 75th minute as Jallow replaced Wilkinson, adding fresh legs as Dover continued to search for a way back into the game.

Tonbridge looked to exploit the extra space as the Whites committed more bodies forward, but Wilson-Braithwaite produced an excellent challenge in the 83rd minute to stop a dangerous attack and keep Dover within one goal of the visitors.

Sesay, who had battled on after his first-half injury, was withdrawn two minutes later and replaced by Beadle for Dover’s final substitution.

Three minutes were added at the end of the second half and the Whites continued to push, but Tonbridge held firm and saw out the closing stages to secure a narrow victory.

It was a frustrating result for Dover, particularly after a spirited second-half performance in which they spent long spells on the front foot despite playing with ten men. The Whites restricted Tonbridge to very little after the goal and created enough pressure of their own to leave the final scoreline feeling harsh.

The attendance at the Megger Stadium was 1,005, including 102 travelling supporters.

Dover return to National League South action on Saturday when they travel to Weston-super-Mare.

Dover Athletic

Starting XI:
Walker, Oyenuga, Jones, Bakrin, Sesay, Wilson-Braithwaite, Wilkinson, Bates, Sheriff, Fish, Baptiste.

Substitutes:
Beadle, Bartlett, Onu, Jallow, Charles-Cook, Salami.

Tonbridge Angels

Starting XI:
Harness, Sutcliffe, Beeden, Korboa, Baker, Babajide, Brown, Bullas, Tanga, Thompson (C), Akehurst.

Substitutes:
Burford, Lintott, Osew, Pavey, Cockerill, McDonald, Gardner.

Attendance: 1,005 (102 away)

Up Next: Dover Athletic vs Tonbridge Angels

Dover Athletic return to the Megger Community Stadium on Tuesday night for a Kent derby under the lights against Tonbridge Angels. The Whites head into the fixture buoyed by Saturday’s thrilling 5-3 victory over Slough Town, while Tonbridge make the trip to Crabble looking to respond after a narrow 2-1 home defeat to Torquay United. With both sides already showing plenty of attacking intent in the opening weeks of the season, another competitive National League South encounter awaits as two familiar Kent rivals go head-to-head.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic secured their first three points of the season with a dramatic 5-3 victory over Slough Town at the Megger Community Stadium. Despite losing Rendall to injury inside nine minutes, Dover took control through Fish, whose looping effort opened the scoring after 16 minutes. Sheriff doubled the advantage four minutes later before adding his second in first-half stoppage time, converting Bates’ low delivery to send the Whites into the break 3-0 ahead. Slough responded emphatically after the restart. Goddard converted a penalty before Holness struck twice in six minutes to complete a remarkable comeback and level the contest at 3-3. Dover recovered well from the setback and restored their lead in the 78th minute. Charles-Cook delivered into the area and Bates was left free at the back post to head home. With Slough pushing for another equaliser, substitute Onu finally made the points safe in added time. He reacted quickest to a ball over the top, rounded McNamara and finished into the empty net. After a dominant first half, a dramatic Slough fightback and an impressive response, Dover held on to claim a memorable 5-3 victory in front of 711 supporters.

From the Management

“Tonbridge have recruited really well in the summer, taking the Maidstone captain and a few of the other experienced boys, so they’re obviously going for it. You’d like to think they’re going to be right up there as favourites, so it’s never going to be an easy game. They’ll be looking to bounce back and they’ll be fired up. I thought we did really well against them here last year, although we were very disappointed at their place.”

Tonbridge Angels

On Saturday, Tonbridge Angels were denied a deserved point as Torquay United claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory at Longmead. The visitors took the lead after 16 minutes when Kian Jenkins’ corner evaded everyone and found the net. Tonbridge responded well, with Bailey Akehurst striking the crossbar early in the second half after goalkeeper Nathan Harness had produced an excellent save to deny Callum Morton. Angels drew level shortly after the hour. Akehurst played a short corner to Kai Martin, whose cross was headed home by Ethan Sutcliffe. Alan Dunne’s side then pushed for a winner and had a strong penalty appeal waved away before Beeden headed narrowly wide. However, Torquay struck on the break. Deon Moore released substitute Robertson, whose cut-back was converted by Matt Jay from close range. Tonbridge’s task became harder when Jephte Tanga was shown a second yellow card, but they continued to threaten. Harness raced back to make an outstanding save after joining a late corner, before Torquay goalkeeper Toby Savin produced an exceptional stoppage-time stop to claw away Alfie Pavey’s looping header. Dunne praised his side afterwards for going “toe-to-toe” with one of the division’s strongest teams.

Tonbridge Angels begin 2026/27 looking to build on a 14th-place finish in National League South last season. Alan Dunne’s arrival in September helped steady a difficult start, with the former Bromley assistant overseeing a recovery that carried the club comfortably clear of danger. There has been considerable change during the summer. Goalkeeper Nathan Harness has arrived from Maidstone United, while Ethan Sutcliffe has returned permanently from AFC Wimbledon following several loan spells with the Angels. Defenders Harvey Lintott and Lexus Beeden strengthen the back line, with Harry Gardner and former Maidstone captain Sam Corne adding options in midfield. Further forward, Jephte Tanga and Lamar Reynolds provide additional attacking threat, while Frankie Baker has returned after spending part of last season on loan at Longmead. Bunmi Babajide remains among the established attacking options. Several members of last season’s squad have moved on, including leading scorer Tom Leahy, Marcus Sablier, Martell Taylor-Crossdale, Scott Wagstaff and Nazir Bakrin. Dunne therefore starts his first full season in charge with a reshaped group containing retained players, experienced arrivals and younger additions. The Angels opened their league campaign with a 4–0 victory away at Braintree Town

Last Time

The most recent meeting between Dover Athletic and Tonbridge Angels came at Crabble on 10 March 2026, when two goals from George Wilkinson earned Dover a 2–0 National League South victory. The opening stages were evenly contested, with clear chances at a premium. Tonbridge threatened on the counter through Ricky Korboa, Frankie Baker and Bunmi Babajide, before Alfie Pavey fired over. Dover created the breakthrough after 21 minutes when a passing move through midfield released Wilkinson, who finished calmly beyond goalkeeper Ted Rowley. Tonbridge enjoyed periods of possession before the interval and Baker was lively in attacking areas, but Dover remained ahead at half-time. The visitors then threatened early in the second period when Bailey Akehurst found Pavey at the back post, only for his effort to be blocked. Dover doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute. A Harry Beadle delivery was cleared by the Angels defence, but the loose ball fell to Wilkinson around 30 yards from goal. The midfielder struck first time and found the top corner for his second of the evening. Tonbridge continued to look for a route back into the contest, with Akehurst forcing Mitch Walker into a save from a tight angle. At the other end, Dover nearly added a third when Rowley gathered a low cross ahead of Luke Baptiste. The closing stages saw Tonbridge retain possession without creating a decisive opening, while Dover made several changes and managed the final minutes effectively to complete a 2–0 win in the Kent derby.

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Tonbridge Angels 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: Dover Athletic 5-3 Slough Town

Dover Athletic secured their first three points of the season in extraordinary fashion as they defeated Slough Town 5-3 in an eight-goal thriller at the Megger Community Stadium. Dover appeared to be cruising after a dominant first-half display saw Fish open the scoring before a Sheriff double gave the Whites a commanding 3-0 advantage at the interval.

Slough produced a remarkable response after the restart, with Goddard converting from the penalty spot before two goals from Holness brought the visitors level inside 17 second-half minutes. But Dover recovered from the setback. Bates headed the Whites back in front with 12 minutes remaining before substitute Onu rounded the goalkeeper in added time to finally secure a dramatic victory.

The afternoon had started at a frantic pace, with both sides looking to establish themselves early on. Baptiste found an opportunity to deliver from wide after four minutes, although Slough were able to deal with the danger before Wilson-Braithwaite could capitalise. Dover then suffered a major setback just minutes into the contest when Rendall went down requiring treatment. The defender was unable to continue and, after being stretchered from the field to applause from around the ground, was replaced by Wilkinson in the ninth minute.

Slough threatened from the resulting passage of play as a header from a set piece flashed narrowly beyond Walker’s upright, but it was Dover who soon took control. Some excellent passing football earned the Whites a corner in the 16th minute and from the delivery came the opening goal. Fish managed to hook the ball over his head and into the air, with the looping effort dropping into the net as McNamara scrambled to reach it.

Dover almost added another three minutes later before winning another corner, and this time Slough could not escape. The visitors failed to properly clear the delivery as the ball bounced around inside the penalty area. A deflected effort was eventually directed goalwards by Sheriff, whose header found the net to double Dover’s advantage after 20 minutes.

The Whites continued to dominate. Fish turned sharply inside the area before seeing a shot blocked, while Bates tried his luck from the edge of the box shortly afterwards and sent his effort narrowly wide. Sheriff was causing constant problems for the Slough defence and almost grabbed another in the 32nd minute. The forward produced an excellent piece of skill to work his way into the penalty area before unleashing a powerful effort which McNamara was forced to save with his feet at the near post.

At the other end, Jones rose highest to clear a Slough corner, but the majority of the pressure continued to come from Dover. Sheriff’s direct running earned the first booking of the afternoon when Gregory was shown yellow after bringing him down, before Bates also went into the referee’s notebook five minutes later.

There was another opportunity for Dover shortly before the interval when Sheriff guided a cross towards Baptiste. His header caused problems inside the area but eventually bounced wide. The Whites then thought they had scored a third from another corner in the 45th minute, only for the referee to rule the effort out for a foul.

Dover did not have to wait much longer. Two minutes into first-half stoppage time, another flowing attack ended with Bates delivering a low ball into the area. Sheriff met it and clipped his finish underneath McNamara to score his second of the afternoon and send Dover into the break with a deserved 3-0 advantage.

Slough responded by making two changes before the restart, with Regis and Nelson replaced by Spencer and Francis, and the visitors emerged for the second half transformed. Five minutes after the restart Slough were awarded a penalty after Brooks went down inside the Dover box.

Goddard took responsibility and confidently dispatched the spot kick straight down the middle to reduce the deficit to 3-1. The goal shifted the momentum of the contest and Slough began to apply sustained pressure as they searched for a way back into the game.

They found their second in the 56th minute. Myers produced an impressive piece of play down the right flank before Holness supplied the finish to suddenly put the visitors within one. Six minutes later, the comeback was complete. A pass from Brooks took a deflection off a Dover defender before falling for Holness, who struck underneath Walker to score his second of the afternoon and make it 3-3. Having seen a three-goal advantage disappear in little over ten minutes, Dover needed to regain their composure.

Fish was replaced by Onu in the 72nd minute and Sheriff went close to restoring the lead shortly afterwards as the Whites gradually began to rediscover the attacking rhythm that had served them so well in the opening half. A Dover break resulted in Bates being fouled in a dangerous position with 14 minutes remaining and, two minutes later, the midfielder put the Whites back in front.

Charles-Cook produced an excellent delivery into the penalty area and Bates was left free at the back post, where he made no mistake with his header to make it 4-3. Slough continued to push and had a dangerous free kick blocked in the closing stages, before the announcement of seven minutes of additional time ensured there would be no comfortable conclusion to a remarkable afternoon.

Jallow replaced Bates in the second minute of stoppage time before Dover finally put the game beyond their visitors two minutes later. A ball over the top caused confusion in the Slough defence and Onu reacted quickest. The substitute took advantage, carried the ball around McNamara and finished into the empty net to make it 5-3 and spark celebrations around Crabble.

There was still time for Salami and Ezenwanne to replace Sheriff and Baptiste before the final whistle brought an extraordinary contest to an end.

After a superb first half, a dramatic Slough fightback and an impressive response of their own, Dover emerged with all three points in front of an attendance of 711.

The Whites are back at the Megger Community Stadium on Tuesday evening when Tonbridge Angels visit Crabble for a Kent derby under the lights.

DOVER ATHLETIC: Walker, Charles-Cook, Jones, Rendall, Sesay, Bakrin, Wilson-Braithwaite, Bates, Sheriff, Fish, Baptiste.

SUBSTITUTES: Wilkinson, Ezenwanne, Bartlett, Onu, Jallow, Salami, Beadle.

GOALS: Fish 16′, Sheriff 20′, 45+2′, Bates 78′, Onu 90+4′.

BOOKED: Bates 40′.

SLOUGH TOWN: McNamara, Nelson, Quansah, Morrison, Gregory, Drakes-Thomas, Brooks, Regis, Myers, Goddard, Holness.

SUBSTITUTES: Spencer, Francis, Humphrey-Ewers, Oppong, Vorster, Walsh, Edebe.

GOALS: Goddard 51′ (pen), Holness 56′, 62′.

BOOKED: Gregory 35′.

ATTENDANCE: 711.

Welcome Jacob Roddy

Jacob Roddy has joined the Whites ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 23-year-old left-back came through the youth systems at Southampton and Bradfield College before joining Charlton Athletic in 2021.

Jacob made his professional debut for the Addicks in an EFL Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon and later made his League One debut during a 2–2 draw away at Cheltenham Town in May 2023.

After a brief loan spell with Weston-super-Mare, he joined Oxford City in December 2023 and made 19 appearances in the National League before completing a permanent move the following summer.

Jacob went on to become a regular for the Hoops, making a further 65 appearances across the following two seasons in National League North.

Tonbridge Angels – Hospitality Package

Make the most of a Tuesday night Kent derby as the Whites welcome Tonbridge Angels to the Megger Community Stadium.

Enjoy matchday hospitality before taking in an evening of league action under the lights at Crabble.

Your package includes:

  • Access to our hospitality lounge, complete with large TVs and projector
  • A two-course meal served at your table
  • Reserved, undercover premium padded seating
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water
  • A dedicated paid bar before and after the match
  • A complimentary matchday programme

Hospitality is priced at £20 per person and is available for individual or group bookings, as well as gift vouchers.

Please note that match admission is not included for non-season ticket holders, who will still need to purchase entry at the turnstiles on the night.

Tuesday’s Menu

Main:
Cottage Pie served with Peas and Carrots

The dress code is smart casual.

To book your VIP hospitality, please email enquiries@doverathletic.com or call the office on 01304 822373.

Post-Match Live Music Launches in the Centre Spot

We’re delighted to announce the first of our new post-match gigs in the Centre Spot, kicking off after Saturday’s home game against Slough Town.

Luca Wickham will be joining us after full-time, bringing his guitar and performing a mix of popular songs, with everything from The Beatles to Oasis on the setlist.

Luca is also a familiar face to many Dover supporters, following the Whites both home and away, so it’s great to have one of our own launching the new series of live music.

The post-match gigs are the first of several supporter-focused initiatives planned to enhance the matchday experience at the Megger Community Stadium. Fully funded by the Suonal Group, the aim is to give supporters even more reason to stick around after the final whistle, enjoy the Centre Spot and spend time with fellow fans.

So whatever the result on Saturday, head into the Centre Spot after the game, grab a drink and support Luca as we get our post-match live music underway.

Up Next: Dover Athletic vs Slough Town

Dover Athletic return to the Megger Community Stadium on Saturday for their first home fixture of the new National League South season, with Slough Town the visitors to Crabble. The Whites will be looking to respond following last weekend’s opening-day defeat at Billericay Town, while Slough arrive for their first league outing of the campaign after their scheduled fixture against Ebbsfleet United was postponed. With both sides keen to get points on the board, another competitive afternoon awaits at Crabble.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic began the new National League South season with a 2-0 defeat against Billericay Town at New Lodge. The Whites made a bright start and almost opened the scoring after three minutes when Baptiste’s free-kick from the edge of the area crashed against the crossbar. However, Billericay took the lead on 18 minutes from their first corner. Benton’s delivery found Bonne at the back post, where the striker volleyed beyond Walker. Dover continued to see plenty of the ball, with Oyenuga firing wide from the edge of the area, while Rendall made an important block at the other end shortly before the interval. The Whites started the second half positively, but Billericay doubled their advantage on 55 minutes. Porter’s overlapping run created the opening before his delivery found Merrifield, who finished strongly to make it 2-0. The hosts almost added a third moments later when another effort struck the crossbar. Jake Leberl introduced Sesay, Bates and Fish as Dover searched for a response, but the visitors were unable to break down a well-organised home defence. Former Dover man Odelusi fired narrowly wide late on before Billericay saw out six minutes of added time to secure all three points in front of 1,093 supporters.

From the Management

“Generally, since I’ve been back at the club, our away form has been better than our home form. I was looking at it during the week and we actually had a better away record than Dorking last year. But we need to win at home. It’s important to get results here for the supporters and to build some momentum, so we really need to improve our home form. Next week against Slough is a good opportunity to do that.”

Slough Town

Slough Town enter the new season facing a period of significant change following the departure of long-serving manager Scott Davies to Aldershot Town. Davies consistently kept the Rebels competitive despite modest expectations, making his exit a major loss both on and off the pitch. New manager Alan Julian is expected to encourage a positive and attacking style of football, but he inherits a squad that has lost considerable quality over the summer. Slough have traditionally recruited well from the lower levels of the pyramid, identifying players capable of stepping up and establishing themselves at National League South level. Several new arrivals have once again come from lower divisions, although it remains to be seen whether Julian can repeat the success Davies enjoyed with that approach. Retaining Henry Ochieng is a major boost, with the experienced midfielder providing leadership and control after injury disrupted his previous campaign. Jared Myers and Jaiden Drakes-Thomas are also players with the potential to develop further and take on greater responsibility. Slough head into the season with a new manager and a reshaped squad, with the coming weeks likely to provide a clearer indication of how quickly the group can settle and develop.

Slough Town have assembled an energetic squad combining established National League South experience with several promising new arrivals. In goal, Josh McNamara offers composure and strong distribution, having developed within the Manchester City and Southampton academy systems. Defensively, Joe Morrison provides strength, aerial presence and leadership after being named Gosport Borough’s Supporters’ Player of the Season. Josh Brooking adds athleticism and quality in possession, while the versatile Keenan Quansah can operate centrally or at right-back. Attacking full-back Tarik Gidaree also offers pace and threat from wide areas. In midfield, captain Henry Ochieng is a powerful and influential presence, supported by the energetic Dan Roth and experienced attacking midfielder Johnny Goddard. Jaiden Drakes-Thomas adds further creativity and goals after finishing as Slough’s leading scorer last season. Going forward, new signing Godlove Oppong arrives after scoring 32 goals for Leighton Town, while George Vorster contributed 17 goals and 13 assists for Burgess Hill. Louis Walsh provides another major threat after registering 25 goals and 14 assists for Thame United.

Slough Town will arrive at the Megger Community Stadium for their first National League South fixture of the season after their scheduled opening-day game against Ebbsfleet United was postponed. The Rebels had been due to host Ebbsfleet at Arbour Park on Saturday, but the fixture was called off following The National League’s decision to suspend the Fleet while its Compliance and Licensing Committee reviews the club’s financial position. As a result, Saturday’s trip to Dover will mark Slough’s first competitive league outing of the 2026/27 campaign.

Last Time

Last time the sides met, Dover Athletic battled back to earn a point at Slough Town as a late own goal secured a 1-1 draw at Arbour Park. The hosts made the brighter start and created the better chances during a disrupted first half, with Walker producing an excellent one-on-one save to deny Gidaree before Nikaj made a crucial goal-line clearance. Slough continued to threaten after the restart and Walker was again called upon, producing a superb double save as Dover struggled to gain a foothold in the final third. The breakthrough eventually arrived on 68 minutes. A Slough corner was only partially cleared and Clarke’s strike from the edge of the box was diverted past Walker by Makowski to give the hosts the lead. Dover responded with changes as Coker, Wilkinson and Baptiste were introduced in search of an equaliser. That pressure finally paid off five minutes from time. Soares-Junior sent a dangerous cross towards the near post and, under pressure, Oshilaja turned the ball into his own net to bring the Whites level. Neither side could find a winner during five minutes of added time, leaving Dover to return from Berkshire with a point.

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Slough 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
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Report: Billericay Town 2-0 Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic began the new National League South season with defeat in Essex as goals from Bonne and Merrifield earned Billericay Town a 2-0 victory at New Lodge.

The Whites made a bright start and came within inches of taking an early lead, but Billericay struck from a corner midway through the first half before doubling their advantage ten minutes after the restart.

Dover were on the front foot almost immediately, winning a free-kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the penalty area after just two minutes. Baptiste stepped up and was desperately unlucky not to open the scoring, crashing his effort against the crossbar.

The visitors continued to threaten during an encouraging opening spell. Two minutes later, another Dover attack forced the Billericay goalkeeper to race outside his area and clear with his feet, before some neat link-up play around the box resulted in the Whites’ first corner of the afternoon.

Billericay took time to settle but began to offer more of a threat as the half progressed. On 17 minutes, Long tried his luck from distance, with a deflection taking the ball behind for the hosts’ first corner.

That set-piece proved costly for Dover. Benton sent the resulting delivery towards the back post, where Bonne was waiting to volley emphatically beyond Walker and give Billericay an 18th-minute lead.

The hosts immediately went searching for a second. Long broke down the flank and produced an inventive outside-of-the-foot delivery into the box, but Rendall was well positioned to intervene and the ball eventually found its way safely into Walker’s hands.

Dover looked for an immediate response and won another corner on 22 minutes, although the set-piece came to nothing before the players took a hydration break in the warm Essex sunshine.

The Whites continued to see plenty of the ball without managing to find the finishing touch. Oyenuga tried his luck from the edge of the box just after the half-hour mark, slicing an effort which bounced wide of the target.

Corners and Rendall’s long throws continued to provide Dover with opportunities to put the home defence under pressure, but Billericay dealt with everything sent into their penalty area.

At the other end, Merrifield attempted to lift a pass into the Dover box on 38 minutes but there was nobody in blue there to meet it.

Sheriff then found space out wide shortly before the interval and won another Dover corner, while Rendall produced an important block from a low Billericay shot as the game entered two minutes of first-half stoppage time.

Dover therefore went into the break one goal behind despite having enjoyed some promising spells during the opening 45 minutes.

The Whites again looked to attack after the restart. A good switch of play on 53 minutes released Baptiste down the wing and his eventual cross was turned behind for a corner.

However, it was from that Dover set-piece that Billericay launched a dangerous counter-attack. Merrifield chased the length of the pitch to regain possession before combining with Benton to create a shooting opportunity for Watts, whose low effort was kept out by Walker.

The Dover goalkeeper could do little a minute later as Billericay doubled their lead.

Porter made an effective overlapping run to create space before delivering into the area, where Merrifield finished strongly to make it 2-0 after 55 minutes.

The hosts almost added a third almost immediately. Dover were caught open again and Billericay raced through on goal, only to see the resulting effort come back off the crossbar.

Leberl responded with a double substitution on 58 minutes, introducing Sesay and Bates in place of Oyenuga and Wilkinson.

Fish followed shortly afterwards, replacing Wilson-Braithwaite in the 65th minute, and made an immediate impression by driving forward with the ball. Bates looked to deliver into the penalty area at the end of the move, but his cross failed to find a teammate.

A second hydration break followed on 70 minutes as Dover looked for a route back into the contest.

Rendall was shown the game’s first yellow card seven minutes later, while the Whites continued to probe as the match entered its closing stages but were unable to find a way through a well-organised Billericay defence.

Former Dover man Odelusi came close to marking his appearance against his old club with a goal in the 86th minute, sending a powerful effort narrowly wide.

The attendance at New Lodge was confirmed as 1,093, including a travelling Dover support who had made the journey to Essex for the opening afternoon of the campaign.

Six minutes of additional time were indicated, but there was to be no late route back into the contest for the Whites as Billericay saw out the closing stages to secure all three points.

Dover will now turn their attention to their first home fixture of the season, with Slough Town visiting Crabble next Saturday.

Billericay Town: 1 Wright, 2 Wind, 3 Porter, 6 Scott (c), 8 Clark, 9 Merrifield, 10 Benton, 12 Bonne, 14 Long, 15 Parsons, 16 Watts.

Subs: 4 Martin Sorondo, 7 Cerulli, 11 Macarthur, 19 Isaacson, 20 Ruff, 21 Johnson, 24 Odelusi.

Dover Athletic: 1 Walker (c), 23 Charles-Cook, 5 Jones, 17 Rendall, 25 Oyenuga, 6 Bakrin, 16 Wilson-Braithwaite, 8 Wilkinson, 9 Sheriff, 14 Onu, 7 Baptiste.

Subs: Ezenwanne, Fish, Salami, Sesay, Jallow, Bates, Beadle.

Welcome Jack Bates

Jack Bates has joined the Whites ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The midfielder began his career with East Sussex College’s full-time education programme and represented both England Colleges and England Schoolboys before joining Derby County shortly after his 18th birthday in 2022.

Jack featured for Derby’s U21 side and gained senior experience during a loan spell with Bath City before signing for Worthing in 2024. He later joined Enfield Town, initially on loan before making the move permanent, and most recently featured for Horsham in National League South.

Welcome to Crabble, Jack.

Don’t miss your chance to sponsor Jack this season. Home £100, Away £90, Home and Away £180. To purchase, please contact the office by phone on 01304822373, or alternatively pop into reception on a matchday.