It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Dover Athletic – and this year, the club is giving the town the ultimate present: free entry to their match against Eastbourne on Saturday December 20

“Come and have a bit of a party at Dover and enjoy the game,” says chairman Jim Parmenter.

Let’s be honest, times are tough. Every time you turn on the telly, there’s a new tax, price hike, or headline about the cost of living. Dover isn’t exactly rolling in cash, and Parmenter knows it.

That’s why he’s throwing open the gates and inviting everyone for a jolly knees-up, complete with disco, fancy dress, mulled wine, and even Santa in his grotto. There’s something for everyone. Kids get freebies, grown-ups get mulled wine, and anyone with a questionable taste in fashion can win prizes for fancy dress.

The party starts at noon, and the club’s even opening extra catering outlets. If you’re hungry for football and sausage rolls, this is your chance. But it’s not just about mince pies and merriment. The Whites are in cracking form, riding high in the table.

“I’m getting a nosebleed,” Jim jokes, not from the mulled wine, but from the dizzying heights Dover finds themselves after last season’s promotion.

Despite injuries and budget challenges, the team is punching well and the community’s feel-good factor is “very good.”

Check out his interview with Justin Allen on DAFCtv now.

Dover Athletic turn their attention back to knockout competition this weekend as they host Hornchurch in the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Trophy at Crabble. Both sides progressed from the previous stage in contrasting fashion: Dover secured a professional 2–0 victory over Dorchester Town through goals from Coker and Odelusi, while Hornchurch edged past Brentwood Town on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes. With league form fluctuating for the visitors and Dover building momentum with five wins on the spin, this tie offers a valuable opportunity for both teams to push deeper into the competition. A competitive afternoon awaits.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic earned a gritty 1–0 win at Chesham United, extending their winning run with a disciplined display at The Meadow. Walker produced key saves early on, while Beadle’s superb defensive interventions kept the hosts out. An injury to Nikaj brought on Marjoram, who immediately threatened and later saw a shot cleared off the line. Dover grew stronger after the break, and the breakthrough came on 69 minutes when Baptiste cut inside and fired in via a deflection. Chesham pressed late, forcing tense moments in stoppage time, but Dover held firm to secure a valuable away victory.

From the Management

“Next Saturday we’re back in FA Trophy action against Hornchurch. We’ve already faced them once this season, and it will be a tough test. They’ve strengthened again this week and have an excellent squad, but it’s a cup game and we’re really looking forward to it.”

Hornchurch

Hornchurch suffered a rare setback as they were convincingly beaten 2–0 away at Maidenhead United. The league leaders never found their rhythm and were second best throughout, struggling to create clear chances after early pressure was repelled by strong defending. De Havilland’s flicked header from a corner put Maidenhead ahead, and despite a brief Hornchurch threat when Morias had a header cleared off the line, the visitors remained on the back foot. Maidenhead continued to dominate after the break, and Mitchell-Lawson’s late curling finish sealed a deserved defeat for Hornchurch, who were unable to reproduce their usual attacking fluency.

In our previous meeting, Dover Athletic earned an impressive point with a disciplined 0–0 draw against league leaders Hornchurch. The hosts, unbeaten in nine, started quickly and twice forced early saves from Walker. Dover grew into the game, with Nikaj setting up Baptiste for a first-half chance gathered on the line. Hornchurch hit the woodwork through McQueen before the break, while Dover went closest in the second half when Mensah’s header struck the post. Both sides made attacking changes, and Mampolo added late threat, but neither could find a breakthrough as Dover claimed a deserved away draw.

Last Six

Chelmsford City 2–0 Hornchurch (10 Nov, National League South)
Brentwood 0–0 Hornchurch — Hornchurch win 4–2 on pens (15 Nov, FA Trophy 2nd Round)
Hornchurch 1–1 AFC Totton (22 Nov, National League South)
Worthing 5–0 Hornchurch (29 Nov, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 0–4 Hornchurch (2 Dec, National League South)
Maidenhead United 2–0 Hornchurch (6 Dec, 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
(CUP GAME ALL MUST PAY ENTRY)

We only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground.

Enterprise National League South
Chesham United 0–1 Dover Athletic
Venue: The Meadow | Kick-off: 3pm

Dover Athletic made it fives wins on the bounce with a resolute and disciplined performance at The Meadow, earning a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Chesham United thanks to a decisive second-half strike from Baptiste.

The opening exchanges set the tone for a tense afternoon. After just five minutes, Chesham forced the first meaningful save of the match, with Walker getting down sharply to his right to keep out a low effort. Dover suffered a setback when Wilkinson required lengthy treatment and temporarily left the field, forcing his side to play with ten men. He recovered to continue, and the visitors soon began to settle into the contest. A neat attacking move on 16 minutes ended with a cross that evaded everyone, but it signalled a growing confidence.

At the other end, Dover were indebted to two superb pieces of defending from Beadle. First, a dramatic diving header cleared a dangerous Chesham delivery, and minutes later he produced a decisive last-ditch challenge to deny Minhas, who had shaped to shoot inside the box.

An enforced change arrived on 27 minutes when Nikaj was unable to continue, with Marjoram replacing him. The substitute quickly offered a spark, allowing Onu to turn and shoot soon after his arrival. Chesham responded strongly, but Walker again produced excellence in goal, stretching out a powerful left arm to deny Oliyide after good work from Babos.

Dover finished the half encouragingly, with a tame Wilkinson effort the final notable action before the sides went in level at 0–0.

Chesham emerged aggressively after the restart. The away fans found their voice when a promising attack saw Marjoram fire narrowly wide on 52 minutes, before he delivered a dangerous cross soon after that just evaded Onu.

Dover’s best chance of the game up to that point arrived at 57 minutes, when a rapid counterattack ended with Marjoram’s shot being cleared off the line. The block was crucial, with Adebiyi producing a sensational intervention as the ball looked destined to find the net.

The match’s turning point came shortly after. Following a disallowed Chesham free-kick, Dover surged forward with renewed belief. On 69 minutes, Dover struck as Baptiste cut inside from the flank and let fly. The effort took a significant deflection off a Chesham defender, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and nestling into the net.

As Chesham pushed forward, Dover defended with Wilkinson and Baptiste both collecting cautions. Substitutes Coker and Gurung were introduced for fresh legs, while Marjoram continued to threaten down the right.

The hosts mounted late pressure, going close on 79 minutes before nearly scrambling in a dramatic equaliser during a frantic goalmouth moment deep into stoppage time. The final act saw Dover defend one last corner, with the back line holding firm until the whistle blew.

A gritty, organised, and ultimately deserved away victory and another confidence-boosting clean sheet—as Dover’s winning run continues.

Attention now turns to FA Trophy action next Saturday, when Hornchurch visit Crabble.

Dover Athletic:
1 Walker, 2 Charles-Cook, 4 Jones, 16 Beadle, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 28 Odelusi, 23 Wilkinson, 10 Nikaj, 19 Onu, 7 Baptiste

Subs:
Sesay, Coker, Gurung, Mensah, Mampolo, Gillmore, Marjoram

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Chesham United:
1 Goode, 6 Stevens, 8 Rasulo, 9 Minhas, 12 Oliyide, 15 Young, 17 Adebiyi, 18 Babos, 20 Roberts, 27 Bennetts, 31 Williams

Subs:
2 Rolfe, 10 Weiss, 11 Joseph, 19 McClure, 22 Addae, 28 Lench, 29 Bartolo

Tickets for our Boxing Day game at Maidstone United are now on sale via the link below:

https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/ViewAllocation?fixtureId=16347&allocationGuid=144f2c7f-0e4b-414a-8d28-36613503a4ea

Tickets for our Boxing Day fixture away to Maidstone United will go on sale tomorrow at 12pm (noon).

Once available, supporters will be able to purchase their tickets via the link shared on our social media channels and through our website. Please note that this match will be all-ticket for both home and away fans — no tickets will be available at the turnstiles, so it is essential to buy in advance.

Away supporters will be situated in the south-west corner of the stadium, with access through Turnstiles 1 and 2 from the main car park.

Maidstone United v Dover Athletic
Friday 26 December 2025 – 1pm Kick-Off

Ticket Prices
Adult: £18
Concession: £15
Youth: £10
Junior: £5
Under 6: Free

We encourage all supporters wishing to attend to secure their tickets promptly once the link is posted.

Dover Athletic hit the road this weekend as Jake Leberl’s in-form side travel to The Meadow to take on Chesham United in the National League South. The Whites arrive full of confidence after extending their unbeaten run to five matches with a professional 2–0 win over Slough Town at Crabble, and will be determined to keep climbing the table. Chesham, meanwhile, sit firmly in mid-table and come into the contest on the back of a morale-boosting victory over Dorking Wanderers. With both sides eyeing further momentum, a competitive afternoon awaits in Buckinghamshire.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic extended their unbeaten run to five games with a confident 2–0 win over Slough Town at Crabble. After a tight first half in difficult conditions, the breakthrough came on 49 minutes when Jalen Jones’ header struck the bar and George Nikaj reacted fastest to force the ball over the line — his first competitive goal since September. Slough pushed back and briefly thought they’d equalised, only for an offside flag to intervene. Dover sealed victory late on as substitutes Luke Baptiste and Kenny Coker combined, Coker firing low into the corner. Nikaj nearly added a spectacular second, rattling the bar from distance.

From the Management

“We look ahead to next weekend — we’re away to Chesham in the league and we want to keep this momentum going. It will be a very difficult game, like every game in this league. We’ll watch them during the week, train well, prepare as best we can, and look to continue this run.”

Chesham United

Chesham United impressed in a hard-fought 2–1 win against Dorking, starting aggressively and forcing mistakes on a muddy pitch. Their pressure paid off on 26 minutes when Alex Babos capitalised on a loose pass and drilled into the bottom corner. The Generals continued to threaten before the break, with Harrison Foulkes twice denying Karl Oliyide and tipping another Babos effort onto the post. After half-time, Chesham goalkeeper Ben Goode produced a superb save from Charlie Carter as the visitors pushed for a response. Chesham doubled their lead late on through Jaiden Bartolo after brilliant work from Babos, and despite a late reply, the hosts managed the game superbly to secure victory.

Chesham United sit 14th in National League South with 27 points from 20 games, navigating the classic second-season challenge after promotion. A number of last year’s squad moved on, but joint managers James Duncan and Michael Murray targeted players with proven Step Two pedigree, including defenders Alfie Young and Dan Bayliss and creative midfielder Alex Babos. The Generals remain well-organised and difficult to break down, with Nathan Minhas continuing to provide a goal threat. Recent results have been mixed, but a win against Dorking hints at growing momentum.

Last Six

Hornchurch 1–1 Chesham United (4 Nov, National League South)
Chesham United 0–1 Salisbury (8 Nov, National League South)
Chesham United 1–2 AFC Telford — FA Trophy exit (15 Nov, FA Trophy 2nd Round)
Ebbsfleet United 2–1 Chesham United (22 Nov, National League South)
Dagenham & Redbridge 3–1 Chesham United (25 Nov, National League South)
Chesham United 2–1 Dorking Wanderers (29 Nov, National League South)

The Venue

Chesham United, The Meadow, Amy Ln, Chesham HP5 1NE

More info: https://cheshamunited.co.uk/matchday/travel-directions/

Admission  

Adults: £16
Concession: £13
NextGen (18-23 years old): £11
Under 18s: £6
Under 12s (must be accompanied by an adult) : £1

Dover Athletic extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a composed 2–0 victory over Slough Town at Crabble, as George Nikaj celebrated his first competitive goal since September before substitute Kenny Coker sealed the points.

On a heavy pitch following pre-match rainfall, early openings were scarce. Slough’s Luke Holness cut inside on 10 minutes and fired narrowly wide of Mitch Walker’s left post, while at the other end Rolando Onu repeatedly stretched the visiting defence without reward.

Dover looked to have struck in the 28th minute when Francis Mampolo tucked home following a clever move, but celebrations were cut short by the assistant’s flag. The Whites kept pushing, Onu twice delivering dangerous crosses and Siju Odelusi snatching at a good chance from the resulting corner. Slough also saw sights of goal — Shakpoke’s sharp effort forced Walker into a firm save, before Dyce sliced wide just before the interval.

The second half burst into life almost immediately. After Shakpoke’s acrobatic scorpion attempt flew wide for the Rebels, Dover responded with the breakthrough on 49 minutes. A high delivery from Beadle into the box was nodded onto the bar by Jalen Jones, and Nikaj reacted quickest — hammering the rebound over the line.

The forward played with renewed confidence, sending a fierce strike just wide shortly after as Dover looked to press home their advantage. Slough, clearly eyeing next weekend’s televised FA Cup tie, made an astonishing five substitutions in one go on the hour — but the change did little to disrupt Dover’s momentum.

Walker remained alert, denying Tyrique Clarke on 71 minutes, and Slough briefly thought they had levelled when Jared Myers finished clinically, only for another offside decision to intervene.

Jake Leberl’s substitutions worked perfectly. Just two minutes after coming on, Kenny Coker latched onto a flick from fellow substitute Luke Baptiste and drilled low beyond Rohan Desbois for 2–0 in the 80th minute.

Nikaj came inches away from a spectacular second — a 40-yard effort that cannoned off the crossbar — as Dover continued to look the stronger side in the closing stages. Despite six minutes of added time, the Whites saw out the contest with maturity to secure another well-earned clean sheet.

The win lifts Dover into mid-table and builds further momentum after last weekend’s impressive away victory at Weston-super-Mare. With belief growing and goals beginning to flow, the Whites head to Chesham United next weekend full of confidence.

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Line-Ups

Dover Athletic:
Walker; Charles-Cook, Jones, Beadle, Sodje, Cocoracchio; Odelusi, Wilkinson (Gurung 83), Nikaj (Marjoram 87), Onu (Coker 77), Mampolo (Baptiste 79).
Unused subs: Sesay, Mensah, Gillmore.

Slough Town:
Desbois; Ojemen, Oshilaja, R. Greenidge, Goddard (Clarke 61), Nelson (Walker 61), Dyche, Myers, Shakpoke (Makoski 61), Holness (Borgnis 61), Janneh (J. Greenidge 61).
Unused subs: Drakes-Thomas, Davies.

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Attendance: 976

Fancy watching the Whites take on Slough 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.

On the menu for the game will be :

Starter:

Minestrone Soup served with a Ciabatta Roll

Main:

Steak Pie served with Mash Potato, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert:

Pistachio, White Chocolate and Raspberry Roulade

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’s supporter base stretches far wider than you might expect. For more than a decade, a loyal group of fans from Germany have been making the journey across Europe to back the Whites, now proudly known as the GDC: the German Dover Crew. A mix of friends from the Ruhr region, they pick a couple of games each season, book the crossings, and head straight for Crabble – scarves on, pints poured, and ready to cheer as loudly as any local.

Their love for Dover began with one supporter’s family holiday and quickly grew into something much bigger — a tradition, a friendship, and a connection to a club that feels like home. Ahead of their latest visit, we caught up with the GDC to hear how their story with Dover began, the incredible memories they’ve collected along the way, and what keeps them coming back year after year.

To start, can you introduce yourselves? Where in Germany are you all from and what do you each do outside of football? How do you all know each other.

So we are right now a bunch of up to six guys and we gave ourself the name GDC – German Dover Crew. We are all from cities between Duisburg and Dortmund in the RuhrArea – in German called “Ruhrgebiet” – which is the biggest metropolitan area in Germany with roundabout 5 Millions residents. We all have or had a strong relationship to baseball where we met each other in the last thirty years and played with or against each other. But beside we are all fans of different football teams in Germany. MSV Duisburg, FC St.Pauli,Werder Bremen, Rot – Weiß Essen, Fortuna Düsseldorf. So this fitted from the beginning. We are also from different jobs: Firefighter, Social Worker, cook/chef, site manager, project manager, proberty management. I know them all cause I started to go to DAFC by myself alone and some of them also know each other before.

How and when did you first discover Dover Athletic, and what was it that made you want to follow a club over 400 miles away in another country?

I was on a vacation in Kent with my family back in 2010 and liked to watch a local club. And for me the doorway to England is Dover so I choose them. And as I entered the stadium it was love on first sight. And every of my mates from the GDC tell me the same. For us there is a special atmosphere and it is a special feeling. Some of us thinking of coming home. Sounds a little weird but it’s the truth.

What is it about the club, the town, or the people that’s kept you coming back for the last decade?

We are like the motto one Town – one Team – one Dover. We love Crabble. It’s grassroots but also professional. Your fan shop lady Gill is so lovely to us every time we come. And it’s easy to get in contact with other people. Your media work for a non-league club is marvellous/unbelievable. Not one of us know this for a non – league club in Germany. We all love the white cliffs, the view on the harbour and every trip a short visit is also a must. The beach and the new part of the Harbour is also worth to visit. We also like the surrounding area like Deal. And to be honest to go to Ashford outlet for shopping. And all of us sometimes travel without the GDC with their families/partner to Dover cause we all like it there.

How often do you try to get over to Kent for matches, and what usually goes into planning a trip?

Our Eastern Tour to watch two games within four days is a must every year since 2016. And beside the tour we try to come over together for two more games per season. Planing the trips : We have our own GDC-WhatsApp-Group where we talk about the club, scores, players, standings etc. Here we also plan our tours. We open a poll with fixtures and who likes to go. After we make a decision

together it’s on me to search for Hotel and travel prices and times. For home games 99% we choose the Premier Inn Eastern Ferry Terminal. It’s a little bit like a headquarter for us. And on the other hand we choose between Le Shuttle or ferry and who will drive. And since April we also need Visas. But they last for two years.

What have been your standout Dover memories? Matches, goals, players, away days, or even off-pitch moments.

Uff, there are many- so just a few : Leyton Orient 2017 away – huge Dover crowd, great support and played in a football league ground. Boreham Wood away we went twice. First time eastern Monday traffic so we have to travel through London instead M25 and so missed first half and have to pay the full price to get in. Unbelievable. Second visit 04-2022 Relegation season National League. But first away win this season and levelled to Zero points in overall and we made it there. Sensational feeling!!! Welling March 2024 away – the day we are relegated to Isthmian League. It was just a small chance to keep the league but it was a sad moment if not the sadest in following DAFC. And then the Game the German Dover Crew started. Eastern 2016 against Torquay at Crabble. My mate Rene was the first from the all the lads who I narrated for many years my single journeys stories to Crabble. He traveled with me and saw a huge crowd and strong and great Dover Side which won 5:0. Beside this he ate his first Crabble Burger and after all he fell also in love with the club/the atmosphere at Crabble. After that game I never came back alone and Rico, Tom, Lars and Sebastian joined in step by step until now.

Which Dover players — past or present — have meant the most to you, and why?

From the Past – with no doubt and a no brainer – both Rickys – Ricky Miller – scored, scored, scored – it’s a pity that he never really made it up in the football league And Ricky Modeste – fast, athletic, played it in style – both every penny worth to watch. Also in good memory for us Jake Goodman and Myles Judd – never got up, defence and run run run. Especially the game at Boreham Wood. Present players for all of us – the triangle – Alfie Matthews, George Nikaj and Ruben Junior. Made our dream came true back from relegation to promotion. Just good boys to cheer for.

What have you made of the current squad, the management team, and the direction the club is heading – especially after the success of last season?

Last season was a very strong comeback. The team showed mental strength in decisive moments — especially in the important match at the end of the season in Chichester and in the play-offs. A solid game plan and good squad management ultimately paid off! We think the work of Jake Leberl and his team is really good. Also hiring a new head scout is an important and correct step. Huge compliments for the work so far. Immediate promotion is not something to be taken for granted, and it shows that you have a clear plan. Your focus on long-term stability — keeping key players and scouting and signing players with potential — should be the right path for the future. The players proved their character, especially in the crucial moments of last season. Now they need to take this opportunity in the National League South and show that we didn’t just want to get promoted — we want to stay here. Every player, even those with less playing time, is important!

So never give up; be positive about your cause and your path. A good, respectful relationship between the fans and the team at eye level. We are thrilled that Dover can keep up right after being promoted. And last but not least… A toast to all the volunteers — we believe that’s what makes good club work. And something similar happened with this club as well. Otherwise, they surely would have disappeared into oblivion the year after they were relegated.

What excites about the club is the great atmosphere in the stadium. You can feel the connection between the fans and the team every second. It feels like family. And that’s coming from the two GDC Members who was there for the first time at Easter. They felt welcomed right away. Many thanks to everyone who makes this experience possible — volunteers, staff, fans, and officials.

Is there anything you’d like to say directly to the club, the players, or the supporters ahead of your visit?

The work behind the scenes has personally impressed us a lot, and that’s why we are very happy to support this team/club and the people behind it. Thanks to the supporters for making the DAFC so unique. It’s an incredible experience and worth every mile. The players kept their heads up after relegation, performed as they did and made a miracle come true in the playoffs. And now in this in-between-situation they should remember how good they are and how good they can perform. Trust yourself cause we trust you.

COYW!!!