Dover Athletic continue a run of four straight home matches as we welcome promotion-chasing Isthmian South East side Sittingbourne to The Megger Community Stadium in the FA Trophy First Round as we aim to extend our four-match unbeaten run.

We enter the First Round after a comfortable 3-0 win over Cheshunt. This will be the third time we play Sittingbourne this season after our two games in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic moved to the top of the Isthmian Premier Division with a 4-2 win over Hashtag United in front of their largest crowd since 2017. Goals from Alfie Matthews, Harrison Pont, Luke Baptiste, and George Nikaj sealed the victory. Matthews struck early, with Hashtag’s Sakariya Hassan equalizing in the 19th minute. Pont’s long-range strike restored Dover’s lead, and Baptiste added a third before halftime. Nikaj’s stunning goal in the 85th minute confirmed the win, despite a late consolation from Max Cornhill. Dover’s victory keeps them in excellent form ahead of their FA Trophy match.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“We’ve got a weeks rest now from the league where we go into the trophy. Obviously, we need to try and get our revenge on Sittingbourne, it’s going to be a tough game. We know all about them now and I think it will be very tight. Teams come to Crabble and raise their game, we’re really disappointed to have gone out to them in the FA Cup and we really hope we can sort of put that to bed and progress in the trophy.”

Sittingbourne FC

On Saturday, Sittingbourne faced off against a struggling Hythe Town at The Staxson Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Hythe were missing one of their key players, former Brickie Lex Allan, due to suspension. In a dominant, one-sided match, Sittingbourne cruised to a 6-0 victory, moving them up to fourth place in the league table.

Mitchell May was the star of the show, netting four goals. He scored twice within eight minutes midway through the first half and completed his hat-trick after Donvieve Jones had extended Sittingbourne’s lead to 3-0. May added his fourth early in the second half, and Ryan Kingsford rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, sealing Hythe’s sixth consecutive league defeat.

Last 6

19/10 – Hythe Town (H) – Won 6-0
16/10 – Sevenoaks Town (A) – Drew 1-1
12/10 – Beckenham Town (A) – Drew 2-2
08/10 – Deal Town (A) – Won 3-2
05/10 – Bognor Regis Town (H) – Won 2-1 (FA Trophy)
28/09 – Plymouth Parkway (H) – Lost 0-3 (FA Cup)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Sittingbourne 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  

Cup tie, all must pay.

Adults: £15
Concessions: £14
U18: £9
U11: FREE with a paying adult

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

Interview by Pat Verrill

Paul Hyde is a man that needs little introduction to Dover supporters after 8 years and 350 appearances with the Whites. Before joining Dover, Paul played for Wycombe Wanderers, Leicester City and Leyton Orient to name a few. Here we spoke about his career in the game including his role back at the club he loves.

Hi Paul thank you for you time. How happy are you to be back at Dover and how did it come about?

I’m delighted to be back at Dover. It was the last big club that I played for over a span of eight years, 350 appearances, good memories and some very bad managers. The manager you have now is a very good young manager with a good coach and backroom staff. Jake invited me back to help work with the goalkeepers and to be around as an old head to advise if needed!

We’re delighted to have you back Paul! You played alongside Jake during your time with Dover, did he always stand out as one you thought may go on to be a manager? You’ve already spoken highly of him, what do you like most about his managerial style?

Thank you very much. That’s lovely to hear. Jake played a big part in the Bill Williams team, he was confident, vocal, understanding, passionate and could play the game of football. If I remember rightly it was my decision to pass over the captaincy to him as even then I could see the players responded in the right manner to what he had to say and his opinions. He is levelheaded and as honest as a manager as he was a player, he’s a top bloke all round.

It isn’t just Dover where you’ve made a lasting impression, you also played for Wycombe Wanderers during your career winning at Wembley twice in two seasons. How did that feel?

When I was a boy my dream of playing at Wembley was always in my mind, as it was to become a professional footballer. To actually play at Wembley for Wycombe in the FA trophy final of the non-league FA Cup was everything to me. To experience the journey from the changing room up the slope of the old Wembley Stadium and the long walk to the centre of the pitch, it was the longest walk I’ve ever done. That year we gained promotion to league two as well as winning the FA Trophy final at Wembley. Next season we played Preston in the playoff finals at Wembley, we’d only been promoted the season before so to experience Wembley again was an incredible experience for me personally. We won the game and made it two promotions in two seasons, those are games that I will always remember.

After you left Wycombe you joined Leicester City, how did that move happen?

Martin O’Neill was my manager at Wycombe, he’d left to move to Leicester and I followed six months later. It was a fantastic experience and a great achievement to make it to that level but if I’m at a football club I want to be number one, sitting on a bench isn’t for me.

You left to move to Leyton Orient and get back to being a number one, how was your time there?

I loved it. It’s a wonderful, traditional London club with an incredible stadium. My time there was amazing but it will be tainted by the leg break I suffered.

Did you realise how bad the leg break was at the time?

I knew he’d broken my leg put it that way! I even screamed at him to get off me telling him he’d broken it. When I was told I wouldn’t be able to play professionally again I was heartbroken.

How did you get back to playing after being told it wasn’t possible?

I got angry. I wasn’t being told by anyone else what my body could do, I decided that I would let my body tell me when to give up and I wasn’t ready for that.

Then a phone call came from Dover, how did that feel at the time?

A dream came true, genuinely. Bill Williams rang me and said that he wanted me to join, I was elated. I had every intention of being a coach for the current number one and being a back up to him too. Bill soon saw that I was still more than capable and he wanted me as number one, after such a bad leg break to have that confidence placed in me was such a relief. I couldn’t be anymore grateful for that phone call. At the same time Bill had given my number to a contact at Gillingham and I began coaching there, working alongside Peter Taylor who is a lovely man. I really enjoyed my coaching there, working alongside Vince Bartram and bringing Jason Brown to the club. After being in such a low place after what happened at Orient to coaching and playing again, I couldn’t have been happier.

And now you’re back at Crabble but now on the coaching staff. Whats it been like being a coach to Mitch and Claudio?

Both keepers are honest and good fun. Mitch is a seasoned pro as we’ve discussed he’s too old in the tooth to learn new tricks but he’s happy that I’m there to talk train and be around. He’s a fantastic pro, great athlete and a genuinely lovely bloke for Claudio he’s funny, enthusiastic and brings a little bit of fun to a training session!

What do you think has changed about goalkeeping since your playing days?

My opinion is that its changed quite a lot. Goalkeepers have become more like outfield players using their feet for distribution and massively playing out from the back. It also has brought something to the game that I don’t like, goalkeepers reject trying to catch the ball to keep possession in favour of two hand punching the ball back into play giving the opposition a second bite at the cherry, obviously all situations dictate what choice you make but very seldom do they elect and trust their hands.

You said after leaving Dover in 2004 that you were disappointed with football, what made you feel that way?

I left in 2008 but my best form was 2000 to 2004 the conference days with Bill Williams who I rated very highly. Him leaving came with darker days where relegation took hold year after year, I felt disillusioned. The fact that the new managers in place saw me as a threat to their managerial career rather than accepting the fact I was a good goalkeeper that loved to play for Dover, ruined my time towards the end. This happened with two or three of the managers in that time. I was put on gardening leave and I was called back on a few occasions to try and help Stave off relegation which was also heartbreaking.

That must have been so difficult at the time. It must feel great then to be back at Dover now albeit in a different capacity? Knowing your time at Dover doesn’t end on a sour note

Correct it was a sad time back then, Managers made these decisions to push me out of the club entirely, it hurt a lot. You must understand there is always questions why someone leaves but unfortunately I was never there to be able to explain why and some rumours may have appeared that I was a troublemaker, I can assure you this is not the case. I was very understanding of the managers decisions but it baffled me why the managers made these decisions. I went along with the managers decisions without question as a professional that I am. Its nice to come back and be remembered for the player I was and it’s nice to come back and people now realise the person I really am, in a different capacity at the club but missing my playing days massively! But I am really enjoying working with Jake,Mike and all the staff.

What are your personal ambitions for the season and do you hope to stay involved with Dover for the foreseeable future?

I would love to see the team; Jim, Jake, Mike and staff achieve their goal and be a helpful part of the team that puts Dover back into a more realistic league for the quality of the ground and huge support we have. I hope to be able to stay and to help move the club forward in any capacity. If not I will always be around to support them.

Thanks Paul

Dover Athletic moved to the summit of the Isthmian Premier Division after a thrilling 4-2 win over Hashtag United at the Megger Community Stadium in front of their largest crowd since 2017. The Whites delivered a commanding performance with goals from Alfie Matthews, Harrison Pont, Luke Baptiste, and the leagues top scorer George Nikaj.

The game couldn’t have started better for Dover, as Alfie Matthews struck early in the 3rd minute. His composed finish from the edge of the box, following a clever link-up between Dover’s forwards, sent the home crowd into raptures. Hashtag United responded well and found an equaliser in the 19th minute through Sakariya Hassan, who slotted home a cool finish after a smart through ball from Darren Foxley.

Undeterred, Dover regained control in the 30th minute when Harrison Pont scored a stunning long-range strike, putting the Whites back in front. Dover continued to apply pressure, and their persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time as Luke Baptiste added a third, tapping in from close range after great work from Nikaj.

The second half saw Hashtag United threaten, but Dover’s defense and goalkeeper Mitch Walker held firm. As the game approached its final stages, Dover sealed the victory with a moment of brilliance from George Nikaj in the 85th minute. His long-range effort crashed in off the crossbar, a goal that could easily be a contender for goal of the season.

Despite a late consolation from Hashtag’s Max Cornhill deep into stoppage time, Dover celebrated a well-deserved 4-2 victory, maintaining their excellent run of form and solidifying their place at the top of the table.

With an attendance of 2,732, Dover’s biggest home crowd in over six years, the atmosphere at Crabble was electric as the home side delivered an unforgettable performance on what was an incredibly successful Community Day. Dover now turns their attention to the FA Trophy, where they will face Sittingbourne next weekend.

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 2,732
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Simon Cutler

Dover Athletic: Walker, Charles-Cook, Sesay, Tennent, Cocoracchio (Gyebi 90mins), Baptiste, (E.Amgbaduba 69mins) Matthews, Nikaj (Mampolo 88mins), Soares-Junior, Pont (T.Amgbaduba 88mins), Wilkinson (Young 85mins).

Hashtag United: Giddens, Smith, Olukoga, Haysom, Hassan (Rusoke 88mins), Day (Carvalho 65mins), Christou (Cornhill 40mins), Aromolaran, Anderson (Restrepo 76mins), Gordon, Foxley. Sub not used: Wooldridge.

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/7a1PoUVvCys

JEREMIAH GYEBI is on a crusade to help non-league footballers with their mental health.

The Dover Athletic defender — who has received backing from Ipswich’s Sam Morsy and his pals Reiss Nelson and Jadon Sancho —sat down with Justin Allen for a far-ranging interview.

In the full 30-minute chat which can be viewed on our DAFCtv YouTube channel, he speaks about how he fell out of love with the game while at Dulwich Hamlet and about the pitfalls players can suffer after dropping out of professional clubs and into no-league.

And he also talks about his career which included playing for a club in Slovenia where he revealed he even had to reject a bung after being asked to deliberately receive a yellow card for betting purposes.

In a fascinating insightful interview, Jeremiah also tells Justin about his friendships with both Nelson and Sancho which goes back to childhood – as well as how he helps refugee children in his job at a London school.

And despite not playing as many minutes as he would have liked so far, he says he has full respect for boss Jake Leberl and assistant Mike Sandmann — praising their honesty and transparency as to why he is not currently in the starting XI.

Get ready for an unforgettable day at the Megger Community Stadium this Saturday as we host our first Community Day of the season! We’re excited to welcome Hashtag United for what’s set to be a thrilling match in the Isthmian Premier Division and an all-around amazing day for families, fans, and the whole Dover community.

This Saturday, we’re not just about football, here’s what else you can expect:

Kids can get into the spirit with face painting and meet our beloved mascot, Captain Crab, who’ll be there to bring a smile to every young fan’s face. We’ve prepared special giveaway bags for children, packed with fun surprises to make the day even more memorable. Kent musician Taylor Clark will be performing live in The Centre Spot from 1 pm and is sure to set the perfect pre-match atmosphere. So, come early, grab a drink, and enjoy some great music!

With 1,000 tickets handed out to local schools and community groups, we’re thrilled to welcome so many young fans and families to the stadium. This is a perfect chance for new supporters to experience the thrill of live football, cheer on the team, and become a part of the Dover Athletic family.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, there’s no better day to join us at Crabble. Let’s make this Community Day one to remember – bring your friends, your family, and your loudest cheers as we come together to support Dover Athletic and enjoy an amazing day of fun and football.

Dover Athletic

Last Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a solid 2-0 victory over Whitehawk, marking their third consecutive clean sheet. Despite a goalless first half, Dover controlled play, with a penalty shout denied and close chances from Soares-Junior and Sesay. Luke Baptiste broke the deadlock in the 68th minute with a powerful volley, energising Dover’s attack. Whitehawk nearly equalised, hitting the crossbar, but George Nikaj sealed the win in the 84th minute with a close-range header. Dover maintained their defensive composure and saw out the win in Brighton.

Whites sit second in the Isthmian Premier Division table, one point off leaders Lewes.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“I’m really looking forward to Saturday. Obviously, it’s the Community Day. Coming off the back of last Saturday’s win at Whitehawk, I hope there’ll be a big crowd. I know Vikki has been working hard behind the scenes getting in the schools and issuing tickets. Hopefully it’ll be a nice afternoon, good weather, and we can continue our good run.”

Hashtag United

On Saturday, A crowd of 1,111 saw Folkestone Invicta pegged back by Hashtag United at Cheriton Road after defender Marvel Ekpiteta was sent off. Khale Da Costa had given Folkestone a 12th-minute lead but Ekpiteta saw red for two yellows on 66 minutes and Harrison Day equalised just seven minutes later.

Founded by YouTuber Spencer Carmichael-Brown in 2016, Hashtag United began as a group of friends playing a charity match. They gained popularity through exhibition games across multiple countries, including a series of creator and non-league matchups. In 2017, they launched the Hashtag Academy, producing talents like Scott Pollock, who later joined Northampton Town. Following success in YouTube’s Wembley Cups, Hashtag entered the National League Pyramid in 2018/19, earning promotion to the Isthmian League. Despite pandemic disruptions, they climbed leagues, achieving a 21-game win streak in 2022/23. A first season in the Isthmian Premier Division in 2023/24 saw Hashtag finish in 13th place.

Now in their second season in the Isthmian League Premier Division, Hashtag find themselves 15th with 10 points from 9 matches. Hashtag have won 3 of their 9 league fixtures so far, with 2 of those coming away from home at Canvey Island & Cheshunt.

Last 6

07/09 – Hastings United (H) – Won 4-0
14/09 – Hornchurch (A) – Lost 2-1 (FA Cup)
21/09 – Cheshunt (A) – Won 4-3
01/10 – Carshalton Athletic (H) – Lost 1-0
05/10 – Hitchin Town (H) – Won 1-0 (FA Trophy)
12/10 – Folkestone Invicta (A) – Draw 1-1

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Hashtag 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: £15
Concessions: £14
U18: £9
U11: FREE with a paying adult

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

Dover Athletic claimed a strong 2-0 victory over Whitehawk at The Enclosed Ground, continuing their defensive solidity with a third straight clean sheet in the Isthmian League Premier Division. From the outset, Dover looked to control the game, showing an attacking intent that kept Whitehawk pinned back for much of the match.

The first half saw Dover create several promising opportunities, with Soares-Junior and Sesay coming close but unable to break the deadlock. A big penalty shout in the 39th minute went unanswered after Sesay was brought down in the box, and despite Matthews’ dangerous free kick just before halftime, the sides went in level at 0-0.

Dover’s persistence paid off in the second half, as they ramped up the pressure with a series of corners and close calls. In the 68th minute, Luke Baptiste finally found the breakthrough, unleashing a powerful volley that gave Dover the lead. The goal galvanized Dover, who continued to press Whitehawk and limit their chances.

Whitehawk came close in the 79th minute, hitting the crossbar with a long-range effort, but Dover responded almost immediately. Just five minutes later, George Nikaj sealed the victory, heading in from close range to make it 2-0 with his 11th goal of the season. Soares-Junior nearly added a third, taking it around the goalkeeper only to see the keeper recover just in time to deny him.

Dover saw out the final minutes with composure, keeping Whitehawk at bay to secure a well-earned win. With 498 fans in attendance, Dover’s disciplined performance highlighted their growing momentum as they continue to move up the league standings, blending attacking prowess with defensive strength.

Whitehawk 0 – 2 Dover Athletic
Luke BAPTISTE (68′)
George NIKAJ (84′)

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 498
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Thomas Berry
Venue: The Enclosed Ground

Whitehawk: 1 Max Foulkes, 2 Will Seager, 3 Oscar Borg, 4 Emmanuel Mensah, 5 Connor Cody, 6 Henry Hawkins, 7 Greg Luer, 8 George Taggart, 9 Charlie Walker (C), 10 Kai Jennings, 11 Chris Whelpdale SUBS: 12 Jerry O’Sullivan, 14 Tarik Moore-Azille, 15 Charlie Lambert, 16 Tyrese Sutherland, 17 Gianluca Botti

Dover Athletic: 1 Mitch WALKER (C), 2 Roman CHARLES-COOK, 3 Fuad SESAY, 5 Joe TENNENT, 6 Luca COCORACCHIO, 7 Luke BAPTISTE, 8 Alfie MATTHEWS, 10 George NIKAJ, 14 Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR, 16 Harrison PONT, 23 George WILKINSON SUBS: 4 Jeremiah GYEBI, 9 Eniye AMGBADUBA, 18 Henry YOUNG, 15 Tamas AMGBADUBA, 24 Francis MAMPOLO

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/876JwdrkwwA

Jake Leberl talks to Justin Allen about the 1-0 win over Bognor, new signings, the FA Trophy draw and his thoughts ahead of travelling to Whitehawk.

Whites are back on the road against Whitehawk:

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday, Dover Athletic clinched a 1-0 victory over Bognor Regis Town in a tightly contested Isthmian League match at the Megger Community Stadium. Both teams had early chances, with Bognor threatening first and Dover hitting the crossbar in the second half. George Nikaj finally broke the deadlock in the 77th minute, capitalising on a goalkeeper error to score the match’s only goal. Bognor pushed for an equaliser in the closing minutes, but Dover’s defense held strong, sealing the win. This hard-earned result gives Dover a crucial three points in their league campaign.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“Whitehawk is an extremely difficult place to go. It’s normally a game of two halves with the hill at their place. If we show the same spirit as we did tonight, that stands us in good stead. But obviously our quality on Tuesday was lacking if I’m brutally honest. This club has struggled to win games of football for so long so sometimes you’ve just got to take nights like Tuesday. Which ultimately is three points and keeps us in momentum and obviously it’s nice to get back to back clean sheets, hopefully we can repeat that on Saturday.”

Whitehawk

Whitehawk’s season so far has included 4 wins and 6 losses across 10 matches in all competitions. They have tallied 14 goals, led by standout players like Gianluca Botti, with 4 goals, and Charlie Walker, who has scored 3, including a penalty. Their best result has come in the Sussex Cup, a 3-1 victory against Broadbridge Heath. Whitehawk have faced early exits including a tough 3-0 defeat to Hendon in the FA Cup and a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Potters Bar in their FA Trophy match.

The Venue

More information on getting to Whitehawk’s ground can be found here: https://whitehawkfc.com/how-to-find-us/

TerraPura Ground, East Brighton Park, Wilson Avenue, Brighton BN2 5TS

Admission  

Advanced tickets can be purchased here: https://whitehawkfc.ktckts.com/event/whk2425h05/whitehawk-v-dover-athletic

Adult £13 (£12 in advance)
OAPs/students/NHS £8 (£7 in advance)

U18s £5 (£4 in advance)
Under 13s free (must be accompanied by a paying adult)
Dogs welcome (must be on a lead at all times

Programme

The official match day programme is £2.50

Dover Athletic edged past Bognor Regis Town with a hard-fought 1-0 victory under the lights at the Megger Community Stadium. George Nikaj’s late goal in the 77th minute proved decisive in an evenly contested match that saw both sides creating chances but struggling to find the back of the net.

The game began with Bognor on the front foot as they nearly capitalised on a couple of early chances. Dover gradually found their rhythm, coming close in the 18th minute with a corner, although the final effort went wide. Nikaj, a persistent threat throughout, had his first significant chance in the 24th minute, only to be denied by Bognor’s goalkeeper. Despite several efforts, both sides went into the break goalless after an evenly balanced half.

Dover emerged from the break with more intensity, and within minutes, Nikaj rattled the crossbar after a superb link-up play in the 49th minute, signaling the Whites’ intent. Bognor, however, continued to show resilience as they looked to unlock the Dover defense.

As the clock ticked on, the game’s defining moment arrived in the 77th minute. Nikaj delivered a cross that slipped through Bognor’s defense, eventually spilling into the net to give Dover the lead. Bognor responded with an attacking surge, pushing Dover’s defense to the limit in the final moments, including a flurry of corners and a dangerous free kick in the 90th minute, which the Dover defense skillfully defused.

Dover held firm to secure a 1-0 victory, defending tenaciously as Bognor piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser. Referee Jake Woodman had his work cut out with multiple cautions in a physical second half, but Dover managed to secure all three points, thanks to Nikaj’s decisive goal. This win takes the Whites up to third place before heading to Whitehawk on Saturday.

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 696
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Jake Woodman
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

Dover Athletic 1 – 0 Bognor Regis Town
George NIKAJ (77′)

Dover Athletic: 1 Mitch WALKER (C), 2 Roman CHARLES-COOK, 3 Fuad SESAY, 5 Joe TENNENT, 6 Luca COCORACCHIO, 7 Luke BAPTISTE, 8 Alfie MATTHEWS, 10 George NIKAJ, 14 Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR, 16 Harrison PONT, 23 George WILKINSON SUBS: 4 Jeremiah GYEBI, 9 Eniye AMGBADUBA, 22 Kieran MONLOUIS, 15 Tamas AMGBADUBA, 24 Francis MAMPOLO

Bognor Regis Town: 1 Ryan Hall, 2 Calvin Davies (C), 3 Rocco Gamblin, 4 Toby Kingswell, 5 Spencer Spurway, 6 Tyler Edmondson, 7 Haydon Vaughan, 8 Matt Burgess, 9 Dan Gifford, 10 Tommy-Lee Higgs, 11 Jasper Mather SUBS: 12 Callum Barlow, 14 Harry Clout, 15 Preston Woolston, 16 Mason Vince, 17 Tommy Block