Dover Athletic emerged victorious in a tightly contested Isthmian Premier League derby at Cheriton Road, with Luke Baptiste’s 69th-minute goal securing a crucial three points. The win, Dover’s fifth straight in the league, saw them hold onto a four-point lead at the top, continuing their impressive run under Jake Leberl.

The opening exchanges were tense, with few clear chances and both teams battling hard in midfield. Folkestone, playing in front of a season-high crowd of 2,906, created their best chances from set-pieces, with defender Marvel Ekpiteta repeatedly troubling Dover’s defence. Despite this, the first half ended goalless, with Baptiste’s early chance for Dover – a lofted effort that clipped the crossbar – as close as either side came to breaking the deadlock.

Early in the second half, Dover keeper Mitch Walker was called into action to deny Tom Derry, producing a near-post save. Walker’s composure proved invaluable throughout, particularly as Folkestone’s attacks grew in frequency. However, the game’s dynamic changed at the hour mark when Folkestone’s Daniel Smith saw red for a heavy tackle on Alfie Matthews, reducing the hosts to 10 men.

With a numerical advantage, Dover seized control. The breakthrough came in the 69th minute after a well-executed short-corner routine. George Nikaj’s skillful play on the edge of the box allowed him to deliver a pinpoint cross, which Baptiste converting with a low shot into the bottom corner, sending the visiting fans into a frenzy.

In response, Invicta manager Andy Drury introduced Joe Turner, hoping to add a spark to his side’s attack. Dean Rance came closest to leveling for Folkestone, his drilled shot narrowly missing the target. As Folkestone pressed for an equaliser, Dover held firm, with Walker denying several late efforts, including a close-range attempt by Turner in stoppage time. Ekpiteta’s long-range volley in the final moments narrowly missed, sealing the narrow win for the visitors.

Dover now look ahead to another local clash at Chatham on Saturday.

Folkestone Invicta: Henly, Hoyte, Morgan (Mascoll 94mins), Gayle (Odeniran 79mins), Ekpiteta, Kassarate, Rance (Blackman 81mins), Jebb, Derry, Smith, Da Costa (Turner 70mins). Sub not used: Ebuzoeme.

Dover Athletic: Walker, T.Amgbaduba, Sesay, Tennent (Gyebi 99mins), Cocoracchio, Baptiste (Mampolo 81mins), Matthews (Mensah 95mins), Nikaj (E.Amgbaduba 95mins), Soares-Junior, Pont, Wilkinson (Young 103mins).

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 2,906
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: Alcaline Stadium

Fancy watching the Whites take on Bognor Regis 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:

• Butler hosted lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game
• A one-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 team sheet

The very special experience costs £29.95 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: 

Pate served with Melba Toast and Salad Garnish

Main: 

Roast Beef served with Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert:

New York Cheesecake served with Fruit Compote and Cream

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email [email protected] or call the office on 01304 822373

Following a review of the latest Matchday Safeguarding Advice from the league and NSPCC we would like to reiterate the following:

All under 11’s who receive free entry MUST be accompanied by an adult and that adult will be responsible for the child during their time at the stadium.

12 and 13-year-old supporters will continue to be able to use their season tickets (if they have one) but all 12 and 13-year-olds MUST be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for them during their stay at the stadium.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our under 18 supporters that they are expected to behave in a reasonable manner at all times and if they haven’t read the clubs policy statement on supporter behaviour they should do so before attending the next match.

DOVER ATHLETIC IS AN ALL-INCLUSIVE FOOTBALL CLUB. WE WILL NOT TOLERATE FOUL AND ABUSIVE LANGUAGE AIMED AT INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, OR MEMBERS OF OUR CLUB. WE WILL ALSO NOT TOLERATE RACIST, HOMOPHOBIC, SEXIST OR ANY OTHER DISCRIMINATORY LANGUAGE OR BEHAVIOUR. ANY PERSON BEHAVING IN AN UNACCEPTABLE MANNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY EJECTED AND WILL RECEIVE A STADIUM BAN. PLEASE CONSIDER OTHERS AT ALL TIMES.

Dover Athletic head 9 miles down the road to local rivals Folkestone Invicta for a big derby day on Bonfire Night. Whites aim to get revenge and local bragging rights in this reverse fixture, after Folkestone won 2-3 at Crabble earlier in the season.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over Potters Bar Town at the Megger Community Stadium. Ruben Soares-Junior opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finishing a cross from Luke Baptiste. Alfie Matthews doubled Dover’s lead in the 26th minute with a clinical counterattack goal. Despite Potters Bar’s attempts, Dover’s defence, held firm. Francis Mampolo capped the win in stoppage time with a composed finish. Dover’s strong performance secures them three valuable points as they sit top of the Isthmian League standings.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“Saturday’s win sets us up nicely for Tuesday. Obviously, it’s going to be a fantastic affair. A big local Derby at Folkstone. I was really disappointed with the game here at Crabble, regarding the result, but thought we played very well. Obviously, we’re in good form, good spirits, and we look forward to going into the next game.”

Folkestone Invicta

Folkestone are currently positioned 13th in the table with 15 points from 12 games. Their record includes 4 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses. At home, they have managed 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses, while away, they have secured 3 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. They have scored 15 goals and conceded 16, giving them a goal difference of -1.

On Saturday, Folkestone Invicta suffered a 2-1 loss against Carshalton Athletic, despite an early lead. Folkestone’s Daniel Smith opened the scoring within ten minutes, heading in his tenth goal of the season from a well-placed set-piece. However, Carshalton quickly responded, pushing for an equaliser. The Robins dominated possession and applied relentless pressure, narrowly missing multiple opportunities to level the score before halftime.

In the second half, Carshalton’s persistence paid off when Mason Saunders-Henry scored the equaliser, capitalising on a deflected corner. The comeback was completed nine minutes from full time, with debutant David Smith (and former Folkestone bagsman) tapping in from close range after a well-worked build-up. Despite late pressure from Folkestone, including a last-minute shot that hit the crossbar, Carshalton held firm to secure all three points.

Last 6

02/11 – Carshalton Athletic (A) – Lost 1-2
26/10 – Barton Rovers (A) – Won 3-0 (FA Trophy)
19/10 – Canvey Island (A) – Won 1-0
12/10 – Hashtag United (H) – Drew 1-1
05/10 – Ascot United (H) – Won 8-1 (FA Trophy)
28/09 – Chichester City (A) – Lost 1-2

The Venue

From Folkestone Invicta:

While we strongly advise supporters to purchase their tickets in advance, the fixture is not an all ticket fixture. Supporters will be able to pay on the gate on the night.

There are currently no plans to segregate the fixture. Both sets of supporters will be able to enter via either The Dugout or the Sid Burvill turnstiles.

Supporters are now able to purchase a copy of our matchday programme online via our ticket shop. Programmes can be added to your cart without the need to purchase a ticket for those who already have a ticket for the fixture. Arrangements for supporters to collect their pre-purchased programmes will be communicated at a later date.

Our security staff attended the reverse fixture at Crabble Athletic Ground in August and will be working closely with Dover Athletic’s own security staff.

Risk supporters will be identified and will not be permitted entry to the stadium.

Our security team will be on hand throughout the match to ensure all spectators are able to enjoy a trouble free evening.

Any supporters with enquiries or seeking assistance with ticketing issues can contact our team on [email protected]

Admission  

Adult (18-59) £12.00
Concession (60+) £9.00
Concession (Blue Lights Card Holder) £9.00
Concession (Disabled+Carer) £9.00
Concession (Student) £9.00
Young Adult (13-17) £6.00
Child (Under 12) FREE

Tickets available to purchase here: https://folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk/2024/10/ticketing-update-dover-athletic/

In a dominant display at the Megger Community Stadium, Dover Athletic continued their strong form with a 3-0 victory over Potters Bar Town in front of a crowd of 742. With an early lead and solid defence, Dover took control from the outset, securing a valuable three points in the Isthmian League – Premier Division.

Dover came out firing, creating early chances with Wilkinson’s shot just over the bar in the 4th minute. The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Ruben Soares-Junior expertly finished a cross from Luke Baptiste, putting Dover ahead 1-0. Just over ten minutes later, Dover doubled their advantage with a brilliant counterattack, Wilkinson setting up Alfie Matthews, who calmly slotted it home to make it 2-0.

Despite a couple of close calls for Potters Bar, Dover’s defence, marshaled by captain Mitch Walker in goal, held strong. The Whites maintained their two-goal lead heading into the break, looking the better side and more likely to extend their lead.

Dover continued to press forward in the second half, with Potters Bar rarely testing Walker. Multiple chances fell Dover’s way, with Mampolo having several opportunities to add to the scoreline but unable to beat the keeper. Baptiste also had a close-range effort blocked, while Soares-Junior fired a late shot just over the bar.

Just when it seemed Dover might settle for a 2-0 win, Francis Mampolo delivered the final blow in the 90+5 minute with a composed finish, wrapping up the game at 3-0. With this win, Dover continue their push at the top of the Isthmian League standings, with plenty of momentum heading into the next fixture against rivals, Folkestone Invicta.

Dover Athletic: 1. Mitch Walker (C), 3. Fuad Sesay, 5. Joe Tennent, 6. Luca Cocoracchio, 7. Luke Baptiste, 8. Alfie Matthews, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 16. Harrison Pont, 23. George Wilkinson SUBS: 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 18. Henry Young, 24. Francis Mampolo, 26. Jacob Mensah.

Potters Bar Town: 1. Laurie Shala, 2. Ben Ward-Cochrane, 3. Prosper Keto, 4. Ryan Hervel, 5. Rickie Hayles, 6. Ronnie Henry (C), 7. Joe Re, 8. Nana Kyei, 9. Brandon Adams, 10. Steve Cawley, 11. David Hicks SUBS: 12. Chaynie Face-Burgin, 14. Harry Brant, 15. Jamie Dicks, 16. Ola Williams, 17. Max Jessop.

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 742
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Joseph Dann-Pye
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

Dover Athletic welcome Potters Bar Town to The Megger Community Stadium in the Isthmian Premier Division as we look to continue our time at the top of the table. This is the first of this season’s reverse fixtures after facing The Scholars in the opening game of the season, beating them 0-8.

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday, Dover Athletic triumphed 3-1 over Cray Valley PM in the Kent Senior Cup Second Round at the Megger Community Stadium. Dover opened scoring through Gyebi’s header in the 20th minute, with Cray’s Anau equalising just before halftime. Amgbaduba’s penalty early in the second half restored Dover’s lead, and Nikaj sealed the win with a late 90th-minute goal.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“It’s going to be an extremely tough game. You have to be impressed with what they’ve done since our first game against them. It’s difficult to come back from an eight-nil on the first game of the season, but fair play to them. They’ve done particularly well and they’re going to be really up for it on Saturday, so we’re going to have to be at our best. It’s going to be a very, very different game to the first game of the season. Tuesday’s result keeps for a little bit of momentum, which is important, and we look forward to Saturday.”

Potters Bar Town

Potters Bar Town currently sits in 6th place in the Isthmian Premier league, having accumulated 19 points from 10 games. Their overall record is strong, with 6 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. With 16 goals scored and 16 conceded overall, they have a neutral goal difference but have consistently gathered points to remain within striking distance of the top spots.

On Saturday, Potters Bar Town suffered a 2-0 defeat against the Southern League’s Waders in the FA Trophy, a performance that disappointed manager Max Mitchell. Mitchell acknowledged the team’s passivity, poor execution, and lack of aggression, factors that allowed the Waders to take control early. Goals by Ryan Doherty and Eddie Panter put the hosts ahead by halftime, and despite improvements in the second half, the Scholars couldn’t mount a comeback.

Manager Max Mitchell was given the role of manager at the club in March 2023, and has taken standard of the club to new heights since his arrival. Mitchell had a very successful tenure in charge of Welwyn Garden City before leaving for the Scholars, and his 15th placed finish last term with a very impressive run around Christmas time, showed promising signs for Bar. Mitchell has also managed the likes of Walthamstow, Hertford and St Margaretsbury.

Last 5

26/10 – Biggleswade Town (A) – Lost 0-2 (FA Trophy)
22/10 – Cheshunt (A) – Lost 1-1 (2-4 on penalties) (Alan Turvey Trophy)
19/10 – Chatham Town (A) – Drew 2-2
12/10 – Cheshunt (A) – Won 1-0
05/10 – Whitehawk (H) – Won 2-1 (FA Trophy)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Potters Bar 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.

In a Kent Senior Cup Second Round showdown at the Megger Community Stadium, Dover Athletic emerged victorious, defeating Cray Valley PM 3-1 in front of 253.

Dover started with early pressure, with an incisive corner from Cray Valley requiring a strong defensive clearance just four minutes in. Mampolo and Charles-Cook both had promising chances, testing Cray Valley’s defense and goalkeeper Oliver Pain, who made a crucial save with his legs to keep Dover at bay.

However, in the 20th minute, Dover broke the deadlock. A well-placed cross from Mampolo found Jeremiah Gyebi, who expertly headed home to put the hosts 1-0 up. The game took a turn as Cray Valley’s keeper Pain suffered a head injury during the goal, forcing midfielder Tom Beere to step into goal in an emergency substitution, as Cray had no substitute keeper on the bench.

Despite Beere’s inexperience in goal, Cray rallied, and in the 34th minute, Julien Anau found the net, leveling the score at 1-1. This setback didn’t deter Dover, as they continued to press forward, though they couldn’t capitalise before halftime, going into the break on level terms.

Dover wasted no time in the second half. Mampolo won a penalty in the 47th minute, and Eniye Amgbaduba stepped up, coolly converting to make it 2-1. Cray responded with renewed intensity, nearly equalising moments later when a dangerous scramble saw the ball strike the crossbar.

As Cray pushed forward, Dover’s defense remained firm, and goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo made several key saves. An energetic Cray, led by a skillful Anau, came close to equalising again in the 72nd minute, but his shot sailed narrowly wide.

Dover wrapped up the win in the 90th minute when George Nikaj broke through Cray’s defense to seal the game with a well-taken goal, bringing the score to 3-1.

Late on, Dover introduced fresh legs, bringing on young academy players Jake McCarthy, Tristan Holden, and Jed Dennis to see out the game. The trio added energy and composure, maintaining Dover’s lead as they closed out the final moments of the match.

With a 3-1 win, Dover Athletic advance to the quarter-finals of the Kent Senior Cup, where they’ll face Deal Town. Dover are back in league action against Potters Bar Town on Saturday.

Kent Senior Cup Second Round
Attendance: 253
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Benjamin McDonald
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

Dover: 13. Claudio Boakye-Sarfo, 2. Matty Holness, 3. Fuad Sesay, 4. Jeremiah Gyebi (C), 6. Jacob Mensah, 7. Roman Charles-Cook, 8. Henry Young, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 11. Francis Mampolo, 14. George Wilkinson, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba SUBS: 12. Jake McCarthy, 16. Tristan Holden, 17. Luke Baptiste, 10. George Nikaj, 20. Jed Dennis.

Cray Valley PM: 30. Oliver Pain, 3. Elliott McKimm, 6. Ali Cem Tumkaya, 8. Sonny Black, 10. Adam Coombes (C), 11. Michael Ademiluyi, 12. Julien Anau, 15. Andre Coker, 17. Malachy Turner, 20. Lyle Della-Verde, 25. Malik Sesay SUBS: 5. Mohammed Idris Oshilaja, 9. Freddie Parker, 19. Clement Asiedu, 21. Fumnaya Shomotun, 24. Tom Beere.

Dover Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of Jacob Mensah. Jacob, who really needs no introduction, made 34 National League South appearances with The Whites last season. Jacob spent the start of this season with Welling, playing 6 times in their league campaign before being released by Rod Stringer.

The 24-year old began his career with Ramsgate as a 16-year-old, wracking up over 70 appearances as a teen and attracting the attention of Crystal Palace.

A move to Selhurst Park in 2019 saw Mensah represent the Eagles’ U23s for 18 months, before he joined Weymouth in the National League in January 2021.

Spells with Morecambe, Maidstone United and Torquay United followed before he linked up with Dover Athletic last term.

Welcome back to Crabble, Jacob.

Dover Athletic enter the Kent Senior Cup as we welcome fellow Isthmian Premier Division side Cray Valley Paper Mills to The Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic exited the Isuzu FA Trophy with a 2-0 defeat to Sittingbourne. After a bright start, Dover’s momentum was disrupted when Roman Charles-Cook received a red card in the 15th minute, leaving them with ten men. Sittingbourne capitalised, with Mitchell May scoring in the 38th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at halftime. Despite several chances for an equaliser, including Nikaj hitting the post, Dover couldn’t break through. Sittingbourne sealed the win in the 78th minute with a free-kick from Codey Cosgrave, ending Dover’s cup run in front of 658 fans.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) and Mitch Walker (knee) remain unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“I think it’s important to obviously give the boys that haven’t been getting lots of minutes an opportunity to show what they can do in this game. It’s another game and we are looking forward to it. It gives us an opportunity to get Saturday’s result out of the way, straight away, which is a good thing because obviously we’re all very frustrated.”

Cray Valley Paper Mills

On Saturday, our visitors were also knocked out of the Trophy away to Brentwood Town in a dramatic 4-3 victory. Brentwood started fast with goals from Cripps (2′) and Nzengo (6′), but Cray quickly responded through Waldren (7′). Olukolu extended Brentwood’s lead before Cray’s Parker and Shomotun scored before halftime to make it 3-3. The match looked set for penalties until Brentwood’s Aarons-Royal struck in the 94th minute, sealing the win. Cray’s late push wasn’t enough, and Brentwood progressed to the next round in front of 429 spectators.

Cray Valley (PM) currently sit in 5th place in the Isthmian Premier Division table with 20 points from 11 matches. 6 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses, having scored 19 goals and conceded 15. They’re just three points behind the league leaders (Dover Athletic).

Last 6

26/10 – Brentwood Town (A) – Lost 4-3 (FA Trophy)
23/10 – Sevenoaks Town (A) – Won 4-2 (Alan Turvey Trophy)
19/10 – Bognor Regis Town (A) – Won 3-2
12/10 – Chichester City (H) – Won 2-1
08/10 – Canvey Island (A) – Drew 4-4
05/10 – Ramsgate (A) – Won 3-1 (FA Trophy)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Cray Valley PM 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: £10
U18: £8
U11: FREE with a paying adult

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

Dover Athletic’s FA Trophy campaign came to an early end after a 2-0 defeat to Sittingbourne in the Isuzu FA Trophy First Round at the Megger Community Stadium. The home side, reduced to ten men early on, struggled to overcome the numerical disadvantage and ultimately fell to two goals from their Kent visitors.

Dover made one change from their midweek victory against Hashtag United, with Claudio Boakye-Sarfo stepping in as goalkeeper for the injured Mitch Walker. However, it was the red card to Roman Charles-Cook in the 15th minute that set the tone for a frustrating afternoon. Charles-Cook was dismissed for a challenge, leaving Dover with a mountain to climb after a promising start.

The hosts began brightly, pressing high and testing the Sittingbourne defense. George Nikaj had the first real chance of the match in the 12th minute, but his effort was comfortably saved. Despite the early pressure, Dover’s momentum was disrupted by the red card, and Sittingbourne capitalised.

In the 38th minute, Sittingbourne took the lead when Mitchell May found the back of the net, finishing off a well-worked move. Dover nearly equalised just before halftime, but Nikaj saw his shot cleared off the line following a corner, leaving the hosts trailing 1-0 at the break.

The second half began with more frustration for Dover as assistant manager Mike Sandmann was shown a red card during the interval. Dover continued to fight, with Nikaj and Baptiste both coming close to leveling the score, but Sittingbourne’s defense held firm.

As Dover pushed for an equaliser, they were caught out again in the 78th minute. Codey Cosgrave’s free-kick doubled Sittingbourne’s lead, putting the game out of reach for the ten-man Dover side. Despite their best efforts, including a header from Soares-Junior that hit the crossbar, the home side couldn’t find a way back into the match.

Sittingbourne were too much for a Dover team that had shown spirit but were ultimately undone by the early sending-off and missed opportunities. Dover will now look to bounce back in their next fixture, a Kent Senior Cup clash against Cray Valley PM, but they will need to regroup after this disappointing exit from the FA Trophy.

Dover Athletic 0-2 Sittingbourne
Mitchell May (38′) Codey Cosgrave (78′)

Isuzu FA Trophy First Round
Attendance: 658
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Daniel D’urso

Dover Athletic: 13. Claudio Boakye-Sarfo, 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 3. Fuad Sesay, 5. Joe Tennent (C), 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, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 18. Henry Young, 24. Francis Mampolo.

Sittingbourne: 1. Harley Earle, 2. Donvieve Jones, 3. Henry Lukombo, 4. Ayman El-Mogharbel, 5. Liam Smith (C), 6. Chris Arthur, 7. Troy Howard, 8. Codey Cosgrave, 9. Mitchell May, 10. Ryan Kingsford, 11. Jay Beckford. Subs: 12. Graham Bagasan, 14. Jack Steventon, 15. Henry Sinai, 16. Joe Boachie, 17. Tony Martin.