The first match of 2026 sees Dover Athletic return to the Megger Community Stadium to take on Torquay United in a National League South clash to kick off the new year. After a demanding festive period, the Whites will be looking to start 2026 on a positive note against one of the division’s early title favourites, with the memory of a narrow defeat at Plainmoor earlier in the season adding extra edge to Saturday’s encounter.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic slipped to a narrow 2–1 Kent derby defeat against Ebbsfleet United, despite a strong response either side of half-time. The visitors started brightly and took the lead on 18 minutes when Edser struck from the edge of the area. Dover grew into the contest and created chances before the break, with Decarrey Sheriff going closest. The Whites carried that momentum into the second half and deservedly levelled when Kenny Coker headed in Luke Baptiste’s free-kick. Ebbsfleet regained the lead through Samuel’s far-post header and managed the closing stages to see out the win.

From the Management

“We’ve got Torquay here on Saturday, who are the league favourites. It’s a really tough spell over Christmas against some big clubs, but if we can play how we did against Ebbsfleet, we can give anyone a game — as we’ve already shown this season. We gave Torquay a good match at their place, and we’ll be looking to do the same again on Saturday.”

Torquay United

Torquay United had to settle for a point on Tuesday night as they were held to a goalless draw away at Bath City. Paul Wotton named an unchanged side following the Boxing Day win over Weston-super-Mare and saw his team dominate much of the first half. Dan Hayfield and Jordan Young both forced strong saves from Harvey Wiles-Richards, while Matt Jay fired wide from close range. The second half was more even, with Hayfield volleying just over late on. Bath threatened only once through Matt Bowman, leaving United frustrated but content with a valuable away point.

The last time the sides met, Dover Athletic were left heartbroken at Plainmoor as Torquay United snatched a late 3–2 win. Alfie Matthews twice put the Whites ahead, first curling a superb free-kick into the top corner before converting a second-half penalty after George Nikaj was fouled. Torquay replied through a Cody Cooke penalty and a low strike from skipper Jordan Young. Dover defended resolutely and threatened on the break, but with a minute remaining substitute Matt Jay reacted quickest to stab home from a corner, denying Jake Leberl’s side a deserved point.

Last Six

Torquay United 3–2 Worthing (25 Nov, National League South)
Chelmsford City 0–2 Torquay United (29 Nov, National League South)
Torquay United 1–2 Tonbridge Angels (6 Dec, National League South)
AFC Totton 1–0 Torquay United (20 Dec, National League South)
Torquay United 3–1 Weston-super-Mare (26 Dec, National League South)
Bath City 0–0 Torquay United (30 Dec, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Torquay 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.

This fixture is segregated.

Dover Athletic were left frustrated on Tuesday night as a strong spell either side of half-time was not enough to prevent a 2–1 defeat to in-form Ebbsfleet United in a National League South Kent derby at the Megger Community Stadium.

The visitors made the brighter start and dominated much of the opening 20 minutes, forcing Dover skipper Mitch Walker into early action. Walker was alert to deny Samuel from close range and then gathered a speculative long-range effort from Seaman as Ebbsfleet looked to impose themselves with pace and width.

Dover weathered that early pressure and almost struck first on the counter when Kenny Coker burst clear, only for Fleet goalkeeper Hall to race off his line and smother the danger. At the other end, Walker again came to the rescue, diverting Samuel’s effort behind after the forward broke clear and drove into the penalty area.

Ebbsfleet’s pressure eventually told on 18 minutes. A deep corner was only half-cleared and Edser arrived on the edge of the area to unleash a precise left-footed strike beyond Walker to give the visitors the lead.

Rather than wilt, Dover Athletic responded positively and enjoyed their best spell of the match for the remainder of the half. Coker caused problems with his pressing, Ryan Hanson headed over from a Roman Charles-Cook delivery, and Decarrey Sheriff went agonisingly close when he beat Hall to a ball over the top, rounded the keeper, but dragged his shot wide of an open goal. Luca Cocoracchio also bent an effort just past the far post as the Whites ended the half on the front foot but unable to find a leveller.

That momentum carried into the second period. Cocoracchio saw a long-range strike deflected wide with Hall wrong-footed, and Dover continued to ask questions from set-pieces and wide areas. The equaliser the hosts deserved arrived on 56 minutes when Luke Baptiste delivered an excellent free-kick and Coker rose powerfully to head home, sending the home crowd into celebration.

Ebbsfleet threatened an immediate response, briefly thinking they had retaken the lead when Edser’s effort fell to Samuel, only for the offside flag to intervene. The reprieve was short-lived, however. On 64 minutes, substitute Ben Coker swung in a deep cross from the left and Samuel met it at the far post, heading past Walker despite the keeper’s best efforts to claw it away.

Dover pushed on in search of a second equaliser, with Sheriff continuing to battle against the visitors’ defence and appeals waved away when he went down in the box. A triple substitution on 80 minutes signalled the Whites’ intent, but Ebbsfleet managed the closing stages well, limiting clear-cut chances despite five minutes of added time. In the end, it was a narrow defeat for Dover after a spirited response to going behind, with plenty of encouragement taken from long spells of control against one of the division’s form sides.

The Whites return to home action on Saturday as they welcome Torquay United in their first fixture of 2026.

Dover: Walker, Charles-Cook (Marjoram 80mins), Jones, Beadle, Sodje, Hanson, Cocoracchio, Odelusi (Wilkinson 80mins), Coker (Onu 90mins), Baptiste, Shariff (Nikaj 80mins). Subs not used: Gillmore, Gurung, Mensah.

Ebbsfleet: Hall, Passley, Ehmer, Nelson, Seaman, Hessenthaler, Edser, Peake (Coker 60mins), Coley (Cosgrave 78mins), Chapman (Kennedy 65mins), Samuel. Subs not used: Macaulay, Barnes, Manktelow, Olagunju.

Referee: Ayrton Hursey.

Attendance: 813.

Fancy watching the Whites take on Ebbsfleet 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 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 programme

The very special experience costs £20 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 :

Main: Cottage Pie served with Peas, Carrots and Gravy.

The dress code is smart casual.

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

A Tuesday night Kent derby under the lights awaits at the Megger Community Stadium as Dover Athletic welcome Ebbsfleet United to Crabble, with both sides eager to sign off the festive period on a high. The Whites will be looking to usher in the New Year with three points in front of a home crowd, while the visitors arrive in confident mood. Dover currently sit 14th in the table, with Ebbsfleet ninth, and recent form adds extra edge to the contest. Fleet come into the derby on the back of two straight wins, while Dover will be determined to halt a run of back-to-back defeats and turn momentum in their favour on home soil.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic were edged out 1–0 by Maidstone United in a tight Boxing Day Kent derby at the Gallagher Stadium. The Whites defended resolutely in the first half, with Jalen Jones dominant in the air, while Maidstone struck the woodwork through Papadopoulos. The decisive moment came on 64 minutes when Sam Corne headed home from close range. Dover pressed late and went agonisingly close to an equaliser, Jones seeing a header blocked on the line by Corne. Despite a determined finish and late pressure, the Whites were unable to find a way through and left frustrated by the narrow defeat.

From the Management

“Obviously the games come thick and fast over the festive period. Maidstone was the start of a really difficult run, and we’re back at home on Tuesday night. When the Christmas fixtures came out, we knew straight away it was going to be a really tough period.”

Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United continued their strong form with a 1–0 Boxing Day win over Tonbridge Angels, lifting them to ninth and within a point of the play-offs. After a cagey first half, both sides had chances, with Fleet growing into the game through Lennon Peake and Charlie Seaman. Tonbridge threatened early in the second half, but Fleet found the breakthrough 12 minutes from time. Peake drove to the byline before combining with Dominic Samuel, who created space and fired a low shot across goal. Fleet managed the closing stages well to secure another valuable three points.

Last Six

Ebbsfleet United 1–2 Horsham (25 Nov, National League South)
Farnborough 1–1 Ebbsfleet United (29 Nov, National League South)
Ebbsfleet United 1–2 Worthing (6 Dec, National League South)
Ebbsfleet United 3–1 Braintree Town (13 Dec, FA Trophy Third Round)
Chelmsford City 0–1 Ebbsfleet United (20 Dec, National League South)
Ebbsfleet United 1–0 Tonbridge Angels (26 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

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

This fixture is segregated.

Dover Athletic were left frustrated on Boxing Day as a tight Kent derby at Maidstone United was settled by a single second-half goal, despite a spirited late effort from the Whites.

In front of a crowd of 2,830 at the Gallagher Stadium, the hosts edged the contest 1–0, with skipper Sam Corne’s header just after the hour proving decisive in a game where fine margins told.

The opening exchanges were typically cagey for a festive derby, with neither side willing to take early risks. Dover threatened first from set pieces, causing early panic in the Maidstone box from a George Wilkinson corner as Jalen Jones and Cocoracchio both went close in a brief goalmouth scramble.

As Maidstone enjoyed more of the territory, Dover’s defensive organisation stood up well. Jones, in particular, was dominant in the air, repeatedly clearing crosses and helping the Whites defend in numbers. Maidstone’s best moments before the break came through Papadopoulos, who rattled the crossbar with a curling effort from the edge of the box, and Gilbert, who fired narrowly wide from a half-volley.

Despite the hosts’ pressure, Dover reached half-time level and well in the contest.

Maidstone began the second period with increased intent, forcing Dover to defend deeper as shots from distance flashed wide. The breakthrough arrived on 64 minutes when Moore delivered a teasing cross from the left and Sam Corne found space at the back post to head past Mitch Walker from close range.

Dover responded with changes and renewed urgency. Beadle’s long throws and a series of set pieces caused problems, while Alfie Matthews’ introduction added energy down the flank. George Nikaj forced Harness into action with a clever flick from Matthews’ low cross, though the Maidstone keeper gathered comfortably.

The Whites’ best chance came late on. From a corner, Jones rose at the back post and looked set to equalise, only for Corne to make a crucial goal-line block and deny Dover at the last moment. Nikaj also headed over in stoppage time as Dover pushed until the final whistle, but the equaliser would not come.

It was a narrow and disappointing defeat for Dover in a match decided by moments at both ends.

The Whites now turn their focus back to home action, returning under the lights on Tuesday night to face Ebbsfleet United, determined to bounce back quickly from this Boxing Day setback.

Boxing Day brings a familiar festive fixture as Maidstone United and Dover Athletic go head-to-head in a Kent derby with both sides looking to round off the holiday period on a high. Dover head into the contest sitting 12th in the National League South, while Maidstone occupy 8th spot, but recent form suggests little will separate the two. The Whites have taken 13 points from their last six matches, including four wins, before Saturday’s setback, while the Stones have also been among the points, grinding out results and proving difficult to break down. With local pride, festive atmosphere and league momentum on the line, it promises to be a competitive Boxing Day encounter.

Dover Athletic

A crowd of 4,227 turned out at Crabble for the free-entry festive fixture, but it was a frustrating afternoon for Dover Athletic, who were beaten 5–2 by Eastbourne Borough in National League South. Two first-half penalties from Pemi Aderoju put the visitors in control before an unfortunate own goal early in the second half made it 3–0. George Wilkinson pulled one back, but Eastbourne quickly responded and added a fifth from a set piece. Substitute Kenny Coker netted late on, but Dover’s four-game league winning run came to an end despite a second-half response.

From the Management

“Well, it’s going to be tough. It’s always a difficult place to go. They put a lot of balls into the box and are very dominant when it comes to first contact. Our boys are going to have to stand up and really embrace the battle.”

Maidstone United

Maidstone and Hampton shared a goalless draw after a match of few clear-cut chances. Maidstone went close early on when Deon Moore capitalised on a Matt Rowley clearance, but Antony Papadopoulos’ effort was blocked on the line. Taylor Foran later headed straight at Rowley, while Papadopoulos remained a threat throughout, forcing saves and shooting narrowly wide either side of half-time. Hampton nearly broke the deadlock before the break when Reece Grego-Cox’s flicked header was tipped over by Nathan Harness. Both goalkeepers stayed alert in the second half, denying Craig Fasanmade and Papadopoulos, while substitute David Sesay missed a late chance as Hampton defended resolutely to secure a point.

Last Six

Dorking Wanderers 3–1 Maidstone United (22 Nov, National League South)
Enfield Town 2–1 Maidstone United (25 Nov, National League South)
Maidstone United 1–0 Salisbury (29 Nov, National League South)
Maidstone United 2–0 Bath City (6 Dec, National League South)
Yeovil Town 1–1 Maidstone United (Yeovil win 4–2 on pens) (13 Dec, FA Trophy Third Round)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0–0 Maidstone United (20 Dec, National League South)

The Venue

Gallagher Stadium
James Whatman Way
Maidstone
ME14 1LQ

More info: https://maidstoneunited.co.uk/matchday/stadium/first-visit/

Admission  

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.

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

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

A crowd of 4,227 turned out at Crabble for Saturday’s free-entry festive fixture, but it proved to be a difficult afternoon for Dover Athletic, who fell to a 5–2 defeat against Eastbourne Borough in National League South.

The Whites came into the match on the back of four consecutive league victories, but were put under immediate pressure by an energetic Eastbourne side. Within the opening minute, skipper Mitch Walker was forced into two sharp saves as the visitors threatened from the outset, setting the tone for a challenging first half.

Eastbourne took the lead in the 13th minute when the referee Adam Merchant awarded a penalty, with Pemi Aderoju converting confidently from the spot. The visitors continued to dominate possession and territory, with Walker again called into action to deny Kai Corbett with an excellent fingertip save.

Despite Dover defending for long spells, Eastbourne doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark. A second penalty was awarded following a free-kick into the box, and Aderoju once more sent Walker the wrong way to make it 2–0. The Whites almost found an immediate response when Luca Cocoracchio’s near-post header was blocked on the line, but they went into the break two goals down.

Manager Jake Leberl made three changes at half-time in search of a reaction, introducing George Nikaj, Bivesh Gurung and Ryan Hanson. However, seven minutes after the restart, Dover’s task became even harder when a cross from the right was unfortunately diverted into his own net by Jalen Jones.

The Whites showed resilience and began to create openings. A flowing counter-attack saw Nikaj and George Wilkinson combine to set up Rolando Onu, who was unable to convert from close range. Dover were rewarded on the hour mark when Wilkinson drove into the box and finished well to pull a goal back and lift the home crowd.

Any momentum was quickly halted as Eastbourne struck again two minutes later, a long-range effort from Jayden Davis taking a deflection and finding the top corner to restore a three-goal cushion. The visitors added a fifth midway through the second half from a set piece, further denting Dover’s hopes of a comeback.

There was still time for a late positive moment as substitute Kenny Coker reacted quickest in the box to stab home in the 84th minute after a Wilkinson corner had been nodded on by Nikaj. Eastbourne were reduced to ten men late on following a second booking for Freddie Carter, but it proved academic as the match ended 5–2.

It was a frustrating afternoon on the pitch, but the club would like to thank everyone who came along to support the free festive fixture and create the biggest home crowd in a decade. Dover now turn their attention to a Boxing Day Kent derby away at Maidstone United, before rounding off 2025 with a home fixture against Ebbsfleet.

Dover Athletic: Walker, Charles-Cook, Jones, Mensah, Sodje, Cocoracchio (Gurung 46mins), Odelusi (Hanson 46mins), Wilkinson, Baptiste (Nikaj 46mins), Onu (Coker 68mins), Marjoram (Mampolo 74mins). Subs not used: Matthews, Gillmore.

Eastbourne Borough: Williamson, Corbett, Anifowose, Aderoju (Fairnie 88mins), Eastmond (Alexander 76mins), Carter, Davis (Lintott 71mins), Grout, Trusty, Phipps, Mullins. Subs not used: Searle, Pitblado, Harley, Kadric.

Referee: Adam Merchant.

Attendance: 4,227.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Alan Marley, a Dover FC legend of the 1970’s.

Born in Dover, Alan represented his hometown club during the 1970s across two separate spells. Although his time at Crabble came before many of today’s supporters, older fans will remember him vividly as a buzzing, intelligent inside forward who brought quality, energy and creativity to the Dover attack.

Alan first made his mark at the club as a teenager, having signed from Crewe Alexandra as an 18-year-old. His later career took him overseas, playing extensively in New Zealand and later Australia. During his time abroad, Alan represented New Zealand at international level making his full All Whites debut in a 4–1 win over New Caledonia on 17 September 1972 and ended his international playing career with 12 A-international caps and 3 goals to his credit, his final cap in a 0–2 loss to Iraq on 13 March 1973.

In 1974, following several successful seasons overseas and appearances in World Cup qualifying fixtures, Alan returned to Dover in memorable fashion, flying back home to re-sign for the club. Reports at the time described then manager Alf Bentley as “the happiest man in Kent” as he Marley rejoined Dover having already been crowned Crabble Player of the Year earlier in his career. His signing was seen as a major boost, and he wasted no time in making an impact back in a Dover shirt.

Newspaper coverage from the time highlights just how highly regarded Alan was — not only for his technical quality, but for the experience he brought back with him, having faced top English clubs such as Chelsea, Stoke City, Wolves, Manchester United and others during his time abroad.

After retiring from the game, Alan settled in Australia with his family, but his connection to Dover Athletic never faded. He continued to follow the club from afar and was absolutely delighted by last season’s promotion, sharing in the joy felt by supporters back home. He was particularly proud to receive this season’s Dover Athletic shirt bearing his name — something he wore with immense pride.

Our thoughts are with Alan’s family and friends at this sad time. Dover remembers him with gratitude, pride and affection.

For those interested, there is also a short video featuring Alan reflecting on his relationship with Socceroos forward Robbie Kruse. Created in the lead-up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the film was part of a Hyundai campaign celebrating the mentors who helped players reach the international stage. In the video, Kruse writes a letter of thanks to Alan, a family friend and former next-door neighbour, acknowledging the role he played in his development. The piece highlights the lasting impact Alan had on those around him, both within and beyond the game.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf7L4DKUJY0

Dover Athletic return to the Megger Community Stadium this weekend for a festive National League South clash with Eastbourne Borough, as the Whites look to carry strong momentum into Christmas. Jake Leberl’s side sit 10th in the table after four league wins in a row, while Eastbourne arrive in 23rd place, second bottom, with 15 points and battling to climb out of the relegation zone. With free entry for all supporters, the club is opening its doors to the whole community for what promises to be a big pre-Christmas afternoon as Dover aim to keep their league run going.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic exited the FA Trophy at the third-round stage after a 4–1 defeat to National League South side Hornchurch at Crabble. Missing several first-team regulars, Whites went 2–0 down before half-time through Harry Gibbs’ free-kick and a Luke Baptiste own goal. Angelo Balanta added a third after the break before midfielder George Wilkinson scored a consolation with his first goal of the season. Any hopes of a comeback were ended when substitute Henry Sandat struck late on.

From the Management

“Saturday at home to Eastbourne should be a massive day, with free entry for everyone. Of course, you want as many people here as possible. It’s a great gesture from the chairman and the club to offer that to the local community, and I hope people really take us up on it. Hopefully, we can respond with a better performance than against Hornchurch, get a few of the boys back, and carry on pushing in the league like we have been.”

Eastbourne Borough

Eastbourne Borough were beaten 2–1 at home by Chelmsford City, despite a spirited second-half response. The Sports were caught cold early on, conceding twice inside the opening 10 minutes through Joe Grimwood and Jason Adigun. Eastbourne went close to an immediate reply and grew into the game, creating chances and applying pressure. Their efforts were rewarded on 66 minutes when Pemi Aderoju converted a penalty to halve the deficit. Despite pushing for an equaliser late on, Eastbourne were unable to break through again and slipped to defeat.

The sides last met at Priory Lane in August, when Dover Athletic claimed a hard-fought 1–0 National League South victory over Eastbourne Borough. After a goalless first half in which Borough threatened from set pieces and were denied by a superb save from Mitch Walker, Dover struck early after the restart. Decarrey Sheriff forced a defensive error and the ball fell to George Nikaj, who calmly finished to secure the points. Eastbourne pushed for an equaliser late on but were unable to break down a disciplined Dover defence, as the Whites saw out a professional away win.

Last Six

Eastbourne Borough 2–2 Chippenham Town (11 Nov, National League South)
Dorking Wanderers 3–2 Eastbourne Borough (15 Nov, FA Trophy 2nd Round)
Torquay United 7–0 Eastbourne Borough (22 Nov, National League South)
Eastbourne Borough 6–0 Hampton & Richmond (29 Nov, National League South)
Dorking Wanderers 4–2 Eastbourne Borough (6 Dec, National League South)
Eastbourne Borough 1–2 Chelmsford City (13 Dec, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Eastbourne 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  

FREE ENTRY FOR ALL.

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

Arrival & Entry

• Gates open: 12.00pm
• Kick-off: 3.00pm
• No tickets required – simply turn up and come in
• Season ticket holders should enter via their usual turnstile

Supporters are advised to arrive in good time to avoid queues and enjoy the pre-match activities taking place around the ground.

Festive Activities & Entertainment

There will be a full programme of family-friendly entertainment before and after the match:

12.00pm – 2.45pm | Santa’s Grotto
Younger supporters can meet Father Christmas and enjoy a festive moment before kick-off.

12.30pm – 3.00pm | Christmas Disco (Centre Spot)
Music and entertainment will be running in the Centre Spot as the atmosphere builds ahead of the match.

5.00pm | Fancy Dress Competition (Centre Spot)
Supporters are invited to take part in the fancy dress competition, with categories for:

• Under 12s
• 12–18 years
• Adults

Each winner will receive a replica Dover Athletic shirt, with runners-up receiving a club mug.

5.30pm | Christmas Raffle Draw (Centre Spot)
The Community Trust and Supporters’ Club raffle will be drawn, with a range of prizes available.

Food & Drink

To help manage demand, more food and drink outlets than usual will be open, including:

• Centre Spot
• River End / Centre Spot Tea Hut
• Bottle Bar (Centre Spot)
• Pizza the Action
• Snack Shack (behind the Dover End stand – usually only open during segregated fixtures)