After an early inspection, the pitch has been deemed playable and our game against Hemel Hempstead Town is on. 

We look forward to seeing you at The Megger Community Stadium this afternoon. Kick off at 3pm.

Dover Athletic are back in action on Saturday after a frustrating festive period, which also saw the opening game of 2026 against Torquay United postponed due to a frozen pitch. The Whites now turn their focus to the weekend’s challenge against Hemel Hempstead Town. The Tudors have enjoyed a strong first half of the season and arrive at Crabble sitting sixth in the table, firmly in the play-off mix and providing a tough test as Dover look to get back to competitive action.

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.

Hemel Hempstead Town

On Saturday, Hemel Hempstead Town made it back-to-back wins with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Dagenham & Redbridge at The Focus Arena, moving back into sixth place. A tight first half saw few clear chances, with Tim Dieng firing narrowly wide for the visitors. The decisive moment came early in the second half when Mauro Vilhete latched onto a superb long pass from Kyle Ajayi and audaciously chipped the keeper for his second goal in two games. Hemel defended resolutely thereafter, with Matty Achuba outstanding as the Tudors saw out the win in front of 1,008 supporters.

Last Six

Salisbury 1–0 Hemel Hempstead (6 Dec, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead 0–2 Horsham (13 Dec, FA Trophy Third Round)
Hemel Hempstead 0–0 Maidenhead United (20 Dec, National League South)
Chesham United 1–0 Hemel Hempstead (26 Dec, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead 3–0 Enfield (30 Dec, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead 1–0 Dagenham & Redbridge (3 Jan, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Hemel 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.

After an early pitch inspection, today’s match against Torquay United has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

A new date for the fixture will be confirmed soon.

The Whites are on the lookout for a volunteer PA Announcer to join the team.

We are looking for a volunteer PA announce to work as part of the team covering match days working on a rota basis. Your role will be to read out the teams, goals, substitutions and any other announcements that you would normally hear on a match day.

Free entry to games and a free meal will be provided for the candidate.

Volunteers are a vital component of the running of the Club, and we remain incredibly grateful for the help we receive.

For anyone interested in the position, please contact enquiries@doverathletic.com or pop into the office.

Fancy watching the Whites take on Torquay 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:  Prawn Cocktail

Main:  Roasted Chicken Breast served with Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert: Belgium Chocolate and Raspberry Torte served with Cream

The dress code is smart casual.

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

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.