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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out his interview with Justin Allen on DAFCtv now.

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

Dover Athletic

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

From the Management

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

Hornchurch

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

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

Last Six

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

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Hornchurch to the Megger Community Stadium. More information on getting to the ground can be found here: https://doverathletic.com/visit-crabble/

Megger Community Stadium. Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 0JB.

Admission  

Adults: £18
Concessions: £17
U18: £10
U11: FREE with a paying adult
(CUP GAME ALL MUST PAY ENTRY)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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