Tickets for our Boxing Day fixture away to Maidstone United will go on sale tomorrow at 12pm (noon).

Once available, supporters will be able to purchase their tickets via the link shared on our social media channels and through our website. 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.

Maidstone United v Dover Athletic
Friday 26 December 2025 – 1pm Kick-Off

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

We encourage all supporters wishing to attend to secure their tickets promptly once the link is posted.

Dover Athletic hit the road this weekend as Jake Leberl’s in-form side travel to The Meadow to take on Chesham United in the National League South. The Whites arrive full of confidence after extending their unbeaten run to five matches with a professional 2–0 win over Slough Town at Crabble, and will be determined to keep climbing the table. Chesham, meanwhile, sit firmly in mid-table and come into the contest on the back of a morale-boosting victory over Dorking Wanderers. With both sides eyeing further momentum, a competitive afternoon awaits in Buckinghamshire.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic extended their unbeaten run to five games with a confident 2–0 win over Slough Town at Crabble. After a tight first half in difficult conditions, the breakthrough came on 49 minutes when Jalen Jones’ header struck the bar and George Nikaj reacted fastest to force the ball over the line — his first competitive goal since September. Slough pushed back and briefly thought they’d equalised, only for an offside flag to intervene. Dover sealed victory late on as substitutes Luke Baptiste and Kenny Coker combined, Coker firing low into the corner. Nikaj nearly added a spectacular second, rattling the bar from distance.

From the Management

“We look ahead to next weekend — we’re away to Chesham in the league and we want to keep this momentum going. It will be a very difficult game, like every game in this league. We’ll watch them during the week, train well, prepare as best we can, and look to continue this run.”

Chesham United

Chesham United impressed in a hard-fought 2–1 win against Dorking, starting aggressively and forcing mistakes on a muddy pitch. Their pressure paid off on 26 minutes when Alex Babos capitalised on a loose pass and drilled into the bottom corner. The Generals continued to threaten before the break, with Harrison Foulkes twice denying Karl Oliyide and tipping another Babos effort onto the post. After half-time, Chesham goalkeeper Ben Goode produced a superb save from Charlie Carter as the visitors pushed for a response. Chesham doubled their lead late on through Jaiden Bartolo after brilliant work from Babos, and despite a late reply, the hosts managed the game superbly to secure victory.

Chesham United sit 14th in National League South with 27 points from 20 games, navigating the classic second-season challenge after promotion. A number of last year’s squad moved on, but joint managers James Duncan and Michael Murray targeted players with proven Step Two pedigree, including defenders Alfie Young and Dan Bayliss and creative midfielder Alex Babos. The Generals remain well-organised and difficult to break down, with Nathan Minhas continuing to provide a goal threat. Recent results have been mixed, but a win against Dorking hints at growing momentum.

Last Six

Hornchurch 1–1 Chesham United (4 Nov, National League South)
Chesham United 0–1 Salisbury (8 Nov, National League South)
Chesham United 1–2 AFC Telford — FA Trophy exit (15 Nov, FA Trophy 2nd Round)
Ebbsfleet United 2–1 Chesham United (22 Nov, National League South)
Dagenham & Redbridge 3–1 Chesham United (25 Nov, National League South)
Chesham United 2–1 Dorking Wanderers (29 Nov, National League South)

The Venue

Chesham United, The Meadow, Amy Ln, Chesham HP5 1NE

More info: https://cheshamunited.co.uk/matchday/travel-directions/

Admission  

Adults: £16
Concession: £13
NextGen (18-23 years old): £11
Under 18s: £6
Under 12s (must be accompanied by an adult) : £1

Dover Athletic extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a composed 2–0 victory over Slough Town at Crabble, as George Nikaj celebrated his first competitive goal since September before substitute Kenny Coker sealed the points.

On a heavy pitch following pre-match rainfall, early openings were scarce. Slough’s Luke Holness cut inside on 10 minutes and fired narrowly wide of Mitch Walker’s left post, while at the other end Rolando Onu repeatedly stretched the visiting defence without reward.

Dover looked to have struck in the 28th minute when Francis Mampolo tucked home following a clever move, but celebrations were cut short by the assistant’s flag. The Whites kept pushing, Onu twice delivering dangerous crosses and Siju Odelusi snatching at a good chance from the resulting corner. Slough also saw sights of goal — Shakpoke’s sharp effort forced Walker into a firm save, before Dyce sliced wide just before the interval.

The second half burst into life almost immediately. After Shakpoke’s acrobatic scorpion attempt flew wide for the Rebels, Dover responded with the breakthrough on 49 minutes. A high delivery from Beadle into the box was nodded onto the bar by Jalen Jones, and Nikaj reacted quickest — hammering the rebound over the line.

The forward played with renewed confidence, sending a fierce strike just wide shortly after as Dover looked to press home their advantage. Slough, clearly eyeing next weekend’s televised FA Cup tie, made an astonishing five substitutions in one go on the hour — but the change did little to disrupt Dover’s momentum.

Walker remained alert, denying Tyrique Clarke on 71 minutes, and Slough briefly thought they had levelled when Jared Myers finished clinically, only for another offside decision to intervene.

Jake Leberl’s substitutions worked perfectly. Just two minutes after coming on, Kenny Coker latched onto a flick from fellow substitute Luke Baptiste and drilled low beyond Rohan Desbois for 2–0 in the 80th minute.

Nikaj came inches away from a spectacular second — a 40-yard effort that cannoned off the crossbar — as Dover continued to look the stronger side in the closing stages. Despite six minutes of added time, the Whites saw out the contest with maturity to secure another well-earned clean sheet.

The win lifts Dover into mid-table and builds further momentum after last weekend’s impressive away victory at Weston-super-Mare. With belief growing and goals beginning to flow, the Whites head to Chesham United next weekend full of confidence.

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Line-Ups

Dover Athletic:
Walker; Charles-Cook, Jones, Beadle, Sodje, Cocoracchio; Odelusi, Wilkinson (Gurung 83), Nikaj (Marjoram 87), Onu (Coker 77), Mampolo (Baptiste 79).
Unused subs: Sesay, Mensah, Gillmore.

Slough Town:
Desbois; Ojemen, Oshilaja, R. Greenidge, Goddard (Clarke 61), Nelson (Walker 61), Dyche, Myers, Shakpoke (Makoski 61), Holness (Borgnis 61), Janneh (J. Greenidge 61).
Unused subs: Drakes-Thomas, Davies.

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Attendance: 976

Fancy watching the Whites take on Slough 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:

Minestrone Soup served with a Ciabatta Roll

Main:

Steak Pie served with Mash Potato, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert:

Pistachio, White Chocolate and Raspberry Roulade

The dress code is smart casual.

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

Dover Athletic’s supporter base stretches far wider than you might expect. For more than a decade, a loyal group of fans from Germany have been making the journey across Europe to back the Whites, now proudly known as the GDC: the German Dover Crew. A mix of friends from the Ruhr region, they pick a couple of games each season, book the crossings, and head straight for Crabble – scarves on, pints poured, and ready to cheer as loudly as any local.

Their love for Dover began with one supporter’s family holiday and quickly grew into something much bigger — a tradition, a friendship, and a connection to a club that feels like home. Ahead of their latest visit, we caught up with the GDC to hear how their story with Dover began, the incredible memories they’ve collected along the way, and what keeps them coming back year after year.

To start, can you introduce yourselves? Where in Germany are you all from and what do you each do outside of football? How do you all know each other.

So we are right now a bunch of up to six guys and we gave ourself the name GDC – German Dover Crew. We are all from cities between Duisburg and Dortmund in the RuhrArea – in German called “Ruhrgebiet” – which is the biggest metropolitan area in Germany with roundabout 5 Millions residents. We all have or had a strong relationship to baseball where we met each other in the last thirty years and played with or against each other. But beside we are all fans of different football teams in Germany. MSV Duisburg, FC St.Pauli,Werder Bremen, Rot – Weiß Essen, Fortuna Düsseldorf. So this fitted from the beginning. We are also from different jobs: Firefighter, Social Worker, cook/chef, site manager, project manager, proberty management. I know them all cause I started to go to DAFC by myself alone and some of them also know each other before.

How and when did you first discover Dover Athletic, and what was it that made you want to follow a club over 400 miles away in another country?

I was on a vacation in Kent with my family back in 2010 and liked to watch a local club. And for me the doorway to England is Dover so I choose them. And as I entered the stadium it was love on first sight. And every of my mates from the GDC tell me the same. For us there is a special atmosphere and it is a special feeling. Some of us thinking of coming home. Sounds a little weird but it’s the truth.

What is it about the club, the town, or the people that’s kept you coming back for the last decade?

We are like the motto one Town – one Team – one Dover. We love Crabble. It’s grassroots but also professional. Your fan shop lady Gill is so lovely to us every time we come. And it’s easy to get in contact with other people. Your media work for a non-league club is marvellous/unbelievable. Not one of us know this for a non – league club in Germany. We all love the white cliffs, the view on the harbour and every trip a short visit is also a must. The beach and the new part of the Harbour is also worth to visit. We also like the surrounding area like Deal. And to be honest to go to Ashford outlet for shopping. And all of us sometimes travel without the GDC with their families/partner to Dover cause we all like it there.

How often do you try to get over to Kent for matches, and what usually goes into planning a trip?

Our Eastern Tour to watch two games within four days is a must every year since 2016. And beside the tour we try to come over together for two more games per season. Planing the trips : We have our own GDC-WhatsApp-Group where we talk about the club, scores, players, standings etc. Here we also plan our tours. We open a poll with fixtures and who likes to go. After we make a decision

together it’s on me to search for Hotel and travel prices and times. For home games 99% we choose the Premier Inn Eastern Ferry Terminal. It’s a little bit like a headquarter for us. And on the other hand we choose between Le Shuttle or ferry and who will drive. And since April we also need Visas. But they last for two years.

What have been your standout Dover memories? Matches, goals, players, away days, or even off-pitch moments.

Uff, there are many- so just a few : Leyton Orient 2017 away – huge Dover crowd, great support and played in a football league ground. Boreham Wood away we went twice. First time eastern Monday traffic so we have to travel through London instead M25 and so missed first half and have to pay the full price to get in. Unbelievable. Second visit 04-2022 Relegation season National League. But first away win this season and levelled to Zero points in overall and we made it there. Sensational feeling!!! Welling March 2024 away – the day we are relegated to Isthmian League. It was just a small chance to keep the league but it was a sad moment if not the sadest in following DAFC. And then the Game the German Dover Crew started. Eastern 2016 against Torquay at Crabble. My mate Rene was the first from the all the lads who I narrated for many years my single journeys stories to Crabble. He traveled with me and saw a huge crowd and strong and great Dover Side which won 5:0. Beside this he ate his first Crabble Burger and after all he fell also in love with the club/the atmosphere at Crabble. After that game I never came back alone and Rico, Tom, Lars and Sebastian joined in step by step until now.

Which Dover players — past or present — have meant the most to you, and why?

From the Past – with no doubt and a no brainer – both Rickys – Ricky Miller – scored, scored, scored – it’s a pity that he never really made it up in the football league And Ricky Modeste – fast, athletic, played it in style – both every penny worth to watch. Also in good memory for us Jake Goodman and Myles Judd – never got up, defence and run run run. Especially the game at Boreham Wood. Present players for all of us – the triangle – Alfie Matthews, George Nikaj and Ruben Junior. Made our dream came true back from relegation to promotion. Just good boys to cheer for.

What have you made of the current squad, the management team, and the direction the club is heading – especially after the success of last season?

Last season was a very strong comeback. The team showed mental strength in decisive moments — especially in the important match at the end of the season in Chichester and in the play-offs. A solid game plan and good squad management ultimately paid off! We think the work of Jake Leberl and his team is really good. Also hiring a new head scout is an important and correct step. Huge compliments for the work so far. Immediate promotion is not something to be taken for granted, and it shows that you have a clear plan. Your focus on long-term stability — keeping key players and scouting and signing players with potential — should be the right path for the future. The players proved their character, especially in the crucial moments of last season. Now they need to take this opportunity in the National League South and show that we didn’t just want to get promoted — we want to stay here. Every player, even those with less playing time, is important!

So never give up; be positive about your cause and your path. A good, respectful relationship between the fans and the team at eye level. We are thrilled that Dover can keep up right after being promoted. And last but not least… A toast to all the volunteers — we believe that’s what makes good club work. And something similar happened with this club as well. Otherwise, they surely would have disappeared into oblivion the year after they were relegated.

What excites about the club is the great atmosphere in the stadium. You can feel the connection between the fans and the team every second. It feels like family. And that’s coming from the two GDC Members who was there for the first time at Easter. They felt welcomed right away. Many thanks to everyone who makes this experience possible — volunteers, staff, fans, and officials.

Is there anything you’d like to say directly to the club, the players, or the supporters ahead of your visit?

The work behind the scenes has personally impressed us a lot, and that’s why we are very happy to support this team/club and the people behind it. Thanks to the supporters for making the DAFC so unique. It’s an incredible experience and worth every mile. The players kept their heads up after relegation, performed as they did and made a miracle come true in the playoffs. And now in this in-between-situation they should remember how good they are and how good they can perform. Trust yourself cause we trust you.

COYW!!!

Dover Athletic return to the Megger Community Stadium on Saturday looking to build on back-to-back league victories see them in 12th place in National League South. Jake Leberl’s side earned an impressive late win away at high-flying Weston-super-Mare on Saturday and will aim to carry that momentum into another important fixture.

Slough Town make the trip after a period of mixed results, though recent performances — including a notable FA Cup win over Altrincham — suggest they remain competitive and capable of posing problems. Both teams will view this as a valuable opportunity to continue climbing the table.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic ended Weston-super-Mare’s unbeaten home record with a determined 2–1 win at The Optima Stadium. Weston created the better chances in the first half, but Walker made several key saves to keep the scores level. Dover improved after the break and took the lead on 55 minutes when a Matthews free-kick was diverted into the net by a Weston defender. The hosts equalised shortly after as Wilson finished from inside the box. Weston pushed forward in pursuit of a winner, but Dover struck late; Cocoracchio reacting quickest from a corner in stoppage time to secure all three points.

From the Management

“We’re back at Crabble next Saturday against Slough, and of course we want to keep the momentum going. I think that’s four unbeaten now, and there’s still more to come. We’ve got Hanson back in training, we’re looking strong, and we’re really enjoying our football.”

Slough Town

Slough Town were unable to secure back-to-back home league wins as Worthing came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory at Arbour Park, extending their winning streak to nine games. Slough made a bright start and took the lead in the fifth minute when Makowski headed in from Goddard’s cross. Worthing gradually increased the pressure, but Desbois made several strong saves to preserve the advantage at half-time. The visitors eventually broke through on 69 minutes as Dolaghan tapped in from close range and the forward completed the turnaround soon after, finishing low from another right-side delivery. Slough pushed late on but Worthing held firm.

Slough Town currently sit 22nd in National League South with 15 points from 17 games, struggling for consistency after major squad turnover in the summer. Last season’s top scorer Slavi Spasov and several key players departed, prompting a sizeable rebuild focused on young signings from Step 3 and 4. Manager Scott Davies continues to promote player development, with new arrivals such as Makowski, Clarke and Greenidge showing potential. Matches have generally been closely contested, and while results have been mixed to this point, performances suggest they are capable of pushing higher up the table as the campaign develops.

Last Six

Slough Town 2–1 Altrincham (1 Nov, FA Cup 1st Round)
Slough Town 2–3 Bath City (4 Nov, National League South)
Horsham 1–0 Slough Town (8 Nov, National League South)
Slough Town 1–1 Gloucester City — Gloucester win 4–3 on pens (15 Nov, FA Trophy 2nd Round)
Slough Town 2–0 Farnborough (18 Nov, National League South)
Slough Town 1–2 Worthing (22 Nov, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Slough 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.

Dover Athletic brought an end to Weston-super-Mare’s unbeaten home record with a hard-earned 2–1 win at The Optima Stadium, decided by a late goal from Luca Cocoracchio.

Weston, who started the day in second place, were on the front foot during the opening exchanges. They pressed Dover high and forced mistakes, with Walker required early to react quickly and claim a loose ball inside his area after Charles-Cook was dispossessed.

Dover created little in the final third during the first half, though Nikaj met a corner in the 9th minute without troubling the goalkeeper. Matthews also saw a shot well blocked from a short set-piece routine shortly after.

Most of the action continued to come in front of Walker’s goal. Wilson and Coulson combined well out wide for Weston, and just before half-time Walker made two important close-range saves to keep the score level — first from Wilson after a low pull-back, then after the follow-up effort was deflected wide.

The wet surface made sustained possession difficult for both sides, and the half closed with the match goalless and still waiting for its first real moment of quality.

The contest shifted after the break. Mampolo pressed aggressively and almost capitalised on a poor back-pass on 53 minutes, only for Harris to block, but Dover took the lead two minutes later. A deep free-kick delivered by Matthews from the right was directed into a dangerous area, where a Weston player diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper under pressure.

Weston responded well and equalised in the 65th minute. Dover failed to deal with a cross to the back post, and when the ball dropped loose 12 yards out, Wilson was well placed to steer a low finish beyond Walker.

The home side maintained momentum, forcing Dover back and increasing the tempo of their play. A goal was ruled out for offside in the 78th minute, and Walker continued to manage his area confidently as Weston pushed for a second. Dover introduced substitutions to provide fresh legs in midfield and attack, looking to relieve some pressure and regain structure.

Despite most of the play heading toward the Dover goal, the visitors continued to commit players forward when possible. As eight additional minutes were shown, Dover won a corner down the left. The delivery caused a scramble inside the six-yard box and Luca Cocoracchio reacted first to send the ball over the line, restoring the lead with just seconds remaining of normal time.

Weston tried to generate one final spell of pressure, but Dover saw out the closing minutes effectively to complete the win.

The result gives Dover back-to-back league victories and hands Weston their first home defeat of the campaign, with the Whites turning their attention to Slough Town at Crabble next Saturday.

Dover Athletic:
1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 4 Jones, 21 Mensah, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 28 Odelusi, 8 Matthews, 10 Nikaj, 14 Soares-Junior, 24 Mampolo
Subs: Baptiste, Onu, Beadle, Wilkinson, Gurung, Marjoram, Gillmore

Weston-super-Mare:
1 Harris, 2 Smith, 3 Bernard, 5 Wood, 6 Avery, 7 Coulson, 8 Dodd, 11 Wilson, 12 Dawes, 15 Lewis (C), 16 Sercombe
Subs: Britton, King, Glover (GK), Hicks, Johnson, Oliver

Dover Athletic are back in National League South action this Saturday as they travel to second placed Weston-super-Mare. The Whites head into the weekend with renewed confidence, with their last league match bringing a much-needed boost — a 4–1 victory over Enfield Town that ended their long wait for a league win — while a composed 2–0 result against Dorchester Town on Saturday ensured progress into the FA Trophy Third Round. Dover currently sit 13th in the table and will be aiming to carry that momentum into a tough test against a Weston side battling at the top end.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic progressed to the FA Trophy Third Round with a deserved 2–0 win against Dorchester Town at the Megger Community Stadium. The Whites dominated the first half, with Soares-Junior, Baptiste and Mampolo all denied by in-form goalkeeper Gerard Benfield. Dover finally broke through on 60 minutes when Coker reacted quickest to fire home a rebound after Wilkinson’s effort was saved. Dorchester made changes and threatened briefly, but Odelusi sealed the victory late on, tapping in after Mampolo’s deflected strike fell kindly. Nikaj twice went close to adding a third as Dover comfortably saw out the win.

From the Management

“It’s a long trip to Weston-super-Mare and they’re flying high in the league at the moment. They’ve started the season ever so well. Even after losing their manager to Eastleigh, they’ve kept that momentum going and added a few new players this week, so it will be a real challenge. But we’re getting our boys back to fitness. The lads who have been out are returning, and we’re looking really strong.”

Weston-super-Mare

Weston-super-Mare made five changes and booked their place in the next round of the FA Trophy with a 1–0 win away at Chippenham Town. Louis Britton threatened twice early on before Callum Wood stretched to poke in a Coulson free-kick midway through the first half. Weston continued to push, with Birch and Owen-Evans going close, while Harris made an important save from Parsons before the interval. The second half brought fewer chances, though Harris again denied Touray and Owen-Evans to preserve the lead. Late efforts from Waite and Britton were saved as Weston held firm. Birch was named Man of the Match.

Weston-super-Mare continue their impressive National League South campaign, sitting 2nd in the table with 32 points from 15 games (10 wins, 2 draws, 3 defeats). The Seagulls have scored 25 goals while conceding just 13, giving them a strong +12 goal difference as they push for promotion. Their position has been further strengthened by key recent additions. Striker Scott Wilson has returned to The Optima Stadium on loan from Bath City, adding proven firepower to the frontline. Experienced midfielder Liam Sercombe has joined on a short-term loan from Forest Green Rovers, while defender Dom Bernard has signed permanently to bolster the back line.

Last Six

15 Nov – FA Trophy, Second Round
Chippenham Town 0–1 Weston-super-Mare

8 Nov – National League South
Eastbourne Borough 1–2 Weston-super-Mare

4 Nov – National League South
Hemel Hempstead 3–0 Weston-super-Mare

1 Nov – FA Cup, First Round
Weston-super-Mare 2–1 Aldershot Town

25 Oct – National League South
Tonbridge 0–0 Weston-super-Mare

21 Oct – National League South
Weston-super-Mare 5–1 Slough Town

The Venue

The Optima Stadium
Winterstoke Road
Weston-super-Mare
Somerset
BS24 9AA

Admission  

Adults: £15
Concessions: £11
U18: £6

Matchday tickets can be bought online or on the matchday turnstiles unless otherwise advertised. Turnstiles open 90 minutes before the advertised match kick-off time. Our Supporters Car Park charges £3 to park on a matchday. https://wsmafc.co.uk/tickets-events/matchday-tickets/

Isuzu FA Trophy Second Round
Megger Community Stadium
Referee: Joseph Dann-Pye

Dover Athletic marched into the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Trophy with a controlled 2–0 victory over Dorchester Town at the Megger Community Stadium. Goals from Kenny Coker and Siju Odelusi ensured a deserved win on a misty afternoon at Crabble, as the Whites produced a strong performance at both ends of the pitch.

Dover set the tempo from the opening whistle, peppering the Dorchester box with a series of long throws from Harry Beadle inside the first few minutes. The hosts soon carved out the clearer chances — captain Ruben Soares-Junior delivered a superb cross for Luke Baptiste, only for visiting keeper Gerard Benfield to save well from close range.

Minutes later, the strike force linked again as Soares-Junior picked out Coker, who saw another effort kept out. That theme continued across the half: Dover dominant, the Dorchester keeper keeping his side level. Mampolo almost took advantage of a defensive mix-up on 17 minutes, spotting the keeper off his line and lofting an effort just over the bar. Further chances fell to Soares-Junior and Mampolo late in the half, both denied by Benfield who was becoming the busier of the two goalkeepers. Despite pressing hard, Dover went into the break frustrated but firmly in control.

Dorchester returned with intent, forcing Jordan Gillmore into a smart punch under pressure from a set piece. At the other end, Coker was again denied twice in quick succession by Benfield — but the breakthrough finally arrived on the hour.

A dangerous ball in found George Wilkinson, whose effort was blocked by the goalkeeper; Coker reacted sharply to hammer home the rebound and give Dover a deserved 1–0 lead.

Dorchester responded with a pair of substitutions and enjoyed a brief spell of pressure, but Dover tightened up defensively and continued to create the better openings. The Whites got the second goal their performance merited after 82 minutes — Mampolo’s driving run and deflected strike dropped kindly for Odelusi, who made no mistake from close range in front of a delighted home crowd.

Nikaj came close twice late on, denied by two fine stops that prevented the scoreline from extending further, while Soares-Junior had a goal ruled out for offside. After four added minutes, the final whistle confirmed Dover’s place in the next round and a long away trip to Weston-super-Mare next Saturday.

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Teams

Dover Athletic:
27 Jordan Gillmore, 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 16 Harry Beadle, 21 Jacob Mensah, 3 Fuad Sesay, 23 George Wilkinson, 28 Siju Odelusi, 7 Luke Baptiste, 9 Kenny Coker, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior (C), 24 Francis Mampolo

Subs:
1 Mitch Walker, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 8 Alfie Matthews, 10 George Nikaj, 15 Harrison Sodje

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Dorchester Town:
1 Gerard Benfield, 2 Jack Dickson, 3 Ollie Haste, 4 Will Spetch (C), 6 Harvey Wright, 10 Jadyn Crosbie, 11 Wayne Robinson, 15 Matt Buse, 16 Cameron Murray, 18 Tom Smith, 20 Connor Underhill

Subs:
5 Ieuan Turner, 9 Joe Parker, 12 Luke Roberts, 14 Marcus Daws, 19 Luke Pardoe