Dover Athletic travel to Sussex on Tuesday night to face Horsham in the Enterprise National League South, just a month after the two sides played out a 1–1 draw at Crabble. Jake Leberl’s side will be hoping for a strong showing as they look to end their winless run. Horsham, meanwhile, have continued their solid start to the campaign and sit 7th in the table with 22 points from 14 games, while Dover’s midweek defeat saw them slip to 13th as they search for consistency on the road.

Before welcoming Dover to The Hop Oast Stadium on Tuesday night, Horsham make the trip to Twerton Park this weekend to face Bath City. Dover, meanwhile, have a free weekend to regroup, giving Jake Leberl’s squad valuable recovery time before their midweek journey.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic’s winless run stretched to nine league games after a 1–0 home defeat to Chelmsford City. The Whites started brightly but lost Sheriff early to injury, disrupting their rhythm. Matthews went close before half-time, while Walker made key saves to keep it level. A defensive lapse proved costly on 57 minutes when Clark combined with Taylor to fire past Walker. Despite late pressure, Dover’s attacks lacked precision—Nikaj hit the side netting, Beadle was denied a penalty, and Coker blazed over.

From the Management

“We’ll be training ahead of Tuesday’s game away at Horsham. That’s another tough test — they came up with us and we only played them recently, but they’ve really picked up form in the league. Every game at this level is a challenge.”

Horsham

Horsham made it three league wins in a row with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Enfield Town, moving into the National League South play-off places. Enfield dominated the first half, forcing Lewis Carey into key saves and seeing several penalty shouts turned down at both ends. The game swung after the break as substitute Rhys Murphy added energy and Charlie Hester-Cook found space to dictate play. The midfielder produced the decisive moment on 67 minutes, curling a superb left-footed strike into the top corner. Enfield pressed late on, but Horsham held firm to secure another valuable home win.

In the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic and Horsham shared the points in a lively 1–1 draw at Crabble in October. Despite dominating large spells, Dover fell behind to a stunning curling strike from James Hammond midway through the second half. Jake Leberl’s side battled back, introducing fresh legs as they piled on late pressure. Deep into stoppage time, Jacob Mensah rose highest to nod home from close range after Jones had headed Baptiste’s free kick back across goal, earning a dramatic equaliser.

Last Five

Horsham 1–0 Enfield – Saturday 25 October 2025
Tonbridge 1–2 Horsham – Saturday 18 October 2025
Dagenham & Redbridge 1–2 Horsham – Tuesday 21 October 2025
Dover Athletic 1–1 Horsham – Saturday 11 October 2025
Hornchurch 1–1 Horsham – Saturday 4 October 2025

The Venue

The Hop Oast Stadium,
Worthing Road,
Horsham,
West Sussex,
RH13 0AD

More info: https://www.horshamfc.co.uk/what-to-expect/

Admission  

Category	Online in advance	Matchday
Adult (18-64)	£15.00	£16.00
Concession (65+/Student/U18s)*	£10.00	£11.00
U16	£4.00	£4.00
U6	Free	Free
Family(2 x Adult & 2 x U16)	£30.00	£35.00

*on day of match (proof of age may be required)

Matchday programme: £3.50

Tickets: https://horshamfc.ktckts.com/event/hor2526nlsdov/horsham-vs-dover-athletic

Tuesday 28th October 2025
Dover Athletic 0
Chelmsford City 1 (Clark 57’)

Enterprise National League South
Attendance: 774
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

Dover Athletic’s poor run of form continued on a cold and restless night at Crabble as they fell to a 1–0 defeat against Chelmsford City, their ninth league match without a win.

There was early promise from the home side, with Nikaj’s pressing almost forcing an opening goal inside the first minute after a poor back pass, but the move ended in chaos as Sheriff clashed with visiting keeper Haigh. The Dover forward was unable to continue, replaced by Coker after just five minutes.

The disruption seemed to knock Dover’s rhythm, though the Whites did piece together some neat attacking play. Baptiste and Matthews combined well down the left, with the latter firing narrowly into the side netting on 22 minutes. Soon after, Matthews was brought down on the edge of the box, earning a dangerous free-kick, but his effort was deflected off the wall and out for a corner.

Chelmsford grew into the half, with Walker twice saving smartly, first from Taylor’s header after a Remy cross, then again from distance as the Clarets began to find gaps. The half-time whistle came with the game goalless, scrappy, and without much quality from either side.

The second half began with a warning for Dover as a lapse at the back allowed Taylor and Remy through on goal. Walker produced two superb stops to deny them, but the reprieve was short-lived. On 57 minutes, sloppy passing out from defence proved costly. Clark pounced on a loose ball, exchanged passes with Taylor, and arrived to sweep home from Lyle Taylor’s low cross.

Chasing the game, Dover struggled to create any sustained pressure. Passes went astray, frustration mounted, and Chelmsford’s midfield pairing of Odusanya and Kudiabor took control. Manager Jake Leberl made a flurry of changes: Mampolo for Baptiste, Wilkinson and Beadle for Matthews and Mensah, and later debutant Marjoram for Charles-Cook. The substitutions injected some energy, but not enough composure.

Mampolo hesitated when through on goal, Nikaj hit the side netting, and Beadle appeared to be bundled over in the box — appeals for a penalty waved away by the referee. As the clock ticked into the final minutes, Coker blazed over from a promising position, and Marjoram was booked late on as Dover’s frustration boiled over. The final whistle went after five added minutes and continued a winless run that started in early September.

With no weekend fixture, Dover now face a much-needed period of reflection before travelling to Horsham on Tuesday, knowing a response is vital against a fellow recently promoted side.

Dover Athletic:

1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 4 Jones, 21 Mensah, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 18 Gurung, 7 Baptiste, 8 Matthews, 10 Nikaj, 11 Sheriff

Subs: 12 Sesay, 14 Coker, 22 Marjoram, 23 Beadle, 24 Wilkinson, 25 Mampolo, 26 Gillmore

Chelmsford City:

1 Haigh (GK), 2 Ronan, 3 Barbrook, 5 Grimwood, 6 Longe-King, 8 Odusanya (C), 12 Kudiabor, 15 Clark, 16 Tompkins, 18 Tamplin, 33 Taylor

Subs: 13 Eastwood (GK), 7 Castiglione, 11 Holmes, 14 Remy, 17 Corbett, 19 Appiah, 20 Adigun

Dover Athletic are pleased to confirm the signing of young defender Finley Marjoram.

The 19-year-old, who hails from Folkestone, spent a decade in the academy of Premier League side Crystal Palace, progressing through their U18 and U21 setups before leaving Selhurst Park in the summer.

Marjoram joined Folkestone Invicta ahead of the 2025/26 season and has made five appearances for the Isthmian Premier Division side before making the move to Crabble. He also gained senior experience last term with AFC Croydon Athletic, featuring nine times in the Isthmian South East.

Welcome to the Whites, Finley.

Worthing 3–1 Dover Athletic
Enterprise National League South – Saturday 25 October 2025
Attendance: 2,014 | Kick-off: 3 pm | Referee: Ben McDonald | Venue: Sussex Transport Community Stadium

A disappointing afternoon for Dover Athletic in West Sussex as Worthing claimed a 3–1 victory at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium. Despite a fine first-half equaliser from Decarrey Sheriff, goals from Joe Cook, Razzaq Coleman De Graft and Brad Dolaghan earned the hosts all three points.

Jake Leberl named an unchanged starting eleven from Tuesday’s draw with Dorking, with Fuad Sesay returning to the bench.

Dover began on the front foot, George Nikaj forcing an early save from Josh Jeffries with a cross-cum-shot inside the opening minute. Worthing looked to respond quickly, but a strong recovery tackle from Roman Charles-Cook denied George Cox after a clever through-ball by Jack Spong.

Luca Cocoracchio picked up an early booking for halting a counter-attack, yet Dover more than matched the hosts’ intensity in a competitive opening spell. Luke Baptiste saw an effort blocked by Sam Packham as both sides traded half-chances.

The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute — and in spectacular fashion. After being found in space 20 yards out, Joe Cook unleashed a curling strike into the top corner, leaving Mitch Walker rooted to the spot.

Dover responded superbly and were level just eight minutes later. A deft ball over the top released Sheriff, who took it in stride and rifled an unstoppable volley beyond Jeffries to make it 1-1. The in-form forward almost doubled his tally moments later after capitalising on a defensive slip, but the Worthing keeper saved well.

Just as the Whites looked set to go into the break level, Worthing restored their lead on the stroke of half-time. Dolaghan slipped Coleman De Graft through on goal, and the winger finished clinically into the far corner to make it 2-1.

The second half began scrappily, with both sides battling for rhythm. Worthing enjoyed a spell of sustained pressure around the hour mark, forcing a series of corners that tested Dover’s defence. Walker had to react smartly to prevent Colbran’s header from crossing the line.

Alfie Matthews, Siju Odelusi and Harry Beadle were introduced as Dover chased an equaliser, and the visitors’ pressing began to cause problems. Sheriff nearly punished a mix-up between Jeffries and Ransom in the 74th minute, but his effort was cleared off the line.

Two minutes later, Worthing struck again to put the game beyond reach. Colbran was released down the right and squared for Dolaghan to tap home from close range for 3-1.

Late changes saw Kenny Coker and George Wilkinson enter the fray, but Worthing managed the closing stages professionally and even had a fourth ruled out for offside in stoppage time.

A frustrating afternoon for the Whites, who now turn their attention to Tuesday night’s home clash with Chelmsford City at Crabble.

---

Teams

Worthing:
15 Josh Jeffries, 2 Joel Colbran (C), 3 Sam Beard, 5 Joe Cook, 7 Razzaq Coleman De Graft, 10 Jack Spong, 12 Harry Ransom, 14 George Cox, 16 Sam Packham, 21 Brad Dolaghan, 24 Teddy Jenks

Substitutes:
13 Taylor Seymour, 4 Kwaku Frimpong, 8 Odei Martin Sorondo, 9 Nathan Odokonyero, 11 Nicky Wheeler, 18 Toby Byron, 19 Anointed Chukwu

Dover Athletic:
1 Mitch WALKER (C), 2 Roman CHARLES-COOK, 4 Jalen JONES, 6 Luca COCORACCHIO, 7 Luke BAPTISTE, 10 George NIKAJ, 11 Decarrey SHERIFF, 15 Harrison SODJE, 18 Bivesh GURUNG, 21 Jacob MENSAH, 24 Francis MAMPOLO

Substitutes:
3 Fuad SESAY, 8 Alfie MATTHEWS, 9 Kenny COKER, 16 Harry BEADLE, 23 George WILKINSON, 27 Jordan GILLMORE, 28 Siju ODELUSI

Fancy watching the Whites take on Chelmsford 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

Dover Athletic make the trip to the Sussex Transport Community Stadium on Saturday to face Worthing in a National League South mid-table clash, with both sides aiming to build momentum as the season takes shape.

The Rebels currently sit ninth with 18 points from 12 games, just one place above Dover. Worthing come into the fixture buoyed by back-to-back wins under returning boss Adam Hinshelwood, while Jake Leberl’s Whites will look to build on their spirited 2–2 draw with Dorking Wanderers.

AWAY FAN TICKETS – https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/ViewAllocation?fixtureId=15597&allocationGuid=63c20f78-6051-45c4-ba8d-e6ebd44aecc2

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic were held to a 2–2 draw by Dorking Wanderers in a thrilling encounter at Crabble. Decarrey Sheriff opened the scoring with a header from Roman Charles-Cook’s cross before Josh Taylor levelled early in the second half. Sheriff restored Dover’s lead with a composed finish from Jacob Jones’ lofted pass, but Frank Vincent struck late to earn Dorking a share of the points. George Nikaj and Kenny Coker both hit the crossbar, while Mitch Walker made several key saves to deny Alfie Rutherford. Despite twice leading, Dover were forced to settle for a point ahead of Saturday’s trip to Worthing.

From the Management

“We look ahead to Saturday’s game against Worthing — another tough test for us. They’re a possession-based side, but if we perform like we did last time out, there’s no reason we can’t keep picking up points. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Worthing

Jack Spong’s double earned Worthing a hard-fought 2–1 win at Chesham United. After a quiet opening, Spong struck midway through the first half with a precise finish into the bottom corner. He added his second after the break, converting the rebound from his own saved penalty to give the Rebels breathing room. Chesham responded through substitute Jayden Bennetts, who capitalised on a misplaced pass to pull one back. Late chances for Dan Bayliss and Zak Joseph went begging before keeper Josh Jeffries redeemed himself with a crucial stoppage-time save. Worthing held firm to secure back-to-back away victories under Adam Hinshelwood.

Worthing have once again made a strong start to life in the National League South, sitting ninth after twelve games as they look to mount another promotion push under returning manager Adam Hinshelwood. The Rebels finished fourth last season under Chris Agutter, narrowly missing out in the play-offs for a third consecutive year. Over the summer, the squad was reshaped following several key departures, bringing in attacking talent such as Brad Dolaghan and Nathan Odokonyero, alongside midfield additions Razzaq Coleman De-Graft and Kwaku Frimpong. With Jack Spong pulling the strings in midfield, Worthing remain a dangerous, free-flowing side determined to turn near-misses into promotion success.

Last Five

Chesham United 1–2 Worthing – 21 Oct 2025
Chelmsford City 1–2 Worthing – 18 Oct 2025
Maidenhead United 1–0 Worthing – 4 Oct 2025
Worthing 0–1 Tonbridge Angels – 20 Sept 2025
Dagenham & Redbridge 2–5 Worthing – 6 Sept 2025

The Venue

Sussex Transport Community Stadium Woodside Road Worthing West Sussex BN14 7HQ

More info https://worthingfc.com/matchday/stadium/

Admission  

Adult – £18.00

Concession – £14.00

Under-18 – £8.00

Under-12 – £5.00

Under-6 – £0.00

Carer – £0.00

Please note: The following link is for Away tickets only and must be purchased by Dover supporters in advance of the game. This fixture will be segregated.

Link: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/ViewAllocation?fixtureId=15597&allocationGuid=63c20f78-6051-45c4-ba8d-e6ebd44aecc2

Dover Athletic 2–2 Dorking Wanderers
National League South | Tuesday 21 October 2025 | Megger Community Stadium | Attendance: 1,035

Two goals from Decarrey Sheriff were not enough to secure Dover Athletic all three points as Dorking Wanderers twice came from behind to earn a share of the spoils in a lively 2–2 draw at Crabble.

On a damp evening under the lights, Dover produced a performance full of energy and counter-attacking threat, with Sheriff leading the line superbly and goalkeeper Mitch Walker once again proving a vital presence between the sticks.

Dorking started brightly, with Lewis forcing Walker into an early save before Rutherford dragged an effort wide. But Dover soon made their first attack count. In the eighth minute, Luke Baptiste combined neatly with Roman Charles-Cook, whose whipped delivery was met by Sheriff — the forward rising to head home and give Jake Leberl’s side an early lead.

That goal lifted the hosts, midfielder Bivesh Gurung almost doubled the advantage shortly after, his low drive forcing visiting keeper Foulkes into action.

At the other end, Walker was kept busy — saving well from a deflected Rutherford shot and later reacting sharply to deny Vincent from distance. Despite Dorking’s possession, Dover’s pace on the counter kept them on edge.

George Nikaj went agonisingly close to a second when his clever chip beat Foulkes but struck the crossbar, before Sheriff embarked on a solo run through the Dorking defence and fired against the post.

Rutherford threatened once more before the interval, only for Walker to tip his strike away brilliantly as Dover took their slender 1–0 lead into half-time.

The second half resumed in the same open fashion. Within seconds, Nikaj fired narrowly over, and full-back Harrison Sodje forced another save from Foulkes. However, Dorking’s pressure eventually told. In the 55th minute, Josh Taylor capitalised on a loose ball in the box to level from close range.

Parity didn’t last long. Just five minutes later, Sheriff struck again — racing onto a lofted pass from Jalen Jones before keeping his composure to slot beyond Foulkes and restore Dover’s lead with his second of the night and third of the season.

New loan signing Siju Odelusi made his Whites debut shortly before the hour mark, and the hosts continued to look dangerous, with Sheriff nearly completing his hat-trick after a smart through ball from Nikaj. But Dorking refused to go quietly. With twelve minutes remaining, the visitors equalised for a second time when Vincent arrived unmarked to turn in a right-wing cross from Taylor, setting up a tense finale.

Dover almost snatched victory late on — substitute Kenny Coker striking the crossbar from a Charles-Cook long throw — before Walker again came to the rescue, doing enough to divert Rutherford’s shot wide as the game ended all square.

Despite being twice pegged back, it was a display full of positives for Leberl’s men. Dover now turn their attention to Saturday’s trip to Worthing before returning to Crabble on Tuesday to host Chelmsford City.

Dover Athletic: Walker (c), Charles-Cook, Jones, Cocoracchio (Wilkinson 89), Baptiste, Nikaj (Lukombo 89), Sheriff (Coker 77), Sodje, Gurung (Beadle 89), Mensah, Mampolo (Odelusi 69).
Subs not used: Gillmore, Matthews.

Dorking Wanderers: Foulkes, Camp, Muitt, Lewis, Rutherford, McShane (Norville-Williams 53), Storey, Taylor, Moore, Vincent, Annesley (Craig 63).
Subs not used: McManus, Sullivan, Fulco, Jacks, Straker.

Referee: Tom Ellsmore
Attendance: 1,035

Scorers:
Dover — Sheriff (8’, 70’)
Dorking — Taylor (55’), Vincent (78’)

Full-time: Dover Athletic 2–2 Dorking Wanderers
Half-time: 1–0

Dover Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of midfielder Siju Odelusi on a loan from Sutton United.

The 27-year-old arrives at the Megger Community Stadium after an impressive spell with the League Two side, where he made 50 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 National League campaign.

A former West Ham United trainee, Odelusi has built a strong reputation in non-league football for his tenacity, work rate and goal threat from midfield. His journey began at Tilbury FC, and he went on to represent Witham Town, Leiston, Hayes & Yeading United, Northwood, Westfield and Haringey Borough, before making his mark at Aveley.

During two standout seasons at Parkside, Odelusi helped Aveley secure back-to-back promotions, netting 17 goals in 2023/24 – 12 of them from the penalty spot – and earning a place in the National League South Team of the Season. He was also voted Aveley’s Player of the Season, recognised for his blend of defensive discipline and attacking impact.

His performances caught the eye of Sutton United, who handed him his first opportunity at National League level last summer. After a strong debut campaign in League Two, Odelusi now links up with Jake Leberl’s side as Dover continue to strengthen ahead of the 2025/26 season.

He will wear the number 28.

We’re back with another chance for supporters to get involved and put their questions directly to one of our players — this time, it’s Alfie Matthews in the hot seat!

“Ask Alfie” is a brand-new Q&A video feature where you can quiz our forward on all things football, Dover, and life off the pitch.

To take part, simply email your question — along with your full name — to george.cory@doverathletic.com.

Or, for a chance to feature in the video itself, send us a short clip of you asking your question via WhatsApp to 07402 093736. Please introduce yourself by name at the start of the video.

We’ll select a range of questions to put to Alfie, and his answers will appear on DAFCtv and across our social media channels soon after.

Keep it fun, thoughtful, and football-related — and you might just hear your question answered!