Category: Club News

Chelmsford City – Hospitality Package

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

Up Next – Worthing vs Dover Athletic

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 Worthing21 Oct 2025
Chelmsford City 1–2 Worthing18 Oct 2025
Maidenhead United 1–0 Worthing4 Oct 2025
Worthing 0–1 Tonbridge Angels20 Sept 2025
Dagenham & Redbridge 2–5 Worthing6 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

Report – Dover Athletic 2-2 Dorking Wanderers

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

Welcome Siju Odelusi

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.

Ask Alfie – Your Questions Answered!

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!

Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Dorking Wanderers

Dover Athletic return to the Megger Community Stadium on Tuesday night as they welcome Dorking Wanderers under the lights in National League South action. The visitors make the trip to Crabble looking to bounce back from a 2–1 defeat at Ebbsfleet on Saturday. Marc White’s side currently sit 14th in the table with 15 points from 11 games (W4 D3 L4) and will be eager to discover some form. Dover, meanwhile, will want to build on Saturday’s 1–1 draw at Chippenham

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic earned a battling 1–1 draw at Chippenham Town after a poor first half saw them fall behind early. The hosts struck in the third minute when Will Owen-Evans’ deflected shot looped over Walker. Dover struggled to settle but improved after the break, with debutant Bivesh Gurung adding composure in midfield. The equaliser came on 61 minutes as Harry Beadle’s long throw was flicked on by Jalen Jones and volleyed home by Luke Baptiste. Late chances for Nikaj and Baptiste followed, but neither side could find a winner. A solid away point ahead of Dorking’s visit to Crabble.

From the Management

“Tuesday night, home to Dorking Wanderers, really looking forward to that one under the lights. Hopefully there’ll be a big crowd up there, and we’ll need to start a lot brighter than we did on Saturday to get anything out of it. Like I’ve said, you’re going to have ups and downs, and Saturday was full of mixed emotions. We were incredibly poor for long periods of the first half, but by the end, if anyone was going to win it, I thought it was going to be us.”

Dorking Wanderers

Dorking Wanderers fell to a narrow 2–1 defeat at Ebbsfleet United despite a spirited display. After an even first half, Jason Prior headed home Dennon Lewis’ cross just two minutes after the restart to give Dorking the lead. Ebbsfleet hit back on the hour when Ben Chapman fired a long-range strike into the bottom corner before substitute Dom Samuel bundled in the winner on 76 minutes. Harrison Foulkes made several fine saves, including one from point-blank range to deny Cosgrave, while Jimmy Muitt struck the bar at the other end. Despite late pressure, Dorking couldn’t find a leveller and left empty-handed.

Dorking Wanderers head into the new season looking to go one better after narrowly missing out on promotion last term. Leading the division as late as March, Marc White’s side eventually finished 6th – just three points off top spot – before a dramatic play-off defeat to Boreham Wood ended their campaign. This summer has seen some big names depart, including Matt Briggs, Barry Fuller and Bobby Joe-Taylor, while new arrivals Louie Annesley, Frank Vincent and Dennon Lewis bring fresh energy and versatility. With Alfie Rutherford and Jason Prior still spearheading the attack, goals should once again flow freely. Known for their attacking, fearless style and tight-knit squad, Dorking remain one of the favourites for promotion.

Last Six

Ebbsfleet United 2–1 Dorking Wanderers – National League South – 18 Oct 2025
Dorking Wanderers 2–3 Aldershot Town – FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round – 11 Oct 2025
Chelmsford City 1–1 Dorking Wanderers – National League South – 4 Oct 2025
Dorking Wanderers 4–2 Salisbury – FA Cup Third Qualifying Round Replay – 30 Sept 2025
Salisbury 1–1 Dorking Wanderers – FA Cup Third Qualifying Round – 27 Sept 2025

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Dorking 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.

Report – Chippenham Town 1-1 Dover Athletic

Chippenham Town 1–1 Dover Athletic
Enterprise National League South
Saturday 18th October 2025 – Hardenhuish Park

Dover Athletic fought back from a sluggish start to claim a share of the points at Hardenhuish Park, as Luke Baptiste’s second-half volley earned Jake Leberl’s side a 1–1 draw against Chippenham Town.

The Whites made changes from last weekend, with Roman Charles-Cook returning from international duty and new signing Bivesh Gurung making his debut in midfield. But the afternoon began in frustrating fashion, as Chippenham flew out of the blocks and struck inside three minutes.

A quick exchange between Reece Fleet and Will Owen-Evans on the edge of the box saw the latter turn into space and fire goalwards. His shot took a wicked deflection, looping over the outstretched Walker and dropping under the crossbar to give the hosts an early lead.

The early setback seemed to unsettle Dover, who found themselves pinned back throughout much of the first half. Chippenham’s front line caused repeated problems with their movement and pace in behind. Touray forced Walker into an excellent one-on-one save on five minutes, while Owen-Evans and Haines both went close with headers from set pieces.

At the other end, Dover struggled to impose themselves. Baptiste and Nikaj offered flashes of promise on the break, but a lack of final quality meant visiting chances were few and far between. Walker again came to the rescue on 36 minutes, reacting sharply to deny Touray from close range after a dangerous low cross from Carroll.

Dover went in at half-time trailing 1–0, but came out with renewed intent after the restart. Matthews and Gurung began to find space in midfield, while Beadle’s long throws started to cause problems for the Chippenham defence.

That pressure told just past the hour mark. Beadle launched another of his trademark throws into the area, Jones rose highest to flick it on, and Luke Baptiste reacted quickest to volley home into the top corner.

Leberl introduced fresh legs soon after, with Mampolo replacing Matthews and Sheriff coming on for Coker. The changes added pace and energy, and Dover grew in confidence as the game opened up. Nikaj drove forward from deep on 76 minutes, beating two men before overhitting his final cross, while Mampolo continued to threaten down the opposite flank.

Both sides pushed for a late winner, but neither could break through a determined defensive line. Walker remained alert to claim a dangerous free-kick in the dying moments, ensuring Dover held firm to take a valuable away point back to Kent.

A poor first half was followed by a much-improved second, Dover’s attention now turns to Tuesday night’s return to Crabble against Dorking Wanderers.

Chippenham Town:
1 Henry, 2 Colwell, 6 Haines (C), 8 Evans, 10 Owen-Evans, 11 Touray, 12 Vaughan, 14 Koszela, 18 Fleet, 19 Carroll, 35 Ellison

Subs:
4 Mehew, 16 Bradbury, 20 King, 22 Sady, 26 Fleming, 28 Harrison, 32 Wanjau-Smith


Dover Athletic:
1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 4 Jones, 16 Beadle, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 18 Gurung, 8 Matthews, 10 Nikaj, 9 Coker, 7 Baptiste

Subs:
Sesay, Sheriff, Lukombo, Mensah, Wilkinson, Mampolo, Gillmore

Welcome Bivesh Gurung

Dover Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Bivesh Gurung. The 24-year-old brings a wealth of experience across non-league and European football, having previously represented Maidstone United, Margate, with spells in Norway and Sweden.

A product of Maidstone’s academy, Bivesh earned a scholarship with Crystal Palace in 2017 before returning to Kent, where he signed for Margate and later Maidstone, helping them lift the National League South title in 2022 and going on to make 16 appearances in the National League.

Having made five appearances for Folkestone Invicta this season, Bivesh now joins Jake Leberl’s side as Dover look to strengthen their options in the middle of the park. He will wear the number 18 shirt.

Don’t miss your chance to sponsor Bivesh this season. Home £100, Away £90, Home and Away £180. To purchase, please contact the office by phone on 01304822373, or alternatively pop into reception on a matchday.

Dorking Wanderers – Hospitality Package

Fancy watching the Whites take on Dorking 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

Up Next – Chippenham Town vs Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic return to National League South action on Saturday with a trip to Chippenham Town. After Tuesday night’s dramatic Kent Senior Cup exit on penalties to Bromley, Jake Leberl’s side will be eager to bounce back and look to build on their draw against Horsham.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic were knocked out of the Kent Senior Cup after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Bromley’s B team ended in a 4-2 penalty defeat. Jemiah Umolu’s early strike put Bromley ahead before Francis Mampolo equalised and Kenny Coker’s quickfire double gave Dover a 3-1 half-time lead. Umolu pulled one back after the break and Nathan Patten’s header levelled the tie. Dover pressed late on but couldn’t find a winner, with Mampolo and Coker both going close. In the shootout, Sheriff scored but Beadle and Baptiste missed as Bromley converted all four penalties to advance to the third round.

From the Management

“There were some positives last night — it was good for a lot of the boys to get 90 minutes under their belts and now we move on to Chippenham away on Saturday. It’s a long journey, but we’re looking forward to it. We’ve started relatively well — four wins, four draws, four losses — and I feel we’re only going to get stronger. We’re missing a few through injury at the moment, but hopefully we’ll have them back in the next couple of weeks. We’ll probably look to strengthen too; the chairman’s given us the green light to bring one or two in.”

Chippenham Town

Chelmsford edged out Chippenham 4-3 in a breathless cup encounter full of drama from start to finish. The Bluebirds took the lead through Dan Ellison’s header before Taylor Clark, Lyle Taylor and Jack Barham turned the game on its head before half-time. Chelmsford’s Sam Folarin was sent off early in the second half, sparking a Chippenham fightback as Olaf Koszela and Tom Owen-Evans struck to make it 3-3. However, despite late pressure from the visitors, Louie Kudiabor’s stoppage-time volley settled the contest after a frantic goalmouth scramble, sending the Clarets through in a match that swung one way then the other.

Chippenham Town head into the weekend sitting 23rd in the National League South table with just five points from ten games (W1 D2 L7). It’s been a difficult start for Gary Horgan’s Bluebirds, who finished 14th last season but have struggled to replicate that form. Last season’s top scorer Harry Parsons remains key, while summer arrivals Ezio Touray and Olaf Koszela add firepower up front. Experienced midfielder Reece Fleet and defender Canice Carroll bring stability to a youthful side led by captain Luke Haines.

Last Five

Gloucester City 1–2 Chippenham Town – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round – 13 Sept
Enfield 1–0 Chippenham Town – National League South – 20 Sept
Walton & Hersham 0–2 Chippenham Town – FA Cup Third Qualifying Round – 27 Sept
Chippenham Town 0–1 Hemel Hempstead – National League South – 4 Oct
Chelmsford City 4–3 Chippenham Town – FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round – 11 Oct

The Venue

The Thornbury Surfacing Stadium, Bristol Road, Chippenham SN14 6LR
https://chippenhamtown.com/stadium/how-to-find-us/

Admission  

Adults: £17
Senior Citizens*£13
Junior (16-17): £6

Child (5-15): £4

*Also, Students with a student card and serving Armed Forces personnel with an ID card.