Whites are back at the Megger Community Stadium once again, this time taking on Wingate & Finchley FC. Dover come into the game sitting second in the table after a 1-1 away draw against Carshalton.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Carshalton Athletic with a last-minute equaliser from Luke Baptiste. After a balanced first half, Carshalton took the lead in the 54th minute when Tommy Bradford scored from a half-volley. Dover pressed for an equaliser, with Eniye Amgbaduba’s header and Charles-Cook’s sharp shot both denied by Carshalton’s Mackenzie Foley. Just as Carshalton looked set for victory, Luke Baptiste’s spectacular 92nd-minute overhead kick leveled the match. Both sides had chances throughout, but Dover’s persistence paid off, earning them a hard-fought point

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“Obviously we’ve been very good at home and it’ll be nice to get back on a grass pitch, the pitch was very difficult at Carshalton. We’ve been doing ever so well at home, so hopefully the supporters will be right behind us. We’ve got two home games on the spin now, and will b looking to get maximum points.”

Wingate & Finchley

Wingate & Finchley FC had a mixed start to the season. They opened with a 3-2 home victory against Dulwich Hamlet on August 10, with Obi scoring twice. However, they lost 3-2 away to Carshalton Athletic two days later, despite goals from Deslandes and Frempah. On August 17, they drew 3-3 at home against Folkestone Invicta, with Obi netting twice and Oladipo adding another.

The team rebounded on August 24, beating Canvey Island 3-2 away, with Oladipo scoring twice. But another setback came on August 26, as they lost 2-1 at home to Potters Bar Town, despite a goal from Lowe. In the FA Cup on August 31, they enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 win against Thame United, with Obi scoring twice.

September brought more challenges. On September 7, Wingate lost 2-1 away to Bognor Regis Town. In the FA Cup second qualifying round, they drew 1-1 with Cray Wanderers on September 14, thanks to an Obi penalty, but were knocked out in the replay, losing 1-0 at home on September 17. On Saturday, Wingate drew 1-1 with Chichester City.

Former Whites include striker Destiny Oladipo and midfielder Jaiden Drakes-Thomas.

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Wingate 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: £15
Concessions: £14
U18: £9
U11: FREE with a paying adult

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

Dover Athletic showed resilience and determination as they snatched a last-minute equaliser to draw 1-1 against Carshalton Athletic in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Despite going behind early in the second half, Luke Baptiste’s 92nd-minute overhead kick ensured the visitors left South London with a hard-earned point.

Dover started the match energetically, forcing the Robins to deal with a couple of early crosses into their box. However, an early break in play at the 5-minute mark occurred when Alfie Matthews went down and required treatment. This momentarily slowed the pace of the game, allowing Carshalton to gradually settle in.

The first significant chance came in the 13th minute for Dover when George Nikaj’s free header from a Sesay cross at the back post sailed just over the bar. It was a golden opportunity that hinted at Dover’s attacking threat, but they couldn’t convert.

Carshalton, however, had their chances too, with Walker in the Dover goal standing firm to deny multiple attempts. One notable save came in the 24th minute as Vose struck through a crowd of players, but Walker reacted well to gather the shot.

Just before the break, Matthews had Dover’s best opportunity, curling a well-struck free-kick toward the top corner, only for Carshalton’s Mackenzie Foley to produce a brilliant diving save to keep the scores level at halftime.

After a quiet first half, Carshalton came out stronger in the second, and in the 54th minute, they broke the deadlock. Tommy Bradford controlled a cross from Read inside the box and fired a half-volley off the crossbar and in, putting Dover under pressure.

Dover responded well, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. A looping header from Eniye Amgbaduba in the 68th minute reminded the hosts that the visitors were still dangerous. Moments later, a sharp shot from Charles-Cook on the edge of the box was superbly saved again by Foley, denying Dover the equaliser.

It looked as though Carshalton would hold on for all three points until the dying moments of stoppage time. Dover’s persistence paid off as a long throw-in caused chaos in the box, allowing Luke Baptiste to execute a spectacular overhead kick to level the match at 1-1, breaking Carshalton hearts in the 92nd minute.

The result keeps Dover in second place, with Wingate & Finchley up next.

Carshalton Athletic 1
Tommy Bradford (54′)
Dover Athletic 1
Luke Baptiste (90+2′)

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 496
Kick-off: 3pm Referee: Kyfer Mayhew
Venue: War Memorial Sports Ground

Carshalton Athletic: 1 Mackenzie Foley, 15 Luke Read, 4 Oliver Hamstead, 6 Oluwafikayo Atewologun, 18 Abdul Sankoh, 8 Dominic Vose, 20 Fabio Camacho-Saraiva, 10 Tommy Bradford (C), 19 Thomas Stagg, 7 Sharon Ifeanyi, 12 Darnell Goather-Braithwaite SUBS: 16 Steve Gody, 14 Thomas Jackson, 11 Mason Saunders Henry, 17 Solomon Baugh, 2 Charlie Kennett

Dover Athletic: 1 Mitch WALKER (C), 2 Roman CHARLES-COOK, 3 Fuad SESAY, 5 Joe TENNENT, 6 Luca COCORACCHIO, 7 Luke BAPTISTE, 8 Alfie MATTHEWS, 10 George NIKAJ, 14 Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR, 16 Harrison PONT, 23 George WILKINSON SUBS: 4 Jeremiah GYEBI, 9 Eniye AMGBADUBA, 11 Lindell STEWART, 15 Tamas AMGBADUBA, 19 Jayden SILCOTT-BROWN

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/NgkCFpvcGPo

ALFIE MATTHEWS sits down for his first big interview since signing for the Whites this summer.

And talking to Justin Allen during a short break in the fixtures schedule, he looks back at his time at Arsenal where he spent most of his youth career and was team-mates and close pals with England star Bukayo Saka.

Also he discussed how Covid prevented him from signing for a Serie A club, his couple of years at Crystal Palace and the disappointment of being released.

Matthews also chats about his drop into non-league and how he believes Dover Athletic can give him a platform to enjoy playing football as well as help propel him back into professional football.

The attacking ace also discusses the cracking start to the season Dover have enjoyed and how he is already forging great friendships at the club.

He also believes the Whites are looking upwards again under boss Jake Leberl.

In the far-ranging chat he also talks about meeting David Beckham and playing youth football in the England age groups.

After a short break, The Whites are back in action on the road against Carshalton Athletic.

Dover Athletic

Last time out, Dover Athletic secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Dartford at The Megger Community Stadium, moving them to second in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Dartford’s defense faltered early, with Ruben Soares-Junior capitalising on a goalkeeping error in the 25th minute. George Wilkinson quickly doubled the lead, followed by Luke Baptiste’s goal just before halftime. Alfie Matthews added a fourth with a free kick, while Jeremiah Pinder netted Dartford’s consolation. Soares-Junior completed the scoring in the 82nd minute. Dover’s commanding display marked their first win over a Kent rival since 2020 and extended their goal tally to 24 in six games.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“We’ve had quite a busy schedule since the start of the season, and fortunately enough we’ve had a couple of weeks off now, which came just at the right time, especially after getting a good win against Dartford.”

Carshalton

Carshalton Athletic have had a mixed start to the season. They opened with a 1-1 draw away to Folkestone Invicta, followed by a thrilling 3-2 home win over Wingate & Finchley. Momentum continued with a 3-1 victory against Chichester City, but consecutive defeats to Dartford and Cray Valley PM slowed their progress. A strong FA Cup campaign has been a highlight, with a 3-1 win over Haywards Heath Town and a 1-0 victory against South Park (Reigate). A goalless draw with Lewes in their last league game leaves them firmly in mid-table (11th).

On Saturday, Carshalton Athletic secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Park (Reigate) in the FA Cup Second Round Qualifying. The game started brightly with an early free kick from Saraiva tipped round the post by Bracken. Tommy Bradford broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, bundling the ball home after Ifeanyi’s determined run. South Park came close to equalizing, but Healy failed to capitalize on a corner. Carshalton controlled much of the match, with Stagg and Bradford threatening, though South Park piled on late pressure. Hamstead and the defense stood firm to protect the lead, and Carshalton emerged victorious after a tense final few minutes.

The Venue

Postal code for Sat-Nav SM5 2PW. Carshalton have a large off street free car park.

Carshalton British Rail Station is five minutes walk from the ground. Trains to Carshalton.

Many bus routes come close to the ground.
127 – 157 – 407 – 627 – S3 – X26

War Memorial Sports Ground, Colston Avenue, Carshalton SM5 2PW

Admission  

Tickets can be purchased online or at the turnstile. Buying tickets at the turnstile is £1 dearer than online. Purchase here.

Online Ticket prices:
Adult (over 17)  £11
Senior (over 65) £8
Child (under 18) £5
Under 5s go free

Fancy watching the Whites take on Wingate 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:

• Butler hosted 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 team sheet

The very special experience costs £29.95 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

Main: Steak Pie served with Mash Potato, Peas, Carrots and Gravy

Dessert: Raspberry & Elderflower Cone served with Cream

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. Please let us know if there are any dietary requirements when booking and we will accommodate as best we can with alternatives.

The dress code is smart casual.

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

After a dramatic comeback in Saturday’s opening FA Cup match, Dover Athletic will host Sittingbourne for a crucial replay at the Megger Community Stadium on Tuesday night. Both teams are eager to secure a spot in the next round of the Emirates FA Cup, with Dover looking to build on the momentum from their late heroics in the first match.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic staged a dramatic comeback in their FA Cup opener against Sittingbourne, securing a 2-2 draw with two stoppage-time goals. Despite a tough first half where Sittingbourne led 2-0, Dover’s persistence paid off. Goalkeeper Mitch Walker’s long free kick, aided by the wind, found the net to make it 2-1. Soon after, Alfie Matthews scored a contentious free kick that was initially disallowed but later awarded, leveling the match. Manager Jake Leberl’s tactical changes and substitutions sparked Dover’s late resurgence, setting up a replay at the Megger Community Stadium on Tuesday.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury. Harrison Pont is back from suspension.

From the Manager

“We’ve got boys that will recover really quickly. There’s lessons to learn as a group and for their own individual progress, if you’re not mentally right, it doesn’t matter who you’re up against, it will be a tough afternoon. It was a tough afternoon for quite a few of our lads. We lost the majority of individual battles all over the pitch from the start of the game but I just felt if we could get one, we could put a bit of pressure on them. I’m delighted to come away with a draw as funny as it sounds because we should be coming here and winning really but this is the FA Cup. This was their Cup Final. They’ve put in a really good performance, and I am sure they are disappointed. We’ve come out of it pleased and looking forward to the replay.”

Kit

Dover Athletic will line up in our white and black home kit, with our goalkeeper in pink. Sittingbourne play in yellow and blue with their keeper in green.

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Sittingbourne 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  

This is a cup game, all must pay entry including season ticket holders.

Adults: £15
Concessions: £14
U18: £9
U11: FREE with a paying adult

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

Dover Athletic staged a dramatic comeback in their opening FA Cup match against Sittingbourne at Woodstock Park, battling the windy conditions to secure a 2-2 draw with two goals deep into stoppage time.

Manager Jake Leberl kept faith in his largely unchanged starting eleven, with Eniye Amgbaduba replacing Lindell Stewart in the only change from the previous lineup. The FA Cup rules allowed for a larger bench, bringing new goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo into the squad for the first time, while Henry Young made a welcome return from injury.

The match kicked off to a scrappy start, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm in the opening 10 minutes. Dover’s early defensive frailties were exposed when Sittingbourne’s Henry Sinai capitalised on some poor defending to open the scoring in the 13th minute. The hosts continued to dominate the first half, doubling their lead in the 25th minute through Ryan Kingsford.

The second half saw Dover attempting to regroup, but they continued to struggle against Sittingbourne’s organised defense. Baptiste had a chance to reduce the deficit, managing to control a high ball and get a shot away, but it did little to trouble the Sittingbourne keeper. With Dover losing the midfield battle, manager Jake made a tactical change, bringing on Alfie Matthews for George Wilkinson in an attempt to inject some energy into the side.

Shortly after, the game was paused due to disturbances in the crowd, but once play resumed, Jake made further substitutions to bolster both defense and attack, introducing Tamas Amgbaduba to the back line and Lindell Stewart upfront. These changes began to alter the dynamic of the game, and Dover started to create more opportunities.

As the clock ticked down, George Nikaj became a constant thorn in Sittingbourne’s side, but his efforts were cut short by a heavy tackle that forced him off the field, replaced by Silcott-Brown. Despite the setbacks, Dover’s persistence paid off in the dying moments of stoppage time.

Goalkeeper Mitch Walker launched a hopeful free kick from his own half deep into the Sittingbourne box. The wind played its part as the ball evaded everyone, bounced over the keeper Harley Earle, and miraculously found its way into the net, bringing the score to 2-1.

With renewed vigor, Dover pressed for an equaliser and was awarded a free kick on the edge of the box moments later. Alfie Matthews delivered a dangerous shot at goal. The ball appeared to cross the line, but the referee initially dismissed the goal. However, after consulting with his linesman, the goal was awarded, completing Dover’s dramatic comeback to level the match at 2-2.

The final whistle blew shortly after, ending a game that saw Dover claw back from the brink of defeat. The team will now prepare to face Sittingbourne again on Tuesday night at the Megger Community Stadium, looking to advance to the next round.

Sittingbourne – 2

Henry Sinai (13′)
Ryan Kingsford (25′)

Dover Athletic – 2

Mitch WALKER (90+3′)
Alfie MATTHEWS (90+5′)

Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Attendance: 523
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Mr Dempster
Venue: The Staxson Stadium

Sittingbourne: 1 Harley Earle, 2 Donvieve Jones, 3 Henry Lukombo, 4 Ayman El-Mogharbel, 5 Liam Smith, 6 Chris Arthur, 17 Henry Sinai, 8 Richie Hammill, 9 Mitchell May, 10 Codey Cosgrave, 11 Troy Howard SUBS: 12 Charma Torsiello, 14 Jay Beckford, 15 Ryan Kingsford, 16 Bagasan Graham, 18 Alex Georgiou, 19 Joe Boachie, 20 Godfrey Poku

Dover Athletic 1 Mitch WALKER (C), 2 Roman CHARLES-COOK, 3 Fuad SESAY, 4 Jeremiah GYEBI, 5 Joe TENNENT, 6 Luca COCORACCHIO, 7 Luke BAPTISTE, 9 Eniye AMGBADUBA, 10 George NIKAJ, 14 Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR, 23 George WILKINSON, SUBS: 8 Alfie MATTHEWS, 11 Lindell STEWART, 13 Claudio Boakye-Sarfo, 15 Tamas AMGBADUBA, 18 Henry YOUNG, 19 Jayden SILCOTT-BROWN

Dover enter the FA Cup in the first qualifying round and face Isthmian South East Division side Sittingbourne at Woodstock Park. It’s 30 years since the clubs last met in the FA Cup, with Sittingbourne running out 2-1 replay winners after a 1-1 draw, also in the first qualifying round stage.

Dover Athletic

The Whites come in off the back of a 3-1 win at Horsham last Saturday. Despite falling behind to an early Horsham goal in the 22nd minute, Dover responded just before halftime with George Nikaj’s header from a corner, making it 1-1. The second half saw Dover dominate, taking the lead in the 69th minute when Luke Baptiste capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area. Dover’s defense, led by captain Mitch Walker, thwarted Horsham’s efforts to equalize, including a crucial close-range save. A swift counter-attack in the 81st minute saw Soares-Junior score, sealing the 3-1 victory. Dover’s disciplined and clinical second-half performance earned them three valuable points, boosting their position in the league.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury. Harrison Pont is suspended.

From the Manager

“I think it’s a really tough draw and a very difficult place to go. Sittingbourne have been used to winning for a couple of years. They’ve got some experienced and strong players, and they’re going to be right up for it. I’ve just said to our lads it’s all about attitude. On Saturday, if we can compete and do what we’ve been doing, hopefully we have enough. But it’s the FA Cup, anything can happen. It would be fantastic for the fans, more than anything, to have a great run in the competition this year.”

Kit

Dover Athletic will line up in our yellow and green away strip with our goalkeeper in pink. Sittingbourne play in red and black.

The Opposition

On Bank Holiday Monday, Sittingbourne had a convincing 3-1 win over Ashford United Goals from Troy Howard, Mitchell May and Jay Beckford sealed the win after Ashford’s Louis Collins scored the first. All three goal scorers coming on as second half substitutes.

In the previous round of the FA Cup, Sittingbourne played away at Farnham and won 4-2. A 3rd minute goal from Liam Smith put them 1-0 up but Farnham equalised in the 29th minute. After 59 minutes Mitchell May was fouled in the penalty area and stepped up himself to put the Brickies 2-1 up.  Mitchell went on to get his hattrick and Sittingbourne’s 4th to progress to the next round.

Sittingbourne manager, Ryan Maxwell, told Kent Online this week “In terms of what it means to everybody, it’s the biggest game I’ve had since I’ve been here. It’s FA Cup football, a Kent derby against a team in a higher league – it has to be the biggest game. I’m aware of the importance of it for the fans. They can’t wait – they’re excited.”

The Venue

Car – Set your SatNav to ME9 8AD (will take you past our entrance on the left so keep alert!) ME9 8AG (will take you into the Kent Science Park so ignore it when the voice tells you turn right but go up the hill and turn left into the ground!)

More info: https://www.kentmcl.co.uk/directions/

Sittingbourne Football Club The Staxson Stadium Woodstock Park Broadoak Road, Sittingbourne, ME9 8AG

Admission  

Buy Tickets HERE (https://www.kentmcl.co.uk/)

Adults (18-59) £10.00
Concessions (60+) £6.00
Students (with Student Card) £6.00
Young Persons (11-17) £3.00
Under 11 (Free with Paying Adult)

Fancy watching the Whites take on Dartford 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:

• Butler hosted 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 team sheet

The very special experience costs £29.95 per person and is available for individual and group bookings, or as a gift voucher.

Please note that this price does NOT include entry for non-season ticket holders who do attend, and they will still need to pay at the turnstile on the day.

On the menu for the game will be :

Starter: Prawn Cocktail

Main: Roast Beef and Vegetables

Dessert: New York Cheesecake

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. Please let us know if there are any dietary requirements when booking and we will accommodate as best we can with alternatives.

The dress code is smart casual.

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

The Whites are on the lookout for VIP Host Stewards to join the team.

We are looking for Host Stewards to be part of our VIP hospitality suite. Your role will involve greeting our guests, directing them to the correct areas and ensuring their comfort and safety during the game.

You will need to be smart in appearance, polite but able to be firm when required. This is largely a voluntary role, a pre-match meal will be provided and limited travel expenses are available.  

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

For anyone interested in the position, please contact jim.parmenter@doverathletic.com