Jake Leberl sits down with Fred Deveson one year to the day he took over as Dover manager and reflects on a largely positive 12 months.

From the Isthmian League: (Read the full article – https://www.isthmian.co.uk/articles/vita-risk-solutions-manager-of-the-month-award-november-2024)

In conjunction with our friends at Vita Risk, we honour the best Pitching In Isthmian managers of November

Here are our latest Vita Risk Solutions Managers of the Month of the 24-25 season- a quartet of deserved winners. 

Premier Division

We’re heading to the very top of the League, to heap plaudits on Jake Leberl, boss of Dover Athletic. Dover have had a fabulous November, and indeed have spent all of it at the top of the pile, opening up a five point lead by the time it came to an end. It was a busy month for Jake and his happy band, seven league matches coming their way, and five of them were won, the other two ending level as the month went by unbeaten. Potters Bar Town, Folkestone Invicta, Canvey Island, Bowers and Pitsea and Lewes were the sides swept aside. With Chatham Town and Cray Valley PM escaping with a point.

Many congratulations to Jake, who will have a shiny trophy to help him remember a glittering month. 

Dover Athletic head to the capital in the Isthmian Premier Division against Dulwich Hamlet.

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday, Dover Athletic advanced to the Kent Senior Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Deal Town at Crabble. Captain Ruben Soares-Junior opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a clinical finish, and he turned provider in the second half, setting up George Nikaj to double the lead in the 63rd minute. Deal Town fought hard, with former Dover player Archie Hatcher and others creating chances, but goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo kept a clean sheet with crucial saves. Dover’s rotated side managed the game well, securing a composed victory and progressing with confidence to the next stage.

From the Manager

“Dulwich Hamlet are obviously a very good team at home. There’s going to be a huge crowd there. They always have huge crowds at home. So it’s going to be another test for our lads.”

Dulwich Hamlet

On Saturday, Dulwich Hamlet battled to a 1–1 draw against Cheshunt in a physical and fiercely contested encounter. Despite early pressure from Dulwich, it was Cheshunt’s Tommy Wood who opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a saved volley. Dulwich equalized in the second half when Luke Wanadio converted a low cross at the back post.

Dulwich’s long-ball strategy tested Cheshunt’s defense, but keeper R’avan Constable and his backline stood firm. Late chances for Danny Mills and Jeffrey could have snatched a win for Dulwich, but resolute defending and solid goalkeeping ensured the spoils were shared.

Dulwich Hamlet sit in 12th place in the Isthmian Premier League, with 24 points from 17 matches. Featuring 7 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses. At home, they have been stronger, winning 6 out of 9 matches, but their away form has been less impressive, with only 1 win, 2 draws, and 5 losses. The team has scored 29 goals and conceded 30, leaving them with a goal difference of -1.

Former Whites players include Anthony Jeffery and Luke Wanadio.

Form Guide

30/11 – Cheshunt (A) – Drew 1-1
26/11 – Leyton Orient (H) – Drew 1-1 (Won 5-4 on penalties) (London Senior Cup)
23/11 – Hashtag United (H) – Lost 0-2
19/11 – Folkestone Invicta (A) – Lost 1-2

The Venue

Dulwich Hamlet play at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, SE22 8BD.

Due to sell-out crowds for Saturday games during last season, Dulwich recommend arriving early to avoid congestion at the turnstiles from 2.30pm to after ko

Champion Hill is a cashless ground. The exception is the 50/50 draw which is cash only and matchday programmes can be bought by cash or card.

Further info: https://dulwichhamletfc.co.uk/club-info/matchday/matchday-faq

Admission  

£13 for Adults
£5.50 for Concessions
Under 13s FREE accompanied by a paying adult

You can buy your ticket on the turnstiles on matchdays or alternatively via Fanbase

Further information on match day tickets and Concessions details can be found here

Team-mates George Nikaj and Jacob Mensah got to know some things about each other in our new video feature – Knowing Me…Knowing You.

The two sat down in front of Justin Allen to ask each other their own questions.

We get to find out about things like their favourite TV shows, movies, idols and proudest career moments in a fun exchange.

Dover Athletic progress into the semi-finals of the Kent Senior Cup with a controlled 2-0 victory over Deal Town at The Megger Community Stadium. Goals from Ruben Soares-Junior and George Nikaj in each half secured the win, as the Whites fended off a spirited performance from their local rivals.

The game began with promise for Dover, who fashioned the first real chance in the fifth minute when Nikaj bent a shot over the bar. Deal Town, pressed high and created a nervy moment in the Dover box, but the hosts cleared their lines effectively.

The breakthrough came in the 16th minute, with Ruben Soares-Junior showcasing his quality. The on-the-night captain latched onto a chance and fired a precise finish past Adam Molloy into the bottom corner, giving the home side the lead.

Deal Town responded well and came close to leveling before the break. Former Dover player Archie Hatcher nearly converted a clever free-kick routine, but Dover’s goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo was equal to the task, keeping the visitors at bay.

Dover emerged for the second half determined to build on their advantage, but Deal continued to press, with Eniye Amgbaduba testing the defence early on. A clash between Boakye-Sarfo and a Deal attacker briefly halted the game, but Dover regained control.

The decisive second goal arrived in the 63rd minute. Soares-Junior turned provider with a smart assist for George Nikaj, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to double Dover’s lead. From that point on, the Whites managed the game expertly, limiting Deal’s chances and dictating the tempo.

Deal’s best opportunity to pull one back came in the 77th minute when a dangerous ball across the box narrowly evaded their attacker at the back post. Boakye-Sarfo ensured his clean sheet stayed intact with a superb save in the 85th minute, denying the visitors any lifeline.

Dover’s rotated side impressed against our local rivals and extend their unbeaten run to 12 games in all competitions. Academy graduate Jake McCarthy also featured late on. The Whites now turn their attention to the semi-finals but are back in league action against Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday.

Kent Senior Cup Quarter Final
Attendance: 1,219
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Kirsty Dowle

Dover Athletic: 13. Claudio Boakye-Sarfo, 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 3. Fuad Sesay, 5. Joe Tennent, 8. Alfie Matthews, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior (C), 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 18. Henry Young, 24. Francis Mampolo SUBS: 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 7. Luke Baptiste, 23. George Wilkinson, 26. Jacob Mensah, 30. Jake McCarthy.

Deal Town: 1. Adam Molloy, 2. Jack Paxman, 3. Jack Penny, 7. Tom Chapman, 8. Macca Murray (C), 10. Ben Chapman, 15. Alex Green, 17. Ash Miller, 18. Archie Hatcher, 19. Jamie Kennedy, 20. Josh Vincent SUBS: 4. Alfie Foster, 6. Morgan Page, 12. Zak Hammond, 14. Alex Smith, 16. Joe Reeves.

We’d like to welcome Steve King, his Deal Town team and their supporters to the Megger Community stadium for this evening’s Kent Senior Cup fixture, which is the long awaited first competitive match between us. A fixture we hope the whole community get behind with both teams having a good start to the season.

Lots of faces in the Deal Squad will be known to us after being products of our own academy system coached by Mike over the years. This again proves what a brilliant job he’s done and continues to do, obviously these boys will be right up for it this evening to showcase their talents.

Tonight’s fixture will give our boys who haven’t been getting regular minutes an opportunity to show everyone what they can do and push the boys currently in the starting shirts to get the best out of each other and keep driving us on as the season progresses. I have to say these boys are desperately unlucky currently not to be starting regularly and their attitudes have been a massive reason in our early successful start.

I’m personally really looking forward to tonight’s fixture which I’m sure everyone else is. Hopefully we see a good game of really entertaining football and hopefully Dover progressing into the next round. Enjoy the game and get behind the lads.

Jake

COYW

Dover Athletic welcome Deal Town to The Megger Community Stadium in the Kent Senior Cup Quarter Finals in what will be our first competitive match against The Hoops.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic and Cray Valley PM shared the spoils in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Ruben Soares-Junior’s stunning overhead kick gave Dover a first-half lead, but substitute Matthew Vigor equalised late on. In stoppage time, Roman Charles-Cook’s strike appeared to secure victory for Dover, only for Cray captain Mohammed Idris Oshilaja to level with a backheel moments later. Both teams delivered a pulsating contest, leaving the Isthmian Premier Division top two locked in a thrilling title race.

From the Manager

“Obviously it’s the first competitive game against the two clubs. They are our neighbors just down the road and we’ve got good friends there. I really hope the community will get out and support the game. Of course, it’ll benefit both clubs with the revenue. It’d be really nice to see this place packed. I am really looking forward to it.”

Deal Town

On Saturday, all the goals came in the first half as Sevenoaks edged Deal 2-1 in a Kent derby. Rodney Eruotor gave Oaks an early lead and Jefferson Aibangbee doubled their advantage, Tom Chapman replying just before the break. Deal remain the only side in the division yet to draw a match this season, winning eight and losing 11 of their 19 games since promotion.

Deal Town currently sits in 10th place in the Isthmian South East Division with 24 points from 19 matches. Their campaign so far has featured 8 wins, 0 draws, and 11 losses. At home, they have secured 5 wins but suffered 5 defeats, while their away record stands at 3 wins and 6 losses. Deal have scored an impressive 40 goals but conceded 44, leaving them with a goal difference of -4.

Deal Town secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Kent Senior Cup with dominant performances in the earlier rounds. In the first round, they defeated Sittingbourne with an impressive 6-1 victory on 24 September. They followed this up in the second round on 22 October, where they achieved a convincing 3-0 win against Hythe Town.

Last 5

30/11 – Sevenoaks Town (A) – Lost 1-2
26/11 – Ashford United (H) – Lost 1-3
23/11 – Eastbourne Town (A) – Lost 3-5
16/11 – Littlehampton Town (H) – Won 3-1
12/11 – Hastings United (A) – Lost 0-2 (Alan Turvey Trophy)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Deal Town 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  

Cup tie all must pay.

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 were denied all three points in dramatic fashion as Cray Valley PM salvaged a 2-2 draw in a pulsating Isthmian League Premier Division clash at The Megger Community Stadium.

A crowd of 1,020 witnessed an afternoon of high drama, capped by two stoppage-time goals that left both sets of fans breathless. Dover, sitting atop the table, took the lead in the 11th minute through stand-in captain Ruben Soares-Junior’s spectacular overhead kick. The move began with Luca Cocoracchio, who recovered possession from a misjudged free kick and delivered a precise cross to George Nikaj. Nikaj’s cushioned header set up Soares-Junior, who executed a moment of brilliance to give the hosts an early advantage.

Despite Cray Valley pushing for an equaliser, the Whites held firm in the first half. Goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo made a vital save to deny Tom Beere, while Dover’s defence repeatedly thwarted Cray’s advances. At the other end, the visitors survived a series of close calls, including a missed lob from Nikaj and a powerful effort from Francis Mampolo that sailed narrowly over.

The second half began with immediate drama as Cray Valley were awarded a penalty within 30 seconds of the restart. However, Freddie Parker’s spot-kick cannoned off the post, much to the relief of Boakye-Sarfo and the Dover faithful. The miss spurred Cray on, who dominated the second half. Substitute Matthew Vigor eventually found the equaliser in the 87th minute.

The game looked destined for a draw until stoppage time delivered a whirlwind finale. In the 90+7th minute, Dover reclaimed the lead when Soares-Junior turned provider, setting up Roman Charles-Cook to slot home his first goal of the season. Crabble erupted, believing the points were secured.

Yet, just a minute later, Cray Valley struck back. Adam Coombes kept a loose ball alive, allowing captain Mohammed Idris Oshilaja to backheel an audacious equaliser past a stunned Dover defence. Oshilaja’s joy was short-lived as he received a second yellow card for his exuberant celebration, leaving Cray to finish with ten men.

The result sees both teams extend their unbeaten league runs to ten games, maintaining their positions at the top of the table. For Dover, it was a frustrating end to a match that could have further cemented their lead.

Dover return to action on Tuesday in the Kent Senior Cup quarter-finals against Deal Town.

Dover Athletic: Boakye-Sarfo, Charles-Cook, Sesay, Cocoracchio, Baptiste (Tennent 82mins), Nikaj, Soares-Junior, Pont (T.Amgbaduba 95mins), Wilkinson (Matthews 70mins), Mampolo (E.Amgbaduba 65mins), Mensah. Sub not used: Gyebi.

Cray Valley PM: Ovenden, Williams, Oshilaja, Black (Vigor 60mins), Parker, Coker (Ademiluyi 65mins), Waldren (Coombes 76mins), Asiedu, Shomotun (Tumkaya 76mins), Beere (Anau 70mins), Bowry.

Referee: Peter Conn.

Attendance: 1,020.

The festive season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by sharing your love of Dover Athletic! From exclusive merchandise to fantastic deals on tickets, we’ve got something for every Whites supporter. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, here’s your ultimate guide to Christmas shopping at Dover Athletic:

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1. Deck the Halls with Dover Athletic Baubles

Add a touch of team spirit to your Christmas tree with our brand-new Dover Athletic baubles! Featuring the club’s iconic crest, colors, and this season’s squad, these festive decorations are the perfect gift for every fan.

Price: £15
Where to buy: Club Shop

Hurry—stock is limited, so grab yours before they’re gone!

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2. Give the Gift of Football with a Half Season Ticket

For the ultimate Whites supporter, nothing beats the gift of live football. Half Season Tickets are available now and can be used from 16th December, giving fans access to the action for the rest of the season.

Prices:

• Adults: £145
• Concessions: £133

How to order:

• Visit the reception at The Megger Community Stadium
• Email: [email protected]
• Call: 01304 822373

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3. Sponsor a Player

Looking for a unique gift? Sponsor one of the Whites and enjoy perks like meeting your chosen player, being named in the Matchday Magazine and on the official website, and receiving their shirt at the end of the season.

Sponsorship Prices:

• Home Shirt: £100
• Away Shirt: £90
• Home & Away Shirts: £180

All sponsors are entered into a prize draw to win 2 Premier Club day passes for the last game of the season! Contact the office to secure your sponsorship.

The following shirts are available for sponsorship:
Jeremiah Gyebi – Away
Tamas Amgbaduba – Away
Fuad Sesay – Home

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4. Flexible Matchday Tickets

Can’t commit to a full season? Our Block of 5 Tickets is the perfect solution! Shareable across games (but not people), this deal ensures you never miss a moment.

Prices:

• Adults: £67
• Concessions: £62

Buy your block at reception or call us today.

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5. Explore Replica Shirts and Merchandise

Complete your gift list with official Dover Athletic gear! From replica shirts to other exclusive merchandise, you’ll find something for every fan. Shop the full range online at DAFC Direct.

Whether it’s a festive bauble, a ticket to the action, or a unique sponsorship, your purchase directly supports Dover Athletic Football Club. Let’s make this season merry and bright—shop now and show your Whites pride!

For questions or to make a purchase, contact the club at 01304 822373 or visit reception on a matchday.

Dover attacker Ruben Soares-Junior is in hot goalscoring form but he has told Justin Allen that his priority is not to win the Golden Boot but to just keep clocking up three points with the Whites.

The 12-goal hitman believes the 3-1 victory at fellow promotion challengers Lewes was a “statement win” as the team look forward to a top-of-the-table clash with Cray Valley Paper Mills at Crabble on Saturday.

Ruben also looks ahead to a squad Christmas party in Dublin which is being funded by all the fines that Luke “Bailiff Baps” has been collecting this season.

The interview further gives insight into the incredible team spirit inside the Dover dressing room, which is a huge part of what is behind this strong start to the season.