Dover Athletic can confirm our retained list following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season: 

The following players have been offered new contracts & received retained letters under the Bosman Ruling:

George Wilkinson 

Luke Baptiste 

George Nikaj 

Roman Charles-Cook 

Henry Young

Luca Cocoracchio

Alfie Matthews

Kieron Agbebi

Matty Holness

Francis Mampolo

The following loan player has returned to their parent club and we are grateful for the excellent service they gave in their time at DAFC. We also extend our thanks to parent club Tonbridge Angels.

Ryan Hanson

The club is in continued discussions and negotiations with the following players and we will continue to keep supporters informed of any positive updates as they progress further:

Fuad Sesay

Jeremiah Gyebi

Joe Tennent

Eniye Amgbaduba

Tamas Amgbaduba

Claudio Boakye-Sarfo

Jacob Mensah

Jordan Gillmore

Kweku Lucan

Ruben Soares-Junior

The following player has agreed terms for next season:

Mitch Walker

Dover Athletic Football Club are delighted to announce that goalkeeper and captain Mitch Walker has signed a new contract and will remain at the Megger Community Stadium for the 2025/26 season.

Walker, who signed for Whites from Brighton & Hove Albion in May 2012 made 279 appearances throughout his 7 season stay at Crabble and was an ever-present in our Vanamara National League campaigns. The former England C man returned to Crabble for our 2024/25 promotion winning campaign and marked his 300th appearance for the club at the Play-Off Final game against Dartford. 

Mitch Walker has said:

“I’m pleased to have committed to the Mighty Whites for another campaign. Last season, getting promoted in the manner we did, will live long in the memory for everyone involved in the club. However, we must now turn our attention to establishing ourselves back in the challenging National League South, which I’m extremely confident we can do, and who knows where the season will take us.”

Jake Leberl has said:

“We’re absolutely delighted that Mitch has agreed to re-sign. Hopefully we can keep him fit, and there’s no doubt he’ll prove what a top goalkeeper he is. He’ll be our captain, leading us back into the National League South.”

There is still time to purchase your season ticket with our early bird discount, you can order your 2025/26 season ticket from reception at Crabble, online at our club shop, or download an application form by clicking here.

After a historic season and unforgettable promotion, it’s time to celebrate properly with something you can wear with pride.

We’re proud to release the official Dover Athletic Promotion T-Shirts, featuring a custom design showcasing the full squad that brought glory back to Crabble.

These shirts are manufactured on behalf of Dover Athletic by Ambition Sport, a Kent-based sports clothing company committed to supporting local clubs and communities.

By ordering a shirt, you’re directly supporting Dover Athletic, every purchase helps fuel the future of the club.

Details:
– Available in yellow, white or black
– Price: Junior (£17.50), Women’s & Men’s (£20)
– Sizes: Men’s Yellow up to 3XL | White & Black up to 5XL. Women’s Yellow up to Size 18 | White & Black up to Size 20. Kids from Ages 1/2 years in White & Black and Yellow from 3/4 years.
– Pre-order open now for 10 days only: https://www.ambitionsport.com/product-category/sports-clubs/football-clubs/dover-athletic-fc/
– Delivered approx. 1 weeks after pre-order window (postage costs apply)
– Buy 2 = Free Postage

Whether you stood on the terraces, followed every result online, or cheered from afar, this is your piece of history. Celebrate the squad, the fans, and the fight.

Order now and wear the win: https://www.ambitionsport.com/product-category/sports-clubs/football-clubs/dover-athletic-fc/

Dover Athletic is gearing up for a thrilling pre-season campaign that promises a mix of top-tier youth talent, fierce local rivalries, and strong early tests ahead of the 2025/26 season.

One of the standout fixtures sees club legend Adam Birchall return to Crabble, this time in the dugout, leading Arsenal’s U18s in what is sure to be an exciting clash. Fans can also look forward to intense local derbies against Deal Town and Folkestone Invicta, while a testing away trip kicks things off against SCEFL Champions Faversham Town.

With seven friendlies in total – including home fixtures against Gillingham, Bracknell Town, and Margate -there’s plenty of opportunity to see the Whites in action before the season begins.

Pre-Season Fixtures:

• Sat 5 July – Faversham Town (A) – 3:00pm
• Tue 8 July – Gillingham (H) – 7:30pm
• Fri 11 July – Deal Town (H) – 7:45pm
• Sat 19 July – Arsenal U18s (H) – 3:00pm
• Sat 26 July – Bracknell Town (H) – 3:00pm
• Tue 29 July – Folkestone Invicta (H) – 7:45pm
• Sat 2 August – Margate (H) – 3:00pm

Ticket Info

All home pre-season fixtures are priced at £10 for adults, £9 for concessions, Under-18s £5, with Under-11s going FREE with a paying adult. 2025/26 Season Ticket Holders enjoy free entry to all home friendlies.

Get behind the boys and kick off the season with us in style at Crabble!

Season Tickets

As always our season tickets are the most cost effective way to watch Whites play at home. Our Early bird offer runs from May until the end of June.

Paying a lump sum for season tickets makes them less accessible for some fans and we continue to have a facility to split the payment across 2 months (May and Jun) when purchasing online.  

You can order or renew your season ticket at our club shop (dafcdirect.com) now.

“Due to rising costs across the board—including travel, employment, utilities, and consumables—we’ve had to set prices slightly higher than in the 2023/24 season, when we were last in the National League South. We regret having to raise prices, but it’s a necessary step if we’re to remain competitive. We hope supporters understand the crucial role season ticket sales play in sustaining the club and giving Jake and the team the best possible chance of success. We urge supporters to buy their season tickets as early as possible so we can continue to plan for the season ahead” – Jim Parmenter

As always our season tickets also include pre-season friendlies.

	Early Bird	Full Price
Adult	£299	£364
Concessions – O60	£276	£341
Concessions – U18	–	£75
Under 11	FREE with Adult	FREE with Adult

Block-of-5

Our block of 5 tickets are back again this season. An option for fans that can’t make every game, but are looking for a saving through a multi-buy offer.  

Adult	£82
Concession	£77

On the gate

Due to rising costs our on-the-day pricing has had to come in slightly above the 23/24 season when we were last at Step 2, but we hope that despite the price increase that fans will opt for an upfront commitment, whether that be a season ticket or Block-of-5. We hope that supporters will recognise the importance of these ticket sales in continuing to support Jake and the team for further success.

Adult	£18
Concession – O60	£17
Concession – U18	£10
Under 11	FREE

We will have further updates on Hospitality packages and the extra value they will provide coming very soon.

All season tickets can be purchased by the following options:

• You can buy online HERE
• Call the club office on 01304 822373 (option 2) to pay by card
• Head up to the club office at Crabble between 9am-5pm (Monday-Friday) or on matchdays

Tickets are on sale now so support your club and renew your season or buy one today!

Dover Athletic capped off a resilient season with a commanding 2–0 victory over Dartford in the Isthmian League Premier Division Play-off Final, earning their return to the National League South after just a single season away. On a blustery afternoon, Jake Leberl’s men absorbed early pressure before asserting dominance in the second half, with goals from Ruben Soares-Junior and Alfie Matthews sealing the deal in front of a raucous travelling support.

Dartford opened with intensity and intent, spurred on by a passionate Princes Park crowd. Within the opening minutes, they forced a series of corners and free-kicks, targeting Dover’s aerial vulnerability. George Whitefield headed over from an early corner, and Callum Jones combined effectively with Olly Box, causing the Dover defence some early jitters.

Dover, meanwhile, took time to settle. Their first real foray came via Luke Baptiste, whose darting run behind the Dartford backline in the 17th minute drew a professional foul from Whitefield. The referee brandished only a yellow, to the fury of Dover players and fans alike. Alfie Matthews, fresh from his heroics in the semi-final, saw the resulting free-kick comfortably gathered by Jacob Marsden.

Despite Dartford’s territorial advantage, they lacked the cutting edge. Shots from Carruthers, Olopade, and Box were repelled by a disciplined Whites back line, where Jacob Mensah and Luca Cocoracchio shone. Mitch Walker, ever-reliable in goal, was tested only sporadically. It was, ultimately, a half of pressure without penetration.

The second period opened with a shift in momentum. Dover began to attack with greater urgency, buoyed by the end change and their vocal contingent of supporters. Baptiste flashed a dangerous ball across goal, narrowly avoiding a connection.

Their breakthrough arrived on 57 minutes. A melee in the box following a quick passage of passing saw George Nikaj hauled down. Penalty. Soares-Junior stepped up and, with nerves of steel, dinked a cheeky Panenka down the middle to give Dover the lead, sparking wild celebrations in the away end.

Dartford responded with substitutions and a renewed offensive effort, but Dover’s defensive wall proved near-impenetrable. Tennent and Mensah continued to marshal the back line with confidence, while Walker produced two stunning saves in the 83rd minute — first parrying Box’s rocket and then smothering a follow-up effort from Bullas.

As the hosts pressed in desperation, space opened for Dover to counter. In the 86th minute, Soares-Junior was cynically upended by the onrushing Marsden, who saw yellow. From the resulting free-kick, Dartford failed to clear, and Alfie Matthews timed his run perfectly to meet the second ball with a looping header that nestled inside the far post.

Dover’s second sent their supporters into delirium. Chants of “We are going up!” rang around the stadium as they expertly saw out the final moments, even surviving a late Dartford penalty appeal with calm assurance.

Dover’s second-half display showcased why they belong back in the National League South. A resolute back line, a composed midfield, and a pair of clinical forwards proved the difference on the day. Jake Leberl’s men were tactically astute and mentally resilient, characteristics that will serve them well as they re-enter Step Two of non-league football.

After the heartbreak of recent seasons, this was a triumph forged through grit, unity, and belief and the 600 travelling fans will remember it for a long time.

Dartford 0 – 2 Dover Athletic
Ruben Soares-Junior (57′ pen)
Alfie Matthews (87′)

Isthmian League – Premier Division Play-off Final
Attendance: 3,805
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Princes Park Stadium

Dartford:

1 Jacob Marsden, 3 Sam Odaudu, 5 Josh Hill, 6 George Whitefield, 7 Callum Jones, 8 Denzelle Olopade, 11 Olly Box, 16 Sam Okoye, 4 Samir Carruthers, 27 Michael Olarewaju, 32 Hayden Bullas SUBS: 21 Eddie Dsane, 17 Luther Williams, 25 Louis Dunne, 19 Tyler Christian-Law, 28 Jeremiah Pinder

Dover Athletic:

1 Mitch Walker, 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, 26 Jacob Mensah, 29 Ryan Hanson SUBS: 4 Jeremiah Gyebi, 9 Eniye Amgbaduba, 15 Tamas Amgbaduba, 24 Francis Mampolo, 28 Kweku-Conrad Lucan

What an amazing first full season in management. I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every minute of it — the incredible highs, the difficult lows, and everything in between.

We’ve been so fortunate to recruit such a great group of talented lads. That doesn’t come around often and certainly isn’t the norm. No matter what happens on Monday, these players have created memories that will last a lifetime.

We’ve had so much fun along the way, and to reach the play-off final is a remarkable achievement for everyone involved, especially when you consider the experience and resources we have.

I’d like to think you, the supporters, have enjoyed the ride. It really feels like we’re on the right path to getting our Dover Athletic back.

It’s been a really difficult few years for everyone connected to the club. That happens to all football clubs, even the biggest in the world. But now is the time to put the past behind us and look forward to exciting times ahead.

We, the club, need you more than ever. Your support is vital if we’re to grow and compete — not just at this level, but beyond.

We’d love to keep the nucleus of this group together, and your continued support can help us do just that. We’ve had some special days and nights this season, and we all want more.

Spread the word, and let’s hope we finish on a high!

Dover head to Dartford on Monday in the Isthmian Premier Division Play Off Final for a chance to return to the National League South. It’s a massive Kent Derby Final.

Dover Athletic

On Wednesday night, Dover Athletic reached the Isthmian League Play-Off Final with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Billericay Town at New Lodge. After a goalless 90 minutes, Femi Akinwande gave the hosts the lead, his shot deflecting off the post and Walker’s back. But Dover hit back immediately through Alfie Matthews, who curled a stunning free kick into the top corner. With penalties looming, Matthews stepped up again, delivering another sublime free kick in the 119th minute to seal victory. His heroics sent Dover through to face Dartford in Monday’s final.

In our home meeting earlier in the season Dover cruised to a dominant 5-1 win over Dartford. Ruben Soares-Junior opened the scoring after a goalkeeping error, before George Wilkinson doubled the lead. Luke Baptiste added a third just before half-time. Alfie Matthews curled in a stunning free kick early in the second half, and although Dartford replied through Jeremiah Pinder, Soares-Junior sealed the win late on.

In the away encounter just a few weeks ago, Dover fell to a 3-1 defeat at Dartford. Despite a bright start and early chances for Nikaj and Matthews, Dover fell behind to a sublime Carruthers free kick. Olopade added a second before the break, and Hill’s header made it three just after. Soares-Junior nearly responded with a thunderous strike off the post, then scored a stunning 20th league goal to offer late hope. Dover pushed forward but couldn’t break through again. Dartford’s physicality and clinical finishing proved decisive, sealing victory in the Good Friday Kent Derby.

Dartford

Dartford staged a dramatic comeback to beat Cray Valley PM 4-3 after extra time and reach the Isthmian Premier League Play-Off Final. Trailing 2-0 after two headers from Danny Waldren, Dartford pulled one back through a Samir Carruthers penalty following a red card for Cray. Sam Odaudu equalised deep into stoppage time, forcing extra time. He then set up Hayden Bullas to make it 3-2 before George Whitefield added a fourth. Cray struck late via Adam Coombes, but it wasn’t enough. A pulsating night at Princes Park ended in wild celebrations as Dartford booked a final clash with Dover.

Dartford finished in 3rd place in the Isthmian Premier League with with 84 points from 42 matches. Their strong campaign featured 25 wins, 9 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of +28, having scored 77 and conceded 49. At home, Dartford played 21 times, winning 12, drawing 5, and losing 4. Their away form was similarly strong: 13 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses from 21 fixtures.

Last 5

12/04 – Whitehawk (A) – Won 1-0
18/04 – Dover Athletic (H) – Won 3-1
21/04 – Cray Wanderers (A) – Drew 2-2
26/04 – Carshalton Athletic (H) – Lost 1-4
30/04 – Cray Valley PM (H) – Won 4-3 AET (Play Off Semi Final)

The Venue

Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park
Grassbanks
Darenth Road
Dartford
Kent
DA1 1RT

More information: https://www.dartfordfc.com/directions-to-the-ground/

Admission  

This match has sold out. There are no away tickets available.

Can’t make the game?

Join us in The Centre Spot as we stream the full Play-Off Final LIVE. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual supporter, everyone’s welcome at The Centre Spot to soak in the atmosphere, cheer on the lads, and share the moment with fellow Whites. Doors open from 11.30am. Free entry for all. Our food outlet will be open, grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the action.

Prefer the comfort of your own home? The match will be streamed by the Isthmian League on ClubberTV via the following link for a one off payment of £10.99: https://www.clubbertv.co.uk/sports/football/isthmian-football-league

The big day is almost here – and while we know not everyone can make it to the Play-Off Final in person, we’ve got the next best thing right here at The Megger Community Stadium.

Join us in The Centre Spot as we stream the full Play-Off Final LIVE, as Dover Athletic take on Dartford to regain a place in the National League South.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual supporter, everyone’s welcome at The Centre Spot to soak in the atmosphere, cheer on the lads, and share the moment with fellow Whites.

Kick-off at 3pm, doors open from 11.30am. Free entry for all. Our food outlet will be open, grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the action.

A Free Pint for Season Ticket Holders

Missed out on getting a matchday ticket? Don’t worry, we’ve got a little something to soften the blow. Season ticket holders can enjoy a free pint of Fosters on us. Just show your season ticket card at the bar and we’ll do the rest.

Under the lights at a packed New Lodge, Billericay Town and Dover Athletic faced off in a high-stakes Isthmian League Premier Division Play-Off Semi-Final. With a place in the final and the chance at promotion on the line, both sides brought intensity and grit in a game that would ultimately be decided in extra time.

Despite a lively and fast-paced start from Billericay, the opening 45 minutes ended goalless. The hosts were on the front foot early, with Bradley Williams bursting down the right and firing over after a strong run. Elliot Long tested the Dover keeper with a low drive, while Femi Akinwande and Frankie Merrifield created dangerous openings that couldn’t be converted.

Dover gradually grew into the contest. Alfie Matthews was a key threat, testing Sam Donkin with a long-range shot and curling a free kick just wide. Their best opening came when a free header from Ryan Hanson was comfortably collected. Billericay’s biggest chance of the half came just before the break when Long’s strike was parried into the path of De-Carrey Sheriff, whose follow-up was saved.

The second half continued in much the same fashion, intense but lacking in clinical finishing. Dover should have taken the lead early on when Donkin made a superb double save to deny George Nikaj and Matthews. At the other end, Davis rattled the crossbar with a towering header, while Williams and Akinwande kept the visitors’ defence alert.

There was controversy as Dover looked to have scored after a frantic goalmouth scramble, but the officials judged the ball hadn’t crossed the line. Billericay’s penalty appeals were waved away shortly after, and both sides pushed for a late winner without success.

The deadlock was finally broken in extra time. Femi Akinwande struck first for Billericay after a brilliant counter-attack, cutting in from the left and seeing his effort bounce off the post and onto Walker’s back before trickling over the line.

But the lead was short-lived. Dover hit back almost immediately. Alfie Matthews curled a sensational free kick into the top corner to equalise, a stunning response that shifted the momentum.

With both teams tiring, the game appeared destined for penalties until Matthews delivered again. Another expertly taken free kick dipped over the wall and, despite Donkin getting a hand to it, found the back of the net to give Dover a late lead.

Matthews was substituted in stoppage time to a hero’s ovation, and Dover saw out the final moments to secure their place in the play-off final against Dartford on Monday.

Isthmian League – Premier Division Play-off Semi Final
Attendance: 2,857
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: New Lodge

Billericay Town:

1. Sam Donkin, 3. Jay Porter, 4. Matt Johnson, 10. Frankie Merrifield, 11. De-Carrey Sheriff, 12. Tommy Davis, 19. Femi Akinwande, 21. Jack Paxman, 22. Ben Steward, 29. Bradley Williams, 30. Elliot Long SUBS: 2. Montel McKenzie, 9. Moses Emmanuel, 17. Tyrell Miller-Rodney, 18. Ashley Nzala, 23. Charlie Panton

Dover Athletic:

1. Mitch Walker, 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, 26. Jacob Mensah, 29. Ryan Hanson SUBS: 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 24. Francis Mampolo, 28. Kweku-Conrad Lucan