In an in-depth interview, talking to Justin Allen, Ruben Soares-Junior reflects on his shoulder injury, the team’s strong start to the season, and his goals for the future. He shares insights on the squad’s hunger for success, new player integration, and the challenges of stepping up to a higher league.
Fancy watching the Whites take on Salisbury 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:
The very special experience costs £32.50 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:
Roasted Chicken Breast served with Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Vegetables and Gravy
Desert:
Belgium Chocolate and Raspberry Torte served with Cream
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 return to the Megger Community Stadium on Saturday to face Salisbury, fresh from back-to-back away victories at Bath and Eastbourne. Confidence is high in the Whites’ camp, and Jake Leberl’s side will be eager to extend their winning run and keep momentum rolling in front of the home supporters.
Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win at Eastbourne Borough thanks to George Nikaj’s second-half strike. The Whites started brightly, with Nikaj and Matthews threatening early on, before Eastbourne grew into the game and twice went close through headers and set-pieces. Mitch Walker produced a superb save to keep the scores level before half-time. Two minutes after the restart, Sheriff chased a long ball and capitalised on a defensive mix-up, allowing Nikaj to finish calmly. Dover pressed for a second, with Mampolo hitting the bar, while Walker stood firm late on to secure a valuable away victory.
From the Management
“Salisbury Saturday. Can we keep the momentum up? Well, it’s going to be difficult. They play very similar to Bath, which is difficult to navigate. But obviously we had Bath last week, so hopefully we’ve learned some lessons from that. If we can be as solid as we’ve been, there’s no reason why we can’t keep picking up points.”
Salisbury
Salisbury fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Bath City in the Enterprise National League South. Both sides started brightly, with Evander Grubb twice linking up with Matty Taylor, before Bath grew stronger and forced Salisbury back. On 40 minutes, Will Jenkins-Davies calmly slotted home to give the Romans the lead. After the break, Jordan Ngalo drove wide and Matt Briggs caused problems down the flank, testing Harvey Wiles-Richards in goal. Substitute Noah Coppin was later denied by a fine save, while Bath threatened through Brad Ash. Despite late pressure, Salisbury couldn’t break through and Bath held on for victory.
Salisbury survived by a single point last season but enter 2025/26 with fresh optimism following new investment from Kuwaiti businessman Ali Alhamad and a major squad rebuild under manager Brian Dutton. Experienced defender Tom Davies headlines a strong list of arrivals, alongside Hampton & Richmond trio Dom Revan, Mike Atkinson and Josh Keeya. In attack, the marquee signing is veteran striker Matty Taylor, who boasts over 100 Football League goals. Despite the loss of top scorer Josh Hedges, additions such as Matt Briggs and Jordan Ngalo bring quality and leadership, with Salisbury aiming for a more secure mid-table campaign.
The Venue
We look forward to welcoming Salisbury 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.
Eastbourne Borough 0
Dover Athletic 1
Enterprise National League South
Tuesday 19 August, 7.45pm
Venue: Priory Lane
Dover Athletic picked up their second win of the campaign with a disciplined performance and a decisive second-half strike from George Nikaj, sealing a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Eastbourne Borough.
The game opened with Dover looking lively on the counter. Nikaj was a constant outlet down the flanks, while Matthews probed in the final third. Early corners tested the home defence, but Nikaj’s effort drifted over the bar and Matthews’ cross looped onto the roof of the net.
Eastbourne threatened through set pieces, with Jes winning a dangerous free-kick on the left. His effort skimmed the roof of the net, before Gbadebo’s header from a corner clipped the bar. Dover were dealt an early blow when Ruben Soares-Junior was forced off after just 18 minutes, replaced by Sheriff.
The hosts grew into the contest, enjoying a spell of sustained pressure. Carter volleyed wide, while Aderoju’s diving header flashed narrowly past the post. Dover needed their captain Mitch Walker just before the break, the goalkeeper making a superb close-range save to deny Aderoju from Pitblado’s cross.
Despite Eastbourne’s chances, the Whites held firm, with Charles-Cook and Sesay battling well down the flanks. Half-time arrived goalless, with both sides having had opportunities but neither able to make the breakthrough.
Dover came out sharper after the restart – and within two minutes they had the lead. Sheriff chased a long ball, forcing confusion in the Borough defence. The loose ball dropped kindly to Nikaj, who kept his composure to slot past the keeper and send the travelling supporters wild.
The visitors pressed for more, Matthews twice troubling the Borough goalkeeper with corners before Mampolo’s thunderous long-range strike cannoned off the crossbar. Nikaj remained a threat, testing the defence with his direct running and firing another effort on target.
Eastbourne, by contrast, struggled to find a response. Trusty and Jes combined late on, but Walker again showed safe handling. Sheriff almost wrapped it up on 84 minutes, curling just wide after a sharp break.
As the game ticked into stoppage time, Borough pushed for an equaliser. Akinwale teed up Eastmond for one last chance, but his strike went wide of the post. Dover saw out the final moments with composure to claim a valuable away win.
This was a professional performance on the road, with a resilient defensive display led by Jones and Mensah, a commanding showing from Walker in goal, and the match-winning instinct of Nikaj. Jake Leberl’s side now turn their attention to Saturday’s home clash with Salisbury, looking to build on back-to-back wins.
Eastbourne Borough
1 Jamie Searle, 2 Dan Quick, 3 Isaac Pitblado, 4 Camron Gbadebo, 7 Joey Phuthi, 8 Mo Sagaf, 9 George Alexander, 14 Pemi Aderoju, 16 Freddie Carter, 21 Jes Uchegbulam, 23 Tayt Trusty.
Substitutes: 12 Sandford, 10 Akinwale, 15 Eastmond, 18 Harley, 19 Adeomola, 20 Grout, 22 Lintott.
Dover Athletic
1 Mitch Walker, 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 4 Jalen Jones, 21 Jacob Mensah, 3 Fuad Sesay, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 8 Alfie Matthews, 25 Ryan Hanson, 10 George Nikaj, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior, 24 Francis Mampolo.
Substitutes: 5 Joe Tennent, 7 Luke Baptiste, 9 Kenny Coker, 11 Decarrey Sheriff, 17 Henry Lukombo, 23 George Wilkinson, 27 Jordan Gillmore.
Dover Athletic make the trip to Eastbourne Borough under the lights on Tuesday, buoyed by Saturday’s victory at Bath. With confidence lifted, the Whites will be looking to build momentum and make it back-to-back wins on the road.
Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic secured their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory at Bath City. The hosts dominated the first half, forcing several saves from captain Mitch Walker, but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Dover struck against the run of play on 49 minutes as Francis Mampolo’s cross was headed home by Ruben Soares-Junior, before Mampolo doubled the lead with a composed lob. Bath hit the bar and post before substitute Alex Fisher pulled one back late on. Despite heavy pressure and seven minutes of stoppage time, Dover held firm to claim a battling three points at Twerton Park.
From the Management
“Tuesday night away at Eastbourne will be another tough test. As I said to the boys, Bath caused us problems in the first half today and we had to work hard to get to grips with them. It’s a higher standard, and I’m sure Eastbourne will pose different challenges that we’ll need to deal with quicker. But I’m delighted we’ve got our first three points on the board — it builds confidence. Things are starting to come together, the feel-good factor is back, and hopefully we can carry that into Tuesday.”
Eastbourne Borough
Eastbourne Borough fell to their first defeat of the season as Angelo Balanta struck a stoppage-time winner for Hornchurch at The ReachTV Stadium. Isaac Pitblado’s inswinging corner had put Borough ahead on 14 minutes, but Myles Weston volleyed home an equaliser just before the break. The hosts went close through Jes Uchegbulam and George Alexander, while Jamie Searle made key saves to keep them level after the restart. Hornchurch struck the bar and piled on pressure, before substitute Balanta headed in Darren McQueen’s cross in the 92nd minute to snatch all three points and leave Borough empty-handed.
Eastbourne Borough head into 2025/26 looking to build on last year’s third-place finish, where they narrowly missed out on the title before falling in the play-offs. Former Sutton United boss Matt Gray takes charge, bringing experience and a 4-4-2 approach. Several key players have departed, including keeper Joe Wright and defenders Ollie Kensdale and Pierce Bird, but the arrivals of Craig Eastmond, Jesurun Uchegbulam and loan forward Pemi Aderoju add quality. Star striker George Alexander, last season’s 24-goal top scorer, remains the focal point.
The Venue
Priory Lane Eastbourne East Sussex BN23 7QH
More information: https://ebfc.co.uk/club/stadium/
Admission
Adult – £18
Concession – £12
Student (ID required) – £6
Adult – £15
Concession – £10
Student – £5
U12 – Free with a paying adult
Payment at the gate via cash or card (preferred), or buy a ticket online, in advance.
Saturday 16 August 2025
Twerton Park Stadium
Full-time: Bath City 1–2 Dover Athletic
Attendance: 976
Dover Athletic bounced back from their opening-day defeat with a determined 2-1 win at Bath City, but it was far from straightforward as the Romans dominated large spells of the contest and struck the woodwork twice. Goals from Ruben Soares-Junior and birthday boy Francis Mampolo early in the second half proved decisive, with Alex Fisher’s late reply not enough for the home side.
Bath came into their first home game of the season full of intent, pinning Dover back in the early exchanges. The Romans saw a penalty shout waved away inside two minutes when Roman Charles-Cook blocked a cross, and they repeatedly found space down both flanks.
Elliott Clark was lively on the left, tormenting the Dover back line, while Scott Wilson’s pace caused problems throughout the half. The best chance arrived on 20 minutes when Joe Raynes drilled a shot towards the bottom corner, only for Mitch Walker to fingertip it wide. Clark soon followed with a close-range strike that the Dover captain gathered at the second attempt.
Dover, by contrast, offered little going forward aside from brief moments when Alfie Matthews found space to feed Soares-Junior, only for the offside flag to intervene. A Cocoracchio drive over the bar in stoppage time was their only real effort of note before the interval, and they went in fortunate to be level after Wilson had fired agonisingly wide when through on goal.
The contest turned dramatically just four minutes into the second half. Francis Mampolo, celebrating his 22nd birthday, did brilliantly down the left to whip in a cross which Soares-Junior met with a deft header, guiding the ball beyond Harvey Wiles-Richards to put Dover in front.
Bath immediately pressed for an equaliser. Will Jenkins Davies forced Walker into another sharp stop at his near post, and Kieran Parselle’s header was cleared off the line in a frantic spell. Yet Dover weathered the storm and then punished the hosts again on 61 minutes. A deep Walker kick was misjudged by Luke Russe, allowing Mampolo to race through and lift a composed finish over Wiles-Richards, doubling the advantage and sparking wild celebrations among the travelling Whites fans.
Bath, to their credit, refused to buckle. They struck the underside of the bar from a tight angle before Raynes came within inches of pulling one back, his rasping drive cannoning off the post on 73 minutes. Their pressure was finally rewarded with ten minutes left when substitute Alex Fisher converted a low cross from Jenkins Davies to set up a grandstand finish.
With the Romans pushing everything forward, Dover were forced into defensive reshuffles, bringing on Henry Lukombo, Decarrey Sheriff and Kenny Coker to add energy and legs. Seven minutes of added time brought further waves of Bath attacks, but Walker and his defence held firm to secure a first three points of the season.
Bath will feel hard done by after dominating possession, creating the clearer chances and twice striking the woodwork. But Dover’s defensive resilience, clinical finishing and Walker’s heroics between the posts ultimately made the difference.
It was a day to remember for Mampolo, who marked his birthday with a goal and an assist. After leaking three goals in the first half last weekend, Dover showed their steel here, the performance may not have been free-flowing, but the character and work-rate earned a vital three points on the road.
Bath City XI: Wiles-Richards, Raynes, Greenslade, Tomlinson, Batten, Parselle (C), Jenkins Davies, Wilson, Clark, Tillson, Russe.
Subs: Horsell, Matthews, Fisher, Sweeten, Beardmore, Ash.
Scorer: Fisher 80.
Dover Athletic XI: Walker (C), Charles-Cook, Sesay (Lukombo 81), Jones, Mensah; Cocoracchio, Matthews, Hanson, Nikaj (Coker 90), Soares-Junior, Mampolo (Sheriff 82).
Subs (not used): Tennent, Baptiste, Wilkinson, Gillmore.
Scorers: Soares-Junior 49, Mampolo 61.
Booked: Soares-Junior 37.
Dover Athletic Community Trust has launched an exciting fundraising campaign to bring two brand-new LED scoreboards to Crabble – and we need your help to make it happen.
These scoreboards won’t just keep fans up to date with the match. They’ll also act as a platform to celebrate our community, showcasing the brilliant work being done by the DAFC Community Trust in the local area.
Donate here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/led-scoreboards
We’re the Dover Athletic Community Trust, a registered charity set up in 2018 to help the football club strengthen its ties with the local community. Since then, we’ve been working with schools, youth organisations, charities, and community groups to make a positive difference across the district.
Our goal is to raise £20,000 to purchase and install two high-quality LED scoreboards at Dover Athletic FC.
On matchdays, they’ll bring fans the latest scores and updates. Off the pitch, they’ll help spread the word about local causes, highlight upcoming events, and promote the work of community groups and the Trust itself.
Every single penny raised will go directly towards the purchase of the scoreboards. No admin fees. No detours. Just a straight investment into a facility that will benefit both the club and the wider Dover community.
By giving us the ability to advertise to the community, about the community, these scoreboards will help:
There are four simple ways you can play your part in making this a reality:
The quicker we hit our target, the sooner these scoreboards can light up at Crabble and shine a spotlight on the amazing things happening in our community.
Fancy watching the Whites take on Salisbury 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:
The very special experience costs £32.50 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 served with a Ciabatta Roll
Main:
Steak Pie served with Mash Potato, Vegetables and Gravy
Dessert:
Raspberry and Elderflower Cone served with Cream
There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.
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 head to Bath City for their first away trip of the season, aiming to respond after the opening-day defeat to AFC Totton. The Romans will provide another early-season test at Twerton Park.
Dover Athletic
On Saturday, Dover Athletic suffered a 3-2 defeat to AFC Totton on the opening day of the National League South season. The visitors dominated the first half, taking a 3-0 lead through Christos Batzelis, Brandon Haunstrup and Ralph Vigrass. Dover struggled to create chances before the break but improved after the restart, with substitutes Francis Mampolo and Decarrey Sheriff adding energy. Mampolo set up George Nikaj to pull one back on 73 minutes, before the striker struck again deep into stoppage time. Despite a late surge, Dover couldn’t find an equaliser.
From the Management
“Ultimately, really disappointed with Saturday. More with the performance in the first half than the result. Lessons have been learned in the fact that you’ve got to be on it. You’ve got to be on it from the first minute. You’ve got to win your individual battles and you’ve got to have a right go. Unfortunately, I find it hard to say that any of them did that in the first half against Totton”
Bath City
Mitch Beardmore’s 91st-minute header earned City a 1-1 draw at 10-man Worthing on the opening day. Dolaghan put the hosts ahead on 29 minutes before Colbran saw red for a dangerous challenge on Luke Russe. Despite the man advantage, City survived further scares as Worthing hit the post and wasted chances. Scott Wilson was denied by Stacey, and Cook also went close for the Rebels. In stoppage time, Will Jenkins Davies crossed for Beardmore to level. City almost snatched victory late on, but Jenkins Davies’ free-kick was blocked and Wiles-Richards tipped De-Graft’s header onto the bar in the game’s final moment.
Bath City finished the 2024/25 National League South season 15th, extending their run to 13 straight years at this level. With a settled core of long-serving players, Darren Way’s side boasts strong chemistry and a good defence, conceding 48 goals last term – the best record outside the top seven. Their defensive solidity kept them competitive throughout the campaign, even when not scoring freely. A strong finish ensured safety with room to spare, providing solid foundations for Way to build on in 25/26.
The Venue
Twerton Park, Twerton, Bath BA2 1DB
More information: https://www.bathcityfc.com/how-to-find-us/
Admission
Advance prices include 10% discount if purchased before 23.45 the day before a match. Buy here: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=13200
Family Ticket – £32.40 (2 Adults and 2 Under 12s)
Adult – £16.20
Senior Over 65 – £13.50
Student / Under 21 – £9.00
Under 16 – £4.50
Under 12 – £2.70
Dover Athletic 2–3 AFC Totton
National League South – Saturday 9 August 2025
Attendance: 759 | Referee: Matthew Norton
On a sunny August afternoon at the Megger Community Stadium, Dover Athletic’s return to National League South action began in disappointment as a dominant first-half display from AFC Totton condemned the Whites to an opening-day 3–2 defeat.
Totton started brightly, pinning Dover back in the early stages and creating the first clear opening when Christie Ward’s shot was easily held by Mitch Walker. The visitors’ pressure told in the 12th minute when Christos Batzelis latched onto a loose ball and finished clinically to put the Stags ahead.
Dover’s response was muted, with Alfie Matthews testing Ryan Gosney from a Ruben Soares-Junior cross, but Totton doubled their lead on 28 minutes. A long clearance from Gosney was worked wide to Ralph Vigrass, whose delivery to the back post was met by Brandon Haunstrup’s thunderous half-volley into the top corner.
The home side continued to struggle against Totton’s energy and width, and three minutes before the break the visitors grabbed a third. Haunstrup’s cross from the left caused confusion between Walker and his defence, allowing Vigrass to prod the ball home and make it 3–0 at half-time.
Dover made changes after the break, with George Wilkinson replacing the injured Ryan Hanson, but initially struggled to find a foothold. The introduction of Francis Mampolo on 66 minutes injected some much-needed attacking spark. Seven minutes later, he danced down the right wing and delivered a low cross for George Nikaj to slot home, giving the hosts a glimmer of hope.
Late substitutions brought fresh legs, and Dover’s urgency grew in the closing stages. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Nikaj struck again, capitalising on a loose ball to fire past Gosney and set up a tense finale. Despite a frantic push for an equaliser, Totton held firm to claim all three points.
For Dover, it was a case of too little, too late, with a flat first-half display ultimately proving costly. Jake Leberl’s side will now turn their attention to next weekend’s trip to Bath City in search of their first points of the campaign.
Dover Athletic
1 Mitch Walker, 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 3 Fuad Sesay, 5 Joe Tennent, 21 Jacob Mensah, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 25 Ryan Hanson, 7 Luke Baptiste, 8 Alfie Matthews, 10 George Nikaj, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior
Subs: Jalen Jones, Kenny Coker, Decarrey Sheriff, Henry Lukombo, George Wilkinson, Francis Mampolo, Jordan Gillmore
AFC Totton
13 Ryan Gosney, 2 Joe Oastler, 3 Brandon Haunstrup, 9 Scott Rendell, 10 Tony Lee, 19 Christie Ward, 20 Ryan Jackson, 21 Christos Batzelis, 23 Ralph Vigrass, 26 Tyler Cordner, 27 Craig Tanner
Subs: Max Evans, Luke Hallett, Malachi Linton, Dec Rose, James Martin, Luke Bennett, Hisham Kasimu
