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

Dover head to Billericay in our Isthmian Premier Division Play Off Semi Final.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a play-off place with a 3-1 win at Chichester City in a tense final-day clash. Lewis Rustell’s spectacular overhead kick gave the hosts a 25th-minute lead, but George Nikaj equalised before half-time. Ruben Soares-Junior tapped home in the 70th minute after great work from Roman Charles-Cook, and a late penalty from Luke Baptiste—his 20th league goal—sealed victory deep into stoppage time. Mitch Walker made key saves on his return from injury, ensuring Dover finished fifth

In our away meeting earlier in the season Dover earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Billericay on a hot afternoon in Essex. The hosts started strongly, testing Mitch Walker early, but Dover weathered the storm. As the Whites grew into the game, George Nikaj set up Luke Baptiste for a saved effort, while Lindell Stewart and Baptiste both missed late first-half chances. The breakthrough came on 70 minutes when Baptiste cut back for Nikaj to tap home. However, Billericay quickly responded, capitalising on defensive uncertainty to equalise. Both sides pressed for a winner, with Alfie Matthews going close, but it ended level.

In the home encounter, Dover Athletic fell to a narrow 1-0 home defeat against Billericay Town, with Montel McKenzie’s deflected first-half free-kick proving decisive. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances—most notably through George Wilkinson, who was twice denied brilliantly by keeper Sam Donkin—Dover couldn’t find a breakthrough. Roman Charles-Cook and George Nikaj combined early on, while Alfie Matthews and Luke Baptiste impressed in midfield. Late efforts from Fuad Sesay and substitutes Eniye Amgbaduba and Francis Mampolo couldn’t beat a resolute Billericay defence.

Billericay Town

On Saturday, Billericay Town beat Cheshunt 4-2 in a thrilling finale but fell short of securing the Isthmian Premier Division title. Cheshunt stunned the hosts early, with Tommy Davis and Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite putting them 2-0 up. Frankie Merrifield struck before half-time to give Billericay hope. After the break, Matt Johnson and Decarrey Sheriff turned the game around, putting the Blues 3-2 ahead. Sheriff then missed a penalty as Constable pulled off a fine save. Despite dominating late on, Billericay couldn’t add the crucial goal. Jay Porter netted a late fourth, but it wasn’t enough to clinch the title on a dramatic afternoon.

Billericay Town finished in 2nd place in the Isthmian Premier League with 87 points from 42 matches, level on points with leaders Horsham but behind on goal difference. Their impressive season included 26 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal tally of 83 scored and 42 conceded, giving them a goal difference of +41. At home, Billericay played 21 games, winning 15, drawing 3, and losing 3, a dominant record. Away from home, they were also formidable, winning 11, drawing 6, and losing 4 from their 21 away fixtures.

Last 5

09/04 – Chatham Town (N) – Won 3-2 (Alan Turvey Trophy Final)
12/04 – Potters Bar Town (A) – Won 2-0
18/04 – Folkestone Invicta (H) – Won 2-0
21/04 – Canvey Island (A) – Won 3-0
26/04 – Cheshunt (H) – Won 4-2

The Venue

New Lodge, Blunts Wall Rd, Billericay CM12 9SA

Admission  

Adult £13
Concession £8
Young Adult (12-17) £5
11 or Under £1

This game is an all ticket match, we have been allocated 450 tickets. Fans travelling to our game against Billericay will need to pre-purchase tickets on the following link: https://billericaytownfc-awayfans.ktckts.com/event/bil2425pos/billericay-town-v-dover-athletic-playoff-semi-final

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

Dover Clinch Play-off Spot with Composed Win at Oaklands Park

Dover Athletic secured their place in the 2024/25 Isthmian Premier Division play-offs with a crucial 3-1 win away at Chichester City on the final day of the regular season.

With both sides vying for the final play-off spot – Dover in fifth and Chichester in sixth – the stakes could not have been higher. Only a win would do for the hosts, while a draw would be enough for the visitors. Dover did the job on a nervy afternoon.

The hosts started brightly in front of a strong home crowd. Their possession-heavy approach put Dover under early pressure, and an injury to Curtis Da Costa forced an early reshuffle, with Charlie Bennett introduced in the 16th minute.

Chichester’s persistence paid off in the 25th minute when Lewis Rustell executed a stunning overhead kick, looping the ball past a stranded Mitch Walker, who made his first start in five months for Dover following injury.

Dover grew into the game and, after weathering the storm, found their equaliser in the 39th minute. Luke Baptiste’s inswinging corner was met at the near post by George Nikaj, whose glancing header nestled into the bottom corner. The goal spurred Dover into life. They dominated the closing stages of the half, pressing high and creating chances, leaving Chichester pinned back.

Dover came out after the break with renewed energy. Within a minute, a powerful header from Luca Cocoracchio was denied by a superb save from Kieran Magee, keeping Chichester level.

The hosts had their moments but failed to capitalise, with efforts from promising positions flying over the bar. Dover’s dominance gradually told, and in the 70th minute, they took the lead. A surging run and cross from Roman Charles-Cook found Ruben Soares-Junior lurking at the back post for a simple tap-in.

As the hosts chased an equaliser, spaces opened up. Dover nearly extended their lead through an audacious bicycle kick from Soares-Junior and a powerful drive that Magee parried away.

With six minutes added on, Mitch Walker proved his worth, making two critical saves to preserve Dover’s lead. The second came just before the breakaway that led to a penalty deep into stoppage time.

At 90+7 minutes, the referee pointed to the spot after a foul in the box. Up stepped Luke Baptiste, coolly converting in 90+9 to round off a clinical away performance. The goal marked his 20th of the league season, joining Nikaj and Soares-Junior in an elite trio for the Whites.

Dover Athletic finish the season in fifth and now turn their focus to a play-off semi-final against Billericay Town on Wednesday night. Chichester’s brave campaign ends in heartbreak, falling just short of a historic play-off push in their first season at Step 3.

Isthmian League Premier Division
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2025
Venue: Oaklands Park
Attendance: 1,356
Referee: Daniel D’Urso
Kick-off: 3:00 PM

Dover Athletic:

1. Mitch Walker, 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 3. Fuad Sesay, 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 5. Joe Tennent, 6. Luca Cocoracchio, 7. Luke Baptiste, 8. Alfie Matthews, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 24. Francis Mampolo, 26. Jacob Mensah, 28. Kweku-Conrad Lucan, 29. Ryan Hanson

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Chichester City

1. Kieran Magee, 2. Ryan Davidson, 3. Rob Hutchings, 4. Joe Clarke, 5. Curtis Da Costa, 6. Ben Pashley, 7. Isaac Bello, 8. Emmett Dunn, 9. Lewis Rustell, 10. Lloyd Rowlatt, 11. Mo Jammeh, 14. Oliver Munt, 15. Charlie Bennett, 16. Joe Moore, 17. Ethan Prichard, 18. Josh Clack

Frank Clarke to Step Down as Club Secretary, Appointed Honorary Club President

After more than two decades of dedicated service, Frank Clarke will be stepping down as Club Secretary of Dover Athletic at the end of the season. A figure synonymous with the club’s behind-the-scenes success, Clarke has been an instrumental part of the club’s journey for over 23 years. Frank, who celebrated his 85^th birthday this year, will now be taking on a new role as Honorary Club President and will remain actively involved in the club’s future in a different capacity.

Chairman Jim Parmenter praised Frank for his unwavering dedication and contribution to Dover Athletic, saying, “Frank has been associated with the club as secretary for 23 years and has been a close friend and colleague of mine since 2005. He has an extensive knowledge of football administration which has been invaluable to the club over the years.”

Frank’s work as Secretary, and before that as Club Physio, has played a pivotal part in ensuring the smooth operation both on and off the pitch. Clarke’s extensive experience has seen him serve as a trusted advisor to multiple managers, staff, and board members, becoming an institution at the club.

Manager Jake Leberl has said, “This is my third stint working alongside Frank and my admiration and respect for him has continued to grow. Frank deals with a magnitude of tasks and an even bigger number of characters and his approach is always relaxed, considered and professional. He’s been a tremendous personality to have in and around the club and the players and management team all value his company and even his stories. Whilst I’ll be sad he’ll no longer be the one to assist on the administration side, I’m thrilled to see him in his new role ambassador where his infectious nature will brighten the boardroom. Thank you Frank for your help and support, wishing you all the best in your ‘semi’ retirement.“

While stepping down from his day-to-day secretarial duties, Frank will remain closely involved with the club in his new role as President. Parmenter added, “Even though he has the opportunity to take things a little easier, he will still be around the club and his wealth of knowledge will still be available to the club and to Simon Brooker, who will take over the secretarial role. Frank will remain as a Director of the Club and play an active role in its development.”

Frank Clarke’s departure from the role of Club Secretary marks the end of an era at Dover Athletic. His contribution to the club’s administration has been invaluable and we wish him all the best has he moves away from a role he has held for so long.

Ruben Soares-Junior Up For Chichester Challenge

Whites skipper Ruben Soares-Junior tells Justin Allen the team will be massively up for the Chichester trip on Saturday as they bid to make the play-offs.

Dover head to Chichester in our final Isthmian Premier Division league game of the season. Dover need at least a point to secure a top-five playoff spot finish.

Dover Athletic

On Monday, George Nikaj’s second-half goal rescued a 1-1 draw for Dover Athletic against 10-man Hastings United, keeping their playoff hopes alive with one game to play. After a cautious start, Hastings took a controversial lead through Davide Rodari just before half-time. Dover responded with urgency after the break, dominating possession and creating chances. Hastings’ Finley Chapman was sent off on 63 minutes, and Dover capitalised when Nikaj scored in the 74th. Despite sustained late pressure and several close efforts, Dover couldn’t find a winner.

In the reverse fixture, Ruben Soares-Junior netted a superb hat-trick as Dover Athletic thumped Chichester City 5-2 in wet Bank Holiday weather at Crabble. George Nikaj bagged a brace and Alfie Matthews impressed, assisting Soares-Junior’s opener. Despite a missed penalty and two first-half equalisers from Chichester, Dover dominated after the break. Nikaj scored twice early in the second half before Soares-Junior sealed his treble and a deserved win.

From the Management

“All in all, I think we’ve had a tremendous season but it’s not finished yet and we really want to finish it off next week and secure a spot in the playoffs. If you can, get down to Chichester and support the lads and we’ll give it our all – like we have done from the first game to the last game.”

Chichester City

In their last outing, Chichester City claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Whitehawk, thanks to a brilliant 20th-minute strike from Josh Rustell after fine work by Davidson and Rowlatt. Chichester dominated the first half with inventive play from Jammeh, Pashley, and Da Costa, creating multiple chances and forcing key saves from Osaghae. The second half turned scrappy, with Whitehawk pressing but failing to break through. Maguire-Drew hit the woodwork from a free kick and Chichester rode their luck amid a series of late corners. A late red card for Whitehawk captain Charlie Walker helped Chichester secure a fifth clean sheet in six matches.

Chichester City sits in 6th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 73 points from 41 matches. They have recorded 22 wins, 7 draws, and 12 losses, scoring 71 goals and conceding 56, giving them a goal difference of +15. At home, Chichester have played 20 games, winning 11, drawing 5, and losing 4. Away from home, they’ve played 21 matches with a record of 11 wins, 2 draws, and 8 defeats.

Last 6

22/03 – Hastings United (A) – Won 2-0
29/03 – Lewes (H) – Won 3-0
05/04 – Hendon (A) – Lost 1-2
12/04 – Chatham Town (A) – Won 1-0
18/04 – Cheshunt (H) – Won 4-0
21/04 – Whitehawk (A) – Won 1-0

The Venue

Oaklands Park, Oaklands Way, Chichester PO19 6AR

Admission  

Gates Open: 1PM
Adults – £10
Concessions – £6
Students/16-18s – £4
Under-16s – £2
Youth Parent (Youth player must be in attendance) – £4

Fans travelling to our game against Chichester are advised to pre-purchase tickets on the following link: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=11335

We’d like to extend a warm welcome to the Hastings team and their supporters to the Megger Community Stadium for our final home Isthmian League fixture of the season.

Regardless of the final outcome in these last two games, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of this season’s journey.

A tremendous amount of time and effort has gone into bringing smiles back to faces and turning the club’s fortunes around. To the board, players, staff, media team, volunteers, sponsors, and our fantastic supporters – thank you. Everyone has come together as a team and helped put us back on the right path.
There’s still work to be done, but we’re rebuilding a stable and happy club where the community and youth play a bigger role. I believe this is vital for the long-term future of this wonderful football club.

On the field, we couldn’t be prouder of this squad. They are a young, dedicated, and ambitious group of players who have been a pleasure to work with. Personally, I’ve relished every moment. I want to publicly and sincerely thank Mike for everything he’s done. He’s a brilliant coach and a great guy. We absolutely wouldn’t be in this position without him.

Let’s hope we can finish the season on a high and secure a play-off spot. That would be a remarkable achievement for a new team that was thrown together at the last minute and has gone toe-to-toe with clubs boasting far bigger budgets and more experienced personnel. I can’t stress enough how proud I am of this team. They’ve exceeded all expectations, and with time, they’ll only get better. Many of these lads have bright futures ahead, hopefully with us.

Enjoy the game, and here’s hoping for a positive result. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at Chichester on Saturday.

Jake

COYW

Dover Athletic welcome Hastings to The Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

On Friday, Dover Athletic’s play-off hopes suffered a setback with a 3-1 defeat at Dartford in the Good Friday Kent Derby. Despite a bright start and strong deliveries from Roman Charles-Cook, Dover were undone by Samir Carruthers’ superb free-kick and two more Dartford goals before the hour mark. Ruben Soares-Junior pulled one back with a stunning 20th goal of the season, but a full comeback proved elusive. Dover rallied late with fresh legs and pressure, yet Dartford’s clinical edge and physical dominance sealed the win. The Whites’ spirited second-half display offered hope, but the damage was done in the first half.

In our previous encounter with Hastings, Dover delivered a professional 2-0 win at Hastings United, securing victory with first-half goals from Luke Baptiste and George Nikaj. Baptiste struck in the 14th minute after early dominance, while Nikaj added a superb team goal in the 29th. Despite Hastings improving after halftime and creating chances, Dover’s defence stayed resolute, with Gillmore making a vital save in the 77th minute. A frantic goalmouth scramble in the 79th was also repelled. Dover expertly managed the closing stages to preserve the clean sheet and three points.

From the Manager

“The boys are desperate to do well. As they have been all season.  No matter what happens we’ve had a really good season.  We’ve got to focus on what we need to do, which is obviously pick up a few more points to hopefully secure the playoff position.”

Hastings

In their last outing, Hastings United suffered a damaging defeat in their battle to avoid relegation, going down 1–0 to Canvey Island at the Steve’s Taxis Stadium. Despite a few promising moments—including a close-range header in the first half and a free-kick from Siya Ligenza that sailed over—Hastings failed to convert their chances. Goalkeeper Louis Rogers was kept busy, making several saves to keep his side in the game. However, a late strike in the 84th minute from Canvey substitute Finlay Dorrell proved decisive, leaving Hastings on the brink of relegation.

Hastings United sits in 20th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 32 points from 39 matches. Their season has been a struggle, with 8 wins, 8 draws, and 23 defeats. They have managed 4 wins at home and 4 away, alongside 4 home draws and 4 away draws. Defensively, they’ve been vulnerable, conceding 71 goals while scoring only 34, leaving them with a goal difference of -37.

Last 6

11/03 – Wingate & Finchley (H) – Lost 0-2
15/03 – Dartford (A) – Lost 0-2
22/03 – Chichester City (H) – Lost 0-2
25/03 – Canvey Island (H) – Drew 1-1
29/03 – Billericay Town (H) – Lost 1-5
05/04 – Bowers & Pitsea (A) – Won 2-0

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Hastings 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 head to league leaders Dartford in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a 4-2 victory over Hendon in an entertaining Isthmian Premier clash. An early own goal by Hendon keeper Matteo Salamon set the tone before Luke Baptiste headed in Dover’s second. Hendon pulled one back via Kofi Anokye-Boadi, but Baptiste struck again after the break and Ryan Hanson added a fourth. Hendon’s hopes faded further when Salamon went off injured, replaced in goal by an outfielder. Tope Fadahunsi grabbed a late consolation, but Dover’s dominance prevailed. Alfie Matthews shone with two assists, while Baptiste’s brace sealed a deserved win at the Megger Community Stadium.

In the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic 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.

From the Management

“Obviously, they’re right up there aren’t they, so it’s going to be a really difficult game. But, we’ve proven already this season that we can beat anyone. So we’re going to go there and be confident, our away form is fantastic. We’re not going to go there with any concerns. We do what we do and hopefully it’ll be enough to get some sort of result. But if not, we just move on to the next one.”

Dartford

Dartford ground out a crucial 1-0 win over Whitehawk to stay top of the Isthmian Premier League, thanks to a composed 62nd-minute finish from substitute Olly Box. On a bumpy pitch and under strong sun, the first half was scrappy and uneventful, with neither side troubling the goalkeepers. Dartford improved markedly after the break, creating a flurry of chances before Samir Carruthers set up Box for the decisive goal just minutes after both came off the bench. Despite injuries to Carruthers and Callum Jones, the Darts held firm, with Jacob Marsden securing his 15th clean sheet. Dartford’s gritty second-half display, led by a strong defensive effort proved enough to maintain their title charge.

Dartford sit at the top of the Isthmian Premier League table with 80 points from 38 matches. They’ve won 24 games, drawn 8, and lost 7. Their home record has been particularly strong, with 11 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses in 19 matches. Away from home, they’ve earned 13 wins, 3 draws, and 4 defeats across 20 fixtures. Dartford have scored 71 goals and conceded just 42, giving them a healthy +29 goal difference.

Last 6

08/03 – Lewes (A) – Lost 1-3
15/03 – Hastings United (H) – Won 2-0
22/03 – Bognor Regis Town (A) – Won 2-0
29/03 – Dulwich Hamlet (A) – Won 3-0
05/04 – Folkestone Invicta (H) – Drew 2-2
12/04 – Whitehawk (A) – Won 1-0

The Venue

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

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

Admission  

Adult – £15.00
Concession (65+) – £10.00
Youth (13-16) – £5
Junior (u12) – FREE – must be accompanied by an adult

Fans travelling to our game against Dartford on Friday 18 April will need to pre-purchase tickets on the following link:

https://dartfordfc-awayfans.ktckts.com/event/dar2425h20/dartford-v-dover-athletic