Dover Athletic moved to the summit of the Isthmian Premier Division after a thrilling 4-2 win over Hashtag United at the Megger Community Stadium in front of their largest crowd since 2017. The Whites delivered a commanding performance with goals from Alfie Matthews, Harrison Pont, Luke Baptiste, and the leagues top scorer George Nikaj.

The game couldn’t have started better for Dover, as Alfie Matthews struck early in the 3rd minute. His composed finish from the edge of the box, following a clever link-up between Dover’s forwards, sent the home crowd into raptures. Hashtag United responded well and found an equaliser in the 19th minute through Sakariya Hassan, who slotted home a cool finish after a smart through ball from Darren Foxley.

Undeterred, Dover regained control in the 30th minute when Harrison Pont scored a stunning long-range strike, putting the Whites back in front. Dover continued to apply pressure, and their persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time as Luke Baptiste added a third, tapping in from close range after great work from Nikaj.

The second half saw Hashtag United threaten, but Dover’s defense and goalkeeper Mitch Walker held firm. As the game approached its final stages, Dover sealed the victory with a moment of brilliance from George Nikaj in the 85th minute. His long-range effort crashed in off the crossbar, a goal that could easily be a contender for goal of the season.

Despite a late consolation from Hashtag’s Max Cornhill deep into stoppage time, Dover celebrated a well-deserved 4-2 victory, maintaining their excellent run of form and solidifying their place at the top of the table.

With an attendance of 2,732, Dover’s biggest home crowd in over six years, the atmosphere at Crabble was electric as the home side delivered an unforgettable performance on what was an incredibly successful Community Day. Dover now turns their attention to the FA Trophy, where they will face Sittingbourne next weekend.

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 2,732
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Simon Cutler

Dover Athletic: Walker, Charles-Cook, Sesay, Tennent, Cocoracchio (Gyebi 90mins), Baptiste, (E.Amgbaduba 69mins) Matthews, Nikaj (Mampolo 88mins), Soares-Junior, Pont (T.Amgbaduba 88mins), Wilkinson (Young 85mins).

Hashtag United: Giddens, Smith, Olukoga, Haysom, Hassan (Rusoke 88mins), Day (Carvalho 65mins), Christou (Cornhill 40mins), Aromolaran, Anderson (Restrepo 76mins), Gordon, Foxley. Sub not used: Wooldridge.

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/7a1PoUVvCys

JEREMIAH GYEBI is on a crusade to help non-league footballers with their mental health.

The Dover Athletic defender — who has received backing from Ipswich’s Sam Morsy and his pals Reiss Nelson and Jadon Sancho —sat down with Justin Allen for a far-ranging interview.

In the full 30-minute chat which can be viewed on our DAFCtv YouTube channel, he speaks about how he fell out of love with the game while at Dulwich Hamlet and about the pitfalls players can suffer after dropping out of professional clubs and into no-league.

And he also talks about his career which included playing for a club in Slovenia where he revealed he even had to reject a bung after being asked to deliberately receive a yellow card for betting purposes.

In a fascinating insightful interview, Jeremiah also tells Justin about his friendships with both Nelson and Sancho which goes back to childhood – as well as how he helps refugee children in his job at a London school.

And despite not playing as many minutes as he would have liked so far, he says he has full respect for boss Jake Leberl and assistant Mike Sandmann — praising their honesty and transparency as to why he is not currently in the starting XI.

Get ready for an unforgettable day at the Megger Community Stadium this Saturday as we host our first Community Day of the season! We’re excited to welcome Hashtag United for what’s set to be a thrilling match in the Isthmian Premier Division and an all-around amazing day for families, fans, and the whole Dover community.

This Saturday, we’re not just about football, here’s what else you can expect:

Kids can get into the spirit with face painting and meet our beloved mascot, Captain Crab, who’ll be there to bring a smile to every young fan’s face. We’ve prepared special giveaway bags for children, packed with fun surprises to make the day even more memorable. Kent musician Taylor Clark will be performing live in The Centre Spot from 1 pm and is sure to set the perfect pre-match atmosphere. So, come early, grab a drink, and enjoy some great music!

With 1,000 tickets handed out to local schools and community groups, we’re thrilled to welcome so many young fans and families to the stadium. This is a perfect chance for new supporters to experience the thrill of live football, cheer on the team, and become a part of the Dover Athletic family.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, there’s no better day to join us at Crabble. Let’s make this Community Day one to remember – bring your friends, your family, and your loudest cheers as we come together to support Dover Athletic and enjoy an amazing day of fun and football.

Dover Athletic

Last Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a solid 2-0 victory over Whitehawk, marking their third consecutive clean sheet. Despite a goalless first half, Dover controlled play, with a penalty shout denied and close chances from Soares-Junior and Sesay. Luke Baptiste broke the deadlock in the 68th minute with a powerful volley, energising Dover’s attack. Whitehawk nearly equalised, hitting the crossbar, but George Nikaj sealed the win in the 84th minute with a close-range header. Dover maintained their defensive composure and saw out the win in Brighton.

Whites sit second in the Isthmian Premier Division table, one point off leaders Lewes.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“I’m really looking forward to Saturday. Obviously, it’s the Community Day. Coming off the back of last Saturday’s win at Whitehawk, I hope there’ll be a big crowd. I know Vikki has been working hard behind the scenes getting in the schools and issuing tickets. Hopefully it’ll be a nice afternoon, good weather, and we can continue our good run.”

Hashtag United

On Saturday, A crowd of 1,111 saw Folkestone Invicta pegged back by Hashtag United at Cheriton Road after defender Marvel Ekpiteta was sent off. Khale Da Costa had given Folkestone a 12th-minute lead but Ekpiteta saw red for two yellows on 66 minutes and Harrison Day equalised just seven minutes later.

Founded by YouTuber Spencer Carmichael-Brown in 2016, Hashtag United began as a group of friends playing a charity match. They gained popularity through exhibition games across multiple countries, including a series of creator and non-league matchups. In 2017, they launched the Hashtag Academy, producing talents like Scott Pollock, who later joined Northampton Town. Following success in YouTube’s Wembley Cups, Hashtag entered the National League Pyramid in 2018/19, earning promotion to the Isthmian League. Despite pandemic disruptions, they climbed leagues, achieving a 21-game win streak in 2022/23. A first season in the Isthmian Premier Division in 2023/24 saw Hashtag finish in 13th place.

Now in their second season in the Isthmian League Premier Division, Hashtag find themselves 15th with 10 points from 9 matches. Hashtag have won 3 of their 9 league fixtures so far, with 2 of those coming away from home at Canvey Island & Cheshunt.

Last 6

07/09 – Hastings United (H) – Won 4-0
14/09 – Hornchurch (A) – Lost 2-1 (FA Cup)
21/09 – Cheshunt (A) – Won 4-3
01/10 – Carshalton Athletic (H) – Lost 1-0
05/10 – Hitchin Town (H) – Won 1-0 (FA Trophy)
12/10 – Folkestone Invicta (A) – Draw 1-1

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Hashtag 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 claimed a strong 2-0 victory over Whitehawk at The Enclosed Ground, continuing their defensive solidity with a third straight clean sheet in the Isthmian League Premier Division. From the outset, Dover looked to control the game, showing an attacking intent that kept Whitehawk pinned back for much of the match.

The first half saw Dover create several promising opportunities, with Soares-Junior and Sesay coming close but unable to break the deadlock. A big penalty shout in the 39th minute went unanswered after Sesay was brought down in the box, and despite Matthews’ dangerous free kick just before halftime, the sides went in level at 0-0.

Dover’s persistence paid off in the second half, as they ramped up the pressure with a series of corners and close calls. In the 68th minute, Luke Baptiste finally found the breakthrough, unleashing a powerful volley that gave Dover the lead. The goal galvanized Dover, who continued to press Whitehawk and limit their chances.

Whitehawk came close in the 79th minute, hitting the crossbar with a long-range effort, but Dover responded almost immediately. Just five minutes later, George Nikaj sealed the victory, heading in from close range to make it 2-0 with his 11th goal of the season. Soares-Junior nearly added a third, taking it around the goalkeeper only to see the keeper recover just in time to deny him.

Dover saw out the final minutes with composure, keeping Whitehawk at bay to secure a well-earned win. With 498 fans in attendance, Dover’s disciplined performance highlighted their growing momentum as they continue to move up the league standings, blending attacking prowess with defensive strength.

Whitehawk 0 – 2 Dover Athletic
Luke BAPTISTE (68′)
George NIKAJ (84′)

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 498
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Thomas Berry
Venue: The Enclosed Ground

Whitehawk: 1 Max Foulkes, 2 Will Seager, 3 Oscar Borg, 4 Emmanuel Mensah, 5 Connor Cody, 6 Henry Hawkins, 7 Greg Luer, 8 George Taggart, 9 Charlie Walker (C), 10 Kai Jennings, 11 Chris Whelpdale SUBS: 12 Jerry O’Sullivan, 14 Tarik Moore-Azille, 15 Charlie Lambert, 16 Tyrese Sutherland, 17 Gianluca Botti

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, 18 Henry YOUNG, 15 Tamas AMGBADUBA, 24 Francis MAMPOLO

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/876JwdrkwwA

Jake Leberl talks to Justin Allen about the 1-0 win over Bognor, new signings, the FA Trophy draw and his thoughts ahead of travelling to Whitehawk.

Whites are back on the road against Whitehawk:

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday, Dover Athletic clinched a 1-0 victory over Bognor Regis Town in a tightly contested Isthmian League match at the Megger Community Stadium. Both teams had early chances, with Bognor threatening first and Dover hitting the crossbar in the second half. George Nikaj finally broke the deadlock in the 77th minute, capitalising on a goalkeeper error to score the match’s only goal. Bognor pushed for an equaliser in the closing minutes, but Dover’s defense held strong, sealing the win. This hard-earned result gives Dover a crucial three points in their league campaign.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“Whitehawk is an extremely difficult place to go. It’s normally a game of two halves with the hill at their place. If we show the same spirit as we did tonight, that stands us in good stead. But obviously our quality on Tuesday was lacking if I’m brutally honest. This club has struggled to win games of football for so long so sometimes you’ve just got to take nights like Tuesday. Which ultimately is three points and keeps us in momentum and obviously it’s nice to get back to back clean sheets, hopefully we can repeat that on Saturday.”

Whitehawk

Whitehawk’s season so far has included 4 wins and 6 losses across 10 matches in all competitions. They have tallied 14 goals, led by standout players like Gianluca Botti, with 4 goals, and Charlie Walker, who has scored 3, including a penalty. Their best result has come in the Sussex Cup, a 3-1 victory against Broadbridge Heath. Whitehawk have faced early exits including a tough 3-0 defeat to Hendon in the FA Cup and a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Potters Bar in their FA Trophy match.

The Venue

More information on getting to Whitehawk’s ground can be found here: https://whitehawkfc.com/how-to-find-us/

TerraPura Ground, East Brighton Park, Wilson Avenue, Brighton BN2 5TS

Admission  

Advanced tickets can be purchased here: https://whitehawkfc.ktckts.com/event/whk2425h05/whitehawk-v-dover-athletic

Adult £13 (£12 in advance)
OAPs/students/NHS £8 (£7 in advance)

U18s £5 (£4 in advance)
Under 13s free (must be accompanied by a paying adult)
Dogs welcome (must be on a lead at all times

Programme

The official match day programme is £2.50

Dover Athletic edged past Bognor Regis Town with a hard-fought 1-0 victory under the lights at the Megger Community Stadium. George Nikaj’s late goal in the 77th minute proved decisive in an evenly contested match that saw both sides creating chances but struggling to find the back of the net.

The game began with Bognor on the front foot as they nearly capitalised on a couple of early chances. Dover gradually found their rhythm, coming close in the 18th minute with a corner, although the final effort went wide. Nikaj, a persistent threat throughout, had his first significant chance in the 24th minute, only to be denied by Bognor’s goalkeeper. Despite several efforts, both sides went into the break goalless after an evenly balanced half.

Dover emerged from the break with more intensity, and within minutes, Nikaj rattled the crossbar after a superb link-up play in the 49th minute, signaling the Whites’ intent. Bognor, however, continued to show resilience as they looked to unlock the Dover defense.

As the clock ticked on, the game’s defining moment arrived in the 77th minute. Nikaj delivered a cross that slipped through Bognor’s defense, eventually spilling into the net to give Dover the lead. Bognor responded with an attacking surge, pushing Dover’s defense to the limit in the final moments, including a flurry of corners and a dangerous free kick in the 90th minute, which the Dover defense skillfully defused.

Dover held firm to secure a 1-0 victory, defending tenaciously as Bognor piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser. Referee Jake Woodman had his work cut out with multiple cautions in a physical second half, but Dover managed to secure all three points, thanks to Nikaj’s decisive goal. This win takes the Whites up to third place before heading to Whitehawk on Saturday.

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 696
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Jake Woodman
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

Dover Athletic 1 – 0 Bognor Regis Town
George NIKAJ (77′)

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, 22 Kieran MONLOUIS, 15 Tamas AMGBADUBA, 24 Francis MAMPOLO

Bognor Regis Town: 1 Ryan Hall, 2 Calvin Davies (C), 3 Rocco Gamblin, 4 Toby Kingswell, 5 Spencer Spurway, 6 Tyler Edmondson, 7 Haydon Vaughan, 8 Matt Burgess, 9 Dan Gifford, 10 Tommy-Lee Higgs, 11 Jasper Mather SUBS: 12 Callum Barlow, 14 Harry Clout, 15 Preston Woolston, 16 Mason Vince, 17 Tommy Block

Dover are at home again and back in league action against Bognor Regis Town.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a 3-0 victory over Cheshunt in the Isuzu FA Trophy third qualifying round at the Megger Community Stadium. After a goalless first half, Dover took control in the second period. The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Cheshunt’s Remi Sutton scored an own goal, followed by Ruben Soares-Junior’s long-range effort in the 64th minute. Luke Baptiste sealed the win five minutes later with a close-range finish from Soares-Junior’s cross. Cheshunt’s Raul Da Silva was sent off in the 72nd minute, and Dover comfortably saw out the game to advance to the next round.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Management team

“We need to take this performance into Tuesday. Tuesday’s also going to be a different game, Bognor play a different style compared to what today was, but we’re back on track after today and we need to push on to Tuesday and get back to where we were”

Bognor Regis

Bognor Regis Town began their season with a 1-0 loss to Lewes on August 13 in the Isthmian League Premier Division. This was followed by a 2-2 draw against Hastings United on August 17 and another 2-2 draw against Hendon on August 24. On August 26, they lost 2-1 to Chichester City. In the FA Cup on August 31, Bognor defeated Aylesbury Vale Dynamos 3-0.

Their next league match on September 7 saw a 2-1 victory over Wingate & Finchley. However, Bognor was knocked out of the FA Cup after a 4-0 defeat to Margate on September 14. They secured a 3-1 win against Cray Wanderers in the league on September 21 but then suffered a 4-0 loss to Billericay Town on September 28.

On October 1, Bognor bounced back in the Sussex Transport Senior Cup, beating Steyning Town Community 6-1. On Saturday, they were beaten 2-1 by Sittingbourne in the FA Trophy

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Bognor 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.

We are delighted to announce the signing of forward Francis Mampolo.

Francis is a product of the Elite Coaching Academy and made Under-23 appearances at Newcastle United and Swansea City. He subsequently has had time at Sutton Common Rovers and Westfield before spending a season at Biggleswade Town of the Southern League Division One Central.

Francis joined Jay Saunders’ Tonbridge Angels side in October 2023 and has since made 24 appearances for The Angels in the National League South, as well as short spells on loan at Margate, Folkestone Invicta and Chatham Town.

The 21-year old forward, who can play anywhere across front three, adds solid strength in depth to our attacking line.

Welcome to Crabble, Francis.