Dover Athletic return to National League South action on Saturday afternoon as they make the trip to Wiltshire to face Salisbury FC at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. The Whites will be looking to continue their recent positive run following last weekend’s memorable 3-2 FA Cup victory over Dorking Wanderers, which secured a place in the First Round Proper for the first time since 2019. Salisbury also head into the fixture in good form, having enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign and secured their own place in the FA Cup First Round following a 3-0 victory over Eastbourne Borough. With both sides carrying momentum into the weekend, an entertaining encounter awaits as Jake Leberl’s side look to strengthen their position in the National League South table. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Dover Athletic
A much-changed Dover Athletic side exited the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday evening following a 3-1 defeat to Folkestone Invicta at the Alcaline Stadium. Jake Leberl used the fixture to hand opportunities to several academy players, trialists and fringe squad members, with none of Dover’s regular league starters involved. George Wilkinson captained the Whites, while Rolando Onu continued his return from injury. The hosts, who named a more experienced side, threatened early on, but young goalkeeper Lewis Bartlett produced an excellent double save to deny Alejandro Machado and Freddie Francis. Francis eventually broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, weaving through the Dover defence before finding the bottom corner. John Akinde doubled Folkestone’s advantage on 35 minutes, before Pierre Ikong added a third seven minutes later. Sonny Fish pulled a goal back for Dover just before half-time, reducing the deficit to 3-1 at the break. The second half saw further opportunities for Dover’s academy players, with Jack Edwards, Kyllian Kimbembe, Jude Leberl, Taylor Gidalla and Sonny Jemmett all introduced from the bench. Despite the defeat, the evening provided valuable senior experience for the club’s emerging youngsters, with attention now returning to National League South action against Salisbury.
From the Management
“We’re on a great run in the league, but we’ve got some really difficult games coming up. Salisbury are absolutely flying, and then we’ve got Chelmsford at home. We can’t get carried away with the cup success. We need to keep putting in the effort, fight and desire to win games of football.”
Salisbury
Salisbury FC made history by reaching the Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper for the first time since the club’s reformation, following a 3-0 victory over Eastbourne Borough. Brian Dutton’s side produced an impressive second-half display to overcome opponents who arrived on the back of nine consecutive victories. A closely contested first half saw few clear opportunities, with neither side able to break the deadlock before the interval. Eastbourne came closest to opening the scoring shortly after the restart, but Salisbury goalkeeper Will Henry produced an excellent fingertip save to keep out a close-range header. The hosts made the breakthrough in the 62nd minute when substitute Josh Hedges curled an effort towards goal, with the goalkeeper unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line. Just three minutes later, Ollie Morgan doubled Salisbury’s advantage. Collecting a long pass from Dominic Revan, Morgan cut inside onto his left foot before firing into the top corner. Another substitute, Jeremy Sivi, completed the scoring in the 73rd minute, heading home a Caine Bradbury corner at the near post. Hedges came close to adding a fourth late on, but Salisbury comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure a memorable victory and continue their historic FA Cup run.
Salisbury have enjoyed an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign, establishing themselves among the National League South promotion contenders under manager Brian Dutton. The Whites currently occupy third place, having collected 21 points from their opening 11 league fixtures, with six wins, three draws and two defeats. Their record of 20 goals scored and just eight conceded highlights their effectiveness at both ends of the pitch. thefishy.uk +1 Recent results have included victories over Truro City, Folkestone Invicta and Farnham Town, with Salisbury coming from behind to secure a 2-1 win against the latter. Josh Hedges equalised before setting up Nathan Odokonyero for the winner. Salisbury Football Club +1 Hedges has been an influential figure in Salisbury’s attacking play, while Odokonyero and Robbie Gallagher have also made important contributions. Goalkeeper Will Henry has provided a reliable presence between the posts. Their strong league form has been accompanied by a historic Emirates FA Cup run. Victories over Taunton Town, Dulwich Hamlet and Eastbourne Borough have taken Salisbury into the First Round Proper for the first time since the club’s reformation. The 3-0 victory over Eastbourne, featuring goals from Hedges, Ollie Morgan and Jeremy Sivi, extended an encouraging run for Dutton’s side.
Last Time
Dover Athletic suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Salisbury in their last meeting, despite a spirited performance at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. Following a ten-minute delay to kick-off, Jake Leberl’s side started positively and almost took an early lead when Decarrey Sheriff’s powerful header was saved by Will Buse, before Josh Sommerton cleared the rebound off the line. Salisbury broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Dominic Revan and Sommerton combined to release Tommy Willard, who finished beyond Mitch Walker. Dover responded six minutes later. A quickly taken free-kick released Sheriff through the home defence, and the forward calmly slotted into the bottom corner to restore parity. However, the hosts regained their advantage in first-half stoppage time when Max Jolliffe converted from a corner to make it 2-1. The Whites emerged after the interval determined to find another equaliser. George Nikaj fired over following a defensive mistake, while dangerous deliveries from the visitors continued to trouble Salisbury. As the second half progressed, Salisbury enjoyed greater possession, although Dover continued to threaten from set-pieces. Despite late pressure and several corners, the Whites were unable to find a second equaliser as Salisbury held on to claim all three points.
The Venue
Salisbury FC play their home matches at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium, commonly known as the Ray Mac, located in Old Sarum, approximately three miles from Salisbury city centre.
Raymond McEnhill Stadium, Partridge Way, Old Sarum, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 6PU
Ticket Information
Tickets for Saturday’s National League South fixture against Salisbury FC at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium are available to purchase online.
Supporters can choose between standing and seated admission, with discounted prices available when purchasing in advance.
Ticket Prices
| Category | Standing | Seated |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £17 | £19 |
| Concession | £13 | £15 |
| Under 18 | £7 | £9 |
| Under 5 | Free | Free |
Prices shown are for advance online purchases. Matchday admission costs an additional £1 for adults and concessions, with junior prices remaining unchanged.
Dover supporters should select the designated away sections when booking.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
We look forward to seeing the travelling Whites supporting the team in Salisbury.
