Dover Athletic suffered a frustrating afternoon in North London as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Wingate & Finchley, despite a spirited response to going down to ten men early in the second half.

Dover started brightly and nearly had the perfect opening when Ruben Soares-Junior collided with the Wingate goalkeeper in the second minute, allowing George Nikaj a chance at goal, only for his effort to be dramatically cleared off the line. The Whites dominated possession in the early stages, delivering dangerous balls into the box but struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. However, their promising start was undone in the 34th minute when Ryan Lowe unleashed a long-range strike into the far corner, giving the hosts the lead.

Dover responded well and went close just before the break, with a near-post header looping over the bar. Despite their efforts, they went into halftime trailing 1-0. Their task became significantly harder in the 53rd minute when Alfie Matthews was sent off after picking up a second yellow card, leaving the visitors with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, they continued to push forward, keeping possession well and searching for a way back into the match.

Their persistence paid off in the 66th minute when Luke Baptiste produced a stunning acrobatic volley to equalise, finishing superbly after an excellent cross from Roman Charles-Cook. The goal gave Dover renewed hope, and they looked capable of securing a result. However, disaster struck just nine minutes later when Charles-Cook inadvertently headed into his own net from a Wingate corner, handing the hosts a 2-1 lead.

Dover made attacking changes in an attempt to salvage something from the game, and they nearly snatched a point deep into stoppage time. Substitute Kweku-Conrad Lucan fired narrowly wide in the 97th minute, agonisingly close to an equaliser. The defeat marks back-to-back losses for the Whites, who will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Whitehawk.

Wingate & Finchley:

1 Matteo Salamon, 2 Rhamar Garrett-Douglas, 3 Toby Byron, 4 William Cracknell (C), 5 Ben Frempah, 6 Ben Watt, 7 Ore Bello, 8 Ryan Lowe, 9 Ogo Obi, 10 Jaiden Drakes-Thomas, 11 Camilo Restrepo, 12 Cain Keller, 14 Theo Alexandrou, 15 Loic Hernandez, 16 Andronicos Georgiou, 17 Zack Newton

Dover Athletic:

27 Jordan Gillmore, 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 3 Fuad Sesay, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 7 Luke Baptiste, 8 Alfie Matthews, 10 George Nikaj, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior, 24 Francis Mampolo, 16 Harrison Pont, 26 Jacob Mensah, 25 Charlie Naylor, 9 Eniye Amgbaduba, 15 Tamas Amgbaduba, 28 Kweku-Conrad Lucan, 23 George Wilkinson

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 270
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Samuel Olhausen
Venue: Maurice Rebak Stadium

Dover aim to bounce back and head to Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic suffered a frustrating 3-1 defeat to Carshalton Athletic despite dominating much of the game. Dover started brightly, with Francis Mampolo and George Nikaj going close early on. However, Carshalton struck first in the 42nd minute through David Smith. Dover missed a crucial penalty after halftime before Carshalton extended their lead with goals from Mason Saunders-Henry and Joshua Shonibare. Luke Baptiste grabbed a late consolation, but Dover’s wastefulness in front of goal proved costly. Despite controlling possession and creating chances, the Whites lacked the cutting edge to turn dominance into points.

In the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Wingate & Finchley in front of 827 fans. George Nikaj gave Dover an early lead with a brilliant curled finish in the 22nd minute, but Ayotani Tanimowo equalised ten minutes later after a defensive lapse. Nikaj nearly restored the lead, rattling the crossbar, but the first half ended level. Ogo Obi’s 60th-minute header put the visitors ahead, and despite late pressure, Dover couldn’t find an equaliser. Wingate & Finchley held firm through added time, leaving the Whites frustrated after a performance that deserved at least a point.

From the Manager

“Obviously, another full week of training. We’ve just got to keep the boys’ spirits high. They’ll be disappointed after Saturday’s result. But we can’t have a negative effect. Roll on to the next one. We’ve just got to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and start picking up some points.”

Wingate & Finchley

Our hosts fell 2-1 to Chichester City on Saturday, who secured their seventh consecutive win. The Blues started well, limiting chances with a solid defensive display, but Chichester struck first as Jimmy Wild headed home from a corner in the 12th minute. Ogo Obi equalised after capitalising on a defensive mistake, finishing neatly from a tight angle. However, Curtis Da Costa volleyed in just before halftime to restore Chichester’s lead. Despite late pressure and near-misses, the Blues couldn’t find an equaliser. A frustrating result, but a positive performance ahead of their clash with Dover Athletic next weekend.

Wingate & Finchley sits in 14th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 35 points from 28 matches. Their campaign has been mixed, recording 10 wins, 5 draws, and 13 losses. At home, they have secured 5 wins from 15 matches, while their away form has been similar, with 5 wins from 13 games. They have scored 51 goals but conceded 52, leaving them with a goal difference of -1.

Last 6

01/02 – Chichester City (A) – Lost 1-2
28/01 – Cray Wanderers (H) – Won 1-0
25/01 – Cheshunt (H) – Drew 3-3
18/01 – Dartford (H) – Lost 1-2
11/01 – Chatham Town (A) – Lost 1-3
28/12 – Folkestone Invicta (A) – Lost 2-3

The Venue

Wingate & Finchley FC, Summers Lane, London, N12 0PD

More information: https://www.wingatefinchley.com/visiting-fans-guide

Programmes (online) are free – available here

Supporting ID is required for concessions and carers otherwise full price admission will be charged.

​​Parking: 4 free Blue Badge spaces are available on the front forecourt. Car parking is also available in nearby residential streets. Please do not park in Finchley Rugby Club.

​Public transport: The nearest Underground station is West Finchley Station (Northern Line – High Barnet branch). The station is approx 20 minute walk away from the Stadium. Alternatively, you can get the tube to East Finchley Station and get a bus (options including 263) heading North towards Barnet. Get off at Leisure Way stop just past the Leisure Park with Hollywood Bowl, McDonalds etc.

​Cash and card are accepted at all sales points at the stadium.

Admission  

Adults – £12
Conc (OAP 65+, student, disabled) – £8
11-18 yrs: £5
Under 11: Free

NHS staff and carer of disabled: Free

It is with great disappointment that I have learned today that, despite all our efforts, a small number of spectators continue to behave in an unacceptable manner at both home and away games.

Moronic chanting, the use of vile language, and threats or intimidation towards fellow supporters are completely unacceptable, as is any form of physical aggression.

The club has made its stance on this issue very clear – I will not allow decent, long-term supporters to be driven away by the antisocial and idiotic actions of a handful of individuals.

This behaviour not only tarnishes the good name of the club but also discourages families and respectable fans from attending.

While this is a financial burden the club can ill afford, we will invest in increased security and enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy. If you engage in unacceptable behaviour, you will be ejected and issued with a lifetime ban.

Additionally, any individual excluded from the club will have their details provided to Kent Police and shared with all clubs, along with a recommendation to deny entry. If the offender is under 18, their parents will also be contacted.

If you are planning to attend a game with the intention of behaving in an antisocial manner, DON’T. We will take action.

Please come and support your team in a respectful and positive way. That is how we will succeed.

Jim Parmenter

Fancy watching the Whites take on Carshalton 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:

• Butler hosted lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game
• A three-course meal served at your table
• Reserved undercover premium padded seating
• Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water, plus a dedicated paid bar before and after the match
• Complimentary match day programme

The very special experience costs £29.95 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: 

Pate served with Melba Toast

Main:

Roast Beef, Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert:

New York Cheesecake served with Fruit Compote and 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

In this third part of a series of interviews, founding Dover Athletic chairman John Husk talks to Justin Allen about the managers from Chris Kinnear onwards he worked with. Also he discusses how the FA made an illegal approach for Peter Taylor to become England Under-21 boss before finally having to settle compensation with the club, why he sold star striker David Leworthy and how Bill Williams bought the good times back to Crabble. John also speaks about how the club was built by a collective effort of local businessmen who were all friends. Also incredibly the club used to attract the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Bobby Moore, Kevin Keegan, Denis Law, Jimmy Greaves, Jacky Charlton and others to star at sportsman’s evenings that raised the club money along with the successful Striker lottery. John has a fun story about how players and staff were woken up by screaming girls because of two huge TV stars.

Dover Athletic welcome Carshalton to The Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday night, Dover Athletic were denied victory by a stoppage-time equaliser as Lewes snatched a 1-1 draw at Crabble. Luke Baptiste put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot in the 26th minute, and Dover dominated, creating several chances. Soares-Junior struck the bar, Nikaj missed a golden opportunity, and Mampolo hit the post. Despite their control, Dover failed to convert their dominance into a second goal. Lewes applied late pressure and, against the run of play, Jack Meeres bundled home an equaliser in the 92nd minute. A frustrating night for Dover, who rued missed chances and dropped two crucial points.

In our previous encounter with Carshalton this season Dover secured a dramatic 1-1 draw at Carshalton Athletic with a stunning 92nd-minute overhead kick from Luke Baptiste. The visitors started brightly, with Nikaj heading just over early on. Carshalton settled and took the lead in the 54th minute when Tommy Bradford’s half-volley struck the crossbar and went in. Dover pushed for an equaliser, with Amgbaduba and Charles-Cook both going close, but Carshalton’s Foley made key saves. Just as the hosts looked set for victory, a long throw-in led to Baptiste’s acrobatic finish, earning Dover a well-deserved point in dramatic fashion.

From the Manager

“Again, Carshalton are very similar to Lewes, they play that particular brand of football. The defenders will have a lot of the ball and they can frustrate you. I think this game will be very similar to how it was on Tuesday and hopefully we can secure the full three points.”

Carshalton

On Saturday, Carshalton Athletic secured a 2-1 victory over Hastings United at Colston Avenue, thanks to a stunning late strike from Nathan Paul-Lavaly. David Smith opened the scoring just before halftime, netting his 14th goal of the season. The Robins controlled much of the second half, but Hastings equalised through Davide Rodari. Undeterred, Carshalton pushed forward, and in the final moments, Paul-Lavaly rifled home the winner. The victory extended their winning streak to four matches, lifting them to eighth in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Carshalton Athletic sits in 8th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 42 points from 28 matches. Their campaign has been fairly competitive, recording 11 wins, 9 draws, and 8 losses. At home, they have been solid, winning 7 of their 15 matches, while their away form has been more inconsistent, with 4 wins from 13 games. They have scored 39 goals and conceded 32, giving them a goal difference of +7.

Last 6

27/01 – Hastings United (H) – Won 2-1
25/01 – Hashtag United (H) – Won 1-0
18/01 – Hendon (A) – Won 3-0
13/01 – Whitehawk (H) – Drew 2-2
04/01 – Horsham (A) – Lost 0-3
01/01 – Cray Valley PM (H) – Lost 1-2

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Carshalton 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 were left frustrated as a last-gasp equaliser from Lewes denied them a deserved three points at Crabble. The Whites had led from the 26th minute thanks to Luke Baptiste’s confident penalty, but despite controlling large parts of the game and creating numerous chances, they were punished for their profligacy in front of goal when Jack Meeres struck deep into stoppage time.

Dover started brightly, immediately forcing a corner in the fourth minute and looking to assert themselves early. However, it was Lewes who had the first real sight of goal, firing into the side netting a minute later. The game then settled into a cagey affair with little to separate the sides, but Dover were handed a golden opportunity midway through the first half when they won a penalty. A foul in the box saw Lewes’ keeper Toby Bull booked for a foul on Soares-Junior before Baptiste stepped up to convert from the spot for the second consecutive match, sending the Crabble faithful into celebration.

The hosts continued to threaten, with Luca Cocoracchio coming close to doubling the lead in the 31st minute, heading just over from an Alfie Matthews corner. Tolu Ladapo was then booked for the visitors as Dover held their advantage going into the break, having restricted Lewes to very little in terms of clear-cut chances.

The second half saw Dover start strongly once more, and they were inches away from doubling their lead in the 50th minute when Ruben Soares-Junior rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike from a tight angle. The momentum was firmly with the home side, and they came close again when Soares-Junior turned provider, setting up George Nikaj for what looked like a certain goal, only for the forward to fire wide. The Whites continued to push forward, with Baptiste and Francis Mampolo both seeing efforts narrowly miss the target, the latter striking the post from another tight angle in the 70th minute.

Despite Dover’s dominance, Lewes gradually grew into the contest as the game entered its final stages. They forced a dangerous corner in the 74th minute and began to apply late pressure. Dover still had chances to put the game to bed, with Nikaj breaking through on goal in the 76th minute, but he was denied by an excellent save from Bull. The home side looked to have weathered the storm and managed the game well heading into stoppage time, but disaster struck in the 92nd minute. A Lewes corner caused havoc in the Dover box, and Meeres reacted quickest to snatch a heartbreaking equaliser for the visitors.

It was a gut-wrenching conclusion for Dover, who had done enough to secure all three points but ultimately paid the price for not taking their chances. Despite a strong performance, the Whites were left to rue their missed opportunities, with two valuable points slipping through their fingers at the death.

Dover Athletic: 27. Jordan Gillmore, 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 3. Fuad Sesay, 26. Jacob Mensah, 6. Luca Cocoracchio, 7. Luke Baptiste, 8. Alfie Matthews, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior, 16. Harrison Pont, 24. Francis Mampolo SUBS: 25. Charlie Naylor, , 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 23. George Wilkinson.

Lewes: 1. Toby Bull, 14. Shae Hutchinson, 3. Peter Ojemen, 4. Matt Warren, 5. Jack Meeres, 6. Marcus Sablier, 7. Danny Bassett (C), 8. Hamilton Antonio, 11. Tolu Ladapo, 15. Alfie Allen, 19. Josh Spinks SUBS: 18. Ethan Kaiser, 2. Izzy Jones, 12. Christo Nano, 10. Lewis Finney, 17. Calvin Ekpiteta.

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 722
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Michael Butcher
Venue: Crabble Athletic Ground

Dover Athletic welcome Lewes to The Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic claimed a vital 2–1 victory over Bognor Regis Town in the Isthmian League. Tommy-Lee Higgs opened the scoring for the hosts in the 12th minute, but Ruben Soares-Junior equalized for Dover with a header in the 35th. The second half saw chances for both sides, but Dover found the winner late on. Francis Mampolo won a penalty in the 87th minute, which Luke Baptiste coolly converted. Jordan Gillmore made key saves to keep Dover in the game, while Soares-Junior and Baptiste shone in attack.

In our previous encounter with Lewes this season Dover secured a 3-1 victory at the Dripping Pan. George Nikaj opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a precise header from Ruben Soares-Junior’s cross. Soares-Junior doubled the lead minutes later, and Luke Baptiste’s penalty made it 3-0 before halftime. Lewes responded in the second half with Danny Bassett scoring in the 60th minute, but Dover’s defence, led by key saves from Walker, held firm.

From the Manager

“It’ll be another similar sort of game game to Bognor, with the brand of football they play. Obviously, we had a fantastic performance and result down there, but Lewes are not an easy side to play against. We definitely need to start a lot better if we’re going to pick up another result.”

Lewes

On Saturday, Lewes salvaged a point in dramatic fashion with a last-gasp equaliser from Danny Bassett in the 94th minute, drawing 1–1 with Bowers & Pitsea at The Dripping Pan. After a goalless first half, Luke Reeve gave the visitors the lead in the 57th minute. Lewes pressed for an equaliser, making several attacking substitutions, but struggled to break through a resilient Bowers & Pitsea defence. Deep into stoppage time, Bassett, the captain, rescued a point for the hosts in front of 561 fans at The Dripping Pan.

Lewes have 8 wins, 10 draws, and 8 losses across 26 games, placing them 13th with 34 points. They have shown a balanced record at home and away, scoring 34 goals but conceding 37. Lewes began the season strongly, with key victories against teams like Chatham Town (2-0) and Bognor Regis Town (4-1), but they’ve struggled to maintain form.

Last 6

25/01 – Bowers & Pitsea (H) – Drew 1-1
21/01 – Whitehawk (A) – Lost 1-2
18/01 – Horsham (H) – Lost 0-2
04/01 – Cheshunt (H) – Drew 2-2
28/12 – Hashtag United (A) – Lost 1-2
26/12 – Folkestone Invicta (H) – Drew 0-0

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Lewes 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.

Jake Leberl catches up with DAFCtv for a natter about the past month of games.

He tells Justin Allen that he has been pleased with some of the performances even though the form has dipped a little.

Jake also reflects on a difficult afternoon at Hashtag, marred by a small minority of spectators after our away defeat of the season in January.

He also talks about the upcoming games and expectations.

Dover aim to bounce back and head to Bognor Regis in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Hashtag United in a hard-fought Isthmian League clash at Parkside. After a goalless first half, Hashtag struck twice early in the second period. Misha Djemaili converted a penalty after Josh Osude was fouled, and Osude doubled the lead following a defensive error. Dover dominated large spells and hit the bar twice but struggled to convert chances. George Wilkinson’s stoppage-time goal gave the visitors hope, but their late surge wasn’t enough to salvage a point.

In the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bognor Regis Town at the Megger Community Stadium, with George Nikaj’s 77th-minute goal proving decisive. The evenly contested match saw both sides create chances but struggle to convert, with Nikaj denied in the first half and rattling the bar early in the second. Dover’s breakthrough came when Nikaj’s cross slipped through Bognor’s defense and found the net. Bognor pressed late, forcing Dover to defend resolutely against a flurry of corners and a dangerous free kick. The Whites held firm to claim three points

From the Manager

“The players are really disappointed after Saturday. They’re disappointed in themselves because they know that the two goals we let in are goals that we haven’t conceded all season, silly mistakes. They’re going to be desperate to bounce back against Bognor”

Bognor Regis Town

Our hosts remain bottom of the table after a 4-0 loss against Cray Valley PM. Defensive frailties resurfaced early, as goals from former Dover man Kurtis Cumberbatch and Tom Beere in the first 11 minutes left the visitors facing an uphill battle. Despite spells of possession and fine saves from Harrison Chamberlain denying Jasper Mather, the Rocks couldn’t find a breakthrough. Kenny Aileru and Adam Coombes added second-half goals to seal the defeat. Co-managers Michael Birmingham and Jamie Howell lamented costly naivety and a lack of pride. Bognor face Hashtag United on Tuesday night.

Bognor Regis Town sits in 22nd place in the Isthmian Premier League with 16 points from 25 matches. Their campaign has been a struggle, recording 4 wins, 4 draws, and 17 losses. At home, they have managed 2 wins from 12 matches, while their away form is similarly poor, with just 2 wins in 13 games. They have scored 29 goals but conceded 64, leaving them with a goal difference of -35.

Last 6

16/01 – Cray Valley PM (A) – Lost 0-4
04/01 – Dulwich Hamlet (A) – Lost 3-4
01/01 – Chichester City (H) – Lost 1-4
28/12 – Hastings United (H) – Lost 0-1
26/12 – Horsham (A) – Lost 1-2
21/12 – Potters Bar Town (A) – Drew 1-1

The Venue

MKM Arena Nyewood Lane Bognor Regis West Sussex PO21 2TY

Admission  

Adults: £12
Under-18: £6

An additional £1 is charged to access seating area situated in the main stand.