Category: Club News

Up Next – Billericay Town vs Dover Athletic

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

Report – Chichester City 1-3 Dover Athletic

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


    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

      Club Statement: Frank Clarke to Step Down

      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 85th 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 Interview

      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.

      Up Next – Chichester City vs Dover Athletic

      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

      Jake Leberl: End of Season Message

      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

      Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Hastings United

      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.

      Up Next – Dartford vs Dover Athletic

      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

      Report – Dover Athletic 4-2 Hendon

      Dover Athletic continued their winning form with a comprehensive 4-2 win over Hendon at the Megger Community Stadium, with Luke Baptiste’s brace and a commanding team performance ensuring all three points in front of 720 supporters.

      The game sparked into life almost immediately. Just three minutes in, a mix-up in Hendon’s defence handed Dover the opener. Under pressure from George Nikaj, goalkeeper Matteo Salamon mishandled a loose back header and took the ball over the line in his grasp. Despite Hendon’s protests for a foul, referee Edward Smith awarded the goal—an own goal credited to Salamon.

      Dover maintained their momentum, with Ruben Soares-Junior nearly adding a second in the 10th minute with a clever chipped attempt. It was no surprise when the Whites doubled their advantage in the 15th minute. Alfie Matthews delivered a pinpoint free-kick from a dangerous area, and Luke Baptiste rose highest to power home a header, making it 2-0.

      While Hendon began to see more of the ball as the half wore on, Dover’s counterattacks continued to pose a threat. Hendon’s best first-half chance fell to Tope Fadahunsi on the half-hour mark, but he failed to capitalise on a cross from Stefan Ilic.

      The visitors found a lifeline two minutes before the break. A corner from the right found Kofi Anokye-Boadi at the back post, who nodded past Jordan Gillmore to make it 2-1 and give Hendon hope heading into the interval.

      Any doubts about Dover’s grip on the game were dispelled early in the second half. Baptiste struck again in the 50th minute, this time finishing off a slick passing move with Matthews once again the provider. The through ball was perfectly timed, and Baptiste calmly slotted into the bottom corner for 3-1.

      Seven minutes later, it was 4-1. Baptiste turned provider as he broke through the Hendon back line and squared unselfishly for Ryan Hanson to tap in from close range. Hanson slid in to connect with the cross, giving Dover a deserved cushion.

      The hour mark saw a flurry of substitutions from both sides. Dover freshened up their side with Mampolo, Lucan, and both Amgbadubas entering the fray, while Hendon responded with changes of their own.

      Despite Dover’s control, Hendon showed some fight late on. Gillmore had to be alert in the 64th minute to deny Rohdell Gordon with a smart save, and the rebound was thankfully cleared.

      Drama unfolded in the 77th minute when Salamon, Hendon’s goalkeeper, was forced off injured after earlier treatment. With no backup keeper named, outfield player Nikolai donned the gloves for the remainder of the match. Despite the emergency, Nikolai made a sensational double save in added time to deny Dover a fifth goal.

      Hendon did pull one back in the 88th minute as Fadahunsi bundled home a scrappy effort from a corner, but it was nothing more than a consolation as Dover saw out the remaining minutes with composure.

      Attention turns to a big Kent Derby on Good Friday against top of the table Dartford.

      Isthmian League – Premier Division
      Attendance: 720
      Kick-off: 3pm
      Referee: Edward Smith
      Venue: Megger Community Stadium

      Dover Athletic:

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

      Hendon:

      1 Matteo Salamon, 2 Isaac Currie, 3 Stefan Ilic, 14 Nathan Opoku, 5 Alkeo Bani, 6 J’Ardell Stirling, 7 Rohdell Gordon, 8 Lonit Talla, 9 Tope Fadahunsi, 10 Niko Muir, 11 Kofi Anokye-Boadi SUBS: 15 Nikolai Krokhin, 4 Keagan Cole, 12 Joseph Halsey, 16 Leo Sery, 17 Kombe Kawimbe

      Remembering Paul Sykes

      It’s 20 years today since former Whites player Paul Sykes tragically passed away whilst playing for Folkestone Invicta, at the age of just 28.

      Paul, who also played for Margate, Gillingham and Dartford during his career, collapsed after half an hour during Folkestone’s Kent Senior Cup semi-final against Margate on the 12th April 2004.

      Paul’s family have organised a Memorial Fundraiser for the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) charity this weekend with signed Dover Athletic, Folkestone Invicta and Margate shirts available for auction.

      On the anniversary of his passing, Dover Manager Jake Leberl has said:

      I have such fond memories of Paul. We were the same year group growing up in the area, I shared many a football pitch with him on the local circuit. Paul was an infectious lad with a wonderful smile and wicked sense of humour and was such a talented footballer and sportsman. I can’t believe it’s 20 years, I remember the evening so well. I was playing for Dagenham at the time and I came off the pitch at Exeter to hear the devastating news of his passing along with my own Grandad on the same sad evening. I still think of him regularly to this day. Everyone here at Dover Athletic wish love and support to his nearest and dearest at this time. Gone but never forgotten.

      Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Paul, who will always be fondly remembered not just at Dover Athletic but throughout Kent football.

      More information on the CRY shirt auction: https://www.facebook.com/events/531972502858546/?active_tab=discussion