Ryan Hanson is delighted to be back at his home-town club Dover Athletic.

And he sat down to catch up with Justin Allen on DAFCtv to speak about his return.

The box-to-box midfielder – who made a goalscoring impact in his first game in the 2-0 win against Bowers & Pitsea – is on loan from Tonbridge until the end of the season.

In an in-depth interview, Hanson talks through his career – from being a kid with Dover Rangers, his time with Crystal Palace to then being around the first-team squad at Hull.

The Dover-raised player – who lives in River – talks through his first spell with the club which coincided with one of the toughest times in the club’s history in the National League during the Covid period and the fallout from that.

Hanson impressed enough though to be snapped up by Torquay before returning to Kent with Tonbridge.

Injury has hampered his progress but he is still ambitious and wants to become a professional again.

And he also speaks about his future plans.

Dover head to Cray Valley PM in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic ended a five-match winless streak with a crucial 2-0 victory over bottom club Bowers & Pitsea at Crabble. Ryan Hanson opened the scoring early before Luke Baptiste secured the win before half-time. The visitors almost stunned the crowd when Alfie Evans hit the crossbar, but Dover responded quickly. Baptiste’s relentless pressing earned him his 17th goal of the season. The Whites pushed for a third, with Matthews and Soares-Junior going close, but the win and a second consecutive clean sheet were secured.

In the reverse fixture Dover Athletic were denied victory in dramatic fashion as Cray Valley PM snatched a 2-2 draw with a last-gasp equaliser in a thrilling Isthmian League clash. Ruben Soares-Junior’s stunning overhead kick gave Dover an early lead, but Cray Valley pressed hard. Freddie Parker missed a penalty before Matthew Vigor equalised late on. Dover thought they had won when Roman Charles-Cook scored in stoppage time, but Mohammed Idris Oshilaja’s audacious backheel rescued a point for Cray.

From the Manager

“We’ve got nine to go. There’s still 27 points to play for, still a lot of football to be played. It’s just pleasing that the last couple of games we haven’t let any sloppy goals in because obviously that was becoming our Achilles heel a little bit. We’re looking strong, and I always thought we’d finish the season strong. But we’ve got some tough games coming up, and obviously Cray have had an amazing season. It’s going to be very difficult, but we’re really looking forward to that one.”

“As we approach the business end of the season, every game matters. Your support from the stands plays a key role in driving the success of this team going forward. We encourage all fans to get behind the players in a positive and respectful way. We also remind everyone to represent the club responsibly and ensure good behaviour on the terraces. Let’s create an atmosphere that helps the team perform at their best. See you at the game.”

Cray Valley PM

The Millers secured their first win since January 25th, ending a six-game drought with a 2-0 victory over Potters Bar. Captain Kiki Oshilaja scrambled home the opener from a corner before Tom Beere sealed the win with a fine finish from Barney Williams’ pass. Goalkeeper Harrison Chamberlain made vital saves, first at 0-0 and again in stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet. Dan Bowry saw red late on for a second yellow, but the Millers held firm to take all three points back to South East London.

Cray Valley PM sits in 4th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 62 points from 34 matches. Their season has been solid, with 17 wins, 11 draws, and 6 losses. At home, they have been strong, winning 9 of 17 matches, while their away form has also been commendable with 8 wins in 17 games. They have scored 64 goals and conceded 47, leaving them with a goal difference of +17.

Last 6

08/03 – Potters Bar Town (A) – Won 2-0
04/03 – Hendon (H) – Drew 1-1
01/03 – Hastings United (H) – Drew 1-1
22/02 – Horsham (A) – Lost 1-2
15/02 – Chichester City (A) – Drew 2-2
04/02 – Lewes (H) – Drew 0-0

The Venue

The Artic Stadium, Badgers Sports, Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, SE9 5HP

More information: https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/a/ground-directions-57003.html

Admission  

Adult: £12
Concessions (65+ / 16-17 / Students): £7
Children 11-15: £5
Children U11: Free

Pay cash or card on the gate or help reduce the queues and save yourself some time by buying online via fanbase, see link
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures

Dover Athletic returned to winning ways with a much-needed 2-0 victory over bottom club Bowers & Pitsea at Crabble, ending a five-match winless streak and securing their first home triumph since mid-November. Former captain Ryan Hanson marked his return to the side in style, opening the scoring early on, before Luke Baptiste doubled the lead before half-time to ensure Jake Leberl’s side strengthened their promotion push.

The visitors, despite their lowly league position, started brightly and almost stunned the home crowd of 661 in just the fourth minute when Alfie Evans’ ambitious strike rattled the crossbar with Claudio Boakye-Sarfo beaten.

But Dover, desperate for three points, responded swiftly and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. A cross from the right caused problems for the Bowers defence, and when the clearance fell invitingly, Hanson showed great determination to beat Luca Albon to the ball, sending a looping header beyond goalkeeper David Hughes.

The home side’s momentum continued, and they nearly doubled their advantage five minutes later, with Hughes denying Baptiste at his near post. Bowers suffered an early setback when Albon was forced off through injury, replaced by Kai Redgrave.

Dover’s second goal arrived soon after and came courtesy of relentless pressing high up the pitch. A combination of top scorer George Nikaj and Alfie Matthews forced an error, allowing Baptiste to race through and drill an assured finish into the bottom corner for his 17th goal of an impressive season.

The Whites remained on the front foot, with Matthews going closest to a third when his strike cannoned off the crossbar. Captain Ruben Soares-Junior then saw his header drift wide before Nikaj, who had looked lively throughout, spurned a glorious opportunity, breaking free from the offside trap but seeing his effort smothered by Hughes.

Bowers struggled to create clear-cut chances but nearly found a way back into the contest before half-time when George Scales’ long-range effort whistled just past Boakye-Sarfo’s right-hand post. The second half saw Dover manage the game well, although there was concern when Hanson pulled up with a groin issue while stretching to cut out a pass. However, the midfielder was able to continue before being substituted later in the half.

Soares-Junior was denied by Hughes’ legs after a strong run from the left, while at the other end, Boakye-Sarfo produced a smart stop to keep out TQ Addy after a dangerous free-kick delivery fell his way.Leberl’s side continued to push for a third, with Baptiste going close once again, dragging a shot inches wide following good play from Matthews and Soares-Junior.

The hosts had further opportunities in stoppage time, with defender Fuad Sesay missing the target from close range before Hughes made a fine late save to prevent substitute Eniye Amgbaduba from adding a third. Nevertheless, Dover had done enough to claim all three points, securing a second consecutive clean sheet in the process.

Next up, the Whites face a crucial trip to fellow play-off hopefuls Cray Valley before returning to Crabble for a rearranged Kent derby against Chatham Town on March 18.

Former Dover player Ryan Hanson has rejoined the club on loan from Tonbridge Angels until the end of the season.

The 24 year-old midfielder began his career at Crystal Palace as a youth before moving on to Hull City where he was a regular in their Under-23 side. On his release from the EFL club in the summer of 2021, he joined his hometown club of Dover Athletic, where he had previously spent a loan spell and in season 2021/22 he made 26 appearances for the Whites.

A good season attracted the attention of Torquay United and he signed for the then National League club during the summer of 2022. He signed for Tonbridge during the 23/24 season.

We can also confirm the departure of midfielder Charlie Naylor. We thank Charlie for his efforts this season and wish him all the best going forward.

Dover Athletic welcome Bowers & Pitsea to The Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic earned a point in a 0-0 draw against Canvey Island in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Despite controlling large spells, they couldn’t find a breakthrough and finished with ten men after goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore’s late red card. Dover created early chances, with Francis Mampolo and Luke Baptiste going close. Canvey threatened but couldn’t convert. Dover dominated possession in the second half, making attacking substitutions, but Canvey’s defence held firm. Gillmore’s dismissal in stoppage time forced outfield player Harrison Pont into goal, and Dover held on for a draw despite late pressure.

In our previous encounter with Bowers this season Dover secured a 2-0 win at the Len Salmon Stadium, with goals from Ruben Soares-Junior and Luke Baptiste. After a cautious start, Soares-Junior broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, heading in George Wilkinson’s free kick. Despite Bowers’ pressure, Dover remained composed, with Baptiste sealing the win in the 75th minute after Francis Mampolo’s shot was parried. Captain Mitch Walker led a solid defensive display, ensuring a clean sheet. Dover controlled the final moments, confidently seeing out the victory.

From the Manager

“Saturday was a bit of a building block. Canvey are fighting for their lives, and all these games, at this stage of the season are difficult. Like I say, it wasn’t a great game, and a draw was a fair result. But Bowers is our next game at home and obviously, we’re looking to win.”

Bowers & Pitsea

In their last outing, Bowers & Pitsea fell to a 4-1 home defeat against league leaders Billericay Town despite showing flashes of promise. The hosts conceded early when Alfie Cerulli curled in a fine strike after 11 minutes. Though Bowers tried to respond, they went 2-0 down just before halftime as Elliot Long found the bottom corner. A third followed seconds after the restart, with Cerulli finishing calmly. Bowers pulled one back through Max Fiddes in the 63rd minute, but their hopes faded when Matt Johnson’s header sealed the result.

Bowers & Pitsea sit in 22nd place in the Isthmian Premier League with 19 points from 33 matches. Their season has been challenging, managing just 5 wins, 4 draws, and suffering 24 losses. At home, they have struggled, winning only 3 of their 17 games, while their away form has been equally poor, with just 2 wins in 16 matches. They have scored 28 goals but conceded 67, resulting in a goal difference of -39.

Last 6

01/03 – Billericay Town (H) – Lost 1-4
22/02 – Bognor Regis Town (A) – Lost 0-1
15/02 – Wingate & Finchley (H) – Lost 0-6
08/02 – Dulwich Hamlet (A) – Lost 0-3
04/02 – Canvey Island (A) – Lost 0-2
01/02 – Dartford (A) – Lost 1-3

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Bowers & Pitsea 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.

Fancy watching the Whites take on Bowers & Pitsea 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:

Minestrone Soup served with a Ciabatta Roll

Main:

Steak Pie served with Mash Potato, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert:

Raspberry and Elderflower Cone served with 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

Dover Athletic defender Joe Tennent catches up with Justin Allen to discuss his return to the club. Joe speaks about the frustrating injury he picked up, his month on loan at Whitehawk and returning with the sole aim on helping the team reignite their promotion bid. Also the Whites ace speaks about his day job – working as a football coach, including for Premier League giants Chelsea.

The Whites are looking for a Senior Ball Person to join our matchday team.

We are seeking a dedicated volunteer aged 14 and over to assist in retrieving match balls during home games. As a Senior Ball Person, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth flow of play by quickly recovering balls that leave the pitch, whether they’ve gone down the slope or behind the stands, and returning them promptly to the dugout area.

This is a great opportunity to be part of the matchday action, gaining experience in a fast-paced sporting environment while supporting your local club. This is a volunteer role but you will be provided with a Club tracksuit, free entry to matches and a complimentary meal and drink.

Volunteers are a vital part of Dover Athletic, and we truly appreciate the time and dedication given to helping the club operate smoothly on matchdays.

If you’re interested in joining the team, please get in touch with jim.parmenter@doverathletic.com.

Dover head to Canvey Island in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday night, Dover Athletic’s Kent Senior Cup run ended in heartbreak as they lost to Welling United on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The match began at a high tempo with early chances for both sides. Dover threatened from the fourth minute and created a significant opportunity in the 29th minute before Eniye Amgbaduba’s rebound goal gave them a 1-0 lead. Welling equalised in stoppage time from a wide free kick, sending the match to penalties. In the shootout, missed spot-kicks and key saves decided the contest, with Dover’s Jacob Mensah failing to convert. Disappointed, Dover now refocus on their league campaign.

In the reverse fixture Dover Athletic secured a 3-2 victory over Canvey Island at the Megger Community Stadium. In front of 911 fans, controversy sparked early when a long-range effort by Elliott Ronto hit the crossbar and was awarded as a goal after offside confusion. Dover responded, and just before half-time, Ruben Soares-Junior capitalised on a pass from George Nikaj to equalise. In the second half, Ronto restored Canvey’s lead from a free-kick, but Alfie Matthews then scored, followed by a decisive finish from Nikaj to clinch the vital win.

Canvey Island

Whitehawk secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Canvey Island in the Isthmian League Premier Division at The Enclosed Ground on Saturday. The home side struck early as young Gillingham loanee Harry Bridle opened the scoring in the 9th minute. Whitehawk doubled their lead just before half-time when Emmanuel Mensah found the net in stoppage time, taking the score to 2-0 at the break. In the second half, Bridle further impressed by scoring twice more, netting in the 49th and 54th minutes to seal the win and his hat trick.

Canvey Island sits in 18th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 34 points from 31 matches. Their season has been challenging, with 11 wins, 1 draw, and 19 losses. At home, they have managed 5 wins from 16 matches, while their away form has been slightly worse, securing just 6 wins from 15 games. They have scored 39 goals but conceded 54, leaving them with a goal difference of -15.

Last 6

22/02 – Whitehawk (A) – Lost 0-4
18/02 – Chelmsford City (H) – Won 0 (3) – 0 (2) on penalties (Essex Senior Cup Semi-final)
15/02 – Bognor Regis Town (H) – Lost 0-4
08/02 – Carshalton Athletic (A) – Lost 1-2
04/02 – Bowers & Pitsea (H) – Won 2-0
01/02 – Chatham Town (H) – Won 1-0

The Venue

The Steves Taxis Stadium, Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PX

More information: https://www.canveyislandfc.com/information

Admission  

£12.00 Adults
£8.00 Concessions (over-60’s, students with valid ID)
£3.00 U16’s (must be accompanied by an adult)