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.

We are delighted to announce the signing of former Ebbsfleet midfielder Kieran Monlouis.

Monlouis, 29, began his career in the youth setups at Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic before transitioning to non-league football, where he played for teams like Maldon & Tiptree, Margate, and St Albans City. His career eventually led him to the Scottish Premiership with Hamilton Academical, though he didn’t make any league appearances for the club. The athletic midfielder later returned to non-league football, where he had notable stints with clubs like Hemel Hempstead Town and Horsham FC​

Internationally, Monlouis represents Saint Lucia, making his debut in 2019 during the CONCACAF Nations League. He has earned a couple of caps for the national team.

Manager Jake Leberl has said: “Keiran has been training with us for a while, he missed last season through injury and hopefully we can get him up to speed. If he does, he will be a fantastic signing for us, Kieran is a really talented box to box midfielder with experience and previous success “

Welcome to Crabble Kieran.

Fancy watching the Whites take on Bognor Regis 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 one-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 team sheet

The very special experience costs £15 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 :

Main:

Cottage Pie, Carrots and Gravy

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 [email protected] or call the office on 01304 822373

Whites are at home again, this time taking on Cheshunt FC in the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian League Premier Division at the Megger Community Stadium, with 827 fans in attendance. George Nikaj gave Dover an early lead in the 22nd minute, but Ayotani Tanimowo equalized ten minutes later. Despite Nikaj hitting the crossbar, the teams went into halftime level. In the second half, Ogo Obi headed in the decisive goal for Wingate & Finchley in the 60th minute. Dover pushed for an equalizer but couldn’t break through the visitors’ defense, leading to a disappointing home loss.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“We’re really disappointed after Saturday and with the Trophy, it’s nice to have a bit of a break from the league. We want to do well in every game we play and in every competition. The Trophy is a great competition and it gives us a chance to have a little bit of a regroup, and hopefully do well”

Cheshunt

Last time out, Cheshunt battled hard but narrowly lost 4-3 to Hashtag United. They took an early lead through Jeremy Bisau’s 22nd-minute strike after dominating the opening exchanges. However, Hashtag equalized through Misha Djemaili before halftime. Cheshunt’s defense struggled in the second half, allowing Djemaili to score twice more and Max Cornhill to head in a fourth. Despite trailing 4-1, Cheshunt fought back with Vas Vasiliou scoring from a long throw and Khris Oti heading in a third. They pushed for an equalizer, but Hashtag United managed to run down the clock and hold on for the win.

We last played each other two seasons ago in the National League South, with Cheshunt coming out as 2-0 winners in Hertfordshire in December with two goals from Zac Newton. The fixture at Crabble saw another victory for Cheshunt, a 3-0 win in March, with a goal apiece from Zech Obiero, Fraser Alexander and Joshua Popoola.

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Cheshunt 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  

This is a cup competition – all must pay.

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 fell to a 2-1 defeat at home against Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian League Premier Division clash at the Megger Community Stadium in front of a crowd of 827.

The home side started well, and in the 22nd minute, George Nikaj opened the scoring with a beautifully curled shot into the far corner after a well-placed corner fell to him. Dover looked to build on this early momentum, but they were pegged back just ten minutes later when Ayotani Tanimowo capitalised on a defensive lapse. The Whites couldn’t clear their lines, and Tanimowo rifled the ball into the roof of the net to bring the visitors level.

Nikaj came close to adding a second for Dover shortly after the equaliser, rattling the crossbar with a stunning long-range effort in the 36th minute, but the first half ended all square, with both sides creating chances but failing to convert.

The second half saw Wingate & Finchley gain the upper hand. In the 60th minute, Ogo Obi headed home from a corner at the back post to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. Despite Dover’s efforts to find an equaliser, including a blocked shot from Baptiste in the 69th minute and increasing pressure as the game wore on, the Whites were unable to break through the resolute Wingate & Finchley defense.

Dover’s frustration continued as Wingate & Finchley held firm through seven minutes of added time to secure all three points. It was a disappointing display from the home side, who will feel they could have done more to at least claim a point.

1- Dover Athletic
George NIKAJ (22′)

2 – Wingate & Finchley
Ayo Tanimowo (33′)
Ogo Obi (60′)

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 827
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Scott Rudd
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

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, 19 Jayden SILCOTT-BROWN

Wingate & Finchley: 1 Charle Grainger, 2 William Cracknell (C), 3 Toby Byron, 4 Mathew Achuba, 5 Ben Frempah, 6 Jaiden Drakes-Thomas, 7 Rhamar Garrett-Douglas, 8 Ayo Tanimowo, 9 Ogo Obi, 10 Andronicos Georgiou, 11 Michael O’Donoghue SUBS: 12 Tommy Roberts, 14 Ryan Lowe, 15 Bobby Webb, 16 Luke Deslandes, 17 Destiny Oladipo.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/ey_9YSVNSfY

JAKE LEBERL today catches up with us for an early autumn update on all things Dover Athletic.

It has been a good run of form so far since the campaign kicked off.

But despite the excitement that has created the Whites boss says everyone’s feet are staying firmly on the ground.

In an in-depth chat with Justin Allen (which can be viewed in full glorious 4k) he discusses a whole range of subjects.

He speaks about how local businesses have teamed together to help spruce up the stadium, the community spirit around the place, the upcoming community day when we host Hashtag United, the importance of Megger to the club and area and how his young team have built a togetherness that has even surprised him.

Also he speaks about Archie Hatcher and Matty Holness getting valuable minutes out on loan to Whitstable and Deal and how getting 1,000-plus fans to games will help the club progress further.

Also he reveals Luke Baptiste’s new nickname since taking up a new role in the dressing room.

Whites are back at the Megger Community Stadium once again, this time taking on Wingate & Finchley FC. Dover come into the game sitting second in the table after a 1-1 away draw against Carshalton.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Carshalton Athletic with a last-minute equaliser from Luke Baptiste. After a balanced first half, Carshalton took the lead in the 54th minute when Tommy Bradford scored from a half-volley. Dover pressed for an equaliser, with Eniye Amgbaduba’s header and Charles-Cook’s sharp shot both denied by Carshalton’s Mackenzie Foley. Just as Carshalton looked set for victory, Luke Baptiste’s spectacular 92nd-minute overhead kick leveled the match. Both sides had chances throughout, but Dover’s persistence paid off, earning them a hard-fought point

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“Obviously we’ve been very good at home and it’ll be nice to get back on a grass pitch, the pitch was very difficult at Carshalton. We’ve been doing ever so well at home, so hopefully the supporters will be right behind us. We’ve got two home games on the spin now, and will b looking to get maximum points.”

Wingate & Finchley

Wingate & Finchley FC had a mixed start to the season. They opened with a 3-2 home victory against Dulwich Hamlet on August 10, with Obi scoring twice. However, they lost 3-2 away to Carshalton Athletic two days later, despite goals from Deslandes and Frempah. On August 17, they drew 3-3 at home against Folkestone Invicta, with Obi netting twice and Oladipo adding another.

The team rebounded on August 24, beating Canvey Island 3-2 away, with Oladipo scoring twice. But another setback came on August 26, as they lost 2-1 at home to Potters Bar Town, despite a goal from Lowe. In the FA Cup on August 31, they enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 win against Thame United, with Obi scoring twice.

September brought more challenges. On September 7, Wingate lost 2-1 away to Bognor Regis Town. In the FA Cup second qualifying round, they drew 1-1 with Cray Wanderers on September 14, thanks to an Obi penalty, but were knocked out in the replay, losing 1-0 at home on September 17. On Saturday, Wingate drew 1-1 with Chichester City.

Former Whites include striker Destiny Oladipo and midfielder Jaiden Drakes-Thomas.

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Wingate 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 showed resilience and determination as they snatched a last-minute equaliser to draw 1-1 against Carshalton Athletic in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Despite going behind early in the second half, Luke Baptiste’s 92nd-minute overhead kick ensured the visitors left South London with a hard-earned point.

Dover started the match energetically, forcing the Robins to deal with a couple of early crosses into their box. However, an early break in play at the 5-minute mark occurred when Alfie Matthews went down and required treatment. This momentarily slowed the pace of the game, allowing Carshalton to gradually settle in.

The first significant chance came in the 13th minute for Dover when George Nikaj’s free header from a Sesay cross at the back post sailed just over the bar. It was a golden opportunity that hinted at Dover’s attacking threat, but they couldn’t convert.

Carshalton, however, had their chances too, with Walker in the Dover goal standing firm to deny multiple attempts. One notable save came in the 24th minute as Vose struck through a crowd of players, but Walker reacted well to gather the shot.

Just before the break, Matthews had Dover’s best opportunity, curling a well-struck free-kick toward the top corner, only for Carshalton’s Mackenzie Foley to produce a brilliant diving save to keep the scores level at halftime.

After a quiet first half, Carshalton came out stronger in the second, and in the 54th minute, they broke the deadlock. Tommy Bradford controlled a cross from Read inside the box and fired a half-volley off the crossbar and in, putting Dover under pressure.

Dover responded well, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. A looping header from Eniye Amgbaduba in the 68th minute reminded the hosts that the visitors were still dangerous. Moments later, a sharp shot from Charles-Cook on the edge of the box was superbly saved again by Foley, denying Dover the equaliser.

It looked as though Carshalton would hold on for all three points until the dying moments of stoppage time. Dover’s persistence paid off as a long throw-in caused chaos in the box, allowing Luke Baptiste to execute a spectacular overhead kick to level the match at 1-1, breaking Carshalton hearts in the 92nd minute.

The result keeps Dover in second place, with Wingate & Finchley up next.

Carshalton Athletic 1
Tommy Bradford (54′)
Dover Athletic 1
Luke Baptiste (90+2′)

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 496
Kick-off: 3pm Referee: Kyfer Mayhew
Venue: War Memorial Sports Ground

Carshalton Athletic: 1 Mackenzie Foley, 15 Luke Read, 4 Oliver Hamstead, 6 Oluwafikayo Atewologun, 18 Abdul Sankoh, 8 Dominic Vose, 20 Fabio Camacho-Saraiva, 10 Tommy Bradford (C), 19 Thomas Stagg, 7 Sharon Ifeanyi, 12 Darnell Goather-Braithwaite SUBS: 16 Steve Gody, 14 Thomas Jackson, 11 Mason Saunders Henry, 17 Solomon Baugh, 2 Charlie Kennett

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, 11 Lindell STEWART, 15 Tamas AMGBADUBA, 19 Jayden SILCOTT-BROWN

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/NgkCFpvcGPo

ALFIE MATTHEWS sits down for his first big interview since signing for the Whites this summer.

And talking to Justin Allen during a short break in the fixtures schedule, he looks back at his time at Arsenal where he spent most of his youth career and was team-mates and close pals with England star Bukayo Saka.

Also he discussed how Covid prevented him from signing for a Serie A club, his couple of years at Crystal Palace and the disappointment of being released.

Matthews also chats about his drop into non-league and how he believes Dover Athletic can give him a platform to enjoy playing football as well as help propel him back into professional football.

The attacking ace also discusses the cracking start to the season Dover have enjoyed and how he is already forging great friendships at the club.

He also believes the Whites are looking upwards again under boss Jake Leberl.

In the far-ranging chat he also talks about meeting David Beckham and playing youth football in the England age groups.