Dover Athletic welcome Cray Wanderers to The Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic delivered a commanding performance to secure a 4-1 win over Dulwich Hamlet at Champion Hill, extending their lead at the top of the Isthmian League. An early own goal by Luca Cocoracchio put Dulwich ahead, but Ruben Soares-Junior equalised before halftime. In the second half, league top scorer George Nikaj struck a clinical finish, followed by Alfie Matthews’ stunning 22-yard half-volley. Soares-Junior sealed the win with a clever flick in stoppage time. Debutant goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore made crucial early saves, helping Dover dominate throughout.

From the Manager

“We come off the back of a tremendous performance and result at Dulwich last time out to preserve our unbeaten away record which as group we couldn’t be prouder of. This is no mean feat especially with a new squad with an average of 22 years old. I can’t praise Mike and all the boys enough for the start we’ve had.”

Cray Wanderers

On Saturday, Cray Wanderers secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bowers & Pitsea in challenging wet and windy conditions at the Len Salmon Stadium. Frankie Raymond’s 79th-minute penalty, awarded after Malaki Toussaint handled Nathan Jeche’s cross, proved decisive. Bowers were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute when captain Lewis Chambers received a second yellow card. Despite the stormy conditions, Cray’s midfield, led by Raymond and Charlie Edwards, controlled the game, while Shaun Rowley earned his 11th clean sheet of the season. The win moves Cray up to 17th, before Tuesday’s clash against Chichester City.

Cray Wanderers currently sit in 17th place in the Isthmian Premier League, with 19 points from 18 matches. Featuring 5 wins, 4 draws, and 9 losses. At home, they have struggled, securing only 2 wins from 8 matches, while their away form is slightly better with 3 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses. The team has scored 23 goals but conceded 30, leaving them with a goal difference of -7.

Last 5

07/12 – Bowers & Pitsea (A) – Won 1-0
30/11 – Carshalton Athletic (H) – Drew 1-1
23/11 – Canvey Island (A) – Lost 0-2
19/11 – Erith Town (H) – Lost 4-7 (London Senior Cup)
16/11 – Potters Bar Town (A) – Won 4-0

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Cray 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 put on a clinical display at Champion Hill, overcoming an early own goal to claim a convincing 4-1 victory over Dulwich Hamlet. The result extended their lead at the top of the Isthmian League table, leaving Dulwich with little answer to Dover’s relentless pressure and efficiency in attack.

The game began in unfortunate fashion for Dover when a low cross from Dulwich’s Ross Marshall caused confusion in the Dover defense. Luca Cocoracchio, trying to clear the ball under pressure, inadvertently turned it into his own net in the second minute, giving Dulwich an early lead. Despite the setback, Dover quickly settled into their rhythm, controlling possession and creating chances. Francis Mampolo tested Dulwich goalkeeper Jameson Horlick with a curling shot that went narrowly wide, and George Nikaj, the league’s top scorer, began to find dangerous positions in and around the Dulwich box.

The breakthrough came just before halftime. A corner delivery from Dover caused chaos in the Dulwich penalty area, with the ball flicked on by a home defender. Ruben Soares-Junior reacted quickest, bundling the ball over the line to equalise. It was a deserved goal for the visitors, who had been on the front foot for most of the half. The teams went into the break level at 1-1, but Dover looked the more likely to take control in the second half.

After the restart, Dover began to assert their dominance. George Nikaj, who had been threatening all afternoon, delivered the visitors’ second goal in the 67th minute. Finding space on the edge of the Dulwich area, he struck a precise shot into the bottom corner, leaving Horlick no chance. It was a clinical finish and Nikaj’s 16th goal of the season.

Dover continued to pile on the pressure, and just seven minutes later, Alfie Matthews produced a moment of pure quality. Following a defensive header that lacked distance, Matthews allowed the ball to bounce before striking a perfectly controlled half-volley from 22 yards out. The ball flew into the top corner. The goal gave Dover a commanding 3-1 lead and effectively ended Dulwich’s hopes of a comeback.

In stoppage time, Soares-Junior added a fourth to cap off a superb performance. A short corner routine saw substitute George Wilkinson deliver a low cross into the near post, where Soares-Junior applied an exquisite flick with the back of his heel to beat Horlick at his near post.

Debutant goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore also played a key role in the victory, making a series of vital saves early in the match to keep Dover within touching distance.

The final whistle confirmed a dominant 4-1 victory for Dover Athletic, who remain six points clear at the top of the league. Dulwich Hamlet, despite the strong home support of 2,160 fans, struggled to find answers to Dover’s organised and incisive play. Whites are back at home next Saturday against Cray Wanderers.

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 2,160
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Champion Hill

Dulwich Hamlet: 1. Jameson Horlick, 4. Jordan Wynter, 5. Michael Chambers, 6. Sam German, 7. Luke Wanadio, 8. Hassan Ibrahiym, 10. Anthony Jeffrey, 16. Ross Marshall, 17. Ralfi Hand, 18. Jerome Binnom-Williams (C), 19. Oli Lynch SUBS: 9. Danny Mills, 11. Mark Marshall, 12. Kaya Hansson, 14. George Porter, 20. Sean Bonnett-Johnson.

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 (C), 16. Harrison Pont, 24. Francis Mampolo, 26. Jacob Mensah SUBS: 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 5. Joe Tennent, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 23. George Wilkinson.

Dover Athletic are delighted to confirm the arrival of goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore.

The 22-year-old stopper started as a youngster with Chelsea before joining Millwall as an U18, emerging through the Lions’ academy ranks and taking in a loan with VCD Athletic at the back end of the 2022/23 season.

He joined Barnet in the summer of 2023 and enjoyed a loan stint with Erith & Belvedere last February. Jordan spent the start of this season with Welling.

Gillmore now joins Dover to provide another option between the sticks.

Jake Leberl sits down with Fred Deveson one year to the day he took over as Dover manager and reflects on a largely positive 12 months.

From the Isthmian League: (Read the full article – https://www.isthmian.co.uk/articles/vita-risk-solutions-manager-of-the-month-award-november-2024)

In conjunction with our friends at Vita Risk, we honour the best Pitching In Isthmian managers of November

Here are our latest Vita Risk Solutions Managers of the Month of the 24-25 season- a quartet of deserved winners. 

Premier Division

We’re heading to the very top of the League, to heap plaudits on Jake Leberl, boss of Dover Athletic. Dover have had a fabulous November, and indeed have spent all of it at the top of the pile, opening up a five point lead by the time it came to an end. It was a busy month for Jake and his happy band, seven league matches coming their way, and five of them were won, the other two ending level as the month went by unbeaten. Potters Bar Town, Folkestone Invicta, Canvey Island, Bowers and Pitsea and Lewes were the sides swept aside. With Chatham Town and Cray Valley PM escaping with a point.

Many congratulations to Jake, who will have a shiny trophy to help him remember a glittering month. 

Dover Athletic head to the capital in the Isthmian Premier Division against Dulwich Hamlet.

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday, Dover Athletic advanced to the Kent Senior Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Deal Town at Crabble. Captain Ruben Soares-Junior opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a clinical finish, and he turned provider in the second half, setting up George Nikaj to double the lead in the 63rd minute. Deal Town fought hard, with former Dover player Archie Hatcher and others creating chances, but goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo kept a clean sheet with crucial saves. Dover’s rotated side managed the game well, securing a composed victory and progressing with confidence to the next stage.

From the Manager

“Dulwich Hamlet are obviously a very good team at home. There’s going to be a huge crowd there. They always have huge crowds at home. So it’s going to be another test for our lads.”

Dulwich Hamlet

On Saturday, Dulwich Hamlet battled to a 1–1 draw against Cheshunt in a physical and fiercely contested encounter. Despite early pressure from Dulwich, it was Cheshunt’s Tommy Wood who opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a saved volley. Dulwich equalized in the second half when Luke Wanadio converted a low cross at the back post.

Dulwich’s long-ball strategy tested Cheshunt’s defense, but keeper R’avan Constable and his backline stood firm. Late chances for Danny Mills and Jeffrey could have snatched a win for Dulwich, but resolute defending and solid goalkeeping ensured the spoils were shared.

Dulwich Hamlet sit in 12th place in the Isthmian Premier League, with 24 points from 17 matches. Featuring 7 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses. At home, they have been stronger, winning 6 out of 9 matches, but their away form has been less impressive, with only 1 win, 2 draws, and 5 losses. The team has scored 29 goals and conceded 30, leaving them with a goal difference of -1.

Former Whites players include Anthony Jeffery and Luke Wanadio.

Form Guide

30/11 – Cheshunt (A) – Drew 1-1
26/11 – Leyton Orient (H) – Drew 1-1 (Won 5-4 on penalties) (London Senior Cup)
23/11 – Hashtag United (H) – Lost 0-2
19/11 – Folkestone Invicta (A) – Lost 1-2

The Venue

Dulwich Hamlet play at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, SE22 8BD.

Due to sell-out crowds for Saturday games during last season, Dulwich recommend arriving early to avoid congestion at the turnstiles from 2.30pm to after ko

Champion Hill is a cashless ground. The exception is the 50/50 draw which is cash only and matchday programmes can be bought by cash or card.

Further info: https://dulwichhamletfc.co.uk/club-info/matchday/matchday-faq

Admission  

£13 for Adults
£5.50 for Concessions
Under 13s FREE accompanied by a paying adult

You can buy your ticket on the turnstiles on matchdays or alternatively via Fanbase

Further information on match day tickets and Concessions details can be found here

Team-mates George Nikaj and Jacob Mensah got to know some things about each other in our new video feature – Knowing Me…Knowing You.

The two sat down in front of Justin Allen to ask each other their own questions.

We get to find out about things like their favourite TV shows, movies, idols and proudest career moments in a fun exchange.

Dover Athletic progress into the semi-finals of the Kent Senior Cup with a controlled 2-0 victory over Deal Town at The Megger Community Stadium. Goals from Ruben Soares-Junior and George Nikaj in each half secured the win, as the Whites fended off a spirited performance from their local rivals.

The game began with promise for Dover, who fashioned the first real chance in the fifth minute when Nikaj bent a shot over the bar. Deal Town, pressed high and created a nervy moment in the Dover box, but the hosts cleared their lines effectively.

The breakthrough came in the 16th minute, with Ruben Soares-Junior showcasing his quality. The on-the-night captain latched onto a chance and fired a precise finish past Adam Molloy into the bottom corner, giving the home side the lead.

Deal Town responded well and came close to leveling before the break. Former Dover player Archie Hatcher nearly converted a clever free-kick routine, but Dover’s goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo was equal to the task, keeping the visitors at bay.

Dover emerged for the second half determined to build on their advantage, but Deal continued to press, with Eniye Amgbaduba testing the defence early on. A clash between Boakye-Sarfo and a Deal attacker briefly halted the game, but Dover regained control.

The decisive second goal arrived in the 63rd minute. Soares-Junior turned provider with a smart assist for George Nikaj, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to double Dover’s lead. From that point on, the Whites managed the game expertly, limiting Deal’s chances and dictating the tempo.

Deal’s best opportunity to pull one back came in the 77th minute when a dangerous ball across the box narrowly evaded their attacker at the back post. Boakye-Sarfo ensured his clean sheet stayed intact with a superb save in the 85th minute, denying the visitors any lifeline.

Dover’s rotated side impressed against our local rivals and extend their unbeaten run to 12 games in all competitions. Academy graduate Jake McCarthy also featured late on. The Whites now turn their attention to the semi-finals but are back in league action against Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday.

Kent Senior Cup Quarter Final
Attendance: 1,219
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Kirsty Dowle

Dover Athletic: 13. Claudio Boakye-Sarfo, 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 3. Fuad Sesay, 5. Joe Tennent, 8. Alfie Matthews, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior (C), 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 18. Henry Young, 24. Francis Mampolo SUBS: 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 7. Luke Baptiste, 23. George Wilkinson, 26. Jacob Mensah, 30. Jake McCarthy.

Deal Town: 1. Adam Molloy, 2. Jack Paxman, 3. Jack Penny, 7. Tom Chapman, 8. Macca Murray (C), 10. Ben Chapman, 15. Alex Green, 17. Ash Miller, 18. Archie Hatcher, 19. Jamie Kennedy, 20. Josh Vincent SUBS: 4. Alfie Foster, 6. Morgan Page, 12. Zak Hammond, 14. Alex Smith, 16. Joe Reeves.

We’d like to welcome Steve King, his Deal Town team and their supporters to the Megger Community stadium for this evening’s Kent Senior Cup fixture, which is the long awaited first competitive match between us. A fixture we hope the whole community get behind with both teams having a good start to the season.

Lots of faces in the Deal Squad will be known to us after being products of our own academy system coached by Mike over the years. This again proves what a brilliant job he’s done and continues to do, obviously these boys will be right up for it this evening to showcase their talents.

Tonight’s fixture will give our boys who haven’t been getting regular minutes an opportunity to show everyone what they can do and push the boys currently in the starting shirts to get the best out of each other and keep driving us on as the season progresses. I have to say these boys are desperately unlucky currently not to be starting regularly and their attitudes have been a massive reason in our early successful start.

I’m personally really looking forward to tonight’s fixture which I’m sure everyone else is. Hopefully we see a good game of really entertaining football and hopefully Dover progressing into the next round. Enjoy the game and get behind the lads.

Jake

COYW

Dover Athletic welcome Deal Town to The Megger Community Stadium in the Kent Senior Cup Quarter Finals in what will be our first competitive match against The Hoops.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic and Cray Valley PM shared the spoils in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Ruben Soares-Junior’s stunning overhead kick gave Dover a first-half lead, but substitute Matthew Vigor equalised late on. In stoppage time, Roman Charles-Cook’s strike appeared to secure victory for Dover, only for Cray captain Mohammed Idris Oshilaja to level with a backheel moments later. Both teams delivered a pulsating contest, leaving the Isthmian Premier Division top two locked in a thrilling title race.

From the Manager

“Obviously it’s the first competitive game against the two clubs. They are our neighbors just down the road and we’ve got good friends there. I really hope the community will get out and support the game. Of course, it’ll benefit both clubs with the revenue. It’d be really nice to see this place packed. I am really looking forward to it.”

Deal Town

On Saturday, all the goals came in the first half as Sevenoaks edged Deal 2-1 in a Kent derby. Rodney Eruotor gave Oaks an early lead and Jefferson Aibangbee doubled their advantage, Tom Chapman replying just before the break. Deal remain the only side in the division yet to draw a match this season, winning eight and losing 11 of their 19 games since promotion.

Deal Town currently sits in 10th place in the Isthmian South East Division with 24 points from 19 matches. Their campaign so far has featured 8 wins, 0 draws, and 11 losses. At home, they have secured 5 wins but suffered 5 defeats, while their away record stands at 3 wins and 6 losses. Deal have scored an impressive 40 goals but conceded 44, leaving them with a goal difference of -4.

Deal Town secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Kent Senior Cup with dominant performances in the earlier rounds. In the first round, they defeated Sittingbourne with an impressive 6-1 victory on 24 September. They followed this up in the second round on 22 October, where they achieved a convincing 3-0 win against Hythe Town.

Last 5

30/11 – Sevenoaks Town (A) – Lost 1-2
26/11 – Ashford United (H) – Lost 1-3
23/11 – Eastbourne Town (A) – Lost 3-5
16/11 – Littlehampton Town (H) – Won 3-1
12/11 – Hastings United (A) – Lost 0-2 (Alan Turvey Trophy)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Deal Town 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  

Cup tie 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.