After a short break, The Whites are back in action on the road against Carshalton Athletic.

Dover Athletic

Last time out, Dover Athletic secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Dartford at The Megger Community Stadium, moving them to second in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Dartford’s defense faltered early, with Ruben Soares-Junior capitalising on a goalkeeping error in the 25th minute. George Wilkinson quickly doubled the lead, followed by Luke Baptiste’s goal just before halftime. Alfie Matthews added a fourth with a free kick, while Jeremiah Pinder netted Dartford’s consolation. Soares-Junior completed the scoring in the 82nd minute. Dover’s commanding display marked their first win over a Kent rival since 2020 and extended their goal tally to 24 in six games.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“We’ve had quite a busy schedule since the start of the season, and fortunately enough we’ve had a couple of weeks off now, which came just at the right time, especially after getting a good win against Dartford.”

Carshalton

Carshalton Athletic have had a mixed start to the season. They opened with a 1-1 draw away to Folkestone Invicta, followed by a thrilling 3-2 home win over Wingate & Finchley. Momentum continued with a 3-1 victory against Chichester City, but consecutive defeats to Dartford and Cray Valley PM slowed their progress. A strong FA Cup campaign has been a highlight, with a 3-1 win over Haywards Heath Town and a 1-0 victory against South Park (Reigate). A goalless draw with Lewes in their last league game leaves them firmly in mid-table (11th).

On Saturday, Carshalton Athletic secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Park (Reigate) in the FA Cup Second Round Qualifying. The game started brightly with an early free kick from Saraiva tipped round the post by Bracken. Tommy Bradford broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, bundling the ball home after Ifeanyi’s determined run. South Park came close to equalizing, but Healy failed to capitalize on a corner. Carshalton controlled much of the match, with Stagg and Bradford threatening, though South Park piled on late pressure. Hamstead and the defense stood firm to protect the lead, and Carshalton emerged victorious after a tense final few minutes.

The Venue

Postal code for Sat-Nav SM5 2PW. Carshalton have a large off street free car park.

Carshalton British Rail Station is five minutes walk from the ground. Trains to Carshalton.

Many bus routes come close to the ground.
127 – 157 – 407 – 627 – S3 – X26

War Memorial Sports Ground, Colston Avenue, Carshalton SM5 2PW

Admission  

Tickets can be purchased online or at the turnstile. Buying tickets at the turnstile is £1 dearer than online. Purchase here.

Online Ticket prices:
Adult (over 17)  £11
Senior (over 65) £8
Child (under 18) £5
Under 5s go free

Fancy watching the Whites take on Wingate 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 team sheet

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

Main: Steak Pie served with Mash Potato, Peas, Carrots and Gravy

Dessert: Raspberry & Elderflower Cone served with Cream

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. Please let us know if there are any dietary requirements when booking and we will accommodate as best we can with alternatives.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email [email protected] or call the office on 01304 822373

After a dramatic comeback in Saturday’s opening FA Cup match, Dover Athletic will host Sittingbourne for a crucial replay at the Megger Community Stadium on Tuesday night. Both teams are eager to secure a spot in the next round of the Emirates FA Cup, with Dover looking to build on the momentum from their late heroics in the first match.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic staged a dramatic comeback in their FA Cup opener against Sittingbourne, securing a 2-2 draw with two stoppage-time goals. Despite a tough first half where Sittingbourne led 2-0, Dover’s persistence paid off. Goalkeeper Mitch Walker’s long free kick, aided by the wind, found the net to make it 2-1. Soon after, Alfie Matthews scored a contentious free kick that was initially disallowed but later awarded, leveling the match. Manager Jake Leberl’s tactical changes and substitutions sparked Dover’s late resurgence, setting up a replay at the Megger Community Stadium on Tuesday.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury. Harrison Pont is back from suspension.

From the Manager

“We’ve got boys that will recover really quickly. There’s lessons to learn as a group and for their own individual progress, if you’re not mentally right, it doesn’t matter who you’re up against, it will be a tough afternoon. It was a tough afternoon for quite a few of our lads. We lost the majority of individual battles all over the pitch from the start of the game but I just felt if we could get one, we could put a bit of pressure on them. I’m delighted to come away with a draw as funny as it sounds because we should be coming here and winning really but this is the FA Cup. This was their Cup Final. They’ve put in a really good performance, and I am sure they are disappointed. We’ve come out of it pleased and looking forward to the replay.”

Kit

Dover Athletic will line up in our white and black home kit, with our goalkeeper in pink. Sittingbourne play in yellow and blue with their keeper in green.

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Sittingbourne 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 game, all must pay entry including season ticket holders.

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 staged a dramatic comeback in their opening FA Cup match against Sittingbourne at Woodstock Park, battling the windy conditions to secure a 2-2 draw with two goals deep into stoppage time.

Manager Jake Leberl kept faith in his largely unchanged starting eleven, with Eniye Amgbaduba replacing Lindell Stewart in the only change from the previous lineup. The FA Cup rules allowed for a larger bench, bringing new goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo into the squad for the first time, while Henry Young made a welcome return from injury.

The match kicked off to a scrappy start, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm in the opening 10 minutes. Dover’s early defensive frailties were exposed when Sittingbourne’s Henry Sinai capitalised on some poor defending to open the scoring in the 13th minute. The hosts continued to dominate the first half, doubling their lead in the 25th minute through Ryan Kingsford.

The second half saw Dover attempting to regroup, but they continued to struggle against Sittingbourne’s organised defense. Baptiste had a chance to reduce the deficit, managing to control a high ball and get a shot away, but it did little to trouble the Sittingbourne keeper. With Dover losing the midfield battle, manager Jake made a tactical change, bringing on Alfie Matthews for George Wilkinson in an attempt to inject some energy into the side.

Shortly after, the game was paused due to disturbances in the crowd, but once play resumed, Jake made further substitutions to bolster both defense and attack, introducing Tamas Amgbaduba to the back line and Lindell Stewart upfront. These changes began to alter the dynamic of the game, and Dover started to create more opportunities.

As the clock ticked down, George Nikaj became a constant thorn in Sittingbourne’s side, but his efforts were cut short by a heavy tackle that forced him off the field, replaced by Silcott-Brown. Despite the setbacks, Dover’s persistence paid off in the dying moments of stoppage time.

Goalkeeper Mitch Walker launched a hopeful free kick from his own half deep into the Sittingbourne box. The wind played its part as the ball evaded everyone, bounced over the keeper Harley Earle, and miraculously found its way into the net, bringing the score to 2-1.

With renewed vigor, Dover pressed for an equaliser and was awarded a free kick on the edge of the box moments later. Alfie Matthews delivered a dangerous shot at goal. The ball appeared to cross the line, but the referee initially dismissed the goal. However, after consulting with his linesman, the goal was awarded, completing Dover’s dramatic comeback to level the match at 2-2.

The final whistle blew shortly after, ending a game that saw Dover claw back from the brink of defeat. The team will now prepare to face Sittingbourne again on Tuesday night at the Megger Community Stadium, looking to advance to the next round.

Sittingbourne – 2

Henry Sinai (13′)
Ryan Kingsford (25′)

Dover Athletic – 2

Mitch WALKER (90+3′)
Alfie MATTHEWS (90+5′)

Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Attendance: 523
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Mr Dempster
Venue: The Staxson Stadium

Sittingbourne: 1 Harley Earle, 2 Donvieve Jones, 3 Henry Lukombo, 4 Ayman El-Mogharbel, 5 Liam Smith, 6 Chris Arthur, 17 Henry Sinai, 8 Richie Hammill, 9 Mitchell May, 10 Codey Cosgrave, 11 Troy Howard SUBS: 12 Charma Torsiello, 14 Jay Beckford, 15 Ryan Kingsford, 16 Bagasan Graham, 18 Alex Georgiou, 19 Joe Boachie, 20 Godfrey Poku

Dover Athletic 1 Mitch WALKER (C), 2 Roman CHARLES-COOK, 3 Fuad SESAY, 4 Jeremiah GYEBI, 5 Joe TENNENT, 6 Luca COCORACCHIO, 7 Luke BAPTISTE, 9 Eniye AMGBADUBA, 10 George NIKAJ, 14 Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR, 23 George WILKINSON, SUBS: 8 Alfie MATTHEWS, 11 Lindell STEWART, 13 Claudio Boakye-Sarfo, 15 Tamas AMGBADUBA, 18 Henry YOUNG, 19 Jayden SILCOTT-BROWN

Dover enter the FA Cup in the first qualifying round and face Isthmian South East Division side Sittingbourne at Woodstock Park. It’s 30 years since the clubs last met in the FA Cup, with Sittingbourne running out 2-1 replay winners after a 1-1 draw, also in the first qualifying round stage.

Dover Athletic

The Whites come in off the back of a 3-1 win at Horsham last Saturday. Despite falling behind to an early Horsham goal in the 22nd minute, Dover responded just before halftime with George Nikaj’s header from a corner, making it 1-1. The second half saw Dover dominate, taking the lead in the 69th minute when Luke Baptiste capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area. Dover’s defense, led by captain Mitch Walker, thwarted Horsham’s efforts to equalize, including a crucial close-range save. A swift counter-attack in the 81st minute saw Soares-Junior score, sealing the 3-1 victory. Dover’s disciplined and clinical second-half performance earned them three valuable points, boosting their position in the league.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury. Harrison Pont is suspended.

From the Manager

“I think it’s a really tough draw and a very difficult place to go. Sittingbourne have been used to winning for a couple of years. They’ve got some experienced and strong players, and they’re going to be right up for it. I’ve just said to our lads it’s all about attitude. On Saturday, if we can compete and do what we’ve been doing, hopefully we have enough. But it’s the FA Cup, anything can happen. It would be fantastic for the fans, more than anything, to have a great run in the competition this year.”

Kit

Dover Athletic will line up in our yellow and green away strip with our goalkeeper in pink. Sittingbourne play in red and black.

The Opposition

On Bank Holiday Monday, Sittingbourne had a convincing 3-1 win over Ashford United Goals from Troy Howard, Mitchell May and Jay Beckford sealed the win after Ashford’s Louis Collins scored the first. All three goal scorers coming on as second half substitutes.

In the previous round of the FA Cup, Sittingbourne played away at Farnham and won 4-2. A 3rd minute goal from Liam Smith put them 1-0 up but Farnham equalised in the 29th minute. After 59 minutes Mitchell May was fouled in the penalty area and stepped up himself to put the Brickies 2-1 up.  Mitchell went on to get his hattrick and Sittingbourne’s 4th to progress to the next round.

Sittingbourne manager, Ryan Maxwell, told Kent Online this week “In terms of what it means to everybody, it’s the biggest game I’ve had since I’ve been here. It’s FA Cup football, a Kent derby against a team in a higher league – it has to be the biggest game. I’m aware of the importance of it for the fans. They can’t wait – they’re excited.”

The Venue

Car – Set your SatNav to ME9 8AD (will take you past our entrance on the left so keep alert!) ME9 8AG (will take you into the Kent Science Park so ignore it when the voice tells you turn right but go up the hill and turn left into the ground!)

More info: https://www.kentmcl.co.uk/directions/

Sittingbourne Football Club The Staxson Stadium Woodstock Park Broadoak Road, Sittingbourne, ME9 8AG

Admission  

Buy Tickets HERE (https://www.kentmcl.co.uk/)

Adults (18-59) £10.00
Concessions (60+) £6.00
Students (with Student Card) £6.00
Young Persons (11-17) £3.00
Under 11 (Free with Paying Adult)

Fancy watching the Whites take on Dartford 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 team sheet

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: Prawn Cocktail

Main: Roast Beef and Vegetables

Dessert: New York Cheesecake

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. Please let us know if there are any dietary requirements when booking and we will accommodate as best we can with alternatives.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email [email protected] or call the office on 01304 822373

The Whites are on the lookout for VIP Host Stewards to join the team.

We are looking for Host Stewards to be part of our VIP hospitality suite. Your role will involve greeting our guests, directing them to the correct areas and ensuring their comfort and safety during the game.

You will need to be smart in appearance, polite but able to be firm when required. This is largely a voluntary role, a pre-match meal will be provided and limited travel expenses are available.  

Volunteers are a vital component of the running of the Club, and we remain incredibly grateful for the help we receive.

For anyone interested in the position, please contact [email protected]

Watch the full video here – https://youtu.be/p2-VfaJmbz4

Justin Allen catches up with Dover Chairman Jim Parmenter.

The pair talk on the season so far, positive developments both on and off the pitch, recent sponsors and commercial growth.

Jim shares his reflections on the league as a whole, his expectations for the season and plans for the future.

The Whites head to Horsham on Bank Holiday Monday in the hopes of back to back wins.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover secured an impressive 5-2 victory over newly promoted Chichester City, with Ruben Soares-Junior scoring a hat-trick. Jake Leberl made several changes to the lineup, including a debut for Alfie Matthews and a start for Jaiden Drakes-Thomas after his recent goal-scoring form.

Dover started strong, with Soares-Junior opening the scoring in the 5th minute with a header from a beautifully delivered free-kick by Matthews. The teams went into halftime tied at 2-2, but Dover dominated the second half. Nikaj scored twice in quick succession to put Dover firmly in control, and Soares-Junior completed his hat-trick to seal the victory.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury. Harrison Pont is suspended.

From the Manager

“It’s another three points and we look forward to Monday. Obviously, we are straight into recovery, the boys were straight into the ice baths after the game. You saw we made a lot of changes and a lot of subs against Chichester. We rested some boys when we needed to, because the game allowed us to. We’ve got a good enough squad so we are confident”

Kit

Dover Athletic will line up in our white home shirt and black shorts. Horsham will play in their home strip of green shorts and a yellow and green shirt.

The Opposition

On Saturday, Horsham secured their first away victory of the season with an impressive 4-1 win against Hashtag United. Daniel Ajakaiye was the standout performer, scoring two goals in the first half to give the Hornets a strong lead. Horsham continued their dominance when Danny Barker added a third goal, his first for the club, after a well-placed corner from James Hammond.

Hashtag United struggled to contain Horsham’s dynamic play, managing to pull one goal back through Toby Aromolaran. However, Horsham sealed their victory when Hammond converted a stoppage-time penalty after Shamir Fenelon was fouled.

Manager Dom Di Paola maintained the same starting lineup from their previous match, with notable performances from Charlie Hester-Cook and Joel Daly. Horsham’s midfield control and quick exploitation of space, particularly through Ajakaiye, were key to their commanding performance. The victory moved the Hornets up to third in the standings

The Venue

Find us

Car parking

On matchdays the car park at the Stadium is reserved for officials and players only. But don’t worry, there is ample free parking available less than five minutes’ walk away at the Horsham Park & Ride. Park up and find the letter ‘K’, which is situated next to the path through to the traffic island for crossing Worthing Road. If a large attendance is expected, information will be published on the website regarding additional parking nearby, with a complimentary shuttle service to the stadium. On such occasions we’d also encourage you to car share, or travel by bus, if possible.

Turnstiles

As you walk down the lane to the stadium, cross the wooden footbridge and enter through the gate. The clubhouse building is on your left. Pass all the way along the building and you will come to the turnstiles. Here you will be greeted by one of our friendly stewards, who will be able to answer any questions you might have. If you have pre-purchased your ticket please have the QR code ready to be scanned. Otherwise we do accept cash or cards at the turnstiles, unless the match has been advertised as ‘all-ticket’.

Horsham Football Club, HOP OAST STADIUM, Worthing Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0AD 

Admission  

Buy tickets HERE

Matchday programme: £3

Category	Online in advance	Matchday
Adult (18-64)	£13.00	£14.00
Concession (65+/Student/U18s)*	£8.00	£9.00
U16	£3.00	£3.00
U6	Free	Free
Family(2 x Adult & 2 x U16)	£27.00	£32.00

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/DIskuM0q5Rs

Justin Allen sits down with Jake Leberl, Alfie Matthews and Ruben Soares-Junior straight after our win against Chichester City.

The group discuss the the afternoon’s game, reflect on our season so far and talk through their own personal goals for the season.

Both players talk on why they came to Dover Athletic, their relationships with the management team and the other lads in the dressing room.

Alfie and Ruben thank the fans for their support so far and urge everyone to stick behind the team for the rest of the season.