Archives: News

Ticket Prices – 2025/26

Season Tickets

As always our season tickets are the most cost effective way to watch Whites play at home. Our Early bird offer runs from May until the end of June.

Paying a lump sum for season tickets makes them less accessible for some fans and we continue to have a facility to split the payment across 2 months (May and Jun) when purchasing online.  

You can order or renew your season ticket at our club shop (dafcdirect.com) now.

“Due to rising costs across the board—including travel, employment, utilities, and consumables—we’ve had to set prices slightly higher than in the 2023/24 season, when we were last in the National League South. We regret having to raise prices, but it’s a necessary step if we’re to remain competitive. We hope supporters understand the crucial role season ticket sales play in sustaining the club and giving Jake and the team the best possible chance of success. We urge supporters to buy their season tickets as early as possible so we can continue to plan for the season ahead” – Jim Parmenter

As always our season tickets also include pre-season friendlies.

Early BirdFull Price
Adult£299£364
Concessions – O60£276£341
Concessions – U18£75
Under 11FREE with AdultFREE with Adult

Block-of-5

Our block of 5 tickets are back again this season. An option for fans that can’t make every game, but are looking for a saving through a multi-buy offer.  

Adult£82
Concession£77

On the gate

Due to rising costs our on-the-day pricing has had to come in slightly above the 23/24 season when we were last at Step 2, but we hope that despite the price increase that fans will opt for an upfront commitment, whether that be a season ticket or Block-of-5. We hope that supporters will recognise the importance of these ticket sales in continuing to support Jake and the team for further success.

Adult£18
Concession – O60£17
Concession – U18£10
Under 11FREE

We will have further updates on Hospitality packages and the extra value they will provide coming very soon.

All season tickets can be purchased by the following options:

  • You can buy online HERE
  • Call the club office on 01304 822373 (option 2) to pay by card
  • Head up to the club office at Crabble between 9am-5pm (Monday-Friday) or on matchdays

Tickets are on sale now so support your club and renew your season or buy one today!

Report – Dartford 0-2 Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic capped off a resilient season with a commanding 2–0 victory over Dartford in the Isthmian League Premier Division Play-off Final, earning their return to the National League South after just a single season away. On a blustery afternoon, Jake Leberl’s men absorbed early pressure before asserting dominance in the second half, with goals from Ruben Soares-Junior and Alfie Matthews sealing the deal in front of a raucous travelling support.

Dartford opened with intensity and intent, spurred on by a passionate Princes Park crowd. Within the opening minutes, they forced a series of corners and free-kicks, targeting Dover’s aerial vulnerability. George Whitefield headed over from an early corner, and Callum Jones combined effectively with Olly Box, causing the Dover defence some early jitters.

Dover, meanwhile, took time to settle. Their first real foray came via Luke Baptiste, whose darting run behind the Dartford backline in the 17th minute drew a professional foul from Whitefield. The referee brandished only a yellow, to the fury of Dover players and fans alike. Alfie Matthews, fresh from his heroics in the semi-final, saw the resulting free-kick comfortably gathered by Jacob Marsden.

Despite Dartford’s territorial advantage, they lacked the cutting edge. Shots from Carruthers, Olopade, and Box were repelled by a disciplined Whites back line, where Jacob Mensah and Luca Cocoracchio shone. Mitch Walker, ever-reliable in goal, was tested only sporadically. It was, ultimately, a half of pressure without penetration.

The second period opened with a shift in momentum. Dover began to attack with greater urgency, buoyed by the end change and their vocal contingent of supporters. Baptiste flashed a dangerous ball across goal, narrowly avoiding a connection.

Their breakthrough arrived on 57 minutes. A melee in the box following a quick passage of passing saw George Nikaj hauled down. Penalty. Soares-Junior stepped up and, with nerves of steel, dinked a cheeky Panenka down the middle to give Dover the lead, sparking wild celebrations in the away end.

Dartford responded with substitutions and a renewed offensive effort, but Dover’s defensive wall proved near-impenetrable. Tennent and Mensah continued to marshal the back line with confidence, while Walker produced two stunning saves in the 83rd minute — first parrying Box’s rocket and then smothering a follow-up effort from Bullas.

As the hosts pressed in desperation, space opened for Dover to counter. In the 86th minute, Soares-Junior was cynically upended by the onrushing Marsden, who saw yellow. From the resulting free-kick, Dartford failed to clear, and Alfie Matthews timed his run perfectly to meet the second ball with a looping header that nestled inside the far post.

Dover’s second sent their supporters into delirium. Chants of “We are going up!” rang around the stadium as they expertly saw out the final moments, even surviving a late Dartford penalty appeal with calm assurance.

Dover’s second-half display showcased why they belong back in the National League South. A resolute back line, a composed midfield, and a pair of clinical forwards proved the difference on the day. Jake Leberl’s men were tactically astute and mentally resilient, characteristics that will serve them well as they re-enter Step Two of non-league football.

After the heartbreak of recent seasons, this was a triumph forged through grit, unity, and belief and the 600 travelling fans will remember it for a long time.

Dartford 0 – 2 Dover Athletic
Ruben Soares-Junior (57′ pen)
Alfie Matthews (87′)

Isthmian League – Premier Division Play-off Final
Attendance: 3,805
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Princes Park Stadium

Dartford:

1 Jacob Marsden, 3 Sam Odaudu, 5 Josh Hill, 6 George Whitefield, 7 Callum Jones, 8 Denzelle Olopade, 11 Olly Box, 16 Sam Okoye, 4 Samir Carruthers, 27 Michael Olarewaju, 32 Hayden Bullas SUBS: 21 Eddie Dsane, 17 Luther Williams, 25 Louis Dunne, 19 Tyler Christian-Law, 28 Jeremiah Pinder

Dover Athletic:

1 Mitch Walker, 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, 26 Jacob Mensah, 29 Ryan Hanson SUBS: 4 Jeremiah Gyebi, 9 Eniye Amgbaduba, 15 Tamas Amgbaduba, 24 Francis Mampolo, 28 Kweku-Conrad Lucan

Players Message

A message to the fans from the Dover Athletic squad of 2024/25:

Thank you. One final push.

Jake Leberl Message

What an amazing first full season in management. I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every minute of it — the incredible highs, the difficult lows, and everything in between.

We’ve been so fortunate to recruit such a great group of talented lads. That doesn’t come around often and certainly isn’t the norm. No matter what happens on Monday, these players have created memories that will last a lifetime.

We’ve had so much fun along the way, and to reach the play-off final is a remarkable achievement for everyone involved, especially when you consider the experience and resources we have.

I’d like to think you, the supporters, have enjoyed the ride. It really feels like we’re on the right path to getting our Dover Athletic back.

It’s been a really difficult few years for everyone connected to the club. That happens to all football clubs, even the biggest in the world. But now is the time to put the past behind us and look forward to exciting times ahead.

We, the club, need you more than ever. Your support is vital if we’re to grow and compete — not just at this level, but beyond.

We’d love to keep the nucleus of this group together, and your continued support can help us do just that. We’ve had some special days and nights this season, and we all want more.

Spread the word, and let’s hope we finish on a high!

Up Next – Dartford vs Dover Athletic (Play Off Final)

Dover head to Dartford on Monday in the Isthmian Premier Division Play Off Final for a chance to return to the National League South. It’s a massive Kent Derby Final.

Dover Athletic

On Wednesday night, Dover Athletic reached the Isthmian League Play-Off Final with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Billericay Town at New Lodge. After a goalless 90 minutes, Femi Akinwande gave the hosts the lead, his shot deflecting off the post and Walker’s back. But Dover hit back immediately through Alfie Matthews, who curled a stunning free kick into the top corner. With penalties looming, Matthews stepped up again, delivering another sublime free kick in the 119th minute to seal victory. His heroics sent Dover through to face Dartford in Monday’s final.

In our home meeting earlier in the season Dover 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.

In the away encounter just a few weeks ago, Dover fell to a 3-1 defeat at Dartford. Despite a bright start and early chances for Nikaj and Matthews, Dover fell behind to a sublime Carruthers free kick. Olopade added a second before the break, and Hill’s header made it three just after. Soares-Junior nearly responded with a thunderous strike off the post, then scored a stunning 20th league goal to offer late hope. Dover pushed forward but couldn’t break through again. Dartford’s physicality and clinical finishing proved decisive, sealing victory in the Good Friday Kent Derby.

Dartford

Dartford staged a dramatic comeback to beat Cray Valley PM 4-3 after extra time and reach the Isthmian Premier League Play-Off Final. Trailing 2-0 after two headers from Danny Waldren, Dartford pulled one back through a Samir Carruthers penalty following a red card for Cray. Sam Odaudu equalised deep into stoppage time, forcing extra time. He then set up Hayden Bullas to make it 3-2 before George Whitefield added a fourth. Cray struck late via Adam Coombes, but it wasn’t enough. A pulsating night at Princes Park ended in wild celebrations as Dartford booked a final clash with Dover.

Dartford finished in 3rd place in the Isthmian Premier League with with 84 points from 42 matches. Their strong campaign featured 25 wins, 9 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of +28, having scored 77 and conceded 49. At home, Dartford played 21 times, winning 12, drawing 5, and losing 4. Their away form was similarly strong: 13 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses from 21 fixtures.

Last 5

12/04 – Whitehawk (A) – Won 1-0
18/04 – Dover Athletic (H) – Won 3-1
21/04 – Cray Wanderers (A) – Drew 2-2
26/04 – Carshalton Athletic (H) – Lost 1-4
30/04 – Cray Valley PM (H) – Won 4-3 AET (Play Off Semi Final)

The Venue

Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park
Grassbanks
Darenth Road
Dartford
Kent
DA1 1RT

More information: https://www.dartfordfc.com/directions-to-the-ground/

Admission  

This match has sold out. There are no away tickets available.

Can’t make the game?

Join us in The Centre Spot as we stream the full Play-Off Final LIVE. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual supporter, everyone’s welcome at The Centre Spot to soak in the atmosphere, cheer on the lads, and share the moment with fellow Whites. Doors open from 11.30am. Free entry for all. Our food outlet will be open, grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the action.

Prefer the comfort of your own home? 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

Watch the Play-Off Final LIVE at Crabble

The big day is almost here – and while we know not everyone can make it to the Play-Off Final in person, we’ve got the next best thing right here at The Megger Community Stadium.

Join us in The Centre Spot as we stream the full Play-Off Final LIVE, as Dover Athletic take on Dartford to regain a place in the National League South.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual supporter, everyone’s welcome at The Centre Spot to soak in the atmosphere, cheer on the lads, and share the moment with fellow Whites.

Kick-off at 3pm, doors open from 11.30am. Free entry for all. Our food outlet will be open, grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the action.

A Free Pint for Season Ticket Holders

Missed out on getting a matchday ticket? Don’t worry, we’ve got a little something to soften the blow. Season ticket holders can enjoy a free pint of Fosters on us. Just show your season ticket card at the bar and we’ll do the rest.

Report – Billericay Town 1-2 Dover Athletic

Under the lights at a packed New Lodge, Billericay Town and Dover Athletic faced off in a high-stakes Isthmian League Premier Division Play-Off Semi-Final. With a place in the final and the chance at promotion on the line, both sides brought intensity and grit in a game that would ultimately be decided in extra time.

Despite a lively and fast-paced start from Billericay, the opening 45 minutes ended goalless. The hosts were on the front foot early, with Bradley Williams bursting down the right and firing over after a strong run. Elliot Long tested the Dover keeper with a low drive, while Femi Akinwande and Frankie Merrifield created dangerous openings that couldn’t be converted.

Dover gradually grew into the contest. Alfie Matthews was a key threat, testing Sam Donkin with a long-range shot and curling a free kick just wide. Their best opening came when a free header from Ryan Hanson was comfortably collected. Billericay’s biggest chance of the half came just before the break when Long’s strike was parried into the path of De-Carrey Sheriff, whose follow-up was saved.

The second half continued in much the same fashion, intense but lacking in clinical finishing. Dover should have taken the lead early on when Donkin made a superb double save to deny George Nikaj and Matthews. At the other end, Davis rattled the crossbar with a towering header, while Williams and Akinwande kept the visitors’ defence alert.

There was controversy as Dover looked to have scored after a frantic goalmouth scramble, but the officials judged the ball hadn’t crossed the line. Billericay’s penalty appeals were waved away shortly after, and both sides pushed for a late winner without success.

The deadlock was finally broken in extra time. Femi Akinwande struck first for Billericay after a brilliant counter-attack, cutting in from the left and seeing his effort bounce off the post and onto Walker’s back before trickling over the line.

But the lead was short-lived. Dover hit back almost immediately. Alfie Matthews curled a sensational free kick into the top corner to equalise, a stunning response that shifted the momentum.

With both teams tiring, the game appeared destined for penalties until Matthews delivered again. Another expertly taken free kick dipped over the wall and, despite Donkin getting a hand to it, found the back of the net to give Dover a late lead.

Matthews was substituted in stoppage time to a hero’s ovation, and Dover saw out the final moments to secure their place in the play-off final against Dartford on Monday.

Isthmian League – Premier Division Play-off Semi Final
Attendance: 2,857
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: New Lodge

Billericay Town:

1. Sam Donkin, 3. Jay Porter, 4. Matt Johnson, 10. Frankie Merrifield, 11. De-Carrey Sheriff, 12. Tommy Davis, 19. Femi Akinwande, 21. Jack Paxman, 22. Ben Steward, 29. Bradley Williams, 30. Elliot Long SUBS: 2. Montel McKenzie, 9. Moses Emmanuel, 17. Tyrell Miller-Rodney, 18. Ashley Nzala, 23. Charlie Panton

Dover Athletic:

1. Mitch Walker, 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, 26. Jacob Mensah, 29. Ryan Hanson SUBS: 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 24. Francis Mampolo, 28. Kweku-Conrad Lucan

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.