After a weeks delay, Dover finally start the National League season with a visit to the oldest continuous football ground in English football as they travel to Maidenhead United.

Whites were due to begin the season at Crabble against Solihull Moors last weekend, however this was postponed after two COVID-19 cases were found within the group, meaning the playing and management team had to self isolate for 10 days.

Meanwhile, our hosts came from behind last Saturday to beat FC Halifax Town 2-1 in their opening game of the season.

Dover are one of five teams yet to play a game this season, however sit bottom of the league on -12 due to the punishment given by the National League after the club were unable to complete last season’s campaign and had to cease all football operations due to financial reasons.

This is one of the reasons why these two teams did not play each other in the National League at all last season.

They were due to play at York Road at the beginning of December however a COVID case meant the game had to be postponed, whilst the game at Crabble was called off due to heavy snowfall. These postponements meant both games were pushed back, however were never played due to the aforementioned reasons.

Magpies boss Alan Devonshire has made six signings during the summer, with the standout name from a Dover point of view being ex-White Will De Havilland who joined Maidenhead after leaving Dover in the summer.

They’ve also signed Emile Acquah and Kane Ferdinand from fellow National League clubs Southend United and Woking, with the latter scoring the winner on his debut for the club in the 89th minute last weekend.

Charlee Adams also joined the Magpies on a free transfer. The centre midfielder is an experienced player in the National League, having previously played for Dagenham & Redbridge and Barnet.

Finally, goalkeeper James Holden joined the club on loan from Reading.

Whites’ visit to York Road will also mean a quick return for Seth Twumasi who will be looking to make his competitive debut for Dover against the side he left in the summer.

Maidenhead’s Player to Watch

Sam Barratt has started the season in fine form with one goal from one game and will be looking to match the 15 goals he scored for our hosts last season.

Coverage

To stay up to date with our opening game of the season, please follow @DAFCLiveText on Twitter to get live text coverage of the game.

Saturday’s National League Fixtures

Boreham Wood Vs Aldershot Town

Chesterfield Vs Wealdstone

Dagenham & Redbridge Vs Bromley

Eastleigh Vs Wrexham

Grimsby Town Vs Weymouth

Notts County Vs Torquay United

Solihull Moors Vs Barnet

Southend United Vs Stockport County (5:20PM)

Woking Vs FC Halifax Town

Yeovil Town Vs King’s Lynn Town