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GETTING SHIRTY WITH LEE BOWMAN

I’ve had Dover Athletic Shirts since 1994 (30 years!) and have kept and collected them ever since. It has only been in the last few years that my Football Shirt collecting has really accelerated, and not only to include Dover Shirts but those of other Non-League Clubs, particularly from the 90’s Conference days. I grew up watching us play Conference Football and have great memories of that period and have a vast knowledge of the players and kits of those clubs who participated in the Vauxhall/Nationwide Conference with us throughout those years.

I am very nostalgic about those times which has heavily influenced me to add Shirts, Scarves, Pennants, Programmes and general memorabilia of those 90’s/00’s Non-League teams and competitions. I have over 600 Football Shirts now, 97 of which are Dover ones!

Despite owning nearly a hundred Whites’ shirts, you’d think there wouldn’t be anything left out there for me to look for but there are still a fair few on my wanted list!

Countrywide DERV Shirts are always of interest, of course, particularly the ‘Spall’ 1989-1991 top. The 2002/2003 Yellow & Blue ‘Heritage Transport’ Away Jersey by Admiral, ‘Bergoni’ Sky Blue sponsorless alternative from 2001/2002, the 2005/2006 ‘Criccieth Homes’ Home by ‘Jacetts’ plus a fair few of our more recent ‘Gomez’ sponsored Away Shirts are all on the list. Any Goalkeeper Shirts are always of interest too!

What is your favourite Dover Athletic shirt?

It’s difficult to pick out just one but the 1993-1995 ‘Derv’ Shirt produced by ‘Plaaya’ with the Castle detail sleeve design is up there, along with its classic Yellow & Green Away coloured variant. However, the 1999/2000 trio were a great set of Shirts. The traditional White & Black Home, Red & Black Away and the rare Yellow & Blue Third Shirt were all somewhat iconic. It was the first set of Dover kits produced by Vandanel and all 3 had the same base template which were all somewhat striking in their design.

The shirts were only worn for the one solitary, yet very successful and memorable, season as we finished 6th in the Conference under Bill Williams, our highest ever finish as a Club at that time.

The squad included some of the best players to wear the White Shirt including our gaffer Jake Leberl, Lee Shearer, Dave Clarke, Neil Le Bihan, Simon Wormull & Joff Vansittart.

The Yellow Third Shirt only had a few outings that year including an opening day 2-1 away win away at eventual Conference Champions that season, Kidderminster Harriers. The game that I associate it with most is the 3-2 FA Cup win away at Harlow Town at the Harlow Sports Ground in November 1999, some 25 years ago now incredibly.

How are you feeling about the season ahead?

I’m quietly optimistic about the season ahead. First and foremost it is all about stopping the rot of the past 4 years and consolidating. However, given the improvements around the club both on and off the pitch as well as a rejuvenated outlook and approach, plus the squad Jake has assembled, I believe we are capable of challenging for the Play-Offs but one step at a time, perhaps!

Up Next – Sittingbourne FC

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)

DARTFORD – VIP STYLE

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

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: VIP HOST STEWARD

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]

CHAIRMAN INTERVIEW

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.

Report: Horsham FC 1-3 Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic claimed a well-earned 3-1 victory over Horsham at the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium, capitalising on second-half opportunities to secure three valuable points in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

The match kicked off with Dover making early inroads, nearly benefiting from an own goal when Horsham’s Jack Strange sliced a clearance just over his own crossbar following a dangerous cross by George Nikaj in the 8th minute. Dover continued to push forward, but Horsham’s defense held firm.

Horsham broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute through a set-piece. Isaac Philpot flicked James Hammond’s corner into the net at the near post, marking his first goal for the Hornets and giving the home side a 1-0 lead. Horsham nearly doubled their advantage shortly after, with Ola’s deflected shot saved by Dover goalkeeper Mitch Walker in the 32nd minute.

Dover responded strongly and found their equaliser just before halftime. In the 44th minute, George Nikaj scored a near-identical goal to Horsham’s opener, heading in from a corner delivered by Wilkinson to level the score at 1-1. The teams went into the break on even terms, with both sides having shown glimpses of quality.

The second half saw a more dominant performance from Dover. In the 69th minute, a scrappy play in the Horsham penalty area saw the ball break kindly to Luke Baptiste, who slotted home to give Dover a 2-1 lead.

Horsham pushed for an equaliser, but Dover’s defense, marshaled by captain Mitch Walker, who made a stunning close-range save in the 78th minute, held firm. The visitors sealed their victory in the 81st minute with a swift counter-attack. Soares-Junior broke free after Horsham were caught upfield and coolly slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 3-1.

Despite Horsham’s efforts to mount a comeback, Dover remained solid at the back and saw out the game comfortably. The final whistle blew after six minutes of stoppage time, confirming a 3-1 win for Dover Athletic, who showcased a disciplined and clinical performance in the second half to secure all three points.

The win sees Dover continue their push up the Isthmian League Premier Division table after a fantastic Bank Holiday Weekend.

Horsham 1

Isaac Philpot (22′)

Dover Athletic 3

George NIKAJ  (44′)
Luke BAPTISTE  (69′)
Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR (80′)

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 1,243
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Joshua Langley- Fineing
Venue: The Camping World Community Stadium

Horsham: 1 Lewis Carey, 4 Danny Barker, 5 Jack Strange, 6 Isaac Philpot, 7J ames Hammond (Captain), 8 Charlie Hester-Cook, 10 Daniel Ajakaiye, 11 Ola Ogunwamide, 16 Joel Daly, 19 Chris Dickson, 20 Lee Harding SUBS: 2 Tom Beere, 9 Shamir Fenelon, 12 Joe Turner, 15 John Brivio, 18 Reece Myles-Meekums

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, 10 George NIKAJ, 11 Lindell STEWART, 14 Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR, 23 George WILKINSON SUBS: 8 Alfie MATTHEWS, 9 Eniye AMGBADUBA, 15 Tamas AMGBADUBA, 19 Jayden SILCOTT-BROWN, 20 Jaiden DRAKES-THOMAS

Up Next – Horsham FC

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

CategoryOnline in advanceMatchday
Adult (18-64)£13.00£14.00
Concession (65+/Student/U18s)*£8.00£9.00
U16£3.00£3.00
U6FreeFree
Family(2 x Adult & 2 x U16)£27.00£32.00

Report – Dover Athletic 5-2 Chichester City

Hat-trick hero Ruben Soares-Junior led the line in the Whites 5-2 victory against newly promoted Chichester City. 

Forward George Nikaj also scored a brace in front of 825 fans at The Megger Community Stadium to make it seven goals in four league matches so far this season. Prior to the game, the club announced the signing of goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo. The former Horsham and Cray Wanderers man will be backup to Mitch Walker between the sticks. 

It was a wet and windy afternoon at Crabble, the sort of weather we have come to expect on an August Bank Holiday weekend in the UK. Manager Jake Leberl made some attacking changes to the starting lineup, giving a debut to Alfie Matthews while Jaiden Drakes-Thomas was rewarded after 2 goals from the bench in his last two appearances. Eniye Amgbaduba replaced Lindell Stewart in the front line and in defence, Jeremiah Gybei came in for Luca Cocoracchio.

The game kicked off with Dover shooting towards the River End and it wasn’t long before Ruben Soares-Junior scored the first goal of the game. After 5 minutes, Dover found themselves with a free kick on the edge of the Chichester box, the ball floated beautifully in by Alfie Matthews, was met by the head of Ruben and looped in over the keeper. 

Just five minutes later, Dover had another chance at goal as the referee blew for a penalty on a foul against Ruben Soares-Junior in the box. Luke Baptiste took the spot kick, but the Chichester keeper got down well to deny a Dover double within the first 10 minutes of the match. 

The missed penalty unsettled the young Dover side and gave Chichester the confidence to find a footing in the game with Mo Jammeh equalising in the 22nd minute. Dover took the lead again 10 minutes later with Ruben Soares-Junior getting his second with a lob over the keeper. The sides traded goals once again with Chichester’s Isaac Bello delivering the equaliser this time just a few moments later. The referee blew for half time with the teams going in level at 2-2, a welcome break for the home side.

Athletic went ahead once again, just six minutes into the second half. George Nikaj finding the net this time, making it six for the season- and only four minutes later he had a seventh. At 4-2, Jake Leberl made some changes and brought on reinforcements across the field. Soares-Junior completed his hat trick with fifteen minutes remaining and assured the Dover win in a man of the match performance. 

Dover climb to fifth in the table and head to Horsham on Monday. 

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 825
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

Dover Athletic – 5

Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR (5′)
Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR (33′)
George NIKAJ  (51′)
George NIKAJ  (55′)
Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR (75′)

Chichester City – 2

Mo Jammeh (22′)
Isaac Bello (36′)

Dover Athletic: 1 Mitch WALKER (C), 2 Roman CHARLES-COOK, 3 Fuad SESAY, 5 Joe TENNENT, 4 Jeremiah GYEBI, 7 Luke BAPTISTE, 10 George NIKAJ, 9 Eniye AMGBADUBA, 14 Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR, 8 Alfie MATTHEWS, 20 Jaiden DRAKES-THOMAS SUBS: 6 Luca COCORACCHIO, 11 Lindell STEWART, 19 Jayden SILCOTT-BROWN, 15 Tamas AMGBADUBA, 23George WILKINSON.

Chichester City: 1 Kieran Magee, 2 Emmett Dunn, 3 Rob Hutchings (C), 4 Joe Moore, 5 Connor Cody, 6 Ben Pashley, 17 Oliver Munt, 8 Joe Clarke, 9 Dion Jarvis, 10 Mo Jammeh, 11 Isaac Bello SUBS: 14 Curtis Da Costa, 15 Jimmy Wild, 16 Lloyd Rowlatt, 18 Ryan Davidson, 20 Billie Clark

Post Chichester Chat

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.

Dover Athletic Academy vs Chatham Town Academy

Mark your calendars as the Dover Athletic Academy take on Chatham Town Academy on Tuesday, 10th September 2024. This FA Youth Cup fixture kicks off at 19:30 at the Megger Community Stadium and all are welcome to watch.

Our young Whites impressed in this tournament back in 2022/23, reaching the Third Round and played Premier League outfit, Brighton & Hove Albion. The Academy reached this stage of the competition after winning 3-0 at Lowestoft Town in the Second Round. The side scored 31 goals, across their 6 wins during the campaign.

Admission Prices:

All – £6
U11s – FREE with a paying adult