Dover Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of midfielder Siju Odelusi on a loan from Sutton United.

The 27-year-old arrives at the Megger Community Stadium after an impressive spell with the League Two side, where he made 50 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 National League campaign.

A former West Ham United trainee, Odelusi has built a strong reputation in non-league football for his tenacity, work rate and goal threat from midfield. His journey began at Tilbury FC, and he went on to represent Witham Town, Leiston, Hayes & Yeading United, Northwood, Westfield and Haringey Borough, before making his mark at Aveley.

During two standout seasons at Parkside, Odelusi helped Aveley secure back-to-back promotions, netting 17 goals in 2023/24 – 12 of them from the penalty spot – and earning a place in the National League South Team of the Season. He was also voted Aveley’s Player of the Season, recognised for his blend of defensive discipline and attacking impact.

His performances caught the eye of Sutton United, who handed him his first opportunity at National League level last summer. After a strong debut campaign in League Two, Odelusi now links up with Jake Leberl’s side as Dover continue to strengthen ahead of the 2025/26 season.

He will wear the number 28.

We’re back with another chance for supporters to get involved and put their questions directly to one of our players — this time, it’s Alfie Matthews in the hot seat!

“Ask Alfie” is a brand-new Q&A video feature where you can quiz our forward on all things football, Dover, and life off the pitch.

To take part, simply email your question — along with your full name — to george.cory@doverathletic.com.

Or, for a chance to feature in the video itself, send us a short clip of you asking your question via WhatsApp to 07402 093736. Please introduce yourself by name at the start of the video.

We’ll select a range of questions to put to Alfie, and his answers will appear on DAFCtv and across our social media channels soon after.

Keep it fun, thoughtful, and football-related — and you might just hear your question answered!

Dover Athletic return to the Megger Community Stadium on Tuesday night as they welcome Dorking Wanderers under the lights in National League South action. The visitors make the trip to Crabble looking to bounce back from a 2–1 defeat at Ebbsfleet on Saturday. Marc White’s side currently sit 14th in the table with 15 points from 11 games (W4 D3 L4) and will be eager to discover some form. Dover, meanwhile, will want to build on Saturday’s 1–1 draw at Chippenham

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic earned a battling 1–1 draw at Chippenham Town after a poor first half saw them fall behind early. The hosts struck in the third minute when Will Owen-Evans’ deflected shot looped over Walker. Dover struggled to settle but improved after the break, with debutant Bivesh Gurung adding composure in midfield. The equaliser came on 61 minutes as Harry Beadle’s long throw was flicked on by Jalen Jones and volleyed home by Luke Baptiste. Late chances for Nikaj and Baptiste followed, but neither side could find a winner. A solid away point ahead of Dorking’s visit to Crabble.

From the Management

“Tuesday night, home to Dorking Wanderers, really looking forward to that one under the lights. Hopefully there’ll be a big crowd up there, and we’ll need to start a lot brighter than we did on Saturday to get anything out of it. Like I’ve said, you’re going to have ups and downs, and Saturday was full of mixed emotions. We were incredibly poor for long periods of the first half, but by the end, if anyone was going to win it, I thought it was going to be us.”

Dorking Wanderers

Dorking Wanderers fell to a narrow 2–1 defeat at Ebbsfleet United despite a spirited display. After an even first half, Jason Prior headed home Dennon Lewis’ cross just two minutes after the restart to give Dorking the lead. Ebbsfleet hit back on the hour when Ben Chapman fired a long-range strike into the bottom corner before substitute Dom Samuel bundled in the winner on 76 minutes. Harrison Foulkes made several fine saves, including one from point-blank range to deny Cosgrave, while Jimmy Muitt struck the bar at the other end. Despite late pressure, Dorking couldn’t find a leveller and left empty-handed.

Dorking Wanderers head into the new season looking to go one better after narrowly missing out on promotion last term. Leading the division as late as March, Marc White’s side eventually finished 6th – just three points off top spot – before a dramatic play-off defeat to Boreham Wood ended their campaign. This summer has seen some big names depart, including Matt Briggs, Barry Fuller and Bobby Joe-Taylor, while new arrivals Louie Annesley, Frank Vincent and Dennon Lewis bring fresh energy and versatility. With Alfie Rutherford and Jason Prior still spearheading the attack, goals should once again flow freely. Known for their attacking, fearless style and tight-knit squad, Dorking remain one of the favourites for promotion.

Last Six

Ebbsfleet United 2–1 Dorking Wanderers – National League South – 18 Oct 2025
Dorking Wanderers 2–3 Aldershot Town – FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round – 11 Oct 2025
Chelmsford City 1–1 Dorking Wanderers – National League South – 4 Oct 2025
Dorking Wanderers 4–2 Salisbury – FA Cup Third Qualifying Round Replay – 30 Sept 2025
Salisbury 1–1 Dorking Wanderers – FA Cup Third Qualifying Round – 27 Sept 2025

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Dorking 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: £18
Concessions: £17
U18: £10
U11: FREE with a paying adult

We only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground.

Chippenham Town 1–1 Dover Athletic
Enterprise National League South
Saturday 18th October 2025 – Hardenhuish Park

Dover Athletic fought back from a sluggish start to claim a share of the points at Hardenhuish Park, as Luke Baptiste’s second-half volley earned Jake Leberl’s side a 1–1 draw against Chippenham Town.

The Whites made changes from last weekend, with Roman Charles-Cook returning from international duty and new signing Bivesh Gurung making his debut in midfield. But the afternoon began in frustrating fashion, as Chippenham flew out of the blocks and struck inside three minutes.

A quick exchange between Reece Fleet and Will Owen-Evans on the edge of the box saw the latter turn into space and fire goalwards. His shot took a wicked deflection, looping over the outstretched Walker and dropping under the crossbar to give the hosts an early lead.

The early setback seemed to unsettle Dover, who found themselves pinned back throughout much of the first half. Chippenham’s front line caused repeated problems with their movement and pace in behind. Touray forced Walker into an excellent one-on-one save on five minutes, while Owen-Evans and Haines both went close with headers from set pieces.

At the other end, Dover struggled to impose themselves. Baptiste and Nikaj offered flashes of promise on the break, but a lack of final quality meant visiting chances were few and far between. Walker again came to the rescue on 36 minutes, reacting sharply to deny Touray from close range after a dangerous low cross from Carroll.

Dover went in at half-time trailing 1–0, but came out with renewed intent after the restart. Matthews and Gurung began to find space in midfield, while Beadle’s long throws started to cause problems for the Chippenham defence.

That pressure told just past the hour mark. Beadle launched another of his trademark throws into the area, Jones rose highest to flick it on, and Luke Baptiste reacted quickest to volley home into the top corner.

Leberl introduced fresh legs soon after, with Mampolo replacing Matthews and Sheriff coming on for Coker. The changes added pace and energy, and Dover grew in confidence as the game opened up. Nikaj drove forward from deep on 76 minutes, beating two men before overhitting his final cross, while Mampolo continued to threaten down the opposite flank.

Both sides pushed for a late winner, but neither could break through a determined defensive line. Walker remained alert to claim a dangerous free-kick in the dying moments, ensuring Dover held firm to take a valuable away point back to Kent.

A poor first half was followed by a much-improved second, Dover’s attention now turns to Tuesday night’s return to Crabble against Dorking Wanderers.

Chippenham Town:
1 Henry, 2 Colwell, 6 Haines (C), 8 Evans, 10 Owen-Evans, 11 Touray, 12 Vaughan, 14 Koszela, 18 Fleet, 19 Carroll, 35 Ellison

Subs:
4 Mehew, 16 Bradbury, 20 King, 22 Sady, 26 Fleming, 28 Harrison, 32 Wanjau-Smith

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Dover Athletic:
1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 4 Jones, 16 Beadle, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 18 Gurung, 8 Matthews, 10 Nikaj, 9 Coker, 7 Baptiste

Subs:
Sesay, Sheriff, Lukombo, Mensah, Wilkinson, Mampolo, Gillmore

Dover Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Bivesh Gurung. The 24-year-old brings a wealth of experience across non-league and European football, having previously represented Maidstone United, Margate, with spells in Norway and Sweden.

A product of Maidstone’s academy, Bivesh earned a scholarship with Crystal Palace in 2017 before returning to Kent, where he signed for Margate and later Maidstone, helping them lift the National League South title in 2022 and going on to make 16 appearances in the National League.

Having made five appearances for Folkestone Invicta this season, Bivesh now joins Jake Leberl’s side as Dover look to strengthen their options in the middle of the park. He will wear the number 18 shirt.

Don’t miss your chance to sponsor Bivesh this season. Home £100, Away £90, Home and Away £180. To purchase, please contact the office by phone on 01304822373, or alternatively pop into reception on a matchday.

Fancy watching the Whites take on Dorking 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:

• Lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game
• A one-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 programme

The very special experience costs £20 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 :

Main: Cottage Pie served with Peas, Carrots and Gravy.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email enquiries@doverathletic.com or call the office on 01304 822373

Dover Athletic return to National League South action on Saturday with a trip to Chippenham Town. After Tuesday night’s dramatic Kent Senior Cup exit on penalties to Bromley, Jake Leberl’s side will be eager to bounce back and look to build on their draw against Horsham.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic were knocked out of the Kent Senior Cup after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Bromley’s B team ended in a 4-2 penalty defeat. Jemiah Umolu’s early strike put Bromley ahead before Francis Mampolo equalised and Kenny Coker’s quickfire double gave Dover a 3-1 half-time lead. Umolu pulled one back after the break and Nathan Patten’s header levelled the tie. Dover pressed late on but couldn’t find a winner, with Mampolo and Coker both going close. In the shootout, Sheriff scored but Beadle and Baptiste missed as Bromley converted all four penalties to advance to the third round.

From the Management

“There were some positives last night — it was good for a lot of the boys to get 90 minutes under their belts and now we move on to Chippenham away on Saturday. It’s a long journey, but we’re looking forward to it. We’ve started relatively well — four wins, four draws, four losses — and I feel we’re only going to get stronger. We’re missing a few through injury at the moment, but hopefully we’ll have them back in the next couple of weeks. We’ll probably look to strengthen too; the chairman’s given us the green light to bring one or two in.”

Chippenham Town

Chelmsford edged out Chippenham 4-3 in a breathless cup encounter full of drama from start to finish. The Bluebirds took the lead through Dan Ellison’s header before Taylor Clark, Lyle Taylor and Jack Barham turned the game on its head before half-time. Chelmsford’s Sam Folarin was sent off early in the second half, sparking a Chippenham fightback as Olaf Koszela and Tom Owen-Evans struck to make it 3-3. However, despite late pressure from the visitors, Louie Kudiabor’s stoppage-time volley settled the contest after a frantic goalmouth scramble, sending the Clarets through in a match that swung one way then the other.

Chippenham Town head into the weekend sitting 23rd in the National League South table with just five points from ten games (W1 D2 L7). It’s been a difficult start for Gary Horgan’s Bluebirds, who finished 14th last season but have struggled to replicate that form. Last season’s top scorer Harry Parsons remains key, while summer arrivals Ezio Touray and Olaf Koszela add firepower up front. Experienced midfielder Reece Fleet and defender Canice Carroll bring stability to a youthful side led by captain Luke Haines.

Last Five

Gloucester City 1–2 Chippenham Town – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round – 13 Sept
Enfield 1–0 Chippenham Town – National League South – 20 Sept
Walton & Hersham 0–2 Chippenham Town – FA Cup Third Qualifying Round – 27 Sept
Chippenham Town 0–1 Hemel Hempstead – National League South – 4 Oct
Chelmsford City 4–3 Chippenham Town – FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round – 11 Oct

The Venue

The Thornbury Surfacing Stadium, Bristol Road, Chippenham SN14 6LR
https://chippenhamtown.com/stadium/how-to-find-us/

Admission  

Adults: £17
Senior Citizens*: £13
Junior (16-17): £6

Child (5-15): £4

*Also, Students with a student card and serving Armed Forces personnel with an ID card.

Dover Athletic bowed out of the Kent Senior Cup after a six-goal game against Bromley’s B team ended level, with the visitors holding their nerve in a decisive penalty shootout.

Dover made several changes but began brightly. However, it was the young Ravens who landed the first blow. After just five minutes, Jemiah Umolu, on loan from Crystal Palace, ghosted into space and calmly slotted past Jordan Gillmore to give Bromley the lead.

Dover responded with intent — Luke Baptiste’s deflected shot tested Addai before Sheriff twice came close in a frantic spell. A goalmouth scramble on 15 minutes saw Bromley somehow survive as two Dover efforts were cleared off the line.

The visitors nearly doubled their advantage when Brooklyn Ilunga rattled the post, but the Whites soon made their dominance count. On 32 minutes, Francis Mampolo powered down the left flank, cut inside and drilled a low finish into the near corner for the equaliser.

Moments later, Kenny Coker almost gave Dover the lead before Addai denied Baptiste with a fingertip stop. The pressure finally told in the 37th minute — Coker acrobatically converted a rebound off the bar to put the hosts 2–1 ahead. The number nine then struck again just before half time, reacting quickest from a corner to head home and give Dover a commanding 3–1 lead at the break.

Bromley regrouped after the restart and pulled one back on 55 minutes when Gillmore parried a shot into the path of Umolu, who tapped home his second of the evening. The comeback continued six minutes later as Nathan Patten rose highest to meet a corner, steering his header perfectly across goal to make it 3–3.

The final half-hour saw both sides chase a winner — Mampolo’s curling effort was well saved, Coker fired narrowly over, and Sesay shot wide late on as Dover piled forward. Despite the tempo, neither side could find a decisive breakthrough.

The tie went straight to penalties, where Sheriff converted Dover’s first before Beadle and Baptiste missed. Bromley, by contrast, were flawless from the spot, scoring all four efforts — skipper Sam German sealing the win with a composed chip down the middle to send the Ravens into the next Round.

Jake Leberl’s men will now switch focus back to the league with a trip to Chippenham Town on Saturday.

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Teams

Dover Athletic:

27 Gillmore, 12 Holness, 3 Sesay, 17 Lukombo, 16 Beadle, 15 Sodje, 23 Wilkinson, 7 Baptiste (c), 24 Mampolo, 9 Coker, 11 Sheriff

Subs: Boakye-Sarfo, Holden, Jadama, Matthews, Roberts

Bromley:

Addai, Taylor, Lee, Patten, German (c), Stepien-Iwumene, Penn, Przybylo, Ibrahim, Umolu, Ilunga

Subs: Hobbs, Essien, Rope, Borders, Anunlopo

Dover Athletic are back under the lights at Crabble on Tuesday night as they welcome League Two side Bromley in the Kent Senior Cup. Following Saturday’s dramatic late equaliser against Horsham, Jake Leberl’s men will look to carry that fighting spirit into cup action against higher-league opposition. The match offers a valuable chance for squad rotation, with opportunities likely for those pushing for minutes, as Dover aim to test themselves against a young Bromley side.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic rescued a late point as Jacob Mensah’s stoppage-time header secured a 1-1 draw with Horsham at Crabble. The Whites created the better chances in the first half, with Sheriff hitting the post and Matthews forcing a fine save from Carey. After the break, Horsham took the lead when James Hammond curled a superb effort into the top corner. Dover responded with late pressure and were rewarded in the 93rd minute when Baptiste’s free kick was nodded down by Jones for Mensah to head home. A spirited performance ensured Dover claimed a deserved share of the points.

2024/25 Kent Senior Cup Campaign

Last season’s Kent Senior Cup campaign ended in narrow disappointment, as Dover lost to Welling United on penalties in the semi-final after a 1–1 draw in normal time.

The Whites began strongly with a 3–1 victory over Cray Valley PM at Crabble in the second round. Jeremiah Gyebi headed home the opener, Eniye Amgbaduba converted from the penalty spot early in the second half, and George Nikaj sealed the win late on. That performance set up a quarter-final meeting with Deal Town, the first competitive fixture between the two sides, played in front of 1,219 fans. Dover impressed again, with Ruben Soares-Junior striking early and Nikaj adding a second to secure a professional 2–0 win.

In the semi-final away to Welling, Amgbaduba’s pressing earned Dover a deserved first-half lead. The visitors defended resolutely and looked set for the final, but Welling equalised deep into stoppage time to force penalties. Despite goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo getting a hand to a couple of efforts, Dover lost 5–4 in the shootout after Jacob Mensah struck the bar.

From the Management

“Tuesday night we’ve got the Kent Senior Cup — a break from the league. We’ll have to think about the squad for that one; a few lads are struggling after today’s game. We haven’t made our minds up yet, so we’ll chat as a staff and decide the best approach. Bromley will be strong, and then of course we’re off to Chippenham next weekend.”

Bromley

Bromley earned a hard-fought 1–0 win at Crewe in Saturday’s League Two clash. Michael Cheek, who had scored a consolation in last season’s 4–1 defeat, struck the decisive goal seven minutes into the second half, calmly finishing after Omar Sowunmi’s header fell his way. Crewe threatened through Jack Lankester early on, while Ben Thompson and substitute Nicke Kabamba both went close for the visitors. Late pressure from the hosts, including a dangerous Louis Moult cross, was repelled by Bromley’s resolute defence. The Ravens held firm through nine minutes of stoppage time to secure all three points.

Last Six

Bromley 2–2 Gillingham (6 Sept)
Oldham Athletic 1–0 Bromley (13 Sept)
Bromley 2–2 Chesterfield (20 Sept)
Swindon Town 2–0 Bromley (27 Sept)
Bromley 3–3 Tranmere Rovers (4 Oct)
Stevenage 2–1 Bromley (7 Oct, EFL Trophy)
Crewe Alexandra 0–1 Bromley (11 Oct)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Bromley 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: £10
Concessions: £9
U18: £5
U11: FREE with a paying adult

Season tickets and block-of-five not valid for this fixture. Cup game all must pay.

We only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground.

Dover Athletic’s National League South fixture against Chelmsford City has now been rearranged for Tuesday 28 October, with kick-off at 7.45pm at the Megger Community Stadium.

The fixture was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday 11 October, but was postponed due to Chelmsford’s continued involvement in the Emirates FA Cup. Following discussions between both clubs and the league, a new date has now been confirmed.

Revised fixture details:

• Fixture: Dover Athletic v Chelmsford City
• Date: Tuesday 28 October 2025
• Kick-off: 7.45pm
• Venue: The Megger Community Stadium

Dover Athletic would like to thank supporters for their understanding following the initial postponement and looks forward to welcoming everyone back to Crabble later this month.