Dover return to Crabble on Tuesday night looking to bounce back quickly from defeat against Maidenhead United, as they face Dagenham & Redbridge in National League South action. With back-to-back losses leaving the Whites eager to respond, Jake Leberl’s side will be hoping to spark a turnaround. The visitors, meanwhile, arrive with ambitions of their own and will provide another stern test under the lights at the Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic slipped to a 2–1 defeat at home to Maidenhead United, with former Whites defender Will de Havilland scoring both goals for the visitors. The Magpies struck early when Dover failed to clear a corner, de Havilland pouncing to put them ahead. After a frustrating first half, Dover hit back quickly after the restart as George Nikaj cut inside and finished low to equalise. The momentum briefly swung to the hosts, but another defensive lapse allowed de Havilland to head home his second from a Remy Clerima cross. Despite late pressure, Dover couldn’t find a leveller.

From the Management

“We know how brutal this league is — we experienced it the season before last. What we can’t do is feel sorry for ourselves. We’ve got to stay strong, stay competitive, and have a real go at every team. But we also need to defend our box better against crosses.”

Dagenham & Redbridge

Weston-super-Mare condemned Dagenham & Redbridge to a heavy 3-0 defeat at a rain-soaked Optima Stadium. The Daggers had the better of the first half, with Howes producing key saves, while Lusala went close before the break. Goalless at half-time, the game turned early in the second period as Louis Britton converted from the spot. Moments later, the visitors were undone again by an own-goal to leave them chasing the contest. Despite changes from the bench, Weston seized full control and added a third with just over ten minutes left to seal the win, leaving Dagenham empty-handed after a difficult afternoon.

Dagenham & Redbridge endured a disastrous 2024/25, finishing 21st and suffering relegation from the National League for the first time in 25 years. Under new Qatari ownership and manager Lee Bradbury, the Daggers have undergone a major rebuild. Key arrivals include goalkeeper Sam Howes, defender Christian Maghoma, midfielders George Marsh and Tim Dieng, plus high-profile forwards Donovan Wilson, Ashley Hemmings and the sensational signing of Andy Carroll as player-owner. Despite losing top scorer Josh Rees, optimism has returned, with a strike force that looks among the division’s best. Defence and midfield remain unproven, but promotion ambitions are clear.

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Dagenham 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.

Dover Athletic 1–2 Maidenhead United
National League South – Saturday 30th August 2025
Megger Community Stadium
Attendance: 1,069

Dover Athletic fell to their second defeat in four days as a brace from former Whites defender Will de Havilland earned Maidenhead United all three points at Crabble.

The visitors started on the front foot and were sharper in the early exchanges. After forcing a series of corners, Dover’s failure to clear their lines proved costly. In the eighth minute, the ball dropped to de Havilland, who smashed home emphatically from close range to put Maidenhead in front. Dover, sluggish and wasteful in possession, struggled to settle. Only Alfie Matthews offered a half chance with a tame effort easily gathered by Jordi van Stappershoef, while at the other end Josh Umerah and Liam Dulson kept the home defence under pressure.

The Whites went in a goal down at the break but came out revitalised in the second half. Barely three minutes after the restart, George Nikaj provided a moment of quality. Picking up the ball on the right, he cut inside with purpose before curling a low strike into the far corner to draw Dover level and lift the home crowd. For the next ten minutes, the momentum swung Dover’s way, with the hosts pinning Maidenhead back and testing their resolve.

But the Magpies weathered the storm and gradually began to reassert themselves. Walker had to be sharp to deny Robinson after good work by Popoola, and Maidenhead’s aerial threat continued to cause problems from corners. The pressure told in the 72nd minute when Remy Clerima’s floated cross picked out de Havilland, who ghosted into space and glanced a header inside the far post for his second of the match.

Dover responded by throwing on fresh legs, with Soares-Junior, Baptiste, Coker and Wilkinson all introduced in search of an equaliser. Nikaj almost forced the issue with a deflected cross that nearly crept in, while Soares-Junior found pockets of space but couldn’t convert. Despite late pressure and five added minutes, the Whites couldn’t break down a disciplined Maidenhead rearguard, who defended their lead with determination.

For Jake Leberl’s side, this was another reminder of the fine margins at this level. Sloppy defending in key moments cost them, while former player de Havilland came back to haunt them. With Dagenham & Redbridge visiting Crabble on Tuesday night, Dover will need to quickly regroup.

Dover Athletic

1 Walker (c), 2 Charles-Cook, 4 Jones, 21 Mensah, 17 Lukombo, 6 Cocoracchio, 16 Beadle, 8 Matthews, 24 Mampolo, 10 Nikaj, 11 Sheriff

Subs:
Sesay, Tennent, Baptiste, Coker, Soares-Junior, Wilkinson, Gillmore

Maidenhead United

22 Van Stappershoef, 3 Ragguette, 4 De Havilland (c), 10 Ferdinand, 11 Mitchell-Lawson, 12 Robinson, 15 Umerah, 17 Dulson, 19 Cochrane, 20 Clerima, 23 Popoola

Subs:
Collins, Bartley, Andrews, Yearn, McMenemy, Dundas, Stewart

Following two spirited Bank Holiday fixtures, the Whites are back in action at Crabble as they welcome Maidenhead United.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic fell to late heartbreak at Plainmoor as Torquay United snatched a 3-2 win. Alfie Matthews struck twice for the Whites, curling in a superb first-half free-kick before converting a penalty won by George Nikaj early in the second half. Cooke had earlier levelled from the spot for the hosts, before Young’s low finish brought them back on terms again just after the hour. Dover defended bravely and threatened on the counter but were undone in the 89th minute when substitute Jay bundled home from a corner. A battling display, but no reward for the travelling 49 fans.

From the Management

“I’m gutted for the boys that we didn’t pick up at least a point against Torquay. The games are coming thick and fast and now it’s Maidenhead on Saturday, who are a big, strong team. It’s going to be another tough test – but then every game, every minute at this level is tough. We’ve already seen in the short start to the season that we have to be at it all the time. I thought we were on Monday, but we still need to be stronger.”

Maidenhead United

Maidenhead United claimed their first win of the season with a 2-1 comeback against Horsham at York Road. Trailing 1-0 at half-time to Shamir Fenelon’s strike, the Magpies responded immediately after the break when veteran defender Remy Clerima’s header squeezed past Lewis Carey. The hosts then turned the game around as Jayden Mitchell-Lawson ghosted into the box to finish from close range. Boss Alan Devonshire had rung the changes after a winless start, restoring Mitchell-Lawson and introducing Umerah and Dulson from the bench, and his decisions paid off as Maidenhead’s second-half pressure secured a much-needed victory in sweltering conditions.

Maidenhead United enter their first season back in National League South after relegation, with Alan Devonshire reshaping his squad for a promotion push. Key departures included Reece Smith, Casey Pettit and top scorer Shawn McCoulsky, but the Magpies have recruited smartly. Ex-Woking midfielder Matt Robinson headlines the arrivals, alongside powerful defender Manny Onariase and forward Josh Umerah, who is tipped to rediscover his scoring touch. Former favourite Harry Pritchard also returns to bolster midfield creativity. Known for their physicality and resilience, Maidenhead look likely to challenge at the top end of this league, with Robinson pivotal and Umerah backed to lead the line.

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Maidenhead 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.

Torquay United 3–2 Dover Athletic
National League South — Mon 25 Aug 2025
Venue: Plainmoor • Attendance: 3,957 (49 Dover)

Dover suffered late heartbreak at Plainmoor as substitute Matt Jay poached an 89th-minute winner to deny the Whites a battling point after Alfie Matthews twice put Jake Leberl’s men ahead.

Dover went into the game with an unchanged XI and Ruben Soares-Junior back on the bench. Torquay’s early surge had the home crowd in full voice, but Mitch Walker produced a stunning flying stop on 14 minutes to turn Jordan’s rising drive over the bar. Moments later Francis Mampolo, back on his feet after treatment, won a free-kick 20 yards out; up stepped Matthews, and in trademark fashion he arrowed the set-piece into the top corner to put Dover in front.

The Gulls responded with pressure and, after a scramble, were awarded a penalty when Jacob Mensah was adjudged to have pulled Dreyer. Cooke buried it despite Walker diving the right way on 35 minutes to level the contest. Torquay flashed one across goal in stoppage time, but it was all square at the interval.

Leberl made a double change at the break — Soares-Junior for Sheriff and Baptiste for Mampolo — and Dover struck immediately on the counter. George Nikaj burst from deep, surged into the box and was tripped; Matthews converted the penalty just four minutes into the half to restore the lead.

Torquay hit back around the hour mark as skipper Young weaved into the area and drilled low across Walker for the equaliser. Harry Beadle replaced the injured Ryan Hanson shortly after, and while Torquay carried the territory, Dover defended stoutly — stepping up expertly to catch the hosts offside on several occasions — and threatened on the break, with Sesay’s driven cross nearly forced in by a retreating defender.

As legs tired, Wilkinson came on for Matthews with nine minutes left and Coker replaced Cocoracchio in the closing stages. But with the clock ticking down, a Torquay corner wasn’t cleared; a back-heel at the near post squirmed through a crowd and Jay reacted quickest to stab home from point-blank range. Dover thought they’d equalised instantly, only for the flag to cut short the celebrations. After four minutes of added time, the whistle confirmed a narrow defeat that felt cruel on the Whites’ effort and organisation.

Dover Athletic:

Walker (C), Charles-Cook, Jones, Mensah, Sesay; Cocoracchio, Matthews, Hanson, Nikaj, Sheriff, Mampolo.
Subs: Soares-Junior, Baptiste, Coker, Beadle, Lukombo, Wilkinson, Gillmore.

Torquay United:

Hamon (GK), Foulston, Dreyer, Sundire, Dennis, Young, Cooke, Phillips, Palmer, Worthington (C), Thomas.
Subs: Akyeampong, Dyer, Wonnacott (GK), Crosbie, Hayfield, Jay, Edwards.

Dover Athletic make the Bank Holiday Monday trip to Plainmoor to take on Torquay United. With three wins from four to start the season, confidence is high in Jake Leberl’s squad as they look to extend their run against one of the division’s biggest names.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic continued their good start with a 2–0 win over Salisbury at the Megger Community Stadium. Jalen Jones opened the scoring on 32 minutes, heading home his first goal for the club from an Alfie Matthews corner. The Whites controlled much of the first half, with Francis Mampolo and Decarrey Sheriff posing regular threats. Salisbury improved after the break, but Mitch Walker made key saves to preserve the lead. George Nikaj sealed the points late on, finishing coolly in the 88th minute. Substitute Luke Baptiste struck the bar with a stoppage-time penalty, but Dover still claimed a third straight victory.

From the Management

“It’s a quick turnaround on Monday with the trip to Torquay, so there’s a lot of travelling again. But off the back of a good result we’re enjoying the journey, and we’ll head down tomorrow fully prepared. What a great place to visit — this is exactly why we wanted to be in this league, to play at grounds like Torquay. It’ll be a great occasion for the club and for the lads, and we’re going there looking to get a result.”

Torquay

Torquay United suffered their first defeat of the season as Horsham struck late to win 2–1 at the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium. James Hammond’s free-kick gave the hosts a half-time lead, before United pushed hard after the restart. Substitutes combined for the equaliser in the 88th minute, with Jadyn Crosbie flicking on for Ed Palmer to volley home superbly. However, disaster struck moments later when a defensive mix-up allowed Leone Gravata to pounce and seal Horsham’s first win of the campaign. It was a cruel blow for Paul Wotton’s side, who now look to bounce back quickly against Dover on Bank Holiday Monday.

Torquay United head into 2025/26 determined to go one better after missing out on the National League South title by goal difference last season. Paul Wotton’s side, who collected 89 points, have retained their key players while adding real quality. Defensive rock Sam Dreyer anchors one of the division’s strongest backlines, with Jordan Thomas joining permanently at right-back. Midfield depth has been boosted by Munashe Sundire, Matt Worthington and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, offering energy and creativity. Up front, 32-year-old Cody Cooke remains the main threat after 19 goals, with new arrival Sonny Fish providing youthful competition. Former Bromley forward Louis Dennis and Callum Dolan join Matt Jay and Dylan Morgan in an attacking unit full of variety, while Jordan Young impressed with ten goals from the right last term.

The Venue

https://torquayunited.com/fans/directions/

Plainmoor, Plainmoor Rd, Torquay TQ1 3PS

Admission  

Adult: £22
Concession: £20.
Under 18: £13

Purchase here: https://torquayunited.ktckts.com/event/tor2526h03/torquay-united-v-dover-athletic

Dover Athletic 2–0 Salisbury
National League South – Saturday 23 August 2025
Venue: Megger Community Stadium | Attendance: 896
Referee: Daniel Barnes

Dover Athletic continued their good start to the National League South campaign with a 2–0 victory over Salisbury at the Megger Community Stadium, courtesy of goals from defender Jalen Jones and forward George Nikaj. Despite substitute Luke Baptiste striking the crossbar with a stoppage-time penalty, the Whites made it three wins in the last three and climbed to second in the early table.

The game began brightly for Dover, with Alfie Matthews curling an effort just wide inside two minutes before Decarrey Sheriff saw a shot blocked after a quick counter-attack. Salisbury responded with a spell of possession, but it was the hosts who looked more threatening. Francis Mampolo caused repeated problems down the flank, delivering dangerous crosses that had the visiting defence scrambling.

The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute. After a flurry of corners, Dover finally made one count. A short routine from Matthews allowed him to whip a cross into the box, where centre-back Jalen Jones bundled home from close range to register his first goal for the club. It was no more than Dover deserved after a strong spell of pressure.

Salisbury were forced into a first-half change with midfielder Briggs limping off, but it did little to disrupt the rhythm of a Dover side that looked comfortable at the interval with their 1–0 lead.

The visitors showed more attacking intent after the restart, with Mitch Walker called into action to save from distance just before the hour mark. At the other end, Matthews saw a free kick deflect narrowly wide, while Jacob Mensah twice rose highest, one effort dramatically cleared off the line.

Manager Jake Leberl freshened up his attack on the hour mark, introducing Luke Baptiste and Kenny Coker, and the pair immediately tested Salisbury with their energy. Nikaj came close on several occasions, forcing a save with a powerful effort before another shot deflected kindly for Baptiste, whose header drew a smart stop from Buse in the Salisbury goal.

With time running out, Dover finally sealed the points in the 88th minute. Substitute Coker drove forward and released Nikaj, who held off his marker before coolly finishing to send the River End into raptures.

There was late drama when Baptiste was brought down in stoppage time by Tom Davies, the referee pointing to the spot. The substitute, however, rattled his penalty against the crossbar, denying himself a first goal of the season.

It mattered little in the end as Dover closed out the game professionally, securing back-to-back home clean sheets and their third straight victory.

Dover Athletic XI: Walker, Charles-Cook, Sesay (Lukombo 67), Jones, Mensah, Cocoracchio (Wilkinson 90+2), Hanson, Matthews (Beadle 74), Mampolo (Baptiste 61), Nikaj, Sheriff (Coker 61). Subs not used: Tennent, Gillmore.

Salisbury XI: Buse, Sommerton, Atkinson, Ngalo, Foran (Revan 46), Briggs (Taylor 42), Bray (Keeya 67), Muller, Davies, Grubb, Coppin (Higgs 76). Subs not used: Sharlott, Cove, Dore.

In an in-depth interview, talking to Justin Allen, Ruben Soares-Junior reflects on his shoulder injury, the team’s strong start to the season, and his goals for the future. He shares insights on the squad’s hunger for success, new player integration, and the challenges of stepping up to a higher league.

Fancy watching the Whites take on Salisbury 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 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 programme

The very special experience costs £32.50 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:

Roasted Chicken Breast served with Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Vegetables and Gravy

Desert:

Belgium Chocolate and Raspberry Torte served with Cream

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 the Megger Community Stadium on Saturday to face Salisbury, fresh from back-to-back away victories at Bath and Eastbourne. Confidence is high in the Whites’ camp, and Jake Leberl’s side will be eager to extend their winning run and keep momentum rolling in front of the home supporters.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win at Eastbourne Borough thanks to George Nikaj’s second-half strike. The Whites started brightly, with Nikaj and Matthews threatening early on, before Eastbourne grew into the game and twice went close through headers and set-pieces. Mitch Walker produced a superb save to keep the scores level before half-time. Two minutes after the restart, Sheriff chased a long ball and capitalised on a defensive mix-up, allowing Nikaj to finish calmly. Dover pressed for a second, with Mampolo hitting the bar, while Walker stood firm late on to secure a valuable away victory.

From the Management

“Salisbury Saturday. Can we keep the momentum up? Well, it’s going to be difficult. They play very similar to Bath, which is difficult to navigate. But obviously we had Bath last week, so hopefully we’ve learned some lessons from that. If we can be as solid as we’ve been, there’s no reason why we can’t keep picking up points.”

Salisbury

Salisbury fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Bath City in the Enterprise National League South. Both sides started brightly, with Evander Grubb twice linking up with Matty Taylor, before Bath grew stronger and forced Salisbury back. On 40 minutes, Will Jenkins-Davies calmly slotted home to give the Romans the lead. After the break, Jordan Ngalo drove wide and Matt Briggs caused problems down the flank, testing Harvey Wiles-Richards in goal. Substitute Noah Coppin was later denied by a fine save, while Bath threatened through Brad Ash. Despite late pressure, Salisbury couldn’t break through and Bath held on for victory.

Salisbury survived by a single point last season but enter 2025/26 with fresh optimism following new investment from Kuwaiti businessman Ali Alhamad and a major squad rebuild under manager Brian Dutton. Experienced defender Tom Davies headlines a strong list of arrivals, alongside Hampton & Richmond trio Dom Revan, Mike Atkinson and Josh Keeya. In attack, the marquee signing is veteran striker Matty Taylor, who boasts over 100 Football League goals. Despite the loss of top scorer Josh Hedges, additions such as Matt Briggs and Jordan Ngalo bring quality and leadership, with Salisbury aiming for a more secure mid-table campaign.

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Salisbury 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.