Enterprise National League South
Saturday 11 October 2025 | Megger Community Stadium
Attendance: 921

Dover Athletic salvaged a dramatic late point at Crabble as Jacob Mensah’s stoppage-time header secured a 1-1 draw against Horsham. The Whites created the better chances throughout but were forced to come from behind after James Hammond’s superb curling strike had given the visitors the lead.

Manager Jake Leberl made several changes from the side beaten at Tonbridge, with Roman Charles-Cook away on international duty for Grenada, while Ruben Soares-Junior and Francis Mampolo missed out through injury. Henry Lukombo came into the back line, with Wilkinson, Sheriff, Coker and Sodje also joining the starting eleven.

The game began at a lively tempo in autumn conditions. Horsham registered the first effort inside two minutes through Shamir Fenelon, but his low drive was comfortably gathered by Mitch Walker. Dover responded almost immediately as Alfie Matthews tested Carey with a dipping free kick that forced the visiting keeper into an early save.

The Whites soon grew into the game, snapping into tackles and pressing high. Baptiste’s pace on the right caused constant problems and, midway through the half, his deflected cross sparked a scramble that saw a close range effort hacked off the line before coming back to Sheriff’s who’s effort cannoned off the post. Moments later, Baptiste tried an acrobatic volley which flew narrowly over as the hosts pressed for an opener.

At the other end, Jones and Mensah limited Horsham to speculative efforts and clearing a series of teasing crosses from Meekums and Gravata. Cocoracchio then went close with a long-range effort following neat interplay from Wilkinson and Matthews, as Dover ended the half in control but somehow goalless.

The second half opened with a clashes of heads between Matthews and Hester-Cook, both players fortunately able to continue after treatment. Dover quickly regained their rhythm: Baptiste battled to the by-line and fed Wilkinson, whose curling cross just evaded Sheriff at the back post. But it was Horsham who struck first. On 72 minutes, the ball ricocheted around the edge of the box before falling to Hammond, who bent an inch-perfect shot into the top corner to put the visitors 1-0 up.

Leberl reacted with a double change, introducing Beadle and Nikaj for Lukombo and Sheriff, and later Sesay for Sodje. Dover pushed men forward in search of a response, with Nikaj flashing a low cross that Baptiste couldn’t quite turn home. Onu made his debut late on, adding more attacking intent as six minutes of added time were signalled.

The equaliser finally came in the 93rd minute. Baptiste’s free kick was swung into the crowded box, Jones rose highest to nod the ball back across goal, and Mensah arrived at the far post to head home from close range, sparking celebrations in front of the River End.

The Whites now turn their attention to Tuesday night’s Kent Senior Cup tie at home to Bromley.

Dover Athletic:
1 Walker (C), 17 Lukombo, 4 Jones, 21 Mensah, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 23 Wilkinson, 8 Matthews, 7 Baptiste, 11 Sheriff, 9 Coker

Subs: Sesay, Nikaj, Beadle, Holness, Onu, Holden, Gillmore

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Horsham:
1 Carey, 3 Sparks, 4 Hester-Cook, 5 Philpot, 6 Strange, 7 J. Hammond, 8 Barker, 12 Luer, 14 Fenelon, 18 Meekums, 23 Gravata

Subs: Rodrigues, Ogunwamide, Roberts, F. Hammond, El-Abd, Furber

Man of the Match: Jalen Jones (sponsored by Housing Disrepair Helpline)

Dover Athletic return to Crabble on Saturday looking to respond positively to last weekend’s Kent derby defeat at Tonbridge Angels. The Whites face another stern test against newly promoted Horsham, who have adapted well to life in the National League South. Jake Leberl’s side will be eager to rediscover the resilience shown in recent weeks and put in a strong performance as they look to bounce back and return to winning ways.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic suffered a 2-1 defeat at Tonbridge Angels despite leading at half-time in the Kent Derby. Jalen Jones fired Dover ahead midway through the first half, finishing from a Sesay cross after a strong spell of pressure. The hosts turned the game around shortly after the restart, with Wagstaff levelling from close range before Peart converted Akehurst’s low cross to make it 2-1. Despite several substitutions and a late push, Dover couldn’t find an equaliser as Tonbridge held firm.

From the Management

“Horsham at home next Saturday — a team that came up with us — another tough test. I think we lost to them at home last year, didn’t we? They’ve started the season relatively well, so we need to regroup. A few need to have a look in the mirror, really. You have to be on it, at it, every single minute, and we were a little bit off it against Tonbridge.”

Horsham

Horsham battled to a hard-earned point away to league leaders Hornchurch in testing conditions brought by Storm Amy. After a goalless first half, which saw Greg Luer go close for the Hornets and Angelo Balanta hit the post, both goals came through deflections. Balanta’s strike ricocheted off Isaac Philpot to wrong-foot Lewis Carey, before Luer’s cross was turned into the net by defender Harry Gibbs. The hosts pushed late on, but Horsham’s defence stood firm, with Jake Elliott producing a crucial last-ditch tackle to secure a deserved 1-1 draw.

Horsham approach their first-ever National League South campaign buoyed by last season’s Isthmian Premier title success under long-serving boss Dominic Di Paola. Stability remains their strength, with key players such as goalkeeper Lewis Carey, defenders Danny Barker and Jack Strange, and full-back Harvey Sparks all staying put. Midfielders James Hammond and Charlie Hester-Cook provide balance and experience, while Reece Meekums, Lucas Rodrigues and new signing James Roberts bring creativity out wide. In attack, Greg Luer, Rhys Murphy and Shamir Fenelon will share the goalscoring duties. United and well-drilled, Horsham look capable of holding their own at step two.

Last Six

Horsham 3–0 Maidstone United – National League South (6 Sept)
Westfield 2–2 Horsham – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round (13 Sept)
Horsham 6–0 Westfield – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay (16 Sept)
Horsham 0–2 AFC Totton – National League South (20 Sept)
Horsham 2–3 Folkestone Invicta – FA Cup Third Qualifying Round (27 Sept)
Hornchurch 1–1 Horsham – National League South (4 Oct)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Horsham 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.

Fancy watching the Whites take on Horsham 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: 

Pate served with Melba Toast and Salad Garnish

Main: 

Roast Beef served with Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert:

New York Cheesecake served with Fruit Compote and Cream

The dress code is smart casual.

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

Enterprise National League South
Saturday 4 October 2025 – Longmead Stadium
Attendance: 1,250

Dover Athletic fell to defeat in the Kent Derby at Longmead Stadium despite taking a first-half lead through Jalen Jones. After a strong opening period, the Whites were undone by two quick-fire goals from Tonbridge Angels early in the second half and could not find a way back into the game.

Both sides began brightly, with Tonbridge’s Babajide sending the first real effort over the bar on eight minutes, before Nikaj responded for Dover with a shot that drifted wide. The hosts began to settle into possession, but Dover’s backline looked comfortable in the early exchanges.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute. Good build-up play around the box saw Sesay deliver an inviting cross from the left, which fell perfectly to Jones, who rifled his strike into the roof of the net to give Dover the lead. Beadle’s long throws continued to cause problems for the Tonbridge defence, while Jones was called on at the other end to make a vital last-ditch tackle.

Just before the break, Soares-Junior tested Adams in the Tonbridge goal with a weaving run and strike, but the keeper parried to safety. Dover went in at half-time a goal to the good.

The second half, however, belonged to the Angels. Within three minutes of the restart, they were level. Akehurst’s drive was parried by Walker, but skipper Wagstaff reacted quickest to fire home the rebound and restore parity.

Moments later, Tonbridge struck again. A flowing move involving Sablier and Simon ended with Akehurst’s low cross turned in at the far post by Peart for 2–1.

From there, Dover struggled to regain their grip on the game. Tonbridge dominated possession and forced the visitors deep into their own half, with one effort even cleared off the line on 70 minutes.

Boss Leberl turned to his bench, introducing Mampolo, Sodje, Wilkinson, Coker, and Sheriff in search of fresh impetus. Baptiste tried an ambitious overhead kick that sailed over, but chances were scarce as Tonbridge held firm. Sodje picked up a late yellow card, and despite five minutes of added time, Dover could not fashion a clear opening to equalise.

A frustrating afternoon for Dover, who were unable to build on their first-half lead and saw their run of draws end in defeat. Attention now turns to next weekend’s home clash against Horsham at the Megger Community Stadium.

Tonbridge Angels:
1 Adams, 2 Williams, 4 Wagstaff, 5 German, 6 Penney, 8 Higgs, 9 Simon, 10 Sablier, 11 Babajide, 18 Bakrin, 27 Akehurst

Subs:
7 Pierrick, 13 Foley, 14 Taylor-Crossdale, 16 Mundele, 17 Unwin, 20 Matton, 21 Peart

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Dover Athletic:
1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 3 Sesay, 4 Jones, 6 Cocoracchio, 7 Baptiste, 8 Matthews, 10 Nikaj, 14 Soares-Junior, 16 Beadle, 24 Mensah

Subs:
Wilkinson, Coker, Sodje, Lukombo, Gillmore, Mampolo, Sheriff

Dover Athletic’s upcoming National League South fixture schedule has been adjusted following Chelmsford City’s continued involvement in the Emirates FA Cup. Our home match against Chelmsford, originally scheduled for Saturday 11 October, will now be rearranged for a later date.

In place of that fixture, we will instead host Horsham at the Megger Community Stadium. This match was originally due to be played on Tuesday 27 January but has now been brought forward to fill the available slot.

The revised fixture details are as follows:

• Date: Saturday 11 October 2025
• Kick-off: 3.00pm
• Venue: The Megger Community Stadium

We will communicate a new date for the Chelmsford fixture once it has been confirmed with the league.

Dover Athletic make the short trip to the Longmead Stadium on Saturday for a Kent Derby against Tonbridge Angels in the National League South. The Whites will be looking to build on back-to-back draws against Hampton and Hornchurch, while the Angels sit 15th in the table with two wins from their opening nine league games. Alan Dunne’s side come into the clash following a recent change of manager and a run of mixed results, setting up an intriguing encounter as Jake Leberl’s men aim to return to winning ways.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic earned a valuable point with a resilient 0–0 draw at league leaders Hornchurch. The hosts, unbeaten in nine, started strongly as Mitch Walker made key early saves before Darren McQueen struck the bar and post in a first-half scare. Dover created chances of their own, with George Nikaj and Luke Baptiste combining well and Jacob Mensah later heading against the upright from a free kick. Hornchurch pressed with late substitutions, but Dover’s defence held firm and Francis Mampolo threatened on the break. A disciplined display saw the Whites frustrate the Urchins, setting up a Kent derby at Tonbridge next weekend.

From the Management

“Next Saturday we’re away to Tonbridge in a Kent Derby. They’ve just had a change of management, which of course affects our plans slightly. We’d already done quite a bit of scouting on them before the change, but that will be different now. Richard (our scout) has gone along this week, so we’ll get his report back and make sure we’re prepared for that one.”

Tonbridge Angels

Tonbridge Angels and Cray Valley PM will replay on Tuesday after their FA Cup Third Qualifying Round tie ended 0–0 at the Artic Stadium. Alan Dunne’s first game in charge brought defensive solidity but little cutting edge, with chances scarce. Ibby Akanbi spurned the best opening in the first half, while Bobby Unwin and Jordan Higgs fired over for the Angels. After the break, Brody Peart and Unwin threatened, but neither side could find a breakthrough.

Tonbridge Angels head into the game sitting 15th in the National League South table with 10 points from their opening nine matches, winning twice so far this season. The Angels, who finished 17th last term, recently appointed Alan Dunne as manager following the departure of Craig Nelson earlier this month. A busy summer saw several new additions, including midfielders Marcus Sablier, Jordan Higgs and Brody Peart, while Sean Shields remains a key attacking option after finishing last season as top scorer. Dunne’s side will be aiming to build momentum as they look to climb the table in the coming weeks.

Last Six

2 Sept – National League South: Tonbridge 1–2 Enfield

6 Sept – National League South: Salisbury 1–3 Tonbridge

13 Sept – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round: Steyning Town 2–2 Tonbridge

16 Sept – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay: Tonbridge 6–1 Steyning Town

20 Sept – National League South: Worthing 0–1 Tonbridge

27 Sept – FA Cup Third Qualifying Round: Cray Valley PM 0–0 Tonbridge

The Venue

The Yeomans Community Stadium
Darenth Avenue
Tonbridge
Kent TN10 3JF

More info: https://www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk/directions

Admission  

THIS MATCH IS SEGREGATED, DOVER ATHLETIC SUPPORTERS MUST ENTER VIA THE NORTH TURNSTILES.

ENTRY TO THE STADIUM IS BY TICKET ONLY – NO CARD OR CASH PAYMENTS AT THE TURNSTILES.

Any Dover supporters requiring disabled access, or seats for medical reasons, can request these via the organiser.

Adults: £18
Concessions: £15
U18: £8
U12: FREE with a paying adult

Buy here: https://www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk/buy-tickets

Hornchurch 0–0 Dover Athletic
Enterprise National League South
Attendance: 836 | Referee: Daniel Baines | Venue: The Hornchurch Stadium

Dover Athletic battled to a valuable point on the road as they held league leaders Hornchurch to a goalless draw in East London.

The Urchins came into the game flying high at the top of the table after a nine-match unbeaten run, while Dover arrived looking to build momentum following last week’s 3-3 draw with Hampton.

Hornchurch made their intentions clear inside the opening minutes, testing Mitch Walker with two early efforts. Josh Rees’ strike after just three minutes forced the Dover captain into a sharp stop, before another effort moments later was smothered through a crowded penalty area.

After weathering the storm, Dover grew into the contest. A free-kick from Alfie Matthews was blocked by the wall, and soon after George Nikaj and Luke Baptiste combined well in attack, only for their shot to lack the power to trouble Arthur Nasta.

The best chance for Dover in the half came on 26 minutes when Nikaj’s driving run into the box teed up Baptiste, whose shot was collected on the line by the Hornchurch keeper.

At the other end, Hornchurch came inches from breaking the deadlock in the 40th minute. Darren McQueen cut inside from the left and unleashed a curling strike that rattled the crossbar, bounced onto the upright, and somehow stayed out before Walker gathered. Dover had a scare, but survived to reach half-time level.

Dover began the second half brightly, pushing forward and looking to catch Hornchurch off guard. McQueen remained the Urchins’ main threat, forcing a corner with a deflected strike, but the Whites’ defence stood firm.

The visitors continued to grow in belief. On 75 minutes they almost snatched the lead when Mensah rose highest from a deep free-kick and powered a header against the post. Substitutions broke up the flow as both sides searched for a late winner, with Hornchurch introducing Weston, Hearn and Brooke in attack, while Dover freshened up through Mampolo, Sodje and Wilkinson.

Mampolo provided a spark down the wing late on, bursting clear in the 87th minute but unable to find a telling cross. Despite five minutes of stoppage time, neither side could find the breakthrough and the referee called time on a hard-fought 0–0 draw.

For Dover, it was a disciplined defensive performance and a point well earned against the division’s form side. The Whites will now look to turn resilience into three points when they travel to Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels next Saturday.

We can confirm the details for Dover Athletic’s Kent Senior Cup tie against Bromley. The match will take place on Tuesday 14th October 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45pm at The Megger Community Stadium.

Full ticketing information including prices, will be shared with supporters shortly. Please keep an eye on our official channels for updates.

Dover Athletic face one of their toughest tests of the season so far this Saturday as they travel to table-topping Hornchurch. The Urchins sit first in the National League South with an impressive 23 points from their opening nine matches, boasting the division’s most potent attack with 22 goals scored. Jake Leberl’s side, buoyed by last weekend’s dramatic 3–3 draw with Hampton & Richmond, will be looking to build on that late fightback as they aim to upset the early leaders.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic produced a stirring fightback to draw 3–3 with Hampton & Richmond Borough in front of 2,834 fans on Community Day. The visitors struck twice in the first half through Craig Fasanmade, punishing defensive lapses to put the Beavers in control. Ruben Soares-Junior’s diving header gave Dover hope after the break, only for Harry Gardner to restore Hampton’s two-goal cushion with a fine strike. Substitutes made the difference for Dover, Decarrey Sheriff flicking home to make it 3–2 before Kenny Coker bundled in a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser to cap a thrilling contest at the Megger Community Stadium.

From the Management

“Next Saturday we’ve got our rearranged game against Hornchurch, who have just beaten Slough 5–2. It’s going to be a tough one. They’ve started the season extremely well and are top of the league for a reason. We’ll spend the week preparing and look forward to going there.”

Hornchurch

Hornchurch extended their unbeaten league run to nine games with a 5–2 victory at Slough Town, coming from behind twice to stay top of the National League South. Slough led through Johnny Goddard and, after Tom Wraight’s deflected equaliser, struck again via Ruben Bartlett-Antwi despite being reduced to ten men before half-time. Wraight levelled once more with a thumping volley before Charlie Ruff’s header put the Urchins ahead. Darren McQueen and Josh Rees added late goals as Hornchurch’s class told, sealing a seventh league win of the campaign in front of 782 at Arbour Park.

Hornchurch returned to the National League South last season, finishing 9th in their first campaign at this level since 2013. Darren McQueen led the scoring with 13 goals, but summer recruitment has strengthened the Urchins’ attacking options. Manager Darryl McMahon, experienced at this level with Ebbsfleet and Dagenham, added proven midfielders Josh Rees and Charlie Ruff alongside veterans like Angelo Balanta to complement McQueen. At the back, experienced defender Dave Winfield bolsters a squad also reinforced by goalkeeper Arthur Nasta on loan from Wolves.

Last Six

25 Aug – Salisbury 3–3 Hornchurch (National League South)

30 Aug – Hornchurch 3–0 Chippenham Town (National League South)

2 Sept – Hornchurch 1–0 Dorking Wanderers (National League South)

6 Sept – Ebbsfleet United 1–1 Hornchurch (National League South)

13 Sept – Peterborough Sports 2–1 Hornchurch (FA Cup, Second Qualifying Round)

20 Sept – Slough Town 2–5 Hornchurch (National League South)

The Venue

The Stadium
Bridge Avenue
Upminster
Essex
RM14 2LX

Tel: 01708 220080

More info: https://hornchurchfc.com/matchday/a-visitors-guide/

Admission  

Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
U18: £5
U12: FREE with a paying adult

More info: https://hornchurchfc.com/matchday/ticket-prices/

Dover Athletic 3–3 Hampton & Richmond Borough

Enterprise National League South
Megger Community Stadium
Attendance: 2,834 (Community Day)
Referee: Adam Merchant

Dover Athletic staged a dramatic comeback to rescue a point in front of a bumper Community Day crowd of 2,834, with Kenny Coker striking deep into stoppage time to secure a 3–3 draw against Hampton & Richmond Borough.

The Whites found themselves two goals down at the break, with Craig Fasanmade punishing defensive errors to give the Beavers a commanding advantage. Despite a spirited second-half fightback from Dover through Ruben Soares-Junior and Decarrey Sheriff, Hampton looked set to claim all three points until Coker bundled in an equaliser in the 96th minute.

The visitors struck the first blow after just seven minutes. A short header back towards goalkeeper Mitch Walker from Harry Beadle was seized upon by Fasanmade, who calmly lifted the ball over the stranded Dover skipper to open the scoring.

Dover, who lost debutant Momodou Jallow to injury midway through the half, pushed forward in search of a leveller but struggled to create clear chances. Instead, Hampton looked sharp on the counter, with Ronan Silva rattling the crossbar after a deflected effort on 12 minutes.

Three minutes before the interval, the Beavers doubled their lead. A sweeping move saw Harry Gardner deliver a fine cross from the right, and Fasanmade was on hand again to head home from close range to silence the home faithful.

Whatever was said in the Dover dressing room at half-time had an immediate impact. Five minutes into the second half, Ruben Soares-Junior stooped low to meet an inswinging cross with a diving header at the near post, halving the deficit and breathing life into the contest.

But just as the hosts began to gather momentum, Hampton struck back. Gardner, already provider for the second, produced a stunning finish from the edge of the box three minutes later to restore the Beavers’ two-goal cushion and register a goal and an assist on the afternoon.

Jake Leberl rolled the dice on 68 minutes, introducing Decarrey Sheriff, Kenny Coker and Luke Baptiste in a triple substitution. The changes paid dividends. With 14 minutes remaining, Soares-Junior again made the difference, cutting inside before delivering a low ball across goal that Sheriff cleverly flicked beyond Holden to make it 3–2.

The game became stretched as Dover poured forward in search of an equaliser, leaving gaps at the back. Hampton almost put the game to bed on 85 minutes when Silva broke clear, but Walker stood tall to parry his effort away.

With seven minutes of added time signalled, the Whites pushed everyone forward. The pressure finally told in the 96th minute when a free kick pumped into the area caused chaos, and substitute Coker reacted quickest to scramble the ball over the line and send the Megger Community Stadium into raptures. With attention now turning to next Saturday’s rearranged trip to Hornchurch.

Dover Athletic
1 Mitch Walker (C), 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 4 Jalen Jones, 16 Harry Beadle, 3 Fuad Sesay, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 22 Momodou Jallow, 8 Alfie Matthews, 24 Francis Mampolo, 10 George Nikaj, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior

Subs:
7 Luke Baptiste, 9 Kenny Coker, 11 Decarrey Sheriff, 21 Jacob Mensah, 23 George Wilkinson, 17 Henry Lukombo, 27 Harrison Sodje

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Hampton & Richmond Borough
1 James Holden, 2 Paul Field, 5 Ronan Silva, 8 Sam Deadfield, 9 Craig Fasanmade, 12 Nathan Paul-Lavaly, 14 Alfie Tuck, 15 Harry Thomas, 23 Charlie Sayers, 24 Alan Massey (C), 25 Harry Gardner

Subs:
3 Jude Mason, 6 Luke Robertson, 7 Davide Rodari, 11 Eddie Allsopp, 13 Luka Ziger, 21 Soul Kader, 39 Reece Greco-Cox