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Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Hastings United

Dover Athletic welcome Hastings to The Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

On Friday, Dover Athletic’s play-off hopes suffered a setback with a 3-1 defeat at Dartford in the Good Friday Kent Derby. Despite a bright start and strong deliveries from Roman Charles-Cook, Dover were undone by Samir Carruthers’ superb free-kick and two more Dartford goals before the hour mark. Ruben Soares-Junior pulled one back with a stunning 20th goal of the season, but a full comeback proved elusive. Dover rallied late with fresh legs and pressure, yet Dartford’s clinical edge and physical dominance sealed the win. The Whites’ spirited second-half display offered hope, but the damage was done in the first half.

In our previous encounter with Hastings, Dover delivered a professional 2-0 win at Hastings United, securing victory with first-half goals from Luke Baptiste and George Nikaj. Baptiste struck in the 14th minute after early dominance, while Nikaj added a superb team goal in the 29th. Despite Hastings improving after halftime and creating chances, Dover’s defence stayed resolute, with Gillmore making a vital save in the 77th minute. A frantic goalmouth scramble in the 79th was also repelled. Dover expertly managed the closing stages to preserve the clean sheet and three points.

From the Manager

“The boys are desperate to do well. As they have been all season.  No matter what happens we’ve had a really good season.  We’ve got to focus on what we need to do, which is obviously pick up a few more points to hopefully secure the playoff position.”

Hastings

In their last outing, Hastings United suffered a damaging defeat in their battle to avoid relegation, going down 1–0 to Canvey Island at the Steve’s Taxis Stadium. Despite a few promising moments—including a close-range header in the first half and a free-kick from Siya Ligenza that sailed over—Hastings failed to convert their chances. Goalkeeper Louis Rogers was kept busy, making several saves to keep his side in the game. However, a late strike in the 84th minute from Canvey substitute Finlay Dorrell proved decisive, leaving Hastings on the brink of relegation.

Hastings United sits in 20th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 32 points from 39 matches. Their season has been a struggle, with 8 wins, 8 draws, and 23 defeats. They have managed 4 wins at home and 4 away, alongside 4 home draws and 4 away draws. Defensively, they’ve been vulnerable, conceding 71 goals while scoring only 34, leaving them with a goal difference of -37.

Last 6

11/03 – Wingate & Finchley (H) – Lost 0-2
15/03 – Dartford (A) – Lost 0-2
22/03 – Chichester City (H) – Lost 0-2
25/03 – Canvey Island (H) – Drew 1-1
29/03 – Billericay Town (H) – Lost 1-5
05/04 – Bowers & Pitsea (A) – Won 2-0

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Hastings 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: £15
Concessions: £14
U18: £9
U11: FREE with a paying adult

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

Report – Dartford 3-1 Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic’s push for an Isthmian League Premier Division play-off spot took a blow at Princes Park as high-flying Dartford delivered a clinical 3-1 defeat, despite a second-half fightback from the visitors.

The Whites made a bright start under the Kent sunshine, with George Nikaj testing the Dartford goalkeeper early and Roman Charles-Cook’s deliveries posing questions for the home defence. A couple of half-chances came and went.

But for all their early enthusiasm, Dover found themselves undone by a moment of real quality on 15 minutes. Dartford’s Samir Carruthers, afforded a free-kick from the corner of the penalty area, curled a pinpoint effort beyond Jordan Gilmore into the far corner — a goal worthy of the league leaders.

Dover looked for an immediate response, with Alfie Matthews dragging a shot wide just a minute later, but the game quickly began to slip from their control. Defending deep, the visitors survived a couple of close shaves, including a crucial goal-line clearance from Luca Cocoracchio on 32 minutes. But the pressure finally told four minutes later when Dartford doubled their advantage. Denzelle Olopade was quickest to react in the box, stabbing home after a long throw-in was flicked on — a soft goal for Dover to concede, and one that left them with a mountain to climb.

Ruben Soares-Junior almost offered hope on the stroke of half-time, rattling the post with a long-range thunderbolt, but the Whites trudged into the break two goals behind.

Any hopes of a second-half revival were dashed just two minutes after the restart when Josh Hill rose highest to head in a third for Dartford. The home side’s physicality and ruthlessness were proving too much for Dover, whose afternoon looked set to unravel further.

However, to their credit, Jake Leberl’s side didn’t fold. While genuine chances remained scarce, the introduction of Francis Mampolo injected some fresh legs and energy. Dover gradually gained more possession, forcing a couple of corners and unsettling the Dartford back line.

The persistence paid off on 79 minutes, and it was the captain, Ruben Soares-Junior, who provided the spark once again. Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, he rifled an unstoppable strike past Marsden to notch his 20th league goal of the campaign — a superb individual effort and a glimmer of hope for the travelling fans.

With the deficit cut to two, Dover pushed forward in search of a dramatic late comeback, making a flurry of substitutions to freshen their attack. Despite this late rally, clear-cut chances were hard to come by, and Gilmore was needed at the other end to prevent Dartford from adding a fourth after a defensive lapse nearly allowed Eddie Dsane in.

Ultimately, the damage had been done earlier in the afternoon and Dartford claimed all three points in the Good Friday Kent Derby.

Isthmian League – Premier Division

Princes Park Stadium, Attendance: 1,878

Dartford:

1. Jacob Marsden, 3. Sam Odaudu, 5. Josh Hill (C), 6. George Whitefield, 7. Callum Jones, 8. Denzelle Olopade, 11. Olly Box, 16. Sam Okoye, 4. Samir Carruthers, 27. Michael Olarewaju, 32. Hayden Bullas SUBS: 21. Eddie Dsane, 17. Luther Williams, 19. Tyler Christian-Law, 25. Louis Dunne, 28. Jeremiah Pinder

    Dover Athletic:

    27. Jordan Gilmore, 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 3. Fuad Sesay, 26. Jacob Mensah, 5. Joe Tennent, 6. Luca Cocoracchio, 7. Luke Baptiste, 8. Alfie Matthews, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior (C), 29. Ryan Hanson SUBS: 28. Kweku-Conrad Lucan, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 24. Francis Mampolo, 4. Jeremiah Gyebi

    Up Next – Dartford vs Dover Athletic

    Dover head to league leaders Dartford in the Isthmian Premier Division.

    Dover Athletic

    On Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a 4-2 victory over Hendon in an entertaining Isthmian Premier clash. An early own goal by Hendon keeper Matteo Salamon set the tone before Luke Baptiste headed in Dover’s second. Hendon pulled one back via Kofi Anokye-Boadi, but Baptiste struck again after the break and Ryan Hanson added a fourth. Hendon’s hopes faded further when Salamon went off injured, replaced in goal by an outfielder. Tope Fadahunsi grabbed a late consolation, but Dover’s dominance prevailed. Alfie Matthews shone with two assists, while Baptiste’s brace sealed a deserved win at the Megger Community Stadium.

    In the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic cruised to a dominant 5-1 win over Dartford. Ruben Soares-Junior opened the scoring after a goalkeeping error, before George Wilkinson doubled the lead. Luke Baptiste added a third just before half-time. Alfie Matthews curled in a stunning free kick early in the second half, and although Dartford replied through Jeremiah Pinder, Soares-Junior sealed the win late on.

    From the Management

    “Obviously, they’re right up there aren’t they, so it’s going to be a really difficult game. But, we’ve proven already this season that we can beat anyone. So we’re going to go there and be confident, our away form is fantastic. We’re not going to go there with any concerns. We do what we do and hopefully it’ll be enough to get some sort of result. But if not, we just move on to the next one.”

    Dartford

    Dartford ground out a crucial 1-0 win over Whitehawk to stay top of the Isthmian Premier League, thanks to a composed 62nd-minute finish from substitute Olly Box. On a bumpy pitch and under strong sun, the first half was scrappy and uneventful, with neither side troubling the goalkeepers. Dartford improved markedly after the break, creating a flurry of chances before Samir Carruthers set up Box for the decisive goal just minutes after both came off the bench. Despite injuries to Carruthers and Callum Jones, the Darts held firm, with Jacob Marsden securing his 15th clean sheet. Dartford’s gritty second-half display, led by a strong defensive effort proved enough to maintain their title charge.

    Dartford sit at the top of the Isthmian Premier League table with 80 points from 38 matches. They’ve won 24 games, drawn 8, and lost 7. Their home record has been particularly strong, with 11 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses in 19 matches. Away from home, they’ve earned 13 wins, 3 draws, and 4 defeats across 20 fixtures. Dartford have scored 71 goals and conceded just 42, giving them a healthy +29 goal difference.

    Last 6

    08/03 – Lewes (A) – Lost 1-3
    15/03 – Hastings United (H) – Won 2-0
    22/03 – Bognor Regis Town (A) – Won 2-0
    29/03 – Dulwich Hamlet (A) – Won 3-0
    05/04 – Folkestone Invicta (H) – Drew 2-2
    12/04 – Whitehawk (A) – Won 1-0

    The Venue

    Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park
    Grassbanks
    Darenth Road
    Dartford
    Kent
    DA1 1RT

    More information: https://www.dartfordfc.com/directions-to-the-ground/

    Admission  

    Adult – £15.00
    Concession (65+) – £10.00
    Youth (13-16) – £5
    Junior (u12) – FREE – must be accompanied by an adult

    Fans travelling to our game against Dartford on Friday 18 April will need to pre-purchase tickets on the following link:

    https://dartfordfc-awayfans.ktckts.com/event/dar2425h20/dartford-v-dover-athletic

    Report – Dover Athletic 4-2 Hendon

    Dover Athletic continued their winning form with a comprehensive 4-2 win over Hendon at the Megger Community Stadium, with Luke Baptiste’s brace and a commanding team performance ensuring all three points in front of 720 supporters.

    The game sparked into life almost immediately. Just three minutes in, a mix-up in Hendon’s defence handed Dover the opener. Under pressure from George Nikaj, goalkeeper Matteo Salamon mishandled a loose back header and took the ball over the line in his grasp. Despite Hendon’s protests for a foul, referee Edward Smith awarded the goal—an own goal credited to Salamon.

    Dover maintained their momentum, with Ruben Soares-Junior nearly adding a second in the 10th minute with a clever chipped attempt. It was no surprise when the Whites doubled their advantage in the 15th minute. Alfie Matthews delivered a pinpoint free-kick from a dangerous area, and Luke Baptiste rose highest to power home a header, making it 2-0.

    While Hendon began to see more of the ball as the half wore on, Dover’s counterattacks continued to pose a threat. Hendon’s best first-half chance fell to Tope Fadahunsi on the half-hour mark, but he failed to capitalise on a cross from Stefan Ilic.

    The visitors found a lifeline two minutes before the break. A corner from the right found Kofi Anokye-Boadi at the back post, who nodded past Jordan Gillmore to make it 2-1 and give Hendon hope heading into the interval.

    Any doubts about Dover’s grip on the game were dispelled early in the second half. Baptiste struck again in the 50th minute, this time finishing off a slick passing move with Matthews once again the provider. The through ball was perfectly timed, and Baptiste calmly slotted into the bottom corner for 3-1.

    Seven minutes later, it was 4-1. Baptiste turned provider as he broke through the Hendon back line and squared unselfishly for Ryan Hanson to tap in from close range. Hanson slid in to connect with the cross, giving Dover a deserved cushion.

    The hour mark saw a flurry of substitutions from both sides. Dover freshened up their side with Mampolo, Lucan, and both Amgbadubas entering the fray, while Hendon responded with changes of their own.

    Despite Dover’s control, Hendon showed some fight late on. Gillmore had to be alert in the 64th minute to deny Rohdell Gordon with a smart save, and the rebound was thankfully cleared.

    Drama unfolded in the 77th minute when Salamon, Hendon’s goalkeeper, was forced off injured after earlier treatment. With no backup keeper named, outfield player Nikolai donned the gloves for the remainder of the match. Despite the emergency, Nikolai made a sensational double save in added time to deny Dover a fifth goal.

    Hendon did pull one back in the 88th minute as Fadahunsi bundled home a scrappy effort from a corner, but it was nothing more than a consolation as Dover saw out the remaining minutes with composure.

    Attention turns to a big Kent Derby on Good Friday against top of the table Dartford.

    Isthmian League – Premier Division
    Attendance: 720
    Kick-off: 3pm
    Referee: Edward Smith
    Venue: Megger Community Stadium

    Dover Athletic:

    27 Jordan Gillmore, 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 3 Fuad Sesay, 26 Jacob Mensah, 5 Joe Tennent, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 7 Luke Baptiste, 8 Alfie Matthews, 10 George Nikaj, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior, 29 Ryan Hanson SUBS: 28 Kweku-Conrad Lucan, 15 Tamas Amgbaduba, 9 Eniye Amgbaduba, 24 Francis Mampolo, 4 Jeremiah Gyebi

    Hendon:

    1 Matteo Salamon, 2 Isaac Currie, 3 Stefan Ilic, 14 Nathan Opoku, 5 Alkeo Bani, 6 J’Ardell Stirling, 7 Rohdell Gordon, 8 Lonit Talla, 9 Tope Fadahunsi, 10 Niko Muir, 11 Kofi Anokye-Boadi SUBS: 15 Nikolai Krokhin, 4 Keagan Cole, 12 Joseph Halsey, 16 Leo Sery, 17 Kombe Kawimbe

    Remembering Paul Sykes

    It’s 20 years today since former Whites player Paul Sykes tragically passed away whilst playing for Folkestone Invicta, at the age of just 28.

    Paul, who also played for Margate, Gillingham and Dartford during his career, collapsed after half an hour during Folkestone’s Kent Senior Cup semi-final against Margate on the 12th April 2004.

    Paul’s family have organised a Memorial Fundraiser for the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) charity this weekend with signed Dover Athletic, Folkestone Invicta and Margate shirts available for auction.

    On the anniversary of his passing, Dover Manager Jake Leberl has said:

    I have such fond memories of Paul. We were the same year group growing up in the area, I shared many a football pitch with him on the local circuit. Paul was an infectious lad with a wonderful smile and wicked sense of humour and was such a talented footballer and sportsman. I can’t believe it’s 20 years, I remember the evening so well. I was playing for Dagenham at the time and I came off the pitch at Exeter to hear the devastating news of his passing along with my own Grandad on the same sad evening. I still think of him regularly to this day. Everyone here at Dover Athletic wish love and support to his nearest and dearest at this time. Gone but never forgotten.

    Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Paul, who will always be fondly remembered not just at Dover Athletic but throughout Kent football.

    More information on the CRY shirt auction: https://www.facebook.com/events/531972502858546/?active_tab=discussion

    Jake Leberl Interview

    Dover boss Jake Leberl sits down with Justin Allen for a Zoom chat about what is gearing up to be an exciting end to the season in the race for promotion.

    Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Hendon

    Dover Athletic welcome Hendon to The Megger Community Stadium.

    Dover Athletic

    On Saturday, Dover Athletic staged a spirited comeback to defeat Cheshunt 2–1 at the Megger Community Stadium. After conceding early to ex-player Charlie Naylor, Dover responded with intensity. A series of yellow cards highlighted a heated first half, and goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore saved a Cheshunt penalty. Just before the break, Luke Baptiste equalised following a goalkeeper error. Dover dominated the second half, and in the 78th minute, George Nikaj headed home a brilliant Ruben Soares-Junior cross. Despite late injuries and pressure, Dover held firm to secure all three points.

    In our previous encounter with Hendon, Dover Athletic earned a dominant 3-0 win over Hendon at Silver Jubilee Park, rebounding after back-to-back defeats. Captain Ruben Soares-Junior scored twice in the first half—first with a header from a corner, then with a strike from the edge of the box. Dover controlled the match, adding a third in the 65th minute through George Nikaj. Soares-Junior pushed for a hat trick, while Dover’s defence stifled Hendon’s attack.

    Hendon

    In their last outing, Hendon ended a 21-match, four-month winless run with a 2-1 victory over Chichester City. Kofi Anokye-Boadi opened the scoring with a superb curling strike past former Oldham keeper Magnus Norman. Despite missed chances and a Joe Clarke equaliser just before halftime, Hendon pressed on. Chichester hit the post, but Tope Fadahunsi capitalised on a defensive error to net the winner—his third goal in four games. Matteo Salamon made a crucial save late on as Hendon held firm against a series of long throws to secure a well-earned win and cut the gap to five points.

    Hendon sits in 19th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 35 points from 38 matches. Their record includes 8 wins, 11 draws, and 19 losses. At home, they have performed relatively well with 8 wins, 2 draws, and 9 losses from 19 matches. However, their away form has been a major issue, with no wins, 9 draws, and 10 defeats on the road. Hendon has scored 50 goals and conceded 66, giving them a goal difference of -16.

    Last 6

    08/03 – Hastings United (A) – Lost 0-2
    11/03 – Chatham Town (A) – Lost 1-2 (Alan Turvey Trophy SF)
    15/03 – Billericay Town (H) – Lost 1-4
    22/03 – Horsham (A) – Lost 0-1
    29/03 – Canvey Island (A) – Drew 1-1
    05/04 – Chichester City (H) – Won 2-1

    The Venue

    We look forward to welcoming Hendon 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: £15
    Concessions: £14
    U18: £9
    U11: FREE with a paying adult

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

    Report – Dover Athletic 2-1 Cheshunt

    Dover Athletic staged a gritty comeback to secure all three points at the Megger Community Stadium with a 2-1 victory over Cheshunt in a match full of incident, physicality, and momentum swings.

    It was Cheshunt who drew first blood in just the 8th minute. Former Dover man Charlie Naylor found himself on the scoresheet after a long throw into the box wasn’t dealt with by the home defence. The ball took fell to Naylor and nestled into the back of the net, giving the visitors an early advantage.

    Dover responded positively. Just six minutes later, a pinpoint cross from Fuad Sesay was met by Luke Baptiste, whose header forced pressure on the Cheshunt defence. George Nikaj lurked at the far post but narrowly failed to convert.

    As the hosts pressed, tensions flared. A flurry of yellow cards arrived for Cheshunt in the 27th minute – Alfie Matthews, Jack Munns, Vas Vasiliou, and goalkeeper R’avan Constable were all booked following separate off-the-ball incidents in a heated sequence.

    Cheshunt were handed a golden opportunity to double their lead in the 32nd minute after a handball in the Dover area gave them a penalty. But Jordan Gillmore came to the rescue for the home side, diving low to his right to parry away a weak spot kick. Just moments later, Cheshunt hit the post from a header, narrowly missing a second goal.

    Dover made their pressure count just before the break. In the 44th minute, Ruben Soares-Junior danced past Naylor and struck a tame shot, but Constable mishandled the effort, allowing Luke Baptiste to pounce and poke home the equaliser. That goal proved crucial in swinging momentum heading into half-time with the score tied at 1–1.

    Dover came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, with George Nikaj inches away from scoring in the 50th minute, his shot curling narrowly past the far post. Nikaj continued to be a threat, with a powerful header on the hour mark forcing Constable into a sharp low save.

    Roman Charles-Cook was booked in the 55th minute, but Dover remained composed and built steadily. Baptiste again tested the Cheshunt goalkeeper in the 58th minute, while a George Wilkinson cross moments later was nodded just over by Nikaj, who looked hungry for a goal.

    That goal would come in the 78th minute, and it was a thing of beauty. Soares-Junior, again instrumental, delivered a peach of a cross into the box, and Nikaj met it with a thunderous header to put Dover in front.

    In the final stages, Dover managed the game well despite several substitutions and a lengthy six minutes of added time. Injuries to Wilkinson and the enforced substitutions of key players like Nikaj and Baptiste tested the squad’s depth, but they held firm. There was time for Tamas Amgbaduba to pick up a late yellow card after replacing Baptiste, but Dover saw out the final minutes professionally.

    This was a spirited and hard-fought performance from Dover Athletic, who showed resilience after going behind early. With back-to-back home games, Dover will look to build on this momentum as they welcome Hendon to Crabble next Saturday.

    Isthmian League – Premier Division
    Venue: Megger Community Stadium
    Attendance: 685
    Referee: Scott Rudd

    Dover Athletic:
    27 Jordan Gillmore, 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 3 Fuad Sesay, 26 Jacob Mensah, 5 Joe Tennent, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 7 Luke Baptiste, 8 Alfie Matthews, 10 George Nikaj, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior (C), 29 Ryan Hanson SUBS: 23 George Wilkinson, 28 Kweku-Conrad Lucan, 15 Tamas Amgbaduba, 9 Eniye Amgbaduba, 24 Francis Mampolo

    Cheshunt:
    1 R’avan Constable, 2 Lordon Akolbire, 3 Finlay Titchmarsh, 4 Charlie Naylor, 5 Darion Furlong, 6 Dequane Wilson Braithwaite, 7 Vas Vasiliou, 8 Nathaniel Orafu, 9 Kenny Coker, 10 Jack Munns, 11 Sam Granville (C) SUBS: 12 Jack Turner, 14 Jaheim Whyte, 15 Rob Hall, 16 Tobias Braney, 18 Donell Thomas

    Nikaj and Baptiste Interview

    George Nikaj and Luke Baptiste join Justin Allen for a catch up. We discuss the back-to-back wins over Dulwich and Cray Wanderers, breaking goalscoring droughts, the upcoming games, Nikaj’s tattoo plans and who would be left behind on a night out

    Community Day Round Up

    After another successful community day both on and off the pitch on Saturday 22nd March, here is a round up of the day from Community Officer Vikki Pawley.

    Supporters, players and staff donated a whopping 261kg of food to Dover Food Bank as part of our food bank fixture. This is an amazing show of support for a local cause and shows just how fabulous you all are. Thank you!

    “I just wanted to say a massive thank you from all of us at the Dover FB on how you and the club supported us at the weekend. We had a great day as I’m hoping the club did in its support of the Dover community. With your help our donations weighed in at a massive 261kg which certainly exceeded our expectations.It was great how the club, supporters club, players and the public all helped in donating towards the event, we are most blessed.” Steve Ford – Dover Food Bank

    Live music in the Centre Spot, from local musician Taylor Clark Proved popular. Thank you Taylor for joining us again and keeping us entertained.

    Up on the community training pitch, we welcomed some of the Community Team from Dover District Council, with their Community Roots Van and Football Speed Cage. Thank you for giving up your time to provide an extra activity on the day.

    Our resident face painters, Tracey and Claudia, were as always very busy in the lead up to kick off. It was great to see so many painted faces around the ground. We hugely appreciate you both giving up your time to help us at Community Days.

    Collection tins around the ground for Prostate Cancer UK, partner charity for Non League Day, raised £58. Thank you to those who donated.

    Players from our youth section U14 boys and U15 girls came along to hand out giveaway bags. It was lovely to see you here supporting your club. A special thank you to the Dover Athletic Supporters’ Club for their donation towards purchasing items for the giveaway bags.

    So, another huge thank you to everyone involved in our Community Day, we couldn’t do any of this without you.

    Vikki