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Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Farnborough

Match Preview by Fred Deveson

This weekend Dover are back at Crabble as they host Farnborough in what will be their last attempt at survival. 

It’s a special weekend this weekend as it is non-league day on Saturday, the day of the game. A raffle for every attendee with big prizes, girls football, meet the players and much more will be available this weekend. 

More information can be found here: https://doverathletic.com/news/non-league-day-2024/

The Whites will be looking to capitalise on their recent improvements. They will be hoping they 

can go one better this weekend and grab a win against mid table Farnborough. 

The goal scoring of the hosts for the weekend has been poor of late, but it’s not due to a lack of chances created. Final third decisions and a lack of a cutting edge are the main reason why Dover is struggling to put the ball in the net lately. 

Should Dover lose this game, the consequences in terms of relegation are almost fatal. A loss next weekend and a win for Truro will all but relegate the Whites.

Farnborough are in a rich vein of form, having won the last 4 games and are in tenth place, making a late surge for the playoff places. 

The visitors have only lost once in their last 9, a defeat to champions elect Yeovil Town and have won 2 of their last 3 away games.

Farnborough have absolutely found their scoring boots lately, having scored 8 goals in the last 3 games making it a very tough fixture for the Whites.

It is sure to be a fantastic day at Dover Athletic, with plenty on offer both on and off the pitch. 

Before the game manager Jake Leberl has said:

“I do feel that our performances of late have been much improved with the previous two games we’ve performed for the full game rather than half a game which was becoming a trait and something we needed to do a lot better on. But again we only have 2 points to show for our endeavours due to naivety & several missed opportunities in our play.“

Dover Athletic vs Farnborough. Saturday 23 March 2024, 3pm.

Ticket Information:

Admission for this match is by turnstile only. We accept both card and cash on the gate.

Adults – £17

Over 60 – £15

Under 18 – £9

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

Non-League Day 2024

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Megger Community Stadium for Non-League Day on Saturday 23 March against Farnborough.

The day kicks off at 9am with our 5-10 year olds Happy Feet sessions on the Community Pitch, children of all abilities welcome!

At 10:15am our 11-16 year old Happy Feet sessions will be running in conjunction with the first of our Girl’s Football Sessions. For girls aged 11-16 this initial session will be ‘turn up and play’, there is no need to register. This will be the first step in realizing a competitive girl’s side under the Dover Athletic name from next season.

The gates at Crabble will open at normal time with the National League North clash, King’s Lynn Town v Tamworth, live in the Centre Spot.

Everyone that comes through the turnstiles will receive a raffle ticket with the draw taking place at half time. There are big prizes to be won including:

• 2024/25 Season Tickets

• Food and Drink Vouchers

• Matchday Hospitality package for 2

• Mascot package for next season

• 2023/24 Away Shirt

• Club Shop Merchandise

• And more!

Every child attending the match will also receive their own DAFC goodie bag with plenty of treats and merchandise inside.

We will be welcoming 20 children who are part of 15th Dover St. Andrew’s Cubs group as our special guests. They will be given a tour of the ground, meet the players and will be the flag bearers at kick off.

There is still time to book on to our match day hospitality package which includes a butler hosted lounge and three course meal, whilst watching the game from the best seats in the house.

For the last decade the leading men’s health charity, Prostate Cancer UK, has worked side by side with Non-League Day, raising funds and awareness for and about the most common cancer in men. A limited-edition pennant will be presented to both clubs before kickoff and we will have donation buckets around the ground.

After the game, our players will be in the Centre Spot ready to meet and greet our young fans, sign autographs and have their pictures taken.

And how can we forget, Dover Athletic mascot Captain Crab will of course be making an appearance.

See you on Saturday!

Farnborough – VIP style

Fancy watching the Whites take on Farnborough in style? Of course you do.

The boys will be looking to put on a show and where else would you rather watch it than here with us.

Watch the game from the best seats in the house and let our match day hospitality provide the ultimate way to spend your time with us.

The package includes:

  • Butler hosted lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game
  • A three-course meal served at your table
  • Reserved undercover premium padded seating
  • Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water, plus a dedicated paid bar before and after the match
  • Complimentary match day team sheet

The very special experience costs £28 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:

Minestrone Soup served with a Ciabatta Roll

Main:

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

Dessert:

Truffle Torte with a Gold Shimmering Profiterole served with Cream

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email [email protected] or call the office on 01304 822373

Dover Athletic 0-0 Havant & Waterlooville

Match Report by Fred Deveson

It was a lovely, warm afternoon at Crabble yesterday, as Dover drew to Havant and Waterlooville 0-0.

It was the hosts who were on top from the first minute, creating good chances and dominating the ball.

The visitors opted for an offside trap from the start, which was effective in preventing Dover from having time on the ball, but it left them vulnerable in behind.

The Whites worked out that long balls over the top were the most effective route to goal and had some good chances from this.

Dembele was set through a couple of times but the goalkeeper denied him on both occasions. The forward also had a clever header go over the bar but was offside.

The linesman caused some controversy throughout the game with some questionable offside decisions which could have resulted in a goal scoring chance for Dover, but numerous times the flag went up, and some decisions were no doubt questionable.

The times that Dover did get in behind should have resulted in goals. Oyenuga returned to the starting lineup and was excellent defensively and offensively. He got forward well and put a ball in but Oliver fired just wide. 

Havant hadn’t had a sniff all first half. 

They did start the second well, however, and just 3 minutes after the restart they hit the upright with a good effort just outside the box. 

It wasn’t long before Dover were back on the front foot however, and Nikaj was seeing a lot of the ball in the wide areas. His good feet opened up plenty of space for the hosts but it was the same story for the Whites, who just couldn’t finish their chances.

Wilkinson had a great opportunity in the latter stages of the game to score for Dover, but he waited too long and then put his effort wide. 

The visitors saw red in the last 15 minutes, after their player picked up a second yellow. This should have seen Dover score towards the end, with the visitors being a man down but the chances kept coming and going for Dover. 

In the final few minutes, goalkeeper Rowley was called into action for one of the first times in the game and he made an excellent save to earn the hosts a point, when it arguably should have been three. 

A massive game next week against Farnborough awaits the Whites. 

Dover Athletic: Rowley, Charles-Cook, Mensah, Holding, Oyenuga, Naylor, Wilkinson (Baptiste 75mins), Oliver, Dembele (Assidjo 89mins), Nikaj, Allen. 

Subs not used: Oladipo, Young, Akehurst.

Havant & Waterlooville: Worner, Stanley, Innocent, Mcnerney, McCarthy, Carlyle (Jebb 61mins), Seager, Willson, Jewitt-White (Beckford 79mins), Kealy, Whittingham (Roberts 42mins). 

Subs not used: Mukuna, Woolston.

Referee: Tom Ellsmore.

Attendance: 552.

Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Havant & Waterlooville

Match Preview by Fred Deveson

This weekend sees a big clash at the bottom of the table as Dover host Havant and Waterlooville in a must win game for the Whites if they are to stay up this season.

The visitors this weekend started the season much like Dover, with the two being on similar points for most of the season.

However, in recent weeks, Havant have accelerated ahead of Dover, winning 2 of their last 5 and only losing once in that time.

They have been scoring well too of late, scoring two goals in each of their last three games, winning two of those.

Despite this good run, they have lost five of their last six away games, only managing to beat Hemel Hempstead on that run.

This weekend’s visitors are just six points from safety and a win at Crabble this Saturday will put them in a great position to continue to charge for survival as we head towards the end of the season.

As for Dover Athletic, it is looking bleak as we head into the final few matchweeks. If Dover lose the next two games and other results go against the Whites, then Dover will be relegated to the 7th tier and will be in the Isthmian League for the first time since 2009.

The Whites may feel slightly hard done by in recent weeks as performances have improved but the results just haven’t come.

The draw at Eastbourne was a positive result, although the game arguably should have been won based on the chances that were created.

George Nikaj has been performing especially well of late, as he made it 10 goals and assists this season against Eastbourne, so the hosts will be hoping he can perform again this weekend and get a vital win against a relegation rival.

It’s a massive game this weekend and it’s one that needs to be won by Dover if they are to have a chance of staying up this season.

Before the game, Dover boss Jake Leberl has said:

Our last outings we finally stopped the rut & picked up a point on the road against a strong full time Eastbourne outfit where we again conceded late to a wicked deflected goal, we look to build on & finish the season as strongly as possible in the hope to changing this club’s fortunes & recreate some positively moving forward 

Dover Athletic vs Havant and Waterlooville – Saturday 16 March 2024, 3pm

Ticket Information:

Admission for this match is by turnstile only. We accept both card and cash on the gate.

Adults – £17

Over 60 – £15

Under 18 – £9

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

Eastbourne Borough 1-1 Dover Athletic

Match Report by Fred Deveson

It was a windy evening on the south coast as Dover and Eastbourne share the points in a game that the Whites may feel they could have won. 

The game started with Dover largely on top for most of the half. The signs were positive right from the off for the visitors, who pressed hard and worked hard from the first minute.

It wasn’t long before the Whites got the goal they deserved too. A long hall from Scott Holding found George Nikaj who worked his way into the penalty area and finished in the bottom corner. The goalkeeper got a hand to it but couldn’t do anything to keep it out.

Dover didn’t let up here. Iffy Allen switched to the right for a short period and was playing well. He used some trickery to work his way past the full back and his shot was well saved by the goalkeeper.

The Eastbourne number 1 showed signs of nervousness after this, as shortly after his pass was intercepted by Stewart who fired it towards goal, but the goalkeeper recovered just in time to make the save.

Stewart tried to catch the ‘keeper out shortly after, seeing him off his line and his shot went just wide. 

The hosts began to put more pressure on as the first half went on, with corners being their biggest threat. Two excellent balls came in from separate corners and a goal mouth scramble was the result of both. Somehow Dover managed to clear both away and the score remained 0-1 at the interval. 

The second half was much less intense than the first, with the first major chance of note coming in the last 25 minutes. 

Dover’s new number 1 came out to try and claim the ball but the wide man for the hosts went around the goalkeeper and had an open goal. He looked certain to score but for a block on the line to keep Dover in front. The shouts for handball were waved away by the referee.

The Eastbourne goal did eventually come however and it was a painful one for Dover to take. There was some good counter attacking work by Dover and the ball was played across the box for Baptiste to tap in, but he attempted to control the ball and take it round the goalkeeper, which led to the hosts regaining the ball. 

They then launched an attack of their own and after a shot on the edge of the area was deflected slightly, the ball went past the outstretched Rowley and found its way in the back of the net. 1-1.

The hosts piled on the pressure to try and win the game in the dying minutes but Dover held on for a draw. 

A big game against Havant and Waterlooville is up next this Saturday at Crabble. 

Transfer Updates

We have had a few transfer updates this week, starting with the departure of forward Zidan Sutherland. Who left through mutual consent.

We would like to thank Zidan for his excellent contributions this season and wish him all the very best for the future. Zidan has said:

“Thank you to the club and fans for the support that I received whilst I was at the club, I appreciate everything”

With one out we have bought one in, defender Dylan Pepe. Pepe has previous experience with Welling and most recently played for Krumovgrad in the Bulgarian first division.

The next update sees Daniel Jinadu departing the club at the completion of his loan deal.

Daniel has said: “Thanks for the warm welcome! Wishing you all the best for the rest of the season”

Again, we’d like to thank Daniel for his contributions in goal and wish him all the best for the future.

In his place we welcome Matthew Rowley from Reading. The young shot stopper has been in strong form for Beaconsfield Town this campaign, including winning Man of the Match in Saturday’s 2-1 away victory at Gosport Borough. His performances will see him head to Kent to take the step up Step 2 of the Non League pyramid with us. 

Up Next – Eastbourne Borough vs Dover Athletic

Match preview by Fred Deveson

It’s back to back away games in quick succession for the Whites who take on Eastbourne Borough tomorrow night. 

Eastbourne are coming off the back of a good win against Hemel Hempstead. The hosts for tomorrow are making a good late surge to stay up this season but are still in and around the relegation fight.

They have lost five of their last eight, however, which is not a good sign for the side. They have however won their last two home games which is a positive for them and they will be looking to make it 3/3 at home tomorrow.

As for Dover Athletic, they have lost their last 7 games but have had some tough fixtures in that run. The performances have improved and with new signing Pepe impressing on his debut, it is a good sign for the next few games.

The Whites have found scoring difficult of late, only scoring once in their last 4, but they have been creating chances well, so if a few more of these chances were converted, it could be a very interesting game tomorrow. 

The two sides drew 1-1 at Crabble in mid-November but Dover will be looking to take all 3 points this time out as they seek survival. 

Eastbourne Borough vs Dover Athletic. Tuesday 12 March 2024, 7.45pm:

• Stadium open from 6:45pm
• Clubhouse open for food and drinks with visiting supporters welcome

ONLINE PRICES

• Adults: £13 
• Concessions: £9 – Available to Over 65’s and Blue Light Card holders (ID will be required at the box office / turnstiles)
• UNDER 18’s & Students: £4 (ID will be required at the box office / turnstiles)
• Under 12’s: FREE, but need to be accompanied by a paying adult (ID may be required) and need to collect a FREE ticket from the box office on match day

ON THE DAY / GATE PRICES

Purchase here – https://ebfc.onlineticketseller.com/events/50688

• Adults: £18 
• Concessions: £12 – Available to Over 65’s and Blue Light Card holders (ID will be required at the box office / turnstiles)
• UNDER 18’s & Students: £6 (ID will be required at the box office / turnstiles)
Under 12’s: FREE, but need to be accompanied by a paying adult (ID may be required) and need to collect a FREE ticket from the box office on match day

Havant & Waterlooville – VIP STYLE

Fancy watching the Whites take on Havant in style? Of course you do.

The boys will be looking to put on a show and where else would you rather watch it than here with us.

Watch the game from the best seats in the house and let our match day hospitality provide the ultimate way to spend your time with us.

The package includes:

  • Butler hosted lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game
  • A three-course meal served at your table
  • Reserved undercover premium padded seating
  • Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water, plus a dedicated paid bar before and after the match
  • Complimentary match day team sheet

The very special experience costs £28 per person and is available for individual and group bookings, or as a gift voucher.

Please note that this price does NOT include entry for non-season ticket holders who do attend, and they will still need to pay at the turnstile on the day.

On the menu for the game will be :

Starter

Prawn Cocktail

Main

Roast Beef, Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Selection of Vegetables and Gravy.

Dessert

Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake served with Cream

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email [email protected] or call the office on 01304 822373

Weston-Super-Mare 1-0 Dover Athletic

Match report by Fred Deveson

A serious crash on the M4 saw the team bus arrive late to Somerset and as a result, kick-off was delayed until 4pm. It was the hosts who eventually took all three points, however, in a game that could have gone either way.

Dover actually started the game on the front foot. Luke Baptiste found himself with space on the edge of the area and his shot cannoned of the defender and went behind. Positive start.

This didn’t last long however, as the hosts began to put some pressure on Dover. The number 19 for the hosts was looking lively and had a shot well blocked by Holding.

Peter Ojemen made a nasty tackle shortly after near the dugouts and saw yellow when some may have thought red was more appropriate.

The hosts’ number 8 was beginning to run the show at this point and kept finding space in good areas. He had a long-range effort whistle just past the post.

Jinadu made a couple of excellent stops too, one from a free-kick just outside the area which kept the score level and kept the Whites in it.

Just before half-time the hosts were really piling on the pressure. The Somerset side put in a good ball into the box which was headed just over.

Manager Jake Leberl brought on new signing Dylan Pepe at half time to replace Ojemen and the new defender impressed, making some good tackles and working hard.

Weston-Super-Mare had a good chance though around the hour mark, picking up a free-kick on the edge of the area which was crashed against the post and cleared.

Soon after, Dover had the best chance of the game. Stewart was sent in behind and after some excellent work to put the defender on the floor, he laid it off for Wilkinson who fired it over.

The visitors had another chance soon after. It was Naylor this time who had the ball on the edge of the area but his shot was fired wide of the goal.

Jinadu was called into action again shortly after, pulling off two fine saves after two long range efforts came his way.

The Whites came forward again after this and a long throw came in from Roman Charles Cook, which was flicked on well by Nikaj. Freddie Oliver got his head to the flick on but was denied by a brilliant save by the goalkeeper.

Not long after, the hosts came forward and earned themselves a corner. This was taken quickly and they caught Dover napping. The wide man finished well in the bottom corner past the outstretched Jinadu and the host were one up.

The game then petered out and it was a similar story for Dover Athletic who went back to Kent empty handed once more.