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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.

Up Next – Weston-Super-Mare vs Dover Athletic

Match Preview by Fred Deveson

Dover head to the west coast this weekend as they face Weston-Super-Mare, a very good ball playing side.
The last time the two sides faced off was earlier this season at Crabble and the hosts for this weekend played superbly, putting together some excellent intricate passing moves to break Dover down. They ran out 0-1 winners on that day.
The team from Somerset have seen plenty of reward for their good football this season, as thye currently sit in 15th place in the league after recently getting promoted.
Weston Super Mare have won two of their last three games and narrowly lost out to Yeovil in between.
The Somerset side have had a few postponements lately, so their win last time out at Chippenham is the only game they’ve played since the 20th February, meaning they are fit and ready to go this weekend.
However, they have not seen victory at home for a little while, with their last win at home coming in mid-January.
As for the Whites, they have lost 8 of the last 9 games, with their only win in that time coming against Slough.
The defensive side of things for Dover have improved, with the Whites conceding no more than two goals per game since the game against Worthing. Defeats have been narrow ones too, and Dover have lost the last four games by just a single goal.
Nick Dembele was a bright spark when he came on against Maidstone. He worked hard and battled for the side and he, amongst others, will be keen to start this one as Dover seek victory away from home for the first time since August.

Weston-Super-Mare vs Dover Athletic Saturday 9 March 2024, 3pm: Adults: £14.00 Concessions: £10.00 (over 60s and Students) Under 16s: £4.50 Under 8s: Free Family: £28.00 (2 Adults and 2 juniors)

 

Dover Athletic 0-1 Maidstone United

Match Report by Fred Deveson

There was heavy rain before the start of the game and there were doubts over whether the game would go ahead, but it did nevertheless and it was Maidstone who took all three points.

Dover started the game fairly brightly, with Nikaj looking positive on the right for the hosts. The ball broke for Oliver on the edge of the box but his shot was hit over the bar. 

Soon after, Maidstone were on top. They earned themselves a succession of corners which came to nothing, but the signs of a goal were coming.

It wasn’t long after this that the visitors got themselves a penalty after Naylor fouled their forward in the box. Sam Corne it was who took it, but his penalty went sailing over the bar and Dover were let off the hook.

Daniel Jinadu had a very solid first half for the Whites. He made a couple of excellent saves to keep the score level which gave the hosts a glimmer of hope.

The away side kept up the pressure throughout the first half and kept knocking on the door and eventually they got their reward.Their left back made a good run into the box and fired it across the six yard area where the Stones winger tapped home to make it 0-1.

The second half began and there was a great chance for the hosts to make it 1-1, but Nikaj couldn’t convert his seemingly easychance and the score remained 0-1.

There was an extended stoppage in play shortly after, as Freddie Oliver’s challenge left the Maidstone midfielder in a heap on the floor. The Dover number 8 saw yellow for this tackle.

It wasn’t long after this that Jake Leberl made some changes. Dembele, Oladipo and Allen all came on but they didn’t make much impact as Maidstone had a firm grip of the game by this point. 

The visitors kept up the pressure and should’ve doubled their lead. A corner came in from the right hand side and was met well, but Jinadu got down quickly to make the save and keep the score at 0-1.

There was a bit of late pressure from Dover, with Wilkinson putting in a good corner but no one got on the end of it and it flew behind for a goal-kick. 

The game then petered out with the away side managing the game well and seeing it out until the final whistle. The visitors take all three points back up the M20 in their pursuit of a playoff place.

It’s Weston-Super-Mare up next for Dover as they look to turn around their recent poor form.

Dover: Jinadu, Charles-Cook, Mensah, Naylor (Oladipo 87mins), Holding, Ojemen, Oliver, Young (Dembele 64mins), Wilkinson, Stewart (Allen 73mins), Nikaj. Subs not used: Hatcher, Neil-Gray.

Maidstone: Covolan, Brown, Fowler, Greenidge, Ezennolim, Gurung, Corne, Berkeley-Agyepong (Sole 83mins), Rush, Faal (Reynolds 82mins), Tanga. Subs not used: Earle, Appiah, Duku.

Referee: Nathan Oakes.

Attendance: 1,203.

Dover Chairman Confirms Financial Losses

Dover Chairman Jim Parmenter has today confirmed that the most recent club accounts show a loss of circa £140,000.  

He said: “It’s not unusual for the club to make a loss and does so in most years, this loss has been supported financially by my family as we have done for the last 18 years.

However, we must continue strive to make the club self-sufficient as our generosity cannot be relied upon forever, at the moment we are in a self defeating spiral, we are not winning games so less supporters come to watch and therefore less money is available for the playing budget which makes it more difficult to put a team together to win games and so it goes on.

There is no magic formula, there is only one way to succeed going forward and that is for everyone to pull together and support their towns club.

Twenty five percent of the losses are down to increases in cost, utilities, stock costs etc the remainder is down to a drop in gate revenue and associated matchday revenue.

Therefore, please support your club, come to games, bring a friend and maybe come a little bit earlier and buy a pint or a burger, as you can see from the accounts all revenue and a lot more goes into running the club and the playing budget if we can raise our positivity, improve crowd numbers and income we can be very positive about the future. 

COME ON YOU WHITES”

Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Maidstone United

Match Preview by Fred Deveson

This Saturday Dover Athletic host FA Cup story of the season Maidstone United, as they look to put all their efforts into promotion after their loss on Monday night to Coventry City.

Maidstone have had a fantastic season under George Elokobiand his story, as well as the club’s, has inspired millions across the country so far.

Elokobi and his assistant Craig Fagan both have Premier League experience and they now both have experience managing against Championship teams, but this weekend is a very different test against Dover Athletic. 

Interestingly, Maidstone have failed to win their last two games in the league despite their FA Cup run. They lost to Aveley last time out in the league and previously only managed a draw against Hemel Hempstead.

Dover’s Kent rivals currently sit in 9th but they do have games in hand, and should they win those, they will be right amongst the top three. It’s up to Dover to stop their progression into the playoffs.

The Stones’ morale may be quite low, having had their FA Cup dream abruptly ended by Coventry, where they lost 5-0. Dover may look to capitalise on this and get a result against their rivals.

As for Dover Athletic, they have lost each of their last five games, however if the performance against Chippenham is anything to go by, then The Whites have a real chance on Saturday.

Dover were playing some excellent football last time out and deserved to get the win, but just ran out of steam right at the end. 

George Wilkinson has had an excellent month of performances,and the Dover fans will be hoping for another excellent one from the number 14 against fierce rivals Maidstone United.

Since 2008, the two sides have faced off 12 times, with Dover winning half of those games and Maidstone winning three, which is a good sign for the hosts this weekend. Dover have also scored 23 goals in those twelve games, showing goals has not been an issue in this fixture in 

This is an important game for both sides fighting at the top and bottom of the league and both will be desperate to get a win to help their causes.

Before the game Manager Jake Leberl has said:

For us it’s been such a disappointing run of results of late especially the Dartford & Chippenham games where we felt performances wise we deserved something out of both games.

Moving forward as a management team we have to keep going, educating & encouraging the players to learn from previous match day experiences to pick up results at this level where on occasions our general performance, effort, enthusiasm & spirt has been there to see, on the whole the boys have given that and need to continue to fight for themselves the team & the supporters to the very end

Jake Leberl

Dover Athletic vs Maidstone United – Saturday 2 March 2024, 3pm

Ticket Information:

This match is segregated. 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

We are also offering a five game ticket. These can only be used by one individual per match and not in groups.

Adult – £75 (£10 saving)
Concession – £65 (£10 saving)