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Beckenham Town 0-4 Dover Athletic 

With both teams sitting bottom of their respective leagues, a Kent Senior Cup game (which had already been postponed on more than one occasion) didn’t seem high on the priority list for either side. 

Despite playing a squad largely comprised of current academy players and graduates,  the Whites progressed with ease. 

The ball was in the back of the net in the first 5 minutes with Whyte heading the ball past the keeper from a cross originally intended for Oladipo, who was adjudged offside.

Consistent pressure from Dover returned some decent attempts but many failed to hit the target. In the 22nd and 26th minutes respectively both Nico Jones and Charlie Naylor were booked by the referee.

Just before half time Dover got their reward with a goal from Whyte on the left hand side of the box, striking low under the keeper from a tight angle.

Whites had the better of the first half and could easily have been a couple up despite Beckenham threatening from some set pieces.

Half time substitutes for the Whites saw Naylor make way for Mensah and Dembele for Baptiste.

In the 54th minute Nico Jones was shown a second yellow for a very soft foul and was given his marching orders. Dover quickly responded, despite now being a man down, with Destiny Oladipo finding the back of the net.

Gaps began to show for the Whites with Beckenham pressing high up the pitch, their best chance of the night was blocked on the goal line by Jacob Mensah, stopping a certain goal.

A few moments later Whyte made way for Nikaj which quickly followed a second goal for Destiny Oladipo. His drive struck a defender and flew into the net.  

A flurry of goal mouth scrambles and late attacking threat from Beckenham was cleaned up effectively by the Dover defence who then went on to score in the final moments of the game when brilliant work by Baptiste put it on a plate for Gray who made no mistake from a few feet out.

Dover now head to Ebbsfleet in the Quarter final of the Kent Senior Cup, date tbc.

Beckenham Town: Taylor, Aina, Griffin, Travers, Wright, Ikudehinbu, Britnell (Nyhus 63), Allen (Wyborn 71), Falade, Akintimehin, Pink.

Subs not used: Townsend, Wanogho. Paul-Lavaly.

Yellow card: Wyborn

Dover Athletic: Simmons, Holness, Odeniran, Young, Naylor (Mensah 46), Jones, Dembele (Baptiste 46), Hatcher, Oladipo, Gray, White (Nikaj 69).

Subs not used: Kray, McCarthy.

Goalscorers: Whyte (43), Olapido (58), (73), Gray (89)

Yellow card: Jones, Naylor

Red card: Jones 

Referee: Ben McDonald

Attendance: 80

Braintree Town 3-0 Dover Athletic

Match Report by Fred Deveson

A mild afternoon in Essex saw Dover Athletic well beaten by a strong Braintree side, who ran out 3-0 victors. 

Before the game, recent player of the month winner Jacob Mensah spoke to me and said that he was feeling positive about the game after last week’s win and said that spirits were high in the dressing room.

Mensah went on to say that the team were looking to come and get a point or three points after the victory last week and he said it was “a challenge and we are all looking forward to it” before the game. 

Unfortunately for Dover, the game did not start as Mensah and the rest of the team would have wanted. The chances for Braintree came thick and fast right from the off, with an early chance for the hosts going wide of the post.

The opening goal came inside the first few minutes, after a long shot took a big deflection and went into the bottom corner after Jinadu was sent the wrong way. 

Ojemen had a tough start to the game at left back; the hosts were exploiting his side and causing overloads on his side, making it difficult for Dover to contain.

The referee was already a big talking point during the first half, making some controversial decisions, much to the anger of the travelling Dover fans.

Braintree continued their dominance in the first half, showing their class on the counter-attack time and time again. They had pace and quality in the final third and Dover could not cope.

Dover weren’t completely out of it in the first half, and they did have a couple of chances of their own. Baptiste was positive on Dover’s left and caused some trouble, with one leading to a corner which came out to Naylor, who’s effort went straight into the hands of Sims in the Braintree.

The hosts kept coming, however and it was not long before it was 2-0. The Essex side got a free-kick outside the area, which was delivered perfectly to the back post and was met with an even better header, doubling their lead.

The third came soon after. A simple ball in behind the Dover defence put their attacker through on goal. He then took it round the goalkeeper and prodded into an empty net. Game over.

The second half hardly saw any action at all. The visitors brought on Destiny Oladipo for the start of the second half and he brought a big presence to the team that wasn’t there in the first half.

Dover had a couple of chances in the second half; a ball across the box almost found substitute Dembele but the striker was just beaten to the ball by their centre back.

The hosts had a good chance later on in the second half, when one of their attackers ran through the away side’s defence and tried to round the goalkeeper, but Jinadu was having none of it and he kept it from being 4-0. 

This was it for all the action in the second half and the game eventually drew to a close, with the hosts winning 3-0.

It’s Worthing away next week for the Whites but not before a trip to Beckenham Town in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday.

Dunne Departs

We can confirm the departure of midfielder James Dunne, who has joined fellow Kent side Chatham Town.

We would like to thank Dunne for his efforts this season and wish him the best for the future.

Up Next – Braintree Town vs Dover Athletic

Match Preview by Fred Deveson

Dover Athletic are back on the road this weekend as they face Essex based Braintree in the hopes of getting back-to-back wins.

The hosts have had a good start to 2024, winning 2/4 and only losing to Chelmsford on New Year’s Day. 

Their last home game was almost a month ago, which was a win against Hampton and Richmond, and overall they have been successful at home this season, winning a lot of the games they have hosted.

The Essex outlet have only lost once at home all season.

Braintree currently sit 11th in the table and are fighting for the playoff spots after a good season. The hosts are coming off the back of a good 2-1 win away at Truro.

As for Dover Athletic, they are coming off the back of a fantastic performance at home to Slough Town, where they completed the double at Crabble, however George Nikaj is suspended for the trip to Essex after his red card.

The Whites have lost half of the last eight games, but performances have largely been better despite some results not going their way. 

Dover sit in 23rd position, level on points with Havant and Waterlooville and will be looking to chase down Eastbourne in 22nd.

The two sides faced off in August and the game ended as a 1-1 draw at Crabble, but Dover will be hoping for more this time. In the all-time head-to-head statistics, Dover are much more dominant, winning 8 of the 15 most recent meetings and scoring 25 times.

Dover will be looking to make it 9 wins in total against Braintree as they look to restart their survival chances.

Braintree Town vs Dover Athletic Saturday 3 February 2024, 3pm.

Ticket Information:

Adults – £15

Concessions – £10

U18s – £5

Dover Athletic 1-0 Slough Town

Match Report by Fred Deveson

A wintery afternoon sees Dover come out on top against Slough Town, with the Whites taking a deserved win and lifting themselves off the bottom.

The starting lineup saw just one change from the defeat midweek and that was Zidan Sutherland coming in up front.

That change paid off for the hosts as Zidan was lively from the off and had plenty of energy.

George Nikaj also had a bright start to the game as he found himself in behind on the right but the chance came to nothing. The positive signs were there, however.

Zidan had a chance again in behind the Slough backline and he took it round the goalkeeper but couldn’t quite find anyone in the box to finish the chance.

The visitors then had the chance to counter and did so effectively until they met the brick wall of Jacob Mensah, who cleaned up for Dover.

The away side shortly after had another chance but the ball went just wide of the post and the hosts could breathe again.

Dover had the chance to bring the ball forward again and Wilkinson found Baptiste on the left but his effort was wide. 

The front three of Dover was looking dangerous and like they could score at anytime.

It wasn’t long before the Whites were on the attack again; this time it was Nikaj who picked up the ball on the left but his ball across the box came to nothing.

The game started getting feisty as half-time drew closer, with Nikaj getting involved on the receiving end of a nasty tackle, and then being the one getting booked for a challenge on a Slough player.

The first half ended with Nikaj in behind on the right, who then fired a ball into the box which more hit Zidan and went over the bar.

The second half started very well for the hosts. Baptiste had achance to get on the end of a beautiful pass by Nikaj, but he just couldn’t get his foot to it.

Zidan then helped to create an overload on the left with Baptiste and Ojemen. The number 9 then cut inside but his effort was dragged just past the near post. 

Zidan again proved why he was in the starting lineup, as his good work on the left resulted in the ball coming to Baptiste who couldn’t convert. 

Dover should arguably have had a penalty, as a scramble led to Zidan being held and pulled to the ground, but the referee was having none of it and the game continued.

The referee was not a fan favourite amongst either set of fans throughout the course of the game.

The visitors did have a chance of their own in behind after their number 23 beat Peter Ojemen, but his effort was dragged wide of Jinadu’s goal.

It wasn’t long before Dover were in again and it was Sutherland in behind. He found a pocket of space in behind but was denied by a brilliant save by the visiting goalkeeper.

The resulting corner forced another great save after Mensah’s header was tipped over. 

Dan Jinadu was called into action, however, after some good work by their number 23 once again, who was lively for the visitors. 

The away side were putting on some pressure but that did not last long.

Substitute Oladipo came on to replace Sutherland and he was excellent. A throw in on the left fell to Oladipo who held the ball up well. He flicked the ball up and looped a hopeful ball into the box which the goalkeeper spilled, straight into the path of Nikaj who spun and fired home much to the delight of the home fans.

However, no sooner had he scored, he saw red as his challenge earned him a second yellow and an early bath, meaning Dover had to see out the game with ten men.

The hosts did eventually hold out for a priceless win which lifts them off the bottom of the table and sees them do the double over Slough.

Dover Athletic: Jinadu, Ojemen, Mensah, Holding, Naylor, Baptiste, Oliver, Charles-Cook, Nikaj, Wilkinson (Oladipo 70mins, Dunne 89mins), Sutherland (Allen 79mins). Subs not used: Dembele, Young.

Slough Town: Lincoln, Dandy, Prosper, Minhas, Davies (Jackman 81mins), Ebuzoeme (Chambers-Parillon 63mins), Eweka, Dyce, Sundire, Ogbonna, Spasov (Goddard 57mins). Subs not used: Bayliss, Hamiga.

Referee: Matthew Norton.

Attendance: 607.

Dover Athletic is backing Alzheimer’s Society’s Support The Supporters campaign

Dover Athletic joins Alzheimer’s Society and football community to Support The Supporters with dementia diagnosis message

This week (w/c 22nd January), Dover Athletic is backing Alzheimer’s Society’s Support The Supporters campaign, to encourage fans to support their loved ones by looking out for common signs of dementia and take the first steps in seeking a diagnosis. The campaign is being backed by clubs and organisations across the football pyramid, including The Football Association (FA), Premier League and League Managers Association, to help create a future where football is unforgettable.

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, with 1 in 3 people born today going on to develop it in their lifetime. But thousands are currently living with undiagnosed dementia, with too many people who still think dementia is just a sign of normal ageing, are unsure of the symptoms, and too afraid to visit their GP.

If fans have noticed any changes in themselves or their loved ones during the recent festive period, they can show their support by visiting alzheimers.org.uk/sports to use Alzheimer’s Society’s symptoms checklist and get further information on receiving a diagnosis. An early and accurate diagnosis unlocks access to treatment, care and support, allowing people to manage the condition and their lives, whilst planning for the future. An Alzheimer’s Society survey revealed that 91% of people affected by dementia saw clear benefits to getting a diagnosis, with many wishing they’d received one earlier.

Football is coming together at an especially busy time for Alzheimer’s Society, as people often spot changes in loved ones after seeing them for the first time in a while over the festive period. In fact, calls to the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Line were up 19% in January 2023 compared to the 2022 monthly average, whilst registrations to the charity’s Dementia Support Forum were 29% higher than average.

Alzheimer’s Society has been The FA’s official charity partner since 2021 and has already made a tangible impact – raising over £740,000,and thousands more fans, players and staff now knowing where to go to access vital dementia support. This season, the partnership will also raise vital funds towards research that will help transform the future of dementia diagnosis, speeding up how quickly and how early we are able to diagnose dementia, changing the game for fans and players in years to come. We are proud to be part of the Support The Supporters campaign, with the backing of clubs and organisations across the game, to help fans better understand dementia symptoms and take the first step in seeking an all-important diagnosis

Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Slough Town

Match Preview by Fred Deveson.

It’s back-to-back home games for Dover Athletic who will be looking to put an end to Slough’s excellent recent form, and hopefully move themselves off the bottom of the league.

The Whites are coming off the back of a negative result on Tuesday night as they lost to rivals Tonbridge Angels in a disappointing game, but the team will be looking to make it right this weekend.

The visitors’ record has been superb of late, winning five of the last ten and losing just twice on this run, both of which away from home.

They recently got an impressive away draw at high-flying Worthing despite getting a red card in the game, which shows just how high their confidence is right now.

Scoring has also not been a problem for Slough, as they have only failed to score in one of their last 16 league games, whereasfor Dover scoring has been an issue, with the hosts for Saturday only scoring twice in their last four games.

The Whites’ have not been at the level seen around Christmas in the last five games, only getting one point out of a possible 12 this year.

The pitch may have a part to play this weekend, as it has only recently been played on, and wet weather could affect the movement of the ball, and could also be an advantage to either team who may exploit the wings with wet surface allowing the ball to move quicker, and making life harder for the full backs who could easily lose their footing without the ball.

Nevertheless, it is certain to be a good game and one not to miss as Dover look to get themselves off the foot of the table.

Ahead of this game Manager Jake Leberl has said:

Mike and I were somewhat disappointed with Tuesday’s performance particularly in the first half. We are looking to rectifying  our mistakes from that night and do better to create more chances in the opposition half. We continue to reinforce and instil a positive ethos as a group and the team have got to keep working and keep going as we believe they will.

Jake Leberl

Dover Athletic vs Slough Town – Saturday 27 January 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

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)

Dover Athletic 1-2 Tonbridge Angels

Match report by Fred Deveson.

It was a wet and windy evening at Crabble as the hosts were defeated 1-2 by their Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels, who keep Dover bottom of the league.

There were some changes to the starting lineup for the Whites, with Freddie Oliver making his full debut, as well as Baptiste starting on the left for Dover and Iffy Allen returning to the starting eleven.

The fans were in full voice for the start of the game, but it was the visitors who had the better of the opening exchanges. The returning Paris Lock was looking positive for the Angels, making some good runs and making life hard for Ojemen. 

The visitors controlled the ball well from the start and had the majority of possession. They were making good combinations in and around the box and looked threatening. 

This possession didn’t come without it’s weaknesses, as there were gaps at the back which Dover looked to exploit with long balls looking to find Nikaj. 

Dover found an opening with the long ball route and had a penalty shout waved away by the referee. In the same passage of play, the Whites hit the crossbar after a fantastic effort. Signs were there that Tonbridge could be broken down.

This was until the visitors came forward in another attack after a period of pressure, and after some good footwork in the box, number 8 Higgs netted past Jinadu who could do nothing to stop the shot.

The Dover goalkeeper had previously made a couple of good saves to keep the score level, but Tonbridge’s patience paid off as they went 0-1 up midway through the first half.

After the goal, the chances kept coming for the away side. Jacob Mensah was called into action when the visitors found a pocket of space, and had it not been for Dover’s number 16, the score would’ve inevitably been 0-2. 

The front three of Tonbridge were linking up very well and had the hosts worried every time they came forward, with some good dribbling and movement, creating lots of space for themselves.

Tonbridge Angels kept up the pressure and Jinadu was forced into more good saves to keep the score at 0-1. The goalkeeper was arguably Dover’s best player in the first half, making some very important saves.

This wasn’t all for the first half, as right on the stroke of the half time whistle, Jacob Mensah scrambled the ball in with his knee and levelled up the score before the break.

The second half started similar to the first, with the visitors dominating the ball. They had a chance early on in the second half to make the score 1-2, but were denied by the post. 

The goal did come for The Angels shortly after, with some good work again by their number 7, and after some scrappy play in the box, it was Francis Mampolo who tapped home to make it 1-2. 

It did not get much easier for the hosts after this, as the wide players for Tonbridge were doing superbly well and causing all sorts of issues for Dover. Paris Lock danced his way through the hosts’ defence and Scott Holding was called into action, making a good goal line block by the post. 

The half continued much the same until later on in the game, when a chance came for the hosts. Baptiste picked up a long ball on the left and found Wilkinson on the other side of the box in acres of space, but he could not control the ball and a good chance went amiss. 

Dover did up the pressure towards the end of the game, with the biggest threat coming from Wilkinson’s excellent delivery from the succession of corners the hosts had. George Nikaj got his head to a few of these corners and narrowly missed one of the latter chances, much to the delight of the visiting side.

The visitors deployed their time-wasting tactics and eventually saw out the victory, making it back to back losses for Dover in the National League South.

Dover host Slough Town on Saturday, looking to get their first win of the year.

Dover Athletic: Jinadu, Ojemen (Oldapio 85mins), Mensah, Holding, Naylor (Sutherland 80mins), Baptiste, Oliver, Charles-Cook, Nikaj, Wilkinson, Allen (Dembele 65mins). Subs not used: Dunne, Young.

Tonbridge Angels: Henly, Lyons-Foster, Gard, Mampolo, Higgs, Odokonyero (Greenidge 85mins), Lock (Puffette 90mins), Hinds, Dabre, Vincent, Wagstaff. Subs not used: Parkinson, Aransibia, Velvick.

Referee: Constantine Hatzidakis.

Attendance: 455.

Slough Town – VIP Style

Fancy watching the Whites take on Slough Town 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 with a Ciabatta Roll

Main:

Roast Chicken Breast, Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Stuffing and Vegetables

Dessert:

Apple Tarte Tatin with Ice Cream

Arrival at the ground should be at 1pm and food will be served at 1.30pm.

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

Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Tonbridge Angels

Match Preview by Fred Deveson.

Dover host Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels and the Whites will be looking to pick up their first win of the year against a Tonbridge side who have been struggling as of late.

Coming into this fixture, both sides have been struggling and they each have one win in their last five games, with both losing three and drawing the other. 

The visitors have struggled with scoring lately, scoring just twice in their last four games, with both goals coming in a 2-1 win over Weymouth just over two weeks ago. 

Tonbridge have failed to beat a Kent rival since they beat Dover Athletic 1-0 at their home ground, and have since lost to Maidstone and Hythe, which is something The Whites could look to capitalise on.

For Dover, scoring has been an issue too. The hosts have failed to score more than one goal in a game since the Boxing Day win against Aveley, and the team has only scored once in the last three games, thanks to a header from Nikaj against Taunton. 

The last three meetings between the two sides have all gone the way of Tonbridge, with Dover losing all three. The Whites have not seen success of their Kent rival for almost ten years when the two sides met in the same division in 2014.

The team will be hoping for the fans to be in full voice at Crabble as they look to beat Tonbridge Angels for the first time in almost a decade.

Ahead of this game First Team Coach Mike Sandmann has said:

We are pleased to be back at home this evening after a couple of long away trips. Myself and Jake were extremely pleased with the performance away at Torquay despite coming away empty handed. I would like to thank the 13 supporters who travelled on Saturday. As always your support does not go unnoticed.

Mike Sandmann

Dover Athletic vs Tonbridge Angels – Tuesday 23 January 2024, 7.45pm

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

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)