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Report – Dover Athletic 1-1 Hastings United

Dover Athletic were forced to settle for a share of the spoils at the Megger Community Stadium as George Nikaj’s second-half header salvaged a 1-1 draw against 10-man Hastings United in their penultimate fixture of the season. With just one game remaining, the Whites’ playoff hopes hang in the balance, needing at least a point at Chichester City next weekend to secure a top-five finish.

The game started evenly, with both sides probing cautiously in the opening exchanges. Hastings posed an early threat via their trademark long throw-ins, but neither side created anything clear-cut until the 9th minute when a teasing cross from the visitors was inexplicably skied over from close range.

Dover gradually gained control of possession, with George Nikaj looking sharp. His half-volley in the 19th minute forced a smart save at the near post. Despite their increasing dominance, clear chances were few and far between for the hosts.

Tensions flared briefly in the 37th minute after a scuffle between players, but the deadlock was broken five minutes later under controversial circumstances. A questionable free kick awarded to Hastings led to a pinpoint delivery from Freddie Legg, which was met by Davide Rodari at the back post, heading firmly past Jordan Gillmore to make it 1-0 to the away side.

Dover came out after the interval with urgency. Legg picked up a yellow for Hastings just three minutes into the half, and it was a sign of things to come. Ruben Soares-Junior’s tenacity won a promising free kick in the 53rd minute, which Nikaj rattled off the post.

The chances kept coming. Just before the hour, Nikaj carved out a golden opportunity for Francis Mampolo, but the forward mis-kicked. Hastings’ task became significantly harder in the 63rd minute when Finley Chapman received a second yellow card and his marching orders.

Dover seized on the momentum. In the 74th minute, after Dover forced a save from the keeper, the resulting corner was emphatically converted by the Nikaj himself, converting to level the scores and send the home crowd into raptures.

With the numerical advantage and momentum, Dover pushed hard for a winner. Nikaj came close again, blasting over in the 76th and attempting a spectacular bicycle kick in the 89th that flew off target. Despite six minutes of added time and relentless pressure, Dover couldn’t find the decisive goal.

While the result was frustrating given Dover’s second-half dominance and man advantage, the spirited performance keeps their playoff destiny in their own hands as they head to Chichester on Saturday.

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 1,025
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Harry Phillips
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, 24. Francis Mampolo, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior, 29. Ryan Hanson, 28. Kweku-Conrad Lucan, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 18. Henry Young, 4. Jeremiah Gyebi

    Hastings United:

    1. Louis Rogers, 2. Joe Clifford, 3. George Walker, 4. Adam Lovatt, 5. Tom Howard, 6. Ollie Black, 7. Davide Rodari, 8. Finley Chapman, 9. Jamal Lubanga, 10. Siya Ligendza, 11. Freddie Legg, 12. Harry Thompson, 14. Kian Moynes, 15. Oli Macdonald, 16. Charlie Scarles, 17. Archie Baker

      Chairman’s Message

      Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Hastings United.

      Many of our commercial sponsors are with us today enjoying a lunch in our platinum lounge so a very warm welcome to them as well as heartfelt thanks to them and our other sponsors who were unable to attend today for all of their support of the club.
      Without the fabulous support we receive from local businesses the club probably wouldn’t exist, and we certainly wouldn’t be able to carry out the important community involvement work that we do. It’s impossible to overestimate the importance of this financial support to the club so a very big thankyou from me again and if you see one of our sponsors around the ground, please take the time to thank them for their contribution to your club.

      What a season it has been, we started like a rocket with goals flying in for us in every game and for a long time we were at the top of the league and then around Christmas the inevitable “sticky patch” happened for a variety of reasons including injuries to key players, a lot of sickness in the camp and a loss of form in a few cases. When you lose momentum in a football season it is a very hard task to bounce back and recover but this group never gave up, they kept giving 100% in every game and even if at times results didn’t go our way, I don’t think supporters could be disappointed with the effort and endeavour. Home form has sometimes been disappointing in terms of results, but our away form has been fantastic, so the challenge next season is to improve that home game tally.

      At the time of writing, although we have achieved four wins in the last five games with some outstanding performances, our inclusion in the playoffs is not yet confirmed. However, whatever the outcome of the season everyone can be proud of the team and the club for an outstanding year, some great entertainment and memorable moments.

      We will soon begin discussions with our group with a view to retaining as many as possible, there is a lot of money flying around in this league now and we sometimes find it a challenge to compete with the bigger budgets and the “cash” paying clubs, but we will continue to do the best we can within our budget and within the payroll tax legislation. My commitment to a sustainable club with no debt continues.

      I would like to thank Jake, Mike and the management team as well as our staff and volunteers for their incredible efforts this season and to this great group of players I say thank you from the club for your hard work and dedication.

      Finally, I thank you our fanbase for your support during the season, in the end without supporters there can be no club – so keep behind the lads on the pitch and I look forward to seeing you all in the playoffs or if we are not able to quite make it, on to next season in a few weeks.

      Jim Parmenter

      Club Statement: Supporter Behaviour Dartford

      Dover Athletic has announced that two banning orders have been issued against supporters who were identified as behaving in a totally unacceptable manner at the away match at Dartford on Good Friday. 

      Dover Chairman Jim Parmenter commented, “We cannot name the individuals for legal reasons, but we have stated very clearly that we will not accept this type of behaviour and will act when it occurs. Individuals who act in this manner, home or away, are not welcome as Dover supporters; they tarnish the good name of the club and the majority of our fan base who behave in a respectable manner. If individuals believe that it’s nearly the end of the season and it will all be forgotten at the start of next season, they are wrong. These bans are indefinite. I appeal to our younger supporters who were in and around the group causing issues on Friday to consider their actions and not allow themselves to be led by a few older individuals who should know better. Ask yourself, do you really want to risk being banned from the club you support?”

      Jake Leberl: End of Season Message

      We’d like to extend a warm welcome to the Hastings team and their supporters to the Megger Community Stadium for our final home Isthmian League fixture of the season.

      Regardless of the final outcome in these last two games, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of this season’s journey.

      A tremendous amount of time and effort has gone into bringing smiles back to faces and turning the club’s fortunes around. To the board, players, staff, media team, volunteers, sponsors, and our fantastic supporters – thank you. Everyone has come together as a team and helped put us back on the right path.
      There’s still work to be done, but we’re rebuilding a stable and happy club where the community and youth play a bigger role. I believe this is vital for the long-term future of this wonderful football club.

      On the field, we couldn’t be prouder of this squad. They are a young, dedicated, and ambitious group of players who have been a pleasure to work with. Personally, I’ve relished every moment. I want to publicly and sincerely thank Mike for everything he’s done. He’s a brilliant coach and a great guy. We absolutely wouldn’t be in this position without him.

      Let’s hope we can finish the season on a high and secure a play-off spot. That would be a remarkable achievement for a new team that was thrown together at the last minute and has gone toe-to-toe with clubs boasting far bigger budgets and more experienced personnel. I can’t stress enough how proud I am of this team. They’ve exceeded all expectations, and with time, they’ll only get better. Many of these lads have bright futures ahead, hopefully with us.

      Enjoy the game, and here’s hoping for a positive result. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at Chichester on Saturday.

      Jake

      COYW

      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.