Archives: News

Dover Athletic 0-2 Truro City

Match Report by Fred Deveson


An icy afternoon saw the hosts Dover Athletic fall short to the Cornwall outlet Truro, who made it 6 wins in 7 following this win.

There were a couple of changes to the starting lineup; Henry Young started the game in midfield and Roman Charles Cookearned a start at right wing back, with Oyenuga moving to centreback alongside Naylor and Holding. George Wilkinson dropped to the bench.

The weather might’ve been icy, but Dover made a fiery start to the game. Zidan Sutherland started the game on the right andhad a good opening few minutes. He ran at the Truro backline and caused all sorts of problems, one leading to an early corner which came to nothing. 

Dover kept good possession of the ball early on and made some good inrodes. George Nikaj’s tight control of the ball made life hard for the Truro players and was almost rewarded but for a good save by the visiting goalkeeper down to his right. The signs were positive.

Defensively Dover started solidly, with Scott Holding tidying up at the back and Oyenuga putting in a few good challenges. The away side had very little to go off in the opening exchanges and found it tough. 

The best chance of the game came in the first half for the Whites. Zidan Sutherland was put through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat, but he put too much on it and lifted the ball over the keeper but also over the bar. 

That was not all, as Akehurst put in a lovely low cross which fizzed across the six-yard box, but nobody was there to meet it. 

The Cornish side came back towards the end of the first half, with a long-range effort hitting the side netting, much to the relief of Aziaya in the Dover goal. 

The second half began and the visitors were on top from the restart. Goalkeeper Aziaya was called into action early on, making a good stop down to his right, but the signs were there that Dover were vulnerable. 

The opening goal came a short while later and it was on the cards. A simple corner floated into the box caused confusion and the visitors got a head to it making it 0-1. There was a bit of controversy around the goal, with Aziaya claiming he had been fouled, but nevertheless the goal was given and Dover were behind.

The second goal followed not long later, and it was a poor goal to concede. A long ball found the Truro number 5 who ranunmarked from centre back all the way through Dover’s backline, and he found the back of the net with a cool finish into the bottom corner. 

The game looked to be sealed. Dover introduced Hatcher, Wilkinson and Allen shortly after going 2 down, but the energy wasn’t there from the team. The visitors were rock solid at the back and let minimal through.

There was a glimmer of hope for the hosts, who in the last 5 minutes had a golden chance to half the deficit. The ball deflected it’s way to Allen who was about 6 yards out, but could not convert due to some heroic goalkeeping. 

The game then petered out, with Truro taking all 3 points back to Cornwall, and making it 4 consecutive away wins at Dover’s expense. 

Taunton Town await Dover in the next fixture on the 13thJanuary.

Dover Athletic: Aziaya, Oyenuga, Akehurst, Charles-Cook, Holding, Naylor, Dunne (Allen 75mins), Young (Wilkinson 68mins), Nikaj, Sutherland (Hatcher 68mins), Dembele. Subs not used: Oliver, Baptiste.

Truro City: Hamon, Melhado, Riley-Lowe, Adelsbury, Palmer, Harrison, Dean, Brett, Porter (Rooney 75mins), Neal (Sullivan 78mins), Harvey. Subs not used: Jones, Buse, Sanders.

Referee: Charles Martland.

Attendance: 598.

Freddie Oliver Returns

Whites sign Oliver from Ramsgate. 

The club are pleased to welcome back young midfielder Freddie Oliver.

A graduate of the Dover Athletic Academy, Freddie Oliver was brought into the first team squad in 2022/23.

Oliver made his debut in the 1-0 win away against Taunton Town in the February of 2023. Oliver was then named in the Kent Sport Online Team of the Week following his robust performance.

Freddie has spent the start of this season at Ramsgate, with a short loan at Lordswood FC.

Academy Boss and First Team Coach Mike Sandmann said:

We are pleased to welcome back Freddie to Dover Athletic who graduated through our Academy. 

Freddie is a player who I know extremely well and myself and Jake are looking forward to working with him again. I know supporters will be pleased to welcome him back to the Club. 

Mike Sandmann

Freddie himself has said:

Buzzing to be back playing at Dover again and looking forward to the rest of the season. COYW!

Freddie Oliver

Freddie will wear the number 8 shirt. 

Up Next – Truro City

Match Preview by Fred Deveson.


It’s a new year for Dover Athletic, and there’s a chance to make it a perfect start, with the Whites hosting mid-table Truro for their first game of 2024. 

Dover have had an incredibly positive last few games, having been unbeaten in 3 prior to the trip to Aveley, where The Whites narrowly lost to a cruel last-minute winner. Dover had just got their first home win of the season a few days before against the same opponents.

Dover can be positive heading into this weekend’s game against Truro; they are unbeaten at home since the 25th November and, having won their last home game on Boxing Day, hopes are high for Saturday. 

Dover Athletic are currently 12 points off safety, but it isn’ttotally bleak for them, as if they continue the form they’re in, they have a real shot at doing the seemingly impossible and staying in the National League South. 

Zidan Sutherland has been in good form of late, picking up an assist in the defeat at Aveley and scoring the equalising goal in the win at home on Boxing Day. Iffy Allen has also been impactful from the bench, scoring the winner against Aveley and being a difference maker at key times for Dover. 

Truro are in excellent form coming into the weekend, having won 5 of the last 6 games, including most recently, an away win at promotion chasing Torquay United. They have won their last 3 games away from home and are climbing up the table fast. 

This weekend’s visitors have also kept a clean sheet in their last two, winning both by a single goal. It will be a tough backline to break down for Dover this weekend, but with the form of the hosts’ front players being good, there is a good chance that their defence can be breached. 

It’s been over ten years since the two sides faced off, but Dover had the upper hand in the last three meetings, winning 3-2 in 2013 and 3-0 and 3-1 in 2012. The Whites will be hoping for more of the same this weekend.

The stats show that we’re in for a great game this weekend against visitors Truro, and Dover will be looking to return to winning ways once again at Crabble.

Going into this game, First Team Coach Mike Sandmann has said:

We have shown in recent weeks we can compete against some good teams in this league and this afternoon will be no different.

The atmosphere after the home match against Aveley is what we want to strive for week in week out at home and it’s our job to give everything we have to earn that support from you.

Mike Sandmann

Dover Athletic vs Truro City – Saturday 6 January 2024

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)

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker Results for Wednesday 27th December.

For the final time, congratulations to all the winners. We advise current members paying by standing order to cancel payment though their bank.

More information about our new 200 Club draw will be available soon.

Contact [email protected] to register your interest and good luck

Truro City – VIP Style

Fancy watching the Whites take on Truro City 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 :

  • Potato & Leek Soup with a bread roll
  • Chicken Breast in a white wine, cream & garlic sauce served with Baby potatoes, carrots & peas
  • Salted Caramel blondie cheesecake to finish

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

Aveley 2-1 Dover Athletic

A goal at the death denies Dover a point.

Wet and windy conditions at Parkside provided a classic game of two halves with Dover dominating the first and Aveley making the better of the second.

There were late changes to the Dover line up as captain James Dunne pulled up in the warm up and was replaced by Henry Young, with Johnny Oyenuga taking the armband.

Dover created chances in the early stages with a flurry of corners, the first saw Bailey Akehurst’s inswinging corner hit the inside of the far post and one in which defender Jacob Mensah found himself with a ripped shirt inside the penalty area, no foul given.

The next corner was cleared but quickly came back with Zidan Sutherland knocking a through ball on to Nick Dembele who calmly slotted past the keeper and against his former club.

Moments later a great ball by George Nikaj finds Sutherland but his shot is well saved by Jonathan North for a corner.

It was a strong first half from Dover and we deserved the lead and probably should have scored more during our dominant spell. The players had worked hard and had won nearly every battle.

Two minutes into the second half Odelusi was caught in the box by George Nikaj following a corner and soon fired low past David Aziaya from the spot.

It was one way traffic for the rest of the second half as Dover struggled to get out of their own half and soaked up the Aveley onslaught, defending well at times.

The referee signalled for 5 additional minutes at the end of the 90 and after 7 minutes of play Iffy Allen gave a foul away on the right hand side of the pitch. Aveley got their rewards when Ogunrinde finished with a strong header.

A bitter pill to swallow for the Whites who lost a vital point right at the end. We welcome Truro City to Crabble in our next league fixture on Saturday 6 January.

Aveley: North, Ring, Vaz, Odelusi, Jones, Gibbs, Kyei (Ogurinde 86mins), Kelly, Hughes, Krasniqi, Pegrum (Hernandez 68mins). Subs not used: Cochrane, Eze, Brown.

Dover: Aziaya, Oyenuga, Akehurst, Mensah, Holding, Naylor, Young, Wilkinson (Charles-Cook 65mins), Nikaj, Sutherland (Allen 76mins), Dembele (Baptiste 82mins). Subs not used: Hatcher, Powell.

Referee: Adrian George.

Attendance: 568.

We’re Hiring

We’re hiring a Full Time Administration and Finance Controller.

The Role:
Based at The Megger Community Stadium in Dover.

Working as part of a small but dedicated team, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day finance and administration functions of the Football Club, Including Payroll, basic accounts, VAT returns, using Sage and Bank reconciliations.

You will be the day-to-day interface with the public and the communication hub for other areas of the Club.

The role is interesting and varied which will include some typing and form preparation.
You will be responsible for managing matchday receipts and cash floats with the relevant reconciliations.

Match day working including approximately five Tuesday evenings per Season and home Saturday Afternoon fixtures plus some Bank holidays will be required when applicable.

The Person:
Dedicated and highly organised you will need to demonstrate your ability to work to tight
deadlines, organise a busy office and accurately produce basic accounts using Sage.

Experience with payroll is a distinct advantage.
You will be a person of the highest integrity and will need to demonstrate previous cash handling experience with references.

You will be computer literate and experienced with the Sage systems as well as online banking.

A good communicator you will need to be the Clubs day-to-day interface with the public as well as Matchday Volunteers and colleagues.
A willingness to learn new skills will be essential.

Experience of a football environment could be an advantage but is not essential.

For a full job description or to apply please email your full CV to:
[email protected]

NO AGENCIES

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker Results for Wednesday 27th December.

Congratulations to all the winners.

More information about our new 200 Club draw will be available soon.

Contact [email protected] to register your interest and good luck

Dover Athletic 2-1 Aveley

Match report by Fred Deveson.

The Christmas spirit was most definitely present at Crabble, as a large crowd watched Dover secure their first win at home in the league this season against a strong Aveley.

The away team started the game on top, having lots of the ball and pressing Dover hard early on in proceedings. The visitors were helped by their incredible away support, who were loud right from the start. They dominated possession, but the hosts were working equally as hard and kept the team from Lakeside at bay with relative ease.

George Nikaj started another game for Dover and made it clear to the crowd why he should be in the starting eleven. He was positive from the start, providing a great outlet for a counter-attack. He had all the flicks and tricks to beat his fullback on numerous occasions, creating chances for himself and teammates.

From minute one, the Dovorian defence was rock solid, and this came from the goalkeeper Aziaya. He was solid in the first half, making a couple of good saves and punching clear from a corner. This was all he really had to do due to the solid back five he had in front of him, who were giving Aveley no space to create anything.

This was until the visitors utilised a lofted ball into the box, which caused chaos amongst the home side’s defence. Aziaya came and failed to claim the ball, and this left Aveley with a seemingly open goal after the ball broke for them around the penalty spot. It would have been 0-1 had it not been for some goal line heroics.

The second half began much like the first, but this time the hosts were on top. Nikaj was involved once again, and he created an opening for himself with some more skills, but it came to nothing. Another chance came for Dover shortly after, which was saved by the Aveley goalkeeper, but there were plenty of signs that The Whites could take all three points.

However, it was the visitors that took the lead. A good sequence of passes opened up the Dover defence and a low cross was converted by Garrett Kelly. The visitors were in front and it was arguably against the run of play.

The hosts made a couple of key substitutions, and it did not take Dover long to reply. A free-kick was won on the left-hand side just outside the box, which George Wilkinson took. It was a low ball right across the face of goal, which was put away by Zidan Sutherland. 1-1, game on.

From then, there only looked to be one winner. The hosts piled on the pressure after the equaliser and Aveley began to look nervous at the back. Dover were putting together some good passes and creating good spaces. Their pressure paid off in the 80th minute, as the ball came to substitute Iffy Allen on the left. He worked himself time and space just outside the box on the left and he bent in a beautiful curling effort which floated past the visiting goalkeeper, who could only watch as the ball sank into the right corner of his goal.

This sent the home fans into delirium. All Dover had to do now was hold on to this crucial lead for another 15 minutes, and the points were theirs. Groans echoed around Crabble at the sight of 5 added minutes, and the players felt the nerves too. Aziayacame out to claim a corner but missed, leaving an open goal, but the away side didn’t convert.

Another corner came in, and the tall number 5 of Aveley headed the ball off the crossbar, and Dover cleared. The referee blew the full-time whistle and the whole ground could breathe once again. Dover had done it. They had beaten play-off chasing Aveley and secured 3 vital points at the bottom, making it 3 unbeaten now for The Whites as they chase survival.

Aveley are Dover’s hosts on Saturday, can they do the double?

Attendance: 726

Dover Athletic: AZIAYA, OYENUGA, AKEHURST, MENSAH, HOLDING, NAYLOR, DUNNE (C), WILKINSON, NIKAJ, SUTHERLAND, DEMBELE

SUBS – YOUNG, CHARLES-COOK, BAPTISTE, HATCHER, ALLEN

Aveley: NORTH, RING, VAZ, ODELUSI, JONES, GIBBS, KYEI, KELLY, HUGHES, KRASNIQI, PEGRUM

SUBS – OGUNRINDE, HERNANDEZ, DAVIS, EZE, BROWN

Merry Christmas from DAFC

Dover Athletic Football Club Chairman Jim  Parmenter, the Directors, management, players, and staff would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Most importantly, we thank you, our fans, for your continued support – it is very much appreciated by us all.

We must also say a special thank you to our volunteers, who give their time so willingly, and our sponsors and commercial partners for their ongoing support.

So please enjoy a fantastic Christmas and cherish the time spent with family and friends.