In a closely contested Isthmian League Premier Division fixture, Chatham Town and Dover Athletic played to a 1-1 draw at The Bauvill Stadium in front of 1,903 spectators. Both teams arrived with strong form, and the game did not disappoint in its intensity, though the points were ultimately shared.

Before kick-off, the Mayor, MP Tracy Crouch, and armed service members joined both teams for a two-minute silence and the Last Post, honoring those who served their country.

The match began with an early booking for Dover’s George Wilkinson in the 13th minute, and while Chatham commanded much of the possession in the opening half, they struggled to break down a resolute Dover defence. A flurry of chances saw Chatham narrowly miss, with Reece Butler’s header landing straight in the hands of Dover’s keeper Mitch Walker, and a shot from Jordy Mongoy rattling the crossbar. Despite the pressure, Dover held their ground, and the half ended goalless.

The breakthrough came shortly after the restart. In the 51st minute, Chatham captain Jack Evans found space at the edge of the box and struck a superb curling shot past Walker to give the home side a deserved 1-0 lead.

Dover responded swiftly. Just 13 minutes later, Francis Mampolo’s incisive pass found Dover’s top scorer George Nikaj, who calmly slotted the ball past Joe Wright, leveling the score at 1-1.

The remainder of the game saw end-to-end action, with both teams seeking a winner. Dover pushed hard, with Ruben Soares-Junior forcing a brilliant save from Wright, while Chatham defended tenaciously, blocking several shots in a determined effort to keep their opponents at bay. Neither team could find the decisive goal in the dying minutes.

As the final whistle blew, Dover Athletic extended their strong form at the top of the league and look ahead to welcoming Canvey Island to Crabble on Saturday.

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 1,903
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Gerry Heron
Venue: The Bauvill Stadium

Chatham Town: Wright, Scarlett, Aidoo, Robins (Sears 83mins), Butler, O’Keefe, Evans, Yila, Cooper, Mongoy (Liburd 83mins), Ufuah (Sene-Richardson 75mins). Subs not used: Bello, Boadi.

Dover Athletic: Walker, Sesay, Cocoracchio, Baptiste, Matthews, Nikaj, Soares-Junior, T.Amgbaduba (Gyebi 94mins), Pont, Wilkinson (Mampolo 46mins), Mensah. Subs not used: E.Amgbaduba, Holness, Young.

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/CLiVLxafiAU

JIM PARMENTER is hoping Dover fans can spread the word about Jake Leberl’s exciting young side and bring a friend of two to swell the Crabble numbers.

Whites have made a flying start to the Isthmian League Premier Division season – topping the table, scoring more goals than any other side in the division and playing exciting attacking football.

And there is definitely a feelgood factor sweeping around the club – which was further reinforced by a 1-0 win over local rivals Folkestone.

More than 1,000 fans made the trip over the hill on Tuesday night which helped Invicta break their record attendance at Cheriton with almost 3,000 at the game.

The Whites chairman would love for the Megger Community Stadium to start getting regular 1,000 crowds to help push the club to greater heights.

In a video interview with Justin Allen, Jim speaks about the importance of getting more supporters through the turnstile to enable Dover to be able to compete higher up the football pyramid.

He said: “If we can get 1,000 fans through the turnstiles on a regular basis, it will be a game changer for the future of this club. It would enable us to start really looking forward to next season and keep our heads above water this one too.

“If everyone brought a friend along or even two it would achieve what we need.

“So my message is if we all want to move this club forward, do all you can to encourage people to come to the game because bigger numbers through the turnstiles will be the difference between success or not.”

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/dF1yTgiZtHM

Dover Athletic striker George Nikaj sits down with Justin Allen to discuss his awesome goalscoring form, the transfer bid from Folkestone Invicta and other interest, beating our local rivals and his thoughts on challenging for promotion

Dover Athletic are on the road again for another Kent Derby against Chatham Town.

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday, Dover Athletic edged past Folkestone Invicta 1-0 in a heated Isthmian Premier League derby at Cheriton Road, with Luke Baptiste’s 69th-minute goal proving decisive. Folkestone had their chances, particularly from set-pieces, but struggled to break through Dover’s defence. The match turned when Folkestone’s Daniel Smith received a red card on the hour mark, giving Dover the edge. Baptiste capitalised soon after, finishing from a well-worked short-corner routine. Despite late pressure from Folkestone, Dover’s defence held firm to secure their fifth straight league win with Whites sitting 4 points clear at the top of the table.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

Chatham Town

Chatham Town’s league campaign sees them 16th with 14 points from 12 games. Their overall record includes 4 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losse. At home, they’ve managed 1 win, 4 draws, and 1 loss, while away, they’ve performed slightly better with 3 wins and 5 losses. They have scored 20 goals and conceded 20, giving them a neutral goal difference.

On Tuesday, Chatham Town held Billericay Town to a 1-1 draw, ending the hosts’ 12-game winning streak. Chatham started strong, pressing forward early, and thought they’d scored within two minutes through Kareem Isiaka, only for it to be ruled offside. Despite Billericay’s late first-half efforts, including a Tyrell Miller-Rodney shot just wide and an Ashley Nzala header hitting the crossbar, the match remained scoreless at halftime. Billericay broke the deadlock on 74 minutes, but Chatham responded late, capitalising on a penalty won by Ben Steward, which Jack Evans calmly converted to secure a point and frustrate the Blues’ promotion ambitions.

Familiar names in the Chatham squad include Bailey Akehurst and Charlie Naylor who were with the Whites last term.

Last 6

05/11 – Billericay Town (A) – Drew 1-1
02/11 – Lewes (H) – Drew 1-12
9/10 – Ascot United (A) – Won 1-0 (Alan Turvey Trophy)
26/10 – Bowers & Pitsea (A) – Won 1-0 (FA Trophy)
19/10 – Potters Bar Town (H) – Drew 2-2
15/10 – Cray Wanderers (A) – Won 4-1

The Venue

The Sports Ground, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 6LR

By Road

Exit the M2 at junction 3 and follow directions for Chatham & Town Centre. You will pass a Homebase on your left. Continue straight over the roundabout and you will approach a split in the road – bear right for Chatham. You are now on Maidstone Road – continue straight over the cross roads where you will see a petrol station on the left. Bournville Road is opposite the petrol station. Entrance to the ground Car Park is first left on Bournville Road.

By Rail

Arriving at Chatham Station. Turn right on leaving the station and then right again – you are now on Maidstone Road. Continue up Maidstone Road until you pass the cemetery on your left – the Sports Ground is next on your left.

Admission  

Adult £12.00
Concession £8.00
Child (Under 16) £3

Tickets available to purchase here: https://chathamtownfc.ktckts.com/event/ctt2425home07/chatham-town-v-dover-athletic

Dover Athletic emerged victorious in a tightly contested Isthmian Premier League derby at Cheriton Road, with Luke Baptiste’s 69th-minute goal securing a crucial three points. The win, Dover’s fifth straight in the league, saw them hold onto a four-point lead at the top, continuing their impressive run under Jake Leberl.

The opening exchanges were tense, with few clear chances and both teams battling hard in midfield. Folkestone, playing in front of a season-high crowd of 2,906, created their best chances from set-pieces, with defender Marvel Ekpiteta repeatedly troubling Dover’s defence. Despite this, the first half ended goalless, with Baptiste’s early chance for Dover – a lofted effort that clipped the crossbar – as close as either side came to breaking the deadlock.

Early in the second half, Dover keeper Mitch Walker was called into action to deny Tom Derry, producing a near-post save. Walker’s composure proved invaluable throughout, particularly as Folkestone’s attacks grew in frequency. However, the game’s dynamic changed at the hour mark when Folkestone’s Daniel Smith saw red for a heavy tackle on Alfie Matthews, reducing the hosts to 10 men.

With a numerical advantage, Dover seized control. The breakthrough came in the 69th minute after a well-executed short-corner routine. George Nikaj’s skillful play on the edge of the box allowed him to deliver a pinpoint cross, which Baptiste converting with a low shot into the bottom corner, sending the visiting fans into a frenzy.

In response, Invicta manager Andy Drury introduced Joe Turner, hoping to add a spark to his side’s attack. Dean Rance came closest to leveling for Folkestone, his drilled shot narrowly missing the target. As Folkestone pressed for an equaliser, Dover held firm, with Walker denying several late efforts, including a close-range attempt by Turner in stoppage time. Ekpiteta’s long-range volley in the final moments narrowly missed, sealing the narrow win for the visitors.

Dover now look ahead to another local clash at Chatham on Saturday.

Folkestone Invicta: Henly, Hoyte, Morgan (Mascoll 94mins), Gayle (Odeniran 79mins), Ekpiteta, Kassarate, Rance (Blackman 81mins), Jebb, Derry, Smith, Da Costa (Turner 70mins). Sub not used: Ebuzoeme.

Dover Athletic: Walker, T.Amgbaduba, Sesay, Tennent (Gyebi 99mins), Cocoracchio, Baptiste (Mampolo 81mins), Matthews (Mensah 95mins), Nikaj (E.Amgbaduba 95mins), Soares-Junior, Pont, Wilkinson (Young 103mins).

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 2,906
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: Alcaline Stadium

Fancy watching the Whites take on Bognor Regis 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 one-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 £29.95 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: 

Pate served with Melba Toast and Salad Garnish

Main: 

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

Dessert:

New York Cheesecake served with Fruit Compote and 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 gavin.hughes@doverathletic.com or call the office on 01304 822373

Following a review of the latest Matchday Safeguarding Advice from the league and NSPCC we would like to reiterate the following:

All under 11’s who receive free entry MUST be accompanied by an adult and that adult will be responsible for the child during their time at the stadium.

12 and 13-year-old supporters will continue to be able to use their season tickets (if they have one) but all 12 and 13-year-olds MUST be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for them during their stay at the stadium.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our under 18 supporters that they are expected to behave in a reasonable manner at all times and if they haven’t read the clubs policy statement on supporter behaviour they should do so before attending the next match.

DOVER ATHLETIC IS AN ALL-INCLUSIVE FOOTBALL CLUB. WE WILL NOT TOLERATE FOUL AND ABUSIVE LANGUAGE AIMED AT INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, OR MEMBERS OF OUR CLUB. WE WILL ALSO NOT TOLERATE RACIST, HOMOPHOBIC, SEXIST OR ANY OTHER DISCRIMINATORY LANGUAGE OR BEHAVIOUR. ANY PERSON BEHAVING IN AN UNACCEPTABLE MANNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY EJECTED AND WILL RECEIVE A STADIUM BAN. PLEASE CONSIDER OTHERS AT ALL TIMES.

Dover Athletic head 9 miles down the road to local rivals Folkestone Invicta for a big derby day on Bonfire Night. Whites aim to get revenge and local bragging rights in this reverse fixture, after Folkestone won 2-3 at Crabble earlier in the season.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over Potters Bar Town at the Megger Community Stadium. Ruben Soares-Junior opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finishing a cross from Luke Baptiste. Alfie Matthews doubled Dover’s lead in the 26th minute with a clinical counterattack goal. Despite Potters Bar’s attempts, Dover’s defence, held firm. Francis Mampolo capped the win in stoppage time with a composed finish. Dover’s strong performance secures them three valuable points as they sit top of the Isthmian League standings.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“Saturday’s win sets us up nicely for Tuesday. Obviously, it’s going to be a fantastic affair. A big local Derby at Folkstone. I was really disappointed with the game here at Crabble, regarding the result, but thought we played very well. Obviously, we’re in good form, good spirits, and we look forward to going into the next game.”

Folkestone Invicta

Folkestone are currently positioned 13th in the table with 15 points from 12 games. Their record includes 4 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses. At home, they have managed 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses, while away, they have secured 3 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. They have scored 15 goals and conceded 16, giving them a goal difference of -1.

On Saturday, Folkestone Invicta suffered a 2-1 loss against Carshalton Athletic, despite an early lead. Folkestone’s Daniel Smith opened the scoring within ten minutes, heading in his tenth goal of the season from a well-placed set-piece. However, Carshalton quickly responded, pushing for an equaliser. The Robins dominated possession and applied relentless pressure, narrowly missing multiple opportunities to level the score before halftime.

In the second half, Carshalton’s persistence paid off when Mason Saunders-Henry scored the equaliser, capitalising on a deflected corner. The comeback was completed nine minutes from full time, with debutant David Smith (and former Folkestone bagsman) tapping in from close range after a well-worked build-up. Despite late pressure from Folkestone, including a last-minute shot that hit the crossbar, Carshalton held firm to secure all three points.

Last 6

02/11 – Carshalton Athletic (A) – Lost 1-2
26/10 – Barton Rovers (A) – Won 3-0 (FA Trophy)
19/10 – Canvey Island (A) – Won 1-0
12/10 – Hashtag United (H) – Drew 1-1
05/10 – Ascot United (H) – Won 8-1 (FA Trophy)
28/09 – Chichester City (A) – Lost 1-2

The Venue

From Folkestone Invicta:

While we strongly advise supporters to purchase their tickets in advance, the fixture is not an all ticket fixture. Supporters will be able to pay on the gate on the night.

There are currently no plans to segregate the fixture. Both sets of supporters will be able to enter via either The Dugout or the Sid Burvill turnstiles.

Supporters are now able to purchase a copy of our matchday programme online via our ticket shop. Programmes can be added to your cart without the need to purchase a ticket for those who already have a ticket for the fixture. Arrangements for supporters to collect their pre-purchased programmes will be communicated at a later date.

Our security staff attended the reverse fixture at Crabble Athletic Ground in August and will be working closely with Dover Athletic’s own security staff.

Risk supporters will be identified and will not be permitted entry to the stadium.

Our security team will be on hand throughout the match to ensure all spectators are able to enjoy a trouble free evening.

Any supporters with enquiries or seeking assistance with ticketing issues can contact our team on tickets@folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk

Admission  

Adult (18-59) £12.00
Concession (60+) £9.00
Concession (Blue Lights Card Holder) £9.00
Concession (Disabled+Carer) £9.00
Concession (Student) £9.00
Young Adult (13-17) £6.00
Child (Under 12) FREE

Tickets available to purchase here: https://folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk/2024/10/ticketing-update-dover-athletic/