Archives: News

Report – Cray Valley PM 2-1 Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic fell to a 2-1 defeat against Cray Valley PM despite taking the lead early in the second half. A battling performance from the Whites saw them go toe-to-toe with their hosts, but defensive lapses allowed Cray to turn the game around.

The match began in dramatic fashion as Dover goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo conceded a penalty within the opening minute, bundling over a Cray attacker in the box. However, he quickly redeemed himself, diving the right way to make a crucial save and keep the scores level.

Despite that early scare, Cray Valley PM remained on the front foot, applying pressure on the Dover defence. The Whites had a couple of promising moments, most notably in the 5th minute when captain Ruben Soares-Junior fired just wide and in the 10th minute when George Nikaj headed over from a good position.

The remainder of the first half was a scrappy affair, with neither side able to take control. Dover’s backline held firm under Cray’s pressure, while attacking opportunities were limited. Cocoracchio came closest for the visitors with an audacious effort from range in the 40th minute, but it sailed over the bar. Cray picked up two yellow cards before the break, but there was little to separate the sides as the half ended goalless.

Dover emerged from the break with renewed intent and were rewarded in the 56th minute. A well-worked move down the right saw Roman Charles-Cook deliver an inviting cross, which was met by Soares-Junior, who poked home to give the Whites the lead.

However, their advantage was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Cray responded with a deep cross that was nodded in at the back post to level the scores at 1-1.

The game opened up, with both teams pushing for a winner. Nikaj had a great chance in the 69th minute following a pinpoint cross from Alfie Matthews but couldn’t quite connect. Moments later, Cray made Dover pay for their missed opportunities. A failure to clear their lines from a throw-in saw the hosts take the lead in the 72nd minute, leaving Dover chasing the game.

Despite late substitutions and sustained pressure in the final minutes, Dover couldn’t find an equaliser. Cray came close to extending their lead in the 87th minute when they struck the upright, but their two quick-fire goals proved decisive.

Ryan Hanson Interview

Ryan Hanson is delighted to be back at his home-town club Dover Athletic.

And he sat down to catch up with Justin Allen on DAFCtv to speak about his return.

The box-to-box midfielder – who made a goalscoring impact in his first game in the 2-0 win against Bowers & Pitsea – is on loan from Tonbridge until the end of the season.

In an in-depth interview, Hanson talks through his career – from being a kid with Dover Rangers, his time with Crystal Palace to then being around the first-team squad at Hull.

The Dover-raised player – who lives in River – talks through his first spell with the club which coincided with one of the toughest times in the club’s history in the National League during the Covid period and the fallout from that.

Hanson impressed enough though to be snapped up by Torquay before returning to Kent with Tonbridge.

Injury has hampered his progress but he is still ambitious and wants to become a professional again.

And he also speaks about his future plans.

Non-League Day 2025

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Megger Community Stadium for Non-League Day on Saturday 22 March against Dulwich Hamlet.

The day kicks off with the gates at Crabble opening at 1pm. We have live music in the Centre Spot courtesy of Taylor Clark and free face painting!

1000 adult and child tickets have gone out to local primary and secondary schools and also to other community groups in the Dover area. Every child attending the match will also receive their own DAFC goodie bag with plenty of treats and merchandise inside.

This is also our ‘Food Bank Fixture’ – working in partnership with Dover Food Bank. We encourage spectators to bring a food donation item to the game if they are able to. There will be food donation points within the ground. Find out more about the items they require here.

There is still time to book on to our match day hospitality package which includes a butler hosted lounge and three course meal, whilst watching the game from the best seats in the house.

For the last decade the leading men’s health charity, Prostate Cancer UK, has worked side by side with Non-League Day, raising funds and awareness for and about the most common cancer in men. We will have donation buckets around the ground.

After the game, our players will be in the Centre Spot ready to meet and greet our young fans, sign autographs and have their pictures taken.

And how can we forget, Dover Athletic mascot Captain Crab will of course be making an appearance.

See you there!

Up Next – Cray Valley PM vs Dover Athletic

Dover head to Cray Valley PM in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic ended a five-match winless streak with a crucial 2-0 victory over bottom club Bowers & Pitsea at Crabble. Ryan Hanson opened the scoring early before Luke Baptiste secured the win before half-time. The visitors almost stunned the crowd when Alfie Evans hit the crossbar, but Dover responded quickly. Baptiste’s relentless pressing earned him his 17th goal of the season. The Whites pushed for a third, with Matthews and Soares-Junior going close, but the win and a second consecutive clean sheet were secured.

In the reverse fixture Dover Athletic were denied victory in dramatic fashion as Cray Valley PM snatched a 2-2 draw with a last-gasp equaliser in a thrilling Isthmian League clash. Ruben Soares-Junior’s stunning overhead kick gave Dover an early lead, but Cray Valley pressed hard. Freddie Parker missed a penalty before Matthew Vigor equalised late on. Dover thought they had won when Roman Charles-Cook scored in stoppage time, but Mohammed Idris Oshilaja’s audacious backheel rescued a point for Cray.

From the Manager

“We’ve got nine to go. There’s still 27 points to play for, still a lot of football to be played. It’s just pleasing that the last couple of games we haven’t let any sloppy goals in because obviously that was becoming our Achilles heel a little bit. We’re looking strong, and I always thought we’d finish the season strong. But we’ve got some tough games coming up, and obviously Cray have had an amazing season. It’s going to be very difficult, but we’re really looking forward to that one.”

“As we approach the business end of the season, every game matters. Your support from the stands plays a key role in driving the success of this team going forward. We encourage all fans to get behind the players in a positive and respectful way. We also remind everyone to represent the club responsibly and ensure good behaviour on the terraces. Let’s create an atmosphere that helps the team perform at their best. See you at the game.”

Cray Valley PM

The Millers secured their first win since January 25th, ending a six-game drought with a 2-0 victory over Potters Bar. Captain Kiki Oshilaja scrambled home the opener from a corner before Tom Beere sealed the win with a fine finish from Barney Williams’ pass. Goalkeeper Harrison Chamberlain made vital saves, first at 0-0 and again in stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet. Dan Bowry saw red late on for a second yellow, but the Millers held firm to take all three points back to South East London.

Cray Valley PM sits in 4th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 62 points from 34 matches. Their season has been solid, with 17 wins, 11 draws, and 6 losses. At home, they have been strong, winning 9 of 17 matches, while their away form has also been commendable with 8 wins in 17 games. They have scored 64 goals and conceded 47, leaving them with a goal difference of +17.

Last 6

08/03 – Potters Bar Town (A) – Won 2-0
04/03 – Hendon (H) – Drew 1-1
01/03 – Hastings United (H) – Drew 1-1
22/02 – Horsham (A) – Lost 1-2
15/02 – Chichester City (A) – Drew 2-2
04/02 – Lewes (H) – Drew 0-0

The Venue

The Artic Stadium, Badgers Sports, Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, SE9 5HP

More information: https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/a/ground-directions-57003.html

Admission  

Adult: £12
Concessions (65+ / 16-17 / Students): £7
Children 11-15: £5
Children U11: Free

Pay cash or card on the gate or help reduce the queues and save yourself some time by buying online via fanbase, see link
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures

Report – Dover Athletic 2-0 Bowers & Pitsea

Dover Athletic returned to winning ways with a much-needed 2-0 victory over bottom club Bowers & Pitsea at Crabble, ending a five-match winless streak and securing their first home triumph since mid-November. Former captain Ryan Hanson marked his return to the side in style, opening the scoring early on, before Luke Baptiste doubled the lead before half-time to ensure Jake Leberl’s side strengthened their promotion push.

The visitors, despite their lowly league position, started brightly and almost stunned the home crowd of 661 in just the fourth minute when Alfie Evans’ ambitious strike rattled the crossbar with Claudio Boakye-Sarfo beaten.

But Dover, desperate for three points, responded swiftly and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. A cross from the right caused problems for the Bowers defence, and when the clearance fell invitingly, Hanson showed great determination to beat Luca Albon to the ball, sending a looping header beyond goalkeeper David Hughes.

The home side’s momentum continued, and they nearly doubled their advantage five minutes later, with Hughes denying Baptiste at his near post. Bowers suffered an early setback when Albon was forced off through injury, replaced by Kai Redgrave.

Dover’s second goal arrived soon after and came courtesy of relentless pressing high up the pitch. A combination of top scorer George Nikaj and Alfie Matthews forced an error, allowing Baptiste to race through and drill an assured finish into the bottom corner for his 17th goal of an impressive season.

The Whites remained on the front foot, with Matthews going closest to a third when his strike cannoned off the crossbar. Captain Ruben Soares-Junior then saw his header drift wide before Nikaj, who had looked lively throughout, spurned a glorious opportunity, breaking free from the offside trap but seeing his effort smothered by Hughes.

Bowers struggled to create clear-cut chances but nearly found a way back into the contest before half-time when George Scales’ long-range effort whistled just past Boakye-Sarfo’s right-hand post. The second half saw Dover manage the game well, although there was concern when Hanson pulled up with a groin issue while stretching to cut out a pass. However, the midfielder was able to continue before being substituted later in the half.

Soares-Junior was denied by Hughes’ legs after a strong run from the left, while at the other end, Boakye-Sarfo produced a smart stop to keep out TQ Addy after a dangerous free-kick delivery fell his way.Leberl’s side continued to push for a third, with Baptiste going close once again, dragging a shot inches wide following good play from Matthews and Soares-Junior.

The hosts had further opportunities in stoppage time, with defender Fuad Sesay missing the target from close range before Hughes made a fine late save to prevent substitute Eniye Amgbaduba from adding a third. Nevertheless, Dover had done enough to claim all three points, securing a second consecutive clean sheet in the process.

Next up, the Whites face a crucial trip to fellow play-off hopefuls Cray Valley before returning to Crabble for a rearranged Kent derby against Chatham Town on March 18.

Ryan Hanson Joins On Loan

Former Dover player Ryan Hanson has rejoined the club on loan from Tonbridge Angels until the end of the season.

The 24 year-old midfielder began his career at Crystal Palace as a youth before moving on to Hull City where he was a regular in their Under-23 side. On his release from the EFL club in the summer of 2021, he joined his hometown club of Dover Athletic, where he had previously spent a loan spell and in season 2021/22 he made 26 appearances for the Whites.

A good season attracted the attention of Torquay United and he signed for the then National League club during the summer of 2022. He signed for Tonbridge during the 23/24 season.

We can also confirm the departure of midfielder Charlie Naylor. We thank Charlie for his efforts this season and wish him all the best going forward.

Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Bowers & Pitsea

Dover Athletic welcome Bowers & Pitsea to The Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic earned a point in a 0-0 draw against Canvey Island in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Despite controlling large spells, they couldn’t find a breakthrough and finished with ten men after goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore’s late red card. Dover created early chances, with Francis Mampolo and Luke Baptiste going close. Canvey threatened but couldn’t convert. Dover dominated possession in the second half, making attacking substitutions, but Canvey’s defence held firm. Gillmore’s dismissal in stoppage time forced outfield player Harrison Pont into goal, and Dover held on for a draw despite late pressure.

In our previous encounter with Bowers this season Dover secured a 2-0 win at the Len Salmon Stadium, with goals from Ruben Soares-Junior and Luke Baptiste. After a cautious start, Soares-Junior broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, heading in George Wilkinson’s free kick. Despite Bowers’ pressure, Dover remained composed, with Baptiste sealing the win in the 75th minute after Francis Mampolo’s shot was parried. Captain Mitch Walker led a solid defensive display, ensuring a clean sheet. Dover controlled the final moments, confidently seeing out the victory.

From the Manager

“Saturday was a bit of a building block. Canvey are fighting for their lives, and all these games, at this stage of the season are difficult. Like I say, it wasn’t a great game, and a draw was a fair result. But Bowers is our next game at home and obviously, we’re looking to win.”

Bowers & Pitsea

In their last outing, Bowers & Pitsea fell to a 4-1 home defeat against league leaders Billericay Town despite showing flashes of promise. The hosts conceded early when Alfie Cerulli curled in a fine strike after 11 minutes. Though Bowers tried to respond, they went 2-0 down just before halftime as Elliot Long found the bottom corner. A third followed seconds after the restart, with Cerulli finishing calmly. Bowers pulled one back through Max Fiddes in the 63rd minute, but their hopes faded when Matt Johnson’s header sealed the result.

Bowers & Pitsea sit in 22nd place in the Isthmian Premier League with 19 points from 33 matches. Their season has been challenging, managing just 5 wins, 4 draws, and suffering 24 losses. At home, they have struggled, winning only 3 of their 17 games, while their away form has been equally poor, with just 2 wins in 16 matches. They have scored 28 goals but conceded 67, resulting in a goal difference of -39.

Last 6

01/03 – Billericay Town (H) – Lost 1-4
22/02 – Bognor Regis Town (A) – Lost 0-1
15/02 – Wingate & Finchley (H) – Lost 0-6
08/02 – Dulwich Hamlet (A) – Lost 0-3
04/02 – Canvey Island (A) – Lost 0-2
01/02 – Dartford (A) – Lost 1-3

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Bowers & Pitsea 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.

Bowers & Pitsea – VIP Style

Fancy watching the Whites take on Bowers & Pitsea 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 programme

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:

Minestrone Soup served with a Ciabatta Roll

Main:

Steak Pie served with Mash Potato, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert:

Raspberry and Elderflower Cone 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

Report – Canvey Island 0-0 Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic were forced to settle for a point on the road as they played out a 0-0 draw against Canvey Island in the Isthmian League Premier Division. In a game of few clear-cut chances, Dover controlled large spells but ultimately couldn’t find the breakthrough, finishing the match with ten men after goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore’s late dismissal.

The match started with little action in the opening ten minutes, with neither side able to carve out a meaningful opportunity. However, Dover had the first real chance of the afternoon in the 21st minute when a pinpoint cross from Tamas Amgbaduba forced Canvey’s goalkeeper into an awkward punch. The ball fell invitingly to Francis Mampolo, but he was unable to get his shot away under pressure.

Canvey responded with their own spell of attacking play, winning a corner in the 23rd minute before testing Gillmore from range a minute later. The Dover keeper produced a brilliant save to keep out a looping effort from the edge of the box. Canvey then squandered a golden opportunity in the 28th minute, firing wide from a promising position.

Dover continued to threaten from set-pieces, with their first corner arriving in the 34th minute. A flicked header from the resulting delivery trickled just wide of the post. As the half neared its conclusion, another deep cross – this time from Amgbaduba was nodded back into the danger area by Luke Baptiste, but his header failed to hit the target. A late booking for Mampolo just before the break was the final noteworthy moment of the first half.

The second half began with an early booking for Alfie Matthews in the 49th minute, followed by a couple of set-pieces for Canvey. Dover then had a dangerous free-kick opportunity in the 53rd minute after Baptiste was clattered in a heavy challenge. Matthews stepped up but could only hit the wall, with the resulting corner failing to trouble the hosts.

As the match progressed, Dover gained the upper hand. They controlled possession and looked the more likely to score, particularly after the hour mark when a break in play for injuries halted their momentum. The visitors made their first substitutions in the 70th minute, introducing George Nikaj and Eniye Amgbaduba in place of Mampolo and Kweku Lucan to inject fresh attacking energy.

Despite continued pressure, Dover couldn’t break down a resilient Canvey defence. Matthews was replaced by George Wilkinson in the 85th minute as Dover sought a late push, but the game took an unexpected turn in stoppage time. In the 91st minute, goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore was shown a straight red card for abusive language, leaving Dover to see out the final moments with outfield player Harrison Pont in goal.

A last-minute substitution saw Baptiste make way for Luca Cocoracchio as Dover focused on holding on for a point. In the end, despite their efforts, they had to settle for a goalless draw.

Joe Tennent Interview

Dover Athletic defender Joe Tennent catches up with Justin Allen to discuss his return to the club. Joe speaks about the frustrating injury he picked up, his month on loan at Whitehawk and returning with the sole aim on helping the team reignite their promotion bid. Also the Whites ace speaks about his day job – working as a football coach, including for Premier League giants Chelsea.