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Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Hendon

Dover Athletic welcome Hendon to The Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic staged a spirited comeback to defeat Cheshunt 2–1 at the Megger Community Stadium. After conceding early to ex-player Charlie Naylor, Dover responded with intensity. A series of yellow cards highlighted a heated first half, and goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore saved a Cheshunt penalty. Just before the break, Luke Baptiste equalised following a goalkeeper error. Dover dominated the second half, and in the 78th minute, George Nikaj headed home a brilliant Ruben Soares-Junior cross. Despite late injuries and pressure, Dover held firm to secure all three points.

In our previous encounter with Hendon, Dover Athletic earned a dominant 3-0 win over Hendon at Silver Jubilee Park, rebounding after back-to-back defeats. Captain Ruben Soares-Junior scored twice in the first half—first with a header from a corner, then with a strike from the edge of the box. Dover controlled the match, adding a third in the 65th minute through George Nikaj. Soares-Junior pushed for a hat trick, while Dover’s defence stifled Hendon’s attack.

Hendon

In their last outing, Hendon ended a 21-match, four-month winless run with a 2-1 victory over Chichester City. Kofi Anokye-Boadi opened the scoring with a superb curling strike past former Oldham keeper Magnus Norman. Despite missed chances and a Joe Clarke equaliser just before halftime, Hendon pressed on. Chichester hit the post, but Tope Fadahunsi capitalised on a defensive error to net the winner—his third goal in four games. Matteo Salamon made a crucial save late on as Hendon held firm against a series of long throws to secure a well-earned win and cut the gap to five points.

Hendon sits in 19th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 35 points from 38 matches. Their record includes 8 wins, 11 draws, and 19 losses. At home, they have performed relatively well with 8 wins, 2 draws, and 9 losses from 19 matches. However, their away form has been a major issue, with no wins, 9 draws, and 10 defeats on the road. Hendon has scored 50 goals and conceded 66, giving them a goal difference of -16.

Last 6

08/03 – Hastings United (A) – Lost 0-2
11/03 – Chatham Town (A) – Lost 1-2 (Alan Turvey Trophy SF)
15/03 – Billericay Town (H) – Lost 1-4
22/03 – Horsham (A) – Lost 0-1
29/03 – Canvey Island (A) – Drew 1-1
05/04 – Chichester City (H) – Won 2-1

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Hendon 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 – Dover Athletic 2-1 Cheshunt

Dover Athletic staged a gritty comeback to secure all three points at the Megger Community Stadium with a 2-1 victory over Cheshunt in a match full of incident, physicality, and momentum swings.

It was Cheshunt who drew first blood in just the 8th minute. Former Dover man Charlie Naylor found himself on the scoresheet after a long throw into the box wasn’t dealt with by the home defence. The ball took fell to Naylor and nestled into the back of the net, giving the visitors an early advantage.

Dover responded positively. Just six minutes later, a pinpoint cross from Fuad Sesay was met by Luke Baptiste, whose header forced pressure on the Cheshunt defence. George Nikaj lurked at the far post but narrowly failed to convert.

As the hosts pressed, tensions flared. A flurry of yellow cards arrived for Cheshunt in the 27th minute – Alfie Matthews, Jack Munns, Vas Vasiliou, and goalkeeper R’avan Constable were all booked following separate off-the-ball incidents in a heated sequence.

Cheshunt were handed a golden opportunity to double their lead in the 32nd minute after a handball in the Dover area gave them a penalty. But Jordan Gillmore came to the rescue for the home side, diving low to his right to parry away a weak spot kick. Just moments later, Cheshunt hit the post from a header, narrowly missing a second goal.

Dover made their pressure count just before the break. In the 44th minute, Ruben Soares-Junior danced past Naylor and struck a tame shot, but Constable mishandled the effort, allowing Luke Baptiste to pounce and poke home the equaliser. That goal proved crucial in swinging momentum heading into half-time with the score tied at 1–1.

Dover came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, with George Nikaj inches away from scoring in the 50th minute, his shot curling narrowly past the far post. Nikaj continued to be a threat, with a powerful header on the hour mark forcing Constable into a sharp low save.

Roman Charles-Cook was booked in the 55th minute, but Dover remained composed and built steadily. Baptiste again tested the Cheshunt goalkeeper in the 58th minute, while a George Wilkinson cross moments later was nodded just over by Nikaj, who looked hungry for a goal.

That goal would come in the 78th minute, and it was a thing of beauty. Soares-Junior, again instrumental, delivered a peach of a cross into the box, and Nikaj met it with a thunderous header to put Dover in front.

In the final stages, Dover managed the game well despite several substitutions and a lengthy six minutes of added time. Injuries to Wilkinson and the enforced substitutions of key players like Nikaj and Baptiste tested the squad’s depth, but they held firm. There was time for Tamas Amgbaduba to pick up a late yellow card after replacing Baptiste, but Dover saw out the final minutes professionally.

This was a spirited and hard-fought performance from Dover Athletic, who showed resilience after going behind early. With back-to-back home games, Dover will look to build on this momentum as they welcome Hendon to Crabble next Saturday.

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Venue: Megger Community Stadium
Attendance: 685
Referee: Scott Rudd

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 (C), 29 Ryan Hanson SUBS: 23 George Wilkinson, 28 Kweku-Conrad Lucan, 15 Tamas Amgbaduba, 9 Eniye Amgbaduba, 24 Francis Mampolo

Cheshunt:
1 R’avan Constable, 2 Lordon Akolbire, 3 Finlay Titchmarsh, 4 Charlie Naylor, 5 Darion Furlong, 6 Dequane Wilson Braithwaite, 7 Vas Vasiliou, 8 Nathaniel Orafu, 9 Kenny Coker, 10 Jack Munns, 11 Sam Granville (C) SUBS: 12 Jack Turner, 14 Jaheim Whyte, 15 Rob Hall, 16 Tobias Braney, 18 Donell Thomas

Nikaj and Baptiste Interview

George Nikaj and Luke Baptiste join Justin Allen for a catch up. We discuss the back-to-back wins over Dulwich and Cray Wanderers, breaking goalscoring droughts, the upcoming games, Nikaj’s tattoo plans and who would be left behind on a night out

Community Day Round Up

After another successful community day both on and off the pitch on Saturday 22nd March, here is a round up of the day from Community Officer Vikki Pawley.

Supporters, players and staff donated a whopping 261kg of food to Dover Food Bank as part of our food bank fixture. This is an amazing show of support for a local cause and shows just how fabulous you all are. Thank you!

“I just wanted to say a massive thank you from all of us at the Dover FB on how you and the club supported us at the weekend. We had a great day as I’m hoping the club did in its support of the Dover community. With your help our donations weighed in at a massive 261kg which certainly exceeded our expectations.It was great how the club, supporters club, players and the public all helped in donating towards the event, we are most blessed.” Steve Ford – Dover Food Bank

Live music in the Centre Spot, from local musician Taylor Clark Proved popular. Thank you Taylor for joining us again and keeping us entertained.

Up on the community training pitch, we welcomed some of the Community Team from Dover District Council, with their Community Roots Van and Football Speed Cage. Thank you for giving up your time to provide an extra activity on the day.

Our resident face painters, Tracey and Claudia, were as always very busy in the lead up to kick off. It was great to see so many painted faces around the ground. We hugely appreciate you both giving up your time to help us at Community Days.

Collection tins around the ground for Prostate Cancer UK, partner charity for Non League Day, raised £58. Thank you to those who donated.

Players from our youth section U14 boys and U15 girls came along to hand out giveaway bags. It was lovely to see you here supporting your club. A special thank you to the Dover Athletic Supporters’ Club for their donation towards purchasing items for the giveaway bags.

So, another huge thank you to everyone involved in our Community Day, we couldn’t do any of this without you.

Vikki

Cheshunt – VIP Style

Fancy watching the Whites take on Cheshunt 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:

Potato and Leak Soup served with a Ciabatta Roll

Main:

Chicken, Mushroom and Leak Pie served with Mash Potato, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert:

Salted Caramel Blondie Cheesecake 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

Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Cheshunt

Dover Athletic welcome Cheshunt to The Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic came from behind to beat Cray Wanderers 2-1, ending the hosts’ 14-game unbeaten home run and boosting their playoff hopes. Despite a strong start, Dover fell behind to a fine Joshua Williams strike. Cray pressed, but Dover regrouped, with George Nikaj netting his 20th goal of the season just before halftime. Ruben Soares-Junior then scored the winner in the 66th minute, reacting fastest to a flicked ball. Cray pushed for a late equaliser, but Dover’s defence held firm through eight minutes of added time to seal a vital win at Flamingo Park.

In our previous encounter with Cheshunt, Dover Athletic earned a gritty 2-1 win at Cheshunt, with first-half goals from George Nikaj and Luke Baptiste sealing the points despite a late scare. Nikaj opened the scoring in the 4th minute after a fine run and cross from Ruben Soares-Junior. Baptiste doubled the lead on 30 minutes, finishing a slick move involving Nikaj and Alfie Matthews. Cheshunt improved after the break, but Dover’s defence held firm. Uko Oji pulled one back in the 83rd minute, but Dover managed the closing stages well to secure a deserved and hard-fought away victory.

From The Manager

“Cheshunt will be very difficult. They play a totally different style of football to Cray. They’re strong and we will have to put your bodies on the line. We had a brilliant performance down there and a brilliant result but it’s not going to be easy, we’ve got to stand up to the challenge.”

Cheshunt

In their last outing, Cheshunt suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat at Horsham, conceding a 93rd-minute winner despite taking an early lead. Captain Sam Granville fired the Ambers ahead in the 14th minute, capitalising on a loose ball after a long throw-in. However, that proved to be their only shot on target. Horsham equalised just before halftime, and while Cheshunt defended resolutely in a tense second half—with debutant Jack Turner clearing off the line—they were ultimately undone by Lee Harding’s late flick. The result was a tough blow for Cheshunt, who had battled hard but left empty-handed as the season nears its conclusion.

Cheshunt sit in 15th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 46 points from 37 matches. Their season has been one of inconsistency, recording 13 wins, 7 draws, and 17 losses. At home, they’ve fared slightly better, winning 9 of 18 matches, while away form has been more mixed with 4 wins in 19 games. They have scored 54 goals and conceded 56, giving them a goal difference of -2.

Last 6

29/03 – Horsham (H) – Lost 1-2
22/03 – Folkestone Invicta (H) – Won 1-0
18/03 – Potters Bar Town (H) – Lost 1-2 (Herts Senior Cup SF)
15/03 – Dulwich Hamlet (A) – Won 1-0
08/03 – Carshalton Athletic (H) – Lost 0-1
01/03 – Chatham Town (A) – Lost 1-4

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Cheshunt 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 – Cray Wanderers 1-2 Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic came from behind to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Cray Wanderers, ending the hosts’ 14-game unbeaten home streak and strengthening their push for the playoffs. Goals from George Nikaj and captain Ruben Soares-Junior cancelled out Joshua Williams’ opener in a hard-fought contest at Flamingo Park.

Dover started brightly, showing attacking intent in the early exchanges. In the 5th minute, they looked the more dangerous side, though Cray were first to test the goalkeeper when Jordan Gillmore had to push away a long-range strike two minutes later.

The Whites had their first big chance in the 12th minute when Luke Baptiste went down in the box under a challenge, but penalty appeals were waved away. Shortly after, Alfie Matthews forced Cray’s Shaun Rowley into a fingertip save with a well-hit free kick from the left side of the area.

Despite Dover’s early momentum, Cray struck first in the 23rd minute. Joshua Williams picked up the ball on the left, cut inside, and curled a fine effort past Gillmore to put the hosts 1-0 up.

Cray threatened again in the 32nd and 33rd minutes, first with a lobbed effort that nearly beat Gillmore, and then with a well-worked short corner routine that ended in a volley over the bar.

Dover slowly regained control and had another penalty shout in the 35th minute when Jacob Mensah appeared to be held in the box, but the referee remained unmoved. A series of chances followed, with Ruben Soares-Junior flicking a ball to the back post for Ryan Hanson, who headed over, before Baptiste came close after a clever free-kick move in the 42nd minute.

The equaliser finally came on the stroke of halftime. A ball forward found George Nikaj in on goal, and the prolific forward made no mistake, slotting home his 20th goal of the season to level the match at 1-1 heading into the break.

Dover began the second half positively but struggled to carve out clear-cut opportunities. The first booking of the game arrived in the 58th minute when Ryan Hanson was cautioned. Cray responded with a speculative long-range effort in the 62nd minute that drifted wide.

The decisive moment arrived in the 66th minute. A looping ball into the box from Roman Charles-Cook was flicked on, and captain Ruben Soares-Junior reacted quickest to finish from five yards out, giving Dover a 2-1 lead.

Tempers flared shortly after as Cray’s Tom Bonner was booked in the 69th minute. Dover were then forced into a stoppage as Soares-Junior required treatment for an injury, though he was able to continue.

Dover looked to kill off the game and nearly did so in the 74th minute when Soares-Junior found himself through on goal but fired wide. A series of substitutions followed as Dover sought to shore up their lead, with Francis Mampolo and George Wilkinson introduced for fresh legs.

Cray pressed for an equaliser late on, but Dover’s defence, marshaled by Mensah and Tennent, held firm. Eight minutes of added time tested the visitors’ resolve, yet they remained composed to see out a significant victory.

Isthmian League – Premier Division

Attendance: 808

Venue: Flamingo Park

Kick-off: 3pm

Cray Wanderers:

1. Shaun Rowley, 2. Ike Orji, 3. Darion Dowrich, 4. Remi Sutton, 5. Quade Taylor, 6. Tom Bonner (C), 7. Lateef Adaja, 8. Frankie Raymond, 9. Soul Kader, 10. Joshua Williams, 11. Nyren Clunis SUBS: 12. Thomas Borders, 14. Ezechukwu Ebuzoeme II, 16. Victor Damyanov, 19. Freddie Warwick, 20. Kavalli Heywood

Dover Athletic:

27. Jordan Gillmore, 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 3. Fuad Sesay, 5. Joe Tennent, 6. Luca Cocoracchio, 7. Luke Baptiste, 8. Alfie Matthews, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior (C), 26. Jacob Mensah, 29. Ryan Hanson SUBS: 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 23. George Wilkinson, 24. Francis Mampolo, 28. Kweku-Conrad Lucan

Up Next – Cray Wanderers vs Dover Athletic

Dover head to Cray Wanderers in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a crucial 1-0 win over Dulwich Hamlet at the Megger Community Stadium, with Luca Cocoracchio’s 12th-minute strike proving the difference on a packed Community Day. The defender calmly chipped home after a scramble in the box to net his first goal of the season. Dover dominated large spells, striking the woodwork and forcing several saves from Dulwich keeper Dillon Barnes. Despite late pressure, including a last-gasp effort against the post, Dover held firm for a deserved victory.

In the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic’s long unbeaten run ended with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cray Wanderers at Crabble in a fiery Isthmian Premier clash. Despite dominating for long spells and creating multiple chances, Dover were undone by Kenny Coker’s 47th-minute strike. The Whites started brightly, with early efforts from George Nikaj and Ruben Soares-Junior, but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Luke Baptiste’s header hit the bar late on, while Francis Mampolo went close.

From the Management

“This is a young group, and I keep mentioning how young the group is, but the expectations on this group were low at the start of the year. I think they have to get massive credit with how well we’ve done this year. We’ve got to keep working, keep trying to pick up wins in the last six games, and who knows where it can take us.” – Mike Sandmann

Cray Wanderers

Cray Wanderers relegated Bowers & Pitsea with a 4-0 win on Non-League Day, powered by Nyren Clunis’ 16-minute second-half hat-trick. Ike Orji opened the scoring just before half-time, and Clunis struck three times after the break to seal the result. It was a good win for Cray following manager Neil Smith’s departure, with assistant Tim O’Shea stepping in. Bowers, winless in 2025, battled but couldn’t stop their slide. New loanee Kivalli Heywood impressed, while Cray gave debuts to several U23s

Cray Wanderers sit in 11th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 54 points from 36 matches. Their record includes 16 wins, 6 draws, and 14 defeats. At home, they’ve been solid, winning 8 of 18 matches, while away from home they’ve matched that with another 8 wins from 18. They’ve scored 46 goals and conceded 40, giving them a goal difference of +6. Although not in the playoff spots, Cray Wanderers remain competitive in mid-table and will be hoping for a strong finish to the season to push further up the standings.

Last 6

22/03 – Bowers & Pitsea (H) – Won 4-0
15/03 – Carshalton Athletic (A) – Lost 1-2
08/03 – Canvey Island (H) – Won 3-1
01/03 – Chichester City (A) – Lost 1-2
22/02 – Folkestone Invicta (H) – Won 3-2
15/02 – Cheshunt (H) – Won 2-1

The Venue

Flamingo Park
Sidcup Bypass
Chislehurst
BR7 6HL

Admission  

Adult – £12.00
Concession (16-18 yrs & over 65) – £6.00
Under 16s – £0.00

Buy online via fanbase, see link:
https://www.cray-wanderers.com/tickets/

Alfie Matthews Interview

Alfie Matthews catches up with Justin Allen to reflect on a big win over Dulwich on Non-League Day, looks ahead to the run-in, his recent relocation and future