Archives: News

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 enquiries@doverathletic.com 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.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: SENIOR BALL PERSON

The Whites are looking for a Senior Ball Person to join our matchday team.

We are seeking a dedicated volunteer aged 14 and over to assist in retrieving match balls during home games. As a Senior Ball Person, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth flow of play by quickly recovering balls that leave the pitch, whether they’ve gone down the slope or behind the stands, and returning them promptly to the dugout area.

This is a great opportunity to be part of the matchday action, gaining experience in a fast-paced sporting environment while supporting your local club. This is a volunteer role but you will be provided with a Club tracksuit, free entry to matches and a complimentary meal and drink.

Volunteers are a vital part of Dover Athletic, and we truly appreciate the time and dedication given to helping the club operate smoothly on matchdays.

If you’re interested in joining the team, please get in touch with jim.parmenter@doverathletic.com.

Up Next – Canvey Island vs Dover Athletic

Dover head to Canvey Island in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday night, Dover Athletic’s Kent Senior Cup run ended in heartbreak as they lost to Welling United on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The match began at a high tempo with early chances for both sides. Dover threatened from the fourth minute and created a significant opportunity in the 29th minute before Eniye Amgbaduba’s rebound goal gave them a 1-0 lead. Welling equalised in stoppage time from a wide free kick, sending the match to penalties. In the shootout, missed spot-kicks and key saves decided the contest, with Dover’s Jacob Mensah failing to convert. Disappointed, Dover now refocus on their league campaign.

In the reverse fixture Dover Athletic secured a 3-2 victory over Canvey Island at the Megger Community Stadium. In front of 911 fans, controversy sparked early when a long-range effort by Elliott Ronto hit the crossbar and was awarded as a goal after offside confusion. Dover responded, and just before half-time, Ruben Soares-Junior capitalised on a pass from George Nikaj to equalise. In the second half, Ronto restored Canvey’s lead from a free-kick, but Alfie Matthews then scored, followed by a decisive finish from Nikaj to clinch the vital win.

Canvey Island

Whitehawk secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Canvey Island in the Isthmian League Premier Division at The Enclosed Ground on Saturday. The home side struck early as young Gillingham loanee Harry Bridle opened the scoring in the 9th minute. Whitehawk doubled their lead just before half-time when Emmanuel Mensah found the net in stoppage time, taking the score to 2-0 at the break. In the second half, Bridle further impressed by scoring twice more, netting in the 49th and 54th minutes to seal the win and his hat trick.

Canvey Island sits in 18th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 34 points from 31 matches. Their season has been challenging, with 11 wins, 1 draw, and 19 losses. At home, they have managed 5 wins from 16 matches, while their away form has been slightly worse, securing just 6 wins from 15 games. They have scored 39 goals but conceded 54, leaving them with a goal difference of -15.

Last 6

22/02 – Whitehawk (A) – Lost 0-4
18/02 – Chelmsford City (H) – Won 0 (3) – 0 (2) on penalties (Essex Senior Cup Semi-final)
15/02 – Bognor Regis Town (H) – Lost 0-4
08/02 – Carshalton Athletic (A) – Lost 1-2
04/02 – Bowers & Pitsea (H) – Won 2-0
01/02 – Chatham Town (H) – Won 1-0

The Venue

The Steves Taxis Stadium, Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PX

More information: https://www.canveyislandfc.com/information

Admission  

£12.00 Adults
£8.00 Concessions (over-60’s, students with valid ID)
£3.00 U16’s (must be accompanied by an adult)

Tamas Amgbaduba Interview

DOVER defender Tamas Amgbaduba has enjoyed starting the last two games – despite the results.

Amgbaduba started the 2-0 loss to Whitehawk at Crabble in the league on Saturday before again appearing in Tuesday’s Kent Senior Cup semi-final heartache at Welling.

The Whites player talks to Justin Allen on DAFCtv about his season so far in East Kent, growing up with his brother and now team-mate Eniye and how he recently appeared in an adidas advert with Jude Bellingham and Pedro.

Also he is eyeing a dream brotherly ending to the season.

Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Chatham

Dover Athletic welcome Chatham to The Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic fell to their third straight defeat, losing 2-0 to Whitehawk at the Megger Community Stadium. Harry Bridle capitalised on an early defensive lapse to open the scoring in the eighth minute. Despite dominating possession, Dover struggled to break down a resilient Whitehawk defence. George Nikaj and Ruben Soares-Junior linked up well, but goalkeeper Joseph Osaghae kept Dover at bay. As the hosts pushed for an equaliser, Whitehawk sealed the win in stoppage time through Billie Clark’s breakaway goal.

In our previous encounter with Chatham this season Dover played to a 1-1 draw in a competitive Isthmian League Premier Division clash at The Bauvill Stadium, watched by 1,903 fans. Chatham dominated early possession but couldn’t break Dover’s defence, with the first half ending goalless. Jack Evans gave Chatham the lead in the 51st minute with a curling strike, but Dover responded swiftly as George Nikaj equalised in the 64th. Both sides pushed for a winner, but resolute defending and key saves ensured the points were shared.

From the Manager

“Overall, we’re pleased with the performance against Welling and we have to take that into Saturday. Last Saturday wasn’t good enough. Things have gone against us in recent weeks, but Saturday, nothing went against us – we just weren’t good enough and we have to take full responsibility. Us as management team take full responsibility for that. We want to repay the fans support and make sure that we put on a performance that gets the supporters excited again. 11 games to go so it’s really important that the supporters continue to get behind us and hopefully we get back to winning ways.”

Chatham

On Saturday, Chatham Town battled to a 1-1 draw against Horsham, after falling behind in the first half. Horsham took the lead in the 38th minute when Harvey Sparks’ free kick curled directly into the net. Chatham responded just after halftime as Jamie Yila’s driven cross caused chaos, with Kareem Isiaka credited for the equaliser. The Chats dominated for a spell, with Yila creating chances, but a breakthrough remained elusive. Debutant goalkeeper Henry Molyneux impressed, while Jordy Robins dictated midfield. A frantic finish saw Chatham push for a winner, but both sides settled for a hard-fought point.

Chatham Town sits in 13th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 39 points from 30 matches. Their season has been a mixed bag, recording 10 wins, 9 draws, and 11 losses. At home, they have managed 5 wins from 15 matches, while their away form is identical, with 5 wins from 15 games. They have scored 40 goals but conceded 35, giving them a goal difference of +5.

Last 6

15/02 – Horsham (A) – Drew 1-1
08/02 – Cray Wanderers (H) – Lost 1-4
01/02 – Canvey Island (A) – Lost 0-1
28/01 – Hashtag United (A) – Won 3-2 (Alan Turvey Trophy)
19/01 – Potters Bar Town (A) – Lost 0-1
11/01 – Wingate & Finchley (H) – Won 3-1

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Chatham 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 – Welling United 1-1 Dover Athletic (5-4 penalties)

Dover Athletic’s Kent Senior Cup journey came to an agonizing end as they fell to Welling United on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

The game began at a high tempo, with Dover immediately threatening through Kweku Lucan in the 4th minute, only for the Welling goalkeeper to rush off his line and clear the danger. The early stages were evenly contested, with neither side managing to take control.

Dover created the first real chance of the game in the 29th minute when Matthews fired a powerful shot from range, forcing the Welling keeper to parry the ball wide. Just four minutes later, the Whites got their reward.

A moment of persistence from Eniye Amgbaduba broke the deadlock. The forward pressed aggressively as the Welling goalkeeper attempted to deal with a pass back, and his clearance ricocheted off Amgbaduba and rolled into the net, giving Dover a 1-0 lead.

Dover grew in confidence after the opener, and Mampolo came close in the 36th minute, firing just over from the edge of the box. The visitors saw out the remainder of the half comfortably, heading into the break deservedly ahead.

Welling responded with a half-time substitution and started the second period with intensity, forcing Dover onto the back foot. The home side carved out a couple of half-chances early on, but the Dover defense remained resolute, blocking multiple attempts.

Dover had a golden opportunity on the counter in the 57th minute, but the Welling keeper produced a crucial save. The visitors thought they had doubled their lead moments later when the ball found the back of the net following a corner, but the referee disallowed it for a foul on the goalkeeper.

As Welling pushed for an equaliser, Dover continued to defend well while looking dangerous on the break. A well-worked delivery into the box in the 71st minute almost led to a second goal, but no one could apply the finishing touch.

Goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo was called into action in the 75th minute, making a fantastic save to tip a Welling header over the bar. Dover made a series of late substitutions to shore up their defense as Welling continued to push forward in the closing stages.

Despite Dover’s defensive resilience, Welling found their breakthrough deep into stoppage time after the referee had indicated seven minutes to be added on. With ten minutes of added time played, the hosts finally breached the Dover backline after a wide free kick to level the game at 1-1, sending the tie to penalties.

The shootout began with both sides missing their first spot-kicks. Boakye-Sarfo managed to get a hand to a couple of Welling’s penalties, but Dover’s Jacob Mensah missed a crucial attempt rattling the bar, allowing the hosts to clinch a 5-4 victory in the shootout.

A frustrating end for Dover, who were moments away from progressing to a deserved final but ultimately fell to a late equaliser and the lottery of penalties. They will now shift focus back to league action, as they prepare to host Chatham Town on Saturday.

Welling United: Lovett, Statham, Quick, Burchell, Di Trolio, H Walker, Cornish (Ballard-McBride 72), Kelly (Kennedy 46), Kamara (Redfearn 53), Z Walker (Grant 63), Taylor-Crossdale.

Subs (not used): Poole.

Booked: Ballard-McBride  90+8 (foul)

Goal: Di Trolio 90+11

Dover Athletic: Boakye-Sarfo, T Amgbaduba, Charles-Cook, Mensah, Gyebi, Matthews, Lucan (McCarthy 90+10), Wilkinson, E Amgbaduba (Soares-Junior70), Mampolo (Onu 90+7), Fiddes (Tennent 89).

Subs (not used): Gillmore.

Booked: Gyebi 64 (foul on H Walker), Wilkinson 82 (foul), Matthews 90 (foul), Boakye-Sarfo 90+3 (time wasting)

Goal: T Amgbaduba 34

Referee: Michael Butcher

Att: 298