Dover Athletic head to Salisbury this weekend looking to bounce back after a frustrating midweek defeat to Enfield Town, which halted momentum following an impressive win over Chelmsford City. In contrast, Salisbury come into the fixture with a full week’s rest, having beaten Enfield in their last outing.

The hosts sit 19th, eight points clear of the drop but still not mathematically safe, and just three points behind Dover in 17th. With both sides still needing results to secure their National League South status, this one carries plenty of importance as the season enters its final stretch.

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday night, Dover Athletic fell to a 3–1 defeat at Enfield Town on a windy night in the capital. The Whites started brightly, with Hanson and Soares-Junior linking well, and Nikaj going closest, but couldn’t convert their chances. Enfield struck on 37 minutes through Youngs and doubled their lead early in the second half as Reynolds dinked home. Changes followed, but Dover struggled to break through before Youngs added a third on 75 minutes. Sheriff pulled one back after excellent work from Soares-Junior, but it proved only a consolation. A frustrating evening for Dover, who now turn attention to Saturday’s trip to Salisbury.

From the Management

Salisbury is another battle. They’ll play very similarly to Enfield in terms of formation, so we need to be much better organised. We know we’ve got it in us, Saturday proved that, but it was a really disappointing night on Tuesday.

Salisbury

On Saturday, Salisbury secured a crucial 2–0 win over Enfield Town to boost their survival hopes. The hosts dominated early, with Hedges causing problems, while Enfield had a goal ruled out for offside against the run of play. Salisbury took the lead before half-time as Coppin calmly converted a penalty he had won. Just after the hour, Odokonyero doubled the advantage, finishing well after a strong run and assist from Hedges. Enfield struggled to respond, offering little attacking threat beyond a late long-range effort. The result moves Salisbury closer to safety.

Back in the reverse fixture in August, Dover Athletic ran out 2–0 winners over Salisbury at the Megger Community Stadium, continuing a strong start to the season. Jalen Jones opened the scoring on 32 minutes, bundling home from a set piece after sustained pressure. Dover controlled much of the game and Walker was rarely troubled. Salisbury improved after the break but struggled to break through. Nikaj sealed the win late on, finishing well after a Coker assist. Baptiste hit the bar with a stoppage-time penalty, but Dover comfortably secured their third straight victory and a clean sheet.

Last Six

Chelmsford City 2–2 Salisbury (21 Feb, National League South)
Maidenhead United 2–1 Salisbury (24 Feb, National League South)
Salisbury 0–1 Maidstone United (28 Feb, National League South)
Hornchurch 1–0 Salisbury (3 Mar, National League South)
Salisbury 2–0 Eastbourne Borough (7 Mar, National League South)
Torquay United 2–1 Salisbury (10 Mar, National League South)

The Venue

Raymond McEnhill (Ray Mac) Stadium
Partridge Way
Old Sarum
near Salisbury
SP4 6PU

Admission  

Tickets are available to purchase online – https://salisburyfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/salisbury_fc_v_dover_athletic_fc__away_supporters

Adult £18
Concession £14
Under 18 £6
Under 5 FREE

Dover Athletic were left frustrated on a difficult, wind-swept evening in the capital, falling to a 3–1 defeat against Enfield Town despite creating several promising opportunities across the 90 minutes.

With Jalen Jones away on international duty Cocoracchio joined the back three, Hanson returned from injury and into the starting XI in midfield, while Gillmore was back among the substitutes.

Conditions played a major role early on, with strong winds disrupting both sides’ rhythm. Enfield registered the first real moment on two minutes, forcing a corner that Dover dealt with comfortably.

The Whites began to grow into the game, with Hanson showing excellent vision to pick out Soares-Junior on five minutes, though the forward couldn’t quite work space in the box. Sodje then drove forward with intent soon after as Dover looked to impose themselves.

Clear-cut chances followed. On 18 minutes, Wilkinson’s free kick from the edge of the area was tipped over by Wright from a tight angle. Dover’s best opportunity of the half came on 24 minutes. Nikaj did well to muscle past his marker and go one-on-one, but his effort bobbled inches wide of the post.

Enfield began to threaten more as the half wore on, with Walker called into action on the half-hour mark to deny a well-struck volley. At the other end, Nikaj again tested the keeper, who got down well to make the save.

The breakthrough came on 37 minutes. A well-worked move down the left saw Youngs and Knight combine before the ball was worked to Andrews, who teed up Youngs to fire into the corner and give the hosts the lead.

Dover responded with attacking intent before the break, Soares-Junior delivering dangerously into the box, but no one could apply the finishing touch. Dover head into the break a goal behind.

The Whites were dealt a blow just three minutes after the restart. Enfield doubled their lead as Wright collected a cross and quickly released Reynolds, who raced through and delicately dinked the ball over the advancing keeper to make it 2–0.

Injuries and changes followed, with Beadle forced off for Sesay on 51 minutes, and Gurung replaced by Sheriff shortly after as Dover looked to reshuffle.

Dover continued to push. Nikaj won a free kick in a dangerous area on the hour mark, but once again the Enfield keeper was equal to it. A corner on 68 minutes caused problems but wouldn’t quite fall for a finishing touch.

Enfield effectively sealed the game on 75 minutes. Reynolds again found space in behind and squared for Youngs, who calmly finished into the corner for his second of the night.

The Whites did get a goal back on 81 minutes. Soares-Junior produced an excellent run down the wing before delivering a pinpoint cross, which Sheriff met in the box to fire home. Despite late pressure, Dover couldn’t reduce the deficit further.

A frustrating evening for Dover as attention now turns quickly to Saturday’s trip to Salisbury.

Dover Athletic XI
1 Walker (C), 29 Marjoram, 16 Beadle, 21 Mensah, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 23 Wilkinson, 25 Hanson, 18 Gurung, 14 Soares-Junior, 10 Nikaj

Subs: Baptiste, Charles-Cook, Coker, Sheriff, Gillmore, Jallow, Sesay

Enfield Town XI
Wright, Benjamin, Appiah, Hawkins, Adom-Malaki, Bullas, Parcell (C), Knight, Youngs, Andrews, Reynolds

Subs: Connolly (GK), Lambert, Donaldson, Traore, Leonard, Ackason, Cass

Dover Athletic make the midweek trip to Enfield Town on Tuesday night looking to build on a huge away win at Chelmsford City. The Whites arrive full of confidence after that result, knowing that just one more point could take them to the 50-point mark that will likely secure their National League South status.

Enfield, meanwhile, come into the game under real pressure. A 2–0 defeat to Salisbury last time out leaves them second from bottom, just one point off the foot of the table, and without a win in their last five. Under the lights, with plenty at stake at both ends of the table, this rearranged fixture has all the ingredients of a crucial clash.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Nikaj struck twice as Dover Athletic secured a crucial 2–1 win at Chelmsford City. The hosts started strongly, but Dover took the lead on 18 minutes when Nikaj controlled and volleyed home from range. Gurung hit the bar before the break, with Dover leading 1–0. The Whites doubled their advantage early in the second half as Nikaj finished from close range after Beadle’s long throw caused problems. Wilkinson later struck the bar as Dover controlled proceedings. Chelmsford pulled one back through Taylor’s penalty and piled on late pressure, but Dover defended resolutely to see out a vital three points on the road.

From the Management

“The clubs down the bottom are fighting for their lives, and Enfield will be one of them. We’ve got to match that desire like we did today. If we play with the same hunger, work ethic, organisation and spirit, there’s no reason why we can’t go there and get a result. But like I keep saying, you can be so high one week and so low the next. That’s the challenge for the boys.”

Enfield Town

Enfield Town’s relegation worries deepened with a 2–0 defeat to Salisbury, as the North London side slipped to another damaging result. In a game they needed to take something from, Enfield struggled to impose themselves, with Salisbury controlling large periods and creating the better chances. Enfield were unable to find a breakthrough and were punished at key moments, conceding twice to leave them with nothing to show for their efforts. The defeat extends their winless run and keeps them second from bottom, with pressure continuing to build as the season enters its final stages.

Back in November when the two sides last met, Dover Athletic produced a second-half comeback to beat Enfield Town 4–1 at Crabble. Enfield had led through Billy Leonard and remained ahead at the break despite being reduced to ten men early on. The hosts levelled when Harrison Sodje struck from distance, before a penalty and long-range effort from Alfie Matthews turned the game around after Enfield were reduced to nine men. Dover controlled the closing stages and added a late fourth through Ruben Soares-Junior, sealing an emphatic win after a tense and competitive first half encounter.

Last Six

Farnborough 0–5 Enfield (21 Feb, National League South)
Enfield 0–8 Maidstone United (24 Feb, National League South)
Enfield 1–1 Bath City (28 Feb, National League South)
Enfield 1–1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (3 Mar, National League South)
Chippenham Town 1–0 Enfield (7 Mar, National League South)
Enfield 0–0 Dagenham & Redbridge (14 Mar, National League South)

The Venue

Enfield Town FC:
Dave Bryant Stadium [fka. Queen Elizabeth II Stadium]
Donkey Lane,
Enfield EN1 3PL

More info: https://etfc.london/visitors/how-to-find-us/

Admission  

Tickets are available to purchase [and £1 cheaper] via their Online Ticketing Site , as well on the gate on match days.

	Advanced Price [Online]	Matchday Price [Turnstiles]
Adults	£15	£16
Concessions*	£11	£12
Under-21s	£9	£10
Under-16s	£3	£4

Dover Athletic produced a resilient and clinical display in Essex to secure a huge three points, with Nikaj’s brace proving decisive against a Chelmsford side that dominated large spells of the game.

The Whites were forced into a change pre-match with Hanson missing out through injury, while Marjoram returned to the bench. Jake Leberl’s side set up with a solid back three of Jones, Beadle and Mensah, prepared for what quickly became a testing opening.

Chelmsford started on the front foot and pinned Dover back inside the opening five minutes, carving out a series of half chances that required a number of committed blocks from the visiting defence.

Adigun and Abrahams combined well early on, forcing Walker into action, before a warning sign arrived on 11 minutes when a clever ball over the top found Taylor, whose effort skimmed the crossbar.

Dover gradually grew into the contest and, after a first attacking move saw Charles-Cook just overhit a delivery towards Nikaj, the breakthrough arrived in stunning fashion on 18 minutes.

Nikaj controlled the ball superbly, teed it up and unleashed a powerful volley from range that flew in to give Dover the lead.

The visitors nearly doubled their advantage shortly after, with Gurung meeting a corner only to see his header crash against the crossbar.

Chelmsford continued to see plenty of the ball but, despite their possession, Walker was largely untroubled. The hosts came close again through Barbrook late in the half, while Sodje fired over following a long throw in stoppage time.

Dover went into the break ahead, with Nikaj’s moment of quality the difference.

The Whites made the perfect start to the second period, striking again just two minutes after the restart.

A long throw from Beadle caused problems in the Chelmsford box, with Cocoracchio showing strength to keep the ball alive before Nikaj reacted quickest to fire into the roof of the net from close range.

At 2–0, Dover looked in control and managed the tempo well. Wilkinson came close to extending the lead further on the hour mark, rattling the crossbar with a fierce effort.

Sodje also went close as Dover continued to threaten, but the game began to shift as Chelmsford pushed forward in search of a way back.

Their opportunity came on 72 minutes when a quick exchange between Taylor and Tamplin resulted in a penalty after Tamplin was brought down. Taylor stepped up and converted from the spot to halve the deficit.

From there, it became a test of Dover’s resolve. Chelmsford threw everything forward and thought they had equalised on 82 minutes, only for the referee to rule it out for a foul. At the other end, Dover had chances to seal the game, with Soares-Junior and Gurung both going close.

The closing stages were frantic, with eleven minutes of added time bringing wave after wave of pressure. Dover made late changes, introducing Baptiste, Sheriff and Matthews to help see the game out.

A succession of late corners were dealt with bravely by the Dover defence, who stood firm under intense pressure to secure a vital victory.

A huge win on the road for the Whites as they continue their push to secure their National League South status. Dover are on the road again on Tuesday night against Enfield Town.

Dover Athletic:
1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 16 Beadle, 4 Jones, 21 Mensah, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 23 Wilkinson, 18 Gurung, 14 Soares-Junior, 10 Nikaj
Subs: Baptiste, Matthews, Coker, Sheriff, Jallow, Mampolo, Marjoram

Chelmsford City:
24 Phillips (GK), 3 Barbrook, 5 Grimwood, 8 Odusanya (C), 16 Tompkins, 23 Adigun, 25 Adams, 27 Crowther, 33 Taylor, 39 Egbo, 42 Abrahams
Subs: Eastwood (GK), Ronan, Lapslie, Davis, Crichlow, Tamplin, Murphy

Dover Athletic return to the road this weekend with a trip to Chelmsford City as the Whites look to edge closer to securing their National League South status.

The Clarets sit 10th in the table and remain within reach of the play-off places, though their momentum has slowed slightly after a draw and a defeat in their last two outings. Dover, meanwhile, are 17th and sit 11 points clear of the drop with eight games remaining, but Jake Leberl’s side will still be eager to pick up the points needed to make sure of safety.

Supporters planning to travel are reminded that tickets are significantly cheaper when purchased online in advance rather than on the gate.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic suffered late heartbreak as Chippenham Town secured a dramatic 2–1 victory at Crabble on Community Day. The Whites created several chances in an open first half, with Nikaj and Baptiste going close, while Walker produced a superb save to deny Parsons. Chippenham eventually broke the deadlock on 73 minutes when Chukwu finished calmly after being played through. Dover responded and levelled on 84 minutes as Soares-Junior’s pass sent Nikaj through to lob the goalkeeper on his 150th appearance. Ruben then struck the post as the Whites pushed for a winner. But deep in stoppage time Chukwu struck again to seal victory for the visitors.

From the Management

“Next weekend we’re away at Chelmsford. They lost to Worthing Saturday, but it’s still going to be another tough test. They’ve got a really strong squad and they’re pushing for the play-offs, so like we keep saying, every game in this league is a tough one.”

Chelmsford City

Chelmsford City were beaten 2–0 by Worthing at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium after two first-half goals proved decisive. Ashley Nadesan opened the scoring after seven minutes, tapping in from close range, before Teddy Jenks doubled the lead on 32 minutes with a low finish following a quick break. City created chances before the interval, with Ben Tompkins hitting the woodwork and Lyle Taylor testing Taylor Seymour. Angelo Harrop made three half-time substitutions as the Clarets searched for a response, but clear opportunities were limited. Jesurun Uchegbulam and Jett Murphy combined for City’s best second-half chance, while Worthing comfortably saw out the win.

In the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic were beaten 1–0 by Chelmsford City on a cold night at Crabble, extending a winless league run. The Whites started brightly, with Nikaj pressing high early on, but Sheriff was forced off injured inside five minutes. Dover threatened through Matthews and Baptiste, while Walker produced several saves to keep the scores level at the break. Chelmsford took the lead on 57 minutes when Clark finished from Taylor’s cross after a defensive error. Dover pushed for a response, with Nikaj hitting the side netting and Beadle seeing penalty appeals waved away, but the visitors held firm to secure the victory.

Last Six

Hampton & Richmond Borough 1–3 Chelmsford City (14 Feb, National League South)
Chelmsford City 1–1 Maidstone United (16 Feb, National League South)
Chelmsford City 2–2 Salisbury (21 Feb, National League South)
Chelmsford City 1–0 Hemel Hempstead Town (23 Feb, National League South)
Torquay United 0–5 Chelmsford City (28 Feb, National League South)
Chelmsford City 7–1 Bath City (7 Mar, National League South)

The Venue

The Dunmow Group Community Stadium
Salerno Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2EH

More info https://chelmsfordcityfc.com/match-day-info/

Admission  

Away tickets can be found here: https://chelmsfordcityfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/away_tickets__nls_chelmsford_city_vs_dover_athletic

Tickets            Advance                   Gate

Adult                       £14                        £17

Concessions        £9                          £12

Student*                 £4                          £6.50

Youth                        £4                          £6.50

Under 12s**          FREE                    FREE

Fancy watching the Whites take on Maidstone 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:

• 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 £32.50 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.

Starter:

Smoked Salmon Terrine

Main:

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

Dessert:

Belgium Chocolate and Raspberry Torte served with Cream

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email enquiries@doverathletic.com or call the office on 01304 822373

Dover Athletic were beaten at the death as Chippenham Town snatched a dramatic late winner in front of a crowd of 2,768 on Community Day at Crabble.

After a lively contest packed with chances at both ends, the Whites looked set to take a deserved point thanks to Nikaj’s second-half equaliser on his 150th appearance for the club. But a stoppage-time strike from Chukwu gave the visitors all three points in cruel fashion.

Manager Jake Leberl named an unchanged starting XI following the midweek victory over Tonbridge, with Walker captaining the side.

The visitors created the first opening inside three minutes when Parsons laid the ball into Scott inside the area, but his effort sailed over the crossbar. Chippenham threatened again on nine minutes when Chukwu held off his marker and slipped the ball to Parsons, whose shot drifted wide.

Dover’s first big moment arrived shortly after when Soares-Junior raced through on goal and was brought down inside the penalty area. The Crabble crowd immediately appealed for a penalty, but the referee waved away the claims.

The Whites began to grow into the contest. On 11 minutes Sodje almost produced a moment of magic from a corner, curling the ball dangerously towards goal. Nikaj came closest to opening the scoring midway through the half. The forward pounced on a mistake from the Chippenham left-back and burst into the area, but opted to shoot rather than square the ball to Wilkinson, sending his effort wide with the Whites well on top.

Chippenham remained a threat on the break. Scott raced forward on 26 minutes and fed Parsons through on goal, but his attempt rolled just wide of the post. Dover thought they had taken the lead two minutes later when Baptiste found the back of the net, only for the referee to rule out the effort for a foul following a mis-cued overhead kick in the build-up.

Both sides continued to create opportunities. Wilkinson fired over after a slick attacking move from the hosts, while at the other end a defensive error gave Chippenham another opening that thankfully drifted wide.

Walker was called into action late in the half, producing a fantastic point-blank save to deny Parsons after Chukwu had played him through. Dover finished the half strongly with Baptiste forcing a save, but neither side could break the deadlock before the interval.

Dover began the second period on the front foot, with Sodje firing over early on as the Whites pushed forward. Chippenham nearly took the lead soon after when Scott slipped Parsons through on goal, but once again the forward sent his effort over the bar.

The visitors then came agonisingly close on 55 minutes. Scott danced away from his marker and teed up Chukwu, whose deflected strike clipped the post before bouncing clear. The Whites responded with several promising attacks of their own. Sodje skimmed a shot narrowly wide and Baptiste delivered a superb cross that just evaded any Dover head inside the box.

Leberl turned to his bench on 68 minutes, replacing Baptiste with Sheriff as the hosts looked to maintain their attacking pressure. However, it was Chippenham who finally broke the deadlock on 73 minutes. Chukwu was played through on goal and calmly slotted past Walker to give the visitors the lead.

Dover responded with further changes, introducing Jallow for Charles-Cook and Coker for Cocoracchio as the Whites searched for a route back into the match.

Their persistence paid off on 84 minutes. Soares-Junior lofted a perfectly weighted ball over the defence for Nikaj to chase. The forward timed his run perfectly and lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to equalise on his landmark 150th appearance for the club.

The Whites pushed hard for a winner and almost found it when Ruben rattled the post in the closing moments.

But the drama was not over. Deep into stoppage time, Chippenham struck again. Chukwu found space in the area and finished to give the visitors a late 2–1 lead and ultimately all three points.

The Whites were left frustrated after conceding so late. Dover now turn their attention to next Saturday’s trip to Chelmsford City.

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Teams

Dover Athletic:
1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 16 Beadle, 4 Jones, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 25 Hanson, 23 Wilkinson, 7 Baptiste, 14 Soares-Junior, 10 Nikaj

Substitutes:
Mensah, Matthews, Coker, Jallow, Gurung, Sheriff, Mampolo

Chippenham Town:
1 Henry, 2 Colwell, 3 Grant, 6 Haines (C), 7 Scott, 8 Evans, 9 Parsons, 16 Bradbury, 18 Fleet, 27 Phillips, 31 Chukwu

Substitutes:
Mehew, Owen-Evans, Touray, Koszela, Carroll, King, Wanjau-Smith

Dover Athletic return to the Megger Community Stadium on Saturday looking to build on Tuesday night’s Kent derby victory over Tonbridge Angels as they host Chippenham Town on Community Day.

The Whites climbed to 16th in the National League South table after that result, now sitting 14 points clear of the relegation zone and 14 points off the play-off places heading into the final stretch of the season. Jake Leberl’s side will be aiming to continue their strong recent home form against a Chippenham side currently sitting 22nd, just one point off the bottom of the table.

The visitors have struggled on their travels this season, failing to win away from home in 19 attempts, drawing three and losing 16 with a goal difference of –25. Dover will hope to take advantage as they look to back up Tuesday’s performance with another positive result at Crabble.

Saturday also marks the return of Community Day at the Megger Community Stadium. Around 1,000 tickets have been distributed to schools, youth groups and local care providers across Dover and Deal, helping introduce a new generation of supporters to football at Crabble.

Gates open at 1pm, with plenty taking place around the ground ahead of kick-off. Every supporter attending will receive a free gift, while face painting will be available for younger fans. Dover District Council’s Community Team will also be present with their Community Roots van on the community training pitch behind the River End stand, sharing information about local initiatives and support services.

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday, Dover Athletic secured three valuable points at Crabble with a 2–0 victory over Tonbridge Angels, thanks to a brace from Wilkinson. The Whites made the breakthrough on 21 minutes when Wilkinson finished neatly into the bottom corner after a well-worked passing move. Tonbridge pushed for a response but struggled to create clear chances before the break. Wilkinson doubled Dover’s lead eight minutes into the second half with a stunning first-time strike from 30 yards that flew into the top corner. The visitors enjoyed spells of possession late on but rarely troubled Walker, as Dover saw out a comfortable win in front of 731 supporters.

From the Management

“Hopefully we can go back-to-back. It’s really pleasing to see our home form — we’ve been doing well here since the turn of the year. Obviously it’s Community Day on Saturday against Chippenham, and we’ll be looking to put in another strong performance and hopefully get another result.”

Chippenham Town

This week, Chippenham Town were denied a point in dramatic fashion as Hemel Hempstead Town scored deep into stoppage time to claim a 3–2 win at Vauxhall Road. Caine Bradbury opened the scoring with a superb 25-yard free-kick before Noel-Williams equalised for the hosts before the break. Chippenham responded immediately, with Harry Parsons finishing from Bradbury’s low cross to restore the lead. George Williams levelled early in the second half with a curling strike as both sides created chances in an open game. With the Bluebirds set to earn a point, Hemel struck in the 93rd minute when Jake Gray smashed home from close range to seal victory.

In the reverse fixture back in October, Dover Athletic fought back to earn a 1–1 draw with Chippenham Town at Hardenhuish Park. The hosts struck early when Owen-Evans’ deflected effort looped over Walker to give Chippenham the lead inside three minutes. Dover struggled to gain control during the first half, with Walker producing several important saves to keep the deficit at one. After the break, the Whites improved and levelled just past the hour mark. Beadle’s long throw was flicked on by Jones and Baptiste reacted quickest to volley into the top corner. Both sides pushed for a winner late on, but Dover held firm to claim a valuable away point.

Last Six

Chippenham Town 1–0 Torquay United (10 Feb, National League South)
Salisbury 1–0 Chippenham Town (17 Feb, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 3–2 Chippenham Town (21 Feb, National League South)
Farnborough 2–1 Chippenham Town (25 Feb, National League South)
Chippenham Town 1–0 Enfield (7 Mar, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 3–2 Chippenham Town (10 Mar, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Chippenham 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: £18
Concessions: £17
U18: £10
U11: FREE with a paying adult

We only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground.

Dover Athletic secured three valuable points at Crabble with a disciplined 2–0 victory over Tonbridge Angels, as two moments of quality from Wilkinson proved decisive in an otherwise tight and scrappy contest.

Jake Leberl’s side made a couple of changes for the Kent derby, with Wilkinson coming into midfield and Jones returning to the defence, while Sheriff was named among the substitutes.

The early exchanges were scrappy, with neither side able to gain a foothold in the game. Dover showed the first attacking intent in the fourth minute when Wilkinson delivered a cross towards the box, but it failed to find a white shirt.

Tonbridge’s first opportunity arrived three minutes later following a swift counter-attack involving Korboa, Baker, Babajide and Williams. The move ended with Pavey firing over the crossbar.

Chances remained limited as the match settled into a stop-start rhythm. Sodje tried his luck from distance for Dover in the 17th minute, but his effort bobbled harmlessly wide.

The breakthrough came on 21 minutes. A neat spell of passing from the Whites worked the ball through midfield before a well-weighted through ball released Wilkinson, who calmly slotted past Rowley into the bottom corner to give Dover the lead.

Jones then produced an important defensive intervention on the half-hour mark, using his strength to halt a dangerous run from Pavey. Tonbridge pushed forward in search of an equaliser before the break, with Baker looking particularly lively, while Babajide fired over from the edge of the box as the visitors applied pressure.

Despite their possession, the Angels struggled to create clear chances and Dover carried their 1–0 advantage into half-time.

Dover began the second half kicking towards the River End, but Tonbridge threatened early when Akehurst found Pavey at the back post. The striker brought the ball down before shooting, only for the effort to be blocked.

The decisive moment arrived in the 53rd minute and it was a goal of real quality. Beadle delivered into the box but Tonbridge managed to clear. The ball dropped invitingly for Wilkinson around 30 yards from goal and he struck it first time, sending a stunning effort into the top corner with Rowley unable to stretch far enough.

The Whites looked to build on their two-goal lead and nearly added a third shortly after the hour mark when Nikaj delivered a low cross that Rowley managed to gather ahead of Baptiste.

Tonbridge attempted to respond and Akehurst almost caught Walker out from a tight angle, but the Dover captain reacted well to push the shot away at his near post.

Dover managed the closing stages professionally. Mensah replaced Baptiste midway through the half, before Sheriff came on for Nikaj as the Whites looked to control the game.

Although Tonbridge saw plenty of the ball in the final minutes, they struggled to seriously test the Dover defence, with the hosts remaining organised and compact.

Further changes saw Gurung replace the two-goal hero Wilkinson late on, while Coker was introduced in stoppage time for Soares-Junior as Dover comfortably saw out the result.

Tonbridge huffed and puffed without finding a breakthrough, and two moments of quality from Wilkinson ultimately proved the difference on the night as the Whites claimed an important victory at Crabble.

Dover return to action on Saturday when they host Chippenham Town at the Megger Community Stadium.

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Dover Athletic

1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 16 Beadle, 4 Jones, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 25 Hanson, 23 Wilkinson, 7 Baptiste, 14 Soares-Junior, 10 Nikaj

Subs: Mensah, Matthews, Coker, Jallow, Gurung, Sheriff, Mampolo

Tonbridge Angels

1 Rowley, 2 Williams, 3 Warren, 5 Sutcliffe, 7 Korboa, 9 Baker, 11 Babajide, 17 McCann, 18 Bakrin, 20 Thompson, 29 Pavey

Subs: West-Astuti, Wagstaff, Sablier, Omole, Richardson, Shields, Akehurst

Tuesday night brings a Kent Derby under the lights at the Megger Community Stadium as Dover Athletic host Tonbridge Angels in a crucial Enterprise National League South clash. Just one point separates the two sides near the foot of the table, with Tonbridge sitting 16th on 44 points and Dover a place behind in 17th on 43. With both teams still looking over their shoulders in the battle to secure their National League South status, the stakes could hardly be higher heading into this midweek meeting. Tonbridge arrive on the back of mixed form in recent weeks, while the Whites will be looking to bounce back and close the gap in front of their home supporters.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic were beaten 2–1 by Hampton & Richmond Borough at the Beveree Stadium in the Enterprise National League South. The hosts made a fast start and took the lead on 12 minutes when Ronan Silva fired home from the edge of the box after a cut-back from Reece Greco-Cox. Hampton doubled their advantage nine minutes later as Silva turned provider, crossing for Greco-Cox to finish at the back post. The Whites responded through Luke Baptiste on 30 minutes, his deep cross looping over Marcus Dewhurst and into the far corner. Dover pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but Hampton defended resolutely to secure the points.

From the Management

“We’re fighting against teams that are desperate to stay in this league and we need to start games a lot better than we have been. It will be no different at Tonbridge. We were poor there earlier in the season and we need a reaction. It’s a big game on Tuesday night if we’re still looking over our shoulder – and of course we are. It’s going to go to the wire and we need to pick up points. I don’t think anyone believes we’re safe yet. We’re far from it. We need to get back on it, start games better and start picking up points.”

Tonbridge Angels

On Saturday, Tonbridge Angels claimed a dramatic 1–0 victory over Worthing at Longmead thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Ricky Korboa. In a game short on clear chances, Tonbridge looked most dangerous from set-pieces in the first half, with Marcus Sablier testing goalkeeper Taylor Seymour and Sean Shields curling a free-kick narrowly wide. Worthing created openings of their own, but Matt Rowley was rarely troubled in the Tonbridge goal. The second half was disrupted by injuries and substitutions, limiting both sides to few opportunities. Just as the game looked destined for a draw, Korboa cut inside from the left in stoppage time and curled a deflected effort beyond Seymour to secure all three points for Tonbridge.

In the reverse fixture back in October, Dover Athletic suffered a 2–1 defeat in the Kent Derby at Longmead Stadium despite taking the lead through Jalen Jones. The Whites started well and went ahead on 25 minutes when Jones rifled home from close range following good build-up play and a cross from the left. Ruben Soares-Junior later tested the Tonbridge goalkeeper as Dover went into the break ahead. However, the hosts turned the game around early in the second half, with Scott Wagstaff levelling from a rebound before Peart finished at the far post minutes later. Dover pushed for a response but struggled to create clear chances as Tonbridge held on.

Last Six

Tonbridge Angels 0–1 Maidenhead United (10 Feb, National League South)
Hornchurch 3–2 Tonbridge Angels (14 Feb, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 3–2 Chippenham Town (21 Feb, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 2–0 Hampton & Richmond Borough (24 Feb, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead 1–0 Tonbridge Angels (28 Feb, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 1–0 Worthing (7 Mar, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Tonbridge 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: £18
Concessions: £17
U18: £10
U11: FREE with a paying adult

We only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground.