A crowd of 4,227 turned out at Crabble for Saturday’s free-entry festive fixture, but it proved to be a difficult afternoon for Dover Athletic, who fell to a 5–2 defeat against Eastbourne Borough in National League South.

The Whites came into the match on the back of four consecutive league victories, but were put under immediate pressure by an energetic Eastbourne side. Within the opening minute, skipper Mitch Walker was forced into two sharp saves as the visitors threatened from the outset, setting the tone for a challenging first half.

Eastbourne took the lead in the 13th minute when the referee Adam Merchant awarded a penalty, with Pemi Aderoju converting confidently from the spot. The visitors continued to dominate possession and territory, with Walker again called into action to deny Kai Corbett with an excellent fingertip save.

Despite Dover defending for long spells, Eastbourne doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark. A second penalty was awarded following a free-kick into the box, and Aderoju once more sent Walker the wrong way to make it 2–0. The Whites almost found an immediate response when Luca Cocoracchio’s near-post header was blocked on the line, but they went into the break two goals down.

Manager Jake Leberl made three changes at half-time in search of a reaction, introducing George Nikaj, Bivesh Gurung and Ryan Hanson. However, seven minutes after the restart, Dover’s task became even harder when a cross from the right was unfortunately diverted into his own net by Jalen Jones.

The Whites showed resilience and began to create openings. A flowing counter-attack saw Nikaj and George Wilkinson combine to set up Rolando Onu, who was unable to convert from close range. Dover were rewarded on the hour mark when Wilkinson drove into the box and finished well to pull a goal back and lift the home crowd.

Any momentum was quickly halted as Eastbourne struck again two minutes later, a long-range effort from Jayden Davis taking a deflection and finding the top corner to restore a three-goal cushion. The visitors added a fifth midway through the second half from a set piece, further denting Dover’s hopes of a comeback.

There was still time for a late positive moment as substitute Kenny Coker reacted quickest in the box to stab home in the 84th minute after a Wilkinson corner had been nodded on by Nikaj. Eastbourne were reduced to ten men late on following a second booking for Freddie Carter, but it proved academic as the match ended 5–2.

It was a frustrating afternoon on the pitch, but the club would like to thank everyone who came along to support the free festive fixture and create the biggest home crowd in a decade. Dover now turn their attention to a Boxing Day Kent derby away at Maidstone United, before rounding off 2025 with a home fixture against Ebbsfleet.

Dover Athletic: Walker, Charles-Cook, Jones, Mensah, Sodje, Cocoracchio (Gurung 46mins), Odelusi (Hanson 46mins), Wilkinson, Baptiste (Nikaj 46mins), Onu (Coker 68mins), Marjoram (Mampolo 74mins). Subs not used: Matthews, Gillmore.

Eastbourne Borough: Williamson, Corbett, Anifowose, Aderoju (Fairnie 88mins), Eastmond (Alexander 76mins), Carter, Davis (Lintott 71mins), Grout, Trusty, Phipps, Mullins. Subs not used: Searle, Pitblado, Harley, Kadric.

Referee: Adam Merchant.

Attendance: 4,227.