Dover head to league leaders Dartford in the Isthmian Premier Division.
Dover Athletic
On Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a 4-2 victory over Hendon in an entertaining Isthmian Premier clash. An early own goal by Hendon keeper Matteo Salamon set the tone before Luke Baptiste headed in Dover’s second. Hendon pulled one back via Kofi Anokye-Boadi, but Baptiste struck again after the break and Ryan Hanson added a fourth. Hendon’s hopes faded further when Salamon went off injured, replaced in goal by an outfielder. Tope Fadahunsi grabbed a late consolation, but Dover’s dominance prevailed. Alfie Matthews shone with two assists, while Baptiste’s brace sealed a deserved win at the Megger Community Stadium.
In the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic cruised to a dominant 5-1 win over Dartford. Ruben Soares-Junior opened the scoring after a goalkeeping error, before George Wilkinson doubled the lead. Luke Baptiste added a third just before half-time. Alfie Matthews curled in a stunning free kick early in the second half, and although Dartford replied through Jeremiah Pinder, Soares-Junior sealed the win late on.
From the Management
“Obviously, they’re right up there aren’t they, so it’s going to be a really difficult game. But, we’ve proven already this season that we can beat anyone. So we’re going to go there and be confident, our away form is fantastic. We’re not going to go there with any concerns. We do what we do and hopefully it’ll be enough to get some sort of result. But if not, we just move on to the next one.”
Dartford
Dartford ground out a crucial 1-0 win over Whitehawk to stay top of the Isthmian Premier League, thanks to a composed 62nd-minute finish from substitute Olly Box. On a bumpy pitch and under strong sun, the first half was scrappy and uneventful, with neither side troubling the goalkeepers. Dartford improved markedly after the break, creating a flurry of chances before Samir Carruthers set up Box for the decisive goal just minutes after both came off the bench. Despite injuries to Carruthers and Callum Jones, the Darts held firm, with Jacob Marsden securing his 15th clean sheet. Dartford’s gritty second-half display, led by a strong defensive effort proved enough to maintain their title charge.
Dartford sit at the top of the Isthmian Premier League table with 80 points from 38 matches. They’ve won 24 games, drawn 8, and lost 7. Their home record has been particularly strong, with 11 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses in 19 matches. Away from home, they’ve earned 13 wins, 3 draws, and 4 defeats across 20 fixtures. Dartford have scored 71 goals and conceded just 42, giving them a healthy +29 goal difference.
Last 6
08/03 – Lewes (A) – Lost 1-3
15/03 – Hastings United (H) – Won 2-0
22/03 – Bognor Regis Town (A) – Won 2-0
29/03 – Dulwich Hamlet (A) – Won 3-0
05/04 – Folkestone Invicta (H) – Drew 2-2
12/04 – Whitehawk (A) – Won 1-0
The Venue
Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park
Grassbanks
Darenth Road
Dartford
Kent
DA1 1RT
More information: https://www.dartfordfc.com/directions-to-the-ground/
Admission
Adult – £15.00
Concession (65+) – £10.00
Youth (13-16) – £5
Junior (u12) – FREE – must be accompanied by an adult
Fans travelling to our game against Dartford on Friday 18 April will need to pre-purchase tickets on the following link:
https://dartfordfc-awayfans.ktckts.com/event/dar2425h20/dartford-v-dover-athletic