Dover Athletic return to National League South action this Saturday as AFC Totton make the trip to the Megger Community Stadium. The Whites head into the fixture in good form following three consecutive victories in all competitions, including last weekend’s 4-2 Emirates FA Cup success over local rivals Folkestone Invicta. Jake Leberl’s side will now look to carry that momentum back into league action against a Totton side who were knocked out of the FA Cup by Gloucester City last weekend. With Dover aiming to build on their recent run and the visitors looking to respond, another competitive afternoon is in prospect at Crabble.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic came from behind twice to beat local rivals Folkestone Invicta 4-2 at the Megger Community Stadium and progress to the third qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup. The visitors took the lead after 14 minutes when Aaron Cosgrave raced onto Liam Smith’s ball forward and finished beyond Mitch Walker, but Dover responded quickly through Jack Bates, whose left-footed effort found a way past Ted Collins. Folkestone restored their advantage on the half-hour mark as Alejandro Machado struck from distance to send Invicta into the break 2-1 ahead. Dover made a fast start to the second half and were level within three minutes when Bates fired through a crowded penalty area for his second of the afternoon. The turnaround was complete shortly afterwards as Luke Baptiste curled a superb finish into the top corner to put the Whites ahead for the first time. Folkestone pushed for an equaliser, but Dover held firm before securing the victory late on. Substitute Sonny Fish was brought down inside the area and Decarrey Sheriff converted the resulting penalty via the inside of the post. The 4-2 win made it three successive victories for Jake Leberl’s side and secured Dover’s place in the next round of the FA Cup.

From the Management

“Obviously we lose a couple to international duty, which is really disappointing, but we were fully aware when we signed the boys that was going to be part of it. We’ll be back to bare bones unfortunately, just when we were getting everyone fit and back up to speed, but that’s all part and parcel of it. We’re in a really good place and hopefully we can continue our good form.”

AFC Totton

AFC Totton bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup at the second qualifying round stage following a 2-0 defeat to Gloucester City at the Snows Stadium. Joe Hanks scored in each half for the visitors, who made a bright start and twice tested Ryan Gosney through Ashley Hemmings before Totton threatened at the other end. Tyler Cordner went close after meeting Josh Sims’ cross, but could only flick his effort wide. Gloucester broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time when Hemmings’ free-kick fell kindly for Hanks, who finished from close range. Gosney then produced a fine save to deny Morgan Lewis shortly before the interval, while Ibby Olateju and Tony Lee both had chances for the hosts. Totton pushed for an equaliser after the restart, but Gloucester doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half as Ed Williams’ cross was converted by Hanks. Christie Ward and Sol Wanjau-Smith both threatened as the Stags searched for a route back into the tie, while Josh Sims, Ralph Vigrass and Luke Hallett also went close during a sustained spell of pressure. Cordner had another good opportunity late on but headed wide as Gloucester held firm to secure progression.

AFC Totton are in their second season at National League South level after finishing 12th in their debut campaign, collecting 66 points from a season that produced 20 wins and 20 defeats. Scott Rendell has retained much of the squad that established the Stags at Step Two while adding experience across several areas. Reece Fleet has arrived from Chippenham Town to strengthen midfield, while Tyler Cordner provides a physical presence in defence. Josh Sims, Sol Wanjau-Smith and youngster Ibby Olateju increase the attacking options available to the Totton manager. Tony Lee remains the main focal point after finishing as leading league scorer with 15 goals last term and 20 in all competitions, while Christie Ward continues to offer energy and creativity from midfield. Totton have made a mixed start to the current campaign. After eight league matches they sit 19th with ten points, having recorded three wins, one draw and four defeats. Recent results have included a 4–1 victory over Hampton & Richmond, a 3–1 defeat at Weston-super-Mare and a narrow 1–0 loss to Slough Town, while their FA Cup run ended with defeat to Gloucester City.

Last Time

The last meeting between AFC Totton and Dover Athletic came at the Snows Stadium last season, when the hosts recorded a 3–0 victory. Dover began positively and created the better early opportunities. Luke Baptiste was involved frequently down the left, while Decarrey Sheriff delivered a dangerous cross which George Nikaj headed over. The visitors then came particularly close after 18 minutes when Nikaj’s deflected effort forced a superb reaction save from goalkeeper Knightbridge. Baptiste and Sheriff both attacked the rebound, but Totton somehow kept the ball out. The hosts punished those missed chances in the 27th minute. A cross from the left reached Scott Rendell inside the penalty area and the experienced striker applied the finish to give Totton the lead. The game changed further three minutes later when Harry Beadle was shown a straight red card following an aerial challenge. Dover reshuffled immediately, but Totton took advantage when Luke Hallett converted from a corner in the 34th minute to double the lead. Mitch Walker made another important save before half-time, but Totton added a third four minutes after the restart. A direct ball forward found Tony Lee, who controlled well, turned and fired low into the bottom corner. Dover continued to compete despite the numerical disadvantage and Nikaj forced another save after getting in behind the defence. Totton were later reduced to ten themselves when Osborne was shown a red card in the 82nd minute, but by then the contest was effectively settled. The Stags managed the remaining minutes to complete a 3–0 victory, with first-half goals from Rendell and Hallett followed by Lee’s strike shortly after the interval.

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Totton 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.