Dover Athletic return to Crabble on Saturday looking to build on the weekend’s dramatic 3-2 victory at Weston-super-Mare when Braintree Town make the trip to Kent. The Whites sit 10th in the National League South table with six points from their opening four matches, having recorded two wins and two defeats. Corie Andrews’ stunning late winner in Somerset ensured Jake Leberl’s side returned home with all three points and will be looking to make it back-to-back victories. Braintree arrive at Crabble sitting 20th with three points from their opening three games following one win and two defeats. The Iron were beaten 2-1 at home by Horsham last time out, Vladimir Paternoster’s late strike proving only a consolation after Greg Luer had scored twice for the visitors.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic produced a dramatic late comeback to beat Weston-super-Mare 3-2, with debutant Andrews scoring a stunning 90th-minute winner. The Whites started brightly, with Bakrin going close from an early corner before Onu raced clear and forced Harris into a strong save. Dover’s pressure was rewarded on 29 minutes when Sheriff was brought down by the goalkeeper, and the striker calmly converted the resulting penalty. Weston responded five minutes later as Britton met a pull-back from the byline and finished first-time past Walker to make it 1-1 at the break. The hosts took the lead ten minutes into the second half when Cane’s cut-back found Britton, who fired into the roof of the net for his second. Dover pushed hard for a response and drew level in spectacular fashion on 76 minutes. Harris’ clearance fell to Williams around 35 yards out, and the substitute sent the ball looping into the unguarded net. Sheriff then went close to a winner before Andrews provided the decisive moment. The debutant found space outside the area and unleashed a superb 25-yard strike into the top corner to seal all three points at the death.

From the Management

“Let’s not get carried away. Every game is difficult and everyone’s going to beat everyone. We’ve had a tough time and Tonbridge was really disappointing. You can blame the referee, but ultimately we still felt we should have got something out of the game. We’re not in a bad place and I do feel we’re going to get stronger. We’ve just got to try and keep these boys fit. I’d like to thank the board for helping us out with the injuries and we’ve managed to get a few players in. Obviously Corie’s come in, as has Jack Bates, and that’s going to make a difference because, as today proved, you need strength in depth off the bench.”

Braintree Town

Braintree Town suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Horsham on Saturday, with Vladimir Paternoster’s late goal proving only a consolation at Cressing Road. The Iron went into the game having endured a difficult build-up to the season, with a transfer embargo only lifted three days before the opening weekend and injuries leaving them able to name just four substitutes. On a difficult surface, Braintree threatened mainly from set-pieces in the first half but struggled to create clear chances. Horsham took the lead on 30 minutes when Greg Luer combined with Jamie Yila before finishing low into the far corner, and the visitors went close to extending their advantage before the break. Braintree improved after half-time and Louie Johnson volleyed over from close range, while Sam Howes was called upon to keep out a fierce Alfie Lewis effort. However, Horsham doubled their lead on 71 minutes when substitute Reece Meekums broke down the left and squared for Luer to score his second. The Iron gave themselves hope five minutes from time when Fletcher Hubbard’s cross reached the unmarked Paternoster, who finished from inside the area. Braintree applied late pressure but could not find an equaliser, leaving Horsham with all three points.

Braintree Town return to National League South action this season following relegation from the National League, where they finished 23rd last term. It has been a summer of significant change at Cressing Road. Financial difficulties resulted in a transfer embargo, while much of last season’s squad departed, leaving manager Steve Pitt with another sizeable rebuilding job. Pitt remains in charge having initially joined Braintree as assistant manager before taking the top job during the 2024/25 campaign. Among the new arrivals are two familiar faces to Dover supporters, with former Whites Jacob Mensah and Alfie Matthews making the move to Essex. Braintree have also recruited extensively from the divisions below. Louie Johnson arrives after an impressive campaign with Brentwood Town, while Anisius Lewis scored 16 times for Maldon & Tiptree last season. Courtney Senior provides additional experience in attack, with Alfie Lewis and Portsmouth youngster Reuben Swann strengthening the midfield. With a largely new-look squad, the early stages of the campaign are likely to be about building understanding and consistency. The Iron nevertheless possess a mixture of experienced Step Two players and ambitious younger additions as they look to establish themselves following relegation.

Last Time

The last time the sides met was in February 2024, when Dover Athletic suffered a 3-0 defeat away at Braintree Town. The hosts made a flying start in Essex and took the lead inside the opening few minutes when a long-range effort took a heavy deflection, wrong-footing Jinadu before finding the bottom corner. Braintree continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage from a set-piece, with a free-kick delivered towards the back post and headed home. Their third followed soon afterwards as a simple ball in behind the Dover defence released an attacker, who rounded Jinadu and finished into an empty net. Dover did threaten occasionally during the opening half. Baptiste caused problems down the left and created an opening which eventually fell to Naylor, although his effort was comfortably held by Sims. The Whites introduced Oladipo at the interval and produced a more competitive second-half display. A dangerous ball across the penalty area almost reached substitute Dembele, while Jinadu prevented Braintree from adding a fourth when he denied an attacker attempting to round him. There was little further action during the closing stages, with the hosts seeing out the contest comfortably to secure a 3-0 victory.

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Braintree 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.