Dover Athletic return to cup action on Saturday as they host Southern League Premier South side Dorchester Town in the Second Round of the Isuzu FA Trophy at the Megger Community Stadium. The Whites will be aiming to build on last weekend’s morale-boosting victory over Enfield Town, while visitors Dorchester arrive looking for a strong performances in a knockout competition. The Magpies, currently 17th in their division, will view this tie as an opportunity to test themselves against higher-league opposition. A place in the Third Round is at stake, with both sides targeting progress.
Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic ended their 11-game winless run with a 4–1 comeback victory over nine-man Enfield Town at Crabble. The visitors led at half-time through Billy Leonard, despite captain Adam Thompson being sent off for halting Rolando Onu’s break. Dover dominated after the interval and equalised when Harrison Sodje fired in from distance. A second red card followed as Donaldson dragged down Jalen Jones, allowing Alfie Matthews to convert from the spot before striking a superb long-range second to make it 3–1. Returning forward Ruben Soares-Junior then completed the scoring in stoppage time to seal a much-needed win.
From the Management
“They’re a step three side, and of course we’ll be looking to progress, but we know how these cup games can be. From last season, it will be a big occasion for them. We’re a bit depleted with a few lads cup-tied, one or two away on international duty, and I think we’ve got some suspensions to factor in as well, so we’ll assess everything during the week. We’re desperate to go through. It’s a really good competition and we want to go as far in it as we possibly can.”
Dorchester Town
Dorchester Town were left frustrated but encouraged after a dominant performance in a 0-0 draw with Chertsey Town at the Avenue. The Magpies created the better chances throughout, with Connor Underhill forcing an early save and Joe Parker twice going close, including pouncing on a loose back pass. After the break, Ollie Haste produced a sensational solo run before firing just wide, while Wayne Robinson was denied by a fingertip stop as pressure grew. Marcus Daws entered late on and saw a free-kick and added-time strike both narrowly kept out. Despite the lack of breakthrough, Dorchester’s energy, organisation and intent earned a deserved point.
Dorchester currently sit 17th in the Southern League Premier South (Step 3) with 14 points from 15 matches. A key figure has been forward Wayne Robinson, who joined in the summer after winning back-to-back promotions, first with Sholing and then with Salisbury last season. His work-rate and ability to link play have made him central to Dorchester’s attacking approach, reflected in multiple recent Man of the Match performances. The club have also strengthened this week with the addition of striker Jack Lovell, previously of Wimborne, Hamworthy, Bashley and Shaftesbury, whose goalscoring record provides another important option as the Magpies aim to climb the table.
Last Six
Poole Town 2–0 Dorchester Town (14 Oct, Southern Prem South)
Dorchester Town 0–0 Wimborne Town (18 Oct, Southern Prem South)
Dorchester Town 1–0 Basingstoke Town (21 Oct, Southern Prem South)
Basingstoke Town 1–1 Dorchester Town — Dorchester win 5–4 on pens (28 Oct, FA Trophy 1)
Bracknell Town 2–2 Dorchester Town (1 Nov, Southern Prem South)
Dorchester Town 0–0 Chertsey Town (8 Nov, Southern Prem South)
The Venue
We look forward to welcoming Dorchester 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.
CUP GAME ALL MUST PAY ENTRY