Dover Athletic return to the Megger Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Farnham Town make the trip to Crabble for National League South action. The Whites will be looking to bounce back from Tuesday evening’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelmsford City, which brought an end to their eight-match unbeaten run. Despite playing much of the contest with ten men following Roman Charles-Cook’s first-half dismissal, Jake Leberl’s side battled until the final whistle. The visitors arrive in impressive goalscoring form, having netted ten times across their last two outings, including a 4-2 victory away at Chesham United on Tuesday night. Farnham have made a strong impression following promotion and will provide another challenging test for Dover. With both sides looking to build momentum in National League South, another competitive afternoon awaits at Crabble.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic’s eight-match unbeaten run came to an end on Tuesday evening as ten-man Whites suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelmsford City at Crabble. Jake Leberl’s side made a bright start, with Sak Hassan delivering a dangerous early cross before Ruben Soares-Junior forced goalkeeper Alfie Marriott into a good save. The contest changed dramatically in the 37th minute when Roman Charles-Cook was controversially dismissed for an adjudged handball inside the penalty area. Captain Mitch Walker produced an outstanding double save to deny Jack Bridge’s penalty and the follow-up, but Chelmsford capitalised on the resulting corner, with Harry Barbrook firing home in the 42nd minute. Dover assistant manager Mike Sandmann was also shown a red card amid the first-half controversy. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Whites emerged after the break with renewed urgency, continuing to find space in wide areas. Walker produced another excellent save to deny Leo Sery, while Denzelle Olopade struck the post as Chelmsford threatened to double their advantage. Dover pushed forward in search of an equaliser, introducing fresh attacking options late on, but the visitors held firm to secure all three points.

From the Management

“Farnham have done really well since gaining promotion. George Alexander has come in and is scoring goals, and they’ve got some experienced players and a lot of quality in their squad. They’re a club on the up and have enjoyed some really successful years. We know it’s going to be a tough game because they’re in good form and they’re a good side. We’ve been on a good run ourselves, but things can change very quickly in football, so we need to make sure we’re right up for the challenge.”

Farnham Town

Farnham Town came from behind to secure an impressive 4-2 victory away at Chesham United on Tuesday evening, continuing their National League South campaign with three points at The Meadow. The hosts took the lead in the 23rd minute through an own goal, but Farnham responded strongly, turning the contest around with two goals before half-time. George Alexander restored parity from the penalty spot in the 36th minute before Mat Mackenzie struck just four minutes later to give the visitors a 2-1 advantage at the interval. Farnham extended their lead in the 57th minute when Miles Obodo found the net to put his side firmly in control. However, Chesham responded just four minutes later through Mitchell Weiss, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and setting up a potentially tense final half-hour. Farnham made several changes as the second half progressed, with Darryl Sanders among those introduced in the 63rd minute. The substitute eventually made his mark deep into stoppage time, scoring in the 92nd minute to seal a 4-2 victory and ensure Farnham returned home with all three points.

Farnham Town are competing at National League South level for the first time after completing a third successive promotion last season. Paul Johnson’s side finished second in the Southern League Premier South with 84 points before beating Berkhamsted 2–1 in the play-off semi-final and Gloucester City 5–1 in the final. At the time of writing, Town sit 11th with 17 points from 11 matches, having won five, drawn two and lost four. Their recent league form has been encouraging: victories over Torquay United, Folkestone Invicta and Weston-super-Mare, plus draws with Hemel Hempstead and Truro City, preceded a 2–1 defeat to Salisbury. Farnham Town FC. The squad has also evolved during the opening months. Long-serving forward Owen Dean joined Yeovil Town in early October after scoring four league goals this season, while George Alexander and Jordan Alves have since arrived to strengthen the attack. Marcel Lavinier has also been added defensively. Farnham Town FC Farnham face Braintree Town and Chesham United before travelling to Crabble, so their position may change before today’s fixture. Nevertheless, their opening months have demonstrated that the promoted side have adapted competitively to Step Two.

Last Time

No previous competitive meeting between Dover Athletic and Farnham Town could be verified from the clubs’ accessible records, making today’s fixture a new addition to both sides’ schedules. That is largely a reflection of Farnham’s remarkable recent rise. As recently as 2022/23, Town were competing in the Combined Counties League Premier Division South at Step Five. The following campaign brought an unbeaten league title and promotion to the Isthmian League South Central, where another championship followed in 2024/25. Farnham Town FC Their climb continued last season after moving into the Southern League Premier South. Farnham finished second with 84 points, two behind champions Walton & Hersham, before entering the play-offs. A 2–1 victory over Berkhamsted at the Memorial Ground earned a place in the final, where Paul Johnson’s side produced a memorable 5–1 win against Gloucester City to secure a third successive promotion. That result took Farnham into National League South for the first time in the club’s history and, with it, brought Town into the same division as Dover Athletic. The clubs therefore begin a new competitive head-to-head at Crabble. A return meeting is already scheduled for 13 February 2027 at the Memorial Ground. doverathletic.com With Farnham having climbed three levels in three seasons and Dover returning to Step Two following promotion in 2025, the fixture brings together two clubs whose recent paths through the pyramid have been very different and begins a new chapter in their respective histories.

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Farnham 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.