Match Preview by Fred Deveson

This weekend sees a big clash at the bottom of the table as Dover host Havant and Waterlooville in a must win game for the Whites if they are to stay up this season.

The visitors this weekend started the season much like Dover, with the two being on similar points for most of the season.

However, in recent weeks, Havant have accelerated ahead of Dover, winning 2 of their last 5 and only losing once in that time.

They have been scoring well too of late, scoring two goals in each of their last three games, winning two of those.

Despite this good run, they have lost five of their last six away games, only managing to beat Hemel Hempstead on that run.

This weekend’s visitors are just six points from safety and a win at Crabble this Saturday will put them in a great position to continue to charge for survival as we head towards the end of the season.

As for Dover Athletic, it is looking bleak as we head into the final few matchweeks. If Dover lose the next two games and other results go against the Whites, then Dover will be relegated to the 7th tier and will be in the Isthmian League for the first time since 2009.

The Whites may feel slightly hard done by in recent weeks as performances have improved but the results just haven’t come.

The draw at Eastbourne was a positive result, although the game arguably should have been won based on the chances that were created.

George Nikaj has been performing especially well of late, as he made it 10 goals and assists this season against Eastbourne, so the hosts will be hoping he can perform again this weekend and get a vital win against a relegation rival.

It’s a massive game this weekend and it’s one that needs to be won by Dover if they are to have a chance of staying up this season.

Before the game, Dover boss Jake Leberl has said:

Our last outings we finally stopped the rut & picked up a point on the road against a strong full time Eastbourne outfit where we again conceded late to a wicked deflected goal, we look to build on & finish the season as strongly as possible in the hope to changing this club’s fortunes & recreate some positively moving forward 

Dover Athletic vs Havant and Waterlooville – Saturday 16 March 2024, 3pm

Ticket Information:

Admission for this match is by turnstile only. We accept both card and cash on the gate.

Adults – £17

Over 60 – £15

Under 18 – £9

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult