Dover Athletic are back in action on Saturday after a frustrating festive period, which also saw the opening game of 2026 against Torquay United postponed due to a frozen pitch. The Whites now turn their focus to the weekend’s challenge against Hemel Hempstead Town. The Tudors have enjoyed a strong first half of the season and arrive at Crabble sitting sixth in the table, firmly in the play-off mix and providing a tough test as Dover look to get back to competitive action.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic slipped to a narrow 2–1 Kent derby defeat against Ebbsfleet United, despite a strong response either side of half-time. The visitors started brightly and took the lead on 18 minutes when Edser struck from the edge of the area. Dover grew into the contest and created chances before the break, with Decarrey Sheriff going closest. The Whites carried that momentum into the second half and deservedly levelled when Kenny Coker headed in Luke Baptiste’s free-kick. Ebbsfleet regained the lead through Samuel’s far-post header and managed the closing stages to see out the win.

Hemel Hempstead Town

On Saturday, Hemel Hempstead Town made it back-to-back wins with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Dagenham & Redbridge at The Focus Arena, moving back into sixth place. A tight first half saw few clear chances, with Tim Dieng firing narrowly wide for the visitors. The decisive moment came early in the second half when Mauro Vilhete latched onto a superb long pass from Kyle Ajayi and audaciously chipped the keeper for his second goal in two games. Hemel defended resolutely thereafter, with Matty Achuba outstanding as the Tudors saw out the win in front of 1,008 supporters.

Last Six

Salisbury 1–0 Hemel Hempstead (6 Dec, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead 0–2 Horsham (13 Dec, FA Trophy Third Round)
Hemel Hempstead 0–0 Maidenhead United (20 Dec, National League South)
Chesham United 1–0 Hemel Hempstead (26 Dec, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead 3–0 Enfield (30 Dec, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead 1–0 Dagenham & Redbridge (3 Jan, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Hemel 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.