Dover Athletic turn their attention back to knockout competition this weekend as they host Hornchurch in the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Trophy at Crabble. Both sides progressed from the previous stage in contrasting fashion: Dover secured a professional 2–0 victory over Dorchester Town through goals from Coker and Odelusi, while Hornchurch edged past Brentwood Town on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes. With league form fluctuating for the visitors and Dover building momentum with five wins on the spin, this tie offers a valuable opportunity for both teams to push deeper into the competition. A competitive afternoon awaits.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic earned a gritty 1–0 win at Chesham United, extending their winning run with a disciplined display at The Meadow. Walker produced key saves early on, while Beadle’s superb defensive interventions kept the hosts out. An injury to Nikaj brought on Marjoram, who immediately threatened and later saw a shot cleared off the line. Dover grew stronger after the break, and the breakthrough came on 69 minutes when Baptiste cut inside and fired in via a deflection. Chesham pressed late, forcing tense moments in stoppage time, but Dover held firm to secure a valuable away victory.

From the Management

“Next Saturday we’re back in FA Trophy action against Hornchurch. We’ve already faced them once this season, and it will be a tough test. They’ve strengthened again this week and have an excellent squad, but it’s a cup game and we’re really looking forward to it.”

Hornchurch

Hornchurch suffered a rare setback as they were convincingly beaten 2–0 away at Maidenhead United. The league leaders never found their rhythm and were second best throughout, struggling to create clear chances after early pressure was repelled by strong defending. De Havilland’s flicked header from a corner put Maidenhead ahead, and despite a brief Hornchurch threat when Morias had a header cleared off the line, the visitors remained on the back foot. Maidenhead continued to dominate after the break, and Mitchell-Lawson’s late curling finish sealed a deserved defeat for Hornchurch, who were unable to reproduce their usual attacking fluency.

In our previous meeting, Dover Athletic earned an impressive point with a disciplined 0–0 draw against league leaders Hornchurch. The hosts, unbeaten in nine, started quickly and twice forced early saves from Walker. Dover grew into the game, with Nikaj setting up Baptiste for a first-half chance gathered on the line. Hornchurch hit the woodwork through McQueen before the break, while Dover went closest in the second half when Mensah’s header struck the post. Both sides made attacking changes, and Mampolo added late threat, but neither could find a breakthrough as Dover claimed a deserved away draw.

Last Six

Chelmsford City 2–0 Hornchurch (10 Nov, National League South)
Brentwood 0–0 Hornchurch — Hornchurch win 4–2 on pens (15 Nov, FA Trophy 2nd Round)
Hornchurch 1–1 AFC Totton (22 Nov, National League South)
Worthing 5–0 Hornchurch (29 Nov, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 0–4 Hornchurch (2 Dec, National League South)
Maidenhead United 2–0 Hornchurch (6 Dec, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Hornchurch 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
(CUP GAME ALL MUST PAY ENTRY)

We only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground.