Dover Athletic return to Crabble on Saturday looking to respond positively to last weekend’s Kent derby defeat at Tonbridge Angels. The Whites face another stern test against newly promoted Horsham, who have adapted well to life in the National League South. Jake Leberl’s side will be eager to rediscover the resilience shown in recent weeks and put in a strong performance as they look to bounce back and return to winning ways.
Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic suffered a 2-1 defeat at Tonbridge Angels despite leading at half-time in the Kent Derby. Jalen Jones fired Dover ahead midway through the first half, finishing from a Sesay cross after a strong spell of pressure. The hosts turned the game around shortly after the restart, with Wagstaff levelling from close range before Peart converted Akehurst’s low cross to make it 2-1. Despite several substitutions and a late push, Dover couldn’t find an equaliser as Tonbridge held firm.
From the Management
“Horsham at home next Saturday — a team that came up with us — another tough test. I think we lost to them at home last year, didn’t we? They’ve started the season relatively well, so we need to regroup. A few need to have a look in the mirror, really. You have to be on it, at it, every single minute, and we were a little bit off it against Tonbridge.”
Horsham
Horsham battled to a hard-earned point away to league leaders Hornchurch in testing conditions brought by Storm Amy. After a goalless first half, which saw Greg Luer go close for the Hornets and Angelo Balanta hit the post, both goals came through deflections. Balanta’s strike ricocheted off Isaac Philpot to wrong-foot Lewis Carey, before Luer’s cross was turned into the net by defender Harry Gibbs. The hosts pushed late on, but Horsham’s defence stood firm, with Jake Elliott producing a crucial last-ditch tackle to secure a deserved 1-1 draw.
Horsham approach their first-ever National League South campaign buoyed by last season’s Isthmian Premier title success under long-serving boss Dominic Di Paola. Stability remains their strength, with key players such as goalkeeper Lewis Carey, defenders Danny Barker and Jack Strange, and full-back Harvey Sparks all staying put. Midfielders James Hammond and Charlie Hester-Cook provide balance and experience, while Reece Meekums, Lucas Rodrigues and new signing James Roberts bring creativity out wide. In attack, Greg Luer, Rhys Murphy and Shamir Fenelon will share the goalscoring duties. United and well-drilled, Horsham look capable of holding their own at step two.
Last Six
Horsham 3–0 Maidstone United – National League South (6 Sept)
Westfield 2–2 Horsham – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round (13 Sept)
Horsham 6–0 Westfield – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay (16 Sept)
Horsham 0–2 AFC Totton – National League South (20 Sept)
Horsham 2–3 Folkestone Invicta – FA Cup Third Qualifying Round (27 Sept)
Hornchurch 1–1 Horsham – National League South (4 Oct)
The Venue
We look forward to welcoming Horsham 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.