Dover Athletic return to Crabble on Good Friday looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats, but remain in a relatively secure position, sitting 17th and 11 points clear of the drop zone. Attention now turns to a tough Kent derby clash against Maidstone United, who arrive in strong form and firmly in the play-off race. The Stones sit 9th, just a couple of points shy of the top seven, and will see this as a key opportunity to strengthen their promotion push in what promises to be a competitive and high-stakes encounter.
Dover Athletic
On Saturday, Dover Athletic were beaten 2–1 by Salisbury. After a delayed kick-off, Dover started well and went close through Sheriff, only to be denied by a superb save and goal-line clearance. Salisbury struck first on the break through Willard, but Dover responded quickly as Sheriff raced through to equalise. The hosts regained the lead just before half-time from a corner. Dover pushed after the break, with Nikaj and Baptiste going close, but couldn’t find a second. Despite late pressure and several corners, Salisbury held on to secure the points.
From the Management
“We’ve got to compete better against the sides coming up. The next two are Maidstone and Ebbsfleet – two big Kent derbies. Generally, we have competed against those types of teams, but we’ve had a few honest words in there because we need more from the group. We don’t want to limp over the line – we want to finish the season as strong as possible.”
Maidstone United
Maidstone United kept their play-off push on track with a 3–1 win over AFC Totton. The Stones started brightly, creating early chances through Tanga and Yila, before taking the lead on 38 minutes as Fowler headed home from close range. The second half was quieter until Totton equalised on 70 minutes through Ward following a corner. Maidstone responded quickly, with substitute Gilbert finishing confidently after good work from Court. Late on, Tanga sealed the victory, reacting quickest after a save to fire home. It was a strong all-round performance as Maidstone secured an important three points at the Gallagher Stadium.
When the sides met in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day, Dover Athletic were left frustrated as Maidstone United edged a tight Kent derby 1–0. In a cagey first half, Dover threatened from set pieces, with Wilkinson deliveries causing problems, while Jones stood strong defensively. Maidstone’s best chance saw Papadopoulos strike the bar. The decisive moment came on 64 minutes, as Corne headed home from a cross. Dover pushed late, with Jones denied by a goal-line block and Nikaj heading over in stoppage time, but the Whites couldn’t find an equaliser in a game decided by fine margins.
Last Six
Maidstone United 2–1 Weston-super-Mare (3 Mar, National League South)
Maidenhead United 2–1 Maidstone United (7 Mar, National League South)
Maidstone United 2–1 Dagenham & Redbridge (10 Mar, National League South)
Maidstone United 1–0 Farnborough (14 Mar, National League South)
Chesham United 4–2 Maidstone United (21 Mar, National League South)
Maidstone United 3–1 AFC Totton (28 Mar, National League South)
The Venue
We look forward to welcoming Maidstone 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.