Tuesday night brings a Kent Derby under the lights at the Megger Community Stadium as Dover Athletic host Tonbridge Angels in a crucial Enterprise National League South clash. Just one point separates the two sides near the foot of the table, with Tonbridge sitting 16th on 44 points and Dover a place behind in 17th on 43. With both teams still looking over their shoulders in the battle to secure their National League South status, the stakes could hardly be higher heading into this midweek meeting. Tonbridge arrive on the back of mixed form in recent weeks, while the Whites will be looking to bounce back and close the gap in front of their home supporters.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic were beaten 2–1 by Hampton & Richmond Borough at the Beveree Stadium in the Enterprise National League South. The hosts made a fast start and took the lead on 12 minutes when Ronan Silva fired home from the edge of the box after a cut-back from Reece Greco-Cox. Hampton doubled their advantage nine minutes later as Silva turned provider, crossing for Greco-Cox to finish at the back post. The Whites responded through Luke Baptiste on 30 minutes, his deep cross looping over Marcus Dewhurst and into the far corner. Dover pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but Hampton defended resolutely to secure the points.

From the Management

“We’re fighting against teams that are desperate to stay in this league and we need to start games a lot better than we have been. It will be no different at Tonbridge. We were poor there earlier in the season and we need a reaction. It’s a big game on Tuesday night if we’re still looking over our shoulder – and of course we are. It’s going to go to the wire and we need to pick up points. I don’t think anyone believes we’re safe yet. We’re far from it. We need to get back on it, start games better and start picking up points.”

Tonbridge Angels

On Saturday, Tonbridge Angels claimed a dramatic 1–0 victory over Worthing at Longmead thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Ricky Korboa. In a game short on clear chances, Tonbridge looked most dangerous from set-pieces in the first half, with Marcus Sablier testing goalkeeper Taylor Seymour and Sean Shields curling a free-kick narrowly wide. Worthing created openings of their own, but Matt Rowley was rarely troubled in the Tonbridge goal. The second half was disrupted by injuries and substitutions, limiting both sides to few opportunities. Just as the game looked destined for a draw, Korboa cut inside from the left in stoppage time and curled a deflected effort beyond Seymour to secure all three points for Tonbridge.

In the reverse fixture back in October, Dover Athletic suffered a 2–1 defeat in the Kent Derby at Longmead Stadium despite taking the lead through Jalen Jones. The Whites started well and went ahead on 25 minutes when Jones rifled home from close range following good build-up play and a cross from the left. Ruben Soares-Junior later tested the Tonbridge goalkeeper as Dover went into the break ahead. However, the hosts turned the game around early in the second half, with Scott Wagstaff levelling from a rebound before Peart finished at the far post minutes later. Dover pushed for a response but struggled to create clear chances as Tonbridge held on.

Last Six

Tonbridge Angels 0–1 Maidenhead United (10 Feb, National League South)
Hornchurch 3–2 Tonbridge Angels (14 Feb, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 3–2 Chippenham Town (21 Feb, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 2–0 Hampton & Richmond Borough (24 Feb, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead 1–0 Tonbridge Angels (28 Feb, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 1–0 Worthing (7 Mar, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Tonbridge 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.