Dover Athletic return to the Crabble on Tuesday night for a rearranged National League South fixture against Torquay United, originally scheduled for 3 January. The Whites come into the contest on the back of a much-needed victory at the weekend, a result that lifted spirits. Torquay arrive in Kent full of confidence after Saturday’s win at Hornchurch, a result that sent the Gulls back to the top of the division. With Dover looking to build momentum at home and Torquay aiming to consolidate their position at the summit, an entertaining and hard-fought encounter is in prospect under the Crabble floodlights.
Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic claimed a dramatic 2–1 away win at Hemel Hempstead Town, snatching all three points deep into stoppage time. The Whites led at the break thanks to a superb curled finish from Nikaj after good work by Hanson, before withstanding heavy pressure, led by several key saves from Walker and brave defending throughout. Hemel equalised late on through a long-range strike from Wiltshire, swinging momentum briefly in the hosts’ favour. However, Dover responded in emphatic fashion, Hanson pouncing on a loose ball on the edge of the box in added time to seal a vital victory.
From the Management
“On Tuesday night we look ahead to a visit from Torquay, and it’s going to be another really difficult game. That’s why picking up three points on Saturday was so important, and I was really pleased with the result, especially with a tricky run of fixtures coming up. Torquay under the lights will be a great occasion, but it will be a really tough test. Still, it’s nice to go into the next game with a bit of confidence.”
Torquay United
Two second-half goals from Jordan Young completed another impressive comeback as United beat promotion rivals Hornchurch 2–1 to move top of the National League South. The hosts led early on through Angelo Balanta’s long-range strike, despite United starting brightly. Hornchurch carried the greater threat before the break, but United turned the game around after half-time. Young equalised moments after the restart, calmly finishing following a loose pass, before adding a superb winner midway through the half with a trademark cut-inside and strike. United controlled the second period and defended resolutely to see out a vital victory in Essex.
The last time the sides met, Dover Athletic were left heartbroken at Plainmoor as Torquay United snatched a late 3–2 win. Alfie Matthews twice put the Whites ahead, first curling a superb free-kick into the top corner before converting a second-half penalty after George Nikaj was fouled. Torquay replied through a Cody Cooke penalty and a low strike from skipper Jordan Young. Dover defended resolutely and threatened on the break, but with a minute remaining substitute Matt Jay reacted quickest to stab home from a corner, denying Jake Leberl’s side a deserved point.
Last Six
Hornchurch 1–2 Torquay United (Yesterday, National League South)
Enfield 1–2 Torquay United (24 Jan, National League South)
Torquay United 1–1 Maidstone United (17 Jan, National League South)
Torquay United 4–1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (10 Jan, National League South)
Bath City 0–0 Torquay United (30 Dec, National League South)
Torquay United 3–1 Weston-super-Mare (26 Dec, National League South)
The Venue
We look forward to welcoming Torquay 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.