The first match of 2026 sees Dover Athletic return to the Megger Community Stadium to take on Torquay United in a National League South clash to kick off the new year. After a demanding festive period, the Whites will be looking to start 2026 on a positive note against one of the division’s early title favourites, with the memory of a narrow defeat at Plainmoor earlier in the season adding extra edge to Saturday’s encounter.
Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic slipped to a narrow 2–1 Kent derby defeat against Ebbsfleet United, despite a strong response either side of half-time. The visitors started brightly and took the lead on 18 minutes when Edser struck from the edge of the area. Dover grew into the contest and created chances before the break, with Decarrey Sheriff going closest. The Whites carried that momentum into the second half and deservedly levelled when Kenny Coker headed in Luke Baptiste’s free-kick. Ebbsfleet regained the lead through Samuel’s far-post header and managed the closing stages to see out the win.
From the Management
“We’ve got Torquay here on Saturday, who are the league favourites. It’s a really tough spell over Christmas against some big clubs, but if we can play how we did against Ebbsfleet, we can give anyone a game — as we’ve already shown this season. We gave Torquay a good match at their place, and we’ll be looking to do the same again on Saturday.”
Torquay United
Torquay United had to settle for a point on Tuesday night as they were held to a goalless draw away at Bath City. Paul Wotton named an unchanged side following the Boxing Day win over Weston-super-Mare and saw his team dominate much of the first half. Dan Hayfield and Jordan Young both forced strong saves from Harvey Wiles-Richards, while Matt Jay fired wide from close range. The second half was more even, with Hayfield volleying just over late on. Bath threatened only once through Matt Bowman, leaving United frustrated but content with a valuable away point.
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
Torquay United 3–2 Worthing (25 Nov, National League South)
Chelmsford City 0–2 Torquay United (29 Nov, National League South)
Torquay United 1–2 Tonbridge Angels (6 Dec, National League South)
AFC Totton 1–0 Torquay United (20 Dec, National League South)
Torquay United 3–1 Weston-super-Mare (26 Dec, National League South)
Bath City 0–0 Torquay United (30 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.
This fixture is segregated.