Dover Athletic make the short trip to Ebbsfleet United this Easter Monday for another crucial Kent derby, as the Whites look to respond quickly following Good Friday’s result. It’s a tough test on the road against a Fleet side firmly in the play-off places, sitting 5th with 71 points and pushing for promotion. Dover, meanwhile, remain unchanged in the table and still hold an 11-point cushion above the relegation zone. With local pride on the line and a quick turnaround between fixtures, it promises to be a competitive and high-intensity encounter.
Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic were beaten 2–0 by Maidstone United in a Kent derby at Crabble despite creating the better chances. The Whites struck the woodwork twice early on through Soares-Junior and Nikaj, but fell behind on 12 minutes when Pattisson’s deflected effort beat Walker. Dover responded well, with Baptiste going close and sustained pressure from set-pieces and long throws, but Maidstone held firm. Walker produced a fine double save to keep it at 1–0, while Dover were denied a late penalty. Pushing forward in stoppage time, the hosts were caught out as Tanga sealed the win late on.
From the Management
“It’s a really quick turnaround and, naturally, we’re at a disadvantage compared to a club like Ebbsfleet. We’ve got a few players struggling and the squad is stretched, but we’ve just got to get on with it and look to finish the season as strongly as we can.”
Ebbsfleet United
Ebbsfleet United strengthened their National League South play-off push with a 2–1 win at Tonbridge Angels, completing the league double. Early goals proved decisive, as Chapman opened the scoring inside five minutes with a fine finish before Appiah doubled the lead from a corner soon after. Fleet controlled much of the game, with Hall making a key save and Coley hitting the post as they pushed for a third. Tonbridge rallied late and pulled one back through Leahy on 87 minutes, but Ebbsfleet held firm under pressure to secure a valuable three points on the road.
In the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic were left frustrated as a strong spell either side of half-time was not enough to prevent a 2–1 defeat to in-form Ebbsfleet United. The visitors started brightly and took the lead through Edser before Dover responded well, with Coker, Hanson and Sheriff all going close. The Whites carried that momentum into the second half and deservedly equalised when Coker powered home from Baptiste’s free-kick. However, Ebbsfleet regained the lead soon after as Samuel headed in at the far post. Dover pushed late, with penalty appeals waved away, but were unable to find another leveller.
Last Six
Eastbourne Borough 1–3 Ebbsfleet United (10 Mar, National League South)
Dorking Wanderers 3–1 Ebbsfleet United (14 Mar, National League South)
Maidenhead United 2–3 Ebbsfleet United (17 Mar, National League South)
Ebbsfleet United 1–3 Weston-super-Mare (21 Mar, National League South)
Ebbsfleet United 2–1 Slough Town (28 Mar, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 1–2 Ebbsfleet United (3 Apr, National League South)
The Venue
https://ebbsfleetunited.co.uk/stadium/visitors-information/
The Kuflink Stadium, Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9GN
Admission
Away ticket link: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/ChooseQuantity?ticketId=1641&fixtureId=17645
Adult – £17.00
Concession – £13.00
Young Adult (17-21) – £11.00
Youth (12-16) – £7.00
Under 12 – £1.00