Dover Athletic make the short trip along the coast to face Folkestone Invicta on Tuesday evening in the Second Round of the Kent Senior Cup. Fresh from Saturday’s memorable FA Cup victory over Dorking Wanderers, the Whites turn their attention to county cup action as they renew their rivalry with their Kent neighbours. The two sides meet for the second time in just over a month, following Dover’s entertaining 4-2 victory at Crabble in September. With both teams heading into the fixture on the back of weekend wins, another competitive Kent derby awaits at the Alcaline Stadium.
Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic booked their place in the Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper for the first time since 2019 following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Dorking Wanderers at Crabble. Jake Leberl’s side made a bright start, taking the lead after 11 minutes when Jack Bates curled a superb effort beyond Glenn Morris following good work from Euan Williams. Former Dover forward George Nikaj equalised four minutes later, rounding Mitch Walker before finding the net. The Whites restored their advantage in the 19th minute when Luke Baptiste was fouled inside the area, allowing Decarrey Sheriff to convert from the penalty spot. Dorking had an opportunity to level before the break, but Josh Barrett fired his penalty over the crossbar. Dover extended their lead just two minutes into the second half as Sheriff collected possession inside the box and fired home his second of the afternoon. Dennon Lewis reduced the deficit with a long-range strike, setting up a tense finish as the visitors pushed for an equaliser. Walker produced important saves, while Sheriff and Corie Andrews both came close to adding a fourth for Dover. The Whites held firm through six minutes of added time, sparking celebrations among the 1,370 supporters as their FA Cup journey continued.
From the Management
“It’s a big game for the locals away at Folkestone, but there will be plenty of changes. A few of the boys are carrying knocks, so it’s an opportunity to give minutes to those who haven’t played as much, as well as some of the lads who have been training with us and academy players who have been doing well.”
Folkestone Invicta
Folkestone Invicta secured their first National League South victory since August 31 with a 2-1 win over AFC Totton at the Alcaline Stadium on Saturday. Two goals in quick succession from Donell Thomas and Bobby Kelman proved decisive as Jay Saunders’ side ended their winless run despite a second-half response from the visitors. Totton created the first opportunity after 14 minutes, with Oliver Godziemski forcing Ted Collins into a save. Folkestone responded through Harvey Kedwell, whose low effort was kept out by Ryan Gosney. The hosts broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when Reggie Young’s cross reached Thomas, who fired home from inside the penalty area. Just three minutes later, Young turned provider again, finding Kelman on the edge of the box. The forward unleashed a powerful strike beyond Gosney to double Invicta’s advantage before half-time. Totton came close to responding after the restart when Declan Rose’s deflected effort struck the post. The visitors eventually reduced the deficit in the 74th minute through Will Fletcher, who converted Harry Mills’ pass. Totton thought they had equalised late on when Luke Hallett found the net, but the referee awarded Folkestone a free-kick. Invicta held on to claim a much-needed three points.
Last Time
Dover Athletic came from behind twice to secure an impressive 4-2 victory over local rivals Folkestone Invicta in the Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round at the Megger Community Stadium. Folkestone took an early lead through Aaron Cosgrave, who finished beyond Mitch Walker after being released by Liam Smith. Jack Bates responded with a left-footed effort to level the scores, but Alejandro Machado restored the visitors’ advantage with a strike from distance. Trailing 2-1 at the interval, Dover emerged strongly after the break and equalised within three minutes when Bates fired through a crowded penalty area to complete his brace. The Whites completed their turnaround shortly afterwards as Luke Baptiste curled a superb effort into the top corner, giving Jake Leberl’s side the lead for the first time. Folkestone continued to threaten, with Walker denying Cosgrave and Joe Pigott unable to capitalise on another opportunity. Dover sealed the victory inside the final 10 minutes when Decarrey Sheriff converted a penalty following an incident involving Sonny Fish and Pigott. The result secured Dover’s progression into the Third Qualifying Round and extended their winning run to three matches. A crowd of 2,342 watched the entertaining Kent derby at Crabble, with the Whites ultimately prevailing.
The Venue
Due to ongoing ground improvements at the Alcaline Stadium, Folkestone Invicta are currently operating at a reduced capacity, meaning ticket availability will be limited.
Dover Athletic have been allocated 250 tickets for the fixture.
Supporters requiring a carer ticket or a ticket for a child under the age of six should contact Folkestone Invicta directly at tickets@folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk.
Visiting supporters will enter the ground via the turnstiles at the east end of the stadium, which can be accessed through the Three Hills Sports Park car park.
Tickets can be purchased online using the link below:
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Ticket Prices
- Adult – £15.00
- Concession (OAP) – £12.00
- Concession (Student) – £12.00
- Concession (Disabled Supporter) – £12.00
- Concession (Blue Light Card Holder) – £12.00
- Youth – £8.00
- Junior – £4.00
We look forward to seeing the travelling Whites supporting the team in the Kent Senior Cup.