Dover Athletic turn their attention back to the Emirates FA Cup this weekend as they travel to Hanwell Town in the Third Qualifying Round. The Whites booked their place in the next stage with a 4-2 victory over local rivals Folkestone Invicta at Crabble, twice coming from behind before goals from Jack Bates, Luke Baptiste and Decarrey Sheriff completed an impressive comeback. With league form also building, Dover will now look to carry that momentum into Saturday’s trip to Perivale Lane and secure a place in the Fourth Qualifying Round.
Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic continued their strong run of form with a 2-0 victory over AFC Totton at the Megger Community Stadium. Totton started brightly, but Dover soon created chances of their own. Williams crossed for Beadle, whose header went wide, before Soares-Junior was denied by Gosney. The Whites took the lead on 29 minutes with a slick counter-attack. Bates picked out Williams, who squared for Baptiste to slot home. Bates then doubled the advantage three minutes before half-time with a superb finish from the edge of the box, lofting the ball into the top corner. Totton almost responded in stoppage time, but Walker produced an excellent reaction save to deny Ward. Dover came close to a third after the break when Williams saw his effort tipped onto the crossbar by Gosney, while Bates and Sheriff also threatened. Totton increased the pressure late on, but Walker was in outstanding form, saving from Osborne and Godziemski before producing a superb fingertip stop to push Ward’s header onto the bar in the 89th minute. Dover saw out five minutes of added time to secure all three points and a clean sheet in front of 870 supporters.
From the Management
“We’re looking to get through to the next round, that’s first and foremost in a cup competition. Obviously, we’d like a good performance to go with it, but it’s going to be really difficult. Loads of Step 2 clubs have already been knocked out by lower-league clubs, so we’ll go there expecting what Hanwell will do and hopefully we can continue our form.”
Hanwell Town
Hanwell Town suffered a 4-2 home defeat to Enfield Town in the FA Trophy ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup meeting with Dover Athletic. After a goalless first half, Hanwell took the lead three minutes after the restart when Esprit drove forward and finished at the near post. Enfield responded quickly, with Keyi equalising from close range before striking again just minutes later to turn the tie around. Hanwell hit back through Duncan, who headed home Carr’s cross to make it 2-2 and give the hosts renewed momentum heading into the closing stages. The Geordies pushed for a winner, but Enfield regained the lead five minutes from time. Beasant could only parry an initial effort and substitute Al Sadi was on hand to convert the rebound. Al Sadi then added a fourth in stoppage time in similar fashion, reacting quickest after another Beasant save to complete the scoring. Despite the defeat, Hanwell showed plenty of attacking threat after the break and were level until the final five minutes.
Hanwell Town were founded in 1920 by a group of Geordies living and working in west London, a connection that remains central to the club’s identity today. Nicknamed the London Geordies, they continue to play in black and white stripes and are based at the Oliver Connell & Son Community Stadium in Perivale. The club have steadily climbed the non-league pyramid, winning the Spartan South Midlands League in 2013/14 before returning to the Southern League. Hanwell earned promotion to the Southern League Premier Division South through the play-offs in 2021/22 and have remained at Step 3 since. Their league campaign has started slowly this season, with one win, three draws and three defeats from their opening seven matches, leaving them 19th in the table at the time of writing. Their sole league victory came at home to Basingstoke Town, while they have also taken points against Malvern Town, Sholing and Frome Town. Cup form has been stronger. Hanwell beat Flackwell Heath 1-0 in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round before defeating Burgess Hill Town 2-1 to set up Saturday’s tie with Dover. Most recently, however, they suffered a 4-2 home defeat to Enfield Town in the FA Trophy.
Free Coach Travel
Following strong demand at Saturday’s game against AFC Totton, additional opportunities are available for supporters to book free coach travel to Hanwell Town. A large number of fans secured their places at the Centre Spot, but anyone unable to attend can still book in person at the club office. Booking will be available on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am–12pm, with an additional Wednesday evening session from 6.30pm–8.30pm. Places must be booked in person and supporters cannot reserve seats on behalf of another adult. Parents or guardians may book for accompanying under-16s. Travel is completely free thanks to the generous support of Newsteam. Coaches will depart Crabble at 11am on Saturday 3 October. Supporters will receive a numbered ticket confirming their allocated coach, with each coach displaying the corresponding number in its windscreen. As places are free, supporters are asked only to book if they are confident they can travel, helping ensure seats remain available for others. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. Alcohol, smoking and vaping are prohibited on the coaches, while unacceptable behaviour may result in return travel being refused.
The Venue
The Oliver Connell & Son Community Stadium offers a traditional non-league matchday experience, with plenty of food and drink options around the ground. Geordies Bar, located inside the clubhouse, serves draught beer, cans, wine and soft drinks before, during and after the game, while the Clubhouse Kitchen provides familiar matchday food. Along the far side, Mimi’s Horsebox serves loaded chips, nachos and rotating specials, with Bush Pie & Mash also available. The ground is dog friendly, with well-behaved dogs on leads welcome throughout. Turnstiles are located on Perivale Lane, with the clubhouse positioned behind the near goal.
Oliver Connell & Son Community Stadium
Reynolds Field
Hanwell
UB6 8TL
Admission
Adult: £12.00
Concessions (Over 65 & Student): £7
U18: £3
Buy in advance: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/fixture/hanwell-town-fc/23074