Dover Athletic make the trip to Vauxhall Road on Saturday to face a Hemel Hempstead Town side firmly in the play-off picture. The Tudors sit sixth in the National League South, having picked up four wins from their last five matches, and have been difficult to break down all season, conceding just 26 goals in 27 games. Dover, meanwhile, have slipped to 16th and will be looking to halt a challenging run of form. With Hemel pushing to strengthen their play-off position and the Whites keen to restore momentum, the meeting sets up as a stern but important test for Jake Leberl’s side on the road.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic suffered a frustrating 3–0 defeat away at AFC Totton in a game shaped by key moments and discipline. After a bright start and a superb double save from Knightbridge denied Nikaj and Baptiste, Totton struck first through Rendell. Dover’s task became harder when Beadle was shown a red card, and the hosts capitalised soon after as Hallet headed in from a corner. Despite Walker producing several fine saves, Totton extended their lead early in the second half when Lee finished clinically. Dover battled on, but with ten men, were unable to find a way back.

From the Management

“We’ve got a clear week now, so it’s about clearing our heads. We played Hemel not so long ago, so we know what they’re about. We’ve just got to stick together. It’s been a really tough period, but there are plenty of games coming thick and fast and we know we can pick up points. We just need to keep working, stay together, and keep trying to pick up results to keep us going.”

Hemel Hempstead Town

Lee Allinson’s Tudors claimed a hard-earned and historic victory at the intimidating Gallagher Arena, described by Allinson as their result of the season so far. Missing skipper Kyle Ajayi through suspension, new signing Louis Lomas impressed on his debut as Hemel produced a superb defensive display. Maidstone dominated possession and forced early saves from Michael Johnson, who was outstanding throughout. A pivotal stop from Riley Court preceded the decisive moment as Millar Mathews-Lewis struck with an acrobatic overhead kick just before half-time. The Tudors withstood heavy second-half pressure to secure their first win over Maidstone in 12 games and boost their play-off push.

Last Time

The sides last met only a few weeks ago, and Dover Athletic were again edged out by Hemel Hempstead Town, this time in a narrow 2–1 defeat at the Megger Community Stadium. An early scramble saw Matthews-Lewis give Hemel the lead inside two minutes, but Dover responded well and drew level through Nikaj after a fine cross from Sheriff. The Whites enjoyed a strong spell either side of half-time, hitting the post and forcing sustained pressure from set pieces. However, against the run of play, Matthews-Lewis struck again on 65 minutes to restore Hemel’s advantage. Dover pushed late on, but disciplined defending denied a second equaliser.

Last Six

Chesham United 1–0 Hemel Hempstead Town (26 Dec, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 3–0 Enfield (30 Dec, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 1–0 Dagenham & Redbridge (3 Jan, National League South)
Dover Athletic 1–2 Hemel Hempstead Town (10 Jan, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 0–3 Slough Town (17 Jan, National League South)
Maidstone United 0–1 Hemel Hempstead Town (24 Jan, National League South)

The Venue

Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club,
The Focus Community Arena,
Vauxhall Road,
Hemel Hempstead,
Hertfordshire,
HP2 4HW.

Admission  

Adults – £17
Concession – £12
U18s – £7

Buy online – https://hemelfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/hhtfc_vs_dover_athletic