Dover Athletic face one of their toughest tests of the season so far this Saturday as they travel to table-topping Hornchurch. The Urchins sit first in the National League South with an impressive 23 points from their opening nine matches, boasting the division’s most potent attack with 22 goals scored. Jake Leberl’s side, buoyed by last weekend’s dramatic 3–3 draw with Hampton & Richmond, will be looking to build on that late fightback as they aim to upset the early leaders.
Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic produced a stirring fightback to draw 3–3 with Hampton & Richmond Borough in front of 2,834 fans on Community Day. The visitors struck twice in the first half through Craig Fasanmade, punishing defensive lapses to put the Beavers in control. Ruben Soares-Junior’s diving header gave Dover hope after the break, only for Harry Gardner to restore Hampton’s two-goal cushion with a fine strike. Substitutes made the difference for Dover, Decarrey Sheriff flicking home to make it 3–2 before Kenny Coker bundled in a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser to cap a thrilling contest at the Megger Community Stadium.
From the Management
“Next Saturday we’ve got our rearranged game against Hornchurch, who have just beaten Slough 5–2. It’s going to be a tough one. They’ve started the season extremely well and are top of the league for a reason. We’ll spend the week preparing and look forward to going there.”
Hornchurch
Hornchurch extended their unbeaten league run to nine games with a 5–2 victory at Slough Town, coming from behind twice to stay top of the National League South. Slough led through Johnny Goddard and, after Tom Wraight’s deflected equaliser, struck again via Ruben Bartlett-Antwi despite being reduced to ten men before half-time. Wraight levelled once more with a thumping volley before Charlie Ruff’s header put the Urchins ahead. Darren McQueen and Josh Rees added late goals as Hornchurch’s class told, sealing a seventh league win of the campaign in front of 782 at Arbour Park.
Hornchurch returned to the National League South last season, finishing 9th in their first campaign at this level since 2013. Darren McQueen led the scoring with 13 goals, but summer recruitment has strengthened the Urchins’ attacking options. Manager Darryl McMahon, experienced at this level with Ebbsfleet and Dagenham, added proven midfielders Josh Rees and Charlie Ruff alongside veterans like Angelo Balanta to complement McQueen. At the back, experienced defender Dave Winfield bolsters a squad also reinforced by goalkeeper Arthur Nasta on loan from Wolves.
Last Six
25 Aug – Salisbury 3–3 Hornchurch (National League South)
30 Aug – Hornchurch 3–0 Chippenham Town (National League South)
2 Sept – Hornchurch 1–0 Dorking Wanderers (National League South)
6 Sept – Ebbsfleet United 1–1 Hornchurch (National League South)
13 Sept – Peterborough Sports 2–1 Hornchurch (FA Cup, Second Qualifying Round)
20 Sept – Slough Town 2–5 Hornchurch (National League South)
The Venue
The Stadium
Bridge Avenue
Upminster
Essex
RM14 2LX
Tel: 01708 220080
More info: https://hornchurchfc.com/matchday/a-visitors-guide/
Admission
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
U18: £5
U12: FREE with a paying adult