Boxing Day brings a familiar festive fixture as Maidstone United and Dover Athletic go head-to-head in a Kent derby with both sides looking to round off the holiday period on a high. Dover head into the contest sitting 12th in the National League South, while Maidstone occupy 8th spot, but recent form suggests little will separate the two. The Whites have taken 13 points from their last six matches, including four wins, before Saturday’s setback, while the Stones have also been among the points, grinding out results and proving difficult to break down. With local pride, festive atmosphere and league momentum on the line, it promises to be a competitive Boxing Day encounter.
Dover Athletic
A crowd of 4,227 turned out at Crabble for the free-entry festive fixture, but it was a frustrating afternoon for Dover Athletic, who were beaten 5–2 by Eastbourne Borough in National League South. Two first-half penalties from Pemi Aderoju put the visitors in control before an unfortunate own goal early in the second half made it 3–0. George Wilkinson pulled one back, but Eastbourne quickly responded and added a fifth from a set piece. Substitute Kenny Coker netted late on, but Dover’s four-game league winning run came to an end despite a second-half response.
From the Management
“Well, it’s going to be tough. It’s always a difficult place to go. They put a lot of balls into the box and are very dominant when it comes to first contact. Our boys are going to have to stand up and really embrace the battle.”
Maidstone United
Maidstone and Hampton shared a goalless draw after a match of few clear-cut chances. Maidstone went close early on when Deon Moore capitalised on a Matt Rowley clearance, but Antony Papadopoulos’ effort was blocked on the line. Taylor Foran later headed straight at Rowley, while Papadopoulos remained a threat throughout, forcing saves and shooting narrowly wide either side of half-time. Hampton nearly broke the deadlock before the break when Reece Grego-Cox’s flicked header was tipped over by Nathan Harness. Both goalkeepers stayed alert in the second half, denying Craig Fasanmade and Papadopoulos, while substitute David Sesay missed a late chance as Hampton defended resolutely to secure a point.
Last Six
Dorking Wanderers 3–1 Maidstone United (22 Nov, National League South)
Enfield Town 2–1 Maidstone United (25 Nov, National League South)
Maidstone United 1–0 Salisbury (29 Nov, National League South)
Maidstone United 2–0 Bath City (6 Dec, National League South)
Yeovil Town 1–1 Maidstone United (Yeovil win 4–2 on pens) (13 Dec, FA Trophy Third Round)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0–0 Maidstone United (20 Dec, National League South)
The Venue
Gallagher Stadium
James Whatman Way
Maidstone
ME14 1LQ
More info: https://maidstoneunited.co.uk/matchday/stadium/first-visit/
Admission
Please note that this match will be all-ticket for both home and away fans — no tickets will be available at the turnstiles, so it is essential to buy in advance.
Away supporters will be situated in the south-west corner of the stadium, with access through Turnstiles 1 and 2 from the main car park.
Ticket Prices
Adult: £18
Concession: £15
Youth: £10
Junior: £5
Under 6: Free