Whites begin their 24/25 campaign against Potters Bar Town
Dover Athletic
Jake Leberl will be hoping to seamlessly merge a positive preseason with the real deal as we begin our Isthmian Premier Division campagin with an away trip to Potters Bar Town. The Whites struck seven past Lancing FC in our final outing of preseason and the team will want to replicate their efforts in front of goal against the Hertfordshire side.
The squad will be feeling fresh and ready going into the game with only Henry Young (knee) and Kieron Agbebi (foot) currently injured and unavailable.
From the Manager
“We’ve had an extremely busy off season doing our very best to build a balanced stable squad for everyone to be proud off full. A squad full of ambition, pace, passion, commitment, quality, and desire. A group of lads that want to give their all for the cause and I ask you to get behind these boys at every opportunity.
Preseason has been a breath of fresh air with generally positive performances and results. We have learnt lessons along the way and will look to grow and improve as a group as the season goes on. The real test starts now against Potters Bar.”
Kit
Dover Athletic will line up in our yellow and green away kit on Saturday with Mitch Walker in the blue keepers strip. Potters Bar Town will be in their maroon home kit and their goalkeeper in orange.
The Opposition
The Scholars were beaten 2-1 by St Albans City in their last game, losing the final of the 2024 Herts Charity Cup. They had led after a penalty of the stroke of half-time, scored by Ore Bello, before goals in the 77 minute and 90+3 ended their hopes of preseason silverware. Potters Bar finished 15th in the Isthmian Premier last season with 51 points.
Manager, Max Mitchell, joined the club initially as Lee Protheroe’s assistant. He was promoted to manager following Protheroe’s resignation in April 2023. Mitchell’s managerial career also includes roles at Walthamstow, Hertford, and St Margaretsbury.
The only former Dover player in the Potters Bar squad is forward Oreofe Bello, who joined us at the start of the 23/24 campaign. He made 5 appearances for Dover in the National League South before making the move to Potters Bar. You may remember his assist for Luke Baptiste’s last minute winner away to Slough Town.
The Venue
The Scholars are currently installing an artificial surface at the Lantern Stadium and works are expected to last until close to the new year. They therefore have had to move to a new venue at Gaywood Park in the Orbital Fasteners Stadium – the home of Kings Langley FC.
Getting to the Ground
Driving: Take exit 20 of the M25 and follow signs for the A4251. At the roundabout take the first exit and drive through Kings Langley High Street. After about one mile the ground will be on your right.
Parking: If travelling by car, please note that there is very limited parking available at the stadium. Parking is readily available in the village centre and by the surrounding areas around the ground. We recommend using Langley Hill Car Park (WD4 9HD) or The Nap Car Park (WD4 8ET). These are free car parks located in the village, just a 10 minute walk from The Orbital Fasteners Stadium.
Train: The nearest station to the ground is Apsley, on the West Coast Mainline. Trains from London Euston and Watford Junction run every 30 minutes. The ground is a 25 minute walk from the station. Exit the station and turn right walking along London Road through to Hempstead Road, where the ground will be on your left.
The Orbital Fasteners Stadium. Hempstead Road. Kings Langley. Hertfordshire. WD4 8BS
Admission
Adults: £13
Concessions: £10 * **
U16: £1
* Concessions includes students and over 65’s
** ID with proof of age may be required.