Dover Athletic make the short trip to the Longmead Stadium on Saturday for a Kent Derby against Tonbridge Angels in the National League South. The Whites will be looking to build on back-to-back draws against Hampton and Hornchurch, while the Angels sit 15th in the table with two wins from their opening nine league games. Alan Dunne’s side come into the clash following a recent change of manager and a run of mixed results, setting up an intriguing encounter as Jake Leberl’s men aim to return to winning ways.
Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic earned a valuable point with a resilient 0–0 draw at league leaders Hornchurch. The hosts, unbeaten in nine, started strongly as Mitch Walker made key early saves before Darren McQueen struck the bar and post in a first-half scare. Dover created chances of their own, with George Nikaj and Luke Baptiste combining well and Jacob Mensah later heading against the upright from a free kick. Hornchurch pressed with late substitutions, but Dover’s defence held firm and Francis Mampolo threatened on the break. A disciplined display saw the Whites frustrate the Urchins, setting up a Kent derby at Tonbridge next weekend.
From the Management
“Next Saturday we’re away to Tonbridge in a Kent Derby. They’ve just had a change of management, which of course affects our plans slightly. We’d already done quite a bit of scouting on them before the change, but that will be different now. Richard (our scout) has gone along this week, so we’ll get his report back and make sure we’re prepared for that one.”
Tonbridge Angels
Tonbridge Angels and Cray Valley PM will replay on Tuesday after their FA Cup Third Qualifying Round tie ended 0–0 at the Artic Stadium. Alan Dunne’s first game in charge brought defensive solidity but little cutting edge, with chances scarce. Ibby Akanbi spurned the best opening in the first half, while Bobby Unwin and Jordan Higgs fired over for the Angels. After the break, Brody Peart and Unwin threatened, but neither side could find a breakthrough.
Tonbridge Angels head into the game sitting 15th in the National League South table with 10 points from their opening nine matches, winning twice so far this season. The Angels, who finished 17th last term, recently appointed Alan Dunne as manager following the departure of Craig Nelson earlier this month. A busy summer saw several new additions, including midfielders Marcus Sablier, Jordan Higgs and Brody Peart, while Sean Shields remains a key attacking option after finishing last season as top scorer. Dunne’s side will be aiming to build momentum as they look to climb the table in the coming weeks.
Last Six
2 Sept – National League South: Tonbridge 1–2 Enfield
6 Sept – National League South: Salisbury 1–3 Tonbridge
13 Sept – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round: Steyning Town 2–2 Tonbridge
16 Sept – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay: Tonbridge 6–1 Steyning Town
20 Sept – National League South: Worthing 0–1 Tonbridge
27 Sept – FA Cup Third Qualifying Round: Cray Valley PM 0–0 Tonbridge
The Venue
The Yeomans Community Stadium
Darenth Avenue
Tonbridge
Kent TN10 3JF
More info: https://www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk/directions
Admission
THIS MATCH IS SEGREGATED, DOVER ATHLETIC SUPPORTERS MUST ENTER VIA THE NORTH TURNSTILES.
ENTRY TO THE STADIUM IS BY TICKET ONLY – NO CARD OR CASH PAYMENTS AT THE TURNSTILES.
Any Dover supporters requiring disabled access, or seats for medical reasons, can request these via the organiser.
Adults: £18
Concessions: £15
U18: £8
U12: FREE with a paying adult