Ruben Soares-Junior Up For Chichester Challenge
Whites skipper Ruben Soares-Junior tells Justin Allen the team will be massively up for the Chichester trip on Saturday as they bid to make the play-offs.
Archives: News
End of Season Awards
Baptiste does the double! Luke wins both the Andy Fisher Shield for Away Supporters Player of the Season and The Simon Harris Shield for Supporters Player of the Season. Well done Baps.
A £100 donation has been made to his chosen charity, which is Porchlight. You can donate using the following link: www.porchlight.org.uk/donate. Thank you to Kevin Harris for attending and presenting the award.
Congratulations to Ruben Soares-Junior who received Player’s Player of the Season & Manager’s Player of the Season.
The Golden Boot award will be announced at Chichester.
Up Next – Chichester City vs Dover Athletic
Dover head to Chichester in our final Isthmian Premier Division league game of the season. Dover need at least a point to secure a top-five playoff spot finish.
Dover Athletic
On Monday, George Nikaj’s second-half goal rescued a 1-1 draw for Dover Athletic against 10-man Hastings United, keeping their playoff hopes alive with one game to play. After a cautious start, Hastings took a controversial lead through Davide Rodari just before half-time. Dover responded with urgency after the break, dominating possession and creating chances. Hastings’ Finley Chapman was sent off on 63 minutes, and Dover capitalised when Nikaj scored in the 74th. Despite sustained late pressure and several close efforts, Dover couldn’t find a winner.
In the reverse fixture, Ruben Soares-Junior netted a superb hat-trick as Dover Athletic thumped Chichester City 5-2 in wet Bank Holiday weather at Crabble. George Nikaj bagged a brace and Alfie Matthews impressed, assisting Soares-Junior’s opener. Despite a missed penalty and two first-half equalisers from Chichester, Dover dominated after the break. Nikaj scored twice early in the second half before Soares-Junior sealed his treble and a deserved win.
From the Management
“All in all, I think we’ve had a tremendous season but it’s not finished yet and we really want to finish it off next week and secure a spot in the playoffs. If you can, get down to Chichester and support the lads and we’ll give it our all – like we have done from the first game to the last game.”
Chichester City
In their last outing, Chichester City claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Whitehawk, thanks to a brilliant 20th-minute strike from Josh Rustell after fine work by Davidson and Rowlatt. Chichester dominated the first half with inventive play from Jammeh, Pashley, and Da Costa, creating multiple chances and forcing key saves from Osaghae. The second half turned scrappy, with Whitehawk pressing but failing to break through. Maguire-Drew hit the woodwork from a free kick and Chichester rode their luck amid a series of late corners. A late red card for Whitehawk captain Charlie Walker helped Chichester secure a fifth clean sheet in six matches.
Chichester City sits in 6th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 73 points from 41 matches. They have recorded 22 wins, 7 draws, and 12 losses, scoring 71 goals and conceding 56, giving them a goal difference of +15. At home, Chichester have played 20 games, winning 11, drawing 5, and losing 4. Away from home, they’ve played 21 matches with a record of 11 wins, 2 draws, and 8 defeats.
Last 6
22/03 – Hastings United (A) – Won 2-0
29/03 – Lewes (H) – Won 3-0
05/04 – Hendon (A) – Lost 1-2
12/04 – Chatham Town (A) – Won 1-0
18/04 – Cheshunt (H) – Won 4-0
21/04 – Whitehawk (A) – Won 1-0
The Venue
Oaklands Park, Oaklands Way, Chichester PO19 6AR
Admission
Gates Open: 1PM
Adults – £10
Concessions – £6
Students/16-18s – £4
Under-16s – £2
Youth Parent (Youth player must be in attendance) – £4
Fans travelling to our game against Chichester are advised to pre-purchase tickets on the following link: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=11335
Report – Dover Athletic 1-1 Hastings United
Dover Athletic were forced to settle for a share of the spoils at the Megger Community Stadium as George Nikaj’s second-half header salvaged a 1-1 draw against 10-man Hastings United in their penultimate fixture of the season. With just one game remaining, the Whites’ playoff hopes hang in the balance, needing at least a point at Chichester City next weekend to secure a top-five finish.
The game started evenly, with both sides probing cautiously in the opening exchanges. Hastings posed an early threat via their trademark long throw-ins, but neither side created anything clear-cut until the 9th minute when a teasing cross from the visitors was inexplicably skied over from close range.
Dover gradually gained control of possession, with George Nikaj looking sharp. His half-volley in the 19th minute forced a smart save at the near post. Despite their increasing dominance, clear chances were few and far between for the hosts.
Tensions flared briefly in the 37th minute after a scuffle between players, but the deadlock was broken five minutes later under controversial circumstances. A questionable free kick awarded to Hastings led to a pinpoint delivery from Freddie Legg, which was met by Davide Rodari at the back post, heading firmly past Jordan Gillmore to make it 1-0 to the away side.
Dover came out after the interval with urgency. Legg picked up a yellow for Hastings just three minutes into the half, and it was a sign of things to come. Ruben Soares-Junior’s tenacity won a promising free kick in the 53rd minute, which Nikaj rattled off the post.
The chances kept coming. Just before the hour, Nikaj carved out a golden opportunity for Francis Mampolo, but the forward mis-kicked. Hastings’ task became significantly harder in the 63rd minute when Finley Chapman received a second yellow card and his marching orders.
Dover seized on the momentum. In the 74th minute, after Dover forced a save from the keeper, the resulting corner was emphatically converted by the Nikaj himself, converting to level the scores and send the home crowd into raptures.
With the numerical advantage and momentum, Dover pushed hard for a winner. Nikaj came close again, blasting over in the 76th and attempting a spectacular bicycle kick in the 89th that flew off target. Despite six minutes of added time and relentless pressure, Dover couldn’t find the decisive goal.
While the result was frustrating given Dover’s second-half dominance and man advantage, the spirited performance keeps their playoff destiny in their own hands as they head to Chichester on Saturday.
Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 1,025
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Harry Phillips
Venue: Megger Community Stadium
Dover Athletic:
27. Jordan Gillmore, 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 3. Fuad Sesay, 26. Jacob Mensah, 5. Joe Tennent, 6. Luca Cocoracchio, 7. Luke Baptiste, 24. Francis Mampolo, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior, 29. Ryan Hanson, 28. Kweku-Conrad Lucan, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 18. Henry Young, 4. Jeremiah Gyebi
Hastings United:
1. Louis Rogers, 2. Joe Clifford, 3. George Walker, 4. Adam Lovatt, 5. Tom Howard, 6. Ollie Black, 7. Davide Rodari, 8. Finley Chapman, 9. Jamal Lubanga, 10. Siya Ligendza, 11. Freddie Legg, 12. Harry Thompson, 14. Kian Moynes, 15. Oli Macdonald, 16. Charlie Scarles, 17. Archie Baker
Chairman’s Message
Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Hastings United.
Many of our commercial sponsors are with us today enjoying a lunch in our platinum lounge so a very warm welcome to them as well as heartfelt thanks to them and our other sponsors who were unable to attend today for all of their support of the club.
Without the fabulous support we receive from local businesses the club probably wouldn’t exist, and we certainly wouldn’t be able to carry out the important community involvement work that we do. It’s impossible to overestimate the importance of this financial support to the club so a very big thankyou from me again and if you see one of our sponsors around the ground, please take the time to thank them for their contribution to your club.
What a season it has been, we started like a rocket with goals flying in for us in every game and for a long time we were at the top of the league and then around Christmas the inevitable “sticky patch” happened for a variety of reasons including injuries to key players, a lot of sickness in the camp and a loss of form in a few cases. When you lose momentum in a football season it is a very hard task to bounce back and recover but this group never gave up, they kept giving 100% in every game and even if at times results didn’t go our way, I don’t think supporters could be disappointed with the effort and endeavour. Home form has sometimes been disappointing in terms of results, but our away form has been fantastic, so the challenge next season is to improve that home game tally.
At the time of writing, although we have achieved four wins in the last five games with some outstanding performances, our inclusion in the playoffs is not yet confirmed. However, whatever the outcome of the season everyone can be proud of the team and the club for an outstanding year, some great entertainment and memorable moments.
We will soon begin discussions with our group with a view to retaining as many as possible, there is a lot of money flying around in this league now and we sometimes find it a challenge to compete with the bigger budgets and the “cash” paying clubs, but we will continue to do the best we can within our budget and within the payroll tax legislation. My commitment to a sustainable club with no debt continues.
I would like to thank Jake, Mike and the management team as well as our staff and volunteers for their incredible efforts this season and to this great group of players I say thank you from the club for your hard work and dedication.
Finally, I thank you our fanbase for your support during the season, in the end without supporters there can be no club – so keep behind the lads on the pitch and I look forward to seeing you all in the playoffs or if we are not able to quite make it, on to next season in a few weeks.
Jim Parmenter
Club Statement: Supporter Behaviour Dartford
Dover Athletic has announced that two banning orders have been issued against supporters who were identified as behaving in a totally unacceptable manner at the away match at Dartford on Good Friday.
Dover Chairman Jim Parmenter commented, “We cannot name the individuals for legal reasons, but we have stated very clearly that we will not accept this type of behaviour and will act when it occurs. Individuals who act in this manner, home or away, are not welcome as Dover supporters; they tarnish the good name of the club and the majority of our fan base who behave in a respectable manner. If individuals believe that it’s nearly the end of the season and it will all be forgotten at the start of next season, they are wrong. These bans are indefinite. I appeal to our younger supporters who were in and around the group causing issues on Friday to consider their actions and not allow themselves to be led by a few older individuals who should know better. Ask yourself, do you really want to risk being banned from the club you support?”
Jake Leberl: End of Season Message
We’d like to extend a warm welcome to the Hastings team and their supporters to the Megger Community Stadium for our final home Isthmian League fixture of the season.
Regardless of the final outcome in these last two games, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of this season’s journey.
A tremendous amount of time and effort has gone into bringing smiles back to faces and turning the club’s fortunes around. To the board, players, staff, media team, volunteers, sponsors, and our fantastic supporters – thank you. Everyone has come together as a team and helped put us back on the right path.
There’s still work to be done, but we’re rebuilding a stable and happy club where the community and youth play a bigger role. I believe this is vital for the long-term future of this wonderful football club.
On the field, we couldn’t be prouder of this squad. They are a young, dedicated, and ambitious group of players who have been a pleasure to work with. Personally, I’ve relished every moment. I want to publicly and sincerely thank Mike for everything he’s done. He’s a brilliant coach and a great guy. We absolutely wouldn’t be in this position without him.
Let’s hope we can finish the season on a high and secure a play-off spot. That would be a remarkable achievement for a new team that was thrown together at the last minute and has gone toe-to-toe with clubs boasting far bigger budgets and more experienced personnel. I can’t stress enough how proud I am of this team. They’ve exceeded all expectations, and with time, they’ll only get better. Many of these lads have bright futures ahead, hopefully with us.
Enjoy the game, and here’s hoping for a positive result. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at Chichester on Saturday.
Jake
COYW
Up Next – Dover Athletic vs Hastings United
Dover Athletic welcome Hastings to The Megger Community Stadium.
Dover Athletic
On Friday, Dover Athletic’s play-off hopes suffered a setback with a 3-1 defeat at Dartford in the Good Friday Kent Derby. Despite a bright start and strong deliveries from Roman Charles-Cook, Dover were undone by Samir Carruthers’ superb free-kick and two more Dartford goals before the hour mark. Ruben Soares-Junior pulled one back with a stunning 20th goal of the season, but a full comeback proved elusive. Dover rallied late with fresh legs and pressure, yet Dartford’s clinical edge and physical dominance sealed the win. The Whites’ spirited second-half display offered hope, but the damage was done in the first half.
In our previous encounter with Hastings, Dover delivered a professional 2-0 win at Hastings United, securing victory with first-half goals from Luke Baptiste and George Nikaj. Baptiste struck in the 14th minute after early dominance, while Nikaj added a superb team goal in the 29th. Despite Hastings improving after halftime and creating chances, Dover’s defence stayed resolute, with Gillmore making a vital save in the 77th minute. A frantic goalmouth scramble in the 79th was also repelled. Dover expertly managed the closing stages to preserve the clean sheet and three points.
From the Manager
“The boys are desperate to do well. As they have been all season. No matter what happens we’ve had a really good season. We’ve got to focus on what we need to do, which is obviously pick up a few more points to hopefully secure the playoff position.”
Hastings
In their last outing, Hastings United suffered a damaging defeat in their battle to avoid relegation, going down 1–0 to Canvey Island at the Steve’s Taxis Stadium. Despite a few promising moments—including a close-range header in the first half and a free-kick from Siya Ligenza that sailed over—Hastings failed to convert their chances. Goalkeeper Louis Rogers was kept busy, making several saves to keep his side in the game. However, a late strike in the 84th minute from Canvey substitute Finlay Dorrell proved decisive, leaving Hastings on the brink of relegation.
Hastings United sits in 20th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 32 points from 39 matches. Their season has been a struggle, with 8 wins, 8 draws, and 23 defeats. They have managed 4 wins at home and 4 away, alongside 4 home draws and 4 away draws. Defensively, they’ve been vulnerable, conceding 71 goals while scoring only 34, leaving them with a goal difference of -37.
Last 6
11/03 – Wingate & Finchley (H) – Lost 0-2
15/03 – Dartford (A) – Lost 0-2
22/03 – Chichester City (H) – Lost 0-2
25/03 – Canvey Island (H) – Drew 1-1
29/03 – Billericay Town (H) – Lost 1-5
05/04 – Bowers & Pitsea (A) – Won 2-0
The Venue
We look forward to welcoming Hastings to the Megger Community Stadium. More information on getting to the ground can be found here: https://doverathletic.com/visit-crabble/
Megger Community Stadium. Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 0JB.
Admission
Adults: £15
Concessions: £14
U18: £9
U11: FREE with a paying adult
We now only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground.
Report – Dartford 3-1 Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic’s push for an Isthmian League Premier Division play-off spot took a blow at Princes Park as high-flying Dartford delivered a clinical 3-1 defeat, despite a second-half fightback from the visitors.
The Whites made a bright start under the Kent sunshine, with George Nikaj testing the Dartford goalkeeper early and Roman Charles-Cook’s deliveries posing questions for the home defence. A couple of half-chances came and went.
But for all their early enthusiasm, Dover found themselves undone by a moment of real quality on 15 minutes. Dartford’s Samir Carruthers, afforded a free-kick from the corner of the penalty area, curled a pinpoint effort beyond Jordan Gilmore into the far corner — a goal worthy of the league leaders.
Dover looked for an immediate response, with Alfie Matthews dragging a shot wide just a minute later, but the game quickly began to slip from their control. Defending deep, the visitors survived a couple of close shaves, including a crucial goal-line clearance from Luca Cocoracchio on 32 minutes. But the pressure finally told four minutes later when Dartford doubled their advantage. Denzelle Olopade was quickest to react in the box, stabbing home after a long throw-in was flicked on — a soft goal for Dover to concede, and one that left them with a mountain to climb.
Ruben Soares-Junior almost offered hope on the stroke of half-time, rattling the post with a long-range thunderbolt, but the Whites trudged into the break two goals behind.
Any hopes of a second-half revival were dashed just two minutes after the restart when Josh Hill rose highest to head in a third for Dartford. The home side’s physicality and ruthlessness were proving too much for Dover, whose afternoon looked set to unravel further.
However, to their credit, Jake Leberl’s side didn’t fold. While genuine chances remained scarce, the introduction of Francis Mampolo injected some fresh legs and energy. Dover gradually gained more possession, forcing a couple of corners and unsettling the Dartford back line.
The persistence paid off on 79 minutes, and it was the captain, Ruben Soares-Junior, who provided the spark once again. Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, he rifled an unstoppable strike past Marsden to notch his 20th league goal of the campaign — a superb individual effort and a glimmer of hope for the travelling fans.
With the deficit cut to two, Dover pushed forward in search of a dramatic late comeback, making a flurry of substitutions to freshen their attack. Despite this late rally, clear-cut chances were hard to come by, and Gilmore was needed at the other end to prevent Dartford from adding a fourth after a defensive lapse nearly allowed Eddie Dsane in.
Ultimately, the damage had been done earlier in the afternoon and Dartford claimed all three points in the Good Friday Kent Derby.
Isthmian League – Premier Division
Princes Park Stadium, Attendance: 1,878
Dartford:
1. Jacob Marsden, 3. Sam Odaudu, 5. Josh Hill (C), 6. George Whitefield, 7. Callum Jones, 8. Denzelle Olopade, 11. Olly Box, 16. Sam Okoye, 4. Samir Carruthers, 27. Michael Olarewaju, 32. Hayden Bullas SUBS: 21. Eddie Dsane, 17. Luther Williams, 19. Tyler Christian-Law, 25. Louis Dunne, 28. Jeremiah Pinder
Dover Athletic:
27. Jordan Gilmore, 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 3. Fuad Sesay, 26. Jacob Mensah, 5. Joe Tennent, 6. Luca Cocoracchio, 7. Luke Baptiste, 8. Alfie Matthews, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior (C), 29. Ryan Hanson SUBS: 28. Kweku-Conrad Lucan, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 24. Francis Mampolo, 4. Jeremiah Gyebi
Up Next – Dartford vs Dover Athletic
Dover head to league leaders Dartford in the Isthmian Premier Division.
Dover Athletic
On Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a 4-2 victory over Hendon in an entertaining Isthmian Premier clash. An early own goal by Hendon keeper Matteo Salamon set the tone before Luke Baptiste headed in Dover’s second. Hendon pulled one back via Kofi Anokye-Boadi, but Baptiste struck again after the break and Ryan Hanson added a fourth. Hendon’s hopes faded further when Salamon went off injured, replaced in goal by an outfielder. Tope Fadahunsi grabbed a late consolation, but Dover’s dominance prevailed. Alfie Matthews shone with two assists, while Baptiste’s brace sealed a deserved win at the Megger Community Stadium.
In the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic cruised to a dominant 5-1 win over Dartford. Ruben Soares-Junior opened the scoring after a goalkeeping error, before George Wilkinson doubled the lead. Luke Baptiste added a third just before half-time. Alfie Matthews curled in a stunning free kick early in the second half, and although Dartford replied through Jeremiah Pinder, Soares-Junior sealed the win late on.
From the Management
“Obviously, they’re right up there aren’t they, so it’s going to be a really difficult game. But, we’ve proven already this season that we can beat anyone. So we’re going to go there and be confident, our away form is fantastic. We’re not going to go there with any concerns. We do what we do and hopefully it’ll be enough to get some sort of result. But if not, we just move on to the next one.”
Dartford
Dartford ground out a crucial 1-0 win over Whitehawk to stay top of the Isthmian Premier League, thanks to a composed 62nd-minute finish from substitute Olly Box. On a bumpy pitch and under strong sun, the first half was scrappy and uneventful, with neither side troubling the goalkeepers. Dartford improved markedly after the break, creating a flurry of chances before Samir Carruthers set up Box for the decisive goal just minutes after both came off the bench. Despite injuries to Carruthers and Callum Jones, the Darts held firm, with Jacob Marsden securing his 15th clean sheet. Dartford’s gritty second-half display, led by a strong defensive effort proved enough to maintain their title charge.
Dartford sit at the top of the Isthmian Premier League table with 80 points from 38 matches. They’ve won 24 games, drawn 8, and lost 7. Their home record has been particularly strong, with 11 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses in 19 matches. Away from home, they’ve earned 13 wins, 3 draws, and 4 defeats across 20 fixtures. Dartford have scored 71 goals and conceded just 42, giving them a healthy +29 goal difference.
Last 6
08/03 – Lewes (A) – Lost 1-3
15/03 – Hastings United (H) – Won 2-0
22/03 – Bognor Regis Town (A) – Won 2-0
29/03 – Dulwich Hamlet (A) – Won 3-0
05/04 – Folkestone Invicta (H) – Drew 2-2
12/04 – Whitehawk (A) – Won 1-0
The Venue
Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park
Grassbanks
Darenth Road
Dartford
Kent
DA1 1RT
More information: https://www.dartfordfc.com/directions-to-the-ground/
Admission
Adult – £15.00
Concession (65+) – £10.00
Youth (13-16) – £5
Junior (u12) – FREE – must be accompanied by an adult
Fans travelling to our game against Dartford on Friday 18 April will need to pre-purchase tickets on the following link:
https://dartfordfc-awayfans.ktckts.com/event/dar2425h20/dartford-v-dover-athletic