Dover Athletic began the new National League South season with defeat in Essex as goals from Bonne and Merrifield earned Billericay Town a 2-0 victory at New Lodge.

The Whites made a bright start and came within inches of taking an early lead, but Billericay struck from a corner midway through the first half before doubling their advantage ten minutes after the restart.

Dover were on the front foot almost immediately, winning a free-kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the penalty area after just two minutes. Baptiste stepped up and was desperately unlucky not to open the scoring, crashing his effort against the crossbar.

The visitors continued to threaten during an encouraging opening spell. Two minutes later, another Dover attack forced the Billericay goalkeeper to race outside his area and clear with his feet, before some neat link-up play around the box resulted in the Whites’ first corner of the afternoon.

Billericay took time to settle but began to offer more of a threat as the half progressed. On 17 minutes, Long tried his luck from distance, with a deflection taking the ball behind for the hosts’ first corner.

That set-piece proved costly for Dover. Benton sent the resulting delivery towards the back post, where Bonne was waiting to volley emphatically beyond Walker and give Billericay an 18th-minute lead.

The hosts immediately went searching for a second. Long broke down the flank and produced an inventive outside-of-the-foot delivery into the box, but Rendall was well positioned to intervene and the ball eventually found its way safely into Walker’s hands.

Dover looked for an immediate response and won another corner on 22 minutes, although the set-piece came to nothing before the players took a hydration break in the warm Essex sunshine.

The Whites continued to see plenty of the ball without managing to find the finishing touch. Oyenuga tried his luck from the edge of the box just after the half-hour mark, slicing an effort which bounced wide of the target.

Corners and Rendall’s long throws continued to provide Dover with opportunities to put the home defence under pressure, but Billericay dealt with everything sent into their penalty area.

At the other end, Merrifield attempted to lift a pass into the Dover box on 38 minutes but there was nobody in blue there to meet it.

Sheriff then found space out wide shortly before the interval and won another Dover corner, while Rendall produced an important block from a low Billericay shot as the game entered two minutes of first-half stoppage time.

Dover therefore went into the break one goal behind despite having enjoyed some promising spells during the opening 45 minutes.

The Whites again looked to attack after the restart. A good switch of play on 53 minutes released Baptiste down the wing and his eventual cross was turned behind for a corner.

However, it was from that Dover set-piece that Billericay launched a dangerous counter-attack. Merrifield chased the length of the pitch to regain possession before combining with Benton to create a shooting opportunity for Watts, whose low effort was kept out by Walker.

The Dover goalkeeper could do little a minute later as Billericay doubled their lead.

Porter made an effective overlapping run to create space before delivering into the area, where Merrifield finished strongly to make it 2-0 after 55 minutes.

The hosts almost added a third almost immediately. Dover were caught open again and Billericay raced through on goal, only to see the resulting effort come back off the crossbar.

Leberl responded with a double substitution on 58 minutes, introducing Sesay and Bates in place of Oyenuga and Wilkinson.

Fish followed shortly afterwards, replacing Wilson-Braithwaite in the 65th minute, and made an immediate impression by driving forward with the ball. Bates looked to deliver into the penalty area at the end of the move, but his cross failed to find a teammate.

A second hydration break followed on 70 minutes as Dover looked for a route back into the contest.

Rendall was shown the game’s first yellow card seven minutes later, while the Whites continued to probe as the match entered its closing stages but were unable to find a way through a well-organised Billericay defence.

Former Dover man Odelusi came close to marking his appearance against his old club with a goal in the 86th minute, sending a powerful effort narrowly wide.

The attendance at New Lodge was confirmed as 1,093, including a travelling Dover support who had made the journey to Essex for the opening afternoon of the campaign.

Six minutes of additional time were indicated, but there was to be no late route back into the contest for the Whites as Billericay saw out the closing stages to secure all three points.

Dover will now turn their attention to their first home fixture of the season, with Slough Town visiting Crabble next Saturday.

Billericay Town: 1 Wright, 2 Wind, 3 Porter, 6 Scott (c), 8 Clark, 9 Merrifield, 10 Benton, 12 Bonne, 14 Long, 15 Parsons, 16 Watts.

Subs: 4 Martin Sorondo, 7 Cerulli, 11 Macarthur, 19 Isaacson, 20 Ruff, 21 Johnson, 24 Odelusi.

Dover Athletic: 1 Walker (c), 23 Charles-Cook, 5 Jones, 17 Rendall, 25 Oyenuga, 6 Bakrin, 16 Wilson-Braithwaite, 8 Wilkinson, 9 Sheriff, 14 Onu, 7 Baptiste.

Subs: Ezenwanne, Fish, Salami, Sesay, Jallow, Bates, Beadle.

Jack Bates has joined the Whites ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The midfielder began his career with East Sussex College’s full-time education programme and represented both England Colleges and England Schoolboys before joining Derby County shortly after his 18th birthday in 2022.

Jack featured for Derby’s U21 side and gained senior experience during a loan spell with Bath City before signing for Worthing in 2024. He later joined Enfield Town, initially on loan before making the move permanent, and most recently featured for Horsham in National League South.

Welcome to Crabble, Jack.

Don’t miss your chance to sponsor Jack this season. Home £100, Away £90, Home and Away £180. To purchase, please contact the office by phone on 01304822373, or alternatively pop into reception on a matchday.

Fuad Sesay has signed a new deal with the club for the 2026/27 season.

The left-back began his career with Sheffield Wednesday, impressing at both U18 and U21 level before joining the Whites.

After making three appearances during our 23/24 National League South campaign, Fuad returned to Crabble at the start of the 2024/25 season and was a key presence down the left flank, making 49 appearances during our successful Isthmian League campaign.

He added a further 19 appearances last season and will now continue with the club for the new campaign.

Don’t miss your chance to sponsor Fuad this season. Home £100, Away £90, Home and Away £180. To purchase, please contact the office by phone on 01304822373, or alternatively pop into reception on a matchday.

Start the new season in style as the Whites welcome Slough Town to the Megger Community Stadium for our opening home fixture.

Enjoy a three-course meal, premium seating and a relaxed hospitality experience before taking in the first league action of the campaign at Crabble.

Your package includes:

• Access to our hospitality lounge, complete with large TVs and projector
• A three-course meal served at your table
• Reserved, undercover premium padded seating
• Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water
• A dedicated paid bar before and after the match
• A complimentary matchday programme

Hospitality is priced at £32.50 per person and is available for individual or group bookings, as well as gift vouchers.

Please note that match admission is not included for non-season ticket holders, who will still need to purchase entry at the turnstiles on the day.

Starter:

Pate served with Melba Toast

Main:

Roast Beef served with Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert:

Strawberry and Cream Cheesecake

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email enquiries@doverathletic.com or call the office on 01304 822373

Dover Athletic concluded their pre-season campaign with a 1–1 draw against Carshalton Athletic at the Megger Community Stadium, as Trent Rendall’s unusual second-half equaliser cancelled out the visitors’ opener.

The Whites began brightly and almost opened the scoring inside two minutes. Wilkinson played a defence-splitting pass into the path of Sheriff, who raced through and got his shot away, only for the assistant referee’s flag to bring the move to an end.

Rendall’s long throws also caused problems for the Carshalton defence. One delivery was only partially cleared to Wilkinson on the edge of the penalty area, but his volley skimmed narrowly wide.

Wilkinson and Sheriff combined again moments later, with the striker’s effort palmed away by the visiting goalkeeper. From the resulting corner, both Jones and Onu were presented with opportunities to head Dover ahead, although neither could direct the ball on target.

Carshalton offered their first threat from a corner after 15 minutes, which Walker dealt with confidently by punching clear.

Dover continued to create the better openings. A well-weighted ball over the defence released Sheriff, but the Carshalton goalkeeper reacted quickly and raced from his line to gather. Baptiste then produced an excellent outside-of-the-foot pass to send Sheriff into space, although his low ball across goal was intercepted before it could reach Onu.

Despite Dover’s encouraging start, it was the visitors who took the lead with their first meaningful attacking move in the 26th minute. Rendall appealed for a foul during the build-up, but play was allowed to continue and Carshalton capitalised to make it 1–0.

The Whites responded by delivering several dangerous crosses into the penalty area, but nobody was able to provide the decisive touch. Carshalton then came close to doubling their advantage when an effort bobbled narrowly beyond Walker’s far post.

Dover’s best chance of the half arrived two minutes before the interval. Onu found space inside the area and struck a low effort towards goal, but the goalkeeper made an impressive save with his foot. Onu went close again shortly afterwards, heading over the crossbar as the hosts entered the break one goal behind.

Leberl made his first change at half-time, introducing a trialist in place of Jallow.

Dover resumed on the front foot. Baptiste crossed towards Jones, whose header back across goal was intercepted by a Carshalton defender before a teammate could convert at the far post.

Onu continued to drive Dover forward, carrying the ball through midfield as part of another promising attacking move, but the Whites remained unable to find the finishing touch.

Sonny Fish replaced Wilkinson shortly after the hour, before Carshalton made three substitutions of their own.

Dover eventually drew level in the 71st minute through Rendall. The defender appeared to be delivering a chipped cross into the penalty area, but the ball continued to float over the goalkeeper and dropped into the top corner to make it 1–1.

The equaliser gave Dover renewed momentum. Onu broke through on goal three minutes later but dragged his shot wide of the post, missing the opportunity to complete the turnaround.

Kola Salami was introduced for Sheriff with ten minutes remaining as Dover continued to search for a winner.

Carshalton threatened from a dangerous free-kick in the 85th minute, but Walker read the delivery well and came quickly from his line to punch clear. Dover immediately attacked at the opposite end, where Salami’s effort was forced behind for a corner.

The Whites finished the contest with a good rhythm and won a late free-kick after Charles-Cook was fouled, but Carshalton held firm through two minutes of added time.

The draw brings Dover’s pre-season schedule to an end, with attention now turning to next Saturday’s opening National League South fixture away at Billericay Town.

Dover Squad: Walker, Charles-Cook, Jones, Rendall, Sesay, Bakrin, Jallow, Wilkinson, Sheriff, Onu, Baptiste

Subs: Bartlett, Fish, Salami, Fuller, Ezenwanne, Trialist

New Strategic Partnership Signals Exciting Future for Dover Athletic Football Club

Dover Athletic Football Club is delighted to announce a new strategic partnership between the Club, Jim Parmenter and the Suonal group, marking the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for the Club.

The agreement sets out a shared vision for the future of Dover Athletic, focused on financial stability, sustainable growth and investment into the Club’s infrastructure and facilities.

The partnership builds on an existing relationship with businesses connected to the Suonal group. Newsteam Group Ltd has been a proud supporter of Dover Athletic for several years with advertising in the River End stand, while The Mighty Kitchen, another group company, is the current front-of-shirt sponsor for the Club’s Youth Section.

This existing support from Newsteam Group and The Mighty Kitchen provides a strong foundation for the next stage of the relationship between Dover Athletic and the Suonal group.

As part of the partnership, the Board of Dover Athletic Football Club will be strengthened by the appointments of:

Simon Wakeham as Commercial Director

Catherine Hamilton-Woodthorpe as Finance Director

Paul Goddard as Vice Chairman

These appointments bring significant commercial, financial and leadership experience to the Club and will help support the next phase of Dover Athletic’s development.

The partnership includes a commitment to continue the sponsorship and financial support package that has been in place since the beginning of last season. This continued support is intended to provide stability while Suonal works with the Club to invest off the pitch, grow commercial revenues and create a stronger platform to fund Dover Athletic’s ambitions on the pitch.

The parties have also agreed a framework under which the Suonal group will become the Club’s majority shareholder over time.

The Club and the Suonal group would like to acknowledge the commitment and contribution of Chairman Jim Parmenter to Dover Athletic Football Club over many years. Jim will continue as the Club’s Chairman and Director of Football, working alongside the Suonal group to support its future development.

A key element of the partnership is a commitment to explore opportunities to improve the Club’s facilities and infrastructure, supporting the Club’s long-term growth.

The first supporter-focused initiative will be the introduction of live music in the Centre Spot following Saturday 3pm home fixtures. Fully funded by the Suonal group, the initiative is designed to enhance the matchday experience, encourage supporters to stay longer after games and create a stronger sense of community around the Club. It is the first of several initiatives planned to enhance the supporter experience.

Jim Parmenter, Dover Athletic Chairman said:

“This agreement represents an exciting opportunity for Dover Athletic Football Club. The commitment being made to the Club gives us confidence that we can continue building a stable and successful future for our supporters, players, staff and the wider community.”

Paul Goddard, representing the Suonal group, said:

“Dover Athletic is a club with a proud history, tremendous potential and a passionate supporter base. Initially inspired by Executive Chairman Tom Crawley’s lifelong love of the Club, the entire Suonal ownership group believes strongly in Dover Athletic’s future.

Our objective is simple: to make Dover Athletic stronger off the pitch so it can become stronger on it. That means growing attendances, strengthening commercial partnerships, increasing revenues and improving the supporter experience. By creating a more financially sustainable club, we can provide the foundations needed to achieve Dover Athletic’s ambitions on the pitch. The introduction of live music after Saturday home matches is just the first of many initiatives we intend to bring forward.”

The Club looks forward to updating supporters as plans progress and to working closely with all stakeholders during this exciting new chapter in Dover Athletic’s history.

Media Enquiries: enquiries@doverathletic.com

Dover Athletic Football Club

Crabble Athletic Ground

Lewisham Road, River

Dover, Kent CT17 0PA

A brace from Decarrey Sheriff helped Dover Athletic come from behind to secure a 2–2 draw against Herne Bay in their penultimate pre-season fixture at the Megger Community Stadium.

Sheriff opened the scoring midway through the first half before Herne Bay struck either side of the interval to turn the game around. The Dover forward then found the net for a second time on 58 minutes, finishing another well-worked move to ensure the sides ended the evening level.

New signing Sonny Fish was named among the substitutes, alongside academy players Essa Jadama and Hayden Fuller.

Herne Bay made an encouraging start and produced the first opening after seven minutes, sending a bobbling effort narrowly beyond Walker’s far post.

The visitors threatened again four minutes later when they found a route through Dover’s defensive line. Walker came quickly from his goal and blocked the initial shot, but the deflection continued towards the net before Rendall reacted sharply to clear the danger.

Dover gradually began to establish themselves in attacking areas. Salami won possession near the corner flag on 13 minutes and pulled the ball back towards Baptiste, whose effort was blocked by the Herne Bay defence.

The Whites went closer four minutes later following a lively passage inside the visitors’ penalty area. The ball moved between Baptiste, Salami and Bakrin before dropping to Onu, but his final effort was also charged down.

Baptiste continued to provide Dover’s main outlet down the flank and won a free-kick in a promising wide position after his driving run was halted by a foul.

Salami then controlled a deep delivery well before cutting inside, although his attempted final ball went astray.

Despite Herne Bay having caused Dover several problems during the opening stages, it was the Whites who broke the deadlock in the 28th minute.

Baptiste battled to regain possession in midfield before threading an excellent pass into the path of Sheriff. The forward showed composure after breaking through, converting to give Dover a 1–0 advantage.

Herne Bay responded eight minutes later, finding an equaliser in the 36th minute to restore parity.

Dover nearly reclaimed the lead shortly before the interval. Baptiste exchanged a quick one-two with Sheriff, allowing the goalscorer to release a powerful effort, but the visiting goalkeeper produced an excellent diving save.

The sides therefore went into the break level at 1–1, with Sheriff’s goal separating two otherwise evenly matched teams.

Herne Bay made a fast start to the second period and completed the turnaround just three minutes after the restart. Their number 14 found the net to put the visitors 2–1 ahead.

Dover immediately went in search of a response. Onu delivered a deep cross towards the back post, where Salami rose to meet it, but his header flew inches wide.

Walker was called into action again on 57 minutes, dealing comfortably with a long-range effort that skimmed across the turf.

A minute later, Dover were level.

Onu produced an excellent piece of control before driving through the Herne Bay midfield. He slipped the ball into Sheriff’s path, and the striker made no mistake to score his second goal of the evening and bring the Whites back to 2–2.

Dover made three changes on the hour, with Onu, Jallow and Salami replaced by Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite, Fish and Trialist A.

The substitutions brought renewed energy to the Whites, who began to find a greater rhythm and push for a third goal. Herne Bay remained dangerous on the counter, however, combining some sharp passing with quick breaks from defensive areas.

Walker punched away another visiting effort with 16 minutes remaining as Herne Bay continued to test the Dover defence.

Fish almost marked his first Dover appearance with a memorable goal in the 78th minute, attempting an inventive backheel that narrowly failed to beat the goalkeeper.

Lewis Bartlett replaced Walker a minute later, before academy players Jadama and Fuller were both handed opportunities during the closing stages. Jadama came on for Charles-Cook in the 82nd minute, with Fuller replacing Jones shortly before full-time.

Neither side could produce a late winner, leaving Dover to settle for a draw after twice finding themselves in front and then behind.

The Whites conclude their pre-season schedule on Saturday when Carshalton Athletic visit the Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic: Walker, Charles-Cook, Jones, Rendall, Ezenwanne, Bakrin, Jallow, Baptiste, Sheriff, Onu, Salami.

Substitutes: Bartlett, Fish, Jadama, Fuller, Wilson-Braithwaite, Trialist A.

Dover Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of striker Sonny Fish from Torquay United.

The 22-year-old arrives at the Megger Community Stadium to further strengthen Jake Leberl’s attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Born in Southend-on-Sea, Fish began his senior career with Redbridge after spending time in the youth setups at AFC Sudbury and Aveley. His performances earned him a move into the professional game with Leyton Orient in February 2022.

The 6ft 2in forward later gained further senior experience during a loan spell with Bowers & Pitsea before joining Crawley Town on a two-year deal in August 2023.

While with Crawley, Fish continued his development through loan moves across the National League system, representing Worthing, Tonbridge Angels, Welling United, Gateshead and Solihull Moors.

His most productive spell came at Welling during the second half of the 2023/24 season, where he scored six times in ten league appearances.

Fish joined Torquay United following his departure from Crawley in the summer of 2025. After an injury-delayed start to his time at Plainmoor, he went on to make his debut in October and scored his first goal for the Gulls during a victory over Chesham United.

A powerful and hard-working centre-forward, Fish has also represented Wales at under-18 level, making two appearances in 2022.

Sonny will now link up with his new teammates as preparations continue for the new season.

Welcome to Dover, Sonny!

(Subject to FA clearances)

Don’t miss your chance to sponsor Sonny this season. Home £100, Away £90, Home and Away £180. To purchase, please contact the office by phone on 01304822373, or alternatively pop into reception on a matchday.

Dover Athletic continued their preparations for the new season with a deserved 1–0 victory over Burgess Hill Town at the Megger Community Stadium, as Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite’s second-half header proved the difference between the two sides.

The Whites made a solid start and immediately looked to play on the front foot. Trialist B was presented with an early opportunity to drive towards goal, only for former Dover defender Luca Cocoracchio to step across and bring the run to an end. Burgess Hill then threatened to break at the opposite end, but Beadle produced an important last-ditch challenge to halt the visitors’ attack.

Sheriff found space in a promising central position after ten minutes, although the flag was raised for offside before he could seriously test the goalkeeper. Dover continued to press aggressively as Burgess Hill attempted to play out from the back, frequently forcing their opponents into rushed passes and hurried clearances.

The first major opportunity arrived in the 17th minute when Baptiste delivered a dangerous, whipped cross into the penalty area. The visiting goalkeeper was unable to hold it cleanly, but Dover could not bundle the loose ball over the line. Another delivery flashed across the face of goal moments later, with nobody able to provide the decisive touch.

Following the first hydration break, play was halted again when Oyenuga required treatment. He was unable to continue and was replaced on the half-hour mark by Roman Charles-Cook.

Burgess Hill attempted to capitalise on a Dover corner four minutes later, launching a quick counter-attack, but Charles-Cook recovered well and calmly dealt with the danger. Dover soon returned to the offensive and came close to opening the scoring when Sheriff unleashed a powerful strike, forcing the visiting goalkeeper to beat the ball away with strong palms.

Onu was next to threaten after Bakrin picked him out with an excellent searching pass. The forward moved into a dangerous position, but the goalkeeper spread himself well and made the save with his feet. Despite Dover enjoying the better opportunities and carrying the greater attacking threat, the teams went into the interval level at 0–0.

Leberl made three changes at the break, introducing Momodou Jallow, Trent Rendall and Sesay in place of Beadle, Trialist B and Ezenwanne. The Whites began the second half sharply, with Jallow immediately producing a quick first-time delivery into the box. Baptiste met it but was unable to direct his effort towards goal.

Baptiste continued to make his presence felt, winning possession back strongly in midfield before holding off two defenders and earning Dover a corner. Onu then came within inches of breaking the deadlock when he almost rounded the advancing goalkeeper, but the slightest touch from the stopper diverted the ball wide.

Charles-Cook provided another dangerous delivery shortly before the hour mark, chipping the ball towards Baptiste inside the area. A Burgess Hill defender intervened at the crucial moment and headed behind for a corner.

Two further changes followed on the hour as Wilson-Braithwaite and Kola Salami replaced Jones and Trialist A. The substitution quickly paid off, with Wilson-Braithwaite giving Dover the lead just two minutes after his introduction. The midfielder attacked a corner inside the penalty area and powered a header beyond the goalkeeper to make it 1–0.

Burgess Hill struggled to create a response, with their next attempted counter-attack halted by an offside flag. Walker had been largely untroubled throughout the opening 75 minutes, while Dover continued to pose a threat from set pieces. Wilson-Braithwaite nearly doubled both his and Dover’s tally when he again met a corner, sending his effort narrowly off target.

Rendall produced a firm defensive intervention as the visitors attempted to take advantage of a fortunate deflection from a Dover clearance. The defender was called upon again moments later when Walker was caught short after coming from his goal. The ball threatened to roll over the line, but Rendall reacted quickly and swept it away before Burgess Hill could equalise.

The visitors applied their strongest spell of pressure during the closing stages, briefly pinning Dover inside their own defensive third. Their best opportunity arrived in the 89th minute when an acrobatic effort was directed towards goal, but Walker was alert and made a strong save to preserve his clean sheet.

Dover saw out the remaining minutes to secure a 1–0 victory in their latest pre-season test. Wilson-Braithwaite’s goal separated the sides, while the Whites produced another encouraging performance ahead of the new campaign.

Dover return to the Megger Community Stadium on Tuesday evening, when Herne Bay visit for the club’s penultimate pre-season fixture.

Dover Athletic: Walker (c), Oyenuga, Jones, Beadle, Ezenwanne, Bakrin, Trialist A, Baptiste, Sheriff, Onu, Trialist B.

Substitutes: Bartlett, Charles-Cook, Rendall, Wilson-Braithwaite, Sesay, Jallow, Salami.