By James Gray
Dorchester Town will be hoping to cause a cup upset this Saturday (3pm KO) when they travel to National League South outfit Dover Athletic in the Second Round of the FA Trophy.
The Magpies have reached this stage of the tournament after knocking out Bideford AFC and Basingstoke Town, while Dover will be playing their first FA Trophy tie of the season by virtue of their Step Two status.
Dorchester boss Tom Killick has insisted the pressure is off his side ahead of a contest in which he hopes the Magpies will play with "more freedom" compared with recent games.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of Dorchester's trip to Dover.
Dover In Brief
Founded: 1983
Nickname: The Whites
Stadium: The Megger Community Stadium
Capacity: 5,745
Playing Surface: Grass
Ones To Watch
Striker George Nikaj is Dover's joint top-scorer (six) in the National League South this season and is likely to be one of the key attacking threats for the Whites this weekend.
Alfie Matthews is another name for the travelling Dorchester support to keep an eye on. The former Arsenal academy midfielder scored a brace in Dover's most recent league win over Enfield Town, and enjoyed a standout 2024/25 season on the way to the club achieving promotion to Step Two.
The Gaffer
Jake Leberl has a long standing association with Dover as both a player and coach, enjoying notable success as the latter. Leberl was appointed first team manager in December 2023, steering the club back to the National League South at the first attempt last season.
Previous Meeting
A debut hattrick from Jeff Goulding helped secure a 4-0 away win for Dover when the two sides last met in January 2014. In a season which ultimately saw Dorchester relegated from the then-Skrill South, Dover wrapped up a league double over the Magpies, courtesy of a Barry Cogan free-kick shortly before full time.
Form Guide
Magpies - LWWDD
Dorchester are on their best run of the season so far, having followed up consecutive wins over Basingstoke with draws against Bracknell Town and Chertsey Town respectively.
Whites - DLLDW
Dover have won only once in their last five matches, although that victory did come last time out for the Whites - a 4-1 home drubbing of Enfield. Dover boast a respectable home record this season, losing just four out of ten matches in all competitions at the Megger Community Stadium.
Magpies Mind-Boggler
1.) Dorchester have become well accustomed to away cup draws in recent years, but can you correctly guess the season in which we last won back-to-back away matches in the FA Trophy?
See answer at the bottom of page
Team News
Luke Roberts is expected to return to the matchday squad, after a period out through injury. Midfielder Charlie Wooding has joined Wessex League Premier Division side New Milton on dual-registration. Wes Fogden remains Dorchester's only long-term absentee.
Admission Prices
Tickets are available to be purchased on matchday at the Megger Community Stadium. Prices are as follows:
Adults: £18
Concessions: £17
Under 18s: £10
Under 10s: Free (With a paying adult)
Travel Information
Supporters Coach: The club will be running a supporters coach to Dover, which will be departing the Avenue Stadium at 9am on Saturday, November 15. Tickets are still available at £35 per person and can be purchased here.
By Car: Several routes on how to reach the Megger Community Stadium by car can be found on Dover's official website here.
Anyone travelling by car should please note that there is no parking for supporters within the ground. Instead alternative parking is available in the rugby ground, which is just inside the main entrance - stewards will be on hand to direct you.
By Train: The closest station to the Megger Community Stadium is Kearsney, which is about a 10-15 minute walk from the ground.
If you are disembarking at Kearsney, turn right as you leave the station, go under the railway bridge and then take the first road on the left (Lower Road).
Follow Lower Road all the way along, past a pond on your right and the Crabble Corn Mill on your left. At the end you will see the Cricketers pub on the other side of the road. Turn right and you should see the entrance to the ground.
Further information on how to reach the Megger Community Stadium can be found on Dover's official website here.
Magpies Mind-Boggler Answer:
1.) 1996/97 season. Billericay Town (4-0) & Sutton United (2-0).