14/08/26
Dover Athletic v Slough Town
National League South
Saturday 15 August 2026, 3pm
Megger Community Stadium, Crabble Athletic Ground
Slough Town finally get their 2026/27 National League South campaign underway on Saturday afternoon as the Rebels make the trip to Kent to face Dover Athletic.
The fixture will be Slough’s first competitive match of the new season after the scheduled opening-day meeting with Ebbsfleet United at Arbour Park was postponed following the National League’s decision to suspend the Kent club.
Dover, meanwhile, have already played their opening fixture, beginning their campaign with a 2-0 defeat away to Billericay Town last Saturday.
With the Whites looking to put that result behind them and the Rebels eager to make a winning start to their campaign, Alan Julian’s side will be aiming to return from Crabble with points on the board.
Dover Athletic
Dover’s season got underway at Billericay Town last weekend, where they were beaten 2-0 at New Lodge.
The Whites started brightly and came close to taking an early lead when Baptiste’s free-kick from the edge of the area struck the crossbar after just three minutes.
However, Billericay opened the scoring on 18 minutes when Benton’s corner found Bonne at the back post, with the striker volleying home.
Dover continued to see plenty of the ball and created opportunities, but Billericay doubled their advantage ten minutes into the second half. Porter’s overlapping run created the opening before his delivery found Merrifield, who finished strongly to make it 2-0.
The hosts struck the woodwork again shortly afterwards, while Dover were unable to find a way back into the contest despite a number of changes from manager Jake Leberl.
Dover will now return to Crabble for their first home fixture of the campaign, looking to open their home schedule with a positive result.
The Rebels
New manager Alan Julian has overseen a significant rebuild of the Slough Town squad during the summer, while retaining a strong core from last season’s side.
Michael Edegbe, Tarik Gidaree, Johnny Goddard, Luke Holness, Balu Makumbi, Brian Nelson, Henry Ochieng, Dan Roth and Ruben Shakpoke were all retained initially, with Jaiden Drakes-Thomas and Jared Myers subsequently agreeing new deals after productive 2025/26 campaigns. Drakes-Thomas finished last season as the Rebels’ Golden Boot winner with nine goals, while Young Player of the Season Myers made 36 appearances and scored six.
Among the new arrivals are former Reading and Chelsea defender Josh Brooking, centre-back Keenan Quansah following his spell with Hereford, Joe Morrison from Gosport Borough, and Wycombe Wanderers youngster Arthur Gregory on a season-long loan. Further forward, George Vorster arrives from Sutton United after an impressive campaign with Burgess Hill, where he scored 17 goals and provided 13 assists, while Louis Walsh returns to the club after registering 25 goals and 14 assists for Thame United last season.
Goalkeeper Josh McNamara, midfielder Chris Regis and Reading loanee Shay Spencer are also among the additions to a squad which combines youth and experience as Julian prepares for his first season in charge.
Last season’s meetings
The Rebels and Dover met twice in the National League South last season, with Dover taking all three points at Crabble before the sides shared a 1-1 draw at Arbour Park in February.
Dover Athletic 2-0 Slough Town – 29 November 2025
Slough suffered a 2-0 defeat on a heavy Crabble pitch when the sides met in November.
The first half was a closely fought affair in difficult conditions, with Dover enjoying some early territory but Slough’s defence initially standing firm.
The breakthrough came four minutes after half-time. Harry Beadle’s long delivery was headed onto the crossbar by Jalen Jones, with George Nikaj reacting quickest to fire home the rebound from close range.
Nikaj almost doubled Dover’s advantage moments later, while Adam Desbois was called upon to make several saves as the home side continued to press.
Slough made five substitutions simultaneously on the hour mark in an attempt to change the game and were rewarded with a greater sense of urgency. The Rebels thought they had found an equaliser on 76 minutes when Jared Myers converted a Harvey Walker cross, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Dover eventually sealed the points when substitute Kenny Coker made an instant impact. Just two minutes after coming onto the pitch, he latched onto a flick-on from fellow substitute Luke Baptiste before finishing low past Desbois.
Nikaj struck the crossbar late on, while Desbois produced a superb double save to prevent a third, as Dover saw out the victory.
Slough Town 1-1 Dover Athletic – 28 February 2026
The return fixture at Arbour Park ended all square, although Slough were left frustrated after surrendering a late lead.
The Rebels created the better opportunities during a goalless first half, with Johnny Goddard particularly influential. The midfielder threaded a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Tarik Gidaree, but the full-back was denied by an excellent save from Mitch Walker.
Slough continued to look the more threatening side after the interval and eventually got their reward on 68 minutes.
A corner was only partially cleared to the edge of the box, where Tyrique Clarke reacted quickest to drive the ball back towards goal. With the ball bouncing through a crowded penalty area, it found its way into the net to give the Rebels a deserved lead.
Slough appeared to be managing the game effectively, but Dover found a leveller five minutes from time. Ruben Soares-Junior delivered a dangerous ball towards the near post and, under pressure, Kiki Oshilaja inadvertently diverted it past Adam Desbois and into his own net.
The Rebels pushed for a winner during the closing stages but were unable to find a decisive second goal, with the points ultimately shared.
Tickets
Supporters travelling to Dover can pay on the gate, with the following admission prices:
- Adults: £18
- Concessions: £17
- U18s: £10
- U11s: FREE with a paying adult
The ground is cashless, with card payments accepted on the gate.
The match takes place at the Megger Community Stadium, Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 0JB.
Getting to Crabble
By road
From outside Kent, make your way towards the M25, then take the M2/A2, following signs for Canterbury and then Dover.
Continue to the Whitfield roundabout, where there is a McDonald’s Drive-Thru on the left. Take the fourth exit down Whitfield Hill.
At the bottom of the hill, turn left at the roundabout and follow the road until the first set of traffic lights. At the lights, turn right and follow the road under the railway bridge. The ground is a little further up the road on the left.
There is no parking for supporters within the ground, although parking is available in the rugby ground just inside the main entrance. Stewards will be on hand to direct supporters.
If travelling via the M20/A20, leave the A20 in Folkestone at the exit immediately after the tunnel through the hill. Travel through the Alkham Valley, following signs for Alkham, which will eventually take you towards Kearsney.
By rail
The closest railway station to Crabble is Kearsney, which is approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the ground.
Kearsney is the last stop before Dover Priory on the line from London Victoria via Canterbury. Some trains on this line do not stop between Canterbury East and Dover Priory, so supporters should check that their service is a stopping service if they intend to get off at Kearsney.
From Kearsney, turn right as you leave the station, go under the railway bridge and take the first road on the left, Lower Road. Follow Lower Road all the way along, past a pond on your right and 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.
Supporters travelling on the line from London Charing Cross via Ashford will need to travel to Dover Priory, as these trains do not pass through Kearsney. Dover Priory is approximately two miles from Crabble, so a bus or taxi is recommended for the onward journey.
Further information for visiting supporters can be found on Dover Athletic’s visit Crabble guide.
Opening-day opportunity
After a disrupted start to the season, Saturday finally gives the Rebels the opportunity to get their campaign underway.
Alan Julian’s new-look squad has spent the summer preparing for the 2026/27 campaign, and the trip to Dover will provide the first opportunity to put that work into competitive action.
While Dover have already had a competitive fixture under their belts, Slough will be hoping the frustration of last weekend’s postponement can be turned into motivation as the Rebels look to make a positive start at Crabble.
It is the first step of a new campaign for Julian and his squad, and the Rebels will be looking to begin the season with a result on the road.
National League South
Saturday 15 August 2026, 3pm
Megger Community Stadium, Crabble Athletic Ground
Slough Town finally get their 2026/27 National League South campaign underway on Saturday afternoon as the Rebels make the trip to Kent to face Dover Athletic.
The fixture will be Slough’s first competitive match of the new season after the scheduled opening-day meeting with Ebbsfleet United at Arbour Park was postponed following the National League’s decision to suspend the Kent club.
Dover, meanwhile, have already played their opening fixture, beginning their campaign with a 2-0 defeat away to Billericay Town last Saturday.
With the Whites looking to put that result behind them and the Rebels eager to make a winning start to their campaign, Alan Julian’s side will be aiming to return from Crabble with points on the board.
Dover Athletic
Dover’s season got underway at Billericay Town last weekend, where they were beaten 2-0 at New Lodge.
The Whites started brightly and came close to taking an early lead when Baptiste’s free-kick from the edge of the area struck the crossbar after just three minutes.
However, Billericay opened the scoring on 18 minutes when Benton’s corner found Bonne at the back post, with the striker volleying home.
Dover continued to see plenty of the ball and created opportunities, but Billericay doubled their advantage ten minutes into the second half. Porter’s overlapping run created the opening before his delivery found Merrifield, who finished strongly to make it 2-0.
The hosts struck the woodwork again shortly afterwards, while Dover were unable to find a way back into the contest despite a number of changes from manager Jake Leberl.
Dover will now return to Crabble for their first home fixture of the campaign, looking to open their home schedule with a positive result.
The Rebels
New manager Alan Julian has overseen a significant rebuild of the Slough Town squad during the summer, while retaining a strong core from last season’s side.
Michael Edegbe, Tarik Gidaree, Johnny Goddard, Luke Holness, Balu Makumbi, Brian Nelson, Henry Ochieng, Dan Roth and Ruben Shakpoke were all retained initially, with Jaiden Drakes-Thomas and Jared Myers subsequently agreeing new deals after productive 2025/26 campaigns. Drakes-Thomas finished last season as the Rebels’ Golden Boot winner with nine goals, while Young Player of the Season Myers made 36 appearances and scored six.
Among the new arrivals are former Reading and Chelsea defender Josh Brooking, centre-back Keenan Quansah following his spell with Hereford, Joe Morrison from Gosport Borough, and Wycombe Wanderers youngster Arthur Gregory on a season-long loan. Further forward, George Vorster arrives from Sutton United after an impressive campaign with Burgess Hill, where he scored 17 goals and provided 13 assists, while Louis Walsh returns to the club after registering 25 goals and 14 assists for Thame United last season.
Goalkeeper Josh McNamara, midfielder Chris Regis and Reading loanee Shay Spencer are also among the additions to a squad which combines youth and experience as Julian prepares for his first season in charge.
Last season’s meetings
The Rebels and Dover met twice in the National League South last season, with Dover taking all three points at Crabble before the sides shared a 1-1 draw at Arbour Park in February.
Dover Athletic 2-0 Slough Town – 29 November 2025
Slough suffered a 2-0 defeat on a heavy Crabble pitch when the sides met in November.
The first half was a closely fought affair in difficult conditions, with Dover enjoying some early territory but Slough’s defence initially standing firm.
The breakthrough came four minutes after half-time. Harry Beadle’s long delivery was headed onto the crossbar by Jalen Jones, with George Nikaj reacting quickest to fire home the rebound from close range.
Nikaj almost doubled Dover’s advantage moments later, while Adam Desbois was called upon to make several saves as the home side continued to press.
Slough made five substitutions simultaneously on the hour mark in an attempt to change the game and were rewarded with a greater sense of urgency. The Rebels thought they had found an equaliser on 76 minutes when Jared Myers converted a Harvey Walker cross, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Dover eventually sealed the points when substitute Kenny Coker made an instant impact. Just two minutes after coming onto the pitch, he latched onto a flick-on from fellow substitute Luke Baptiste before finishing low past Desbois.
Nikaj struck the crossbar late on, while Desbois produced a superb double save to prevent a third, as Dover saw out the victory.
Slough Town 1-1 Dover Athletic – 28 February 2026
The return fixture at Arbour Park ended all square, although Slough were left frustrated after surrendering a late lead.
The Rebels created the better opportunities during a goalless first half, with Johnny Goddard particularly influential. The midfielder threaded a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Tarik Gidaree, but the full-back was denied by an excellent save from Mitch Walker.
Slough continued to look the more threatening side after the interval and eventually got their reward on 68 minutes.
A corner was only partially cleared to the edge of the box, where Tyrique Clarke reacted quickest to drive the ball back towards goal. With the ball bouncing through a crowded penalty area, it found its way into the net to give the Rebels a deserved lead.
Slough appeared to be managing the game effectively, but Dover found a leveller five minutes from time. Ruben Soares-Junior delivered a dangerous ball towards the near post and, under pressure, Kiki Oshilaja inadvertently diverted it past Adam Desbois and into his own net.
The Rebels pushed for a winner during the closing stages but were unable to find a decisive second goal, with the points ultimately shared.
Tickets
Supporters travelling to Dover can pay on the gate, with the following admission prices:
- Adults: £18
- Concessions: £17
- U18s: £10
- U11s: FREE with a paying adult
The ground is cashless, with card payments accepted on the gate.
The match takes place at the Megger Community Stadium, Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 0JB.
Getting to Crabble
By road
From outside Kent, make your way towards the M25, then take the M2/A2, following signs for Canterbury and then Dover.
Continue to the Whitfield roundabout, where there is a McDonald’s Drive-Thru on the left. Take the fourth exit down Whitfield Hill.
At the bottom of the hill, turn left at the roundabout and follow the road until the first set of traffic lights. At the lights, turn right and follow the road under the railway bridge. The ground is a little further up the road on the left.
There is no parking for supporters within the ground, although parking is available in the rugby ground just inside the main entrance. Stewards will be on hand to direct supporters.
If travelling via the M20/A20, leave the A20 in Folkestone at the exit immediately after the tunnel through the hill. Travel through the Alkham Valley, following signs for Alkham, which will eventually take you towards Kearsney.
By rail
The closest railway station to Crabble is Kearsney, which is approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the ground.
Kearsney is the last stop before Dover Priory on the line from London Victoria via Canterbury. Some trains on this line do not stop between Canterbury East and Dover Priory, so supporters should check that their service is a stopping service if they intend to get off at Kearsney.
From Kearsney, turn right as you leave the station, go under the railway bridge and take the first road on the left, Lower Road. Follow Lower Road all the way along, past a pond on your right and 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.
Supporters travelling on the line from London Charing Cross via Ashford will need to travel to Dover Priory, as these trains do not pass through Kearsney. Dover Priory is approximately two miles from Crabble, so a bus or taxi is recommended for the onward journey.
Further information for visiting supporters can be found on Dover Athletic’s visit Crabble guide.
Opening-day opportunity
After a disrupted start to the season, Saturday finally gives the Rebels the opportunity to get their campaign underway.
Alan Julian’s new-look squad has spent the summer preparing for the 2026/27 campaign, and the trip to Dover will provide the first opportunity to put that work into competitive action.
While Dover have already had a competitive fixture under their belts, Slough will be hoping the frustration of last weekend’s postponement can be turned into motivation as the Rebels look to make a positive start at Crabble.
It is the first step of a new campaign for Julian and his squad, and the Rebels will be looking to begin the season with a result on the road.
Copyright 2026 Slough Town F.C. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.sloughtownfc.com as the source.