National League – South · National League South – 13
Saturday 24 October, kickoff 15:00
Dover Athletic make the long trip to Wiltshire on Saturday as they take on third-placed Salisbury in the National League South, with a 3pm kick-off at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. With the season beginning to take shape, Andy Hessenthaler’s side will be eager to make a statement against one of the division’s in-form sides and close the gap on the teams above them in the table.
The form guide
6W 3D 2L · GD +12
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5W 3D 3L · GD +1
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Salisbury arrive into this fixture in formidable shape. Steve Claridge’s side have not lost in their last five league outings, picking up four wins and a draw in that run to cement their place in the upper reaches of the division. Their form rating of 87% underlines just how consistent they have been of late, and with strong attacking and defensive numbers to match, they represent a stern test for any side in the National League South.
Dover, meanwhile, have shown plenty of encouraging signs of their own. Three wins from their last five matches — including three consecutive victories at one stage — demonstrate that Hessenthaler’s men are more than capable of competing at this level. A defeat in their most recent outing will have tempered some of that momentum, though their attack rating of 36% suggests that finding the net with regularity remains an area the Kent side will be looking to sharpen. Defensively, Dover have been reasonably solid, posting a 71% defensive rating, and that resilience could prove crucial on the road against a Salisbury side who have been firing on all cylinders.
The head-to-head record
| Date | Competition | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Aug 2025 | National League – South | Dover | 2-0 | Salisbury |
| 28 Mar 2026 | National League – South | Salisbury | 2-1 | Dover |
The recent history between these two clubs makes for interesting reading ahead of Saturday’s encounter. The sides have met twice in recent memory, with the spoils shared between them. Dover claimed a 2-0 victory when the sides last met at Crabble, a result that will give Hessenthaler’s squad confidence that they can get something from this fixture. However, Salisbury responded emphatically in the most recent meeting, running out 2-1 winners on their own patch. That result will serve as a reminder to Dover of the challenge that awaits them, and Salisbury will be keen to use home advantage to their benefit once again.
The men in the dugout
Salisbury
DoverSteve Claridge takes charge of a Salisbury side that is clearly well-organised and playing with real confidence. His side’s consistency across recent weeks suggests a settled and well-drilled squad, and Claridge will be looking to maintain that momentum as his team push for a place at the top of the National League South standings.
For Dover, Andy Hessenthaler is a manager with a wealth of experience at this level and beyond. A former Dover player himself, Hessenthaler knows the club inside out and will be determined to guide the Whites towards the upper half of the table. His ability to organise a defensively disciplined side could be key to picking up a positive result on the road.
Players to watch
Neither side has a standout individual scorer dominating the league charts at this stage of the season, which means Saturday’s contest could well be decided by collective effort and tactical discipline rather than individual brilliance. For Dover, the players who can provide creativity and energy in the final third will need to step up if the Whites are to trouble a Salisbury defence that has been in fine form. At the other end, Dover’s defensive unit will need to be at their best to contain a home side that has been scoring freely in recent weeks.
The prediction
Bookmaker advice: Winner : Salisbury
On paper, Salisbury hold the advantage. Their superior recent form, strong home record against Dover, and well-rounded performances across the pitch make them the favourites heading into Saturday’s contest. The numbers suggest a home win is the most likely outcome, though the draw remains a very real possibility — and Dover’s defensive solidity means this is unlikely to be a straightforward afternoon for the hosts. If Hessenthaler’s side can stay compact and make the most of any opportunities that come their way, a point is not beyond them. A narrow Salisbury win looks the most probable result, but Dover will travel in hope of causing an upset.
League standings
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Maidstone Utd | 12 | 8 | 1 | 3 | +9 | 25 |
| 2 |  Ebbsfleet United | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | +16 | 22 |
| 3 | Salisbury | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | +12 | 21 |
| 4 |  Billericay Town | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | +11 | 21 |
| 5 |  Truro City | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | +9 | 21 |
Preview data via api-football. Form, head-to-head, standings, manager and prediction figures sourced live at the time of compilation; squad and team-news availability subject to last-minute change.