Brief Directions by Road:

Join the M20 and head towards Dover.  The M20 automatically becomes the A20 at Folkestone.  After going through the Roundhill Tunnels at Folkestone, continue on this road for approx. 1.5 miles and take the exit off signposted, Dover Town Centre, B&B.

At the roundabout take the 1st exit into Dover.  Continue on this road entering Dover.  At the mini-roundabout, go straight over.

You will eventually come to a large roundabout.  Take the 1st exit and stay in the left-hand lane.  Continue on this road in the left-hand lane.  You are now on a one-way system.

After approx. 1.5 miles you will pass the Bull pub in your right, continue in the left-hand lane.  The traffic is now two-way.  Continue on this road passing an Esso petrol station on your left.   At the traffic lights stay in the left-hand lane.

Follow the road downhill and under the railway bridge.  The road will start to go up hill again.  Towards the top of the hill turn left into Crabble Athletic Ground.  The car park is at the top of the slope.

Directions to Crabble Athletic Ground (M2/A2) Join M2 and head towards Dover.  Exit M2 & join A2, still heading towards Dover.  At the end of the A2 you will come to a large roundabout (McDonald’s Drive Thru on your left but resist it please). Take the 4th exit down Whitfield Hill towards River. At the bottom of the hill, take the 1st exit at the roundabout and continue on this road. At the traffic lights, turn sharp right into River. Follow the road downhill and under the railway bridge.  The road will start to go up hill again.  Towards the top of the hill turn left into Crabble Athletic Ground.

Car Parking:

There is no parking for supporters within the ground, although parking is available in the rugby/cricket ground, which is just inside the main entrance. Street parking is plentiful although be prepared for an unsympathetic walk up the steep hill to the Crabble itself.

Directions by Train:

There is a choice of two stations for Dover Athletic FC, Kearsney (the nearest and about 20 minutes walk) and Dover Priory (about 2 miles away). Kearsney is on the London Victoria line via Canterbury and is less frequent than the London Charing X via Ashford train which travels directly to Dover Priory. Taxis are really the best option as both stations are a fair walk from the ground. Why not get there early and explore and take in a few hostelries on the way (please see below)

Eating and Drinking Locally:

For just a beer The Cricketers is the pub closest to the Crabble and has been a reliable pre match watering hole for years. Big beer garden and real ales. If not seek out The Three Cups on Crabble Hill – nice! Dover Priory Station offers the chance to visit the Golden Lion on Priory Street which comes recommended. The Eight Bells is the local Wetherspoons outlet closest to this station on Cannon Street. If alighting from Kearsney Station try the Royal Oak on Lower Road where you can be sure of a good food as well as a sound pint.

As ever I leave the best to last as the “Reckless Recommendation” is The Coastguard Bar & Restaurant (The Bay, St Margaret’s Bay, Dover, CT15 6DY) literally on the beach in the village St Margaret’s which is about a mile and half to the west of Dover. Find the A258 Deal to Dover road turning into Station Road signposted St Margaret’s. Go through the village and at the steep hill the Coastguard is clearly signposted and straightforward to find.  Not the cheapest place in the world I grant you but it comes highly recommended from my sources.

Social Club:

The Centre Spot is accessible from inside the ground and has great views of the pitch. We will be made welcome before and after the match.

Admission Prices:

Adult £15, Over 60s £12, U18s £6, U11s Free when accompanied by an adult.

Previous Meetings and Memories:

We have battled both versions of Dover and in fact the original club was a very frequent opponent during the 1960s and 1970s. It doesn’t get much better as an 11-year-old watching your team thrash another team away from home 0-6. That game in 1971-2 season – decorated with goals by Lou Adams (3), Paddy Powell (2) and Les Eason – was the start of our journey to Wembley. Our successful run up to winning the Club Call Cup in 1989 included a fine 5-1 victory over Dover at Underhill. That game featured goals from Nicky Ironton, Paul Shinners, David Sansom and Nicky Evans – who got two of course.