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Dover Athletic

Crabble Athletic Ground

Capacity: 5,745 (Seats 1,010)
Club Nickname: The Whites
Year Opened: 1897
Pitch Size: 113 x 73 yards
Address: Lewisham Rd, River, Dover, CT17 0JB
Phone: 01304 822373
Pitch Type: Grass
Shirt Sponsors: Megger
Fax: 01304 821383
Undersoil Heating: No
Manufacturer: VX3
Home Kit: White with Black trim
Away Kit: Blue
Last Update: August 1, 2024

Family Stand The Crabble Athletic Ground is certainly a memorable one, mostly for its picturesque location.

The Crabble ground is set into a hillside on one side of a river valley. At the base of this hillside is the ‘lower pitch’ which is now used by Dover Rugby Club. A previous club Dover FC, played matches here from 1897, before moving to the ‘upper pitch’ in 1951.

It was in this year that the current Main Stand was opened. This stand which runs the full length of the pitch on one side is a small covered all-seated stand, comprising five rows of seats. There are several supporting pillars running across the front of this stand, which could impede your view. The seating area stand is split into two sides, with an enclosed Press Box, situated near the halfway line. Above the middle area of the stand is a small upper tier that contains seating and looks to be used for Directors and Corporate Sponsors.

Opposite the Main Stand is the Family Stand which was built in 2016. Running for half the length of the pitch, towards the Dover End, this newish stand is a smart-looking one. Having a capacity of 500 seats, this stand is covered. On one side there is an unusual-looking security control box, which looks out onto the stadium, whilst below the control box is the player’s tunnel. On the other side of this Family Stand towards the River End, the ground is largely open, with just the clubhouse bar sitting in one corner.

Both ends are similar-looking covered terraces, that again have several supporting pillars. They are slightly unusual in that they are larger on one side than the other, as they have been built on a slope, which is evident from the pitch, which slopes up towards the Main Stand. There is a small scoreboard located above each end terrace.

Normally fans are not segregated at the ground, but if they are then the Dover End Terrace is given over to visiting supporters. This stand can accommodate 2,000 fans. From here you can enjoy some great views over the valley beyond.

However, this comes at a price, as it is quite a hike up to the stadium (cars and coaches are parked down on the lower level), although the Club does sometimes have a golf buggy available to transport the less mobile up the hill.

The ground is also quite exposed so especially in winter wrap up well as it can be quite a cold and biting wind that comes off the English Channel. Refreshments available inside include burgers, hot dogs and rolls.

Pubs near the Crabble Athletic Ground for away fans:

  • The Cricketers – Crabble Avenue, CT17 0JB
  • The Royal Oak – Lower Road, CT17 0QU
  • The Eight Bells – Cannon Street, CT16 1BZ

In 1896, a syndicate of local businessmen began a project to create a sports complex at the side known as Crabble Meadows on the outskirts of Dover. The project was an extremely costly one but was completed in 1897. Football was first played at the site in the same year the build was completed.

In 1902, the original owners of the land contemplated selling the land for redevelopment, but, eventually sold the site to the town council for a fee of £5,500. The pitch was shared by the town’s cricket and football teams, with the cricket team being given priority.

For those who have not been to Dover before, then remember it is further than you think. When you leave the M25 and join the M2, you feel as if you are almost there, when in fact you still have 60 miles to go!

Leave the M25 at Junction 2 and take the A2 then the M2 towards Dover. On the outskirts of Dover on the A2 again, you will reach a roundabout, that has a Mcdonald’s on your left.

At this roundabout take the fourth exit onto Whitfield Hill, signposted Dover North/River. At the bottom of this road, you will reach another roundabout, where you take the first exit onto London Road, going towards Dover Town Centre.

At the next set of traffic lights, you make a 180-degree right turn (so you are almost coming back on yourself) onto Crabble Road. After passing under a railway bridge the entrance to the grounds is further down on the left.

Parking isn’t available for supporters at the stadium itself but there are free spaces available in the rugby ground. Stewards will direct fans when they arrive.

The nearest railway station is Kearsney which is around a 15-minute walk away from the ground. This station is served by trains from London Victoria and Dover Priory, although not all trains stop at this station, so check beforehand.

Dover Priory Railway Station is also served by trains from London St Pancras and Charing Cross. However, the station is over two miles away from the ground, so either take another train to Kearnsey or take a taxi up to the Crabble grounds.

Dover Athletic ticket prices:

Adult: £17
Over 60: £15
U18: £9
U11: FREE

Official Programme: £2.50

Folkestone Invicta and Dartford.

Record Attendance

7,000 v Folkestone
13th October 1951

Average Attendance
2023-2024: 667 (National League South)
2022-2023: 705 (National League South)
2021-2022: 781 (National League)
2020-2021: 0 (Covid) (National League)
2019-2020: 1,104 (National League)

Official Web Site: www.doverathletic.com

If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.

Thanks to Eddie Allcorn for providing the photo of the new Family Stand at the Crabble Athletic Ground.

Reviews

Avatar of Myles Munsey (Ground hopper) Myles Munsey (Ground hopper)

Dover Athletic v Yeovil Town 
National League 
Saturday 7th March 2020 3pm
Myles Munsey (Ground hopper)

Reasons for visit
With spring coming (I think!) I tend to go further on my travels and Dover for me is a true footballing outpost. Another of my required grounds, the match promised a lot with Yeovil well in the promotion mix and Dover just shy of the play-off places.

Getting there
It is a long way from Berkshire to the White Cliffs – well nearly – but the 11.10 from Victoria deposited me at Kearsney at 13.03.So plenty of time to amble to the ground after a refreshment stop.

Before the game
The Dover suburb of River is undeniably attractive with the mill stream running alongside the latter part of the walking route but there is a not a lot around here in the way of facilities. A small Co-op or the pub. I chose the Royal Oak as mentioned in this guide and the brie and bacon roll I consumed was almost a meal in itself. Anyway it was warm and comfortable in there – all I needed.

Strolling up to the ground at around 2.15 I bought a programme and entered having first negotiated the steep hill. I noticed a golf buggy in operation which is good to see. For the less agile this is very welcome of course.  Not quite the north face of the Eiger but steep enough.

First impressions
Although the ground is rightly praised for its outstanding location shoehorned into the surrounding hillside, that I’m afraid was one of the few plus points. I found Crabble distinctly utilitarian and lacking colour. The new Family stand looked strange and like Ebbsfleet just does not fit in with the rest. A rusting old floodlight pylon in the far corner was a dreadful eyesore.  In the end, I decided to stand on the home terrace as I haven’t stood for a while anywhere.  I wasn’t expecting to recreate the good old days of terraces, but to be able to stand at all was a sort of comfort. The away end was a no-no as segregation was in force for this game. 
It was cold and dreary with a sea fret hanging around the treetops. It would have been far colder sitting. I had a good view from behind the goal though.

The game
A bright start by Dover was soon nullified by Yeovil in a first half shaded by the away side without really pressing home their advantage. What did impress me though was the way Yeovil strung passes together and launched counter-attacks playing the ball adeptly out of defence. Some of the passing by the Glovers was a joy to watch. Hoof ball was not in the script. Shooting from range was. 

This became more of a theme in the second half which Yeovil largely dominated. The solitary goal came 2 minutes into the second period where another ball crossed into the danger area from the right flank fell nicely to Courtney Duffus. A skilful turn and dink back to Marc Richards whose swerving shot from the edge of the area sailed into the top right hand corner. Why are these wonder goals always down the other end?
Dover rarely threatened and Yeovil saw the game out with little bother.

Getting away
Despite four minutes added time and the match not finishing until 16.55 I easily made the 17.22 from Kearnsey. The journey home was a long one and I was in by 9 pm.

Overall thoughts 
Normally footballing outposts create a favourable impression but I felt distinctly awkward at this location. There seemed to be no atmosphere on the home terrace and the question ‘what do you think of our ground?’ had to be skillfully negotiated. This was one ground sorry to say where the stewards definitely were not engaging, neither were they friendly. Lurking in amongst the fans when there wasn’t a hint of trouble concerned me. As a groundhopper and having come a long way I was hoping for a more welcoming experience. Sadly that didn’t happen. At least the game was a good one.

Avatar of Kevin Nash (Maidenhead United/Reading) Kevin Nash (Maidenhead United/Reading)

Dover Athletic v Maidenhead United
National League
Tuesday 26th November 2019, 7.45pm
Kevin Nash (Maidenhead United/Reading)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Crabble  Athletic Ground?

My first visit to the Crabble Stadium. Five years ago I would never have dreamed of going to Dover, but with Maidenhead getting promoted to the National League ignited my non-league interest. Before I usually watched Maidenhead at home.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

Easy. There is free parking around the rugby pitch below the main football stadium – the sat nav took me straight there.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

I was staying/working in the area, so ate at the hotel didn't mix with the home fans, but the guy in the golf buggy was cool, told we where I could get cash and park etc.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Crabble Athletic Ground?

I have seen it on television and it looked very picturesque and it was. A tidy well kept, nice ground. The wooden stand/control box looked quirky and the terrace was excellent, just the 15 of us Maidenhead fans though.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

The match finished Dover Athletic 3 Maidenhead United 4. It was an excellent end to end game and you can’t beat an away win. Inside the ground, I thought the stewarding was over-zealous. I was taking a picture of the ground and stands when told by a steward to move off the yellow criss/crosses by the hoarding…..I was about the only one there at the time & stopped for a few seconds…

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Easy, drove around the rugby pitch and straight back to the hotel.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

It is always excellent to tick off another ground, plus an away win with 7 goals and a penalty miss to boot. It would have been nice to see the ground in the daylight, but overall a nice stadium with free parking.

Avatar of Michael Cromack (FC Halifax Town) Michael Cromack (FC Halifax Town)

Dover Athletic v FC Halifax Town
National League
Saturday 16th March 2019, 3pm
Michael Cromack (FC Halifax Town)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Crabble Athletic Ground?
 
Another ground not yet visited and I had heard reference to the beauty of this ground.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
A straightforward journey on the train. Wakefield to London Kings Cross, then St Pancras to Dover. At Dover, I should have got on another train to Kearsney then walked to the ground but was advised at the station that the train to Kearnsey was delayed due to a tree on the line. So the network Rail fella said I would be better walking into town and getting a bus which I did.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I had a bit of time on my hands in London so I found a pub where I had a breakfast and a nice pint. I got into the ground just in the nick of time just as the players were coming out.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Crabble Athletic Ground?
 
This has got to be the most idyllic ground in the national league situated at the foot of a hill. Could clearly see people walking their dogs on it. As for the ground itself quaintly southern, small, bright, and cosy.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
This is a thing you don't get in the Premier League fans changing ends at half time. I had a bite to eat at the interval which wasn't cheap. For obvious reasons, there were only a handful of town fans there. As for the game itself, the strong wind didn't help either side. Dover coped better with it and won 2-1 despite a late equaliser and fight back by Town towards the end.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
A bus back to the station and I had enough time on my hands for a pint at the pub at the station and a brief chat with a Dover fan. We agreed neither side would be relegated. I had to run like an Olympian from St Pancras to Kings Cross to get on an earlier train so I got back to Yorkshire relatively early.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Never good having a long journey home after an away defeat but win, lose or draw another ground visited……job done!
Avatar of Paul Dickinson (Neutral) Paul Dickinson (Neutral)

Dover Athletic v Dagenham & Redbridge
National League
Tuesday 30th October 2018, 7.45pm
Paul Dickinson (Neutral)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Crabble Athletic Ground?
 
This was one of two remaining grounds for me to visit to complete this league.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
In view of the distance from my West Yorkshire home, I decided to go down by train and incorporate an overnight stay, much to the bemusement of my other half when she found out it was “only” to get another ground ticked off!
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
After dropping my bag at the hotel and grabbing a bite to eat, I got the train from East Canterbury to Kearsney. It was a surreal one mile walk to the ground in the dark and not seeing a soul until I arrived at the ground. I had time for a pint in the clubhouse before kick off.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Crabble Athletic Ground?
 
It was a familiar non-league sight of different sized stands and other buildings that had no doubt evolved over time. After sitting on trains for several hours, I decided to be old-school and stand up behind the goal with most of the home fans
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
Not difficult to see why Dover are bottom of the league-Dagenham strolled into a two-goal lead before half time. To be fair to the home side, they rallied in the 2nd half and somehow managed to hit the woodwork 3 times, without scoring.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
I left on 90 minutes and after another solitary walk back to the station, I arrived in plenty of time for the 10.09pm train back to Canterbury and was back at my hotel by 10.45pm
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
It would have been nice to see this ground in the daylight given the setting but I am pleased to get it ticked off, given the distance involved. I am already looking forward to ground 381 on Saturday, at Garstang in North Lancashire for an FA Vase game.
Avatar of Brian Scott (Neutral) Brian Scott (Neutral)

Dover Athletic v Solihull Moors
National League
Saturday 15th September 2018, 3pm
Brian Scott (Neutral)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Crabble Athletic Ground?
 
Attending this game now completes all of the current National League Premier for me. I was also particularly interested to stay in Dover and to visit the castle and view the intense activity in the docks.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
I had an easy journey down on Friday morning by train. First from Ipswich to Stratford and then to Dover, avoiding the London underground.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I had three hours up at the castle, but this wasn't enough really. Another visit will be needed, maybe when I visit Folkstone Invicta. I used the bus to get from Dover town centre out to the ground. For a Saturday game, the 90 or 91 will get you there from Pencester Road, which is a 10 minute walk from Dover Priory Railway Station.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Crabble Athletic Ground?
 
I got chatting to a group of home fans who had got off the same bus as me. They seemed very proud of their ground, but not of their team this season. I was impressed with the Crabble. Unless there was a very large crowd no one would need to get wet as all the stands give good protection. I chose not to pay the additional £1.50 to sit in the new stand and then watch the game with the sun in my eyes. The view from the lower Main Stand was good despite the posts in the way. There was a good view over the valley to the houses on the far side. There was no segregation and the away fans mingled with no trouble, changing ends at half time. The small group of visiting supporters made quite a lot of noise. I was surprised to see three Police in attendance inside the ground and wondered why?
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
The two teams seemed fairly evenly balanced until Solihull scored in the 72nd minute. Dover pressed for an equaliser, but it was all over when Solihull scored the second in the 79th minute. I was impressed with the scoreboard on the front of each end stand. One surprising thing was the number of balls that went out of the ground over the side stands – even one going over the big new stand. The attendance was 823.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
There was no rush to leave as the number 91 bus back to the town centre left from Lewisham Road at 17.20.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
It was a good trip to Dover and thankfully the weather was good. Had it been raining it would have been another matter as I spent so much of my time outside looking around. I returned home on the Sunday morning.
Avatar of Georgina Hawkes (Maidstone United) Georgina Hawkes (Maidstone United)

Dover Athletic v Maidstone United
National League
Tuesday 26th December 2017, 3pm
Georgina Hawkes (Maidstone United)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Crabble Athletic Ground?
 
I try to go to as many away games as possible and distance makes this one a given. Although it's my second visit so not holding much hope for the ground after last season.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
A simple 40 minute drive along the M20. The Dover one way system can be a pain and decided to park on opposite side nearer away entrance. On street parking is plentiful in the area.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
Just straight into the ground.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Crabble Athletic Ground?
 
The Crabble Ground looks okay from outside. The new wooden stand looks impressive on the hill. The walk up to the away end is a killer – its more of a mountain than a hill! Unfortunately, this season and last season have been the same for Maidstone fans – only one turnstile open, with the other only for concessions (they expected families to send their kids through that gate on their own! Very strange idea) resulting in a massive queue. The away end itself is half of a terrace behind the goal and a small section of seating on the sideline. The view from seating where we were is restricted due to a massive 8ft fence blocking off the rest of the ground. Also the terrace itself only has two small doorway type exits which worry me as a rush to exit could cause a major problem. The rest of the ground looks okay but as it was segregated we were only able to access the away section.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
It was a pretty entertaining local derby, and certainly a game of two halves. Maidstone were two nil up at half time, then Dover came back in the second half to draw 2-2. The atmosphere was okay, but away and home fans were kept so far apart that there wasn't much in the way of atmosphere between the fans. Stewards were friendlier than last season but none were able to tell me where I could buy a programme so I didn't get to buy one.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
Reasonably quick to leave the ground and walk down the hill. Again easier to park on residential roads around as the car park seems to get very snarled up. We got back onto the main road within 20 minutes of full time.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
One of our closest away days but one of my least favourite grounds to visit as an away fan. Stewards and the overall away experience almost make you feel like a hooligan which as a 30 year old woman with her 70 year old dad is unlikely! Not sure if this is only directed at Maidstone as other reviews I've read seem far more positive.
Avatar of David Osborne (Maidenhead United) David Osborne (Maidenhead United)

Dover Athletic v Maidenhead United
National League
Saturday 21st October 2017, 3pm
David Osborne (Maidenhead United fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Crabble Athletic Ground?
 
With Maidenhead United having been recently been promoted this was a new fixture and ground to see. Also the journey was not too far.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
We drove from Maidenhead. It was slow on M25 so got there in 2 and 1/2 hours. The Satnav lead us to ground smoothly. Easy parking on streets nearby.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
We went to bar inside the ground. Friendly service from staff and food portions were generous.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Crabble athletic Stadium?
 
The ground has an unusual setting, located high above the town with trees all around. I noticed that the pitch also has a significant slope. The home and away fans swapped ends at half time.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc.
 
Given it was the day of Storm Brian the attendance was low at about 800. Maidenhead fans made the most noise. The game was not a classic but was redeemed by Maidenhead equalising late on in the 93rd minute. The Club staff were friendly and helpful.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
Very easy, the roads were quieter and we got home in under two hours.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
The Crabble is certainly worth a visit for all ground hoppers. Sometimes a very late equalizer makes a draw feel as good as a win.
Avatar of John Uttley (York City) John Uttley (York City)

Dover Athletic v York City National League
Saturday 7th January 2017, 3pm
John Uttley (York City fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Crabble Athletic Ground?

I've always fancied visiting the Crabble Athletic Ground, but never thought I would with York City.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

Very easy journey down from Doncaster to Kings Cross and then short walk to St Pancras for connection to Dover Priory. Caught the 15B Bus in the Town Centre which dropped me outside the Crabble Ground.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

Visited several pubs with friends before doing my own thing.Definitely recommend the Rack of Ale Pub where I met some very friendly Dover fans.Also had a pint at the Cricketers pub, a couple of minutes from the ground.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Crabble Athletic Ground?

The Crabble is a very picturesque ground. I decided to venture in to the home end to meet up with the Dover fans I met earlier. The away end was fairly lively. 162 York City supporters had made the long journey south.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

A 2-2 draw which I would have settled for before kick off. The game was segregated but I had no bother in the Home end and the Dover fans were extremely friendly despite them being disappointed at not beating us. I tried the "Crabbleburger" which was fairly tasty but expensive. The clubhouse was spacious and the lady in the club shop was friendly. The stewards were fine too.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Got the 15B bus back in to town afterwards and arrived with 10 minutes to spare back at the railway station

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

Dover Athletic is a friendly club with friendly supporters. The Crabble is a quaint ground located in a nice setting. Overall an enjoyable day out.

Avatar of James Lee (Lincoln City) James Lee (Lincoln City)

Dover Athletic v Lincoln City
National Conference League
Saturday 24th September 2016, 3pm
James Lee (Lincoln City fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Crabble Athletic Ground?

Never been to Dover Athletic before. Both sides are doing well at the moment, so I hoped to see a good match.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

Dover is a long way from Lincoln, around 200 miles but I stayed the previous night at St Margerets Cliffe on a Sun Newspaper £9.50 holiday. On the day of the game I drove up Crabble Road past The Cricketers Pub and parked just outside some big iron gates where you start the steep climb up hill to the ground.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

I didn't go to a pub but I saw some of our fans sat in the beer garden of The Cricketers.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Crabble?

It doesn't look Football League standard to me, but is adequate for this level. The locals seemed nice friendly people who clearly care about their team. The away end was basic but okay. Portaloo toilets but you could wash and dry your hands fine, didn't sample the food but it looked alright.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

We as a team never got going and Dover ran out 2-0 winners. Both sets of supporters were in decent voice though. The home fans were sympathetic when one of their former players, playing for Lincoln got injured. He was applauded as he left the pitch.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

No trouble getting away. I was parking on the street though, not in the rugby ground car park.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

Miserable game for me but that's football, they are not a bad bunch in my opinion, but will need to invest further if they wish to make the Football League.