Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter describes free-entry National League South game as early Christmas present for the town; Bumper crowd expected to descend on Crabble

Dover chairman Jim Parmenter has described their free-entry match as an early Christmas present for the town.

Whites will fling the doors open at Crabble for their penultimate home fixture of 2025 as they take on National League South strugglers Eastbourne Borough this Saturday.

With money tight for many as lifestyle costs rise, especially for some who live in the more deprived areas around Dover, Parmenter is giving back to the local community.

“Things are tough for people at the moment,” said Parmenter. “We know that.

“Every time you turn the telly on, a tax has gone up, a cost has gone up or energy bills have gone up. It’ll be nice to give people the chance to come up here a few days before Christmas.

“Hopefully, there will be a good party atmosphere and everyone enjoys themselves. We’re putting quite a lot of things on for people.

“It’s like a little Christmas present to the town.

“We have got all sorts of special catering things on. We will have mulled wine.

“Father Christmas will be in his grotto with some little giveaways for the kids. There will be elves around the ground, handing out Candy Canes and [other] sweets for the children.

“There will be a disco in the Centre Spot from 12.30pm that, again, will be aimed at the youngsters.”

A big crowd is expected to attend the game, although Parmenter admits it’s tricky to establish just how many will show up.

He even is happy for people to come along - even if they don’t stay for the match.

“I just hope people aren’t too busy to come up, even if it’s only for an hour or two,” said Parmenter.

“They don’t have to stay for the whole afternoon.

“But obviously, there’s a big game of football on, as well, so the more people we have got supporting us for that, the better that