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Dartford v Chatham Town

April 5, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to close the gap on Chatham Town in their penultimate home game on Easter Monday and keep their season alive.

The Darts will have three games remaining after hosting the Chats to try and break into the playoff places and extend their campaign. A late draw on the weekend leaves Dartford three points short of the top five.

Chatham Town are in a stronger position and victory will all but secure a playoff spot. The Chats would need just one more point in their final three fixtures, but another slip up see pressure coming from the Darts.

Opportunity Missed in Late Draw

A last minute goal away at Carshalton Athletic on Saturday dramatically changed the picture in the playoff race. Unfortunate, it was one that the Darts conceded resulting in the game at Colston Avenue finishing 2-2. Adrian Pennock handed a first start to Evans Kouassi in place of Olly Box and in the only change to the side that thrashed Hashtag United a week earlier.

The Robins went in front before the break through Robert Huke, but Dartford turned the game around in six second half minutes. Sam Odaudu scrambled home the equaliser, then Rohan Vaughan put the visitors into a crucial lead. At that stage, with other playoff contenders struggling, the Darts were only a point away from the top five. However, an injury time leveller from Fabio Saraiva put a dent in Dartford’s hopes, even if Pennock’s side gained some ground on fifth spot.

Home Fortress

Time may be running out, but Dartford go into their Bank Holiday Monday fixture knowing they have a strong home record. If they are still withing a chance of reaching the playoffs come the final day, the Darts will also be at Princes Park in one last Kent derby versus relegation threatened Cray Valley Paper Mills.

Pennock’s side have enjoyed playing on home soil this term where they have won six of their last seven, dropping just two points since mid December. Only two sides have taken maximum points away from Princes Park all season. The Darts have collected the most points in the division at home, joint with Folkestone Invicta who will be playing National South football next term.

Solid on the Road

Chatham Town will be standing in the way and their success this season is down to their defence. The Chats have conceded the fewest goals in the division, kept an impressive 19 clean sheets and only let in eight on the road. You have to go back to 24 February since they conceded on their travels against Dulwich Hamlet in a 1-0 defeat, five away fixtures ago.

Festive Victory

The reverse fixture this season was over the Christmas period and Dartford recorded a third straight win over the Chats. Two defenders stepped up on the day to give the Darts an early two goal cushion. First, Joe Tennent reacted quickly to score from close range with just four minutes on the clock. A couple of minutes later, George Whitefield doubled the lead. Chatham Town halved the deficit with just over half an hour to play, but the Darts held out for the win.

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Highlights courtesy of Chatham Town

Darts Double

Pennock’s side can complete the double over the Chats for a second season in a row with victory on Monday. Last term, Dartford defeated Kevin Hake’s side on New Year’s Day at Maidstone Road. The breakthrough came on the hour in front of a record crowd when Reece Butler scored in his own net. Eddie Dsane clinched maximum points after coming off the bench as a substitute.

The two sides also played during the Bank Holiday August fixtures of 2024 and again the Darts won by a two goal margin. Chatham Town led when Jamie Vila opened the scoring, but Sam Odaudu levelled with a long range drive in the second half. Callum Jones hit one in off the underside of the crossbar six minutes from time and Dsane sealed the 3-1 win from the penalty spot.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Derby Day

When it comes to Kent derbies in the Isthmian Premier League, Dartford have only been beaten by Folkestone Invicta this season. The Darts have collected 19 points in these games, winning five and drawing four. Chatham Town’s record is similar with six victories and two draws out of 11 local derbies, picking up a total of 20 points.

Chatham’s Story So Far

Kevin Hake’s side have had a strong campaign in multiple competitions. Their Isthmian Premier season began with just one defeat in 11 games up until the end of October. Aside from a minor blip of four without victory at the start of the year, Chatham Town have been consistent. Leading up to Easter the Chats were seven unbeaten in the league until they lost 1-0 to Aveley on the weekend.

The Chats also reached the last 16 in both the League Cup and F.A Trophy, setting a club record for the latter. It took a defeat from finalists Southend United to knock out the Kent side after going through six rounds. The highlight of that cup run was former Dartford loanee Matty MacArthur goal to knock out Carlisle United.

Playoff Picture

Dartford have now got to within striking distance, but still need results to go their way. Whilst a derby day win against the Chats will close the gap on the fourth place side, combined with a defeat for Brentwood Town will move the Darts into the top five on goal difference. For that to happen Dartford will be hoping local rivals Welling United beat the Blues to enhance their own chances of staying in the Isthmian Premier.

Meanwhile in Essex, Aveley and Billericay Town can both book their place in the playoffs with wins against teams in the relegation zone. The Millers host Hashtag United and Ricay are at home to Canvey Island, but both sides need Dartford to lose.

Position	Team	Pld	Pts	GD
2	Aveley	37	74	+34
3	Billericay Town	37	72	+29
4	Chatham Town	37	70	+38
5	Brentwood Town	37	68	+13
6	DARTFORD	37	65	+22
7	Cray Wanderers	37	61	+7
8	Burgess Hill Town	37	61	-5

Manager’s View

Adrian Pennock was upset at the way his side failed to hang on to a win at Carshalton Athletic on Saturday, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the draw and said: “We’re trying to get in the playoffs and to concede the goal we did at the end, that’s not good enough”. The Dartford boss was disappointed, but on reflection he could find a small positive, he added: “With the other results going our way, it’s a good point away from home”.

The crucial Kent derby against Chatham Town on Monday is going to provide a big challenge for the Darts, Pennock commented: “They are a full-time side. We got a very good result at theirs, but it was very tough and it could have gone either way”. With the quick turnaround between the two Easter matches expect some alterations to the starting lineup, he explained: “There is going to be changes, we need to get some fresh legs on there after today. I believe in every single one of my players in my squad”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

It’s likely that a few changes will take place in the starting lineup. Up front provides a number of options as shown in the Hashtag United win when the whole attack was changed. So we could see Rohan Vaughan and Olly Box involved a bit more than Saturday’s draw. Eddie Dsane missed out on the weekend due to illness, but if fit the striker could be in the squad. Options at the back include Luther Williams and Joe Tennent, the latter has yet to get his place back since returning from suspension. Sammie McLeod will also be hopeful of more minutes in the midfield.

Jacob Bland has been recovering from a broken nose, whilst Samir Carruthers and Dean Nayler have been suffering long term injuries.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWDWD)			Chatham Town (WWWDDL)
Carshalton Athletic	A	2-2	Aveley	H	0-1
Hashtag United	H	7-0	Brentwood Town	A	0-0
Lewes	H	4-1	Tonbridge Angels (KSC)	H	1-1*
Folkestone Invicta	A	2-2	Burgess Hill Town	A	3-0
Cheshunt	A	1-0	Canvey Island	A	1-0
Wingate & Finchley	A	1-3	Canvey Island	H	3-0

KSC – Kent Senior Cup / * – lost 6-5 on penalties

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 33 / Chatham Town wins: 40 / Draws: 11

Previous Meetings

Chatham Town 1 – 2 Dartford (27/12/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Chatham Town 0 – 2 Dartford (01/01/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (26/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 3 Chatham Town (09/04/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)
Chatham Town 2 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (15/04/2006 – Southern League Div One East)

Statistics

Dartford have won five of the last six league meetings against Chatham Town (L1)
The Darts have won two of their last three in the league at home versus the Chats (L1)
The last three home league games hosted by Dartford in this fixture have ended 3-1 (W2, L1)

On This Day

Led by Ernie Morgan, Dartford secured a place at Wembley on this day in 1974 with a 0-0 F.A Trophy second leg draw against Macclesfield Town. Watling Street celebrated history being made after the Darts went through to the final with a 2-1 aggregate win.

Two years ago, Olly Box scored the winning goal at Havant and Waterlooville in a 2-1 National South. Former Hawk, Joash Nembhard had scored four minutes earlier to cancel out a strike from James Roberts.

Carshalton Athletic v Dartford

April 3, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Playoff chasing Dartford hit the road on Saturday with a trip to a Carshalton Athletic side looking to move a step closer to safety.

The Darts narrowed the gap on the top five last time out with their biggest league win in 39 years. Pennock’s side are now unbeaten in four and an away victory will put more pressure on those above them in the Isthmian Premier.

The Robins picked up an excellent point last weekend against champions elect Folkestone Invicta. The Surrey side had an excellent March with three wins from four to help them move out of the relegation zone.

Jez’s Treble at the Darts

Dartford made the most of Hashtag United’s recent decision to request voluntary relegation last weekend. The Darts handed out a 7-0 thrashing, which included a Jez Pinder first half hat-trick. The Darts went in at the break five up and it all started with a couple of blistering counter attacks.

Pinder put in the rebound from Dan Smith’s saved effort, then he was on the end of Dan Carter’s excellent low cross to double the lead. Smith took advantage of a defensive lapse by pouncing on a mistake and calmly rolling the ball beyond Jack Giddens in the visitor’s goal. Olly Box scored from the spot and then Pinder completed his first senior hat-trick. An indirect free kick was awarded when the Hashtag United goalkeeper picked up a back pass. The midfielder waited on the edge of the box, received the ball and placed his effort into the net. In the second half, Michael Olarewaju headed in his second in as many games and Denzelle Olopade made it seven.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Chasing Down the Top Five

Victory put the Darts four points shy of the playoff places after Brentwood Town dropped points. Pennock’s side have now lost just once in their last eight games and they could go three unbeaten on the road by avoiding defeat in the first set of Easter fixtures.

In the attacking third, the Darts have vastly improved their goal difference over the last two games with the 4-1 win over Lewes and the 7-0 triumph against Hashtag United. Contributing to the attacking input Smith, Olarewaju and Olopade all scored in both of those matches. After racing into a big half time lead on Saturday, Pennock was also able to rest the entire frontline of Callum Jones, Smith and Box in the second half. The Dartford boss introduced new signing Evans Kouassi, loanee Rohan Vaughan as well as Eddie Dsane. Defensively the Darts have kept four clean sheets in the last seven.

Playoff Picture

This weekend could set up the playoff race nicely for the remainder of the campaign. Burgess Hill Town need a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and host Brentwood Town, who the Darts are chasing down. Chatham Town in third take on second place Aveley and Cray Wanderers in seventh are on home soil against Billericay Town.

Position	Team	Pld	Pts	GD
2	Aveley	37	71	+33
3	Chatham Town	37	70	+39
4	Billericay Town	37	69	+28
5	Brentwood Town	37	68	+14
6	DARTFORD	37	64	+22
7	Cray Wanderers	37	61	+8
8	Burgess Hill Town	37	58	-6

Box’s Brace

Back in August, the Darts came from behind to beat Carshalton Athletic 4-1 at Princes Park. The Robins went ahead through Tommy Bradford’s penalty. Box levelled just before the interval. Dan Smith put the hosts in the lead and Pinder scored his only other goal this season increase the advantage. Rounding of the win, Box netted another in a good team performance.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Eddie Opens His Account

The last time Dartford visited Colston Avenue, Eddie Dsane scored his first goal for the Darts in a 1-0 win. The striker joined the club from Kingstonian in the summer of 2024 and is now on 24 goals for the club. The visitors held on to their 18th minute lead and needed an inspired Matt Kerbey in goal to keep the Robins out.

Carshalton Fight for Survival

Carshalton Athletic spoilt Dartford’s party once before and will be hoping to do the same again to help themselves reach their goal of safety. On the final day of last season the Robins finished off any hope of a Dartford Isthmian Premier title with a 4-1 win at Princes Park.

With the likelihood of Hashtag United getting relegated and the high chance of Potters Bar Town and Canvey Island going down, Carshalton Athletic are in competition with a few clubs to stay up. The Robins went over three months without a league win, spanning 16 matches until the end of February. In that time they picked up just seven points and saw the departure of Peter Adeniyi as boss.

Robins Revival

Steven Bates was named the new manager in time for the Ramsgate game and although he lost his first three in charge, Bates has led the Robins to a revival. Carshalton Athletic’s home record this season is marginally better than Dartford’s away record. Despite the 11 places between the two clubs, the Robins should pose a challenge for the Darts. It’s at home where Bates’ side have won their last two.

Both of those victories were over teams involved in the relegation battle. To kick start March, the Robins hosted Canvey Island and came from a goal down to win 3-1. Bryan Ifeanyi, who scored at Princes Park on the final day of last season, equalised before Tolu Ladapo and Charlie George secured maximum points.

Nathan Young-Coombes scored the only goal of the game at Cheshunt for an away win for the Robins, then another three home points came their way against Wingate and Finchley. This time the Surrey side racked up four goals with Young-Coombes opening the scoring, Denzel Akyeampong doubling the lead and Fabio Saraiva making it three. The visitors pulled one back before Ladapo made it 4-1.

To cap off a good month for the Robins they put three past champions elect Folkestone Invicta to deny them the title last weekend. The only disappointment would be that Carshalton Athletic were 3-1 up at one stage. Despite falling behind, Ryan Huke, Ladapo and Young-Coombes all found the back of the Invicta net, but the league leaders found a way back in the 3-3 draw.

Relegation Battle

As it stands it looks like there is one relegation place to be decided with Canvey Island and Potters Bar Town needing a lot to go their way and Hashtag United requesting demotion. That leaves Cray Valley Paper Mills and Welling United as Carshalton Athletic’s main concerns. The Robins will be hoping to move away from both Kent clubs and catch the likes of Wingate and Finchley as well as Lewes.

Position	Team	Pld	Pts	GD
15	Lewes	37	42	-34
16	Wingate and Finchley	37	41	-8
17	CARSHALTON ATHLETIC	37	39	-10
18	Welling United	36	35	-25
19	Hashtag United	37	35	-27
20	Cray Valley Paper Mills	37	34	-27
21	Canvey Island	37	26	-37
22	Potters Bar Town	36	26	-38

Assistant Manager’s View

Roland Edge spoke to Dartford FC TV and praised the attitude of the team in light of the recent happenings at Hashtag United, he commented: “It was quite tough because of the stuff that was being put out about Hashtag. That could have distracted our boys and taken their mind off of what they had to achieve, but they were brilliant from the start”.

Edge was delighted for Pinder to get a hat-trick and how that contributed to Dartford’s objective, he added: “We know we have got to win, but not only win, we have to get goals. The goal difference is going to be important, it was last year and I think it is this”.

Carshalton Athletic’s form has picked up of late and Edge knows their league position doesn’t tell the current story, he said: “It’s going to be very tough, they’re around the relegation zone but don’t be fooled by that. Any team on its day can get three points. We’ve got to go there fully focussed, show them respect and work hard to try and get the victory”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Jacob Bland has been recovering from a broken nose since mid-February. The midfielder has missed the last eight games. Samir Carruthers has a knee injury that is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWLWDW)			Carshalton Athletic (LLWWWD)
Hashtag United	H	7-0	Folkestone Invicta	A	3-3
Lewes	H	4-1	Wingate & Finchley	H	4-1
Folkestone Invicta	A	2-2	Cheshunt	A	1-0
Cheshunt	A	1-0	Canvey Island	H	3-1
Wingate & Finchley	A	1-3	Potters Bar Town	A	1-2
Ramsgate	H	1-0	Welling United	A	1-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Carshalton Athletic wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Previous Meetings

Dartford 4 – 1 Carshalton Athletic (23/08/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 4 Carshalton Athletic (26/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 1 Dartford (24/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Carshalton Athletic (23/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 4 Dartford (19/09/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 2 Dartford (20/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in all five away games versus Carshalton Athletic and have won their last four (W4, D1)
The Darts have kept clean sheets in all three league visits to Carshalton Athletic.
The Robins’ last goal at home against Dartford was in January 1991, a F.A Trophy first round second replay tie. In the original match, the Darts kept a clean sheet in that too, a 0-0 draw.
The Darts are second in the eight game form table having picked up 17 points, four fewer than in form side Billericay Town.

On This Day

Dartford lifted the Kent Senior Cup for the seventh time on this day in 1973. The Darts clinched a 4-2 victory over Folkestone Town to win 10-4 on aggregate. In Dartford’s last away game on 4 April, Jordan Chiedozie equalised with eight minutes to go against Torquay United. The 2015 National League fixture finished 1-1. Chiedozie suffered life changing injuries in a non football related incident just over a year ago resulting in a leg amputation. The last time Dartford won on this day was in 1994 when they beat Folkestone Invicta 2-1 in the Kent League.

Dartford v Hashtag United

March 26, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford close out the penultimate month of the season with a crucial home fixture against Hashtag United this weekend.

Time is counting down and with just six games remaining the Darts have to make up at least a five point deficit if they want to extend their campaign. At the other end of the table Hashtag United will have an impact one way or another. The Tags have requested voluntary relegation from the league, but if that’s not accepted by the Football Association they are only a point above the drop zone.

Dan the Man

Dan Smith had an outstanding weekend last time out netting a brace to set Dartford on their way to a 4-1 win over Lewes. Adrian Pennock made no alterations to the starting lineup naming the same side for a third game in a row.

Dartford and in particular, Smith got off to a flyer. Inside the opening minute the striker curled home the opener after good work from Olly Box and Dan Carter. Smith added another in style by hitting a shot into the top corner ten minutes later, his eighth goal of the season.

Lewes got back into the match in the second half with a goal from Devonte West, his fourth in three games. The visitors were on top and against the run of play Denzelle Olopade made it three to regain control. Michael Olarewaju’s only goal for the Darts was against Lewes just over a year ago. The defender doubled his tally with a header on his 50th appearance for the club.

Playoff Race

Unbeaten in their last three and just one defeat in seven, the Darts are still involved in the playoff conversation. Key to their chances is Dartford’s continued home form where they haven’t been beaten since mid-December and have only lost twice in the Isthmian Premier this term.

Prior the 4-1 victory over Lewes, the Darts had also taken 13 points from a possible 15 in tough home fixtures. Pennock’s side beat St Albans City, followed by top four sides Aveley and Brentwood Town. They then drew with playoff chasing Cray Wanderers and at the time of playing Ramsgate defeated one of the in form teams in the division.

Position	Team	Pld	Pts	GD
3	Chatham Town	36	69	+39
4	Brentwood Town	36	67	+14
5	Billericay Town	36	66	+24
6	DARTFORD	36	61	+15
7	Cray Wanderers	36	58	+7
8	Burgess Hill Town	36	58	-2

The Darts still have four of the bottom six to play and on Easter Monday they go to Chatham Town hoping to close the gap on their Kent rivals. With six games remaining and with Billericay Town the form team in the division overhauling the Essex side will also be difficult. Although, Ricay take on the two teams directly below the Darts next. Likewise, Brentwood Town have fixtures against two playoff chasing sides coming up, Chatham Town and Burgess Hill Town. So the picture could change by the end of the Easter period.

Evans Switches Allegiance

Focus could be on Dartford’s new signing Evans Kouassi, who scored a brace against the Darts back in January playing for Hashtag United. The forward could be set to face his former club, where he has scored 15 times this season. Kouassi will be the fourth ex-Folkestone Invicta player signed by Pennock this season.

Youngsters Make Impact

Dartford were in a title race last time they hosted Hashtag United and just like this season they will be hoping to earn some vital points. The Darts went in front after Callum Jones was fouled in the penalty box, then he tucked away the spot kick. The second arrived five minutes from time. Olly Box was set up by Sam Odaudu to seal the 2-0 win.

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That’s Entertainment

In the other two meetings with Hashtag United both fixtures ended level in Essex with this season’s draw finishing 2-2. That game kickstarted Dartford’s 2026, but they would have felt points were dropped. Twice Pennock’s side took the lead and twice the Tags scored late in the half. Jones put the visitors ahead only for Kouassi to peg the Darts back. In the second half, George Whitefield restored Dartford’s lead, but Kouassi scored a fine injury time equaliser.

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Highlights courtesy of Hashtag United

Back in November 2024 a back and forth fixture resulted in a high scoring 3-3 draw. Jacob Marsden’s late wonder save preserved a point for Dartford. Odaudu scored the only goal of the first half, then the final 25 minutes became a goal fest. Toby Aromolaran and then Joshua Rusoke put the Tags in front. Olopade restored parity before Ayodeji Olukoga had the hosts heading for victory with three minutes left. Box levelled things up again in the final minute and there was still time for Marsden to save the day.

Tags Looking Down

Hashtag United had been on a wretched run of form losing five in a row in all competitions before last weekend. Since their good start to the year when they won the Essex derby versus Billericay Town and thrashed Burgess Hill Town in the League Cup with ten men, the Tags only won twice in 14 attempts. Pulled towards the relegation places, those two victories came against teams fighting the drop in Welling United and Carshalton Athletic.

However, with the recent statement released by the club those results may not matter to the Tags in the end. The Essex club have put in a request to the Isthmian League to voluntary leave step three by taking a relegation place. Now it’s up to the Football Association to accept the club’s offer.

Islanders Defeated

Last weekend when Hashtag United visited bottom side Canvey Island, the Tags fancied their chances after previous successful ‘six pointers’. Led by captain and former Dart, Max Cornhill a 3-1 victory and a crucial three points were secured. Yet they had to come from behind after Elliott Ronto’s early goal for the Gulls. Hashtag United hit back quickly. Kouassi netted from the spot and completed his brace early in second half. The game was put out of Canvey’s reach nine minutes from time when Chaynie Burgin scored.

Relegation Battle

Hashtag United sit just outside the relegation zone, a point ahead of Welling United. However, the Wings have a game in hand and that is against Potters Bar Town, who look unlikely to escape the drop. This weekend, the Wings could drag Wingate and Finchley into the battle and put more pressure on the Tags with a positive result. However, should Hashtag United drop out of the Isthmian Premier the fourth from bottom side will be reprieved.

Directly above Hashtag United are Carshalton Athletic and they face champions elect Folkestone Invicta on Saturday. Jay Devereux’s side will want to take something back from Princes Park because there will be a likely chance they can reduce the three point deficit on the Robins.

Assistant Manager’s View

Roland Edge spoke to Dartford FC TV after the 4-1 triumph last Saturday and said: “I thought it was a brilliant performance through the whole team. The boys started well and got off to a flyer”. At 2-1 and with Lewes in the ascendency, Edge was hoping the Darts could change their fortunes, he added: “At that point we was looking for a spark and we got it, we got a reaction from the lads and a good result”.

Edge is expecting a challenging afternoon when his side host the Tags, he commented: “Hashtag for the last few times we have met are always a really tough test, a very good attacking side and they play the right way. Yet again if we’re not at it, we’re going to be in trouble”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Jacob Bland and Samir Carruthers remain out injured. Bland is expected to be on the sidelines as he recovers from a broken nose. Carruthers is waiting on a scan to see the severity of his knee injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWLWDW)			Hashtag United (LLLLLW)
Lewes	H	4-1	Canvey Island	A	3-1
Folkestone Invicta	A	2-2	Brentwood Town	H	2-3
Cheshunt	A	1-0	Chatham Town	A	0-3
Wingate & Finchley	A	1-3	St Albans City	H	1-2
Ramsgate	H	1-0	Folkestone Invicta	A	0-1
Welling United	A	1-0	Ramsgate (LC)	A	0-1

LC – League Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Hashtag United wins: 0 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Hashtag United 2 – 2 Dartford (09/01/2026 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Hashtag United (08/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Hashtag United 3 – 3 Dartford (12/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

The Darts have scored in all 18 home league games this season. Their best scoring league run at Princes Park since 2011/2012 (19 games)
Dartford have won 10 of their last 13 home games (D1, L2)
Denzelle Olopade has scored in back to back home games and three in his last five appearances at Princes Park

On This Day

Dartford defended their Kent Senior Cup title on this day in 1932. A year earlier the Darts claimed the county honours for the first time in their history. On this occasion a 2-0 win over Sheppey United was enough to lift the cup again.

It’s been ten years since Dartford’s last game on 28 March and that was a 1-1 derby with rivals Ebbsfleet United. Matthew Godden put Fleet in the lead, but two minutes into the second half Ryan Hayes equalised at Stonebridge Road. The Darts have drawn four of their last five on this day.

Dartford v Lewes

March 19, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

The Darts return to Princes Park this weekend when they take on Lewes in the Isthmian Premier.

Dartford have hit the road of late with three consecutive away days. Now Adrian Pennock’s side are hoping to extend their unbeaten run on home soil to six games. Five points from a playoff place, the Darts know a victory will keep the pressure on those above them.

Lewes look set for another campaign in the Isthmian Premier and will want to finish as high up the standings as possible. The Rooks travel to Kent after a much needed win last weekend, their first in nine matches.

Jones at the Double

Following a 1-0 triumph at Cheshunt last midweek, the Darts made the short trip to league leaders Folkestone Invicta on Saturday. Pennock named an unchanged side and in isolation picked up an excellent point. However, results elsewhere mean Dartford have fallen further behind the top five with seven games remaining.

Callum Jones scored his first goal in ten appearances when he profited from Dan Smith’s saved effort. Within eight minutes Invicta were level after on loan debutante Nathan Paul-Lavaly equalised. It didn’t take long for the Darts to regain their advantage and it was Jones with a curling shot that did the trick. Folkestone Invicta are top of the table for a reason and in the second half they had the chance to make it all square from the spot. Former Invicta goalkeeper, Jonny Henly kept out Jake Hutchinson’s penalty, but moments later Henly couldn’t keep Joe Pigott at bay.

Playoff Race

Dartford have now lost just once in their last six and at Princes Park in the league they have only lost twice all season. At home, the Darts have taken 13 points from the last 15 available and with two consecutive fixtures on their own patch, Pennock’s side will be determined to cash in.

Above them in the table occupying the final playoff place is Billericay Town, who have a five point cushion. However, Dartford are also being hunted down by Burgess Hill Town in seventh and Cray Wanderers in eighth.

Position	Team	Pts	GD
4	Chatham Town	66	+36
5	Billericay Town	63	+23
6	DARTFORD	58	+12
7	Burgess Hill Town	58	+1
8	Cray Wanderers	55	+6

Youngsters Make Impact

In the two times Dartford have hosted Lewes they have a perfect home record and have yet to concede a goal at Princes Park. In the previous meeting on home soil the academy graduates took the plaudits in a 2-0 victory. After the Darts created plenty of chances in the first half, Olly Box finally made the breakthrough on the stroke of half time. Then just before an hour had been played George Whitefield doubled the lead. Lewes later had Ethan Kaiser sent off for a second yellow card.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

That was the first time Lewes had visited Princes Park since 2011. Back then Danny Harris opened the scoring for Tony Burman’s Dartford side and Charlie Sheringham added two more in a 3-0 triumph.

Points Down the Pan

Earlier this season the Darts were beaten for a second season in a row at the Dripping Pan. Dartford were looking good in the closing stages to take home a point in Sussex, but conceded a 95th minute goal when Bobby Unwin netted the winner. Defeat ended an unbeaten run of four on a day the Darts lacked a cutting edge according to Pennock.

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Highlights courtesy of LewesFCTV

Dartford will be hoping to end their two match losing streak against the Rooks having lost at the Dripping Pan just over a year ago. Michael Olarewaju scored what is still his only goal for the Darts when he equalised from Danny Bassett’s opener. Then late in the game Marcus Sablier grabbed a brace for Lewes as the Darts fell to a 3-1 loss.

Go West

Captained by former Dart, Tyler Christian-Law on the weekend, the Rooks beat Dulwich Hamlet 2-1. Devonte West made the difference with two first half goals for the Sussex side. Hamlet managed to pull one back via an own goal, but Lewes finally broke their winless streak to move into 14th place. Christian-Law started 13 games for the Darts last season and made a total of 42 appearances.

Tough Run

Lewes started out this season with Bradley Pritchard in charge and despite losing on the opening day they went on to win the next four. The Rooks couldn’t keep that kind of form going and after a terrible run of defeats in October the Sussex side made the managerial change. Craig Nelson returned to the dugout as the new boss.

Under Nelson’s guidance results had been mixed until recently. A loss at Billericay Town at the end of January was the start of a run in which the Rooks picked up a single point in eight outings. In that time Lewes have taken on four of the current top five. So the win last weekend was a welcome boost for the Sussex club as they look to push on for the remainder of the season.

Assistant Manager’s View

Roland Edge saw the point at Folkestone Invicta as a good result and was pleased with the forwards, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the 2-2 draw and said: “It was really pleasing. I thought the boys up front caused them no end of trouble, they struggled to deal with them”.

Dartford’s assistant boss highlighted the difference between the league leaders and this current Dartford side, he explained: “The one thing that their side has more than us is composure because they have got people that have been there, seen it and done it”. He continued: “Ours are quite young, still learning their trade, but I thought they were fantastic and I think they’ve grown as players game by game”.

Edge still believes the Darts can break into the top five, but admits there can’t be many more slip ups, he added: “I think we’ve got a team good enough to get in the playoffs. Is it going to be difficult? Yes. Are we going to need to be impeccable? Pretty much I think. We will keep going to the very end and hopefully we will achieve what we want, but we’ll fight anyway”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Jacob Bland and Samir Carruthers remain out injured. Bland is expected to be on the sidelines for a couple more weeks as he recovers from a broken nose. Carruthers is waiting on a scan to see the severity of his knee injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWWLWD)			Lewes (DLLLLW)
Folkestone Invicta	A	2-2	Dulwich Hamlet	H	2-1
Cheshunt	A	1-0	Brentwood Town	A	1-2
Wingate & Finchley	A	1-3	Billericay Town	H	0-3
Ramsgate	H	1-0	Cray Valley Paper Mills	H	0-1
Welling United	A	1-0	Whitehawk	A	1-3
Cray Wanderers	H	1-1	Cheshunt	A	0-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Lewes wins: 2 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Lewes 1 – 0 Dartford (06/12/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Lewes 3 – 1 Dartford (08/03/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Lewes (23/11/2024– Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 0 Lewes (26/03/2011 – National South)
Lewes 1 – 1 Dartford (30/10/2010 – National South)
Lewes 0 – 2 Dartford (15/01/1983 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

Last Saturday was the first time in seven matches in which Dartford scored more than one goal in a game, going back to the end of January against Brentwood Town.
The Darts have the second best points per game at home in the division (2.17)
Dartford have the second best home defence conceding 16 times in 17 matches. Lewes have the second worst away attack scoring 15 in 17 outings and have scored the second fewest (38) home and away.

On This Day

Dartford strolled to a comfortable 4-0 home win on this day against Margate in 2017. Two goals from captain Elliot Bradbrook helped the Darts secure three National South points. The midfielder headed in the first midway through the first half and the lead was doubled after the break through Luke Wanadio. A long range effort from Bradbrook made it three before Alfie Pavey finished off the scoring.

The Darts have only won three matches out of 14 on 21 March post second world war. In 1969 they beat Barry Town 2-1 in the Southern League Division One and in 1992 they defeated Moor Green 3-1 in the Southern Premier.

Folkestone Invicta v Dartford

March 13, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford visit league leaders Folkestone Invicta in a Kent derby this Saturday.

The Darts will be hoping to become just the third side to come away from Cheriton Road with maximum points this season. Although Adrian Pennock’s side are unlikely to break into the playoff places this weekend, a win could take them level with at least one of the top five.

Invicta are flying this campaign under Jay Saunders and have a staggering 12 point lead at the summit. Folkestone Invicta are favourites to take the Isthmian Premier title with eight games to go and are unbeaten in their last five at home.

Super Sub Eddie

Dartford closed the gap on fifth place to three points by taking full advantage of their game in hand on Tuesday night. Eddie Dsane scored the only goal of the game against Cheshunt to earn the Darts a vital win.

Adrian Pennock made four changes to the side that fell to a 3-1 defeat at Wingate and Finchley three days earlier. In came George Whitefield for the suspended Joe Tennent at the back. Jez Pinder returned to the midfield with Olly Box and Callum Jones starting up front.

Deadlocked at 0-0 in the second-half, Dsane was introduced to the action and within two minutes the striker smashed home his 13th goal of the season, his fifth after coming on as a substitute.

Playoffs in Reach

Dartford are grinding out results at this stage of their campaign. In their last four fixtures they have won three of them 1-0. The only blip came on the weekend at Wingate and Finchley. Those three clean sheets is as many as they had kept in the previous 12 games and up against the league leaders on Saturday the defence will need to be on top of their game once more.

After taking on Folkestone Invicta, the Darts only have one more game against a team in the current top half and that is against Chatham Town on Easter Monday. If Pennock’s side can take something positive home with them on the weekend, then that could set a good foundation for the remainder of their campaign.

The Darts are currently three points shy of a top five place behind Billericay Town and the Chats. However, both sides have a far better goal difference than Dartford. Just behind are Burgess Hill Town, two points further back.

Ade Returns Triumphant

Folkestone Invicta were leading the way in the division ahead of the reverse fixture back in December. Adrian Pennock went for a back five to try and contain Invicta, but the plan didn’t work.

The visitors became only the second side to claim a win at Princes Park in the league this season. Joe Pigott managed to open the scoring from a tight angle. Former Dartford forward Ade Yussuf doubled Folkestone’s lead. Carruthers scored a superb free-kick with two minutes remaining, but it proved to be no more than a consolation goal.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Narrow Win

In Dartford’s last visit to Cheriton Road they came away with a 1-0 victory. Tough conditions made for a tight clash in the Kent derby that was decided by Callum Jones, who scored past Jonny Henly in the Folkestone Invicta goal. Now with the Darts, Henly was with Invicta last season. Another current Dart on loan at Welling United, Sam Smith was also part of Invicta’s team trying to keep Pennock’s side at bay. In the summer, Dartford also took striker Dan Smith from this weekend’s opponents.

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Highlights courtesy of Invicta TV

Former Darts

As well as the aforementioned Ade Yussuf, midfield pair Adam Lovatt and Alex Woodyard also featured for Dartford in the career. Lovatt played five games for the Darts on loan from Sutton United in 2022 and Woodyard made 41 appearances back in the 2013/2014 season. Jack Jebb, currently on loan at Croydon Athletic played 67 times for Dartford between 2019 and 2022 scoring nine goals.

Flying Folkestone

Invicta started the season on a ten game unbeaten run, lost to Hashtag United then bounced back with an incredible 12 match winning streak in the Isthmian Premier. Jay Saunders’ side have been pretty much unstoppable and have a commanding lead at the top.

January was their least productive period going four games without a win, but since then Invicta have won six of their last seven including Saturday’s 2-1 triumph over Potters Bar Town. The Scholars had the cheek to take the lead ten minutes into the second half through Nana Kyei, but the thought of a shock victory was short lived. Jake Hutchinson netted twice in six minutes to bring up a century of goals for Folkestone Invicta in all competitions this term.

If the Darts need any hope, three of the four defeats Invicta have suffered this season have come against sides in the top five. On the other side of the coin, the league leaders have taken an incredible 38 points from 42 at home versus teams outside the top four.

Manager’s View

Adrian Pennock welcomed Tuesday’s win, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It was a cracking win, honestly a very good win, a great performance”. The Dartford boss felt his team were braver with the ball and could see the improvement made after defeat three days earlier, he commented: “Especially after the performance and disappointment of Saturday, we regrouped and I thought we played some really nice football in good areas and it was a very good three points”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Joe Tennent returns from suspension after missing the win at Cheshunt. Jacob Bland (broken nose) has been unavailable since defeat at Potters Bar Town and Samir Carruthers and Dean Nayler are out for the rest of the season with injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (LDWWLW)			Folkestone Invicta (LDWWWW)
Cheshunt	A	1-0	Potters Bar Town	H	2-1
Wingate & Finchley	A	1-3	Billericay Town	A	0-1
Ramsgate	H	1-0	Hashtag United	H	1-0
Welling United	A	1-0	Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-0
Cray Wanderers	H	1-1	Lewes	A	5-0
Potters Bar Town	A	0-1	Welling United	H	2-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Folkestone Invicta wins: 11 / Draws: 5

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (13/12/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (05/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Folkestone Invicta 0 – 1 Dartford (21/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 6 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (17/05/2022 – Kent Senior Cup Final)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Folkestone Invicta (25/02/2020 – Kent Senior Cup)
Folkestone Invicta 1 – 4 Dartford (07/12/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)

Statistics

Dartford’s defeat to Folkestone Invicta in December ended a run of six games unbeaten against their opponents in all competitions (W4, D2)
The Darts have won their last two visits to Folkestone Invicta having lost four away games in a row versus Invicta between 1998 and 2004
There have been 29 goals (20 for the Darts) in the last seven matches between Dartford and Folkestone Invicta at an average of 4.14 goals per game

On This Day

Dartford played their last game before Covid interrupted the 2019/2020 season on this day. In front of 1486 supporters, the Darts beat Chelmsford City 3-0 at Princes Park with goals from Josh Hill, Elliott Romain and Noor Husin. It wouldn’t be for another four months until Dartford played again in the National South playoffs.

Cheshunt v Dartford

March 9, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford play their game in hand when they hit the road to take on Cheshunt on Tuesday night.

The rearranged fixture is a must win if the Darts want to move within three points of the top five. A draw will be just about enough to regain the sixth place they lost on the weekend. Cheshunt look set for another campaign in the Isthmian Premier despite losing their last two.

Away Day Blues

Dartford suffered a blow to their playoff ambitions on the weekend when they lost at Wingate and Finchley. A seventh away league defeat of the season coupled with the top five all winning, left the Darts falling further behind. To compound a disappointing afternoon, Burgess Hill Town also won to climb above Pennock’s side.

Changes were made up front with Eddie Dsane and Rohan Vaughan starting ahead of Callum Jones and Olly Box. In defence Michael Olarewaju started his first game since the defeat at Potters Bar Town. Dave Winfield was recalled by his parent club Hornchurch.

An unbeaten run of three came to a halt when Wingate and Finchley put three past the Darts. First half goals from Mackye Townsend-West and Camilo Restrepo and an early third in the second half by Ryan Lowe left Dartford with too much to do. Dan Smith scored a consolation in a 3-1 loss that leaves Dartford six points off a playoff place.

Record Run Ends

The Darts are a world away from the consistent 21 game unbeaten sequence of last season. It was in their last visit to Theobalds Lane which brought an end to that record equalling run. Donell Thomas broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time. The Ambers doubled their advantage when Kenny Coker scored and a third followed from a penalty courtesy of Vas Vasiliou.

Dominant Darts

In September, the Darts got the better of Cheshunt at Princes Park. An early Dsane goal set the hosts on their way to a 2-0 victory. A numerical advantage helped Dartford’s cause when Darion Furlong was sent off before the interval. The Darts had a quick start to the second half with Jez Pinder breaking away on a counter attack to set up Box to slot in the second.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Double Defeat

Realistically Cheshunt can hope of a mid-table finish in Mel Gwinnett’s first campaign in charge. Although they can still win silverware in the London Senior Cup. The Ambers are nine points clear of the relegation places in fourteenth spot and the same distance away from the top ten.

The Hertfordshire side lost on the weekend at home to a Ramsgate side getting over their single goal defeat against the Darts in midweek. Goals from Solomon Ogunwomoju, Rolando Onu and Tija Jadama condemned Cheshunt to a 3-0 loss.

A week earlier, the Ambers lost to another team pushing for a playoff position. After conceding twice in the first half at Cray Wanderers with goals from Max Fiddes and Alex Hernandez, Cheshunt’s Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite scored a consolation five minutes from time.

Ambers Go for Silverware

Although defeated in their last couple of outings, the Ambers have had better times of late. Between those two league matches they reached the London Senior Cup semi-final with a victory over Combined Counties Premier South side Tooting and Mitcham United. Vasiliou and Matthias Fanimo scored first half goals to seal a safe passage into the last four.

Difficult to Beat

Leading up to the Cray Wanderers and Ramsgate games, the Ambers also went eight league matches unbeaten from the start of the year. The most impressive of those results was at the end of that sequence when they beat Aveley 2-0 with goals from Tommy Wood and Jesse Effa. That eight game run included four wins and four draws.

The Ambers have been competitive, but have recorded the second highest number of draws in the division. If they can turn those into victories then they will have a strong finish to their campaign. At home Cheshunt have only lost four in the Isthmian Premier, as many matches as Dartford have won on the road.

Goalkeeper’s View

Jonny Henly described Dartford’s performance on Saturday as ‘terrible’ after the 3-1 loss against Wingate and Finchley, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “They were miles better than us. The most disappointing part was probably the work rate. Effort wise, they were miles better than us and that shouldn’t happen”.

The goalkeeper views Tuesday night’s fixture as a chance to put things right, he commented: “We’ll be going there and we will be getting ourselves together and I guarantee we are going to put on a good performance, especially work rate wise, and turn it up in that sense”, he continued: “We will be raring to go and get back to being a proper team that we usually are. It’s good to have a game straight after to give you a chance to right the wrongs”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Jacob Bland (broken nose) has been unavailable since defeat at Potters Bar Town and Samir Carruthers and Dean Nayler are out for the rest of the season with injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLDWWL)			Cheshunt (DDWLWL)
Wingate & Finchley	A	1-3	Ramsgate	H	0-3
Ramsgate	H	1-0	Tooting & Mitcham (LSC)	A	2-0
Welling United	A	1-0	Cray Wanderers	A	1-2
Cray Wanderers	H	1-1	Aveley	H	2-0
Potters Bar Town	A	0-1	Lewes	H	0-0
Brentwood Town	H	3-2	St Albans City	H	2-2

LSC – London Senior Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Cheshunt wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Cheshunt (27/09/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Cheshunt 3 – 0 Dartford (22/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (09/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cheshunt 1 – 3 Dartford (07/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford’s only away win against teams lower than Cheshunt in the table was against Welling United (D2, L3)
Over the last eight league games The Darts have picked up one point more than Ambers (13 points v 12)
This season in the league, Dartford’s most common away score and Cheshunt’s most common home result is a 1-1 draw

On This Day

Ryan Hayes scored a Princes Park hat-trick on this day in 2007. The winger netted all three goals in the win over Croydon Athletic in the Isthmian Division One South. Hayes set Dartford on their way from the penalty spot, added a sublime curler from range for the second, then skillfully completed the second ever hat-trick at Princes Park by a Dartford player. Brendon Cass was the first two months earlier in a 7-2 win against Burgess Hill Town.

Wingate and Finchley v Dartford

March 6, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford continue their playoff push with a trip to Wingate and Finchley this weekend.

The Darts travel to North London knowing victory will keep them in touch of a top five spot. Adrian Pennock’s side will arrive at Summers Lane unbeaten in their last three and off the back of two 1-0 wins in a row.

Wingate and Finchley hope to pull away from the bottom four and move closer to safety. The Blues have a four point cushion, but have lost their last two home fixtures. Ahmet Rifat’s team also have a League Cup semi-final to look forward to on Tuesday night.

Darts Hit Singles

Dartford picked up seven points in the three Kent derby games leading up to this weekend. A goal in each game was enough to go unbeaten, even if that run took two late strikes. At Princes Park, Joe Tennent scored six minutes from time to rescue a draw against Cray Wanderers. Away at Welling United, loanee Rohan Vaughan netted his first for the club deep into stoppage time to earn the Darts a win.

The triumph at Park View Road meant Pennock named an unchanged side for the visit of in-form Ramsgate. Denzelle Olopade was the match winner, the midfielder scored from close range in the twentieth minute. The Rams were later reduced to ten men taking the tally of red cards in the two meetings this season to four.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Playoff Picture

Dartford remain three points shy of the playoffs as they try to chase down Billericay Town and Chatham Town. The Blues and the Chats have a superior goal difference, so it is unlikely Dartford will move above the dotted line this weekend. However, the Darts still need to be aware of those behind them. Only two points further back are Cray Wanderers and Burgess Hill Town.

The Darts only have two more fixtures against those in the current top half. After this weekend’s game and the rearranged fixture at Cheshunt on Tuesday night, Pennock’s side go to league leaders Folkestone Invicta for a third away day in a row. So this next week will be an opportunity to improve results on the road and build on the away win at Welling United.

The Blues Give Darts the Blues

Dartford fell to their first home league defeat of the season in the reverse fixture with Wingate and Finchley. It was the second year in a row in which the Blues came to Princes Park and won.

Wingate and Finchley came from behind with an injury time winner. The deadlock was broken when Jacob Bland tapped home his first goal for the Darts. The midfielder anticipated Eddie Dsane’s scuffed shot to put the Darts ahead. The visitors levelled when Loic Hernandez slotted the ball through Jonny Henly’s legs. Four minutes into added on time Romeo Akinola’s curling shot completed the turnaround.

Darts Hold Out

Dartford battled through adversity the last time they visited Summers Lane in January 2025. The Darts started quickly with an early goal via George Whitefield’s header. Sam Okoye won a penalty ten minutes before the break, which Samir Carruthers rolled in. On the stroke of half time Camilo Restrepo halved the deficit. The afternoon was cut short for the injured Whitefield and Carruthers. Then with half an hour to go Okoye was sent off for a second yellow card. However, Dartford showed their resolve to hold on.

Wingate Target Safety and Cup

It seemed a while ago now that Wingate and Finchley had turned around a slow start. After waiting until their seventh game for a win, the Blues went unbeaten for nine. Since then they have won two of their last seventeen league games. Fortunately the teams they beat were fellow relegation battlers Canvey Island and Potters Bar Town. Those ‘six pointers’ came only last month.

However, they are not out of the woods just yet after a pair of 2-1 home defeats to Burgess Hill Town on the weekend, then against Brentwood Town on Tuesday night. Featuring in the side was on loan Dartford defender Ben Frempah, who has made 11 appearances for the Darts.

Rifat’s team will want to extend their stay in the Isthmian Premier to a sixteenth year. After Saturday’s match they have a great chance to pull away from the relegation zone as they face Cray Valley Paper Mills, Carshalton Athletic and then Welling United, the three sides occupying eighteenth to twentieth in the table.

The Blues also have the opportunity to reach the League Cup final where Ramsgate await. Wingate and Finchley take on Isthmian North side Redbridge on Tuesday night.

Assistant Manager’s View

Although Tuesday night’s win over Ramsgate wasn’t the most entertaining, Roland Edge was delighted with his side getting maximum points, he told Dartford FC TV: “I think it was a fantastic victory, really hard fought, very similar to the weekend. Was it the prettiest game in the world? Not really, but I think as a team we did what we had to do to get the victory”.

With the Rams in close proximity to the Darts in the league, Edge expressed how vital the win was, he added: “Ramsgate are a very good side… I think their team has got bigger, stronger, better and its got belief. We knew when they came here the importance of the game, so that makes our victory even better”. The assistant manager was also happy how his players ‘stuck to their task’ when Ramsgate were reduced to ten men and felt “it was only fair that we saw the game out”.

Edge’s experiences of facing Saturday’s opponents Wingate and Finchley has never been easy and he doesn’t expect that to change this weekend, he commented: “It’s never an easy place to go in all the time I’ve been in this league, which is about 33 years. Wherever Wingate are in the league it’s still a really, really tough place to go”, he continued: “Their manager gets them fired up, they’ll be fighting for survival. We know what we’re going to get from Wingate and we’ve just got to carry on the mentality that we showed in the last few games”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

George Whitefield returned to the squad in midweek. Jacob Bland (broken nose) has been unavailable since defeat at Potters Bar Town and Samir Carruthers is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (LWLDWW)			Wingate & Finchley (LWLWLL)
Ramsgate	H	1-0	Burgess Hill Town	H	1-2
Welling United	A	1-0	Brentwood Town	H	1-2
Cray Wanderers	H	1-1	Canvey Island	H	2-0
Potters Bar Town	A	0-1	Burgess Hill Town	A	2-3
Brentwood Town	H	3-2	Potters Bar Town	H	2-1
Burgess Hill Town	A	1-2	Cheshunt	H	2-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Wingate and Finchley wins: 4 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Wingate and Finchley (08/11/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Wingate and Finchley 1 – 2 Dartford (18/01/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 3 Wingate and Finchley (19/10/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 0 Wingate and Finchley (26/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 0 – 2 Dartford (03/11/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 3 – 2 Dartford (18/03/2006 – Southern League Div 1 East)

Statistics

Dartford have won the last two away trips to Wingate and Finchley
The Darts have never failed to score against the Blues (18 goals in ten games)
On Tuesday night the Darts kept their first back to back clean sheets since March last year, when the Darts went three games without conceding.
Dartford are also on a streak of consecutive 1-0 wins in the league, the first time since April 2018 when Dartford recorded three in a row in the National South

On This Day

Dartford moved one step closer to the Southern League Cup final on this day in 1989. A 3-0 win at Watling Street against Atherstone United gave the Darts a commanding first leg lead. Under Peter Taylor, Dartford won the second leg 3-1, then went on to beat Burton Albion in the final.

Liam Nash and Darren McQueen helped Dartford to their only win in their last eight on this day, a 2-1 away victory over St Albans City in the National South. In those eight outings the Darts have drawn five, most recently 1-1 versus Hungerford Town three years ago.

Dartford v Ramsgate

March 2, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford host the rearranged fixture against Ramsgate on Tuesday night with both teams eyeing up a playoff spot.

A third Kent derby in the row for the Darts comes just days after scraping a win at Welling United. League Cup finalists Ramsgate arrive at Princes Park unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions.

Victory for the Darts could lift them into the top five depending if Billericay Town lose at Lewes in midweek with a four or five goal swing. As for the Rams, they can only move closer to their target, but a win on the road by more than two goals will take them above Adrian Pennock’s side.

Loanee’s Late Derby Day Strike

Dartford needed another late goal to earn some much needed points on the weekend. This time it was Rohan Vaughan’s winner at local rivals and relegation strugglers Welling United. The on loan striker from Queens Park Rangers pounced from close range to give the Darts a 1-0 win over the Wings.

Pennock made two changes to the team that needed a late equaliser to draw at home to Cray Wanderers a week earlier. In came Dan Carter and Dan Smith for Eddie Dsane and Vaughan. Vaughan came off the bench with six minutes to play and was alert to net his first senior goal five minutes into injury time.

Keeping In Touch

Although the Darts have been unable to put in the prettiest performances recently they are still within touching distance of the playoffs. The win on Saturday was only Dartford’s fourth on the road this campaign and the clean sheet was only their second on the road all season.

At home, the Darts are a different prospect having tasted defeat only twice in the league this term. Pennock’s side are unbeaten in the last four at Princes Park and have won ten of the sixteen Isthmian Premier matches on home soil. With three away matches coming up, Dartford will be keen to get maximum points this Tuesday.

Bank Holiday Classic

Tuesday night’s match has plenty to live up to compared to the last meeting between the two sides. On Bank Holiday August a classic encounter was served up when Dartford visited Ramsgate. The reverse fixture had it all, eight goals, three red cards, a hat-trick and late drama as the points were finally shared.

The Darts battled with nine men to earn the 4-4 draw with the tone being set in the early stages of the entertaining clash. Mitchell May put the Rams in front within seconds of the kick off. The hosts almost doubled the lead before Dan Smith scored with only six minutes on the clock. Ramsgate were back ahead through Tijan Jadama and stretched the lead before the half was out courtesy of Ryan Kingsford. Things got worse for Dartford five minutes into the second half. Sam Smith picked up another yellow card to leave his side down to ten men.

Dsane’s Treble

Pennock made a crucial substitution soon after the red card by bringing on Eddie Dsane. The striker halved the deficit and went on to have a fine afternoon, but not before Sam Okoye was sent off followed by Ramsgate’s Harry Webster.

Three goals in the final ten minutes created late drama. Dsane equalised with a stunning long range shot, then former Dart, Tom Clifford looked to have won it for Ramsgate. However, two minutes into stoppage time Dsane won a spot kick and kept his cool to score it. There was even time for a strong penalty appeal for the Darts to be waved away by the referee.

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Highlights courtesy of Ramsgate FC

Mart-In

When the Rams lost 5-0 to Aveley to start November it spelt the end of Ben Smith’s second spell in charge. The Isthmian South East title winning manager resigned after a seven game winless run.

A month earlier Lee Martin departed Welling United after just two months in charge and a poor start. He took up a coaching role with the Rams and was appointed interim boss when Smith stepped down. Martin was given the permanent role after taking seven points in his first three games.

Ram-ping It Up

Ramsgate have hit great form and are one of a few clubs gathering just below the top five. The Rams are growing in confidence thanks to a perfect start to 2026. Martin guided the Kent side to five consecutive victories in all competitions. In that time the club moved closer to the League Cup final, racked up 16 goals and conceded once.

Last month, between the 1-1 draws with Cray Wanderers and Aveley, the Rams won three in a row against Brentwood Town, Hashtag United in the League Cup semi-final and Carshalton Athletic.

Since a last gasp defeat at runaway leaders Folkestone Invicta in late December, Ramsgate are undefeated. The loss against Invicta left them in fourteenth, seven points from the drop zone and ten adrift from the playoffs. Now they are ninth in the league, six points shy of the top five.

Unbeaten Run Continues

On Saturday, the Rams took another point in their home game against Aveley. Martin’s team may have lost ground on those above them and dropped a place behind Burgess Hill Town, but taking a draw against second place Aveley is still a good result. The Kent side took the lead two minutes into the second half through Solomon Ogunwomoju. The Millers levelled just past the hour when Anthony Church scored.

Rams Up for the Cup

Ramsgate are aiming to win the League Cup for a second time having done so in 2008 at Princes Park, when they beat AFC Sudbury on penalties. Their route to this season’s final has involved victories over Ashford United, Welling United, Binfield and Hashtag United. The Rams will find out their opponents in the final next week when Redbridge host Wingate and Finchley.

Manager’s View

Adrian Pennock was pleased his side could get through a challenging Kent derby at Welling United and praised the substitutes, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It was a really good derby, obviously it was going to be scrappy and lively at times. They are battling for their lives, so it was going to be a difficult game”.

He added: “Our subs again came off the bench at the right times and made an impact. That’s what you want as a manager and we got a clean sheet as well, so I’m really proud of the boys”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

George Whitefield could be available after being left out on the weekend. Jacob Bland (broken nose) has been unavailable since defeat at Potters Bar Town and Samir Carruthers is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWLDW)			Ramsgate (WDWWWD)
Welling United	A	1-0	Aveley	H	1-1
Cray Wanderers	H	1-1	Carshalton Athletic	A	2-1
Potters Bar Town	A	0-1	Hashtag United (LC)	H	1-0
Brentwood Town	H	3-2	Brentwood Town	H	3-0
Burgess Hill Town	A	1-2	Cray Wanderers	A	1-1
Aveley	H	2-0	Wingate and Finchley	A	1-0

(LC – League Cup)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 21 / Ramsgate wins: 15 / Draws: 9

Previous Meetings

Ramsgate 4 – 4 Dartford (25/08/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 0 – 3 Dartford (05/04/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 2 Dartford (10/11/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Ramsgate (18/04/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 0 – 1 Dartford (30/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 2 – 1 Dartford (31/02/2006 – Kent Senior Cup)
* Dartford won 5-4 on penalties

Statistics

Olly Box could make his 100th appearance for Dartford. The forward has scored 34 goals in 79 starts and 20 substitute appearances.
Dartford are unbeaten in their last five matches against Ramsgate in normal time (W3, D2)
The Darts are unbeaten in six at home against the Rams (W4, D2)
Not since the Rams were known as Ramsgate Athletic have Dartford lost at home against their opponents back in 1972 (W3, D1)
Dartford have never lost a home game to a side known as Ramsgate (W7, D2 – Pre World War Two and post 1972)

On This Day

Dartford have played in five semi-finals on this day and on each occasion went on to reach the final. Four of those finals were in the Kent Senior Cup and it was six years ago that the Darts thrashed Phoenix Sports in the last four. Jordan Wynter, a Liam Nash brace, Elliott Romain and Amrit Bansal-McNulty all scored in the 5-1 win. Steve King’s side went on to lift the county cup the following season. In 1987, a 1-0 victory of Ashford Town put the Darts into the final where they beat Maidstone United.

On the other two occasions Dartford lost the final, but they beat Sheppey United in a semi-final replay after a 0-0 draw on this day in 1979 and defeated New Brompton, only for the Darts to lose the 1894 final to Royal Ordnance Factories. The other semi-final was in the 1923 Chatham Charity Cup, which Dartford won 2-1 against Royal Naval Depot. The Darts lifted the title by beating Chatham 1-0.

Welling United v Dartford

February 26, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford visit local rivals and relegation threatened Welling United in another Kent derby this weekend.

The Darts are striving to get back in the playoff places and improve their away record. The Wings desperately need results to avoid the drop for a second season in a row.

Brace for Dsane

Dartford won the reverse fixture at Princes Park in November despite going behind in the opening minutes, Ruben Shakpoke hit a shot in off the post. An in-form Eddie Dsane grabbed a quick-fire brace to turn the game around. First, he finished to level after good work from Olly Box, then he hit a low drive to put the hosts in front. The three points were sealed once Box curled a third into the top corner. Victory for the Darts continued their good run over Welling United.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Bragging Rights

Dartford’s F.A Cup exit to the Wings in November 2023 is their only defeat to their local rivals in the last 13 meetings. In that time the Darts have beaten Welling United 6-0 away in September 2021 and 5-1 at home in November 2022.

In league competition it’s been over seven years since Dartford were last beaten by the Wings, a 2-0 away loss on Boxing Day 2018.

Richard Sticks it Chin

A very different looking Dartford side last visited Park View Road five years on from their last defeat against Welling United. Richard Chin scored the only goal of the game when he was alert to George Alexander’s shot that was parried by the Welling goalkeeper. Sam Odaudu is the only current player to have played in that win, whilst Box was an unused substitute. With points at a premium on the road this season, the Darts will be hoping for a repeat result to continue their playoff push.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Henly’s Heroics

A late equaliser prevented a home defeat against Cray Wanderers last weekend, but the Darts really have goalkeeper Jonny Henly to thank.

Adrian Pennock made four changes to the side that were humbled at Potters Bar Town. Odaudu returned from suspension, Sammie McLeod made his first start for the club, whilst Dsane and Box were also back in the lineup. Rohan Vaughan and Dave Winfield made their home debuts.

A dull first half ended goalless as both sides cancelled each other out. It was Cray Wanderers who eventually broke the deadlock when they struck on 72 minutes through Jordy Mongoy. A couple of minutes later Sam Okoye gave away a penalty, but Henly saved Alex Hernandez’s spot kick to keep the hosts in the game. The Dartford goalkeeper was called upon again by denying Max Fiddes in a one on one, which proved crucial. Henly’s heroics were fortunately rewarded at the other end. Dan Carter delivered a free-kick for Joe Tennent to head home a late equaliser.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Playoff Picture

Pennock’s side now sit in seventh place, three points and with a game in hand over Billericay Town who occupy the final playoff position. Sandwiched in between is Cray Wanderers. The Wands have a point advantage over the Darts and have played two games more.

After this weekend’s fixture Dartford play their rearranged Kent derby at home to Ramsgate on Tuesday night. The Rams are just one place and one point behind the Darts.

Away Day Blues

It took Dartford until their ninth away game in all competitions to record a victory on the road this term. In the eight since they have only managed just two more. There may have been good results at Cray Wanderers and Chatham Town, but on the flip side the Darts have fallen at lower league opponents Hadley in the F.A Trophy and bottom side Potters Bar Town. The defeat in Hertfordshire helped lift the Scholars off the foot of the table.

Clipped Wings

Welling United’s first ever campaign in the Isthmian Premier has been unstable and the Wings are at risk of sinking down another tier. Lee Martin started at the helm this season, but he was gone by October. In came Rod Stringer on a temporary basis and in November, Ryan Maxwell was appointed. As each manager has tried to shape a squad to get them out of trouble, the turnover of players has been high. It’s now not unusual to see a Wings player wearing a shirt number in the region of sixty.

Former Darts

Two current squad members at Welling United used to play for the Darts and another is on loan at Park View Road. Ade Azeez spent the 2021/2022 campaign with Dartford scoring 18 times in 45 appearances. One of his goals was in the 6-0 thrashing of Welling United that season. The striker also netted against the Darts for the Wings in a previous spell during the 2-2 draw just over three years ago. Former academy player John Ufuah made two senior substitute appearances for Dartford in the 2017/2018 season and current player Sam Smith is on loan having played 21 times for Dartford this term.

Closer to Safety

The Wings have won three of their last six home games including important victories over Cheshunt as well as Wingate and Finchley. In January they took all three points at Canvey Island, so they have been making ‘six pointers’ count and that continued in midweek.

On Tuesday night they closed the gap on Carshalton Athletic with a 2-1 win. That leaves the Wings four points away from the Robins, who sit a place above the relegation places. Ryan Maxwell’s side also have two games in hand.

Welling United had to come from behind to earn Tuesday night’s crucial win. The visitors went ahead when Luke Read hit a low volley beyond MacKenzie Foley. The Wings were level after former Dart, John Ufuah netted from close range and a winner was found through Dean Gunner, his second goal in as many games.

Manager’s View

After an even but uneventful first half, Adrian Pennock was ‘proud’ of the team for their efforts and for earning a ‘good point’ against Cray Wanderers. The Dartford boss spoke to Dartford FC TV and praised his goalkeeper Jonny Henly: “The last few months his been so consistent, he’s handling and decision making has been first class”. Pennock admitted the Darts rode their luck at times, but felt his team deserved at least a draw.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Samir Carruthers is out for the rest of the season following a knee injury. Jacob Bland has missed the last two games with a broken nose. George Whitefield will be available after serving his suspension.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWLWLD)			Welling United (LLLDLW)
Cray Wanderers	H	1-1	Carshalton Athletic	H	2-1
Potters Bar Town	A	0-1	Chatham Town	A	1-3
Brentwood Town	H	3-2	St Albans City	H	0-0
Burgess Hill Town	A	1-2	Folkestone Invicta	A	0-2
Aveley	H	2-0	Hashtag United	H	0-2
Hashtag United	A	2-2	Aveley	A	1-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 27 / Welling United wins: 11 / Draws: 13

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 Welling United (01/11/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Welling United (30/12/2023 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 1 Dartford (26/12/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 3 Welling United (16/09/2023 – F.A Cup)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (04/02/2023 – National South)
Dartford 5 – 1 Welling United (01/11/2022 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in 11 league games against Welling United (W8, D3)
On the road, the Darts are unbeaten in four in the league (W3, D1) versus the Wings
Dartford have lost just one of the last ten league matches at Park View Road against Welling United (W4, D5)

On This Day

Twice Dartford have taken on Welling United on this day and on both occasions the game finished without a goal. In 1980 the two sides drew in the Eastern Floodlit Cup quarter-final. A competition Dartford went on to win in August that year. Nine years ago the same score was played out in the National South.

Dartford’s last away victory on 28 February was in 1976 when they beat Canterbury City in the Southern League Division One South. Since then the Darts have lost to Corby Town 3-0 in 2004 in the Southern League Division One East and drew 1-1 with Aldershot Town in the National League in 2015.

At home the Darts have been more successful on this day racking up a 7-0 win over King’s Lynn in 1987, a 4-1 victory against Slade Green in 1996 and 5-2 triumph versus Yate Town in 1998.

Dartford v Cray Wanderers

February 19, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

The first of three Kent derbies is on the horizon for Dartford when they host Cray Wanderers in a playoff six pointer.

Adrian Pennock’s side have dropped out of the top five and suffered a blow last weekend versus relegation battlers Potters Bar Town. The Darts do have a strong home record though and will need to make this Saturday’s fixture count against the Wands, who have overtaken Dartford and sit just two points shy of the playoffs places.

Disappointment for Debutantes

Dave Winfield and Rohan Vaughan made their debuts as Pennock made four changes to the side that played a fortnight earlier. Michael Olarewaju and Dan Carter started, Olly Box dropped to the bench, whilst George Whitefield, Samir Carruthers and Sam Odaudu were unavailable.

Once again the Darts went behind against Potters Bar Town like they did in the home fixture back in October. However this time Dartford couldn’t overturn the deficit and fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat. The Scholars led when Nana Kyei scored, then held out for a much needed victory to take them off the bottom of the table.

The loss is a setback for Dartford’s playoff ambitions as they slipped to seventh in the table leapfrogged by Cray Wanderers. Form at Princes Park is keeping the Darts on the fringes and victory over the Wands will see them move back above Tim O’Shea’s side.

Hernandez Hits the Spot

An 87th minute equaliser by Alex Hernandez was the goal that took Cray Wanderers above the Darts last weekend. At the same time it kept them just two points from the top five behind Chatham Town, who they drew 1-1 with on Saturday. Nile Ranger scored for the Chats, whilst Hernandez netted from the spot.

A fourth draw in five keeps the Wands in with a shout of a playoff place and on the road they are unbeaten in seven, since their heavy 8-1 reverse at Folkestone Invicta. In fact since mid November the Wands have only lost twice in the league home and away, winning six and drawing six.

Rare Away Day Win

Dartford grabbed their first away victory of the season when they visited Flamingo Park in the last meeting with Cray Wanderers. At the tenth attempt in all competitions the Darts finally took home a win on their travels, they’ve only added two more since.

Eddie Dsane followed up a hat-trick from the previous week with the opener. Dartford turned defence into attack and Box set up Dsane to calmly roll the ball into the net. The game was finished off as the hosts pushed for a leveller and against the run of play Callum Jones secured maximum points for the Darts.

Box-ing Day Win

Dartford’s record over this weekend’s opponents is exemplary and this season at home the Darts have only lost twice in the league. The Darts won the corresponding game last season when Olly Box scored two sublime goals in a come from behind triumph on Boxing Day.

The last time Dartford lost as hosts in this fixture was a Kent League Cup tie in 1995 and that is their only home defeat against the Wands spanning 18 matches since 1907.

Pennock’s side will be hoping for a fourth consecutive victory at Princes Park having beaten St Albans City as well as second and third place teams Aveley and Brentwood Town.

Cray Pushing On

The Wands are a very difficult team to beat and only the top two have lost fewer matches. The Kent side have drawn the most in the division and that is so far the difference between sitting outside the top five and breaking into the playoffs.

Cray Wanderers’ only defeat on the road was to the league leaders Folkestone Invicta and they are ranked fourth in the division for points gained away from home. If Tim O’Shea can turn some of those draws into victories then they could be looking at a shot for promotion to the National South via the playoffs.

Manager’s View

Pennock apologised to the fans after last weekend’s defeat and performance, he spoke to www.dartfordfc.com after the game and said: “The first half just wasn’t good enough. Too many players started slowly and on the back foot. There was no thought and care in our passing. The decision making was poor”.

The Dartford boss admitted that he tried something different to combat the team’s disappointing away form by starting with three at the back. That all changed when the Darts conceded and Olarewaju was cautioned. With the disciplinary issues this term, Pennock substituted the central defender to change formation and prevent any further consequences.

Despite another setback Pennock is determined to fight until the end of the season for a playoff place, he commented: “There’s still a lot of football to play, but I want to tell all our supporters that me, my staff and players will give blood sweat and tears for them and the club”.

He continued: “All our games from now on in are big games. It doesn’t matter who we play, they are big games. We need them all to keep backing us home and away. There’s a lot of games to play and it’s all still to play for”.

Team News

Samir Carruthers was nursing an injured knee last weekend and Jacob Bland suffered a broken nose during the game. Sam Odaudu will be available after serving his one match ban for the two yellow cards received against Brentwood Town.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDWLWL)			Cray Wanderers (LDDWDD)
Potters Bar Town	A	0-1	Chatham Town	H	1-1
Brentwood Town	H	3-2	Ramsgate	H	1-1
Burgess Hill Town	A	1-2	St Albans City	A	3-2
Aveley	H	2-0	Carshalton Athletic	H	1-1
Hashtag United	A	2-2	Hashtag United	A	2-2
Chatham Town	A	2-1	Aveley	H	0-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 38 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 12

Previous Meetings

Cray Wanderers 0 – 2 Dartford (25/10/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Wanderers 2 – 2 Dartford (21/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cray Wanderers (26/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (16/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 3 Dartford (18/12/2021 – F.A Trophy)
Cray Wanderers 4 – 2 Dartford (20/09/2017 – Kent Senior Cup)

Statistics

In the league Dartford have lost just once against Cray Wanderers in the last 22 outings (W16, D5)
The Darts have lost just once in the last 18 at home versus the Wands in all competitions (W12, D5)
At home, Dartford have scored in all 15 league matches this season and only Folkestone Invicta have scored more home goals in the division

On This Day

Dartford were unbeaten in their first 13 games on 21 February, winning ten. Victories included an 8-0 humbling of Rochester in the Kent League back in 1914, a 5-0 win over Chatham in the Kent Senior Cup quarter-final in 1931 and a 4-1 Southern League Cup last eight triumph over Kent rivals Dover Athletic in 1989.

After beating Havant Town in 1998 by a single goal to nil in the Southern League South, the Darts lost three in a row on this day including a F.A Trophy replay exit at Wealdstone 14 years ago. Dartford’s last match on this day did end in victory. Keiran Murtagh scored the only goal of the game versus Slough Town in the National South three years ago.