Dartford FC Previews

Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville

August 16, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford have made a perfect start to the season and will want to maintain their recent form against Havant and Waterlooville on Tuesday night.

The Darts have won their opening two National South fixtures and are currently on a run of seven unbeaten against the Hawks. At Princes Park, over the same number of games Dartford have not yet to lose to the Hampshire side. Havant and Waterlooville have to go back 22 years since their last win away from home in this fixture, a F.A Cup third qualifying round tie.

Last season the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw with Alex Wall scoring the equaliser for Havant and Waterlooville. The striker made the switch to Dartford over the summer to begin his third spell with the club. So far this term, Wall has come off the bench in both fixtures and will be hoping to make an impact against his former side. Dartford had taken the lead in last season’s meeting through Kory Roberts and could have had a second, but Ade Azeez’s penalty was saved by Ross Worner. The reverse match ended in a Dartford victory with Luke Allen scoring the only goal of the game.

Highlights – Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville (19/03/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Allen made his first start of the campaign on the weekend coming in for the injured Kristian Campbell. That was the only change ahead of the first home game against newly promoted Cheshunt with Sam Odaudu filling in at left back. Defender, Maxwell Statham made his first competitive appearance as a late substitute. Despite the tweaking of the defence, the Darts almost came away with a consecutive clean sheet, but it was Pierre Fonkeu who grabbed the headlines again. The striker netted a brace to add to the two he scored at Bath City on the opening day. Cheshunt grabbed a late consolation when former Dartford academy graduate Dajon Golding made it 2-1.

Speaking to Dartford FC TV after the game, Martin Tyler said: “We won but we can do better”, he added: “When we get the ball we’ve shown we’re a pretty decent side, but we need to get the ball a bit more often. We’re still trying to get the blend right. We’ve not got that many players, so I think there is still that bit of scope for investment to strengthen the squad, but we’re doing okay”.

Interview – Martin Tyler talks to Dartford FC TV after the Cheshunt win

Havant and Waterlooville were pipped to the final playoff place last season and this time out they have picked up four points in their two openers. A 3-1 victory at home on the first day of the season against Slough Town set them on their way with a stunning goal from Jake McCarthy followed by Gianni Crichlow’s first for the club, since signing from Braintree Town in the summer. Crichlow scored the equaliser for the Iron last season against the Darts in a 2-2 draw. After Ben Harris halved the deficit for Slough Town, Crichlow was involved again setting up Paul Rooney for a third.

On the weekend, the Hawks showed spirit to earn a point in their first away day of the campaign. Another former Dartford striker made an impact on the game, but not in a good way for the Hawks. Jason Prior retaliated and when he kicked out at a Braintree Town player he was shown a red card, leaving his side down to ten men for the remaining 70 minutes. Despite the disadvantage, the visitors went ahead when James Roberts hit his effort into the top corner, for his second in as many games. The hosts levelled in the second half, Levi Amantchi heading in the equaliser in a 1-1 draw.

Looking ahead to Havant and Waterlooville’s trip to Princes Park, Roberts spoke to HWFC Media after the draw, he commented: “Every game in this league is tough, every away game is tough and we go to one of the teams that expect to be up there”, he continued: “We had two really difficult games against Dartford last year so we know what to expect, we know they will be very, very good. We know that it will be a real challenge”.

Over the summer manager Paul Doswell made a few signings including the return of Jason Prior, who scored the championship winning goal in his previous spell with the Hawks denying the Darts the National South title on the final day. After scoring over 40 goals for Enfield Town last season, Muhammadu Faal has made the step up. Danny Wright and Jake Andrews moved from Torquay United and Joash Nembhard arrived from Hemel Hempstead Town. The centre back is likely to come face to face with former teammate’s Fonkeu and Samir Carruthers.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Havant and Waterlooville wins: 4 / Draws: 5

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (19/03/2022 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 0 – 1 Dartford (09/02/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (31/10/2020 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 1 – 2 Dartford (25/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (10/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Havant and Waterlooville (13/01/2018 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last seven games against Havant and Waterlooville (W4, D3)
  • The Darts are also seven unbeaten at home against the Hawks (W4, D3)
  • Dartford have scored in their last six meetings versus the Hampshire side

On This Day

Charlie Sheringham and Adam Green scored against Eastbourne Borough on this day in 2011. The National South fixture at Princes Park finished 2-1, Dartford’s last victory on this day. Since then, the Darts lost 1-0 on the road to Kidderminster Harriers in the National League eight years ago. The most recent outing was a 0-0 home draw with Gosport Borough back in the National South two years later. After winning the Isthmian Division One North in 2008, the Darts were welcomed to the Isthmian Premier League with a 3-0 away humbling at Hendon on the opening day. Also on 16 August, Dartford played out a 3-2 victory against Great Wakering Rovers in 2005 and suffered their only home defeat on this day two years earlier against Bashley, the Darts have won four and drawn three of the other home fixtures.

Dartford v Cheshunt

August 11, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford will want to keep up their winning start in their first home game of the season against newly promoted Cheshunt.

The Darts made Princes Park a fortress last season going 17 league games unbeaten, their best home run from the start of a campaign since the 1925/26. However, home form towards the end tailed off as they lost two of their final three fixtures and also fell short in the playoffs on home turf. Dowson and his team will want to get back to the excellent home form that served Dartford so well last term and make it consecutive victories to begin 2022/2023.

Last weekend, new Dartford signing Pierre Fonkeu had a debut to remember in Bath. Likewise, the Cheshunt made a statement in their first ever National South fixture helped by two former Darts.

Alan Dowson gave first league starts to Davide Rodari, Sam Odaudu, and Fonkeu and was rewarded with a 2-0 victory in the opener against Bath City. It took Fonkeu 65 minutes to open his account and he was involved again forcing an own goal five minutes later. Goalkeeper Dan Wilks provided the assist for the first goal when he played a long pass into plenty of space from a free kick on the edge of his box. Fonkeu used his pace and strength to get through on goal and side footed a confident first time shot into the roof of the net. The second goal came from the striker setting Carruthers on a charge through the centre and after the ball found its way out wide, the midfielder continued his run, received the ball and squared it across to Fonkeu who applied enough pressure on Bath City defender Zac Bell.

Highlights – Bath City v Dartford (06/08/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Assistant manager, Christian Jolly was delighted with the way Dartford handled a tough Bath City side, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It was a professional performance, we were really pleased. We traveled overnight, we tried to do things as properly as possible, the boys were on board and they took on the information we gave them and they delivered”.

Jolly praised Fonkeu on his debut, commenting: “He had closest to the complete performance for ninety minutes. First half he did all of the dogged stuff and the ugly stuff. Second half, he then had the opportunity to show his quality and score some real individually quality goals”. The assistant boss also singled out the adaptability of Odaudu and Luke Allen in midfield. Allen had to replace Kristian Campbell at half-time who picked up a shoulder injury. Whilst Odaudu started out in midfield then filled in for Campbell at full back, whose injury will be assessed ahead of this weekend’s fixture. Striker, Alex Wall continued his return from injury with a substitute appearance, whilst Charlie Sheringham was not ready to make the squad.

Interview – Christian Jolly after the Bath City victory – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Cheshunt arrive in the National South with momentum knowing they have already created history. The Ambers are guaranteed their highest ever league position and on the opening day were not deterred by the step up. Manager, Craig Edwards can be delighted with his team’s attitude last weekend after they went two down versus one of Dowson’s former clubs Hampton and Richmond Borough. It turned out to be one of the results of the day with Cheshunt staging a comeback in the final fifteen minutes.

Dajon Golding, once of Dartford’s academy set the Ambers on their way on his debut after signing from Worthing in the summer. The striker made two substitute appearances for the Darts and scored in the Kent Senior Cup almost seven years ago. The equaliser came from last season’s joint top scorer Rowan Liburd, another ex-Dart who made three appearances during a loan spell in 2019/2020. In the final minute, the other top scorer from last season, Reece Beckles-Richards netted a dramatic winner to get the Hertfordshire off the mark. There was one more Dartford connection in goal, Preston Edwards who was signed by the Darts as back up in July 2020.

Craig Edwards summed up the day when he spoke to www.cheshuntfc.com, he said he had: “Mixed emotions really. I was really disappointed with our first half performance. I thought we were timid, I thought we were off the pace. It looked like for the first time ever for this group, the occasion had got to us a little bit”. The Ambers boss was pleased with the change of attitude after the break, leaving him excited about the challenges ahead. Coming into this fixture on Saturday, Edwards said: “I expect 100% from the boys and 100% from me and the staff, giving it everything we’ve got. If we do that then we’ve got a chance with anyone”.

The Ambers came fifth in Isthmian Premier League South last term and won the Isthmian Promotion Final against Hornchurch to cap off a brilliant campaign. The Hertfordshire club won the county senior cup for the first time and reached the last sixteen of the F.A Trophy. It was only three years ago when they won the playoff final to get into the Isthmian Premier making it back to back promotions in their last two fully finished seasons.

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last seven home openers of the season winning their last two (W4, D3)
  • Charlie Sheringham could make his 100th start for the club if selected in the starting eleven

On This Day

Charlie Sheringham was on target twice in a convincing 4-0 opening day victory over Weston-super-Mare in 2011. Elliot Bradbrook scored the first of the afternoon and another current player, Tom Bonner also found the back of the net. That win made it four out of four on 13 August after a 2-1 win against Guildford City in 1969, a 3-1 triumph over Whitstable Town in 1994 and a 1-0 victory over Arlesey Town in 2005. The run came to an end in 2013 when the Darts lost 4-0 to Aldershot Town in the National League. Dartford drew their last game on this day six years ago against Chelmsford City. Luke Wanadio put the Darts ahead in Essex only for Shaun Jeffers to equalise.

Bath City v Dartford

August 4, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford kick start their National South campaign at Bath City this weekend with Alan Dowson taking charge of his first competitive game for the club.

The Darts will be hoping to recreate the last time they visited Twerton Park on the opening day when they came home with a 2-1 victory four years ago. Last season Dartford completed a league double over the Romans and knocked their opponents out of the F.A Trophy on penalties, meaning the Kent side have lost just one of their last 13 outings against Bath City.

Dowson is confident his players will be ready when it matters on Saturday after his side’s final pre-season fixture. The Darts lost to Canvey Island, but despite defeat the new boss believes the current squad is the strongest he has worked with for a while and is glad his players’ poor performance is out of their system. Midfielder, Luke Allen completed a full match and new signing, Alex Wall managed some game time to help the striker get fit after injury.

Wall will start his third spell at Dartford, in his first he scored six goals in 11 appearances, but his second failed to materialise after he was moved on before the season began. Charlie Sheringham, back for a fourth time missed the Canvey Island defeat after re-joining the Darts. Injured in the draw at Chatham Town, the striker has previously scored 54 goals in 119 appearances for Dartford.

Latest signing Pierre Fonkeu arrives from Hemel Hempstead Town, the forward scored in the pre-season draw against Boreham Wood whilst on trial with the Darts. The 25-year-old will be one of several players integrating into the squad, which includes Davide Rodari, Maxwell Statham and Luke Coulson. Fonkeu linked up with Samir Carruthers last term for a small period in February and March, the pair can form a partnership again now Carruthers has made a permanent switch to Princes Park.

Prior the final warm-up game, Dowson spoke to Dartford FC TV and is pleased with how the squad is shaping up, he said: “The lads have been brilliant in training, they have been excellent to work with, they’ve worked very hard. We’re trying to get the standards as high as we possibly can on the training ground which leads to on the pitch”. The 52-year-old is also highlighting the pathway for the academy by adding Cameron Brodie, Sam Odaudu and Marvin Herschel to the squad.

As the new era begins, Dowson is looking forward to the opener against Bath City, he commented: “It’ll be fantastic getting everybody ready for the first game of the season, everybody is excited, I’m excited as well and I’m looking forward to a good season hopefully”.

Highlights – Bath City v Dartford (04/09/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A trio of now departed players found the back of the net the last time Dartford visited Twerton Park in the National South just under a year ago. Ade Azeez, now with local rivals Welling United opened the scoring and Jake Robinson, now at newly promoted Worthing doubled the lead. Bath City’s Alex Fletcher pulled a goal back, but George Porter, now at Dulwich Hamlet made it 3-1. The return fixture at Princes Park in February finished 2-0 to the Darts with goals coming from Kalvin Kalala, who joins Porter and Josh Hill at Hamlet and Marcus Dinanga, who is back with his parent club Altrincham. Other players moving on this summer include Jack Jeeb to promoted Dorking Wanderers, Danny Leonard returning to Sheppey United, Jernade Meade joining Hemel Hempstead Town and Olumide Durojaiye switching to Hereford, whilst Tyrique Hyde links back up with Azeez at Welling United.

Bath City manager, Jerry Gill is also pleased with how preparations have turned out for the new campaign, he spoke to Bath City Radio last weekend and said: “We look ready, the one thing I wanted was to have peace of mind that we’re fit. We’re strong, the shape looks good and we’re ready to go”. The Romans have had a good pre-season winning their last two warm-up games against Bristol City’s under 23 side then Yate Town, but Gill acknowledges that results only really matter when the league begins.

Summer signings provide extra depth to the squad that was perhaps missing last term, when the Romans recorded their lowest finish for seven years. Gill has delved into the Football League by bringing in seven players from higher divisions including Chris Lines from Stevenage and Scott Wilson from Dagenham and Redbridge. Both Zac Ball and Tommy Blackwell arrive from Bristol City, Joe Wright from Millwall, Luke Spokes from Grimsby Town and Jordan Dyer from Exeter City. Providing plenty of experience of National South football, Kieran Parselle made the switch from Chippenham Town and teams up again with Danny Greenslade, whilst Rex Mannings and Dan Hayfield join from lower league sides Frome Town and Tiverton Town respectively.

The Bath City boss is relishing the opportunity to take on the Darts on the opening day with a home crowd in support, he commented: “Dartford will be one of the favourites in the league. Dowse has built a strong squad down there, knows the National League South inside out, so he knows what players to bring in and his recruited well, so it’ll be a tough challenge. You have to play these teams at any point, we’re really excited we’re playing at home”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 26 / Bath City wins: 46 / Draws: 20

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Bath City (19/02/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 0 Dartford (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
Bath City 3 – 0 Dartford (30/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Bath City (09/02/2019 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just once in their last 13 games against Bath City (W10, D2)
  • In those 13 matches, the Darts have kept eight clean sheets and only once have the Romans scored more than one goal
  • At Twerton Park, Dartford have only been defeated once in their last eight visits (W4, D3)

Season Preview 2022/2023

August 3, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Worthing

Champions of the Isthmian Premier League means Worthing will be playing at their highest ever level and they were worthy winners. The Sussex club won the title by ten points, scored a century of goals, and almost reached the 100-point mark. After two defeats in their opening four matches the tone was set in September through to the end of November when the Reds collected 31 points from 33 available. A similar run saw them drop just four points over the same number of fixtures from mid-January to mid-March. Worthing were comfortable winners, sealing the title with three games remaining.

2021/2022 Season
Isthmian Premier: 1st
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: Runner-Up
Top League Scorer: Ollie Pearce (35 goals)

Manager – Adam Hinshelwood

In his second spell as manager, Hinshelwood claimed the Isthmian Premier League title and reached the Sussex Senior Cup final. He is son of former Dartford defender Paul Hinshelwood and racked up 100 appearances for Brighton and Hove Albion, where he also had a spell as assistant manager after his first spell at Worthing. He took the step into management with Selsey before joining the Rebels the first time, but was enticed by the Seagulls as a number two. Hinshelwood returned to Woodside Road five years ago and in that time, he has improved results on the pitch eventually leading to their highest ever finish.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
Kane Wills (Dorking Wanderers) Dajon Golding (Cheshunt)
Callum Kealy (Dorking Wanderers) Will Seager (Cheshunt)
Lewis White (Carshalton Athletic) Jasper Pattenden (Wycombe Wanderers)
Adam El-Abd (Whitehawk) David Ajiboye (Peterborough United)
Jake Robinson (Dartford) Dean Cox
Nodirbek Bobomurodov (Hungerford Town)  
Charlie Towning (Eastbourne Borough)  

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Worthing wins: 1 / Draws: 1

Previous Matches

Worthing 1 – 2 Dartford (26/09/2009 – F.A Cup)
Worthing 2 – 1 Dartford (20/11/1982 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 3 – 0 Worthing (12/11/1927 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 1 – 0 Worthing (12/10/1921 – F.A Cup)
Worthing 0 – 0 Dartford (08/10/1921 – F.A Cup)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Worthing – 27/08/2022
Worthing v Dartford – 28/01/2023

Statistics

  • Dartford have won both games played at home against Worthing
  • The Darts have not played the Rebels for 12 years and have never met in a league fixture
  • Dartford have only ever played Worthing in F.A Cup matches. The pair have been drawn out together four times, the Darts progressed in the competition on three occasions to Worthing’s one.

Season Preview 2022/2023

August 3, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Weymouth

After beating Dartford in the National South playoff final in 2020, Weymouth beat the drop in their first campaign in the National League finishing eighteenth. Then that dreaded second season syndrome hit the Terras as they never got to grips with the top-flight of non-league last term. After a run of seven straight losses Brian Stock was replaced in the New Year, but even that failed to revive hopes of survival. In 2022, the Dorset club won just twice which included a final day victory sign off against fellow relegated side Dover Athletic, the only team to have finished below them.

2021/2022 Season
National League: 22nd
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Josh McQuoid (6 goals)

Manager – David Oldfield

Returning to the National South with a different club, Oldfield was previously at Oxford City. The 54-year-old helped the Hoops take the step from mid-table to promotion contenders. He was only in charge for two games before the 2019/2020 campaign was halted and after 17 matches in the following season, Oxford City were third on points per game. Leaving his former club when they were fourth in the table, Oldfield moved up a division joining Weymouth in January 2022 with the aim to keep the Terras in the National League. The former Manchester City and Leicester City midfielder has also managed Brackley Town.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
Nathan Carlyle (Queens Park Rangers) Taofiq Olomowewe (Welling United)
Jack Seddon (AFC  Bournemouth) Josh McQuoid (Aldershot Town)
Luke Nippard (AFC Bournemouth) Tyler Cordner (Aldershot Town)
Keelan O’Connell (Torquay United) Ollie Harfield (Aldershot Town)
Claudio Ofosu (Spennymoor Town) Andreas Robinson (Gosport Borough)
Bradley Ash (Chippenham Town) Ben Thomson (Salisbury)
Dan Matsuzaka (Oxford City) Brandon Goodship (Salisbury)
Harry Kyprianou (Oxford City) Gerard Benfield (Salisbury)
  Jordan Greenidge (Hemel Hempstead Town)
  Omar Mussa (Dagenham and Redbridge)
  Sean Shields (Barnet)
  Martell Taylor-Crossdale
  Josh Leslie-Smith
  Ross Fitzsimons
  Ben Morgan

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 18 / Weymouth wins: 35 / Draws: 16

Previous Matches (last six)

Dartford 1 – 0 Weymouth (15/01/2022 – F.A Trophy)
Weymouth 0 – 0 Dartford (01/08/2020 – National South Playoff Final)*
Weymouth 3 – 1 Dartford (17/08/2019 – National South)
Weymouth 2 – 0 Dartford (27/12/1997 – Southern League South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Weymouth (23/08/1997 – Southern League South)
Weymouth 2 – 1 Dartford (15/02/1997 – National South)
*Weymouth won 3-0 on penalties

Next Meetings

Dartford v Weymouth – 29/10/2022
Weymouth v Dartford – 04/03/2023

Statistics

  • Dartford have not beaten Weymouth in the league for 32 years (D1, L5)
  • The Darts ended a 32 year run without beating the Terras in all competitions last season (D2*, L6) *lost one on penalties
  • Dartford’s clean sheet last season was the first time they have kept consecutive clean sheets against Weymouth

Match Highlights – 2021/2022

Season Preview 2022/2023

August 3, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Welling United

Maybe the relegation battle served as a warning sign for Welling United in a season where only one club went down. The Wings need stability and with that a new era will begin this season as Mark Goldberg stepped down as chairman and now it is down to Paul Whitehead to restructure the club. Last term the Wings went through three managers starting with Steve Lovell before moving on to former Dartford player manager, Peter Taylor. The new boss picked up the reigns and victory on the penultimate game of the season at champions Maidstone secured Welling United’s National South status.

2021/2022 Season
National South: 20th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: Semi-Final
Top League Scorer: Dipo Akinyemi (18 goals)

Manager – Warren Feeney

A day after former Dartford player manager, Peter Taylor left Warren Feeney was appointed boss at Welling United. The former Northern Ireland international took charge of the final ten league games and kept the Wings up. His last role in club management was out in Bulgaria where he won the Second Division with Pirin Blagoevgrad. Feeney has picked up experience in the dugout by managing Northern Ireland side’s Ards and Linfield as well as a spell at Newport County in League Two. In his playing days, the forward won 46 caps for his country and spent nearly his whole career in the Football League.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
Ade Azeez (Dartford) Mason Saunders-Henry (Tonbridge Angels)
Tyrique Hyde (Dartford) Ben Allen (Hungerford Town)
Taofiq Olomowewe (Weymouth) Tom Derry (Cray Wanderers)
Manny Parry (Maidenhead United) Dipo Akinyemi (Ayr United)
Rob Strachan (Aveley) Ade Shokunbi (Hampton and Richmond Borough)
Rob Howard (Southend United) Bradley Stevenson (Billericay Town)
Taylor Maloney (Lewes) Maxwell Statham (Dartford)
Ashley Nzala (Brentwood Town) Alfie Matthews (Braintree Town)
Stefan Payne (Chesterfield) Bradley Pearce (Carshalton Athletic)
Prince Adegoke (Chelsea) Harvey Bradbury (Gosport Borough)
Sam Cox (Braintree Town) Zeki Fryers (Macclesfield)
Antony Papadopoulos (Leyton Orient) Jamie Sendles-White
Palace Francis (Bromley)  

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 24 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 10 / Draws: 11

Previous Matches (last six)

Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (26/04/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 2 Welling United (05/02/2022 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 6 Dartford (25/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Welling United (06/02/2021 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 0 Welling United (01/01/2020 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2019 – National South)
* Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Next Meetings

Dartford v Welling United – 10/09/2022
Welling United v Dartford – 04/02/2023

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of the last 17 against Welling United (W10, D6)
  • The Darts are unbeaten in the last eight games at home against the Wings (W7, D1)
  • Dartford have won their last two league games at Park View Road with an aggregate score of 9-0

Match Highlights – 2021/2022

Season Preview 2022/2023

August 3, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Tonbridge Angels

It was a surprise that manager Steve McKimm was relieved of his managerial duties with a game to go, after securing another season in the National South. The Angels suffered a heavy defeat in their season’s Kent derby opener against Ebbsfleet United and recovered well, they were the first team to take points off Dartford. During the last two months of 2021 results were difficult to find failing to pick up a victory. In the New Year, the Kent club’s form improved and with that they managed to move away from the relegation battle, finally staying up with a nine-point cushion.

2021/2022 Season
National South: 16th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 5th Round
County Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Scorer: Tommy Wood (12 goals)

Manager – Jay Saunders

The first full time manager to be appointed by the Angels in modern times, Saunders left Margate where he was popular as a player and most recently boss. In management he made his name at Maidstone United taking the Stones from the Isthmian Division One South to the National League within four years. Saunders won the Isthmian Premier League title between two playoff triumphs to get the Stones to the top flight of non-league. His shock departure from the Gallagher Stadium benefited Margate, who he led to eighth in the Isthmian Premier last term and reached the League Cup Final.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
Tommie Fagg (Ashford United) Tommy Wood (Hampton and Richmond Borough)
Louis Collins (Margate) Aaron Smith-Joseph (Carshalton Athletic)
Ben Swift (Margate) Tom Beere (Carshalton Athletic)
Fyn Rutherford (Margate) Jake Embery (Carshalton Athletic)
Mason Saunders-Henry (Welling United) Ibrahim Olutade (Folkestone Invicta)
Femi Akinwande (Billericay Town) Teddy Perkins (Concord Rangers)
Emmanuel Maja (Enfield Town) Ricky Modeste (Concord Rangers)
Lewis Gard (Southend United) Jerry O’Sullivan
Tettah-Quaye Addy (Crystal Palace) Adam Coombes
James Taylor (Crystal Palace)  

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 70 / Tonbridge Angels wins: 38 / Draws: 25

Previous Matches (last six)

Tonbridge Angels 2 – 3 Dartford (29/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Tonbridge Angels (11/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (05/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (28/12/2019 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 3 – 2 Dartford (03/09/2019 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 0 – 3 Dartford (15/10/2016 – F.A Cup)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels – 15/10/2022
Tonbridge Angels v Dartford – 15/04/2023

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of the last 14 games against Tonbridge Angels (W11, D2)
  • The Darts have won six of the last eight at home against the Angels (D2, L0)
  • Dartford have won five of the last six at Longmead (D0, L1)

Match Highlights – 2021/2022

Season Preview 2022/2023

August 2, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Taunton Town

History was made in the final day when Jay Foulston’s late winner against Farnborough clinched the Southern Premier South title. For the first time, Taunton Town will play in the National South. Over the last eight years, three consecutive playoff setbacks in the Southern League Division One West have been followed by two promotions in three full campaigns. Last season it took a while for the Peacocks to find their rhythm. A phenomenal run in 2022 was the decisive factor in the end, Taunton Town went on to win 19 of their last 22 games to lift the Southern Premier League trophy.

2021/2022 Season
Southern Premier South: Winners
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 1st Round
Top League Scorers: Tobias Holmes (17 goals)

Manager – Rob Dray

In full completed seasons since joining Taunton Town as a coach, Dray has never finished outside the top four. He became part of the backroom team in the summer of 2016 and two years later was lifting the Southern Division One West title. Shortly after that triumph Dray was promoted to interim manager before being appointed Head of Football, guiding the Peacocks to second in their first ever campaign in the Southern Premier League. Last term he went one better securing promotion to the National South by winning the Southern Premier League South division, an impressive start to his management career.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
Will Tunnicliff (Yate Town) Toby Holmes
Dan Ball (Bath City) Ben Adelsbury
Lloyd James (Bath City) Dan Sullivan
Dave Sims-Burgess (Bath City) Gethyn Hill
Lloyd Irish (Barnstaple Town)  
Nat Jarvis (Barry Town United)  
Nick McCootie (Weston-super-Mare)  
Will Buse (Bristol City)  
Jack Bycroft (Southampton)  

Head to Head

No previous meetings

Next Meetings

Taunton Town v Dartford – 20/08/2022
Dartford v Taunton Town – 21/01/2023

Season Preview 2022/2023

August 2, 2022 / / 0 Comments

St Albans City

Based on one defeat in the fifteen in 2020/2021, St Albans City were talked about as a title challenger. The Saints had the chance to prove themselves in the opening two fixtures against other favourites Dartford then Dorking Wanderers, they lost both. The Hertfordshire club rallied together though putting seven wins and a draw on the board. Inconsistency followed as St Albans City dropped points at home against lower league sides and struggled on the road when up against those above them. Always within a chance to make the playoffs their season tailed off from March onwards falling short of the top seven.

2021/2022 Season
National South: 9th
F.A Cup: 2nd Round
F.A Trophy: 4th Round
County Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Scorer: Shaun Jeffers (27 goals)

Manager – Ian Allinson

Arguably the most experienced manager in the division, Allinson made over 300 appearances for Colchester United as a player and spent four years in the eighties with Arsenal playing over a century of games for the Gunners. Allinson started managing in the lower echelons of non-league with spells at Baldock Town, Stotfold, Corby Town, Barton Rovers and Harlow Town. His last two jobs have spanned 14 years, first at Boreham Wood, who he led from the Isthmian Premier League to the National League via two playoff campaigns and now with St Albans City, where he has regularly posted top ten finishes for the Hertfordshire club.    

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
Chris Paul (Hemel Hempstead Town) Johnny Goddard (Slough Town)
Tafari Moore (Hendon) David Diedhiou (Hendon)
Chez Isaac (Chelmsford City) Bayley Brown (Hemel Hempstead Town)
Munashe Sundire (King’s Lynn Town) Alkeo Bani
  Tom Bender

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 11 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 5

Previous Matches (last six)

Dartford 3 – 1 St Albans City (23/04/2022 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 3 Dartford (14/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 St Albans City (17/11/2020 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 2 Dartford (07/03/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (06/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 2 St Albans City (12/01/2019 – National South)

Next Meetings

St Albans City v Dartford – 22/10/2022
Dartford v St Albans City – 22/04/2023

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of the last six against St Albans City (W4, D1) having won just one of the previous six (D0, L5)
  • The Darts have lost only twice at home against the Saints in 12 meetings (W6, D4*) – * lost a F.A Trophy tie on penalties
  • On the road, Dartford have won in their last two visits to St Albans City having lost the previous four with and aggregate score of 0-11.

Match Highlights – 2021/2022

Season Preview 2022/2023

August 2, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Slough Town

Only their second full season in the National South since winning promotion four years ago. The Rebels impressed in their first campaign missing out on the top ten. That was followed by a playoff campaign ended by Dartford. Last term Slough Town took a while to get going, after an opening day win, they went seven without victory. A spell of four wins in five in October and November was as good as it got, but they never looked trouble. Although Slough Town took a few hammerings they completed a double over champions Maidstone United and had a decent enough home record.

2021/2022 Season
National South: 13th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 4th Round
County Cup: 1st Round
Top League Scorer: Alfonso Tenconi (9 goals)

Manager – Neil Baker and Jon Underwood

The only joint management team in the National South proves it can be done, especially as this duo are entering their tenth year together at Slough Town. Baker joined Underwood in May 2013 after the pair had already worked together at Godalming Town in the Southern League Division One Central. When they managing solo Baker was in charge at Fleet Spurs and Underwood was the boss at Sandhurst Town. Since being appointed they have taken Slough Town up two divisions twice through the playoffs, twice reached the second round of the F.A Cup and once participated in the National South playoffs.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
James Dobson (Hemel Hempstead Town) Freddie Grant (Farnborough)
Elliot Benyon (Oxford City) Alfonso Tenconi (Stanford Cardinal)
Guy Hollis (Havant and Waterlooville)  
Johnny Goddard (St Albans City)  
George Wells (Maidenhead United)  
Fabio Sole (Oxford United)  

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Slough Town wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Previous Matches (last six)

Slough Town 0 – 6 Dartford (30/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Slough Town (21/08/2021 – National South)
Slough Town 2 – 2 Dartford (15/12/2020 – F.A Trophy)*
Dartford 2 – 0 Slough Town (21/11/2020 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Slough Town (03/10/2020 – F.A Cup)
Slough Town 0 – 3 Dartford (19/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
* – Dartford won 6-5 on penalties

Next Meetings

Slough Town v Dartford – 25/10/2022
Dartford v Slough Town – 21/03/2023

Statistics

  • Dartford have won the last three league games scoring 11 without reply
  • The Darts have gone four games unbeaten in all competitions against the Rebels, winning three and going through on penalties in the F.A Trophy
  • Dartford have won their last two at Princes Park against Slough Town and are unbeaten in three away from home

Match Highlights – 2021/2022

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