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Dartford v Bognor Regis Town

December 6, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return to league action against bottom side Bognor Regis Town this weekend.

The Darts have managed to put their poor run behind them and are now looking towards the playoff places. Dartford are just a win away from the top five, but sit in ninth place after a run of seven league matches without defeat. Victory on Saturday will make it three in a row in the Isthmian Premier for the first time since August. Bognor Regis Town are four without a win and suffered a heavy defeat last time out to leave them at the foot of the table without a permanent manager.

Adrian Pennock’s side are beginning to enjoy playing hosts again turning their fortunes around over the last month. A creditable 0-0 draw against high flying Cray Valley Paper Mills set Dartford on their current unbeaten home run in the league to three. A wonder strike by George Whitefield turned out to be the winner versus Cheshunt in a 2-1 triumph and a fortnight ago the defender scored again. Olly Box and Whitefield were on the scoresheet in the last home outing, which the Darts won 2-0 against playoff chasers Lewes.

A couple of away games have taken place since and after dispatching struggling Hastings United 3-0 with goals from Samir Carruthers, Jez Pinder and Eddie Dsane, Dartford were in League Cup action at Isthmian South East side Sheppey United on Tuesday night. Pennock made nine changes to the side with only goalkeeper, Jacob Marsden and defender George Whitefield remaining the starting eleven. Whilst academy player Blu Husthwaite was given his first start for the Darts and reserve goalkeeper Josh Atkinson came on to make his debut.

The Dartford boss used the opportunity of a cup fixture to give experience to a very youthful side. Nine academy players and recent graduates featured before the final whistle signalled the end of Dartford’s League Cup run. Sheppey United led by a goal at the break and despite the visitors attempts to force penalties, the Ites added two stoppage time goals to go through to the quarter-final.

Now out of all cup competitions the Darts are left to concentrate on pushing for a playoff place. If Pennock’s side claim victory this weekend they could enter the top five. However, they will also need Lewes to fall to defeat and for Carshalton Athletic and Folkestone Invicta not to win.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Bognor Regis Town evokes memories for the Darts, mainly the title celebrations in 2010 and a championship decider in 2018, but those meetings were down in Sussex. At Princes Park, it was less about the occasion itself and more about an individual performance by an opposition player. During the Isthmian Premier winning campaign table toppers Dartford hosted rock bottom Bognor Regis Town and Jason Prior scored a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw. The striker must have impressed the Darts enough as he joined Dartford on loan in March 2013 before making a permanent move that summer.

Blushes were spared by the hosts due to a late Billy Burgess goal, but it was Prior’s hat-trick of headers that saw the Darts having to come back twice. Danny Harris netted a brace to level at 2-2 before Prior secured the match ball and put Bognor Regis Town ahead again. In stoppage time, Burgess scrambled home the equaliser on an entertaining afternoon.

Eight years later, Dartford scored three again at Princes Park and this time a stronger defence made sure of maximum points. Ryan Hayes took a quick throw which found its way to scorer Alfie Pavey via Andy Pugh on seven minutes. The visitors were level before the break, Kristian Campbell equalised and like Prior he went on to play for Dartford later in his career. In the second half the Darts pulled away with a successful penalty from Elliot Bradbrook and a header by Pugh.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s last meeting with the Rocks ended in heartbreak despite victory in April 2018. Needing to better Havant and Waterlooville’s result to win the National South on the final day, the Darts went 2-0 up in the 77^th minute after goals from Danny Mills and Ronnie Vint. The hosts pulled a goal back when Ollie Pearce scored from the spot. Meanwhile, Havant and Waterlooville let a two-goal lead slip and were level. Until that man Prior, then at the Hawks, scored a last gasp winner snatching the title away from Dartford.

In 2010, the visit to Nyewood Lane was less nervy and one of celebration. Dartford were already Isthmian Premier champions ahead of the last game of the season. Jamie Coyle scored the Darts’ 100^th league goal of the campaign and Lee Noble sealed a 2-0 triumph.

Bognor Regis Town departed with manager Robbie Blake after a heavy defeat to Chatham Town last weekend, David Birmingham and Craig Robson have been left in charge in the interim. The Rocks were 6-0 down by half-time on their own patch before losing 7-1. The former Burnley forward was in his seventh year at the helm after taking over at the Sussex club when they were relegated from the National South over six years ago.

Having lost eight of their last ten in the league, the Rocks have picked up just four points from the last 30 available. On the road, they have a solitary victory against Bowers and Pitsea and a draw at Hastings United, both sides are struggling in the Isthmian Premier this term. The Rocks have been leaking goals and have conceded 42 in the league, eleven of those have been in the previous two outings. Former Dart, Tommy Block is part of the Bognor Regis Town set up. The midfielder made 17 appearances at Dartford during last season but struggled with injuries in his time at Princes Park.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWDWDW)			Bognor Regis Town (LWLDLL)
Hastings United	A	3-0	Chatham Town	H	1-7
Chichester City	A	2-2	Folkestone Invicta	A	1-4
Lewes	H	2-0	Carshalton Athletic	H	1-1
Hashtag United	A	3-3	Lewes	A	1-4
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Bowers and Pitsea	A	1-0
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Cheshunt	H	0-4

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Bognor Regis Town wins: 1 / Draws: 4

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (28/04/2018 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (07/10/2017 – National South)
Bognor Regis Town 0 – 2 Dartford (24/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 3 Bognor Regis Town (07/11/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (02/05/1981 – Southern League South)
Bognor Regis Town 2 – 2 Dartford (13/12/1980 – Southern League South)

Statistics

Dartford are currently on a six game unbeaten run against Bognor Regis Town stretching back 34 years (W3, D3)
The Darts have won the last three meetings between the two sides
Dartford are unbeaten at home against the Rocks (W4, D2)
Adrian Pennock will equal his longest unbeaten home record as Dartford boss if he avoids defeat at Princes Park for a fourth time in a row this weekend.

On This Day

Dartford have only tasted defeat twice at home on this day in ten outings, but this fixture will be the first at Princes Park. The Darts last home match on 7 December ended in a 1-1 draw with Folkestone Invicta in 1998. Two years earlier, also in the Southern League South, Dartford won 2-1 against Bashley. The Darts are currently on an unbeaten run of five at home on this day. The last five outings have all been on the road and in that time the Darts have won once. Another fixture against Folkestone Invicta ended 4-1 in 2011 with goals from Jacob Erskine, Tom Bonner and a double from Richard Graham in the Kent Senior Cup second round. Five years ago, Dartford drew 1-1 at Dulwich Hamlet, Elliott Romain netted from the spot.

Sheppey United v Dartford

December 2, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return to knockout competition with a fourth round Isthmian League Cup tie at Sheppey United on Tuesday night.

Facing each other for the first time since the mid-nineties both sides will be looking to reach the quarter-finals. A division higher than their opponents, Dartford approach the game on their longest unbeaten run during Adrian Pennock’s tenure. Starting with victory in this competition in the previous round, the Darts are without defeat in the last eight. Sheppey United are challenging for promotion to the Isthmian South East and it is likely they will have to go through the playoffs. The Ites are currently on a three game winning streak.

Dartford headed back to Sussex to take on Hastings United on the weekend. Adrian Pennock made one change to the side that let a two goal lead slip at Chichester City a week ago. New loan signing from Chelmsford City, Louis Dunne made his debut with Jeremiah Pinder dropping to the bench.

Although a former Dart gave the visitors an early scare, it was Dartford who took the lead. Davide Rodari earlier hit the crossbar for Hastings United prior to the in form Olly Box winning a penalty for the Darts. Samir Carruthers scored the spot kick, his fourth goal of the season, all in his last eight appearances. The midfielder was replaced by Pinder just past the hour mark. The substitute made an impact ten minutes later slotting home a pass from Box. Eddie Dsane was introduced after five games out with a shoulder injury, the striker made it 3-0 with his sixth goal of the season ending his six match goal drought.

In the previous round of the Isthmian League Cup, Pennock made seven changes to the starting eleven to face Erith Town. A Carruthers free kick was enough to see the Darts progress in a 1-0 win. In the solitary county cup tie this season the whole lineup was altered. It is likely this theme will continue on Tuesday night and a few academy players get the opportunity to impress the boss. So far this term eleven current or former academy players have made at least one appearance.

Dartford have progressed against all six Kent sides they have faced in the Isthmian League Cup, which includes two penalty shoot-outs. Sheppey United will be aiming to put an end to that sequence. The Ites had won just one cup match this season before beginning their Isthmian League Cup run. In the F.A Cup they beat North Greenford United prior to a heavy replay loss to Hanwell Town. Then they became Ramsgate’s victims in the F.A Trophy at the first hurdle.

A cup victory did arrive when they drew out Herne Bay in the League Cup, but the Ites couldn’t complete the job in normal time and went through on penalties. After no goals in 90 minutes the tie was decided from the spot with Sheppey United holding their nerve in a 5-4 shootout win. The same fate awaited Ernie Batten’s side in the Kent Senior Cup a week later, but with a different outcome. A 1-1 draw with Hythe Town forced another penalty lottery and this time the Ites went out 5-3.

Sheppey United will be hoping their third round Isthmian League Cup win over Margate last week has changed their fortune in knockout competition. Gil Carvalho’s second-half hat-trick helped the Ites to a 4-2 win. The Gate went in at half-time a goal up through Brandon Davey. Then a fourteen spell saw Sheppey United net four unanswered goals. Victor Aiye levelled six minutes into the second-half, then Carvalho scored three in eight minutes. With the game closing out, Jordon Ababio grabbed a consolation for Margate.

In the Isthmian South East, the Ites sit in the final playoff place. Three straight wins in the league at home and three consecutive victories in all competitions has given the Kent side confidence. On the weekend they faced Eastbourne Town and won with the only goal coming from Aiye, his second in as many matches. Featuring in the recent successes is captain and former Dart, Danny Leonard. The winger joined Dartford from the Ites before returning after a season. During the 2021/2022 season, Leonard started 28 games for the Darts, made 13 substitute appearances and scored 10 goals.

Current Form

Dartford (DWDWDW)			Sheppey United (DWLWWW)
Hastings United	A	3-0	Eastbourne Town	H	1-0
Chichester City	A	2-2	Margate (ILC)	A	4-2
Lewes	H	2-0	Phoenix Sports	H	3-1
Hashtag United	A	3-3	Burgess Hill Town	A	0-3
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Merstham	H	4-3
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Erith Town	A	1-1

ILC – Isthmian League Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 48 / Sheppey United wins: 34 / Draws: 10

Previous Meetings

Sheppey United 1 – 3 Dartford (02/03/1996 – Kent League First Division)
Dartford 3 – 0 Sheppey United (28/10/1995 – Kent League First Division)
Dartford 0 – 1 Sheppey United (03/05/1995 – Kent League First Division)
Sheppey United 5 – 1 Dartford (29/03/1995 – Kent League First Division)
Sheppey United 3 – 1 Dartford (26/10/1994 – Kent Senior Trophy)
Dartford 0 – 0 Sheppey United (19/10/1994 – Kent Senior Trophy)

Statistics

Dartford have won the last two meetings in this fixture both during the 1995/1996 Kent League campaign
The Darts last knocked Sheppey United out of a cup competition in 1987 winning a Southern League Cup tie 2-0
The Ites are unbeaten in the last three cup games against Dartford winning two and drawing one.
Dartford have won 20 cup matches versus Sheppey United including three finals (1925 Kent League Cup, 1930 Kent Senior Shield and 1932 Kent Senior Cup). There have also been seven draws and eight defeats

On This Day

A late Louis Dunne cross proved costly for the Darts on this day two years ago. The on loan midfielder from Chelmsford City scored the only goal of the game as the Clarets won 1-0 at the Melbourne Stadium. Two goals in a couple of minutes helped Dartford to a 2-1 win against Poole Town in 2016. Duane Ofori-Acheampong opened the scoring and Luke Wanadio made it two. The visitors pulled a goal back through Luke Parker. The last cup tie on this day was in 2013 when the Darts were knocked out in a F.A Trophy first round replay versus Forest Green Rovers. In 2011, Dartford earned bragging rights in their Kent derby with rivals Dover Athletic. An Adam Green penalty, Ryan Hayes and Elliot Bradbrook all netted in the 3-1 home victory.

Hastings United v Dartford

November 28, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return to Sussex this weekend to take on Hastings United and hope to maintain their unbeaten run.

The Darts picked up another draw on Tuesday night down at Chichester City and are now six without defeat in the Isthmian Premier. Now just four points away from the playoff places, Adrian Pennock’s side need to start turning draws into wins to aid a push towards the top five. Hastings United were also in action midweek determined to recover from their heavy loss last Saturday. The U’s started the evening in the relegation zone, but ended up climbing out.

Pennock named an unchanged side against Chichester City starting with the same lineup that secured a 2-0 win over Lewes last weekend. It looked as though his decision would pay off as the Darts took a two goal lead going into half-time. Olly Box scored for a third game in a row to move onto x goals for the season, then an own goal from Ben Pashley doubled Dartford’s lead. In the second half the hosts fought back to earn a 2-2 draw. First, Ethan Prichard scored then Isaac Bello equalised leaving the spoils shared.

Pennock felt despite losing a two goal lead it was still a positive result, he explained to Dartford FC TV: “It’s a point gained, I’m telling you now, it’s a hard place to come. Billericay lost here 3-1 on Saturday, so it’s a point gained for me”. The Dartford boss wants his side to be optimistic ahead of the visit to Hastings United’s Pilot Field this weekend, he said: “We’ve got to be positive and look forward to Saturday now, it’s another good game. I know they lost 9-0 on Saturday, but it’s all about us, how we turn up on the day and put good effort in”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Over the last month the Darts have stopped a winless run of seven games and turned that into a run of seven without defeat in all competitions. Up front Dartford have started to add goals to their tally. The Darts have netted ten in their previous five league matches compared with only two in four games previously. However, on the road Dartford are winless in five in the Isthmian Premier and in search of a first league victory on their travels in three months.

Hastings United will be Dartford’s third opponents in a row from Sussex and the last time the Darts made the trip to Pilot Field was 15 years ago years ago. This time Pennock will be without Michael Olarewaju (hamstring) for the trip south, but Eddie Dsane may be in contention. Duane Ofori-Acheampong was back in the squad on Tuesday after completing his suspension. Ade Yusuff is no longer on dual registration terms with the Darts and Gabe Campbell has joined Ashford United on loan.

Louis Dunne will be available after signing a two month loan deal from National South side Chelmsford City. The midfielder missed a large part of pre-season with a knee injury and is just returning from a hamstring issue. He will be familiar to some faces in the Dartford squad having played with Jacob Marsden, Samir Carruthers and Callum Jones last season. Dunne scored the late winner for Chelmsford City against the Darts in December 2022.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

There is plenty of Southern League history between Dartford and Hastings United from the fifties through to the mid-eighties. Saturday will be the 88^th meeting between the two sides, but the last was 14 years ago in this very division. On that day the Darts ran out 4-3 winners at Princes Park as they edged nearer to the Isthmian Premier League title. Ryan Hayes scored directly from a corner to get Dartford’s 100^th competitive goal of the 2009/2010 season, Ade Olorunda equalised, but Danny Harris nodded the hosts back in front. In the second half, Hastings United went in front when Liam Bellamy and Olorunda scored. Tony Burman’s side fought back after Harris made it all square again. Then late on Elliot Bradbrook grabbed a dramatic winner.

The last visit to Pilot Field came in August 2009 and the Darts scored three that time. Keeping up their perfect start to the title winning campaign, Dartford took the lead courtesy of Lee Burns. The advantage was doubled before half time thanks to Rob Haworth’s header. A third goal arrived after the break, Burns getting his second of the game. There was also time for a Hastings United consolation through Matt Maclean.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

The U’s secured a 1-1 draw with Carshalton Athletic on Tuesday night to move out of the bottom four. Determined to show their character after a humbling last weekend when they lost 9-0 to Hendon, Hastings United took the lead against the Robins inside ten minutes. A swift counter attack ended with Will Harley opening the scoring. The U’s held out until the stroke of half-time when they conceded the penalty that David Smith scored for the visitors.

The Sussex club started with Danny Bloor in charge this season, however the former Welling United manager left at the end of October. With just three wins in his opening eleven games, the U’s were down in sixteenth place on 12 points. In came Sean Ray and Bobbi Deegan who won their opening game against struggling Whitehawk but have not managed maximum points since. Single goal defeats arrived at Wingate and Finchley and against Cray Valley Paper Mills before the loss at Hendon and Tuesday night’s draw. Aside from the Isthmian Premier, the U’s made progression in the League Cup defeating Deal Town 2-0 just over a fortnight ago.

Among the scorers in the cup tie was former Dartford forward Davide Rodari. He spent the first half of the 2022/2023 season on loan from Crawley Town and made 21 appearances for the Darts scoring three goals. The 25-year-old scored 28 goals for Hastings United last term and is already in double figures in all competitions this season. During the same campaign, midfielder Adam Lovatt spent a short loan spell with the Darts making just five appearances, he is also part of the Hastings United squad.

Current League Form

Dartford (DDWDWD)			Hastings United (DWLLLD)
Chichester City	A	2-2	Carshalton Athletic	H	1-1
Lewes	H	2-0	Hendon	A	0-9
Hashtag United	A	3-3	Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-1
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Wingate & Finchley	A	1-2
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Whitehawk	H	2-0
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Cray Wanderers	A	0-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 38 / Hastings United wins: 29 / Draws: 20

Previous Meetings

Dartford 4 – 3 Hastings United (27/03/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Hastings United 1 – 3 Dartford (22/08/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Hastings United 0 – 0 Dartford (03/03/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 2 Hastings United (13/09/2008 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 0 – 2 Hastings United (23/08/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Hastings United 1 – 2 Dartford (14/04/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)

Statistics

Dartford have won four of the last six games against Hastings United in all competitions (D1, L1)
The Darts are currently four unbeaten at the Pilot Field (W3, D1)
Dartford are on their longest unbeaten run in all competitions under Adrian Pennock (W3, D4).
The Darts are on their longest unbeaten league run since the 2022/2023 season when they went 11 without defeat between September and November 2022

On This Day

Dartford have played Hastings United before on this day back in 1955. The Southern League Cup first round fixture finished 0-0 in Sussex. The two sides had earlier met in a two legged qualifier drawing both fixtures. The unusual format ranked all teams from the two qualifying matches and the top sixteen made it through. The Darts went on to win the replay 2-1 in January played at Gravesend.

The Darts last played on this day five years ago and were beaten 3-0 by Bath City at Twerton Park in the National South. In 2013, Danny Harris scored in a 1-1 home draw with Forest Green Rovers. The F.A Trophy first round tie went to a replay which the Darts lost. Dartford’s last victory on 30 November was in 2002 when they defeated Corby Town 4-0 at home in the Southern League Division One East.

Chichester City v Dartford

November 25, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford face Isthmian South East playoff winners Chichester City for the first time ever on Tuesday night.

The Darts have never visited Oaklands Park and will be keen to extend their unbeaten league run to six. Adrian Pennock’s side moved to within four points of the top five, but are down in twelfth in a tightly congested table. Playing in the Isthmian Premier for the first time in their relatively short history, Chichester City are just a place and point behind the Darts.

Eleven days without a game did Samir Carruthers, Sam Okoye and Oliver Box a world of good allowing the trio to recover from recent injuries and start against Lewes. However, the game came too soon for Michael Olarewaju, who is expected to be out for another four to five weeks with a hamstring injury. Eddie Dsane may be in contention this week after sustaining a shoulder injury in the League Cup win at Erith Town. Duane Ofori-Acheampong missed the Lewes match through suspension, but will be available on Tuesday night. Ade Yusuff, who is on dual registration was unavailable on the weekend as his parent club Hornchurch named the forward in their squad.

After a run of one point from an available 15, Dartford’s form is improving. The 2-0 victory over Lewes on Saturday means Pennock’s side have now won two and drawn three of their last five Isthmian Premier matches. In recent matches, the Darts created plenty of opportunities without taking full advantage. A dominant display against Lewes, who were occupying the final playoff spot ended in a deserved win on the weekend. Carruthers had his free kick tipped onto the post with quarter of an hour gone. Then the Darts edged closer to scoring an opener towards the end of the first half. Box, Callum Jones and Denzelle Olopade had chances before Box scored his fifth of the season.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Early in the second half, Jacob Marsden had to be alert by tipping a deflected cross onto the crossbar, then saving a one on one. However, just before an hour had been played George Whitefield put daylight between the hosts and the visitors. Scrambling in the second goal, the defender has now netted twice in his last two home appearances. Jones went on to hit the post in search of his first goal in ten appearances. Moments later the striker was fouled, leading to Ethan Kaiser’s second yellow card that left Lewes down to ten men.

Pennock is putting trust in his young squad and once again six players with links to Dartford’s academy featured on the weekend. October’s academy Player of the Month, Blu Husthwaite came on as a late substitute making his first league appearance. The youngster had already made his debut as a starter in the Kent Senior Cup tie. With the recent upturn in form and the use of the youngsters, Pennock is happy with progress being made, he told Dartford FC TV after the Lewes win: “We’re going in the right direction, but there is a long way to go and still a lot to do. We’re looking forward to Tuesday, another tough one and then we’ve got Hastings away on Saturday. So the games are coming thick and fast and we need everybody ready”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Looking ahead the Darts could make a push towards the playoff places. After taking on Chichester City they face two more Sussex sides both currently in the relegation zone. On Saturday they visit Hastings United, then a week later host Bognor Regis Town.

Dartford’s fixture with newly promoted Chichester City was due to take place last month. But with the Lillywhites still in the F.A Trophy the game needed rearranging. This means Chichester City play host for a fifth time in a row on Tuesday night. In that time the Sussex club have picked up a win, draw and suffered defeat in the league, as well as losing their F.A Trophy second round tie to Dartford’s F.A Cup conquerors Worthing. The Lilywhites, similarly to the Darts, were dealt a blow by Danny Cashman. The forward netted the winner with three minutes remaining in a game that finished 3-2.

So after a break from league action the Lilywhites faced another tough fixture at Oaklands Park against title challengers Billericay Town. Chichester City’s performance in the trophy was an improvement on their previous Isthmian Premier outing, in which they were beaten 4-0 on home soil against Hashtag United.

The Lillywhites came from behind to beat Billericay Town, who had taken the lead through former Dart, Tyrell Miller-Rodney. In the space of three first half minutes the hosts turned the game around. First, Jimmy Wild equalised and then Ethan Prichard put Chichester City ahead. Prichard scored again in the second half to add a third.

The Sussex side have performed better at home winning half of their Isthmian Premier fixtures at Oaklands Park. Helped by the goals of Wild, who has netted 16 this term, Chichester City have settled into the division during their debut campaign.

Current League Form

Dartford (LDDWDW)			Chichester City (LLWDLW)
Lewes	H	2-0	Billericay Town	H	3-1
Hashtag United	A	3-3	Hashtag United	H	0-4
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Horsham	H	1-1
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Canvey Island	A	3-2
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Bowers and Pitsea	A	1-2
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Cray Valley (PM)	A	2-2

Statistics

Dartford are on their longest unbeaten run in all competitions under Adrian Pennock (W3, D3).
The Darts are on their longest unbeaten league run since February 2023 (5 games)
Dartford have won just one of their last seven away games in all competitions drawing the last two
Oliver Box is now Dartford’s second highest scorer from the current squad with 11 goals. His goal on the weekend took him past Duane Ofori-Acheampong and he’s now two goals behind Samir Carruthers

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook scored a F.A Trophy hat-trick on this day eight years ago to send Dartford into round one. Weston-super-Mare took the lead through Bradley Ash, but before the break Andy Pugh levelled. Bradbrook put the Darts back in front and the tie could have turned after Tom Bonner was sent off. Ash converted the subsequent penalty equalising for the hosts. A replay would have been a good result with ten men, however Bradbrook had other ideas scoring twice to claim the match ball and a 4-2 victory. That win is Dartford’s only triumph on this day in the last six outings. Three years later Dartford went out at the same stage of the competition to local rivals Maidstone United.

In 2022, the Darts secured a 3-1 home win over Concord Rangers to move top of the National South. Carruthers opened the scoring in the first half, but prior the interval the visitors were level from the spot when Mo Bettamer made it 1-1. The Darts ran out winners in the second half with goals from Pierre Fonkeu and an own goal by Aron Pollock.

Dartford v Lewes

November 21, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to extend their unbeaten run in the Isthmian Premier to five when they host Lewes this weekend.

The Darts need to start turning draws into victories if they want to climb the table and move closer to the playoff places. Adrian Pennock’s side have drawn three of the last four league games and are currently seven points from the top five. Although results have improved this month, the Darts have won just once in their last nine league fixtures. Lewes were this season’s early pace setters until a run of five without a victory. However they ended that sequence in their last match in the Isthmian Premier by taking maximum points.

Dartford won their previous home game which featured six academy graduates against Cheshunt. Yet is was experienced midfielder Samir Carruthers who opened the scoring from the spot. The Ambers levelled in the second-half, but George Whitefield’s goal of the season contender earned the Darts a 2-1 triumph.

Only three former academy players featured in the 3-3 draw at Hashtag United, but this time two of them scored. Pennock introduced Ade Yusuff for the suspended Duane Ofori-Acheampong in the only change to the starting eleven. Sam Odaudu netted his third of the campaign to give the Darts a first-half lead. Then Pennock’s side had to show character after falling behind twice in a hectic final 25 minutes. The Tags equalised through Toby Aromolaran and went in front after Joshua Rusoke scored. Three minutes later Denzelle Olopade drew Dartford level before the hosts went 3-2 up in the 87th minute when Ayo Olukoga looked to have won it for the Essex side. In the final moments Oliver Box made it all square again and there was still time for last ditch heroics when Jacob Marsden made an incredible save onto the crossbar.

After picking up an injury in the draw at Potters Bar Town, Sam Okoye made a substitute appearance in that draw against the Tags. Pennock is hoping that last weekend’s break in the schedule can aid the recovery to injured players Michael Olarewaju, Eddie Dsane and Samir Carruthers.

Dartford last hosted Lewes in March 2011 and Charlie Sheringham’s brace secured a 3-0 victory. Danny Harris opened the scoring smashing a looping volley inside Connor Gough’s post to put Darts one up. The crucial second goal arrived on 20 minutes when a corner on the right found Sheringham by the far post and he headed in off the bar. In the final minute a swift three-man move started by Ryan Hayes ended with a third goal, Sheringham hooked his shot home from inside the six-yard box.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Five months earlier the Darts drew 1-1 at the Dripping Pan thanks to a late Tom Bonner equaliser. After Paul Olima had put Lewes in front, a quick free kick made its way to Bonner who fired his shot beyond the goalkeeper to salvage a point. The only other previous meeting between the two sides was back in January 1983. Dartford progressed in the F.A Trophy with a 2-0 away win.

The team occupying the final playoff spot in the Isthmian Premier is this weekend’s opponents Lewes. The Sussex side ended last season as one of the form teams and started this term where they left off. The Rooks won their final five fixtures in April. Helped by the 14 league goals from former Dart, Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala, who has now departed, the Sussex club finished eighth. In August they won their first five extending the winning streak to ten. It took until the end of September for Craig Nelson’s side to lose their first Isthmian Premier contest. Prior the heavy loss to Potters Bar Town, the Rooks had opened up a six-point lead to become the early pace setters.

In the Rooks last league game they were trying to put an end to a five-game winless run in the league, which began at Potters Bar Town. Although Lewes picked up draws against Billericay Town, Chatham Town and Hendon they were beaten for just the second time when they visited Horsham in mid-October. So, a Sussex derby under the Dripping Pan lights against bottom side Bognor Regis Town was just the tonic.

Lewes may have scored early against their local rivals, but they left it very late to secure maximum points. The Rooks completed a double over Bognor Regis Town having beaten the basement boys by a single goal in August. New signing, Gianluca Botti scored 31 goals for Chertsey Town in the Isthmian South Central last term. The forward scored a minute into his home debut to open his goalscoring account. The visitors equalised through Jasper Maher leaving the hosts having to dig deep. In the final three minutes the floodgates eventually opened with goals from Matt Warren, and injury time strikes for Botti and Danny Bassett.

Nelson’s side did suffer defeat on the weekend in the F.A Trophy going out to Southern Premier South side AFC Totton. Former Premier League striker Charlie Austin is back in non-league with the Hampshire side and opened the scoring. In the last minute Tony Lee completed the 2-0 win for the visitors.

Current League Form

Dartford (DLDDWD)			Lewes (LDLDDW)
Hashtag United	A	3-3	Bognor Regis Town	H	4-1
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Hendon	A	0-0
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Chatham Town	A	1-1
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Horsham	A	0-2
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Billericay Town	H	2-2
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Potters Bar Town	A	0-5

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Lewes wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

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

The Darts are five games unbeaten in all competitions (W2, D3). Their longest unbeaten run since Adrian Pennock took charge
Dartford are also on their longest unbeaten run since December 2022/January 2023 when they won four and drew one in the National South
The Darts are unbeaten in the three matches played against Lewes (W2, D1)

On This Day

Dartford are looking for a first win on this day since 1991. The Darts last victory on 23 November was a 1-0 triumph against Burton Albion, now of League One. Since then they have lost four and drawn two. The last outing on this day was a F.A Trophy Kent derby at rivals Maidstone United. The third qualifying round finished 2-2. In 1974, the Darts were so close to pulling off a F.A Cup first round shock. Facing high flying Plymouth Argyle, who ended up winning promotion that season to the old Division Two (now Championship), Dartford were 2-1 up with five minutes to play. Argyle finished strongly to come from behind and win 3-2.

Hashtag United v Dartford

November 11, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford visit a familiar ground to face their newest opponents when they take on Hashtag United on Tuesday night.

A hop over the Thames to Aveley’s Parkside will be the shortest journey in the league this season for the Darts. Facing a side formed just eight years ago, Dartford take on the Tags who are in their second campaign at this level having placed mid-table last term. Both sides are looking for a consecutive victory in the Isthmian Premier to climb the table.

Adrian Pennock’s side increased their unbeaten run in all competitions to four on the weekend with a first league triumph since the end of August. The 2-1 home win against Cheshunt involved six academy graduates with George Whitefield the match winner. The defender made his eighth start of the season replacing Michael Olarewaju. The only other change to the side that drew 0-0 at Potters Bar Town was Tyler Christian-Law coming in to face his former side. Sam Okoye missed his first league game of the campaign after hobbling of earlier in the week. Olarewaju and Eddie Dsane were out with minor injuries, whilst Ade Yusuff has been featuring for his parent club Hornchurch.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Similar to the Potters Bar Town game, the Darts created plenty of chances on Saturday. Arguably Dartford could have come away with maximum points despite being reduced to ten men against the Scholars, instead they had to settle for a draw. On the weekend, once again missed opportunities could have been costly. However, Pennock’s side did enough to take maximum points and keep up a perfect record against Cheshunt. Assistant manager, Roland Edge would now like his side to improve in the ‘art of killing off a game’.

A dominating first half display saw the Darts deservedly lead at half-time. Cheshunt’s goalkeeper, R’Avan Constable was in excellent form and close to saving a Samir Carruthers penalty, the midfielder’s third goal in four and second from the spot. In an even second half, the visitors equalised through Tommy Wood. Then 19-year-old, George Whitefield scored a stunner from long range, his second goal in his last four appearances. Defensively, Jacob Marsden and Luther Williams made important contributions, but man of the match Whitefield made the biggest contribution of all with a crucial block in stoppage time.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Assistant manager Roland Edge felt the Darts were worth the victory and commented: “I’m very, very happy and I think it’s been coming to be honest. I mean even on Tuesday night I thought we had ample chances to win the game and possibly didn’t take them. I think our performances have got better recently and we’ve deserved to win, but deserved doesn’t get you a win. Today it took a hell of a strike to win it, but we deserved it overall”.

By the end of the afternoon six academy graduates featured for the Darts. Todd Brand came on to make his league debut. In addition to the six who played, Jeremiah Pinder has also made 19 appearances this term. Edge praised the set up at the club, he exclaimed: “It’s fantastic for the club and it’s fantastic for the youth system. Today they have got to take a bow I think, they’ve all come in and done their part and there is more quality in there. They have more than held their own and they are getting better week by week”.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Whilst delighted with scoring the winner, Whitefield urged his team to remain focussed, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “The vibe in the changing room is now unbelievable. I’m just hoping we are able to do it again next week. Hashtag is going to be a tough game; we just need to make sure we don’t get too ahead of ourselves”.

The Darts will be without the suspended Duane Ofori-Acheampong after his red card against Potters Bar Town. The striker, who made his 50th start for the club on Saturday serves his second ban of the season after a previous dismissal.

Hashtag United climbed out of the relegation zone with a 4-0 away win at newly promoted Chichester City. The Tags turned it on in the second half with a goal from Misha Djemaili, a brace by Sakariya Hassan and a fourth was added through Toby Aromolaran. Captained by former Dart, Max Cornhill, Hashtag United moved up to eighteenth with their first league win in five. Cornhill made 66 appearances for the Darts between 2013 and 2015 scoring nine times.

This will only be Hashtag United’s fifth home game in the Isthmian Premier this term. The Essex club have won just once in the league at Parkside and that was a 4-0 win against struggling Hastings United. Although they have picked up three wins on the road, the Tags have earned themselves just 13 points and are ahead of county rivals Bowers and Pitsea on goal difference.

Jay Devereux’s side have fared better in cup competitions recently progressing in the F.A Trophy, League Cup and Essex Senior Cup. Next weekend the Tags have their second round F.A Trophy tie at home to Brackley Town.

The youngest club in the division, Hashtag United gained a large social media following and momentum to aid their rise through the non-league pyramid. The Tags have won two league titles, most recently the Isthmian Division One North. Last season was their debut in the Premier and a mid-table finish was more than respectable.

Current League Form

Dartford (LDLDDW)			Hashtag United (WLDLLW)
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Chichester City	A	4-0
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Cray Wanderers	A	0-3
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Dover Athletic	A	2-4
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Folkestone Invicta	A	1-1
Hendon	H	0-0	Carshalton Athletic	H	0-1
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Cheshunt	A	4-3

Statistics

The Darts are four games unbeaten in all competitions (W2, D2) matching Pennock’s previous best unbeaten run as Dartford boss in August (W4, D0)
Only three of the bottom four have scored fewer goals than Dartford in the Isthmian Premier this season (Dartford – 15 goals, Bowers and Pitsea – 14, Cray Wanderers – 12 and Whitehawk – 11)
The Darts are looking for a first away league win since 24 August (L2, D1)

On This Day

Duane Ofori-Acheampong was in the Dartford side that won 2-0 on this day in 2016. The Darts hosted Hemel Hempstead Town and goals from Danny Harris and Luke Wanadio secured victory. Dartford have lost the last two on the road on 12 November. A trip to Farnborough in 2022 ended in a 3-1 defeat. Kristian Campbell scored for the Darts, whilst Samir Carruthers and Sam Odaudu featured. In 2013, Max Cornhill, now of Hashtag United was in the Dartford team that lost 3-0 at Woking.

Dartford v Cheshunt

November 7, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are back at Princes Park when they host Cheshunt on Saturday in the Isthmian Premier.

After a packed mid-week league schedule, the Darts are fifteenth in the league following consecutive draws, first at home against Cray Valley Paper Mills and then on the road at Potters Bar Town on Tuesday night. Whilst Dartford were in action, Cheshunt had a rest following their impressive win on the weekend over bottom side Bognor Regis Town.

Ahead of Dartford’s clash with Potters Bar Town, the Darts were level on points with Cheshunt. The gap increased by one by full-time thanks to a hard earned 1-1 draw. Adrian Pennock made two changes to the side that picked up a point versus Cray Valley Paper Mills just three days earlier. The Dartford boss selected the same defence that kept a clean sheet against the Millers. In came Jeremiah Pinder for Oliver Box and Duane Ofori-Acheampong for Ade Yusuff.

The Darts were left to rue missed chances in the first-half, especially after being reduced to ten men early in the second-half. Ofori-Acheampong, Josh Hill and Denzelle Olopade all had opportunities before the interval, but the sides were level at the break. After a caution for kicking the ball away in the first half, Ofori-Acheampong was shown a second yellow for a late tackle. The striker now faces another suspension following one he has already served for his red card against Bowers and Pitsea just over six weeks ago.

That dismissal stifled Dartford’s attacking threat, however four minutes later Callum Jones won a penalty and Samir Carruthers scored it, his second goal in three games. Shortly afterwards Olopade saw his effort go inches wide. Potters Bar Town applied plenty of pressure taking advantage of the extra man. The hosts were rewarded with an equaliser with 20 minutes to go through Brandon Adams. Dartford were made to dig in for the rest of the match with the hosts hitting the post. Sam Okoye limped off during the game and Olopade had time for one more effort.

The Darts have a perfect record over Cheshunt and will be desperate to keep things that way. In the only season the two sides have met, Cheshunt were the new boys of the National South during 2022/2023. The Ambers made their debut in step two lasting one campaign before relegation sent the Hertfordshire club back to the Isthmian Premier.

At Princes Park, Dartford began their home campaign with a 2-1 win over the Ambers in August 2022. Maxwell Statham made his first appearance for the Darts, but it was Pierre Fonkeu’s brace that made all the difference. In the first half, the striker curled a shot from the edge of the box into the Cheshunt net and benefited from Luke Coulson’s and Samir Carruthers excellent interplay in the second half. Former Dartford graduate Dajon Golding scored a late consolation for the visitors.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts had a little help from a former player in the reverse fixture in January 2023. Rowan Liburd gave the Darts a half-time lead putting in his own net. Coulson was the influential figure providing the cross for the opener before scoring, then he assisted Tom Bonner in the second-half to put Dartford in control. Once again, the Ambers managed a consolation as the Darts ran out 3-1 winners.

Cheshunt had to rely on a late surge last season to avoid another drop. In the end, under the management of Craig Edwards they secured Isthmian Premier safety on the final day at Margate’s expense. This term, the Ambers beat Bognor Regis on the opening day, but then went seven without a league victory, picking up just two points. That led to the departure of Edwards after seven years of service to the club and over 300 appearances in the dugout.

Cheshunt won their two league outings under interim management giving new boss Mel Gwinnett a platform to build on. The former Hampton and Richmond Borough manager was appointed towards the end of last month. Gwinnett had previously guided the Beavers to a club record unbeaten run, an F.A Trophy quarter-final and to within a point of the National South playoffs.

Whilst Gwinnett’s first two Isthmian Premier games ended in a pair of 1-0 defeats, first against Cray Wanderers then Canvey Island, his side bounced back with help from striker Vas Vasiliou. Last weekend Vasiliou netted a hat-trick in the 4-0 triumph over Bognor Regis Town.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLDLDD)			Cheshunt (LWWLLW)
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Bognor Regis Town	A	4-0
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Canvey Island	H	0-1
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Cray Wanderers	H	0-1
Hendon	H	0-0	Whitehawk	A	2-0
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Hastings United	A	3-2
Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-2	Potters Bar Town	H	0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Cheshunt wins: 0 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Cheshunt 1 – 3 Dartford (07/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have a perfect record against Cheshunt in the two meetings so far
In the two matches played both teams scored averaging 3.5 goals per game
Samir Carruthers is the only player left in the current Dartford squad to have featured in both games against Cheshunt in 2022/2023

On This Day

Ryan Hayes and Ollie Berquez secured a 2-0 win over rivals Dover Athletic in the National South 14 years ago. Three days after almost causing a F.A Cup shock against Port Vale, the Darts travelled to the Crabble and earned their first away victory of the 2010/2011 league campaign.

Dartford’s last outing on this day was in the F.A Cup away at Salisbury City in the first round. Goals from Lee Burns and Max Cornhill weren’t enough in a 4-2 defeat back in 2013.

The last home match on 9 November for Dartford was a 1-1 draw with Tooting and Mitcham United. The 1996 F.A Trophy tie went to a replay, which the Darts won 3-2. At home Dartford are currently five unbeaten on this day alternating between draws and wins. Whilst their biggest victory on 9 November came in a friendly 135 years ago. The Darts won 12-1 against Horticultural College Hextable.

Potters Bar Town v Dartford

November 4, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford go again on Tuesday night with a trip to Kings Langley to face Potters Bar Town in the Isthmian Premier.

The Darts will be hoping to build on the League Cup win over Erith Town and Saturday’s draw with Cray Valley Paper Mills. However, they currently sit bottom of the form guide having picked up just two points in the last six league matches. Tuesday’s reverse fixture against Potters Bar Town will provide an opportunity for Adrian Pennock’s side to avenge defeat to the Scholars back in August. Meanwhile, Max Mitchell’s team have recovered well from an opening day humbling to climb up to seventh in the table, five points ahead of Dartford.

Just under three months ago, the Darts were beaten in their home opener against Potters Bar Town, who had just been thrashed 8-0 on matchday one against Dover Athletic. At Princes Park, Dartford were unable to produce any clear chances in the first half, which helped the visitors grow in confidence. Just before conceding, the Darts had a warning when Ore Bello raced through on goal only to miss. Two minutes later Potters Bar Town went ahead through Steve Cawley for the only goal of the game. Although Eddie Dsane came close in the second half it was the visitors who took home all three points.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On the road, Dartford are unbeaten versus the Scholars in their two visits. Alex O’Brien inspired a comeback last time the Darts travelled to Potters Bar Town. The Isthmian Division One North title run-in was heating up in April 2008 and every point was crucial. The hosts were ahead after a couple of minutes when Sam Adejoken tapped in. In the second half Junior Dadson scored to heap pressure on the Darts. After a few positive substitutions, Jay May halved the deficit to give Tony Burman’s side hope. Then late on Adam Flanagan nodded the ball down to O’Brien to make it 2-2. A fortnight later Dartford were crowned champions.

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Match highlights courtesy of Sonytino

On the weekend, Dartford’s winless league run continued stretching to six matches with the 0-0 draw at home to Cray Valley Paper Mills. Once again, the Darts drew a blank in front of goal whilst keeping a clean sheet, their second goalless draw in three league matches. Jacob Marsden returned in goal replacing David Aziaya, who kept a clean sheet in Dartford’s previous game against Erith Town in the League Cup. Adrian Pennock made eight changes to the side that progressed in the cup, but just four alterations to the team selected for the last league outing. As well as swapping the goalkeepers, in came Luther Williams, Oliver Box and Ade Yusuff. Midfielder, Tyler Christian-Law featured as a substitute on Saturday and he could face Potters Bar Town, one of his former clubs.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts had to dig in defensively and did well to hold onto a point against Cray Valley Paper Mills. Assistant Manager, Roland Edge was pleased with the draw and spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game, he said: “You know what you’re going to get when Cray turn up. They are a very strong, physical, and well organised side, so we knew we was in with a tough day. The real pleasing thing, and I know everybody wants to score a goal, is that we kept another clean sheet. They threw everything at us, and I think we dealt with it really well”.

Edge believes going two unbeaten in all competitions lays a foundation for short term form to improve, he added: “We said to the boys ‘this is a platform’ and we’ve got to build from it. We’ve got to go to Potters Bar and get three points”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Potters Bar Town had an attempt to put their heavy opening day defeat at home to Dover Athletic behind them on the weekend. This time the league leaders won by a three-goal margin without reply. Ruben Soares-Junior, Alfie Matthews and Francis Mampolo kept the league leaders on top, whilst the Scholars are now a point shy of the playoff places. In all competitions Max Mitchell’s side are winless in four having exited the F.A Trophy to Biggleswade Town and the League Cup on penalties against Cheshunt. In October, Potters Bar Town drew at Chatham Town and beat Cheshunt in the league.

Although recent form has been inconsistent, the Scholars put a run of positive results together starting with their Princes Park win in August. Potters Bar Town went on to win six of their next eight in the Isthmian Premier, including a 5-0 thrashing of early pace setters Lewes. Cawley, who netted the winner at Dartford has scored in five of the six league matches in which the Scholars have won.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLLDLD)			Potters Bar Town (WLWWDL)
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Dover Athletic	A	0-3
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Chatham Town	A	2-2
Hendon	H	0-0	Cheshunt	A	1-0
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Lewes	H	5-0
Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-2	Whitehawk	A	0-2
Dover Athletic	A	1-5	Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Potters Bar Town wins: 2 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Dartford 0 – 1 Potters Bar Town (13/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Potters Bar Town 2 – 2 Dartford (05/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 4 – 0 Potters Bar Town (27/10/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 1 – 2 Potters Bar Town (11/03/2006 – Southern League Div One East)
Potters Bar Town 1 – 4 Dartford (08/10/2005 – Southern League Div One East)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in their two visits to Potters Bar Town (W1, D1)
The Darts have kept four clean sheets in their last nine league games. The same number of clean sheets than their previous 36 league outings.
Dartford have failed to score in three of the last four Isthmian Premier matches

On This Day

Dartford have won their last four league matches on Guy Fawkes. Two years ago they put on a fine display at Princes Park beating Braintree Town 4-1 with ten men. Charlie Sheringham’s penalty was the difference before Tom Bonner was sent off just past the hour. Luke Coulson scored a screamer, then the Iron pulled a goal back. The Darts need not worry though as Samir Carruthers scored twice in stoppage time.

Three years earlier, Dartford beat Hampton and Richmond Borough 2-1 on the road. Ky Marsh-Brown and Elliott Romain netted either side of the host’s equaliser. Jon Wallis and Jacob Erskine helped the Darts come from behind at Salisbury City in 2011. Whilst 19 years ago, Dartford defeated Aveley 5-1 in the Southern League Division One East.

Also on this day, Dartford faced higher league opposition in consecutive seasons. Both F.A Cup first round ties ended in a home loss. Swindon Town won 5-1 in 2017 and a year earlier Sutton United were 6-3 winners.

Dartford v Cray Valley Paper Mills

November 1, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford search for their first league win in over two months when they host Cray Valley Paper Mills in Saturday’s Kent derby.

Since the opening day victory over this weekend’s opponents, the Darts have dropped to fourteenth in the Isthmian Premier. Meanwhile, the Millers have made a promising start in their debut campaign at this level. Adrian Pennock’s side can potentially complete a double over Cray Valley Paper Mills, but it’s Steve McKimm’s team who are in the better form occupying fifth place in the standings.

All of Dartford’s league triumphs came in August and the first one was on the road in the reverse fixture. Callum Jones scored on debut in the first half as the Darts began the season brightly. Dartford were handed an advantage after the break when Hassan Ibrahiym was sent off. Yet the hosts still managed to equalise through Tom Chambers. Then a moment of magic by Denzelle Olopade won Dartford the game when he curled home a shot from 30 yards.

The Darts are desperate to end a run of five league games without a win and start climbing the table. The last setback was a fortnight ago when they fell three behind in no time at all against Wingate and Finchley. Pennock’s side did manage to get two goals, but were unable to complete a comeback.

On Tuesday night Dartford finally put an end to a winless streak of seven without victory in all competitions. Returning to the Isthmian League Cup for the first time in 14 years they beat Erith Town by a solitary goal. Samir Carruthers scored on his 50th start for the club from a free-kick after eight minutes. The first free-kick scored by the Darts since the midfielder netted one in August 2022 against Hemel Hempstead Town. Seven changes were made to the eleven that started in the last league game, including a debut for Nelson Ajayi, who has signed on a non-contract basis.

Cray Valley Paper Mills gave a good account of themselves on the opening day of the season despite defeat and that didn’t deter McKimm’s side. The Millers won their remaining games in August taking the accolades in the Cray derby, defeating Cheshunt 4-2, then picking up a pair of 1-0 victories against Folkestone Invicta and Carshalton Athletic. The Kent club closed out the opening month with progression in the F.A Cup.

Although the Millers failed to win any of their three league games in September and exited the F.A Cup, they returned to form in October. Last month goals at either end were abundant. After getting past Ramsgate in the F.A Trophy, Cray Valley Paper Mills drew 4-4 with Canvey Island and beat Chichester City 2-1 at home. The next three fixtures in all competitions yielded 18 goals with the Millers beating Bognor Regis Town 3-2 in the league, Sevenoaks Town 4-2 in the League Cup before getting knocked out in the F.A Trophy against Brentwood Town, losing 4-3.

On Tuesday night, McKimm’s men were in Kent Senior Cup action. Drawn against Isthmian Premier leaders Dover Athletic, the Millers exited the competition with a 3-1 loss that featured former Darts, Lyle Della-Verde, Andre Coker and Fumnaya Shomotun. Another former Dartford player, Marcel Barrington didn’t feature.

Shomotun originally joined the Millers on loan from Tonbridge Angels, now that deal has become permanent. He has already scored three in his nine appearances for the Millers. As a Dart he scored twice in 19 appearances last term. Della-Verde started 22 games for Dartford in 2017/2018 and made 12 appearances from the bench. Coker featured the season afterwards scoring three in 13 starts and 17 substitute appearances. Barrington only made two substitute appearances for the Darts in the 2019/2020 campaign.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLLLDL)			Cray Valley PM (LDLDWW)
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Bognor Regis Town	A	3-2
Hendon	H	0-0	Chichester City	H	2-1
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Canvey Island	A	4-4
Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-2	Hendon	A	0-1
Dover Athletic	A	1-5	Billericay Town	H	1-1
Chatham Town	H	3-1	Whitehawk	A	0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Cray Valley Paper Mills wins: 0 / Draws: 0

Previous Meeting

Cray Valley Paper Mills 1 – 2 Dartford (10/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

The Darts are four games without a win at home in all competitions
This will be Dartford’s sixth Kent derby this season (W3, L2)
Dartford have won just three of their last 17 home games in the league going back to November 2023 (D5, L9)

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in all four home matches played on 2 November. The last home match on this day was a 3-1 win against Gloucester City in 1966. Since then the Darts have played eight straight away matches on this day losing the previous one 1-0 at Concord Rangers three years ago in the National South. The last victory on 2 November came in 2019 when Norman Wabo and Elliott Romain scored at Eastbourne Borough.

Erith Town v Dartford

October 29, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are back in the Isthmian League Cup for the first time in 15 years on Tuesday night with a local derby against Erith Town.

The Darts make the nine-mile trip to Bayliss Avenue in Thamesmead on their quest to challenge for the Alan Turvey trophy. Adrian Pennock’s side will take on the Dockers, who were promoted via the playoffs last season and are now in the Isthmian South East. Having exited three cup competitions in the last month, the Darts are hoping to progress into the last sixteen.

It will be the first time these two sides have met in a competitive game. A decade ago, Dartford and Erith Town were five divisions apart. The Darts have dropped from the National League, whilst the Dockers have worked their way up a step from the Southern Counties East. Both sides have little experience in this competition with Dartford entering for only the fifth time and Erith Town making their debut.

In previous editions, the Darts have never gone beyond the fourth round. If their last fixture in the League Cup is anything to go by, then it should be entertaining under the floodlights at Bayliss Avenue. Dartford lost a nine-goal thriller in the third round at home to Aveley. Adam Burchell scored a brace in the 5-4 defeat that saw Danny Harris and Allan Tait also finding the back of the net. In the eleven ties the Darts have been involved in, there has been three or more goals scored in every game.

Pennock’s side return to action after a ten day break and will be desperate to end a run of seven games without a win. Last time out Dartford were blown away inside the opening 21 minutes against Wingate and Finchley. The Princes Park crowd were stunned when the visitors went 3-0 up with less than a quarter of the match gone. The Darts battled back with a goal from Oliver Box and another from Ade Yusuff, his first for the club.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A week earlier Dartford picked up a draw at home to Hendon which controversially saw two goals ruled out for offside and Jeremiah Pinder sent off. The club successfully appealed against Pinder’s dismissal, so the midfielder was able to play just over a week ago. Meanwhile, defender Mert Apat has left the club after making just four starts and a substitute appearance since joining in the summer.

Although Tuesday night will be the first time the Darts take on Erith Town, paths almost crossed in 1996. The year Dartford won promotion out of the Kent League, Woolwich Town transferred from the Spartan League in time for the following season. After one campaign the Dockers changed their name to Erith Town after moving to their new home, the Erith Stadium. Since then the club has never really settled in one place having shared grounds with numerous teams including Greenwich Borough, Thamesmead Town, Cray Valley Paper Mills and VCD Athletic.

The two times Kent Senior Trophy winners are now playing at their highest ever level after last season’s playoff success. The Dockers beat Glebe 2-1 in the semi-final before defeating Corinthian on penalties. This term Erith Town sit seventh in the Isthmian South East after Saturday’s win at home to Broadbridge Heath. An early Ollie Milton goal settled the game handing the Dockers all three points.

During October, Adam Woodward’s side have alternated between results, winning, drawing and losing two each. Erith Town were beaten at Eastbourne Town to begin the month, picked up a point against Merstham and won at home versus Deal Town. Another away draw followed with Sevenoaks Town before defeat at Ben Greenhalgh’s Margate, but that disappointment was put behind them on the weekend.

In Erith Town’s debut match in the League Cup, they beat Sittingbourne in round two coming from behind to win 4-1. The Brickies led at half-time by a goal from debutant Antony Martin. The Dockers overcame their youthful opponents in the second-half with goals from Hayden Bullas, Thomas Ash, James Dyer and Rahman Kareem. Sittingbourne’s Harvey Earle also saved a penalty to keep the score down for the visitors.

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford (LLLDLL)			Erith Town (LDWDLW)
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Broadbridge Heath	A	1-0
Bromley (KSC)	A	1-3	Margate	H	1-3
Hendon	H	0-0	Sevenoaks Town	A	0-0
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Deal Town	H	2-1
Dulwich Hamlet (FAT)	H	0-1	Merstham Town	A	1-1
Worthing (FAC)	A	1-3	Eastbourne Town	A	1-2
FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy / KSC – Kent Senior Cup

Statistics

In normal time, Dartford have won 5, drawn 2 and lost 4 in the Isthmian League Cup
The Darts have won two out of five away ties in normal time and progressed once in a penalty shoot out on the road in the Isthmian League Cup
Dartford have progressed in this competition each time they have played a Kent side (W3, D2)

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook was the hero in the North West Kent F.A Cup derby 13 years ago. The midfielder’s match winning penalty against Ebbsfleet United sent Dartford’s rivals out in the fourth qualifying round replay. In the previous three cup games on this day, prior beating Fleet, the Darts went out against Bromley in the F.A Cup (2011), Crawley Town in the Southern League Cup (1996) and Deal Town in the F.A Vase (1996). Leading up to that losing streak Dartford had only lost one in eight cup matches on 29 October. The Darts qualified for the F.A Cup first round with wins over Tooting and Mitcham United (1983), Slough Town (1988) and Dagenham and Redbridge (1989). In 1970, Dartford lifted the Kent Senior Shield securing victory with a 2-2 second leg draw against Bexley United, winning 4-3 on aggregate.

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