Dartford FC Previews -

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 28, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Welling United

A regular in the National League during the mid-eighties and through the nineties, Welling United have flitted between the top two tiers of non-league. A year after losing the National South playoff final in 2012 the Wings went on to win the league. Lasting three campaigns in the National League, Welling United were relegated. In the following nine National South campaigns the Wings reached the playoffs once. After relegation a year ago they were involved in another battle to avoid the drop.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 15th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
London Senior Cup: 1st Round
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: John Ufuah (7 goals)

The Wings relied on a strong final two months of the season to ensure Isthmian Premier league football again. Welling United spent most of 2025/2026 in the bottom four and only climbed out with six games to go. A change of manager midway through the campaign avoided a consecutive relegation. After two wins and eight defeats in the opening ten fixtures, Lee Martin was dismissed. Six weeks passed before Ryan Maxwell became the permanent manager. It took a few months to put a competitive squad together, a team that ended with just one defeat in their final nine games.

Manager – Ryan Maxwell

Plenty of non-league experience as a player, including a spell with Welling United, Ryan Maxwell started his managerial career eight years ago at Walthamstow. A couple of years later he moved to Braintree Town to keep then in the National South. In 2023, Maxwell began an enjoyable journey with Sittingbourne. He took the Brickies to consecutive playoff campaigns, losing the 2025 final with a side that amassed over 100 points. He also took Sittingbourne to the F.A Trophy quarter-final.

Summer Transfers

Two former Darts will be featuring at Park View Road this season. Fumnaya Shomotun was relegated with Cray Valley Paper Mills last term. The winger made 19 appearances for Dartford scoring twice. Tyrell Miller-Rodney almost exited the division at the other end of the table. The midfielder joins from Billericay Town and played 35 games for the Darts. Another to remain in the Isthmian Premier is Ryan Kingsford from champions Folkestone Invicta.

Other additions include Stefan Wright, who makes a switch from Whitehawk, Ryan Blackman comes in from Bedford Town and Demaray Anyadike from relegated Potters Bar Town. Nathan Cooper arrives form Hornchurch and Kaan Bennett from Burgess Hill Town. Making a step up to the Isthmian Premier, Louis Ramsay joins from Concord Rangers and Zuriel Otseh-Taiwo from Herne Bay.

Scott Simmons has left the club to join newly promoted Maldon and Tiptree. Jack Thomas has also recently announced his departure.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 28 / Welling United wins: 11 / Draws: 13

Previous Six Meetings

Welling United 0 – 1 Dartford (28/02/2026 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 1 Welling United (01/11/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Welling United (30/12/2023 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 1 Dartford (26/12/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 3 Welling United (16/09/2023 – F.A Cup)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (04/02/2023 – National South)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Welling United – Saturday 22nd August 2026
Welling United v Dartford – Saturday 20th March 2027

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in 12 league games against Welling United (W9, D3)
In the league, the Darts are unbeaten in ten home games (W8, D2) and have only lost one league match at home (W11, D3) versus the Wings ever
On the road, Dartford are unbeaten in five in the league (W4, D1) and have lost just one of the last 11 away league matches against Welling United (W5, D5)

Match Highlights 2025/2026

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Season Preview 2026/2027

July 28, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Three Bridges

Isthmian South East champions Three Bridges will be playing in the Isthmian Premier for the first time ever. The Sussex club had been playing at county level up until 2012 and on three occasions in the eighties finished runners up. The Bridges finally got out of the division as champions, but five years later returned to the league below. Three Bridges bounced straight back with the Southern Combination title and after eight years back in the Isthmian South East they claimed another championship.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian South East: 1st
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Qualifying Round
County Cup: Winners
League Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Noel Leighton (31 goals)

The Bridges won the Isthmian South East by 11 points and scored a staggering 124 goals. To crown off a quite brilliant campaign they also won the Sussex Senior Cup for the first time. Three Bridges regularly racked up the goals, scoring three or more in half of their league games. They hit five in one game seven times and recorded a six and a seven. Just one home defeat in the league all season, the Bridges were dominant.

Manager – Jamie Crellin

Five years ago, Jamie Crellin was put in charge of Three Bridges. The former Bridges captain, a role he maintained for four years, suffered an injury which forced him to call it a day. Added to the coaching staff in 2019, he was finally given an opportunity in May 2021 to lead the first team. Under Crellin, Three Bridges have made forward strides culminating in last season’s record breaking campaign.

Summer Transfers

Much of the title winning squad has been kept together. One addition is Carlos Richards from League One side Bromley. Leaving the Bridges is Harvey Woollard has joined Steyning Town.

Head to Head

No previous meetings

Next Meetings

Three Bridges v Dartford – Saturday 8th August 2026
Dartford v Three Bridges – Saturday 21st February 2026

Statistics

Three Bridges are one of three teams Dartford will play for the first time this season
Dartford lost just one game against newly promoted sides last season (W2, D3

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 27, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Stanway Rovers

An Essex Senior title followed by last season’s playoff win, Stanway Rovers have fast-tracked themselves to the Isthmian Premier. Having spent their entire history in regional leagues until recent, Rovers are guaranteed their highest ever finish this season. Years in the Eastern Counties and a few campaigns in the Essex Senior League means they made their F.A Trophy debut last term. In the F.A Cup they equalled their best ever run to the second qualifying round. These are good times for the Essex club.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian North: 5th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
League Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Nat Mardell (23 goals)

A debut season in the Isthmian North went rather well for Rovers. Consistency throughout their campaign earned them a playoff spot as they qualified in fourth place. An away tie against Waltham Abbey finished 2-1 to Rovers after they fell behind. The final at home to Redbridge ended 0-0, but Stanway Rovers finished the job in a shootout winning 4-2 on penalties.

Manager – Brad Wellmen

Preparations for this season took a setback when Jamie Shaw resigned after three successful years. Stanway Rovers considered their options and went for Brad Wellmen. Formerly at Canvey Island, he guided the Essex side to the Isthmian North playoff final where they beat Brentwood Town to secure promotion. The following season they reached the playoffs again, losing to Aveley in the semi-final. He also lifted the Essex Senior Cup during his time with the Gulls.

Summer Transfers

It’s been quiet on the transfer front at Stanway Rovers this summer as they prepare for the Isthmian Premier. The biggest news is that top scorer Nat Mardell has left to join Brentwood Town. George Okoye has also left Rovers.

Head to Head

No previous meetings

Next Meetings

Stanway Rovers v Dartford – Saturday 5th December 2026
Dartford v Cray Wanderers – Saturday 6th March 2027

Statistics

Stanway Rovers are one of three teams Dartford will play for the first time this season
Dartford lost just one game against newly promoted sides last season (W2, D3)

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 27, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

St Albans City

Just three years ago St Albans City were a game away from reaching the National League. The Saints beat Dartford in a playoff semi-final before losing to Oxford City. The Hertfordshire club couldn’t replicate that season and two campaigns later they were relegated. The club peaked in 2007 when they spent a year in the National League. The Saints have also been down at this level, between 2011-2014 they were in the Southern Premier.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 11th
F.A Cup: 1st Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
County Cup: Semi-Final
League Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Leo Sery (17 goals)

At the start of last season St Albans City were seen as one of the potential promotion candidates, but that never materialised. In their opening six games the only side they beat was Dartford. Manager, Ian Culverhouse started to get the team to click, but by the end of October he left for King’s Lynn Town. A month before Gary McCann had departed Billericay Town and by November he moved in to Clarence Park. An inconsistent couple of months was followed by an eight game unbeaten run. Then the season fizzled out with five defeats in the final six fixtures.

Manager – Gary McCann

At Billericay Town, Gary McCann lost out on the Isthmian Premier title by one goal. The St Albans City boss starts his first full campaign with the Hertfordshire side and has built up years of non-league knowledge. At Hendon he enjoyed 13 years before moving on to Hampton and Richmond Borough. Whilst in Middlesex he guided the Beavers to playoff appearances. The spell at Billericay Town was relatively short compared to previous jobs, but he’ll be hoping to make an impact this season.

Summer Transfers

A player rumoured to be on Dartford’s shortlist, Kai Brown opted for St Albans City after a successful time at Waltham Abbey. The Saints also welcome back Inih Effiong after 15 years away from the club. The forward has racked up a long list of teams, the latest being Eastleigh. Jake Gray steps down a division from Hemel Hempstead Town. Remi Sutton (Cray Wanderers), Charlie Edwards (Brentwood Town) and Darion Furlong (Cheshunt) all stay in the Isthmian Premier with the Saints. Frankie Musonda arrives from Bahrain SC.

Plenty have departed including former Darts Alex Wall and Tom Bender. Wall joins Whitstable Town and Bender will be at Lewes. Top scorer Leo Sery earned a move to Chelmsford City. Jasper Mather switches to Hampton and Richmond Borough. Michael Bostwick goes north to Bourne Town. Sam Smart, Gabe Ward and George Sippets depart. Kieran Gauthier and Jamal Fyfield also left the club this summer.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 11 / St Albans City wins: 9 / Draws: 7

Previous Matches

Dartford 1 – 0 St Albans City (20/12/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
St Albans City 2 – 0 Dartford (16/0/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 3 St Albans City (23/12/2023 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 0 Dartford (09/09/2023 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (07/05/2023 – National South Playoffs)*
Dartford 2 – 1 St Albans City (22/04/2023 – National South)
* – St Albans City won 5-3 on penalties

Next Meetings

St Albans City v Dartford – Saturday 19th December 2026
Dartford v St Albans City – Saturday 27th March 2027

Statistics

Dartford have won one of their last five matches against St Albans City (D1, L4)
The Darts have lost just twice in the last nine home games against the Saints (W5, D2)
Dartford have won just two away games against ST Albans City in their last nine attempts (D1, L6)

Match Highlights – 2025/2026

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Highlights courtesy of St Albans City FC

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Season Preview 2026/2027

July 26, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Ramsgate

A first season in the Isthmian Premier for 16 years, Ramsgate finished in the top ten on their return. It was inevitable the Rams would finally make it to the Isthmian Premier after consecutive runners up finishes in the division below. The Kent club’s last purple patch came in the mid-2000’s when they won consecutive titles, the Kent League in 2005, then the Isthmian Division One a year later. The Rams are ambitious and are looking towards the National South.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 10th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 1st Round
League Cup: Runner Up
Top League Scorer: Alfie Paxman (13 goals)

Top ten for a promoted side is usually a decent result. Yet the fact former manager Lee Martin was relieved of his managerial role for not spending enough of the budget suggests otherwise. Of course form had something to do with the decision too. Ramsgate won just three of their opening 16 fixtures, but Martin got the side working in the New Year going on a eight match unbeaten run. However, form declined from March with three wins and seven defeats in their final ten matches.

Manager – Adrian Pennock

The new Ramsgate boss brings valuable experience to the Kent club. Adrian Pennock has managed at Welling United, Forest Green Rovers, Gillingham and Barrow. He also won the Singapore Premier League in 2019 with Brunei DPMM before returning to England with Dartford. Pennock did well in his first campaign with the Darts losing out in the playoff final, but last season he missed out on a top five place and decided to move on.

Summer Transfers

Most of Ramsgate’s summer signings need no introduction to Dartford fans. Five have played for the Darts and four only last season. Pennock sees Callum Jones as a reliable and hardworking striker, he scored 24 goals in 93 games in his two years at Princes Park. In goal, Jonny Henly only spent last season with the Darts playing 45 times. Midfielder, Jacob Bland accrued 22 games with Dartford and defender Dave Winfield just four.

Another ex-Dart joining Ramsgate is Rowan Liburd who arrives from relegated Cray Valley Paper Mills. Liburd appeared three times during the 2019/2020 season. Moving to the Rams from elsewhere, Bivesh Gurung was at Dover Athletic last term and Cameron James was at Maldon and Tiptree.

Former Rams boss, Martin took two players with him down the coast. Kweku Lucan and Ian Gayle switch to Whitstable Town. Tom Hadler departs for Faversham Town and TQ Addy has also left the club.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 22 / Ramsgate wins: 15 / Draws: 9

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 0 Ramsgate (03/03/2026 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 4 – 4 Dartford (25/08/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 0 – 3 Dartford (05/04/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 2 Dartford (10/11/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Ramsgate (18/04/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 0 – 1 Dartford (30/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
*Dartford won 5-4 on penalties

Next Meetings

Dartford v Ramsgate – Tuesday 6th October 2026
Ramsgate v Dartford – Tuesday 9th February 2027

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in their last six matches against Ramsgate (W4, D2)
The Darts are unbeaten in seven at home against the Rams (W5, D2)
Dartford are unbeaten in four away matches versus Ramsgate (W2, D2)

Match Highlights 2025/2026

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Match Highlights courtesy of Ramsgate FC

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 26, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Maldon and Tiptree

It’s been a turbulent summer for Isthmian North champions Maldon and Tiptree. Title celebrations didn’t last long before the club’s co-owners were charged with multiple offences. Manager, Kevin Horlock then quit the Jammers leaving the Essex side little time to prepare for the new campaign. Formed in 2010 when Maldon Town and Tiptree United merged they twice came close to promotion via the playoffs in 2017 and 2019. They finally got over the line last season by the smallest of margins.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian North: 1st
F.A Cup: 1st Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Qualifying Round
County Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Scorer: David Kawa (10 goals)

Mathematically the title went down to the last game of the season. However, the Jammers had a three point cushion and a far superior goal difference. That meant the final day loss was irrelevant in the end as Maldon and Tiptree won on goal difference. An unbeaten home record where they only dropped six points, the Essex side also notched up the most and conceded the fewest number of goals in the division.

Manager – Mark Hawkes

The new Maldon and Tiptree boss has managed over 300 games between steps two and four. Mark Hawkes was previously at Heybridge Swifts up until 2013 and had them in a strong position. Chelmsford City came calling following the departure of Dean Holdsworth and the opportunity was too good to turn down. Whilst at the Clarets, Hawkes steered them to National South safety, then finished tenth before stepping down the following season.

Summer Transfers

There doesn’t appear to have been too much activity over the summer in terms of new signings. Scott Simmons has joined the Jammers from Welling United. the defender previously played for Whitehawk.

Former Dart, Malachi Napa leaves the club for Aveley and Cameron James has moved to Ramsgate.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Maldon and Tiptree* wins: 2 / Draws: 2
*previously Maldon Town

Previous Six Meetings

Maldon Town 2 – 2 Dartford (22/12/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 2 – 2 Maldon Town (18/08/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 0 – 5 Maldon Town (26/03/2005 – Southern League Division One East)
Maldon Town 3 – 2 Dartford (01/01/2005 – Southern League Division One East)

Next Meetings

Maldon and Tiptree v Dartford – Saturday 15th August 2026
Dartford v Maldon and Tiptree – Saturday 3rd April 2027

Statistics

Dartford have never beaten Maldon and Tiptree in four attempts
The Darts have drawn the last two by the same score (2-2)
Maldon Town completed a double over Dartford in the first season the two sides met

Match Highlights – 2007/2008

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Highlights courtesy of the late sonytino

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 24, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Lewes

In the early 2000’s Lewes moved up through the Isthmian Leagues to the National South. By the end of the decade, they reached the National League. That success was the tipping point as the cost was too much. As a result the Rooks were relegated from the National League after one season. Afterwards they became a community club and since 2011 have remained in the Isthmian Leagues.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 17th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Devonte West (10 goals)

Lewes didn’t have a bad start last term. Despite an opening day defeat, the Rooks went on to win four in a row. Then a barren spell hit with the final straw coming in the 6-0 loss to Folkestone Invicta. That match was the fourth consecutive defeat in which Lewes conceded 15 without reply. Out went Bradley Pritchard and in came Craig Nelson. A poor away record and the worst defence out of the non relegated sides left Lewes in the bottom half of the table.

Manager – Craig Nelson

A second spell in charge of Lewes started in October for Craig Nelson. He previously managed the Rooks to a 13th place finish in 2024/2025. Tonbridge Angels came calling, but he departed two months into the season. A couple of years ago Nelson guided Glebe to the top of the Southern Counties East. He left with four games to go and the Kent club finished third. Lewes hope Nelson will stay around longer to bring them success.

Summer Transfers

Former Dartford defender Tom Bender moves to the Sussex coast from St Albans City. Bender made 20 appearances for the Darts in the 2014/2015 season. Tyrese Owen was part of Billericay Town’s promotion winning side, he moves to the Dripping Pan. Josh Spinks arrives from Burgess Hill Town, Noel Fisher from Horsham YM and Tyler Cox from Raynes Park Vale. Coming in from Sussex rivals Whitehawk, Andrew Briggs will now play for the Rooks. The two latest signings Calum Newson and Brian Garzon arrive from Canvey Island and Walthamstow respectively.

Going the other way Beaux Booth is now at Whitehawk. George Nunn joins relegated Enfield Town.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Lewes wins: 1 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 4 – 1 Lewes (21/03/2026 – Isthmian Premier)
Lewes 1 – 0 Dartford (06/12/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Lewes 3 – 1 Dartford (08/03/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Lewes (23/11/2024– Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 0 Lewes (26/03/2011 – National South)
Lewes 1 – 1 Dartford (30/10/2010 – National South)

Next Meetings

Lewes v Dartford – Saturday 3rd October 2026
Dartford v Lewes – Saturday 20th February 2027

Statistics

The home side has won each of the last five fixtures between Dartford and Lewes
The Darts have a perfect record at home against the Rooks winning all three
Dartford are winless in their last three visits to the Dripping Pan, losing their last two (D1)

Match Highlights 2025/2026

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Match Highlights courtesy of Lewes FC

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Season Preview 2026/2027

July 24, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Leatherhead

Isthmian South Central champions Leatherhead return to the Premier after a four year absence. The Tanners have been part of the Isthmian Leagues since their seventies heyday. A famous run to the F.A Cup fourth round in 1975 put them on the map. Three years later they beat Dartford on the way to the F.A Trophy final, which they lost to Altrincham. Leatherhead will hope momentum plays a part in a good up and coming campaign.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian South Central: 1st
F.A Cup: Preliminary Round
F.A Trophy: 4th Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Nathan Hogan (28 goals)

The Tanners ran out as champions with a 12 point cushion last season. They started with five straight wins that set the tone. After their first defeat, Leatherhead followed that up with an 11 game unbeaten run in the league. The hit the front on matchday three and only lost top spot for one week in February. However, the Tanners pushed on with a seven game winning streak and ended up with 102 goals. Not only that, Leatherhead also reached the last 32 of the F.A Trophy where they lost to Horsham.

Manager – Ian Selley

Part of the Arsenal squad that completed the domestic cup double in 1993, Ian Selley won the UEFA Cup with the Gunners the following season. The former midfielder has plenty of experience as a professional and non-league player. Selley started his managerial career at Sandhurst Town and spent time at Chertsey Town, Hartley Wintney and Westfield. Selley joined the Tanners in May 2024.

Summer Transfers

Leatherhead welcome Kofi Anoke-Boadi from Chatham Town and Bobby Price from Burgess Hill Town. The pair will continue in the Isthmian Premier where they played last term. Arriving from Farnham Town is Joe Jackson and joining him from Bracknell Town will be Harry Murphy.

Departing Leatherhead for Southall is Kelvin Massango. Back to back Isthmian South Central winner with Farnham Town, then Leatherhead, Jordan Gallagher moves to Kingstonian. Jacob Bancroft is now at Bracknell Town, whilst Logan Coles, Noah Sapsford and Alfie Huckle have all left the Tanners.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Leatherhead wins: 2 / Draws: 0

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Leatherhead (14/09/2024 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 3 – 0 Leatherhead (01/09/2007 – F.A Cup)
Leatherhead 0 – 1 Dartford (21/11/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Leatherhead (30/10/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 5 – 2 Leatherhead (09/10/2004 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 2 – 1 Leatherhead (25/01/1982 – F.A Trophy)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Leatherhead – Saturday 21st November 2026
Leatherhead v Dartford – Saturday 30th January 2027

Statistics

Dartford have won the last three games against Leatherhead without conceding
The Darts have met the Tanners at home in four cup ties and won them all, however Dartford lost their only home match against Leatherhead in the league
The Darts have only played Leatherhead away from home twice, losing one and winning the other. The two fixtures were 28 years apart (1978 and 2006)

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 23, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Enfield Town

The first fully fan owned club in the country, Enfield Town turned 25 years old this summer. They broke away from the original Enfield and started again in the Essex Senior League, where they claimed two titles. Promotion saw them put in the Southern League Division One East. A year later they made a switch to the Isthmian North. A playoff victory in 2012 earned promotion to the Isthmian Premier and two years ago they went up to the National South. The Towners suffered the dreaded second season syndrome and are now back in the Isthmian Premier.

2025/2026 Season
National South: 23rd
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
London Senior Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Sam Youngs (14 goals)

Enfield Town struggled on the road last term picking up just two league wins on their travels. The Towners spent the entirety of 2026 in the bottom four and entered the drop zone during a ten match winless streak. Earlier in the campaign they also lost five in a row. That run ended with one of their season highlights, a 5-1 win over Farnborough, they also beat Boro 5-0 three months later. But results like that were scarce and not enough to keep them up.

Manager – Billy Holland

After seven years at Waltham Abbey, Billy Holland decided it was time to move upwards. Whilst with the Abbotts he guided them to three consecutive playoff campaigns. Known for creating an attacking style of play, Holland represented Aveley, Redbridge, and Hornchurch, as well as Waltham Abbey as a player, where he remains the club’s record appearance maker and goalscorer.

Summer Transfers

Enfield Town’s gain is most definitely Waltham Abbey’s loss, especially as Holland went back to his former club to bring in new players. Dartford fans will know all about the skill and creativity of Amrit Bansal-McNulty from his short spell with the Darts. The midfielder scored twice in six appearances in 2020 whilst on loan. Also arriving from Waltham Abbey are Luke Deslandes, Declan Rydings, Edwin Mensah and Jesse Akubuine.

Joining from relegated Potters Bar Town will be Nana Kyei and remaining in the Isthmian Premier from Lewes is George Nunn. Dropping down from Maidenhead United, Luke May-Parrott is now a Towner. Whilst Junior Moses (Cockfosters), Finlay Corrigan (AFC Sudbury) and Thomas Avgoustidis (Royston Town) also join the club.

There were big moves for Henry Hawkins and Xavier Benjamin in the summer. Hawkins joins Dagenham and Redbridge, whilst Benjamin will be at Barrow. Another player on the up, Nino Adom-Malaki has switched to Aldershot Town. Tommy Wood leaves Enfield Town, but could face his former side this season after switching to Cheshunt.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Enfield Town wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Six Meetings

Enfield Town 0 – 3 Dartford (15/03/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 6 – 1 Enfield Town (01/12/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 0 – 1 Enfield Town (04/03/2006 – Southern League Division One East)
Enfield Town 0 – 1 Dartford (23/08/2005 – Southern League Division One East)

Next Meetings

Aveley v Dartford – Tuesday 15th September 2026
Dartford v Aveley – Saturday 6th February 2027

Statistics

Dartford have won three of the four meetings against Enfield Town (L1)
The Darts have won one and lost one at home versus the Towners, but never hosted the North Londoners at Princes Park
Dartford have a perfect record against Enfield Town on the road (W2)

Match Highlights – 2007/2008

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Highlights courtesy of the late sonytino

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 23, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Eastbourne Borough

The Sports return to this level of football for the first time in 23 years. Back then they won promotion from the Southern League East to continue their progression. Eastbourne Borough spent five years in the next step up and were in the inaugural National South when non-league restructured. The Sussex side reached the National League via the playoffs where they stayed for three seasons. Last term brought an end to a 15-year stint in the National South when the finished bottom of the table.

2025/2026 Season
National South: 24th
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: Semi-Final
Top League Scorer: Oluwalopemiwa Aderoju (15 goals)

It took Eastbourne Borough 11 games to find their first league victory last season. The Sports only managed nine all season, the only real highlight a 6-0 win against Hampton and Richmond at the end of November. The week before they had been thrashed 7-0 at Torquay United. With the Sussex club looking down and out, in March they turned to Steve King, who only managed a solitary league triumph and that was on the final day. Only Farnborough had a worst defence in the National South last season.

Manager – Steve King

A familiar face to Dartford fans and a familiar face in Sussex. Steve King has bags of experience, plenty of contacts and has been one of the most successful managers in the National South. He took Lewes from the Isthmian South to the National League; he has reached multiple end of season playoffs with various clubs including Dartford. King has taken charge at local rivals Whitehawk and guided them to the F.A Cup second round, he also led Macclesfield Town to the fourth round. Since departing the Darts in 2022, King has had spells with Gloucester City, Havant and Waterlooville, Hednesford Town and now Eastbourne Borough.

Summer Transfers

The squad has been overhauled for 2026/2027 with King bringing in a couple of players he has worked with before. At Dartford, Darren McQueen and Liam Nash worked with the current Eastbourne Borough boss. McQueen scored 30 goals over two spells at the Darts where he made 76 appearances, the striker joins from Hornchurch. Nash had a shorter stint netting five times in 11 games and was last at Aveley.

Following McQueen from Hornchurch will be Josh Rees, whilst Max Sheaf arrives from one of King’s former clubs Hednesford Town. Matthew Hayden comes in from Brighton and Hove Albion and Lewis Carey from Horsham. From the lower leagues Tyrano Wilson makes the short journey from Eastbourne United and Owen Bellamy is a new signing from Witham Town.

Many have departed Eastbourne Borough with some of those finding clubs in the National South. Jayden Davis moves to Maidstone United, Harvey Lintott to Tonbridge Angels, Isaac Pitblado (Hemel Hempstead Town), Archy Taylor (Horsham) and Dan Quick (Folkestone Invicta). Two will be playing football in another country, Laiith Fairnie goes north of the border to Morton and Quevin Castro will be in Portugal representing Real SC. Lachlan Byrd switches to Chertsey Town and Will Harley to Crawley Down. Several others have been released by the club and have yet to find a team.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 15 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 10 / Draws: 5

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (01/04/2024 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 1 – 1 Dartford (24/10/2023 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 2 – 1 Dartford (07/04/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (27/09/2022 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 2 – 7 Dartford (07/05/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021 – National South)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Eastbourne Borough – Saturday 7th November 2026
Eastbourne Borough v Dartford – Saturday 16th January 2027

Statistics

Dartford are winless in their last three matches against Eastbourne Borough (D1, L2)
The Darts have lost just two of the last ten home games against the Sports in the league (W7, D1)
Dartford have won just one of their last four visits to Eastbourne Borough (D1, L2)

Match Highlights 2023/2024

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

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