Dartford FC Previews -

Dartford v AFC Totton

November 13, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford turn their attention to the F.A Trophy when they host National South side AFC Totton this weekend.

The Darts are hoping to reach the third round for the first time in five years on Saturday. Ben Greenhalgh’s side sit fourteen places below their opponents in the non league pyramid and have never faced the Stags before.

AFC Totton enter the competition at this stage and have won three of their last four league matches. Scott Rendell’s team have progressed to the third round in each of the previous three seasons, but the Hampshire side have never gone further.

Fiddes to the Max

One of Greenhalgh’s targets for 2026/2027 was for the club to have a cup run. In the F.A Trophy the Darts had not won a single tie since January 2022 until this season.

In round one, the Kent side travelled to Suffolk to take on Leiston of the Southern Premier Central. Max Fiddes grabbed a brace either side of Greenhalgh’s strike in a comfortable 3-0 win.

Fiddes repeated his two goal haul in the following round against Three Bridges. Although the Darts looked comfortable again, the Bridges fought back to set up a nervy finish. Loanee, Vladimir Paternoster got the scoring underway before Fiddes doubled the lead just before the interval. The striker added another six minutes into the second half and the tie seemed done and dusted. Goals from Ade Adeyinka and Noel Leighton brought Three Bridges back into the game, but the Darts held out.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Shoot Out Defeat

The F.A Trophy has taken priority over Wednesday night’s League Cup tie with AFC Whyteleafe. The midweek fixture saw Greenhalgh rest some first team players in preparation. It’s likely the starting lineup will resemble what he put out against Lewes and Eastbourne Borough in the recent Isthmian Premier victories.

Greenhalgh changed the entire starting lineup and gave Luke Exall his debut. A new signing in the summer, Exall joined from Hollands and Blair and has recently agreed a dual registration deal with Blair.

Dartford were knocked out in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. The match sprung into life over a six minute spell early in the second half. Ashdon Day tapped in from close range, his second goal in as many appearances. The forward also netted in the Kent Senior Cup win against Bromley. The hosts equalised almost immediately through Helge Orome.

The Darts regained the lead when Matty MacArthur scored his first since returning to the club. With six minutes left AFC Whyteleafe were back level courtesy of Paris Francis to take the tie to penalties. In a shootout reminiscent of the agonising playoff final defeat in 2020, the Darts failed to convert any of their spot kicks and lost 3-0.

A Return to Form

Dartford started October with four defeats in five and needed the win in the previous round to start turning their form around. After progressing in the F.A Trophy and the Kent Senior Cup against Bromley, the Darts suffered a setback in the league at Aveley.

However, November has started impressively with triumphs over Lewes and Eastbourne Borough in the league. The 2-1 win at the Dripping Pan moved the Darts level on points with Lewes. Four days later the Darts swept aside Eastbourne Borough with a 4-1 victory, a team who had just won eight in a row.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Wembley and Promotions

Whilst Dartford were six months into their new home at Princes Park, AFC Totton were creating their own bit of history. The Stages reached Wembley in the F.A Vase back in 2007 losing out to Truro City in the final. In the same season they finished runner up in the Wessex League, but only had to wait one more year to claim the title.

The Hampshire club moved up another division into the Southern Premier in 2011 before relegation after three seasons. After the Covid hit years AFC Totton began to move forwards again. The Stags won the Southern League South in 2023 and finished runners up in the Southern Premier South the campaign afterwards. AFC Totton repeated the second place finish a year later, but this time won the playoffs. to reach the National South for the first time. In their debut campaign, the Stages finished in a credible 12th place.

Rendell Steps Up

In March the man responsible for the two recent promotions, Jimmy Ball switched to Torquay United. Up stepped Scott Rendell and after an interim period he was named first team boss for this term.

Rendell was part of the Luton Town team the Darts famously beat in the National League back in 2013. The former striker also scored against Dartford whilst at Woking during the 2013/14 season.

Stags Recover

The new manager got off to a great start in the National South with a pair of 1-0 victories over newly promoted sides Farnham Town and Billericay Town. Then the Stags picked up just four points in their next ten, the only win against Alan Dowson’s Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Form has since recovered for the Stags with three wins in their last four National South fixtures. Last weekend they defeated Horsham 3-2 to go with the 1-0 triumph at home against Torquay United and the 3-1 win on the road at Hemel Hempstead Town. Only Chelmsford City have got the better of AFC Totton in recent weeks.

Youngsters Bow Out

Like the Darts, AFC Totton had a midweek cup tie and rested players. Experience was handed out to under 23 players and Rendell gave debuts to five youngsters. Another academy player featured in the starting eleven and five more were named on the bench. The Stags were beaten 3-0 by AFC Portchester, but got a glimpse of their next generation of talent.

Player Manager’s View

Greenhalgh saw Wednesday night’s shootout defeat as a chance to take a look at his squad, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and explained: “The out and out result wasn’t to win the game, but as the game went on we probably should have won the game. It was another great opportunity to see young lads getting their debuts”.

Next up AFC Totton visit Princes Park and the player manager has been preparing this week, he commented: “We’ve done our homework the way we always will. They’re a team that has come through the pyramid really well, been good to watch on the outside and they’re effective”.

The Darts will be hoping to continue their good form at Princes Park, the Dartford boss added: “Our home performances of recent have been brilliant and we’re going to take it to teams, no matter who we play and we’re going to keep that positive energy”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Sam Odaudu will be out injured for longer than expected. Adrian Gyamera and Emmanuel Oke featured in the midweek League Cup tie, but Ike Orji was rested.

Current Form

DARTFORD (WWLWWW)			AFC TOTTON (LWWLWL)
AFC Whyteleafe (ILC)	A	2-2*	AFC Portchester (HSC)	A	0-3
Eastbourne Borough	H	4-1	Horsham	A	3-2
Lewes	A	2-1	Chelmsford City	H	1-3
Aveley	A	3-4	Torquay United	H	1-0
Bromley (KSC)	H	4-1	Hemel Hempstead Town	A	3-1
Three Bridges (FAT)	H	3-2	Folkestone Invicta	A	1-2

* – lost 3-0 on penalties
FAT – F.A Trophy / KSC – Kent Senior Cup / HSC – Hampshire Senior Cup / ILC – Isthmian League Cup

Head to Head

No previous meetings

Statistics

Dartford’s home win in the previous round was only their second at Princes Park in the competition since 2014, a run of 12 games (D3, L7)
Over the same period, the Darts have kept just one clean sheet in the F.A Trophy at home. The 1-0 win over Weymouth in 2022
A win in 90 minutes will make it the first time Dartford have won three consecutive F.A Trophy games in the same season since 2012/2013 (excludes penalty shootout victories).

On This Day

Goalkeeper, Ryan Sandford made his debut in his first spell with Dartford on this day. The keeper may have conceded three at Worthing, but his new side ran out 4-3 winners. Alex Wall, Luke Coulson, Jordan Wynter and a winner from Tyrell Miller-Rodney earned the Darts maximum points.

Two late goals won the Kent derby over rivals Maidstone United six years ago. Tom Bonner scored with three minutes remaining and Darren McQueen sealed the deal at the Gallagher Stadium. Five years earlier, the two sides met in another National South clash, this time at Princes Park. Alex Flisher gave the Stones the lead, but Elliot Bradbrook equalised with eight minutes left.

Dartford have never played a F.A Trophy fixture on this day, but they have only tasted defeat just once in their last eight outings on 14 November.

AFC Whyteleafe v Dartford

November 10, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford take part in the Isthmian League Cup for the first time in two years when they visit AFC Whyteleafe at Flamingo Park on Wednesday night.

On the 20th anniversary of Princes Park opening, the Darts begin their sixth campaign in the competition on the road. After the club opted out last season, player manager Ben Greenhalgh wanted to enter this term to help develop his young squad.

AFC Whyteleafe will participate for only the second time having won consecutive promotions to the Isthmian Premier. The Leafe will be aiming to go a step further than last year and have already defeated Dartford in the league.

Two-by Sinks Darts

In the meeting between the two sides just under a month ago, Toby Aromolaran made the difference. Since signing from Aveley he has scored eight in only six league appearances, including his brace against the Darts. The forward put his side in front when he pounced at the far post. Greenhalgh equalised for Dartford, but parity lasted just four minutes when Aromolaran scored the winner from the spot.

King Overthrown

Although Dartford went on to lose another fixture after the AFC Whyteleafe reverse, Greenhalgh and company have got back to their early season form. The Darts have progressed in the F.A Trophy, the Kent Senior Cup and have now won four of their last five matches in all competitions.

On Saturday the Darts put in an outstanding performance to beat an Eastbourne Borough side on the back of eight straight wins. Dartford were four up at half-time against a side managed by former boss, Steve King.

Greenhalgh named an unchanged team for only the second time and his selection worked wonders. Dan Smith scored in open play for the third game in a row, then Max Fiddes scored twice, either side of Greenhalgh’s strike. The Sports pulled one back through former Dart, Liam Nash in the second half.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Frontline Firing

Taking opportunities in front of goal was something Greenhalgh pointed out earlier in the season as something that needs to improve. In the opening 19 games, the Darts scored three or more goals in just four of those matches. Now they have scored three or more in the four of the previous five. The trio of Fiddes, Dan Smith and Greenhalgh have been responsible for all of Dartford’s goals in last three matches.

However, the League Cup takes less priority and Greenhalgh is expected to use his players looking to gain more minutes in game time. In the Kent Senior Cup ties against Ramsgate and Bromley those players stood up to the task with a 2-0 victory and a 4-1 win. Academy players and those closer to the the first team will have another chance to impress on Wednesday.

Settling Leafes

Since promotion to the Isthmian Premier it has taken a while for AFC Whyteleafe to find their feet. The Surrey side have won five of their last six league matches to climb to mid-table. Prior the run they are now on, the Leafe were in the bottom four with one win to their name.

Another side whose attacking output has improved, AFC Whyteleafe have averaged over three goals a game in their last seven outings in all competitions. In their first 13 fixtures they were scoring around one goal a match.

Towners Downed

On Saturday, AFC Whyteleafe earned an impressive win at league leaders Enfield Town. Palace Francis and Aromolaran both scored to knock the Towners off top spot in the Isthmian Premier.

Leading up to the weekend, Enzo Gonnella’s team had put four past Dulwich Hamlet and won 6-3 in the Surrey Senior Cup, beating Combined Counties Premier Division South side Virginia Water.

Player Manager’s View

Ben Greenhalgh was delighted with Saturday’s win, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the 4-1 victory over Eastbourne Borough and said: “We were so ruthless in the first half and I think it’s been coming”, he added: “It was all us in every department”. Greenhalgh explained that the second half was a different type of test having gone four up before half-time, he commented: “It’s very difficult to then go in the second half and look to win five or six nil. You don’t want to find yourself in the mentality that you’ve already won the game”.

The Dartford boss will make changes to the starting eleven to prioritise the F.A Trophy on the weekend, he explained: “We entered these competitions just to give other people opportunities. Right now our focus is fully on Totton on Saturday”. Although Greenhalgh still wants standards to remain high, he continued: “I still expect the players to turn up and wear the badge with pride, which they’ve always done, but in the same manner we’re not going to overdo players and add to the injury list that we’ve had to already deal with this season”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Sam Odaudu will be out injured for longer than expected, but an approximate timescale has yet to be confirmed. Adrian Gyamera and Emmanuel Oke have been carrying injuries. Ike Orji picked up a ‘knock’ on the weekend. With the League Cup tie on a Wednesday, Greenhalgh has hinted certain players will not feature due to the proximity of the F.A Trophy match with National South side AFC Totton.

Current Form

DARTFORD (LWWLWW)			AFC WHYTELEAFE (WWLWWW)
Eastbourne Borough	H	4-1	Enfield Town	A	2-0
Lewes	A	2-1	Dulwich Hamlet	H	4-2
Aveley	A	3-4	Virginia Water (SSC)	H	6-3
Bromley (KSC)	H	4-1	Burgess Hill Town	H	2-3
Three Bridges (FAT)	H	3-2	Dartford	H	2-1
Brentwood Town	A	0-3	Whitehawk	H	5-0

FAT – F.A Trophy / KSC – Kent Senior Cup / SSC – Surrey Senior Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / AFC Whyteleafe wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Meeting

AFC Whyteleafe 2 – 1 Dartford (17/10/2026 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

Dartford have entered the Isthmian League Cup five times winning 6, drawing two (progressing twice on penalties) and losing five.
The Darts have won three, drawn one (went through on penalties) and lost three Isthmian League Cup ties on the road.
Scored 3+ goals in four of the last five games in all competitions. They had previously scored 3+ goals in four of the last 19.

On This Day

A momentous day 20 years ago saw the opening of Princes Park. Dartford’s homecoming ended up with a 4-2 victory over Horsham YMCA in the Isthmian Division One South. Brendon Cass scored the first goal in the new stadium and went on to claim a brace. Nick Barnes and Eddie McClements also wrote their names in club history with goals.

Dartford have lost the last two on Remembrance Day, but did win a Kent derby against Welling United in 2014. Max Cornhill and Harry Crawford scored before the Wings had Jake Gallagher sent off, then scored a consolation through Harry Beautyman.

Dartford v Eastbourne Borough

November 5, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford welcome back a former manager when Eastbourne Borough visit Princes Park this weekend.

Last time out, the Darts ended a run of three straight league losses and four consecutive defeats on the road in all competitions. Victory over Lewes on Tuesday night put Greenhalgh’s side level on points with their midweek opponents to maintain fifth spot in the Isthmian Premier.

In the opposite dugout former Dartford boss Steve King will lead the Sports, who have found their stride since relegation from the National South. The in form team of the division will arrive with confidence having racked up an impressive eight consecutive league wins.

A Win Away

The Dripping Pan hasn’t been a successful venue for the Darts in the past, but they were put in a great position to claim a first league win at Lewes inside half an hour. Player manager, Greenhalgh hit a fine strike to open the scoring and record a seventh goal of the season for the midfielder. Dan Smith doubled the advantage with his second in as many games. The visitors conceded with eight minutes left as Brian Garzon set up a nervous finish.

Captain, Ben Swift was back in the side after a lengthy injury. The central defender returned to partner Joe Tennent for the first time in just over two months. George Whitefield also came back into the team after serving his suspension. Fresh from scoring on the weekend Dan Smith was selected up front, whilst Brandon Davey and Tyler Ibe made the starting lineup too.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Lewes FC TV

Cause for Optimism

Greenhalgh will feel relief after Tuesday night’s triumph as it ended a poor run of league form that has seen Dartford slip off the pace. The Darts boss would have taken positives from the fact his side progressed in two cup competitions and despite defeat at Aveley they still managed to score ten goals in those three matches.

Beating Lewes 2-1 is probably one of Dartford’s best results so far this campaign along with the impressive display at Enfield Town. Ryan Sandford’s last league clean sheet was in the 2-0 win versus the Towners, he will be hoping to add another against his former side on Saturday.

Barzey’s Brilliance

Dartford’s last visit to Priory Lane came just over three years ago. The National South fixture in October 2023 finished 1-1 and at the time had the Darts three points shy of a playoff position. Fletcher Holman took advantage of poor defending from the visitors to give the Sports an early second half lead. However, a skillful bit of play from Brandon Barzey earned a point for Dartford.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Bamba’s Samba

By the time the reverse fixture came around the landscape had dramatically changed for both sides. A relegation six pointer was played out on Easter Monday and by the end of the afternoon the situation worsened for The Darts. A brace from Yahya Bamba in a 2-0 victory for Eastbourne Borough saw the Sports climb out of the bottom four at Dartford’s expense. The Darts never recovered and by the end of the campaign were relegated from the National South.

King’s Reign

Five years earlier with Dartford struggling under Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle, a change of manager was deemed necessary and Steve King arrived at Princes Park. During his time in Kent, the Darts enjoyed successes and near misses. Under King, Dartford won two Kent Senior Cup titles scoring six in both finals and reached the National South playoff final before losing on penalties. In all competitions King had a 54% win rate and his record at Princes Park was exemplary, just seven league defeats in 44 home matches.

Helping King to achieve some of that success was Darren McQueen, who scored 30 goals for the Darts in 76 appearances over two spells. The striker, now at Eastbourne Borough was already at Princes Park when King took over and provided a strong partnership with Elliott Romain. Liam Nash is another ex Dartford player with the Sports, although he wasn’t part of King’s squads. Nash scored five goals in 11 appearances, but this season he has been out with a fractured shoulder.

Unstoppable Sports

Eastbourne Borough are the form side in the division having won their last eight league games. The latest triumph came on Tuesday evening against struggling Stanway Rovers. Shayon Harrison was rewarded for his weekend brace with a start and McQueen was also part of the starting eleven. The Sports found a breakthrough in the closing stages of the first half. Josh Rees volleyed home the only goal of the game and his seventh of the campaign.

Borough on a Roll

Like most successful Steve King sides home form has been excellent for the Sports this term. Only Leatherhead have left Priory Lane with maximum points in a 1-0 win on Bank Holiday weekend. That came during a run of three consecutive defeats home and away, including a Bank Holiday Monday loss over rivals Lewes, however since then Eastbourne Borough have been flawless.

Cheshunt and Chatham Town were dispatched before Carshalton Athletic were handsomely beaten 4-0 on their own patch. The Sports got the better of an in form Welling United team, then claimed two more away wins against Three Bridges, then Maldon and Tiptree.

Last weekend, King’s side defeated another former Dartford manager, Adrian Pennock with two late goals. Harrison scored in the 88th and 92nd minutes to claim a 2-0 win at home to Ramsgate.

Player Manager’s View

Ben Greenhalgh was in reflective mood after the Lewes game and pleased with his team’s desire and work ethic, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “August and September was a massive positive. October was a massive negative, and we know that. It hurt us as much as anyone else. But that’s when we need to stick together. That’s everyone, that’s us as a club. I have to add the boys have stuck together”.

Greenhalgh believes his players will be ready for an Eastbourne Borough side on a winning streak and is keen to get the ‘buzz’ back at Princes Park, he commented: “We don’t fear anyone is this league and I think we’ve been obvious with that. We’ve been relentless”.

He added: “When you look at us and what we can do when we’re on it, let’s look back on that Carshalton away. Let’s look back on that Enfield away. For me Enfield looked like an amazing team this season and we took it to them and we were the better team on the night and we were really organised”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Ben Swift completed 70 minutes in his comeback game against Lewes on Tuesday evening. Sam Odaudu and Vladimir Paternoster were not fit enough to be part of the squad.

Current League Form

DARTFORD (LWLLLW)			EASTBOURNE BOROUGH (WWWWWW)
Lewes	A	2-1	Stanway Rovers	H	1-0
Aveley	A	3-4	Ramsgate	H	2-0
Brentwood Town	A	0-3	Maldon & Tiptree	A	2-1
AFC Whyteleafe	A	1-2	Three Bridges	A	2-0
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-1	Welling United	H	1-0
Ramsgate	H	1-2	Whitehawk	A	4-0

Head to Head

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

Previous 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)

Statistics

Dartford are winless in their last three matches against Eastbourne Borough (D1, L2)
The Darts have won just one of their last four visits to Priory Lane (D1, L2)
Dartford have failed to keep a clean sheet against Eastbourne Borough in their last nine meetings
The Darts have now won 100 Isthmian Premier League matches after Tuesday’s win
Ben Greenhalgh made just one appearance under Steve King, the 3-2 F.A Cup loss to Kingstonian (King’s first match in charge).

On This Day

Jason Prior put in a memorable performance at Princes Park on this day in 2009, only it was against the Darts. The striker scored a hat-trick of headers for bottom of the table Bognor Regis Town in a 3-3 draw. He later went on to play for Dartford. Tony Burman’s side were top of the Isthmian North with 12 wins from 13 and had dropped just two points ahead of their fixture with the Sussex side. The Darts were made to work for their point and a brace from Danny Harris and a late equaliser by Billy Burgess made sure they remained unbeaten.

Dartford have failed to win their previous five on 7 November, but the last victory was in 1989 against local rivals Gravesend and Northfleet. The Darts won 2-0 in the Kent Senior Cup first round.

Lewes v Dartford

November 2, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will be determined to end a run of three straight defeats when they visit Lewes on Tuesday night.

The Darts promising September seems a distant memory after four defeats in their last five league matches in October. Ben Greenhalgh’s side have slipped off the pace and now have to test their character with fixtures against two of the top four.

Lewes are one place and three points ahead of Dartford in the Isthmian Premier. The Rooks are unbeaten in five and their only league loss at home was on the opening day. Craig Nelson’s team occupy fourth place and will be hoping to overtake their rivals, and Dartford’s next opponents Eastbourne Borough in third.

Fiddes Brace Not Enough

Dartford suffered a third consecutive league loss for the first time in just over two years on the weekend. Greenhalgh has been unable to name a consistent defence this season, but one consistency in the side is the goalscoring ability of Max Fiddes. The striker scored another couple of goals to take his tally to 14 in all competitions. However, his efforts were in vain as the Darts went down 4-3 at Aveley.

The visitors led after half an hour when Fiddes got on the end of Greenhalgh’s cross. Just before the break Aveley were level with Romeo Royal equalising. The Millers scored twice in quick succession in the second half. Former Dart, Malachi Napa put the hosts ahead, then Francis Mampolo added a third. Dartford threatened to come back when Fiddes netted again, but the two goal cushion was restored immediately through Alejandro Machado. Finally, Dan Smith completed the scoring with a consolation, his first league goal from open play since the second game of the season.

October Blues

October wasn’t great for the Darts despite progression in two cup competitions. From eyeing up top spot at the beginning of month to keeping an eye on those behind them, Dartford are now in fifth place, ten points behind the leaders and just a couple of points clear of eighth spot. Their current run of defeats have all come against teams that started the day in the bottom seven.

Late Un-win for Rooks

A new month brings new optimism and Dartford will be desperate to restore early season form. The Darts go to the Dripping Pan aiming for all three points, something they have never achieved there in three previous attempts.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Match Highlights courtesy of Lewes FC

A 95th minute Bobby Unwin strike prevented the Darts from getting anything from their last visit back in December 2025. Six months earlier in the season before Dartford lost 3-1 in Sussex. Danny Bassett netted to give the Rooks a lead, but that was cancelled out through Michael Olarewaju. Lewes pulled away in the second half with two goals from Marcus Sablier.

Dan Downs Lewes

Although Dartford have lost in their previous two visits to the Dripping Pan, they did enjoy a big victory the last time the two sides met. Dan Smith got the Darts off to a perfect start with a goal in the opening minute. The striker then added another with just over ten minutes on the clock. Devonte West halved the deficit for the visitors, but two more unanswered goals from Denzelle Olopade and Olarewaju made sure of a 4-1 triumph.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Strong Start

It took until the 21st minute of the third game for Lewes to score their first goal of the season. They suffered their only home loss on the opening day 4-0 to Enfield Town and were held 0-0 on the road at Whitehawk.

Since then the Rooks have netted in every league game, put a winning streak of four together, which included a derby win over rivals Eastbourne Borough and are currently on an unbeaten run of five in the league. Ex-Dartford defender, Tom Bender took part in the derby day win, his last league appearance for Lewes.

Lewes Simmering at the Pan

On their own patch Craig Nelson’s side have been strong and they have not tasted defeat in the Isthmian Premier in six home games. The last two have been draws with the most recent on the weekend against Wingate and Finchley.

In a match that featured former Dart, Tyler Christian-Law as a used substitute, Lewes led through Charlie Walker, went a goal down before Jack Enkh squared the game up. Christian-Law played 42 times for the Darts scoring once.

A week earlier, the Rooks let a goal lead slip against Maldon and Tiptree in a 1-1 draw. Prior the two stalemates, Lewes had won three in a row with a pair of 2-1 away wins over Cray Wanderers, then Three Bridges. Their current unbeaten run started at the beginning of October with a triumph against Whitehawk.

Player Manager’s View

Ben Greenhalgh spoke to Dartford FC TV after defeat in Essex on the weekend and believed the late change to the defence after Vladimir Paternoster pulled out didn’t help the performance, he explained: “I thought we were really disappointing in a lot of areas. It’s tough to take because I thought we didn’t start the game very well. We felt flat in the warm up, it’s hard not to feel flat when everything’s changed again”. In addition to the defender’s withdrawal, the Darts were also missing the suspended George Whitefield as well as the injured Ben Swift and Sam Odaudu from the backline.

The Darts will need to work on preventing counter attacks, the Dartford manager commented: “A lot of goals we’ve conceded at the moment are from us having a chance, from us losing the ball going forward and that’s not the team we built at the start of the season and that’s not the team we want to build on”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Joe Tennent managed to finish the match on the weekend, but with a lack of fit central defenders it wasn’t an ideal situation. Emmanuel Oke and Adrain Gyamera have not been 100% fit according to the Dartford boss. At least George Whitefield will return from suspension, but Vladimir Paternoster withdrew prior the game on Saturday with a groin injury. Richie Atkins has gone out on loan to Hashtag United.

Current League Form

DARTFORD (WWLWLLL)			LEWES (LWWWDD)
Aveley	A	3-4	Wingate & Finchley	H	2-2
Brentwood Town	A	0-3	Maldon & Tiptree	H	1-1
AFC Whyteleafe	A	1-2	Three Bridges	A	2-1
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-1	Cray Wanderers	A	2-1
Ramsgate	H	1-2	Whitehawk	H	1-0
Whitehawk	H	2-1	Cheshunt	A	1-3

Head to Head

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

Previous Meeting

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)

Statistics

The home side has won each of the last five fixtures between Dartford and Lewes.
Dartford are winless in all three league visits to the Dripping Pan, losing their last two (D1).
The Darts last won at the Dripping Pan 43 years ago in the F.A Trophy. The 1983 first round tie finished 2-0 to Dartford.
Dartford have let in seven goals in their last two away games in the league. The same number of goals conceded in their opening six matches on the road in the Isthmian Premier.
The Darts have been stuck on 99 Isthmian Premier wins since victory against Wingate and Finchley on 10 October.

On This Day

Ben Greenhalgh scored the winning goal on this day in 2018 as the Darts beat Gloucester City in the National South. Dartford scored either side of the break to come from behind after Sam Avery put the hosts ahead. Charlie Sheringham scored on the stroke of half time and three minutes after the interval Greenhalgh struck the winner.

In 2007, the reliable strike partnership of Brendon Cass and Jay May secured a 2-0 win over Wingate and Finchley in the Isthmian Division One North. The Darts also won 6-0 against Sittingbourne in a Kent Senior tie back in 1999.

Aveley v Dartford

October 29, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford cross the bridge to face Aveley in the Isthmian Premier this weekend at Parkside.

The Darts have been in cup action this past week with successful results. A win at home over Three Bridges put Ben Greenhalgh’s side into the second round of the F.A Trophy. Three days later Dartford knocked out League One side Bromley in the Kent Senior Cup to reach the quarter-final.

Aveley are at the opposite end of the table to where they were last season. Having missed out on promotion straight back to the National South, the Millers have struggled this term. The Essex club will be hoping fortunes change under new manager Alex Akrofi after just one win in their previous seven outings.

Joe Returns

The Darts got back to winning ways in two cup competitions this week and on Tuesday evening Joe Tennent returned to action. The defender has been out for a lengthy nine weeks recovering from a fractured cheekbone. The club’s vice captain provided the experience to a youthful looking Dartford side that beat a Bromley under 21’s team 4-1 in the Kent Senior Cup.

Greenhalgh welcomed back Ashdon Day on a dual registration from Sutton Athletic. The striker, who came through Dartford’s academy opened the scoring with a well taken lob. Nine minutes later the hosts were three up after Tyler Ibe added the second and new signing George Brooke a third, the 18 year-old joins the Darts from Cray Wanderers. A fourth followed with Louie Atkins scoring from long range, the youngster then missed a penalty. Bromley grabbed a second half goal to prevent Victor Anjorin a clean sheet, but the Darts emphatically reached the last eight.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Darts Hang On

George Whitefield and Tyler Ibe were the only players to have taken part in both cup wins. Last weekend Dartford stormed to a three goal lead before conceding twice and making through the next round of the F.A Trophy.

Vladimir Paternoster opened his Dartford goalscoring account by scrambling home Greenhalgh’s corner. Max Fiddes then scored twice to take his tally to 12 for the season. Three Bridges set up a nervy finish with goals from Noel Leighton and Ade Adeyinka.

Ten Aside at Parkside

Tennent made his debut in the away fixture against Aveley last season. However Dartford’s defence were unable to hold out long enough by conceding four minutes into second half stoppage time. Albie Armin was sent off for Aveley, but Ikechi Eze was also dismissed for the reaction that followed, leaving both sides down to ten men. Callum Jones put the Darts in front and the visitors looked good for the win until Jayden Gipson levelled.

Darts End Millers Run

In January, Dartford put an end to Aveley’s 16 match unbeaten away record in the league. Denzelle Olopade scored in the ninth minute, the midfielder set the hosts on their way to three points. In the second half, Harry Critchley was sent off for the Millers with fifteen minutes remaining and five minutes later Joe Tennent made it 2-0.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

All Change at Aveley

Last season’s runners up and playoff semi-finalists have had their squad picked off mainly due to the fact Brett Munyard left for Brentwood Town. Several players followed the former manager including last season’s top scorer Ollie Peters and the impressive Toby Aromolaran. The pair shared 12 goals in Aveley’s opening 11 fixtures in all competitions.

Alex Akrofi is now in charge at Parkside where he was also a player for the club The former forward made 134 appearances and scored 72 goals for the Millers. He won the Isthmian North with Aveley as well as promotion with Brentwood Town and Maidstone United as a player. Since taking over, Akrofi has guided Aveley through two rounds of the F.A Trophy. A 3-1 home win against Ware in the qualifying round was followed up with a 2-1 triumph over Carshalton Athletic in round one.

Millers Make it Through

Aveley progressed to the F.A Trophy second round for the fifth time in eight seasons and took the lead inside ten minutes. Giovanni Palmer from out wide sent the ball over former Dartford keeper, Ben Dudzinski and in off the far post. In the second half, Harry Critchley headed in number two from a corner. Carshalton Athletic pulled a goal back in stoppage time through Seydil Toure.

Featuring for Aveley was former Dart, Malachi Napa. The winger played under Alan Dowson in the 2022/2023 campaign and made 22 appearances for Dartford.

Battle at the Bottom

This weekend will be Akrofi’s sixth league game in charge and so far, he’s only picked up a maximum against Chatham Town. Francis Mampolo scored five minutes from time to claim a 1-0 win a fortnight ago. The new Aveley boss started his managerial role with consecutive defeats versus Dulwich Hamlet, then Cheshunt. The first point arrived in the 1-1 draw at Burgess Hill Town before the Millers defeated the Chats.

Aveley’s previous league game saw the Essex side lose 2-1 to newly promoted Maldon and Tiptree. Kymani Thomas may have equalised for the Millers after Jamie Bennett put the Jammers ahead, but Tom Eastman scored the winner late on. Aveley are now one place above the relegation places.

Management’s View

Player Manager, Ben Greenhalgh spoke to Dartford FC TV after Tuesday’s game and highlighted the opportunities the Kent Senior Cup gives the academy players, he said: “It was good to give the younger players the chance again. I think it shows the quality and strength that we’ve got coming through”.

First Team Coach, Elliot Leveson was delighted with how the youngsters performed against Bromley, he commented: “The four goals were really high quality, some good combinations and a few long shots. It’s impressive that young players are stepping up and doing that”, he continued: “They’re not showing any fear. They’re going out there and they’re giving a really good account of themselves and that’s what we want”.

Leveson is looking forward to the away trip to Aveley after Dartford’s back-to-back victories, he said: “We’re really excited to go there. It’s good to get that winning feeling back within the group in the last two matches and we’ve just got to go there on Saturday full of confidence”, he added: “They’ve signed a lot of new players recently and they’ve sort of started to bond and gel as a team. It’ll be a tough match, but hopefully we can go there and get the three points”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Joe Tennent’s return is much welcomed, but it may be a while longer before he can complete a full ninety minutes. Ben Greenhalgh is expecting Dan Smith to be available, but also stated that George Whitefield will be suspended for picking up five cautions this season. Sam Odaudu was set to be captain last weekend, but pulled out through injury. The defender is hoping to return and so is Adrian Gyamera. Meanwhile, there is no further news on Luke Exal and Ben Swift, who have been out for sometime and continue to regain fitness.

Current League Form

DARTFORD (WWLWLL)			AVELEY (LLLDWL)
Brentwood Town	A	0-3	Maldon & Tiptree	H	1-2
AFC Whyteleafe	A	1-2	Chatham Town	H	1-0
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-1	Burgess Hill Town	A	1-1
Ramsgate	H	1-2	Cheshunt	A	1-2
Whitehawk	H	2-1	Dulwich Hamlet	A	0-2
Enfield Town	A	2-0	Wingate & Finchley	A	3-4

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Aveley wins: 3 / Draws: 4

Previous Meeting

Dartford 2 – 0 Aveley (17/01/2006 – Isthmian Premier)
Aveley 1 – 1 Dartford (20/09/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 2 Aveley (27/02/2024 – National South)
Aveley 0 – 1 Dartford (26/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Aveley (17/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 4 – 5 Aveley (15/12/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)

Statistics

Dartford have lost only one of the last ten in all competitions against Aveley (W6, D3)
The Darts are unbeaten in their last five trips to Aveley (W3, L2)
Dartford have scored in each of their last 12 games against the Millers. The Darts have only once failed to score versus the Essex club in 14 meetings.

On This Day

Dartford have a frightfully good recent record on Halloween winning the last four. The last of those victories was three years ago when the Darts beat Weston-super-Mare 4-2 in the National South. Alex Wall scored twice and got sent off after Paul Rooney and Luke Coulson had already netted for the hosts. Goalkeeper, Mitchell Beeney made a big contribution saving a penalty at 1-0 down.

Jack Barham grabbed a brace in 2020 in the 2-1 home win over Havant and Waterlooville. The Bradbrook brothers were both on the scoresheet five years earlier in a 2-0 victory over Hayes and Yeading at Princes Park. Having already thrashed Chipstead in the F.A Cup a month before, the Darts beat them again in the F.A Trophy. The second qualifying round tie in 2009 finished 3-0 with Jamie Day, Danny Harris and Ryan Hayes finding the back of the net.

Dartford v Bromley

October 27, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to reach the quarter final of the Kent Senior Cup when they host League One side Bromley on Tuesday night.

A place in the last eight is on offer and the Darts will be hoping to progress like they did in the F.A Trophy on the weekend. In the previous round of the competition Ben Greenhalgh made ten changes to the side.

It is likely the player manager will use the squad once again, which could include the long awaited return of Joe Tennent. The experienced central defender has been out since August after a cheekbone fracture in the Kent derby with Welling United.

Bromley are also expected to give their youngsters an opportunity. The Ravens are 22nd in League One and will no doubt be prioritising their status in the division. The six time Kent Senior Cup winners managed to reach the quarter final in their last two campaigns.

Fiddes is Back

Greenhalgh’s side needed a pick up on Saturday after consecutive league losses. Four defeats in five had swung momentum the wrong way after a near perfect September. So hanging onto a victory on the weekend to progress in the F.A Trophy was just the tonic. However, it wasn’t all plain sailing when a commanding three goal lead turned into a nervy finish against Three Bridges.

The late introduction of Vladimir Paternoster to the starting lineup benefitted the hosts when the defender opened the scoring. Top goalscorer, Max Fiddes was also recalled to the side and had a bigger impact by netting a brace. It looked as though the Darts were cruising through until Ade Adeyinka and Noel Leaighton set up a tense final 13 minutes.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Young Darts Paye

Adrian Pennock was in charge of the Darts when they last met Bromley two years ago. In the Kent Senior Cup second round the Ravens won 3-1 at Hayes Lane. The former Dartford boss used the competition to rotate the squad changing the whole lineup. A youthful Darts side were two down inside 13 minutes when Charlie Paye scored twice. George Whitefield halved the deficit, but Bromley’s under 21’s restored their two goal cushion courtesy of Emmanuel Deh.

Charlie Double, Brandon Brace

At the same stage a year earlier Dartford thrashed Bromley 5-1 at Princes Park. Charlie Sheringham and Brandon Barzey both bagged a couple of goals with Luke Allen getting in on the act as well.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Academy Shines

The Darts faced former manager Pennock in the previous round when they hosted Ramsgate. Both Lorenzo Duncan and Louis Atkins scored their first goal for the Darts in a 2-0 win.

Greenhalgh made ten changes to the lineup handing full debuts to academy players George Boulton and Maybin Calvert. Later in the cup tie Harvey Smith, Kane Stewart, Finley Williams and Fred Moore all came on as substitutes, adding to the names making their journey through Dartford’s youth set up.

Ravens Rise

Fourteen years ago the Darts were taking on Bromley in the National South. Now the gap between the pair is four divisions. Under the now departed Andy Woodman, the South London club added the League Two championship to their honours to accompany a National League playoff triumph and the F.A Trophy. The Ravens also won the National South prior Woodman’s successful time as boss.

This season Bromley are third from bottom with Byron Webster now the interim manager. In his first match in charge Webster guided the Ravens to a 1-1 draw with Peterborough United, ending a five game losing streak in all competitions.

Manager’s View

In tough weather conditions, the Darts didn’t find the F.A Trophy win as breezy as they would have hoped after going three goals up. Ben Greenhalgh spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “I thought we were brilliant for sixty minutes…we were sharp, I think there were good patterns of play”, he added: “In general it was getting back to winning ways that was important. There was a lot of positives to take and hopefully we can get a bit of a run together now”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Ben Greenhalgh is expecting Dan Smith to be available next week. Sam Odaudu was set to be captain on the weekend, but pulled out through injury. The defender is hoping to return as well and so is Adrian Gyamera. Vice captain, Joe Tennent has been back in training and has been given the all clear so could feature. Ben Swift is another who has been sidelined and currently regaining fitness.

Current Form

DARTFORD (LLWLLW)			BROMLEY (LLLLLD)
Three Bridges (FAT)	H	3-2	Peterborough United	H	1-1
Brentwood Town	A	0-3	Leicester City	H	0-4
AFC Whyteleafe	A	1-2	Stockport County	A	0-1
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-1	Mansfield Town	A	1-2
Ramsgate	H	1-2	Crawley Town (EFLT)	A	0-4
Tadley Calleva (FAC)	A	1-2	Brentford U21 (EFLT)	H	0-1

FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy / EFLT – EFL Trophy

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 26 / Bromley wins: 29 / Draws: 12

Previous Meeting

Bromley 2 – 3 Dartford (15/10/2024 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dartford 5 – 1 Bromley (28/11/2023 – Kent Senior Cup)
Bromley 3 – 4 Dartford (08/11/2014 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 4 – 2 Bromley (12/01/2013 – F.A Trophy)
Bromley 1 – 2 Dartford (09/04/2012 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Bromley (29/10/2011 – F.A Cup)

Statistics

The head to head record in the Kent Senior Cup between the two sides is all square. Dartford wins: 11 / Bromley wins: 11 / Draws: 5
Dartford have won just two of the last seven Kent Senior Cup ties against Bromley including the 2011 final (L5)
In all competitions, the Darts have lost just two of the previous eight fixtures versus the Ravens (W6)
At home, Dartford have lost just once against Bromley in the last 11 outings in all competitions (W8, D2)

On This Day

Tom Bonner scored the winner against Chippenham Town on this day in 2020. Played behind closed doors during the Covid season, the Darts led through Moussa Bakayoko. The hosts levelled when Joe Hanks netted, but Bonner found the decisive goal with eight minutes to go.

Dartford made in 11 wins from 12 Isthmian Premier matches back in 2009 with a 4-1 victory over Ashford Town (Middlesex). The future title winners strolled to three points with four different scorers, Lee Noble, Ryan Hayes, Danny Harris and Jay May.

Two years earlier the Darts put four past Potters Bar Town with May on the scoresheet again. Brendon Cass, Junior Kadi and Tom Bradbrook also scored. Dartford went on to claim the Isthmian Division One North that season.

Dartford v Three Bridges

October 22, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return their focus to the F.A Trophy when they host Three Bridges in the first round this weekend.

Since making it through the qualifying round Ben Greenhalgh’s side have suffered a shock cup exit and lost momentum with one win in their last four league fixtures.

Life in the Isthmian Premier has been difficult for Three Bridges, but they are still trying to adapt after promotion last season. The Sussex side remain in the bottom four of the division after a midweek loss, but have set a club record in the F.A Trophy.

Blank at Brentwood

The Darts came away with nothing to show when they travelled across the county border to face Brentwood Town. A 3-0 loss in Essex means the Darts have lost four of their last five fixtures in all competitions.

A disappointing defeat at AFC Whyteleafe on the weekend led to five changes to the side against Brentwood Town. Sam Odaudu returned after being rested and Ike Orji replaced the injured Adrian Gyamera. Jordan Higgs and Jez Pinder were back in the team and Matty MacArthur made his first start since joining from Billericay Town on a dual registration. Top scorer Max Fiddes dropped to the bench and George Whitefield made his 100th start for the club.

Dartford failed to score for the first time since late August and really should have taken lead. Dan Smith was brought down in the box to earn an early penalty, but the striker saw his spot kick saved by Jack Giddens. Within a minute Brentwood Town went down the other end to take the lead through Andy Freeman. The Darts fell further behind in the second half when Alfie Cerulli doubled the lead for the Blues and Freddie Sears added a third.

Opening Day Comeback

On the opening day of the season, the Darts came from two goals down to win against newly promoted Three Bridges. Dartford spoilt the Sussex side’s Isthmian Premier debut with a 3-2 victory at the Jubilee Field.

Jamie Crellin’s side benefited from two first half penalties, both scored by Charlie Bennett to give the Isthmian South East champions a dream start. However, Ben Greenhalgh in his first Dartford match in charge sparked a comeback on the stroke of half time.

Joe Tennent headed home Greenhalgh’s free-kick in the second half to equalise. Two minutes later the turn around was complete with Max Fiddes scoring on debut.

Darts Drought Ends

Dartford eased into the first round with a 3-0 win at Southern Premier Central side Leiston. That was the first victory in the competition in almost five years. Lorenzo Duncan slotted through Fiddes and the striker finished from a tight angle. In the second half, Dan Smith’s unselfish play set up Greenhalgh to double the lead. The tie was all wrapped up when Jez Pinder assisted for Fiddes to score his second of the afternoon.

Bennett Brace Creates History

Played at the New Eyrie home of Bedford Town, Three Bridges made it past Southern League Division One Central side Biggleswade in the qualifying round. Bennett grabbed another brace, scoring the opening goal by getting on the end of Hayden Velvick’s cross.

Three Bridges were awarded a penalty in the second half and yet again Bennett made sure to extend the visitor’s lead. Biggleswade pulled a goal back before the tie was finally settled through Kevin Rivera. Reaching the first round is a milestone for the club. After 14 campaigns in the competition, Three Bridges have made it through qualifying to set a new club record.

Derby Defeat

Three Bridges were up against Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday evening and went a goal down inside five minutes when a Josh Rees netted for the Sports. It took until the second half for Eastbourne Borough to extend their advantage after Kai Corbett and leave the Bridges on nine points from thirteen games.

Goals, Goals, Goals

Goalscoring doesn’t seem to be a problem for Three Bridges who wracked up a huge 124 league goals last season on their way to the Isthmian South East title. This term the Bridges have scored 23 times, the fifth best in the division despite being in the relegation zone. But Crellin’s side need to tighten up at the back having shipped in 36 goals, the most in the Isthmian Premier.

Manager’s View

Ben Greenhalgh was happy with the standards in the first half and even after the interval on Tuesday night, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “We played a bit of a different style knowing what we were coming against and I thought it worked really well. We played some great football, we created numerous chances”.

However, the player manager wasn’t pleased with the performance in the closing stages of the match, he added: “I’m disappointed how the game ended. The last fifteen minutes felt similar to the last ten minutes of the Whyteleafe game. We’ve conceded a really sloppy goal when we’re pushing for it and then the game is done”.

Greenhalgh still believes in his squad and has called on his players to stick together, he commented: “We’ve got a brilliant squad, but these things can’t keep happening. In the last couple of weeks, I think we’ve just seen a couple of slips in performances and I think as a group we need to carry each other out of that”.

Despite Three Bridges’ lowly position in the league, Greenhalgh doesn’t expect an easy afternoon on the weekend: “They’re another good footballing team. They’ve had sporadic results. They drew with Enfield, who in my opinion are probably the best team we’ve played this season”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

George Whitefield is expected to be fit on the weekend after limping off in midweek. Adrian Gyamera has a hamstring injury and can hopefully return in a couple of weeks. Joe Tennent, Ben Swift and Luke Exal are recovering from longer term issues.

Current Form

DARTFORD (WLLWLL)			Three Bridges (WLWLDL)
Brentwood Town	A	0-3	Eastbourne Borough	H	0-2
AFC Whyteleafe	A	1-2	Enfield Town	H	3-3
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-1	Lewes	H	1-2
Ramsgate	H	1-2	Stanway Rovers	A	3-1
Tadley Calleva (FAC)	A	1-2	Worthing (SSC)	H	0-3
Whitehawk	H	2-1	Biggleswade (FAT)	A	3-1

FAC – F.A Cup / SSC – Sussex Senior Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Three Bridges wins: 0 / Draws: 0

Previous Meeting

Three Bridges 2 – 3 Brentwood Town (08/08/2026 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

Dartford have won just one of their last 11 home games in the F.A Trophy (D3, L7), a 1-0 win over Weymouth in 20222
The Darts last five F.A Trophy ties at Princes Park have all ended 1-0 (W1, L4)
Dartford’s win in the previous round ended a run of five straight losses in the F.A Trophy

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last five games on this day, the last of which was a 1-1 draw at Eastbourne Borough three years ago. Brandon Barzey equalised after Fletcher Holman gave the hosts the lead. In 2017, Alfie Pavey scored twice as ten men Dartford beat Bath City 2-1 on the road, Andy Pugh was sent off for the Darts.

Three years earlier Barry Cogan put Dartford in front at Bishop’s Stortford and Elliot Bradbrook netted the winner in a 2-1 victory. In 1970, the same opponents drew 1-1 with the Darts in the F.A Cup, Dartford’s last home fixture on this day.

Bradbrook was also on the scoresheet when the Darts defeated Aveley 4-1 in the Isthmian Premier in 2009. Jamie Coyle, Ryan Hayes and Jay May also found the back of the net. The unbeaten run started out in 1989 with a 1-0 win at Gosport Borough in the Southern Premier League.

Brentwood Town v Dartford

October 19, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford hope to rekindle their early season form when they travel to Brentwood Town on Tuesday night.

The Darts fell to a third defeat in four in all competitions on the weekend and slipped to fourth in the table. Ben Greenhalgh’s team will travel to Essex aiming to complete a double over their opponents and collect maximum points.

Brentwood Town have renewed belief and will be hoping to climb out of the bottom four. Last time out, the Blues came close to causing a F.A Cup upset and reaching the first round for the first time in 56 years. Brett Munyard has reshaped the squad and improved results since taking over last month.

Darts Leafe With Nothing

On Saturday, Toby Aromolaran was too hot to handle for the Darts when they took on newly promoted AFC Whyteleafe. The striker, who had bagged a hat-trick in the previous game, added another two to his tally and condemned Dartford to defeat at Flamingo Park.

Defender, Emmanuel Oke returned to the backline with Sam Odaudu not involved. In midfield Scott Wagstaff and Brandon Davey were selected ahead of Jordan Higgs and Jez Pinder. After just four minutes, Dartford were forced to make an early change with Adrian Gyamera pulling up injured.

Aromolaran pounced at the far post to put AFC Whyteleafe ahead in the first half. The Darts were unable to find a breakthrough until just past the hour mark when Greenhalgh scored his sixth of the season. Parity lasted just four minutes with Aromolaran scoring the winner from the penalty spot. New dual registration signing, Matty MacArthur was introduced as a substitute for his first appearance since rejoining Dartford. The midfielder previously made two appearances on loan back in January 2024 scoring one goal.

Dartford Hold Out

The Darts won the reverse fixture against Brentwood Town earlier this season at Princes Park. The hosts were fast out of the blocks in both halves, but made it count in the first. Greenhalgh’s corner was met by the head of Dan Smith after just three minutes. Brentwood Town controlled possession for the majority of the game, but Dartford limited their opportunities. Although, Joe Tennent was called into action with a goal line clearance just before half time.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Samir Strikes

The corresponding fixture last season finished 1-1 in Essex. At the time, Dartford were looking for some form after a slow start in Adrian Pennock’s second full campaign in charge. Brentwood Town fresh from their league title, maintained momentum and led the Isthmian Premier. Samir Carruthers put the Darts in front with a free-kick, but Charlee Hughes equalised for the Blues to share the spoils.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of BrentwoodTownTV

Brentwood Suffer the Blues

A poor start to this season has seen changes at Brentwood Town. Former manager, Keith Rowland departed on 16 September after a loss at Stanway Rovers left the Essex club bottom of the table. The Blues early season form was surprising considering the momentum they had built over the previous two campaigns. Brentwood Town followed up their Isthmian North title with a playoff final appearance in the Isthmian Premier. The successful Rowland era had its disadvantages though. Over the summer key players like Daniel Ogunleye, Alejandro Machado and Kymani Thomas were signed by clubs in the National South.

Munyard Magic

Rowland’s rebuild didn’t go to plan, so in came Brett Munyard who led Aveley to a runners up spot last term, where they lost to Brentwood Town in the playoff semi final. The timing of the change caused some controversy as the two teams faced each other two days later in the F.A Cup, although Munyard didn’t take charge of that particular game.

The Blues have picked up six points from nine since the managerial appointment, both victories against newly promoted sides Maldon and Tiptree and AFC Whyteleafe. Their last league fixture ended in defeat at Chatham Town. Under Munyard, the Blues have progressed in the F.A Trophy beating Hashtag United on penalties and caused a F.A Cup upset with a 3-1 victory against Dagenham and Redbridge.

Two Nil Up and Out the Cup

Saturday was a step too far in the F.A Cup despite taking a two goal lead at National League side Eastleigh. Brentwood Town raced into an early lead through Bradley Sach and a Nick Townsend own goal. The Spitfires roared back with three unanswered goals from Nelson Khumbeni, Josh Lundstram and Aaron Blair.

Following the Leader

Form has improved under the new boss helped by an overhaul of players. Munyard went back to his former club to sign Aveley’s top scorer from last season, Ollie Peters. Following the striker from Parkside to the Brentwood Centre Arena, George Saunders, Jayden Robinson and Ryan Henshaw all made the same switch. Suleyman Zuhdu is also at Brentwood Town after working with Munyard before at previous clubs, Afie Cerulli has arrived from Billericay Town and Charlie Edwards has returned to the Blues from St Albans City.

Manager’s View

Ben Greenhalgh was disappointed with the amount of chances his side missed in the defat at AFC Whyteleafe, he told Dartford FC TV: “I don’t want to be too critical about not scoring the goals. We should have scored a lot of goals today (Saturday). I don’t think we showed quite enough quality or desire to put the ball in the back of the net, but we had numerous amounts of chances”.

The player manager felt the Darts lost the game due to two mistakes, one being game management after equalising. Rather than being “more compact”, Dartford were caught out on a counter attack, he commented: “We want to be positive, we want to be dominant. I believe we probably were dominant. However, you can’t go and concede a goal in the manner that we did”.

Greenhalgh is expecting a close game in midweek, he said: “Brentwood will be a bit of a different test, it will probably be pretty 50/50. They’re a team with extreme firepower. They’ve brought in a lot of players and they have a huge squad at the moment. They’ll obviously be a tough test for us”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Sam Odaudu has a groin issue which Greenhalgh is hoping will be okay before Tuesday night. Adrian Gyamera pulled up with a potential hamstring injury on the weekend. Joe Tennent was involved in the warm up after a lengthy injury and Ben Swift is recovering as well.

Current League Form

DARTFORD (WWWLWL)			Brentwood Town (LLLWWL)
AFC Whyteleafe	A	1-2	Chatham Town	A	0-3
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-1	AFC Whyteleafe	A	2-1
Ramsgate	H	1-2	Maldon & Tiptree	H	5-1
Whitehawk	H	2-1	Stanway Rovers	H	2-3
Enfield Town	A	2-0	Dulwich Hamlet	A	1-2
Carshalton Athletic	A	3-0	Carshalton Athletic	A	0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Brentwood Town wins: 2 / Draws: 3

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 0 Brentwood Town (11/08/2026 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 2 Brentwood Town (31/01/2026– Isthmian Premier)
Brentwood Town 1 – 1 Dartford (11/10/2025– Isthmian Premier)
Brentwood Town 1 – 2 Dartford (25/11/2017 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 0 – 1 Brentwood Town (29/03/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Brentwood Town 2 – 2 Dartford (05/02/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)

Statistics

The Darts last won an away league game at Brentwood Town in 1968 and have drawn in their last two league visits (L1, D2)
Dartford’s last five games in all competitions have ended 2-1 (W2, L3) equalling the previous record for consecutive 2-1 scorelines set in September 1965 (W1, L4)
George Whitefield could make his 100th start for the Darts if selected (99 start, 12 sub, 111 total, 14 goals)
Dartford are on 99 Isthmian Premier League wins in 180 matches (55% win ratio) – D38 L43.

On This Day

Bobby Tayler and Dennis Pacey scored against rivals Maidstone United to send Dartford into the F.A Cup first round on this day in 1962. A 2-1 victory knocked out the Stones, but the Darts fell at the next hurdle against Yeovil Town.

Three years later Dartford did go a step further in the F.A Cup. On this day they beat Tonbridge 6-2 in a fourth qualifying round replay. The Darts went on to beat Barnet before losing 1-0 at Port Vale.

In 2018, Greenhalgh was part of the Dartford team that beat Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 thanks to goals from Jamie Philpot and Charlie Sheringham.

AFC Whyteleafe v Dartford

October 15, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford take on Isthmian South East playoff winners AFC Whyteleafe for the first time on the weekend at Flamingo Park.

The Darts have had a midweek break after a busy schedule and will be pleased to be travelling a shorter distance than the actual home side. Ben Greenhalgh’s side were back to winning ways last Saturday ending a two match losing streak.

AFC Whyteleafe have to cross a county border for their home matches this season. Their groundshare with Kent club Cray Wanderers is to help develop the club after a quick rise up the non-league pyramid. Formed just five years ago, the Leafe are debuting in the Isthmian Premier and are three points clear of the bottom four.

Atkins Arrives On Time

Louie Atkins scored the winner on the weekend, his first senior league goal for the club. The academy graduate was introduced late on in the game and after five minutes he netted the decisive goal. Earlier, player manager Greenhalgh gave Dartford the lead with a scrappy goal. In the previous two games the Darts lost from a goal up. Wingate and Finchley threatened to become the third team in a row to come from behind when they equalised through Anointed Chukwu. However, the hosts had other ideas and made sure a 2-1 victory was secured.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Keeping Pace

Last time Greenhalgh’s side lost consecutive games they then went on a nine match unbeaten run in all competitions, winning eight. That streak included seven straight victories. The Darts will be hoping Saturday’s triumph has ignited another positive run to keep pace at the summit of the Isthmian Premier. Midweek results elsewhere meant Greenhalgh’s side dropped to fourth and are now three points behind top spot.

New Signing’s Hat-Trick

AFC Whyteleafe hosted Whitehawk on Wednesday night and pulled further away from the relegation zone in style. Toby Aromolaran made his full debut on the weekend after joining from Aveley and four days later he bagged three against the Hawks.

It was sweet revenge for the Leafe having lost in the F.A Trophy to Whitehawk. This time Aromolaran stole the show from his team mate Paris Francis, who bagged a brace himself. AFC Whyteleafe led after five minutes through the new signing and his strike partner doubled the advantage. Aromolaran went on to complete a hat-trick before Francis added further gloss the the scoreline.

Finding Their Feet

It took the Leafe seven games to claim a maiden Isthmian Premier win after promotion via the playoffs last season. The Surrey side picked up a pair of 2-2 draws at home to Wingate and Finchley and Cheshunt in that time. After a heavy defeat at Ramsgate, Enzo Gonnella’s side claimed their first victory against fellow promoted side Stanway Rovers. Four second half goals from Nile Ranger, Dean Gunner, Helge Orome and Jedd Hobbs secured a much needed 4-0 victory

Triumphant Travels

One point in their next three outings left AFC Whyteleafe in the bottom four until last weekend when they picked up their first away triumph in the Isthmian Premier. Another win over a fellow promoted side eased some pressure on the side ahead of Wednesday’s fixture.

Substitute, Mannie Mensah made the difference scoring the winner against Maldon and Tiptree. Corey Holder gave the visitors the lead, but the Jammers were level in no time at all. Mensah was brought on and the midfielder was ready to get on the end of a cross to help his side to all three points.

Manager’s View

Ben Greenhalgh felt his side learnt from the defeat at home to Ramsgate by not letting frustration get the better of the team in the win over Wingate and Finchley. The player manager spoke to Dartford FC TV and explained that against Ramsgate: “We created our own frustration and we created frustration around the ground and that’s something we’ve got to do a little bit better at and we’ve got to control our emotions better”.

Compared to Saturday’s performance, he added: “To concede a goal in the manner that we did, when we were completely on top, I think that’s a great test to our character, that’s pushed us again. We didn’t see that frustration and it’s great to come out the other side of it and get the three points”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Dartford are still without defenders Ben Swift and Joe Tennent, who continue their recovery from long term injury. Luke Exal is continuing to build up fitness after being out since pre-season.

Current League Form

DARTFORD (WWWWLW)			AFC WHYTELEAFE (WDLLWW)
Wingate and Finchley	H	2-1	Whitehawk	H	5-0
Ramsgate	H	1-2	Maldon and Tiptree	A	2-1
Whitehawk	H	2-1	Welling United	A	0-1
Enfield Town	A	2-0	Brentwood Town	H	1-2
Carshalton Athletic	A	3-0	Leatherhead	A	0-0
Chatham Town	H	1-0	Stanway Rovers	H	4-0

Statistics

Dartford have won their last four against newly promoted teams. Since returning to the Isthmian Premier, the Darts have won 5, drawn 6 and lost 2 versus promoted sides.
The Darts have scored in 13 consecutive games in all competitions and have drawn just one blank in their last 30 outings stretching back to 14 February 2026

On This Day

Noor Husin scored the only goal of the game on this day in 2020. The midfielder’s low drive gave the Darts a 1-0 win against Bath City at Princes Park. A last minute Ryan Hayes equaliser saved a point at home versus Hemel Hempstead Town five years earlier. Dartford came from two down with Danny Harris starting the comeback. In 2009, Allan Tait was the matchwinner in the F.A Trophy when the Darts knocked out Sittingbourne in the first qualifying round.

Back in 1891, Dartford recorded an 18-0 victory against Old Wilkinson in a friendly. In 1970, the Darts put seven past Harrow Borough without conceding in the F.A Cup second qualifying round.

Dartford v Wingate and Finchley

October 8, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford hope to get back to winning ways against Wingate and Finchley at Princes Park this weekend.

After an excellent run of seven wins in a row, the Darts came crashing down to earth with a shock F.A Cup exit and a Kent derby loss. Tuesday night’s reverse has seen Ben Greenhalgh’s side slip to third in the Isthmian Premier.

Wingate and Finchley will be pleased to get back to league action after almost a month in cup competitions. The Blues bowed out of the F.A Cup in midweek, but will now be focusing on climbing the standings.

Ex-Darts Hit Back

It was a night for former Dartford players and one in particular on Tuesday evening. Callum Jones came back to haunt his former club with the match winning goal that condemned the Darts to a third league defeat this season.

Greenhalgh made three changes to the side that suffered the F.A Cup shock against Tadley Calleva. Emmanuel Oke was back after nursing an injury, Tyler Ibe and Ikechukwu Orji also returned to the lineup. Featuring on the bench was new dual registration signing Vladimir Paternoster from National South side Braintree Town. The 20-year-old defender moved to the Essex club from Luton Town under 21’s.

The evening started well for the Darts, Oke cleverly flicked in the opener after just five minutes. By half time the Rams were in front, the first coming whilst Dan Smith was off the pitch having treatment to an injury. Ramsgate took advantage of having an extra player and Billy Munday equalised. A minute before the break Jones came back to haunt his former side with an acrobatic finish.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Home Blues

Dartford have lost two of the last three matches against Wingate and Finchley including the previous two at Princes Park. The Blues were the first visiting side to beat the Darts last season. An injury time strike ended Dartford’s 11 game unbeaten league run at the time.

A tight first half saw the score level at the break, but the deadlock was finally broken by the hosts on 69 minutes. Wingate and Finchley failed to clear a free kick and when Jacob Bland anticipated Eddie Dsane’s scuffed shot he tapped home his first for the club.

The visitors levelled when Caoilan McGettigan squared for an unmarked Logic Hernandez who slotted the ball through Jonny Henley’s legs. Wingate and Finchley grabbed a winner through Romeo Akinola’s curling shot from just outside the box in second half stoppage time.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In March, Wingate and Finchley completed a double over the Darts. First half goals from Mackye Townsend-West and Camilo Restrepo and an early third in the second half by Ryan Lowe left Dartford with too much to do. Dan Smith scored a consolation in the 3-1 loss.

Turning Point

During the 2024/2025 season, a second half fightback became one of the turning points in Dartford’s campaign. The Darts found themselves three down at home after just 21 minutes. Andronicos Georgiou scored a brace and Ben Frempah added a third. In the second half Olly Box and Ade Yussuf pulled goals back for the hosts. After that game Dartford went on a club equalling 21 match unbeaten run in the league. Frempah went on to play for the Darts last season making 11 appearances before rejoining Wingate and Finchley.

Cup Distractions

It’s been almost a month since Wingate and Finchley played a league fixture. That was an entertaining 4-3 away victory against Aveley. Both Scott Kashket and David Oupoh scored a brace. The Blues let a 3-1 lead slip before Oupah netted an injury time winner.

Since then Ahmet Rifat’s side have played six matches across three cup competitions. In the F.A Cup second qualifying round they knocked out National South side Hemel Hempstead Town in a replay, drawing 1-1 in Hertfordshire before winning 2-1 at home.

Two clean sheets followed on the road at Real Bedford in the F.A Trophy third qualifying round, then at Cockfosters in the London Senior Cup. The Blues progressed in each competition beating Real Bedford 3-0 and Cockfosters 1-0.

Giantkilling Denied

On the weekend, the Blues came close to causing their own cup upset against National North side Bedford Town. Anointed Chukwu gave Wingate and Finchley the lead twice, but two George Moncur penalties made sure the tie would go to a replay.

Bedford Town took a two goal lead on Tuesday night. First, Louie Kudiabor put the Eagles in front, then Moncur netted again a minute before the interval. Two minutes into first half stoppage time Ashley Nzala halved the deficit. Kudiabor added another ten minutes into the second half to end Wingate and Finchley’s F.A Cup progress.

Tough Schedule

In league action Wingate and Finchley have already come up against their fair share of in-form teams. After an opening day draw against Cray Wanderers they were beaten by Carshalton Athletic. They have also been defeated by both Enfield Town and Welling United. The Blues have also been involved in some high scoring games, winning 3-2 at Chatham Town and in their last league fixture they won 4-3 at Aveley.

Manager’s View

In recent games Tadley Calleva and now Ramsgate have benefitted from set pieces. Ben Greenhalgh acknowledges his side need to be more physical in those situations, he told Dartford FC TV: “You saw on Saturday, at the moment we’re probably not physical enough dealing with set pieces” and that’s been answered”. After falling behind before half time, the Darts found the second half frustrating and Greenhalgh was unhappy with the performance, he added: “I am disappointed and I have given a bit of criticism in the bravery from everyone. People have to step up in their moments and show a bit more quality”.

Greenhalgh is expecting plenty of hard work in training ahead of this weekend’s match and is determined to get the Darts back on track, he commented: “We will be there to bounce back. We need to show desire. I don’t want the fans coming to a game at home and not seeing that extra bit of effort that gets us over the line”, he continued: “It’s back-to-back losses, we’ve had that before this season and had a brilliant bounce back. So we need to put ourselves in a similar position”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Dartford are still without defenders Ben Swift and Joe Tennent, who continue their recovery from long term injury. Vladimir Paternoster awaits his debut after signing on dual registration.

Current League Form

DARTFORD (LWWWWL)			WINGATE & FINCHLEY (DWWLLW)
Ramsgate	H	1-2	Aveley	A	4-3
Whitehawk	H	2-1	Welling United	A	1-4
Enfield Town	A	2-0	Enfield Town	H	1-4
Carshalton Athletic	A	3-0	Chatham Town	A	3-2
Chatham Town	H	1-0	Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-0
Burgess Hill Town	A	1-2	AFC Whyteleafe	A	2-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Wingate and Finchley wins: 5 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Wingate and Finchley 3 – 1 Dartford (07/03/2026 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 2 Wingate and Finchley (08/11/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Wingate and Finchley 1 – 2 Dartford (18/01/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Wingate and Finchley (19/10/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 0 Wingate and Finchley (26/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 0 – 2 Dartford (03/11/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)

Statistics

Dartford have lost three of the last four against Wingate and Finchley (W1)
The Darts have lost their last two home games against the Blues, their only two home losses versus the North London side
Both teams have scored in 9 of the 11 meetings. Dartford are the only team to have kept a clean sheet in this fixture, both games in the 2007/2008 Isthmian North title winning season.

On This Day

Dartford last won on this day in the pre Princes Park era. Almost a month before the Darts’ homecoming they beat Tonbridge Angels 3-1 in the Isthmian League Cup second round. Since then, Dartford were knocked out of the F.A Cup against Chelmsford City in 2009 after a 4-1 home defeat. During Covid, the Darts drew 0-0 away at Hampton and Richmond six years ago.

In 1891, Dartford hit double figures in a friendly against Stone with a 10-2 victory, The Darts have scored ten or more in 11 matches, eight of them before 1906. Only twice have they scored ten or more after World War Two (11-1 v Faversham Town in 1966 and 10-0 v Crawley Town in 1975).