Dartford FC Previews

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 22, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Dulwich Hamlet

A club with healthy crowds, Dulwich Hamlet are four times Isthmian champions. However you need to go back 77 years for the last Premier Division title. Hamlet did win the Division One South championship over a decade ago though. The London based club have also won the F.A Amateur Cup four times and have lifted the Surrey Senior Cup a record 16 times.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 9th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: Runner Up
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Luke Wanadio (10 goals)

Fast out of the blocks partly due to former Dartford winger, Luke Wanadio’s early goalscoring form, the Hamlet won their opening four games without conceding. Then they went on a run of one win in ten, including a five match drawing streak. Hamlet never recovered and the slide continued until mid-February. Victories did return to keep Dulwich Hamlet hovering in mid-table until the end of the campaign. Away from home they had the third best defence and fifth best overall.

Manager – Mark Dacey

Prior joining Dulwich Hamlet, Mark Dacey was on the club’s radar. He previously worked under former manager Gavin Rose and his assistant Junior Kadi. Dacey moved away from Champion Hill to seek further opportunity and had spells at Sevenoaks Town and SE Dons. He impressed during his time at Rayners Lane by winning two thirds of his league games, averaging three goals a game and won the Middlesex F.A Cup.

Summer Transfers

It’s been less busy this summer than last. Dacey has already had one year to build a squad and now he is trying to improve it. Hamlet have brought in the experience of midfielder Samir Carruthers and if he can stay fit will offer creativity. The former Dartford player had two spells at Princes Park totalling 115 appearances and 24 goals.

Ogo Obi knows how to find the net in this division having scored 23 league goals at Wingate and Finchley in 2024/2025. The striker moves from Farnham Town where he netted a further 16 before injury cut his campaign short. Another player with Wingate and Finchley connections is Kyron McKay who joins from the Blues. Full back Ibrahima Bangura also moves to Hamlet from Raynes Park Vale.

Leaving Champion Hill for the National South, Joe Adewunmi makes a swicth to Chesham United. Giovanni Palmer and Alfie Payne will both be playing Isthmian Premier football again with Aveley and Cray Wanderers respectively. Geoffrey Okonkwo and Anthony Jeffrey depart the club and Anthony Cook retires.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Dulwich Hamlet wins: 5 / Draws: 5

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (29/11/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dulwich Hamlet 4 – 0 Dartford (09/08/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dulwich Hamlet 0 – 2 Dartford (29/03/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Dulwich Hamlet (14/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (05/10/2024 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 3 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (01/04/2023 – National South)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Dulwich Hamlet – Monday 28th December 2026
Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford – Monday 29th March 2027

Statistics

  • Dartford’s opening day loss to Dulwich Hamlet is their only defeat in the previous ten league games against the London side (W6, D3)
  • The Darts are unbeaten at home in the league versus Hamlet (W4, D3)
  • Dartford suffered their heaviest ever defeat against Dulwich Hamlet in the away fixture last season

Match Highlights 2025/2026

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Season Preview 2026/2027

July 22, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Dartford

Missing out of the playoffs has resorted to another rethink for the Darts. Since relegation from the National South, Dartford followed up their Isthmian Premier title tilt with a disappointing sixth place. A club with previous Southern League pedigree had to start again in the early nineties at Kent League level. Progression accelerated when Princes Park was opened almost 20 years ago culminating in the Darts reaching the National League in 2010. However, that lasted three years and eventually Dartford dropped a division again.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 6th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 1st Round
Top League Scorer: Olly Box (16 goals)

Once again a slow start had Dartford playing catch up. In the campaign before a club equalling unbeaten run put them in a title race. This time the run was shorter, but enough to push them to within the playoff places. Home form was excellent, only the promoted teams gained more points. On the road, too many points were dropped especially at teams in the lower regions of the division.

Manager – Ben Greenhalgh

Dartford return to a man who ‘knows the club’ having played for the Darts and actively managed the academy whilst at Margate. Ben Greenhalgh made 62 appearances for the Darts between 2018 and 2020 scoring seven goals. As manager of Margate he led them to the playoffs and at the same time had success with Dartford’s academy.

Summer Transfers

Greenhalgh’s Margate and academy connections means a few players returning to the club. Three of which follow the new boss from Margate. Defender, Emmanuel Oke was at the academy between 2019 and 2022. Brandon Davey is well thought of by Greenhalgh and Louie Atkins was Dartford’s record scorer in the academy. Ben Swift was with Greenhalgh at Margate and he joins from Sittingbourne.

Goalkeeper, Ryan Sandford returns to the club having previously made nine appearances in 2023/2024. He will bring experience to the side and so will Scott Wagstaff and Jordan Higgs who both join from Tonbridge Angels. Adrian Gyamera arrives from Cray Wanderers, Lorenzo Duncan from Fisher and Luke Exal from Hollands and Blair.

With the departures of the entire attack, the Darts have signed replacements in Gianluca Botti from Wingate and Finchley as well as Max Fiddes from Dover Athletic.

Leaving Princes Park is top scorer and academy graduate Olly Box, who joins rivals Ebbsfleet United. Eddie Dsane felt a change was needed and he moves to Aveley. Following former boss Adrian Pennock to Ramsgate, striker Callum Jones, midfielder Jacob Bland and goalkeeper Jonny Henly all move to the coastal club.

The experienced Samir Carruthers will be at Dulwich Hamlet. Luther Williams switches to Burgess Hill Town and Sam Smith to Welling United. Sam Okoye gets his chance in a higher division at Farnborough and so does Denzelle Olopade, who is now at Chelmsford City. Ikechi Eze, Ben Frempah, Michael Olarewaju and Evans Kouassi have all left the club.

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 21, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Cray Wanderers

One of the oldest football clubs in the world, Cray Wanderers were formed in 1860. The Wands won consecutive Kent League titles before promotion 22 years ago. Since then, they have had two spells in both the Isthmian Division One and Premier. Cray Wanderers won the Isthmian South East in the last full season before covid. Three years ago, they missed out on a National South spot after a semi-final playoff defeat.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 7th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
Kent Senior Cup: 1st Round
London Senior Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Alex Hernandez (21 goals)

The draw specialists of the division, Cray Wanderers picked up a point in over a third of their games last season. On the road, the Wands were a top five side losing just three. At home they were average across the board. With the expansion of this season’s playoffs the Kent side would have done enough last time out. When they went on long unbeaten runs, many of those games ended all square. However, the Wands were a tough side to beat.

Manager – Tim O’Shea

Over the last seven Isthmian Premier League matches of the 2024/2025 campaign, Tim O’Shea impressed enough to turn an interim role into a permanent job. He was assistant to the previous manager Neil Smith, so is familiar to the current squad. As a player he made a few appearances for Tottenham Hotspur before playing for Leyton Orient and then Gillingham. He represented both Farnborough Town and Welling United in non-league prior going into management. Tim O’Shea managed Grays Athletic, Croydon Athletic and Lewes before having a long break as a first team boss.

Summer Transfers

Ade Yusuff had a brief spell with Dartford under Adrian Pennock scoring once in six appearances in 2024/2025. The forward moves to Cray Wanderers from Isthmian Premier champions Folkestone Invicta. The Wands have also taken Henry Molyneux from Chatham Town and Charlie Paye from Bromley. Alfie Payne left Dulwich Hamlet to make a switch to Cray Wanderers. From the lower divisions both Rob Strachan comes in from Erith and Belvedereand George Brooke from Erith Town. Mitch Chapman also joins the Wands from Chislehurst Glebe.

Defender, Adrian Gyamera will be donning a Dartford shirt next season. Remi Sutton (St Albans City) and Harry Seaden (Brentwood Town) stay in the Isthmian Premier. Jordy Mongoy moves down a division and will play for Sittingbourne this season

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 38 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 13

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Cray Wanderers (21/02/2026 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Wanderers 0 – 2 Dartford (25/10/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Wanderers 2 – 2 Dartford (21/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cray Wanderers (26/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (16/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 3 Dartford (18/12/2021 – F.A Trophy)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Cray Wanderers – Saturday 28th November 2026
Cray Wanderers v Dartford – Saturday 27th February 2027

Statistics

  • In the league Dartford have lost just once against Cray Wanderers in the last 23 outings (W16, D6)
  • The Darts have lost just once in the last 19 at home versus the Wands in all competitions (W12, D6)
  • The Darts have won 19 of the last 24 away matches against Cray Wanderers in all competitions (D2, L3)

Match Highlights 2025/2026

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Season Preview 2026/2027

July 21, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Cheshunt

Three years ago, Cheshunt reached their highest level of football after promotions either side of the abandoned covid campaigns. Twice up through the playoffs, the Ambers won the Isthmian Division One South Central final then the Isthmian Premier final. The Hertfordshire side spent just one season in the National South before relegation and almost suffered the same fate the campaign afterwards. Luckily, they avoided a drop to division one and improved on their previous finish last time out.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 13th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
London Senior Cup: Semi-Final
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Sam Granville (12 goals)

A streaky side last season saw Cheshunt finish mid-table and on par compared to the previous campaign. The Ambers started out well. Just one defeat in their opening five fixtures saw them in third place. The wheels came off and they only tasted a single victory in the next 18 matches leaving them one place from the drop zone. The Ambers rallied in January and February with an eight-game unbeaten run to pull away from any threat. Despite a patchy finish they maintained a mid-table position.

Manager – James Elliott

An unexpected appointment over the summer due to unfortunate circumstances, James Elliott is the new Cheshunt manager. Health issues forced Mel Gwinnett to step down and Elliott to step up. After a successful spell managing Wormley Rovers, the former Sheffield United and Lincoln City player ended up moving to Cheshunt as a coach. Now he has the chance to lead his local club for the forthcoming season.

Summer Transfers

Cheshunt have taken two players who featured in Isthmian Premier last season. Joe Re is a new arrival from relegated Potters Bar Town and Arthur Iontton moves from Wingate and Finchley. Gwinnett has also looked towards the lower leagues by signing Dhorain Bitalo from London Colney, Kaleb Kadimashi from Mousehole and Axel Ampedu from Biggleswade United. Whilst players featuring in the division above last term, the Ambers welcome Tommy Wood from relegated Enfield Town and Kenny Coker from Dover Athletic.

Going the other way and joining the Kent side, Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite will be wearing a Dover Athletic shirt. Jesse Effa also makes the step up with a move to Hemel Hempstead Town. Darion Furlong doesn’t need to go far to his new club in St Albans City. Connor Kurran Browne switches to Berkhamsted and Jack Turner to Chatham Town.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Cheshunt wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Cheshunt 0 – 1 Dartford (10/03/2026 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Cheshunt (22/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Cheshunt 3 – 0 Dartford (22/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (09/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cheshunt 1 – 3 Dartford (07/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Next Meetings

Cheshunt v Dartford – Saturday 14th November 2026
Dartford v Cheshunt – Saturday 23rd January 2027

Statistics

  • Last season Dartford completed a double over Cheshunt without conceding a goal, the first ever clean sheets for the Darts in this fixture
  • Dartford have a perfect home record against Cheshunt winning three out of three
  • The Darts have won two of their previous three visits to Theobalds Lane (L1)

Match Highlights 2025/2026

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Season Preview 2026/2027

July 20, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Chatham Town

Aspirations of National League football is getting closer for Chatham Town. The ten times Kent champions have made progress over the last seven years. The Chats won promotion in 2022 and the Isthmian South East title a year later. In their debut Isthmian Premier campaign they finished runners up losing in the playoff final. The Chats were unable to replicate their performance until last season where they fell short in the playoffs again.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 4th
F.A Cup: 1st Round
F.A Trophy: 5th Round
County Cup: Semi-Final
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Tope Fadahunsi and Sam Sene-Richardson (11 goals)

Chatham Town were formidable against teams in the lower half of the table. They had a perfect record versus teams that finished in the bottom eight and dropped just two points over those in the bottom ten. Their patchy form when playing teams in the top half hindered their chances of a higher finish, but fourth place still earned them a playoff spot.

Manager – Kevin Hake

Winner of the Isthmian Premier League Manager of the Season award in 2024, Kevin Hake led the Chats to the playoff final. He took over as Chairman nine years ago after Chatham Town were relegated to the Southern Counties East. When football resumed after Covid, Hake became manager. He won consecutive promotions and came close to a third in a row before a top ten finish and another playoff appearance.

Summer Transfer

A statement signing was made when Jimmy Wild was announced as a Chat. The striker moves from Chichester City where he had been prolific in front of goal before last season’s serious injury. Brad Stevenson knows his around the National Leagues and joins from Solihull Moors. Coming down from the division above, Ben Coker moves from Ebbsfleet United. Harry Lodovica remains in the Isthmian Premier after securing a switch from Whitehawk. Ollie Hobden (Charlton Athletic), Eitel Goueth (Sheppey United) and Jack Turner (Cheshunt) have also signed for Chatham Town,

Wild looks like he will be the main man up front with the departures of joint top scorers Sam Sene-Richardson, who has hit the big time by joining Premier League Brentford, and Tope Fadahunsi to Carshalton Athletic. Former Dartford loanee, Matty Macarthur has joined playoff winners Billericay Town. Henry Molyneux (Cray Wanderers) and Kofi Anoke-Boadi (Leatherhead) remain in the Isthmian Premier. Kasim Aidoo is now at Farnborough and Will Samways at Phoenix Sports. Nile Ranger and Bernie Tanner were released by the Chats.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 34 / Chatham Town wins: 40 / Draws: 11

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 3 – 2 Chatham Town (06/04/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Chatham Town 1 – 2 Dartford (27/12/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Chatham Town 0 – 2 Dartford (01/01/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (26/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 3 Chatham Town (09/04/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)
Chatham Town 2 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Chatham Town – Monday 31st August 2026
Chatham Town v Dartford – Saturday 2nd January 2027

Statistics

  • Dartford have won six of the last seven league meetings against Chatham Town (L1) and are on a winning streak of four against their Kent rivals
  • The Darts have won three of their last four in the league at home versus the Chats (L1). Last season’s home win completed a league double over Chatham Town for a second campaign in a row.
  • Dartford have won their last three away matches against Chatham Town

Match Highlights 2025/2026

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Season Preview 2026/2027

July 20, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Carshalton Athletic

The Isthmian Leagues wouldn’t be the same without Carshalton Athletic, who have spent just two seasons away since being elected as founder members. Those couple of seasons were the very beginning of the National South. The Robins returned to the Isthmian Premier and in 2014 they fell further. However, Carshalton Athletic were back four years later with a title and promotion. Since then they have stayed put and this season will be their ninth consecutive in this division.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 19th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 1st Round
League Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Bryan Sharon Ifeanyi (11 goals)

A final day survival was achieved with victory over St Albans City to keep the Robins up. In February, Peter Adeniyi resigned as manager with the club a point clear of the drop. The new boss, Steve Bates lost his first three league games leaving the Robins in the bottom four. March became the turning point and from then until the end of the season, Carshalton Athletic collected points in all but two fixtures.

Manager – Steve Bates

Taking on a difficult challenge for a first managerial role, Steve Bates kept Carshalton Athletic in the Isthmian Premier. Previous a coach with years of experience, Bates was at National League side Wealdstone. He also had a spell as assistant and caretaker manager at Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Summer Transfers

Former Dartford goalkeeper, Ben Dudzinski arrives from Havant and Waterlooville. The 30 year-old came through Carshalton Athletic’s youth system and played for the Darts in 2022/2023 making 13 appearances. Also moving from Kent, Tope Fadahunsi joins from Chatham Town. Ethan Kaiser has also signed for the Robins from Brentwood Town.

Luke Read has gone the other way to Brentwood Town. The impressive Bryan Sharon Ifeanyi makes the step up to National League side Forest Green Rovers. Kola Salami moves up one division by joining Dover Athletic. Tommy Bradford also departs Carshalton Athletic having joined Merstham.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Carshalton Athletic wins: 2 / Draws: 4

Previous Six Meetings

Carshalton Athletic 2 – 2 Dartford (04/04/2026 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 4 – 1 Carshalton Athletic (23/08/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 4 Carshalton Athletic (26/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 1 Dartford (24/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Carshalton Athletic (23/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 4 Dartford (19/09/2009 – Isthmian Premier)

Next Meetings

Carshalton Athletic v Dartford – Saturday 12th September 2026
Dartford v Carshalton Athletic – Saturday 13th March 2027

Statistics

  • Dartford have just one of their last seven against Carshalton Athletic (W4, D2)
  • Last season, the Darts became the first home side to win this fixture in the tenth meeting between the two sides (Total – Home wins 1, Draws 4, Away wins 6)
  • Dartford are unbeaten in all six away games versus Carshalton Athletic (W4, D2)

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 19, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Burgess Hill Town

Either side of the millennium, Burgess Hill Town were the team to beat in the Sussex League. The Hillians claimed five league titles in seven years, twice finishing runners up in that period. Eventually they got out of county level for a campaign in the Southern League, then moved over into the Isthmian. The Hillians stormed to the Division One South title in 2015 with over a century of points and goals. However, they struggled in the years leading up to Covid and were relegated to step four of non-league. It took them four more full campaigns to return to the Premier, winning the 2025 Isthmian Division One South East playoff final.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 8th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
League Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Scorer: George Vorster (15 goals)

The Hillians took a couple of months to get to grips with the Isthmian Premier despite winning their opening two matches. An entertaining 3-3 draw at Princes Park was the beginning of a solid run. Burgess Hill Town lost just once in 11 outings lifting them from 18th to eighth. From then on, the Hillians were consistently on the playoff periphery. Only four sides conceded more goals than the Sussex side and that cost them the points they required.

Manager – Gary Mansell

Last season Gary Mansell was half of a managerial partnership with Jay Lovett. This season Mansell is going solo after Lovett’s appointment at Whitehawk. In April last year Mansell was also given the role of Director of Football. He already has experience in that role having previously worked for the Russell Martin Foundation. The Hillians boss will continue has committed to first team duties again and will be hoping to push the Sussex club into the playoffs.

Summer Transfers

Defender, Luther Williams will be at Burgess Hill Town. He left Dartford this summer after making 72 appearances for the club. Arriving from National South champions, Nicky Wheeler will bring experience to Leylands Park. Luca Cocoracchio and Shamir Fenlon move down a division from Dover Athletic and Horsham respectively.

Remaining in Sussex Joel Daly joins from Whitehawk. After relegation with Hashtag United last term, Josh Rusoke will also be a Hillian. Brad Berry (Hastings United) and Yoan Marc-Oliver (Harrow Borough) both make the step up.

Three players have departed Leylands Park and remain in the Isthmian Premier. Bobby Price joins newly promoted Leatherhead. Josh Spinks leaves after a season to go to Lewes. Kaan Bennett moves to Kent to sign for Welling United. Alex Malins has also left the club.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Burgess Hill Town wins: 2 / Draws: 1

Previous Six Meetings

Burgess Hill Town 2 – 1 Dartford (24/01/2006 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 3 Burgess Hill Town (30/09/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Burgess Hill Town 0 – 1 Dartford (14/10/2017 – F.A Cup)
Burgess Hill Town 1 – 2 Dartford (10/01/2015 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 3 – 1 Burgess Hill Town (25/10/2014 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 7 – 2 Burgess Hill Town (13/01/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)

Next Meetings

Burgess Hill Town v Dartford – Saturday 29th August 2026
Dartford v Burgess Hill Town – Saturday 12th December 2026

Statistics

  • The Darts are unbeaten at home in the league against the Hillians (W2, D1)
  • Dartford lost away in the league for the first against Burgess Hill Town last season ending a perfect record of four away wins out of four in all competitions
  • The last four league games between the two sides have averaged 6.25 goals per game (Dartford 17 Burgess Hill Town 8)

Match Highlights – 2025/2026

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Season Preview 2026/2027

July 19, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Brentwood Town

A decade ago, Brentwood Town were promoted to the Isthmian Premier League where they stayed for just one season. The Blues had two near misses in the playoffs of 2022 and 2024. Those disappointments were soon forgotten when they won the Isthmian Division One North title just over a year ago. Last season they were back and this time they almost left the division again, but at the right end. The Blues managed to keep their winning mentality and took the Isthmian Premier by surprise. Reaching another playoff and almost making it consecutive promotions, Brentwood Town had a great campaign last time out.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 5th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 4th Round
League Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Daniel Ogunleye (20 goals)

On the opening day Brentwood were welcomed to the division with a local away day at relegated Aveley. A draw gave the Blues confidence and a brilliant run of eight consecutive wins made everyone take note. Dartford brought that run to an end in October with a draw. Then they suffered four defeats in six, people wondered how long the Essex club would last at the top. Aside from another patchy spell in January, Brentwood Town need not worry. The Blues were consistent enough to win a playoff place. Two Essex derbies saw them beat Aveley, then lose the final to Billericay Town after extra time.

Manager – Keith Rowland

Former West Ham United defender, Keith Rowland played for the likes of AFC Bournemouth and Queens Park Rangers to name a few. Adding to his playing experience he won 19 international caps for Northern Ireland too. Rowland’s coaching career began at Braintree Town. He went into management with Wingate and Finchley in 2016, where he recorded the club’s highest finish on two occasions. Spells followed at Aveley and Tilbury before his current role at Brentwood Town.

Summer Transfers

The issue with be so successful after promotion is your best players will be picked up in the transfer market. It’s testament to what Rowland has built and this summer he has been building again. Three new signings won promotion out of the Isthmian Premier last season. Mikey Berry arrives from champions Folkestone Invicta, Tommy Davis and Ben Steward have been signed from Billericay Town. 

Harry Seaden will be the new man between the sticks after his switch from Cray Wanderers. Nat Mardell moves from Isthmian Premier newcomers Stanway Rovers and Sid Walker comes in from Grays Athletic. The Blues also added Malachi Linton from AFC Totton, Harry Gibbs from National South playoff winners Hornchurch and Charlee Adams from Chelmsford City.

Replacing the goals of Daniel Ogunleye will be a challenge, the striker earned a move to Ebbsfleet United. Also, on the up, Alejandro Machado is now at Folkestone Invicta and Kymani Thomas at Dagenham and Redbridge.

Former Dartford legend, Lee Noble leaves the Blues for Heybridge Swifts. Ade Cole (AFC Whyteleafe), Charlie Edwards (St Albans City) and Ethan Kaiser (Carshalton Athletic) remain in the Isthmian Premier. Jon Nzengo has departed and joined Tilbury.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Brentwood Town wins: 2 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

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)
Brentwood Town 2 – 1 Dartford (08/03/1969 – Southern League First Division)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Brentwood Town – Tuesday 11th August 2026
Brentwood Town v Dartford – Tuesday 20th October 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford’s win in January was their first in the league against Brentwood Town in 58 years (D3, L2)
  • The Darts have hosted the Blues four times in all competitions and have a 50% win rate (W2, D1, L1)
  • Dartford last won an away league game at Brentwood Town in 1968 and have drawn in their last two league visits (L1, D2)

Match Highlights – 2025/2026

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 18, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Aveley

This time two years ago Aveley reached their peak finishing seventh in the National South. In their debut season they made the playoffs losing out in the eliminator round, but set their highest ever finish. Leading up to their record breaking season, the Essex club had won consecutive promotions under Danny Scopes, so momentum was on their side. Then second season syndrome hit and they were relegated, bottom of the pile and returned to the Isthmian Premier. The Millers almost bounced back immediately last term, but fell short in the playoffs.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 2nd
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: Semi-Final
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Ollie Peters (14 goals)

Aveley took a couple of months to get their promotion push going. Perhaps, adapting to a new manager after a relegation season the Millers needed time. A 1-1 draw with Dartford at the end of September was the start of a four month unbeaten league run spanning 16 games. The Millers went from 11th to fourth and within in a couple more matches reached second where they remained. Hoping to reel in champions Folkestone Invicta, the Essex club couldn’t make up the ground then eventually lost in the playoff semi-final.

Manager – Brett Munyard

Brett Munyard started off his managerial career at White Ensign. In his time with Ensign he guided them promotion from Step 7 to Step 5. He then moved to Brightlingsea Regent in November 2021 and managed to steer them to survival in the Isthmian Premier. Most recently Munyard moved from Regent to Maldon & Tiptree before becoming manager of the Millers in the summer of 2025.

Summer Transfers

Some of Aveley’s transfer dealings have involved former Dartford players. Eddie Dsane had two seasons at the Darts and scored 27 goals. Having been used as a substitute under Adrian Pennock last season, Dsane felt it was time to move on despite a new manager arriving at Princes Park this summer.

Malachi Napa played under Alan Dowson in the 2022/2023 campaign and made 22 appearances for Dartford. The winger joins Aveley from Isthmian North champions Maldon and Tiptree.

Louis Dunne was part of the Dartford side that made the playoffs featuring 24 times in 2024/2025. The midfielder originally signed for Aveley, then Chelmsford City came calling with a player coach role that he accepted.

Giovanni Palmer joins from Dulwich Hamlet and Max Booth from Peterborough Sports. Ellis Bates impressed on trial during pre-season and has earned a permanent deal from Stevenage.

Ex-Dart, Liam Nash departs the Millers and teams up again with former Dartford manager Steve King at Eastbourne Borough. Jesse Nwabueze will be featuring for King’s Lynn Town. Harry Haysom, Tobi Tinubu and Ryan Charles have also departed the Millers.

Head to Head

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

Previous Six Meetings

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)

Next Meetings

Aveley v Dartford – Saturday 31st October 2026
Dartford v Aveley – Saturday 9th January 2027

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost only one of the last ten in all competitions against Aveley (W6, D3)
  • The Darts have lost just once at home against the Millers in the league (W3, D2)
  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last five trips to Aveley (W3, L2)

Match Highlights – 2025/2026

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Season Preview 2026/2027

July 18, 2026 / / 0 Comments

AFC Whyteleafe

A phoenix club rebuilt just five years ago, AFC Whyteleafe has had nothing but success on their way to the Isthmian Premier. Starting from the Surrey South Eastern Combination, they were promoted in their debut as runners up. After a year consolidating in the division above, Leafe won consecutive titles, reached Wembley in the F.A Vase before last season’s playoff triumph made it back-to-back-to-back promotions. As a measure of the club’s progress they will be sharing ground with Cray Wanderers this season at Flamingo Park.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian South East: 4th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Qualifying Round
County Cup: Quarter-Final
League Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Moses Emmanuel (21 goals)

At the end of September, AFC Whyteleafe entered the playoff places and never fell out. The Surrey side racked up the second highest number of goals reaching 109 in the league. Results included two 8-0 victories, a 6-0 win and a 5-0 opening day triumph. However, it wasn’t as easy in the playoffs and they had to battle past third place Jersey Bulls and runners up AFC Croydon Athletic. On both occasions AFC Whyteleafe held their nerve winning on penalties to earn another promotion.

Manager – Ennio Gonnella

In 2021, Kelly Waters founded AFC Whyteleafe and then went on to manage the club for four years. When the now Chairman made way he promoted Ennio Gonnella from his position as assistant manager. Gonnella had two previous spells with Kent Football United and a stint at FC Elmstead before joining the Leafe and guided them to a third consecutive promotion in his first campaign.

Summer Transfers

A debut season in the Isthmian Premier can be daunting, but AFC Whyteleafe are not content to just make up the numbers. Over the summer the Surrey side have signed some experienced players who know this level. Matty Warren and Francis Mampolo arrive from National South side Tonbridge Angels. Montel McKenzie won the Isthmian Premier title last season and joins from Folkestone Invicta.

Ade Cole was part of the Brentwood Town that came so close to another promotion last term. Making a step up from Sheppey United is Dami Olorunnisomo.

Head to Head

No previous meetings

Next Meetings

AFC Whyteleafe v Dartford – Saturday 17th October 2026
Dartford v AFC Whyteleafe – Saturday 17th April 2027

Statistics

  • Dartford lost just one game against newly promoted sides last season (W2, D3)
  • The Darts have never played AFC Whyteleafe, but did win both meetings against the folded club Whyteleafe in the Isthmian Division One South during the 2006/2007 campaign
  • AFC Whyteleafe will be one of three new opponents this season for Dartford
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