Dartford FC Previews

Season Preview 2025/2026

July 20, 2025 / / 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. Ten years ago, they stormed to the Division One South title 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 last season’s Isthmian Division One South East playoff final.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian South East: 3rd
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Brannon O’Neill (14 goals)

The Hillians were left to let the top two fight it out for the Isthmian Division One South East title. Instead they were in their own battle for third with Margate last season. The Sussex club secured their playoff berth by early April picking up an impressive 90 points. Burgess Hill Town put together a 15-game unbeaten run at one stage and spent most of the campaign in the playoffs. In the playoff semi-final they beat Margate 2-0. Then upset runners up Sittingbourne who were unbeaten at home, winning on penalties.

Manager – Gary Mansell and Jay Lovett

Joint manager Gary Mansell was also given the role of Director of Football back in April. He already has experience in that role having previously worked for the Russell Martin Foundation. Mansell will continue his first team duties and be hoping to improve the pathway from youth team to first team.

Jay Lovett impressed as a player at Crawley Town in the late nineties earning a move to Brentford. The former midfielder later returned to non-league football making most of his appearances with Lewes and Eastbourne Borough. As a manager, Lovett started out at South Park and had a three-year spell with Burgess Hill Town. After a short stint at Haywards Heath Town, then a coaching role with Eastbourne Borough, he returned to the Hillians as joint manager last year.

Summer Transfers

The momentum of winning promotion means the Hillians have kept many of their squad. Some of those staying include Player of the Year Kieran Rowe, last season’s top appearance maker Hamish Morrison, longest serving player Reggie Ward and club captain Brannon O’Neill.

Returning to the club from Salisbury, Jaden Perez previously had a loan spell at Burgess Hill Town in 2021. Mansell had to make a move for a replacement goalkeeper this summer, he has signed Roco Rees from Sittingbourne. Another returnee is Josh Spinks, who made 106 appearances in his first spell with the club and joins from Lewes. Midfielder, Jabari Christmas had limited game time with Chatham Town so he will be hoping to impress in Sussex.

Centre back Nathan Cooper leaves the Hillians making a move to Whitehawk. Dan Perry also departs having scored 74 goals in 178 appearances for the club. Part of last season’s title winning squad, Alex Malins has decided to move on. Supporters Player of the Year, Slav Huk was the penalty shoot-out hero in the playoff final. The goalkeeper has decided to move on from the Hillians to join Welling United. Another playoff hero Stefan Vukoje has departed and will be at Cheshunt.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Burgess Hill Town wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Six Meetings

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)
Burgess Hill Town 1 – 6 Dartford (19/08/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 0 – 3 Burgess Hill Town (28/10/2003 – Southern League Cup)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Burgess Hill Town – Saturday 13th September 2025
Burgess Hill Town v Dartford – Saturday 24th January 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford have won all four league matches against Burgess Hill Town
  • The Darts are on a five game winning streak versus the Hillians
  • Dartford have a 100% away record against the Sussex side with four victories

Match Highlights – 2006/2007

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Season Preview 2025/2026

July 19, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Brentwood Town

Isthmian Division One North champions Brentwood Town are back in the Premier for the first time since 2015/2016. The Blues entered the Isthmian Leagues 18 years ago after winning the Essex Senior League title. In that same season they completed the treble by claiming both League Cup competitions as well. Brentwood Town have been knocking on the Isthmian Premier door in recent years. The Essex club failed in the playoffs in 2022 and 2024 before lifting the title last season.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian North: 1st
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Daniel Ogunleye (36 goals)

The Blues wrapped up the title last season on the penultimate game. A record crowd saw top goal scorer, Daniel Ogunleye net all four goals in a 4-0 victory. It wasn’t until December that the Essex club truly got going . They started a 13-match unbeaten run picking up 35 points. No one scored as many goals as Brentwood Town or had a better goal difference. The Blues recorded the joint biggest win in the division, an 8-0 mauling of Ipswich Wanderers. On the 8 March with the Essex side in second place faced league leaders Felixstowe and Walton United. Brentwood Town won, swapped places and never relinquished top spot.

Manager – Keith Rowland

A former West Ham United defender, Keith Rowland also played in the Football League 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 under Alan Devonshire, then Rod Stringer until 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 he’s current role at Brentwood Town started in October 2023.

Summer Transfers

Unsurprisingly many of the Isthmian Division One North League winning squad have extended their stay with the club including former Dartford legend and Brentwood Town’s Manager’s Player Of The Year, Lee Noble. The midfielder helped Dartford to promotion in 2012 scoring the winner in the playoff final against Welling United. Still going at 36-years-old, Noble represented the Darts for 12 years making  476 appearances and scoring 51 goals. 

Manny Ogunrinde and Charlee Hughes swap relegated Aveley for the promoted Blues. Ogunrinde enjoyed five years with the Millers winning consecutive promotions and Young Player of the Season in Aveley’s debut campaign in the National South. Hughes returns to Brentwood Town having previously won a golden boot with the club.

At Walthamstow last season, Louie Johnson had a great time scoring 18 goals and notching up ten assists helping him claim the club’s annual awards. Charlie Edwards arrives from Cray Wanderers. Defender, Aron Pollock joins the newly promoted club and was close to a league winners medal with Billericay Town last season.

Former Dart, Lyle Della-Verde has departed the Essex side. The midfielder was with the Darts back in 2017/2018 scoring five goals in 34 games. Romel Aarons Royal leaves after two seasons and goalkeeper Connor Wheatley joins Basildon United. 

Koby Yeboah has decided to make the switch to Canvey Island. Brentwood Town will be hoping to keep hold of Player’s Player Of The Year and Supporters’ Player Of The Year, Danny Ogunleye who has sparked interest from Colchester United.

Head to Head

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

Previous Six Meetings

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)
Dartford 1 – 1 Brentwood Town (15/02/1969 – Southern League First Division)
Dartford 2 – 0 Billericay Town (15/04/1968 – Southern League First Division)

Next Meetings

Brentwood Town v Dartford – Saturday 11th October 2025
Dartford v Brentwood Town – Saturday 31st January 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford are four games without a league win against Brentwood Town (D2, L2)
  • The Darts did win in the last meeting between the two sides, a F.A Trophy tie in November 2017
  • Neither side have scored more than two goals in this fixture

Match Highlights – 2007/2008

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Season Preview 2025/2026

July 18, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Billericay Town

Two time Isthmian Premier League winners Billericay Town almost added a third championship in April. Having came so close the Essex club are one of the favourites to return to the National South, the division they left three years ago. The Blues have non-league pedigree from their golden age in the seventies, when they won three of the first five F.A Vase competitions to go with seven league titles and numerous cups.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 2nd
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 4th Round
League Cup: Winners
Top League Scorer: Femi Akinwande (15 goals)

The Blues improved on the previous season and get the sense promotion is not far away. Billericay Town missed out on the playoffs two years ago and followed that by agonisingly missing out on the Isthmian Premier title by a single goal. The Essex club did not leave the top four from September, lost the fewest games and scored the most goals. They began the 2024/2025 season on a 13 game unbeaten run and finished on a four game winning streak.

Manager – Gary McCann

Joining the club in April 2023 on a three-year contract, Gary McCann took Hampton and Richmond Borough to the National South playoffs in consecutive seasons in his previous job. Five years ago, he was denied a hat-trick of playoff qualifications based on points per game. Prior his spell at the Beavers, McCann enjoyed 13 years at Hendon and guided them to the Isthmian Premier Promotional Final in his final season there. Last season he picked up a runners up medal missing out on the title by the narrowest of margins, but won a winners medal in the League Cup.

Summer Transfers

The Blues came so close to that league title in April and being denied on goal difference may have persuaded them to make a statement signing in their forward line. Former Dart, Liam Nash has penned a two-year deal from Worthing. The 29-year-old played for Dartford five years ago scoring five times in just 11 appearances.

Over the summer there was confusion surrounding Jack Evans, who eventually joined for the Blues. The Essex side announced the signing of the former Dart, but had to retract their statement after the striker was still under contract at Chatham Town. The two sides finally made an agreement and after over 100 goals for the Chats, he is now a Blue.

The arrival of Jazzi Barnum-Bobb was also confirmed from Chelmsford City. The St Vincent and Grenadines international defender made 19 appearances for the Darts in 2020/2021.

Nash also had a part to play in getting Billericay Town to bring in Ryan Scott from AFC Hornchurch. Scott has represented the Blues previously, won consecutive promotions with Aveley before winning another title with the Urchins.

Another player starting a second spell with the Essex club is Alfie Cerulli who has signed permanently from Hemel Hempstead Town. Defensive midfielder, Ryan Blackman will also be staying in the county after his move from Chelmsford City. 

Troy Howard could have been playing in this division with Sittingbourne had they won promotion. The forward scored 13 goals and recoded 14 assists for the Brickies last term as they finished runners up in the Isthmian South East. Tyrese Owen was playing for Aveley last season in the National South, the midfielder remains in next season’s Isthmian Premier but with the Blues instead.

Among those who are staying with the Blues are former Darts Jay Porter, Femi Akinwande and Tom Bender. Porter and Akinwande both came through the Dartford academy with Porter making four senior appearances. Akinwande left before making a loan return and featured 11 times for the Darts. The striker top scored for Billericay Town last term. Bender is in the recovery stage of his long-term knee injury and is being monitored and assisted in his recovery by the medical team. In 2014/2015, the defender played 20 games for Dartford.

Player of the Season Sam Donkin, Young player of the year Charlie Panton and captain Matthew Johnson have all be retained as well as many more from last season’s squad.

Former Dart, Ade Azeez has left the club signing for Hemel Hempstead Town. Azeez started his Dartford career brightly in 2021 and ended that season with 18 goals. Defender, Aron Pollock has made the short journey to Brentwood Town. Montel McKenzie has left Essex to join Kent side Folkestone Invicta. Ashley Nzala makes the switch to Cray Wanderers

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Billericay Town wins: 3 / Draws: 1

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 4 – 0 Billericay Town (25/01/2025 – National South)
Billericay Town 4 – 0 Dartford (08/10/2024 – National South)
Billericay Town 0 – 2 Dartford (15/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Billericay Town (04/12/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Billericay Town (12/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Billericay Town (14/12/2019 – National South)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Billericay Town – Tuesday 12th August 2025
Billericay Town v Dartford – Tuesday 11th November 2025

Statistics

  • Dartford have won four of their last five games against Billericay Town keeping clean sheets in each victory
  • The Darts are currently on a run of five consecutive home victories against Ricay
  • Both sides set their biggest wins against each other last season (4-0)

Match Highlights – 2024/2025

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Season Preview 2025/2026

July 17, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Aveley

This time two years ago Aveley were getting ready for their first foray in the National South. The Millers had been in the Isthmian Leagues since the seventies with the exception of two campaigns in the Southern League. The Essex club reached an all-time high with consecutive promotions under Danny Scopes. The Millers were the surprise package in their debut National South campaign by finishing seventh and reaching the playoff quarter-final. However, they couldn’t replicate that performance last season and ended bottom of the pile.

2025/2026 Season
National South: 24th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Round
County Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: David Kawa (10 goals)

Victories were scarce in 2024/2025 with the Millers winning just eight times in the league. It took until September to claim their first three point haul, they picked up just 11 points on the road and went 11 games without a win between February and April. A tough season saw the club relegated with five games to go and a return to the Isthmian Premier. At the end of the season Scopes left the club and after 23 years, Graham Gennings stepped down as Chairman.

Manager – Brett Munyard

Brett started off his managerial career at White Ensign and in his time with Ensign he guided them promotion from Step 7 to Step 5. He then moved to Brightlingsea Regent in November 2021 with Regent in 19th place having lost eight consecutive games and managed to steer them to survival in the Isthmian Premier League. Most recently Brett moved from Regent to Maldon & Tiptree in November 2024 and led them to a nine game unbeaten run.

Summer Transfers

The Millers have been busy in the market with new boss Munyard aiming to mould his squad to his liking. Former Dartford loanee, Rowan Liburd has signed from Chatham Town. The striker made three appearances for the Darts back in the 2019/2020 season.

Munyard has also looked towards his former side Brightlingsea Regent by bringing in 18-year-old Jayden Robinson and left back Harry Critchley. Arriving from Grays Athletic is Spanish midfielder Alejandro Machado and Elliott Sartorius, who swept up the annual awards at Grays last term.

Fresh from winning the Essex Senior Cup with Canvey Island, Tobi Tinubu will provide an option as wing back. A double swoop was made for Ollie Peters and Ryan Henshaw from AFC Sudbury. The pair have also won the Isthmian Premier title with Bishop’s Stortford together. Another Isthmian Premier champion, George Saunders joins from AFC Hornchurch where he won the league title in 2024. 

Marvin Ekpiteta is an addition from Folkestone Invicta, Jayden Gipson from Isthmian North side Cambridge City and Kymani Thomas from Waltham Abbey. Albie Armin has been signed for an undisclosed fee from Leiston.

Sittingbourne have had their players picked off this summer and one of those is Joseph Boachie who joins Aveley. Nicknamed ‘Spider’, forward Ryan Charles swaps the Southern Premier for the Isthmian Premier by moving from Bishop’s Stortford. Joe Wright will be Aveley’s new goalkeeper having signed from Enfield Town. Suley Zuhdu has signed on from Walthamstow.

Some of Aveley’s notable departures include former Dart, Ibby Akanbi who played just five games for Dartford and is now at Cray Valley Paper Mills. Manny Ogunrinde leaves after five years with the club joining promoted Brentwood Town. He will team up with Charlee Hughes who has also made the same switch.

Captain for the Millers last term, Jason Ring has left after 151 appearances to play for Hashtag United. Tyrese Owen may have dropped down a division with Aveley, but the midfielder will still be playing in the Isthmian Premier with Billericay Town. Likewise, Adam Leathers has joined Chatham Town. Swapping one set of Millers for another, Luke Holness has also joined Cray Valley Paper Mills.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Aveley wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

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 League)
Dartford 4 – 5 Aveley (15/12/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)
Aveley 1 – 4 Dartford (24/10/2009 – Isthmian Premier League)
Aveley 2 – 2 Dartford (29/12/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)

Next Meetings

Aveley v Dartford – Saturday 20th September 2025
Dartford v Aveley – Saturday 17th January 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford lost at home in the league for the first time against the Millers last time Aveley visited Princes Park. The Darts were unbeaten in four (W2, D2)
  • The Darts are unbeaten in their last four trips to Aveley (W3, L1)
  • This fixture has averaged 4.08 goals a game in the 12 previous meetings. Dartford have scored 31 to Aveley’s 18.

Match Highlights – 2023/2024

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Dartford v Eastbourne Borough

July 16, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford continue their pre-season with another home friendly this weekend against National South side Eastbourne Borough.

The Darts began preparations for the 2025/2026 campaign last Saturday in an entertaining game against a strong Charlton Athletic team. Although the Darts lost 3-2, Pennock changed each outfield player at half-time as the squad continued to build up their fitness levels.

New signings were given a chance to impress for the fist time. Ben Frempah was part of the defence having signed from Wingate and Finchley. Midfielder, Sammie McLeod started after his move from Sevenoaks Town. Goalkeeper, Jonny Henly was at Folkestone Invicta last term and he was replaced late in the second half.

At the break the scores were level with Dartford equalising twice. Last season’s Player of the Year and top scorer, Callum Jones put home a rebound from close range. Then Samir Carruthers calmly chipped in a penalty.

For the second half, Pennock gave supporters a glimpse at latest signing Ikechi Eze. Signed from Potters Bar Town, the midfielder is brother of Crystal Palace’s F.A Cup winner and England international, Eberechi. Dan Smith also came on, the striker top scored for Folkestone Invicta last season. After signing a new contract this summer Michael Olarewaju also featured. The defender could have a part to play against his old club this weekend.

Eastbourne Borough kickstarted their build up to the new season with an away trip to Farnham Town. Their opponents hosted the Sports after winning back to back titles to reach the Southern Premier South.

The Sports fielded former Dart, Kai Innocent who made eight appearances for Dartford in 2022. A goal down at the break, the Sussex side introduced George Alexander as one of many changes and he equalised. The striker is another former player and scored two goals in ten games for the Darts during the 2023/2024 campaign. However, Farnham Town went on to add two unanswered goals to win 3-1.

The footballing worlds of Dartford and Eastbourne Borough collided 14 years ago. Moving in the right direction, the Darts made their way up to the National South. Whilst the Sports dropped down a division, culminating in many meetings between the two sides.

Between August 2011 and November 2018, the Darts enjoyed an unbeaten run of 12 games in all competitions against the Sussex side. However, over the following dozen matches the spoils have been shared with five victories each. In that time both sides have claimed notable wins. The Sports won 6-0 in April 2019 and the Darts won 7-2 three years later.

Like the Darts, Borough took the league title to the final day last season, but were incredibly one of five teams to have missed out. In the end the Sports finished third on goal difference a point behind eventual winners Truro City. The Sussex club were beaten in their first playoff match losing to Maidstone United.

Still, it was a positive campaign for Eastbourne Borough who recorded their highest finish since relegation from the National League in 2011. Former manager, Adam Murray left this summer to move nearer his family in the Midlands. Now Matt Gray is at the helm. Four years ago he guided Sutton United to the National League title and into the Football League.

Dartford v Charlton Athletic

July 10, 2025 / / 0 Comments

League One playoff winners Charlton Athletic visit Princes Park this weekend for a fourth year in a row to begin Dartford’s preparations for the new season.

The Addicks have been a regular feature in Dartford’s pre-season recently with the two sides meeting six times in friendlies since Princes Park opened in 2006. The Darts have lost the lot and the previous two have ended with the London side winning 6-1.

In compeititve matches, the Darts have faced this weekend’s opponents in the Kent Senior Cup three times. Dartford have been victorious on each occasion, including the 2016 final.

Adrian Pennock has already seen his squad put in some hard yards during training sessions for the new campaign. The early stages of pre-season will continue the good work whilst giving new players time to gel with those retained over the summer.

New additions include striker Dan Smith and goalkeeper Jon Henly both from Folkstone Invicta. In defence, Ben Frempah has joined from Wingate and Finchley and in midfield Sammie McLeoad from Sevenoaks Town. Over the next few weeks Pennock will also get the chance to look at some of the academy team and triallists.

Charlton Athletic are also starting their pre-season fixtures and will be flying out to Slovenia for next weekend’s game against HNK Gorica. The Addicks will be getting ready for life back in the Championship after a five year absence.

Macaulay Gillesphey’s first-half free-kick was enough for the Addicks to beat Leyton Orient at Wembley in May’s playoff final to win promotion. Manager, Nathan Jones guided the London side to fourth place after a strong second half to last season. Striker, Matthew Godden top scored for the Addicks and he could return to Princes Park after a loan spell with the Darts in 2013, where he scored five goals in nine appearances.

Dartford begin their season on Saturday 9 August, fixtures to be announced next week. On the same day, Charlton Athletic commence their Championship campaign at home to Watford.

Pre Season 2025/2026 schedule

May 29, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Saturday 12th July (3pm)
Charlton Athletic (H)

Saturday 19th July (3pm)
Eastbourne Borough (H)

Tuesday 22nd July (7.45pm)
Herne Bay (A)

Saturday 26th July (3pm)
Gillingham (H)

Tuesday 29th July (7.45pm)
Faversham Town (A)

Saturday 2nd August (3pm)
Ebbsfleet United (H)

Dartford v Dover Athletic

May 3, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford target promotion to the National South in a big Kent derby playoff final against rivals Dover Athletic on Bank Holiday Monday.

A return to the National South at the first attempt awaits the winners in what will be Josh Hill’s final game. The Dartford skipper will want to hang up his boots in style by captaining the Darts to victory. Dover Athletic will arrive at Princes Park wanting to spoil the party after claiming the final playoff place on the final day.

Dartford were seconds from bowing out on Wednesday and seeing their season come to an end. Set pieces were the Darts downfall with two identical corners by Cray Valley Paper Mills in each half. Danny Waldren got on the end of both to give the visitors a 2-0 lead and leave Pennock’s side on the brink.

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The hosts were handed a lifeline with 20 minutes to go when Cray Valley’s Crossley Lema was red carded for an off the ball incident in the penalty area. The match official awarded the hosts a penalty, which Samir Carruthers stuck away. In post match interviews, Dartford assistant manager, Roland Edge and Cray Valley boss Steve McKimm both acknowledged the dismissal as the turning point in the game. After hitting the woodwork and throwing everything at the Millers, a free kick was given for one final chance. Sam Odaudu went for goal with the last kick and his shot deflected into the net.

The turnaround was complete in extra time when Hayden Bullas swept home a third. Then it got better with George Whitefield netting his tenth of the season. However, the ten men of Cray Valley threatened another twist when Adam Coombes pulled a goal back.

Pennock made three changes to the starting lineup. Luther Williams replaced the suspended Michael Olarewaju. At full back Sam Okoye returned, whilst Jez Pinder came in for Samir Carruthers, who has been struggling to play a full ninety minutes due to injury. Carruthers was later substituted in extra time.

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Dover Athletic also needed an additional half hour in their win over league runners up Billericay Town. Striker, Alfie Matthews was the hero scoring an extra time brace. Manager, Jake Leberl named the same team that clinched the playoff place with a win against Chichester City. After a goalless ninety minutes, the Whites came from behind to reach the final and set up a Kent derby. Billericay Town took the lead early in extra time when former Dart, Femi Akinwande scored. The visitors fought back immediately when Matthews equalised. Then with the match heading to penalties, Matthews netted the winner late in the second period.

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Home advantage counted in the two league meetings between Dartford and Dover Athletic this season. At the Crabble, the Darts were made to pay for defensive errors by their rival’s potent strike force. George Nikaj, Ruben Soares-Junior and Luke Baptiste have all scored over 20 goals this season totalling 69 between them. Soares-Junior grabbed a brace in the 5-1 win over the Darts by starting and finishing the scoring. George Wilkinson and Baptiste had the hosts three up before half-time and Matthews added another five minutes into the second half. Pinder pulled one back for Dartford, but Matthews wrapped things up.

The Good Friday reverse match over a fortnight ago went Dartford’s way, demonstrating how far the side has progressed this season. Chasing the league title, any derby day nerves for the Darts were settled on quarter of an hour when Carruthers brilliantly curled in a free kick. The lead was doubled when Denzelle Olopade pounced on a flicked header. In the second half a third arrived with Hill heading home at the far post after great work from Olly Box to get in the cross. Dover Athletic managed to get one back through Soares-Junior.

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For both teams this is their seventh playoff campaign, and the two clubs have experienced plenty of heartbreak in the past. Although the Darts won the 2012 National South final in another Kent derby at home against Welling United, they have lost three penalty shootouts including the final versus Weymouth five years ago.

The Darts have looked down and out a couple of times this season. Most notably back in October when they were in 15th spot. A club record equalling 21 matches unbeaten put Dartford in the title race, but they fell short on the final day.

Defensively the Darts have generally been solid. Only champions Horsham kept more clean sheets this term and Dartford conceded the fourth fewest. However, they have conceded nine in their last three outings. Attacking wise the goals have been shared out with five players hitting double figures in all competitions.

Dover Athletic’s solitary playoff winning campaign also resulted in a Kent derby triumph when they beat Ebbsfleet United 4-2 to reach the National League in 2014. Like the Darts they have also had five failed attempts, including one chance to make it to the Football League nine years ago. The Whites have been losing finalists on two occasions. In 2006 they were beaten by Tonbridge Angels in the Isthmian Division One South and in 2013 by Salisbury City in the National South.

The Whites grabbed the final playoff spot with a winner takes all showdown against Chichester City on the last game. Failure to cement a playoff spot would have been disastrous for Dover considering they were the early front runners to win the league. The Whites were top from October to the New Year then they lost form for a couple of months. The Whites had a strong enough finish to the campaign to hold on to fifth place.

Current Form

Dartford (WDWWLW) Dover Athletic (WWLDWW)
Cray Valley PM H 4-3 Billericay Town A 2-1
Carshalton Athletic H 1-4 Chichester City A 2-1
Cray Wanderers A 2-2 Hastings United H 1-1
Dover Athletic H 3-1 Dartford A 1-2
Whitehawk A 1-0 Hendon H 4-2
Folkestone Invicta H 2-2 Cheshunt H 2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 19 / Dover Athletic wins: 12 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 Dover Athletic (18/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dover Athletic 5 – 1 Dartford (07/09/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (17/02/2024 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Dover Athletic (28/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National South)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of their last 16 home matches (W11, D4)
  • In all competitions the Darts have won their last four home games against the Whites and are unbeaten in six (D1)
  • Dover Athletic have won six of their last eight matches
  • The Whites have won three of their last four on the road
  • Dartford are the only side to have beaten the Whites in the last eight fixtures

Dartford v Cray Valley Paper Mills

April 29, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford have a second chance to win promotion back to the National South when they start their playoff campaign against Cray Valley Paper Mills on Wednesday.

The Darts came close to winning the Isthmian Premier title falling short in the final two games of the season. Whilst the Kent derby win over Dover Athletic on Good Friday extended their lead at the top, the Easter Monday draw at Cray Wanderers took title hopes out of their hands. Level on points with Billericay Town and Horsham going into the last match, the Darts needed to win against Carshalton Town and for the other two to slip up.

Whilst Horsham pipped Billericay Town to the championship, Adrian Pennock’s side were comfortably beaten on the weekend and now have to settle for their seventh playoff campaign.

Dartford’s 14 game unbeaten home run came to an emphatic end when Carshalton Athletic won 4-1 at Princes Park on Saturday. Pennock made one change bringing in Tyler Christian-Law at full back to replace Sam Okoye. The Darts were shell shocked on 11 minutes when Kola Salami was given time and space to put the Robins ahead. Then just before the interval the vistors went two up through Sharon Ifeanyi. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers was taken off at half-time after looking like he was struggling with injury. Defender, George Whitefield pulled a goal back in the second-half, his ninth of the season. Then Nabeel Ghannam struck twice for the Surrey side.

It’s now down to the management team to put defeat aside and lift the players ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final. Assistant manager, Roland Edge feels the Easter Monday draw had an impact on the players mentally, he explained to Dartford FC TV after the Carshalton Athletic loss: “It’s been a fantastic season. Yes, you want to win every game, but losses happen in football. I think our mind wasn’t quite at it today. We was a little bit down because we worked so hard all year, put in some great performances. Then you come to the final game of the season, your equal points, but the goal difference was never ever going to matched and I think our mind was half on that and a little bit deflated”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

However, Edge is hoping the negative experience will spur the players on for one final promotion push, he added: “The pain of losing today will be with them until Wednesday. Sometimes that’s a good thing to kick you on again…a loss is part of football, it’s how you react after it”.

The build up will focus around getting everyone in the right frame of mind, the assistant boss commented: “Sometimes you can drop out of winning the league on the last day and you can end up going into a league by winning playoffs, me and Ade have been in that situation before, so we’re well aware of it. It’s about how we change our mindset ready for Wednesday, get ourselves prepared for a battle and another tough game”.

It remains to be seen if Pennock selects Carruthers to start as the midfielder has been struggling with injury in recent weeks. Michael Olarewaju will be suspended after his red card on Easter Monday against Cray Wanderers.

As shown in Dartford’s previous two matches against Cray Valley Paper Mills, Steve McKimm’s side are well organised and have had a fantastic season themselves. If successful in the playoffs the Millers will make it consecutive promotions.

On the opening day of the season, Cray Valley Paper Mills made their Isthmian Premier debut, but it was Dartford who took home all three points. Pennock handed out eight debuts of his own, made up of new signings and academy graduates. Preparations weren’t ideal when new goalkeeper Jacob Marsden was injured in the final pre-season friendly, Samir Carruthers and Duane Ofori-Acheampong were injured as well.

However, Olly Box linked up with new striker Callum Jones in the first half and the pair combined for Dartford’s first goal of the season. The away side went in at the break ahead, but it could have been more than 1-0. Early in the second-half Cray Valley Paper Mills had Hassan Ibrahiym sent off, however the Millers still managed to equalise through Tom Chambers. Then a moment of magic by Denzelle Olopade won Dartford the game when he curled home a shot from 30 yards.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

At Princes Park a 0-0 draw with the Millers extended Dartford’s winless run to six matches. Little did they know that the draw was the start of a record equalling 21 game unbeaten league run for the club, which included another joint best ten match winning streak. The stalemate came after a League Cup victory over Erith Town and Edge said at the time that the pair of results will lay a foundation for short term form to improve, it turned out to be for the long term instead.

Under McKimm, Cray Valley Paper Mills won the Isthmian Division One South East in his debut season. The former Tonbridge Angels boss also guided the Millers to the F.A Cup first round for the first time, taking Charlton Athletic to a replay. With the likes of Freddie Parker and Tom Beere scoring goals they also have a blend of experience in Adam Coombes and Danny Waldren. Former Darts, Andre Coker, Fumnaya Shomotun and Marcel Barrington are also part of the Millers squad.

Coker scored the last minute consolation on the weekend when Cray Valley Paper Mills lost on the final day. They were denied a sixth consecutive victory when Folkestone Invicta won 2-1 at the Badgers Sports Ground. McKimm decided to rest key players having already secured a playoff place.

The Millers have won their previous three away fixtures beating Wingate and Finchley with goals from Denzel Gayle and Waldren. Hashtag United were defeated 3-1, which included a Parker brace and one from Tom Beere. In their last match on the road they won 1-0 against Chatham Town, Dan Bowry scoring the only goal of the game.

Dartford will be hoping to channel the spirit of 2012 when they won the National South playoffs. Cray Valley Paper Mills are in the playoffs for just the second time in their history.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWDWWL) Cray Valley PM (WWWWWL)
Carshalton Athletic H 1-4 Folkestone Invicta H 1-2
Cray Wanderers A 2-2 Chatham Town A 1-0
Dover Athletic H 3-1 Whitehawk H 3-0
Whitehawk A 1-0 Hashtag United A 3-1
Folkestone Invicta H 2-2 Dulwich Hamlet H 3-1
Dulwich Hamlet A 3-0 Wingate & Finchley A 2-0

Head to Head

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

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 0 Cray Valley Paper Mills (02/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Valley Paper Mills 1 – 2 Dartford (10/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of their last 15 home matches (W10, D4)
  • Only champions Horsham kept more clean sheets (18) than the Darts (17) this season
  • Cray Valley Paper Mills were the only side to take a point from the Darts at Princes Park out of the playoff contenders
  • Sam Odaudu will make his 100th Dartford start if selected

On This Day

Dartford finished their away campaign of the 2021/2022 season strongly racking up 13 goals on their travels in the final two league matches on the road. On this day Slough Town were thrashed 6-0 in a dominant Dartford display. Marcus Dinanga opened the scoring with just two minutes on the clock. The striker netted a brace either side of Keiran Murtagh’s goal. In the second-half the Darts added more through Kalvin Kalala, Jordan Greenidge and Olumide Durojaiye.

Isthmian Premier Playoff Preview

April 28, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The Isthmian Premier League playoffs start this week with a place in the National South up for grabs. We look at the four teams who booked their place in the end of season showdown.

The contenders

Billericay Town have been the most consistent team throughout the season. The league runners up entered the top three in matchday seven and stayed there. Missing out on the title by a goal, the Blues are guaranteed home advantage in the playoffs.

Dartford made up the trio of teams with a chance of winning the division on the final day. A club equalling record of 21 games unbeaten which included ten victories in a row propelled the Darts up the table after languishing in 15th back in October. On Good Friday they increased their lead at the top to two points, but then saw the lead wiped out on Easter Monday.

Cray Valley Paper Mills recorded their highest ever league finish in their debut Isthmian Premier campaign. The best of the promoted teams, the Millers have occupied a playoff spot since mid-October and deserve a shot at could be an impressive second consecutive promotion.

Dover Athletic grabbed the final spot with a winner takes all showdown against Chichester City on the last game. Failure to cement a playoff spot would have been disastrous for Dover considering they were the early front runners to win the league. The Whites were top from October to the New Year then they lost form for a couple of months. The Whites had a strong enough finish to the campaign to hold on to the last playoff spot.

Who has hit form at the right time?

Whilst Billericay Town and Dartford have had their eyes on the prize of winning the league, Dover Athletic have been focussing on just booking a place in the playoffs. Cray Valley Paper Mills have had more time to prepare and could afford to rest players on the weekend.

Prior the the Millers losing on the final day, Steve McKimm’s side had won five on the bounce. Over the last six games they have acrrued the same number of points as runners up Billericay Town. Meanwhile, Dover Athletic regained their form towards the end of the campaign and are fourth over the final six games. The Darts lost a bit of momentum and are seventh. However, over the last eight fixtures only two points seperate the four playoff contenders.

 TeamWonDrawnLostPointsGD
Billericay Town60218+12
Cray Valley (PM)60218+7
Dartford52117+7
Dover Athletic51216+4

How have the playoff contenders fared against each other?

Billericay Town are guaranteed home advantage and have picked up seven points on their own patch by beating Dartford and Cray Valley Paper Mills. The only points dropped were against Dover Athletic.

The Darts host Cray Valley Paper Mills in the semi-final and both sides could end up playing home and away over the playoff campaign. Dartford also have seven home points drawing with the Millers, but picked up one win on the road having lost heavily to both Billericay Town and Dover Athletic.

Cray Valley Paper Mills lost their season’s opener at home against Dartford and picked up just one victory versus the playoff contenders. That was a home win over Dover Athletic, but they drew a total of three out of six matches against the playoff contenders.

Dover Athletic will have to travel in the semi-final and potentially the final. On the road, the Whites failed to beat any of the playoff sides picking up a point at Billericay Town.

Team Won Drawn Lost Points GD
Billericay Town 3 2 1 11 +2
Dartford 3 1 2 10 -1
Cray Valley (PM) 1 3 2 6 -1
Dover Athletic 1 2 3 5 0

Has any team had previous playoff success?

Lee Noble scored the only goal of the final in 2012 when the Darts beat local rivals Welling United in their first ever playoff campaign to gain promotion to the National League. Since then Dartford lost to Weymouth on penalties in 2020 to be denied a National League place too. The Darts went out in the semi final in 2017, 2018 and 2023 and the quarter final in 2022.

Dover Athletic’s solitary playoff winning campaign also resulted in a Kent derby win when they beat Ebbsfleet United 4-2 to reach the National League in 2014. Like the Darts they have also had five failed attempts, including one chance to make it to the Football League nine years ago. On that occasion they lost the semi final, which was also their fate in the 2007 Isthmian Division One South and 2010 National South. They have been twice losing finalists as well, in 2006 they were beaten by Tonbridge Angels in the Isthmian Division One South and in 2013 by Salisbury City in the National South.

Billericay Town have reached one final in their two playoff campaigns losing to Bromley on penalties in the 2007 Isthmian Premier final. Whilst Cray Valley Paper Mills have appeared once losing the Isthmian Division One South East semi final three years ago.

Does your final league position give you a better chance of winning?

It goes without saying that the better teams will finish higher in the league and therefore should have the better chance. One factor that helps is having good recent form, then there’s the player’s physical and mental states, manager’s decisions and even good fortune to consider. Historically there is less chance of winning if you finish fifth. Six league runners up have won the playoffs and the same number of third place teams have triumphed as well. Fourth is just one win behind, whilst Cheshunt are the only fifth place team to win promotion.

Position Winners
2nd 6
3rd  6
4th 5
5th 1

Does home advantage count?

In recent years the away side in the final has won promotion. The last four playoff campaigns has seen Enfield Town, Aveley, Cheshunt and Tonbridge Angels go up with the latter three playing the semi-final away as well. However that has only really become a recent trend. Overall, since the restructuring of non league and when playoffs were introduced, the Isthmian Premier has had 11 finals won by the home side versus seven away. In total half of the 18 winners played both playoff matches at home.

Season Position Team Semi final venue Final venue
23/24 3rd Enfield Town Home Away
22/23 4th Aveley Away Away
21/22 5th Cheshunt Away Away
18/19 4th Tonbridge Angels Away Away
17/18 2nd Dulwich Hamlet Home Home
16/17 2nd Bognor Regis Town Home Home
15/16 3rd East Thurrock United Home Home
14/15 3rd Margate Home Away
13/14 4th Lowestoft Town Away Home
12/13 4th Concord Rangers Away Away
11/12 2nd AFC Hornchurch Home Home
10/11 2nd Tonbridge Angels Home Home
09/10 4th Boreham Wood Away Home
08/09 2nd Staines Town Home Home
07/08 3rd AFC Wimbledon Home Away
06/07 2nd Bromley Home Home
05/06 3rd Fisher Athletic Home Home
04/05 3rd Eastleigh Home Home

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