Dartford FC Previews -

Welling United v Dartford

February 26, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford visit local rivals and relegation threatened Welling United in another Kent derby this weekend.

The Darts are striving to get back in the playoff places and improve their away record. The Wings desperately need results to avoid the drop for a second season in a row.

Brace for Dsane

Dartford won the reverse fixture at Princes Park in November despite going behind in the opening minutes, Ruben Shakpoke hit a shot in off the post. An in-form Eddie Dsane grabbed a quick-fire brace to turn the game around. First, he finished to level after good work from Olly Box, then he hit a low drive to put the hosts in front. The three points were sealed once Box curled a third into the top corner. Victory for the Darts continued their good run over Welling United.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Bragging Rights

Dartford’s F.A Cup exit to the Wings in November 2023 is their only defeat to their local rivals in the last 13 meetings. In that time the Darts have beaten Welling United 6-0 away in September 2021 and 5-1 at home in November 2022.

In league competition it’s been over seven years since Dartford were last beaten by the Wings, a 2-0 away loss on Boxing Day 2018.

Richard Sticks it Chin

A very different looking Dartford side last visited Park View Road five years on from their last defeat against Welling United. Richard Chin scored the only goal of the game when he was alert to George Alexander’s shot that was parried by the Welling goalkeeper. Sam Odaudu is the only current player to have played in that win, whilst Box was an unused substitute. With points at a premium on the road this season, the Darts will be hoping for a repeat result to continue their playoff push.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Henly’s Heroics

A late equaliser prevented a home defeat against Cray Wanderers last weekend, but the Darts really have goalkeeper Jonny Henly to thank.

Adrian Pennock made four changes to the side that were humbled at Potters Bar Town. Odaudu returned from suspension, Sammie McLeod made his first start for the club, whilst Dsane and Box were also back in the lineup. Rohan Vaughan and Dave Winfield made their home debuts.

A dull first half ended goalless as both sides cancelled each other out. It was Cray Wanderers who eventually broke the deadlock when they struck on 72 minutes through Jordy Mongoy. A couple of minutes later Sam Okoye gave away a penalty, but Henly saved Alex Hernandez’s spot kick to keep the hosts in the game. The Dartford goalkeeper was called upon again by denying Max Fiddes in a one on one, which proved crucial. Henly’s heroics were fortunately rewarded at the other end. Dan Carter delivered a free-kick for Joe Tennent to head home a late equaliser.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Playoff Picture

Pennock’s side now sit in seventh place, three points and with a game in hand over Billericay Town who occupy the final playoff position. Sandwiched in between is Cray Wanderers. The Wands have a point advantage over the Darts and have played two games more.

After this weekend’s fixture Dartford play their rearranged Kent derby at home to Ramsgate on Tuesday night. The Rams are just one place and one point behind the Darts.

Away Day Blues

It took Dartford until their ninth away game in all competitions to record a victory on the road this term. In the eight since they have only managed just two more. There may have been good results at Cray Wanderers and Chatham Town, but on the flip side the Darts have fallen at lower league opponents Hadley in the F.A Trophy and bottom side Potters Bar Town. The defeat in Hertfordshire helped lift the Scholars off the foot of the table.

Clipped Wings

Welling United’s first ever campaign in the Isthmian Premier has been unstable and the Wings are at risk of sinking down another tier. Lee Martin started at the helm this season, but he was gone by October. In came Rod Stringer on a temporary basis and in November, Ryan Maxwell was appointed. As each manager has tried to shape a squad to get them out of trouble, the turnover of players has been high. It’s now not unusual to see a Wings player wearing a shirt number in the region of sixty.

Former Darts

Two current squad members at Welling United used to play for the Darts and another is on loan at Park View Road. Ade Azeez spent the 2021/2022 campaign with Dartford scoring 18 times in 45 appearances. One of his goals was in the 6-0 thrashing of Welling United that season. The striker also netted against the Darts for the Wings in a previous spell during the 2-2 draw just over three years ago. Former academy player John Ufuah made two senior substitute appearances for Dartford in the 2017/2018 season and current player Sam Smith is on loan having played 21 times for Dartford this term.

Closer to Safety

The Wings have won three of their last six home games including important victories over Cheshunt as well as Wingate and Finchley. In January they took all three points at Canvey Island, so they have been making ‘six pointers’ count and that continued in midweek.

On Tuesday night they closed the gap on Carshalton Athletic with a 2-1 win. That leaves the Wings four points away from the Robins, who sit a place above the relegation places. Ryan Maxwell’s side also have two games in hand.

Welling United had to come from behind to earn Tuesday night’s crucial win. The visitors went ahead when Luke Read hit a low volley beyond MacKenzie Foley. The Wings were level after former Dart, John Ufuah netted from close range and a winner was found through Dean Gunner, his second goal in as many games.

Manager’s View

After an even but uneventful first half, Adrian Pennock was ‘proud’ of the team for their efforts and for earning a ‘good point’ against Cray Wanderers. The Dartford boss spoke to Dartford FC TV and praised his goalkeeper Jonny Henly: “The last few months his been so consistent, he’s handling and decision making has been first class”. Pennock admitted the Darts rode their luck at times, but felt his team deserved at least a draw.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Samir Carruthers is out for the rest of the season following a knee injury. Jacob Bland has missed the last two games with a broken nose. George Whitefield will be available after serving his suspension.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWLWLD)			Welling United (LLLDLW)
Cray Wanderers	H	1-1	Carshalton Athletic	H	2-1
Potters Bar Town	A	0-1	Chatham Town	A	1-3
Brentwood Town	H	3-2	St Albans City	H	0-0
Burgess Hill Town	A	1-2	Folkestone Invicta	A	0-2
Aveley	H	2-0	Hashtag United	H	0-2
Hashtag United	A	2-2	Aveley	A	1-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 27 / Welling United wins: 11 / Draws: 13

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 Welling United (01/11/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Welling United (30/12/2023 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 1 Dartford (26/12/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 3 Welling United (16/09/2023 – F.A Cup)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (04/02/2023 – National South)
Dartford 5 – 1 Welling United (01/11/2022 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in 11 league games against Welling United (W8, D3)
On the road, the Darts are unbeaten in four in the league (W3, D1) versus the Wings
Dartford have lost just one of the last ten league matches at Park View Road against Welling United (W4, D5)

On This Day

Twice Dartford have taken on Welling United on this day and on both occasions the game finished without a goal. In 1980 the two sides drew in the Eastern Floodlit Cup quarter-final. A competition Dartford went on to win in August that year. Nine years ago the same score was played out in the National South.

Dartford’s last away victory on 28 February was in 1976 when they beat Canterbury City in the Southern League Division One South. Since then the Darts have lost to Corby Town 3-0 in 2004 in the Southern League Division One East and drew 1-1 with Aldershot Town in the National League in 2015.

At home the Darts have been more successful on this day racking up a 7-0 win over King’s Lynn in 1987, a 4-1 victory against Slade Green in 1996 and 5-2 triumph versus Yate Town in 1998.

Dartford v Cray Wanderers

February 19, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

The first of three Kent derbies is on the horizon for Dartford when they host Cray Wanderers in a playoff six pointer.

Adrian Pennock’s side have dropped out of the top five and suffered a blow last weekend versus relegation battlers Potters Bar Town. The Darts do have a strong home record though and will need to make this Saturday’s fixture count against the Wands, who have overtaken Dartford and sit just two points shy of the playoffs places.

Disappointment for Debutantes

Dave Winfield and Rohan Vaughan made their debuts as Pennock made four changes to the side that played a fortnight earlier. Michael Olarewaju and Dan Carter started, Olly Box dropped to the bench, whilst George Whitefield, Samir Carruthers and Sam Odaudu were unavailable.

Once again the Darts went behind against Potters Bar Town like they did in the home fixture back in October. However this time Dartford couldn’t overturn the deficit and fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat. The Scholars led when Nana Kyei scored, then held out for a much needed victory to take them off the bottom of the table.

The loss is a setback for Dartford’s playoff ambitions as they slipped to seventh in the table leapfrogged by Cray Wanderers. Form at Princes Park is keeping the Darts on the fringes and victory over the Wands will see them move back above Tim O’Shea’s side.

Hernandez Hits the Spot

An 87th minute equaliser by Alex Hernandez was the goal that took Cray Wanderers above the Darts last weekend. At the same time it kept them just two points from the top five behind Chatham Town, who they drew 1-1 with on Saturday. Nile Ranger scored for the Chats, whilst Hernandez netted from the spot.

A fourth draw in five keeps the Wands in with a shout of a playoff place and on the road they are unbeaten in seven, since their heavy 8-1 reverse at Folkestone Invicta. In fact since mid November the Wands have only lost twice in the league home and away, winning six and drawing six.

Rare Away Day Win

Dartford grabbed their first away victory of the season when they visited Flamingo Park in the last meeting with Cray Wanderers. At the tenth attempt in all competitions the Darts finally took home a win on their travels, they’ve only added two more since.

Eddie Dsane followed up a hat-trick from the previous week with the opener. Dartford turned defence into attack and Box set up Dsane to calmly roll the ball into the net. The game was finished off as the hosts pushed for a leveller and against the run of play Callum Jones secured maximum points for the Darts.

Box-ing Day Win

Dartford’s record over this weekend’s opponents is exemplary and this season at home the Darts have only lost twice in the league. The Darts won the corresponding game last season when Olly Box scored two sublime goals in a come from behind triumph on Boxing Day.

The last time Dartford lost as hosts in this fixture was a Kent League Cup tie in 1995 and that is their only home defeat against the Wands spanning 18 matches since 1907.

Pennock’s side will be hoping for a fourth consecutive victory at Princes Park having beaten St Albans City as well as second and third place teams Aveley and Brentwood Town.

Cray Pushing On

The Wands are a very difficult team to beat and only the top two have lost fewer matches. The Kent side have drawn the most in the division and that is so far the difference between sitting outside the top five and breaking into the playoffs.

Cray Wanderers’ only defeat on the road was to the league leaders Folkestone Invicta and they are ranked fourth in the division for points gained away from home. If Tim O’Shea can turn some of those draws into victories then they could be looking at a shot for promotion to the National South via the playoffs.

Manager’s View

Pennock apologised to the fans after last weekend’s defeat and performance, he spoke to www.dartfordfc.com after the game and said: “The first half just wasn’t good enough. Too many players started slowly and on the back foot. There was no thought and care in our passing. The decision making was poor”.

The Dartford boss admitted that he tried something different to combat the team’s disappointing away form by starting with three at the back. That all changed when the Darts conceded and Olarewaju was cautioned. With the disciplinary issues this term, Pennock substituted the central defender to change formation and prevent any further consequences.

Despite another setback Pennock is determined to fight until the end of the season for a playoff place, he commented: “There’s still a lot of football to play, but I want to tell all our supporters that me, my staff and players will give blood sweat and tears for them and the club”.

He continued: “All our games from now on in are big games. It doesn’t matter who we play, they are big games. We need them all to keep backing us home and away. There’s a lot of games to play and it’s all still to play for”.

Team News

Samir Carruthers was nursing an injured knee last weekend and Jacob Bland suffered a broken nose during the game. Sam Odaudu will be available after serving his one match ban for the two yellow cards received against Brentwood Town.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDWLWL)			Cray Wanderers (LDDWDD)
Potters Bar Town	A	0-1	Chatham Town	H	1-1
Brentwood Town	H	3-2	Ramsgate	H	1-1
Burgess Hill Town	A	1-2	St Albans City	A	3-2
Aveley	H	2-0	Carshalton Athletic	H	1-1
Hashtag United	A	2-2	Hashtag United	A	2-2
Chatham Town	A	2-1	Aveley	H	0-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 38 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 12

Previous Meetings

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)
Cray Wanderers 4 – 2 Dartford (20/09/2017 – Kent Senior Cup)

Statistics

In the league Dartford have lost just once against Cray Wanderers in the last 22 outings (W16, D5)
The Darts have lost just once in the last 18 at home versus the Wands in all competitions (W12, D5)
At home, Dartford have scored in all 15 league matches this season and only Folkestone Invicta have scored more home goals in the division

On This Day

Dartford were unbeaten in their first 13 games on 21 February, winning ten. Victories included an 8-0 humbling of Rochester in the Kent League back in 1914, a 5-0 win over Chatham in the Kent Senior Cup quarter-final in 1931 and a 4-1 Southern League Cup last eight triumph over Kent rivals Dover Athletic in 1989.

After beating Havant Town in 1998 by a single goal to nil in the Southern League South, the Darts lost three in a row on this day including a F.A Trophy replay exit at Wealdstone 14 years ago. Dartford’s last match on this day did end in victory. Keiran Murtagh scored the only goal of the game versus Slough Town in the National South three years ago.

Potters Bar Town v Dartford

February 13, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to move back into the playoff places when they take on bottom side Potters Bar Town this weekend.

The Darts will be pleased to be back in action after a couple of postponements has left Adrian Pennock’s side without a game for two weeks. In that time Dartford have dropped out of the top five.

At the other end of the table, the Scholars have plenty of ground to make up if they want to survive. Sammy Moore’s team are seven points away from safety and were heavily beaten last time out.

Eddie Stakes His Claim

Eddie Dsane has had many highlights this season and Pennock recognises how important the striker is to the squad. The Darts boss wants to keep the 29-year-old fit and happy especially after his outstanding performance against Potters Bar Town in October and his latest matchwinner a fortnight ago.

The Darts smashed and grabbed a late winner to close out January against playoff rivals Brentwood Town. Dsane came off the bench to net the decisive goal in the 3-2 win, the ninth time he has netted as a substitute since joining the Darts. As a starter of 31 games Dsane has scored 14 goals.

Darts Dig In

Despite major setbacks during the game against Brentwood Town, Sam Odaudu’s red card and losing a two goal lead, Dartford somehow found a way to collect three points.

The Dartford boss stuck to the side that lost at Burgess Hill Town and with just two minutes on the clock Sam Okoye put the hosts in front. The full back’s second ever goal for the club was his first this season. The advantage was doubled when Callum Jones’ effort was saved only for top scorer Olly Box to calmly grab his 14th goal in all competitions this term.

Brentwood Town made life difficult towards the end of the first half when Kymani Thomas expertly pulled a goal back. The afternoon got harder for the Darts in the second period. First, Odaudu was sent off for a second yellow card, then Brentwood’s top marksman Daniel Ogunleye equalised. A man down and clinging on, thanks to Jonny Henly’s performance in goal, two Dartford substitutes later combined. Dan Carter went on a terrific run to set up Dsane, who found a winner.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dsane’s Treble

Earlier in the campaign Dartford made a habit of needing to go behind to wake up and that’s exactly what happened in the reverse fixture against Potters Bar Town. The Scholars took the lead on nine minutes, Brandon Adams fired low beyond Henly. The equaliser came shortly after when Dsane won a penalty and scored. He added a second four minutes later from close range after good work by Samir Carruthers and Jones. A third arrived just before half time with a well taken volley by Joe Tennent. Dsane completed his second hat-trick of the season two minutes into the second-half.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Ten Men Earn a Point

Dartford had to battle hard to earn a point last time they visited Potters Bar Town. The Darts were left to rue missed chances in the first-half, then after the interval Duane Ofori-Acheampong was sent off. Pennock’s side still managed to take the lead through a Carruthers penalty, but the Scholars hit back courtesy of Adams.

Scholars Take a Schooling

This weekend won’t be the first time Potters Bar Town take on the Darts after a thrashing. Last season they lost 8-0 to Dover Athletic, then came to Princes Park to record a 1-0 win.

Whilst Dartford won’t want history to repeat itself, their opponents desperately need the points, especially after losing 5-0 to Billericay Town last weekend. That result meant the Essex club replaced the Darts in the final playoff place and made sure the Scholars remained bottom for another week.

Rather than visiting Princes Park after a big loss, Potters Bar Town will be at home this time, where they have won as many games as Dartford have on the road. A fourth league victory of the season at Parkfield could see the Scholars go above Welling United and Canvey Island in the relegation zone.

Moore of the Same

Potters Bar Town started the campaign with Max Mitchell in charge and after 14 games they had taken just eight points. The club parted company with Mitchell and appointed Sammy Moore.

Although the current boss has fared better with 12 points in the same number of league matches, the Scholars are still in a battle against the drop with the leakiest defence in the division.

Prior to the defeat against Billericay Town, Moore’s team also lost a relegation six pointer at Canvey Island. Ofori-Acheampong made amends for his dismissal whilst with the Darts by scoring deep into injury time to secure a 3-1 win for the Essex club.

Manager’s View

Adrian Pennock was delighted with the win against Brentwood Town despite his side being reduced to ten men and ‘riding their luck’, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “This is why we are in football for. We were under the cosh, we rode our luck”, he added: “We showed amazing character”.

The Dartford boss looked to his bench to beat the Blues, he commented: “It’s about the squad, it’s not just about the starting eleven, it’s about the substitutions that came on. Eddie has this natural instinct, he’s the best finisher at the club by far and we’ve just got to keep him fit and keep him happy”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Sam Odaudu is suspended this weekend after his red card against Brentwood Town a week ago.

New loan signings Dave Winfield and Rohan Vaughan will be available this weekend. Winfield is an experienced centre back from National South side AFC Hornchurch. The 37 year old has played in the Football League and has spent most of the last decade at National League level.

Vaughan is a 20 year old striker from Queens Park Rangers development squad. He spent two years at Burnley before joining the R’s.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWDWLW)			Potters Bar Town (LWLWLL)
Brentwood Town	H	3-2	Billericay Town	H	0-5
Burgess Hill Town	A	1-2	Canvey Island	A	1-3
Aveley	H	2-0	Hashtag United	H	2-1
Hashtag United	A	2-2	Ramsgate	H	0-4
Chatham Town	A	2-1	Cray Valley Paper Mills	A	2-1
St Albans City	H	1-0	Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Potters Bar Town wins: 2 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 4 – 1 Potters Bar Town (18/10/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Potters Bar Town 1 – 1 Dartford (05/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 1 Potters Bar Town (13/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Potters Bar Town 2 – 2 Dartford (05/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 4 – 0 Potters Bar Town (27/10/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 1 – 2 Potters Bar Town (11/03/2006 – Southern League Div One East)

Statistics

Dartford have still got to play seven of the current bottom nine on the road. So far the Darts have drawn two out of two against those in the bottom nine.
The Darts have scored in ten out of 13 away games this season in the league, but have kept just one clean sheet away from home
There have been 18 red cards involving Dartford games this season (9 for the Darts and 9 for their opponents). In four matches both sides have received a red card.
The Darts are winless in three games against the Scholars (D2, L1)
Dartford are unbeaten in their three visits to Potters Bar Town (W1, D2)

On This Day

Andy Pugh scored twice and received a different kind of Valentine’s card from the referee on this day in 2015. The striker gave Dartford the lead twice against AFC Telford United, but the Darts were pegged back on both occasions. The Bucks had Godfrey Poku sent off before the second equaliser and to make matters even better for Dartford, Danny Ventre scored an own goal to hand Tony Burman’s side three away points. In injury time, Pugh picked up his second yellow card and was dismissed.

The Darts are unbeaten in their last three games on 14 February having drawn 2-2 with Wealdstone in the F.A Trophy second round in 2012. Danny Harris and Lee Noble scored for Dartford that day. In 2009, the Darts beat Billericay Town in the Isthmian Premier with goals from Brendon Cass and John Guest.

Dartford v Brentwood Town

January 29, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford hope to strengthen their playoff credentials by gaining ground on Brentwood Town this weekend.

The Darts host the Blues this Saturday and know victory will take them to within two points of the Essex side. Only a win will guarantee Adrian Pennock’s side a top five place at the end of the afternoon as pressure starts to mount from those looking to get into the playoff places. Brentwood Town will not want to get dragged into that battle and instead will be aiming to keep pace with those above them.

Missed Opportunities

Out of the current top five it is looking like Brentwood Town is the team Dartford can catch, but the Darts failed to gain on the Blues last weekend and so Keith Rowland’s side remain five points clear.

Lately, Dartford have made a habit of beating teams towards the top of the table, then dropping points against teams below them. After claiming an excellent win over Chatham Town, the Darts conceded late to draw at Hashtag United. Adrian Pennock’s side then ended Aveley’s long unbeaten run only to follow that impressive result with defeat at Burgess Hill Town.

Sunk in Sussex

It was no surprise that the Dartford boss named an unchanged side for their trip to Sussex after defeating an in form Aveley. However, once again their away performance has contributed to why the Darts are hanging onto a playoff spot rather than comfortably being in the top five.

Burgess Hill Town can thank George Vorster for the win. The forward scored a brace either side of Denzelle Olopade’s fantastic strike. The Hillians earned a penalty when Kieran Rowe was fouled by Jonny Henly. Up stepped Vorster to put the hosts ahead. In first half injury time, Olopade unleashed a long range shot which flew past Roco Rees and into the net. The midfielder’s second goal in as many games.

Vorster restored Burgess Hill Town’s lead with a header early in the second half and it was much needed. The Sussex side were reduced to ten men after Ben Pope was given a second yellow card. Dartford couldn’t make the numerical advantage count in the final half hour and suffered their first ever defeat at Burgess Hill Town, losing a perfect away record against the Hillians.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Hillians TV

Home Sweet Home

Dartford will be pleased to be back at home this weekend. A draw at Brentwood Town in October was one of 14 points gained on the road this term. At Princes Park the story is different with the Darts boasting the second highest points at home in the division, just over double the amount earned on their travels.

Darts Deny Blues

Three months ago in Essex, the Darts faced Isthmian North champions Brentwood Town and halted their 100% home record. Continuing momentum from last season, the league leaders at the time had just won eight in a row. Jacob Bland made his debut and Dan Carter came off the bench for his first appearance, but it was a more experienced midfielder who gave Dartford a lead. Samir Carruthers scored directly from free kick, but Charlee Hughes equalised for the Blues as the points were shared.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Brentwood Town TV

Noble’s the Prize

Dartford have only hosted Brentwood Town once at Princes Park and that ended in defeat back in March 2008. The Blues won 1-0 and the decisive goal alerted Dartford to a certain Lee Noble. The midfielder impressed in the Brentwood midfield and later became a fans favourite with the Darts, winning multiple Player of the Year awards and scoring the 2012 playoff winner. In the previous six meetings against the Essex club, Dartford have won just once and that was in the F.A Trophy third qualifying round in November 2017. Noble proved decisive again, this time against his former side as the Darts triumphed 2-1.

Settling in the Isthmian Premier

Brentwood Town had an outstanding start to their season and topped the table at the end of October. Between the opening day draw with Aveley and the stalemate with the Darts they won all eight league matches. The momentum from their Isthmian North title win just kept growing.

The beginning of November saw the changing of the guard. Brentwood Town lost three in a row to begin that month and relinquished top spot. The Blues recovered, only losing one more in the next eight and that was at league leaders Folkestone Invicta.

Blues Barren Spell

However, for a second time this term the Essex club have just lost three on the spin and will be determined to stop the streak. A clinical Cray Wanderers side won 4-1 with all of their goals coming in the first-half. Although Kymani Thomas scored a consolation, it was a sorry afternoon for the Blues.

The Essex derby with Billericay Town was decided by Elliot Long as Ricay took all three points. Then last time out, Brentwood Town were beaten 2-0 by Dulwich Hamlet.

Manager’s View

Adrian Pennock was disappointed at the defeat in Sussex last weekend, he told www.dartfordfc.com: “I was disappointed with the result. But we weren’t good enough from front to back. I thought our decision-making was poor. It’s not often I can say nearly every player had an off game”.

Dartford are coming under pressure from teams trying to reach the playoffs, the Darts boss commented: “There’s a lot of football to be played. There are lots of teams behind us hitting form, so we have to concentrate on us”, but home advantage could well play its part in the next fortnight, he added: “There’s two home matches to come and they will both be tough games. But we are strong at home. We are going to do all we can to get the six points and forget about this weekend”.

Team News

Aside from Dean Nayler with a long term injury, Adrian Pennock should have a full squad to choose from.

Current League Form

Dartford (LWWDWL)			Brentwood Town (WWWLLL)
Burgess Hill Town	A	1-2	Dulwich Hamlet	H	0-2
Aveley	H	2-0	Billericay Town	A	0-1
Hashtag United	A	2-2	Cray Wanderers	H	1-4
Chatham Town	A	2-1	Welling United	A	4-1
St Albans City	H	1-0	Potters Bar Town	H	1-0
Folkestone Invicta	H	1-2	Hashtag United	H	2-0

Head to Head

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

Previous Meetings

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)
Dartford 1 – 1 Brentwood Town (15/02/1969 – Southern League First Division)

Statistics

Dartford are five games without a league win against Brentwood Town (D3, L2)
The Darts have kept four clean sheets at home in their last five league games and have kept consecutive home clean sheets in the league
The Darts last managed three home league games without conceding a year ago.
Neither side have scored more than two goals in this fixture

On This Day

Dartford have an incredible unbeaten home record on this day winning nine and drawing two. The last side to visit the Darts and prevent a victory was Bristol Rovers in 2015. Dartford equalised twice through Ryan Hayes in the 2-2 National League draw. Keiran Murtagh and Pierre Fonkeu were on hand to give the Darts a 2-0 London Senior Cup win over Metropolitan Police three years ago. In 2009, the Darts won a Kent derby against rivals Maidstone United in the Isthmian Premier League. Rob Haworth scored from a tight angle in Cody McDonald’s last game for the Darts before he joined Norwich City. That derby day victory was the last of a seven game winning streak at home on 31 January.

Burgess Hill Town v Dartford

January 22, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are on the road when they travel to Burgess Hill Town in the Isthmian Premier League this weekend.

The Darts approach Saturday’s game with confidence having put an end to Aveley’s unbeaten run last Saturday. The victory means Adrian Pennock’s side have taken ten points in their last four games.

Burgess Hill Town sit two places and seven points adrift of Dartford. The Isthmian South East playoff winners came close to beating league leaders Folkestone Invicta last time out.

Darts Halt Millers Run

Dartford pulled off a feat no one had yet to do in the league this season by beating Aveley at home. The Millers had not lost an away match in the Isthmian Premier and were on an unbeaten streak of 16 games.

Pennock made two changes for the Aveley game by bringing in Samir Carruthers and Dan Smith for Dan Carter and Nathan Eze. On the bench Sammie McLeod and Michael Olarewaju returned to the matchday squad.

The Darts settled into the game early and when Denzelle Olopade scored in the ninth minute, the midfielder set the hosts on their way to three points. Dartford were good value for the lead creating various chances against a physical Aveley side. 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.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Playoff Picture

Dartford stay in fifth place, but with Cray Wanderers drawing the Darts now have a two point cushion and a game in hand. Brentwood Town also dropped points meaning Pennock’s side gained ground on the Blues as well as last weekend’s opponents Aveley. Meanwhile Burgess Hill Town are on the outside looking in. The Hillians are waiting to take advantage of any slip ups to close the gap to the playoff places.

Consistency away from home needs to improve if the Darts want to pull clear of the chasing pack. Although they have lost just one in their previous five on the road, Dartford have only picked up three victories in 12 matches on their travels.

That’s Entertainment

Six goals, a penalty miss, two sending offs and a late equaliser made an entertaining game at Princes Park in the reverse fixture. The Darts twice let a lead slip in the 3-3 draw.

Olly Box had a mixed evening, first scoring after three minutes, then receiving two yellow cards in the second half. Callum Jones extended Dartford’s lead before Eddie Dsane had his penalty saved to prevent the Darts going three up prior to the break.

Hillians substitute, Marcus Allen made an immediate impact by coming on for the second half and scoring with his first touch. The defender then equalised after the visitors had been reduced to ten men.

Sam Odaudu put Dartford back in front with a deflected free kick. However, the goal and man advantage was erased in the closing stages. Box was dismissed and in injury time Chris Whelpdale levelled for Burgess Hill Town to earn their first ever point at Princes Park.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Happy Hunting Ground

Dartford have a perfect record on their visits to Burgess Hill Town winning all four meetings in Sussex. Alfie Pavey scored the only goal of the game in 2017 as the Darts knocked out the Hillians in the F.A Cup fourth qualifying round for a second time in four seasons.

Not only did the Darts defeat the Hillians in the F.A Cup two years earlier, but they also won the F.A Trophy tie in the same campaign. This time it took a last minute Danny Harris goal to separate the sides in the second round. Crawford was on target again by scoring a penalty, Pat Harding equalised and Harris sent the visitors through.

Brendon Cass scored an away day hat-trick in 2006 as the Darts ran riot with a 6-1 victory. Jon Farley and a Jay May brace ensured all three points for Dartford in the Isthmian Division One South. In that same campaign Tony Burman’s side won the home fixture 7-2 and is best remembered for Dave Martin’s wonder goal.

Hillians Target Top Five

Burgess Hill Town have yet to beat a team currently in the top six, however they have picked up a trio of 3-3 draws on the road. At home they lost heavily to Aveley and were beaten by Folkestone Invicta, who they earned a draw with, in Kent last weekend. It took the league leaders until six minutes from time to find an equaliser as Burgess Hill Town were good value for a point. Ben Hope headed the Hillians ahead in the first half and Jonathan Lawson levelled.

This year started off with a Sussex derby victory over Lewes. Pope opened the scoring before Charlie Walker made it one each. George Vorster put Burgess Hill Town back in front with ten minutes left. Three days later the Hillians crashed out of the League Cup losing 5-1 to Hashtag United who were down to ten men after 22 minutes. Then back in the league they lost to another Essex side Billericay Town. However, the draw last weekend against Folkestone Invicta ended the two game losing streak and has Burgess Hill Town seven points behind the Darts, who occupy the final playoff spot.

Assistant Manager’s View

Roland Edge described Saturday’s victory over Aveley as ‘one of our best performances’ and he puts it down to team spirit, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “We were good today. I thought everybody and that’s the starting eleven and the subs that came on, they all made an impact, and we knew we had to. They are a good side, well organised and anything but complete togetherness wasn’t going to get us the result”.

Edge believes his side is ‘getting stronger’ and is hoping the Darts can keep their performance levels to the same standard as last weekend against a decent Burgess Hill Town side, he explained: “They are strong, they are going full guns as well. We know what they are about, they gave us a real good scrap at the beginning of the season. We’ve now got to go into their home pitch and carry on this performance”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

There are no major concerns with the fitness of the squad. Although Samir Carruthers was substituted against Aveley after being on the receiving end of some tough tackles.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLWWDW)			Burgess Hill Town (LLWLLD)
Aveley	H	2-0	Folkestone Invicta	A	1-1
Hashtag United	A	2-2	Billericay Town	H	1-2
Chatham Town	A	2-1	Hashtag United (LC)	H	1-5
St Albans City	H	1-0	Lewes	H	2-1
Folkestone Invicta	H	1-2	Chichester City	H	1-2
Lewes	A	0-1	Aveley	H	2-5

(LC – League Cup)

Head to Head

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

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 3 Burgess Hill Town (30/09/2025 – Isthmian Premier League)
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)

Statistics

The Darts are unbeaten in six games against Burgess Hill Town in all competitions (W5, D1)
Dartford have scored first in 17 of their 26 league matches this season
The Darts have only kept one clean sheet on the road this season
Dartford’s defenders have contributed to seven goals this term, four of those have been in the last three games.

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten on this day in their last six and have won their last three on the road. The last outing on 24 January was at Eastbourne Borough in 2017. An extremely foggy evening ended with hardly anyone being able to witness Kaka Dembele’s winning goal in a 3-2 victory. Tom Bonner, Connor Essam, Danny Harris and Adam Green all scored in a 4-1 win over Staines Town five years earlier. Whilst in 2009 the Darts secured a 3-0 triumph at Horsham, Ryan Hayes and two goals from Cody McDonald.

Dartford v Aveley

January 16, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford host the form team of the Isthmian Premier this weekend when they take on Aveley.

The Darts have been relying on home advantage this season and will need to again if they want a positive outcome at Princes Park on Saturday. The Millers are unbeaten in 16 league games, chasing down the top three in the division and reached the Essex Senior Cup final this week.

Held at Hashtag

Adrian Pennock’s side had to settle for a point last time out having twice squandering the lead late in each half. The Dartford boss had his strongest squad to choose from with only one absentee. Sam Odaudu was the only change to the side that beat Chatham Town, whilst Dan Smith was back from injury and made a substitute appearance.

Callum Jones scored his fifth of the season when he lobbed Tags goalkeeper, Jack Giddens. The striker finished off the skilful work of Nathan Eze to open the scoring. On the stroke of half-time, the Darts were caught out as Evans Kouassi equalised.

Dartford regained their advantage in the second half. George Whitefield, who scored what turned out to be the winner against Chatham Town, nodded home for his second in as many games. But once again, as the clock was ticking at the end of the half, Kouassi completed his brace to deny the Darts a third consecutive win.

Second Best Home v Second Best Away

Dartford have only played one of the current top six at home and that ended in defeat against league leaders Folkestone Invicta. The only other team to have returned home with maximum points was Wingate and Finchley. Out of the 13 league matches at Princes Park, the Darts have collected 27 points, the second best home record in the division.

The Millers are unbeaten on the road and boast the second best away record. That has helped the Essex side climb the standings in a way that is reminiscent of Dartford’s resurgence last season.

The Darts lost heavily to league leaders Dover Athletic in September 2024 and a couple of months later embarked on an incredible unbeaten run to make the playoffs. Fast forward a year and the Millers were beaten handsomely 5-2 by Folkestone Invicta in September. Now the Essex side are on a fantastic unbeaten streak in the Isthmian Premier that started against the Darts in the reverse fixture.

Leaving It Late

Jones opened his scoring account for the campaign in the 1-1 draw with Aveley four months ago. However, just like Friday’s trip to Essex, the Darts let a lead slip late on in the game when Jayden Gipson equalised for the Millers. Not only did the two sides share points and goals, they also both had a player sent off earlier in the clash. Aveley’s Albie Armin was dismissed for a reckless tackle and Ikechi Eze for retaliating.

If recent history is anything to go by then don’t leave this match early. When the two sides met in the National South two seasons ago both fixtures were decided late on. The away side won on each occasion with Harvey Bradbury scoring an injury time winner at Parkside in August 2023.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Six months later, in Tony Burman’s last game as interim manager, the Millers came from behind to claim all three points. Fumnaya Shomotun put the Darts ahead, but in the final ten minutes Nana Kyei equalised and Siju Odelusi scored from the spot.

League and Cup Double?

Since the defeat at home to Folkestone Invicta, Brett Munyard’s side have won ten and drawn six. So far this month they have won two Essex derbies and avenged their loss against the league leaders. Chris Harris and Gipson were on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win over Canvey Island, Gipson grabbed a brace. Ollie Peters was the match winner against Invicta and last Friday, Fletcher Hubbard and two goals from Tobi Aromolaran sealed a 3-0 triumph versus Cray Wanderers.

Potentially the Millers can get themselves into a title race. With Folkestone Invicta dropping eight points from their last three matches and Aveley gaining momentum, the Millers can close the gap to seven points by winning their games in hand.

Aveley also booked their place in the Essex Senior Cup final on Monday night with a 3-0 win over Billericay Town. The Millers have never lifted the county cup having been runners up four times. A new name is guaranteed to be etched on the cup as they will be waiting for Hashtag United or Great Wakering Rovers for a chance to create history.

Manager’s View

Pennock felt his side should have taken maximum points against Hashtag United, he told Dartford FC TV after the game: “I’m very disappointed we didn’t win because I thought we were outstanding and the football we played was excellent”.

The Dartford boss admitted that naivety cost them victory, he added: “We conceded a goal thirty seconds before the half-time whistle went when we should have managed the game and then we conceded right at the end”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Pennock has pretty much a full squad to choose from this weekend. Sammie McLeod has returned from his loan spell at Sevenoaks Town, but did miss Friday’s game with a virus. The midfielder should be available for selection. Ben Frempah and Ikechi Eze have been put out on loan and Dean Nayler is out.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLLWWD)			Aveley (WDWWWW)
Hashtag United	A	2-2	Billericay Town (ESC)	H	3-0
Chatham Town	A	2-1	Cray Wanderers	A	3-0
St Albans City	H	1-0	Folkestone Invicta	A	1-0
Folkestone Invicta	H	1-2	Canvey Island	H	3-1
Lewes	A	0-1	Hashtag United	A	2-2
Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-0	Burgess Hill Town	A	5-2

(ESC – Essex Senior Cup)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Aveley wins: 3 / Draws: 4

Previous Meetings

Aveley 1 – 1 Dartford (20/09/2025 – Isthmian Premier League)
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)

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)
This fixture has averaged 3.92 goals a game in the 13 previous meetings. Dartford have scored 32 to Aveley’s 19.
Having gone four unbeaten at home versus the Millers (W3, D1), the Darts haven’t won their last three at Princes Park against Aveley (D1, L2) in all competitions.

On This Day

Alex Brown was the hero on this day in 2017 making up for a red card he received just days before. The Darts scored three second-half goals to beat Weston-super-Mare 3-2 in the National South. Dartford came from behind at Princes Park with goals from Jordan Wynter and Danny Harris, but the visitors levelled. Then with eight minutes to go Brown smashed home the decisive strike.

Dartford’s only defeat at home on this day came in 1998 when they lost to Cirencester Town in the Southern Premier League. The other ten home games on 17 January have resulted in eight wins and two draws.

Hashtag United v Dartford

January 7, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will finally get their New Year underway on Friday night when they take on League Cup semi-finalists Hashtag United.

Hoping to start 2026 in the way they ended 2025, the Darts are seeking a third straight win in the Isthmian Premier to keep the pressure on those in the playoff places. The Tags equally need the points to get out of the relegation zone.

Defenders Step Up

Adrian Pennock’s side had the weekend off last Saturday due to the postponement of their Kent derby against Ramsgate. The Darts will be hoping momentum from consecutive victories, including an excellent result at Chatham Town, doesn’t slow and that their defence can have another solid performance.

Last time out, early goals from Joe Tennent and George Whitefield helped the Darts to an excellent 2-1 away win at Chatham Town. At the same stage last season, before kick off, defenders had scored twice as many as they had this term. So with Tennent and Whitefield chipping in with two goals it eased the reliance on the forward line.

Pennock made just one change from the 1-0 win against St Albans City by bringing in Nathan Eze for his full debut. The striker on loan from Ipswich Town made an impact setting up Tennent to score after just three minutes. The lead was doubled five minutes later when Whitefield expertly finished from a Callum Jones cross.

Chatham Town halved the deficit in the second half through Sam Sene-Richardson, but a strong Dartford defensive display kept the hosts at bay. The win for the Darts kept them in fourth on the day. However, over the last week they have dropped out of the playoffs due to other results.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Chatham Town

Better Form

Earlier in the season draws and poor away form were costing Dartford points. Now they have drawn just once in the last 14 and have been picking up wins more often.

Over the first 12 games of the season, the Darts picked up 18 points in total and just four wins, all at home. In the following dozen matches, despite suffering back to back defeats twice, Dartford have added a further seven victories, three on the road and gained a further 22 points.

Another triumph could be vital to return to the top five. The two teams directly above the Darts are also in action on Friday night when Aveley go to Cray Wanderers.

Marsden’s Marvellous Save

A classic was served up the last time Dartford visited Hashtag United with five goals and in the final quarter of the game. The 3-3 draw was full of action and it was Sam Odaudu who gave the Darts a first half lead.

In the second half Dartford came from behind twice and if it wasn’t for Jacob Marsden they could have fallen behind again at the death. The Tags went in front when Toby Aromolaran, then Joshua Rusoke scored. Three minutes later Denzelle Olopade drew Dartford level before the hosts went 3-2 up in the 87th minute courtesy of Ayo Olukoga. In the final moments Olly Box made it all square again and there was still time for last ditch heroics when Marsden made an incredible save onto the crossbar.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Match Highlights courtesy of Hashtag United

Dartford Hit Double Top

The Darts were in a title race during the reverse fixture last season. Pennock’s side started out on top, relinquished pole position before returning to the summit. Callum Jones put the hosts in front at Princes Park with a penalty. Box added another with five minutes remaining to make sure Dartford ended the day in first place on goals scored.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Tags in Relegation Battle

Hashtag United were last season’s entertainers scoring 82 goals and conceding 71 as they finished in eighth place. This term they haven’t averaged quite so many goals and at the moment it’s only goal difference keeping them in the bottom four.

Yet Jay Devereux’s side are showing signs of improvement going three unbeaten at home. The Tags drew 3-3 with Lewes and won an Essex derby against Canvey Island 4-0. They also earned a creditable 2-2 draw versus their landlords Aveley.

In between the two Essex derbies, the Tags lost back to back on the road at Brentwood Town and Chichester City. Although that didn’t knock their confidence when they took on county rivals Billericay Town last weekend.

Max Cornhill represented Dartford 66 times scoring nine goals in the two seasons he was at Princes Park. The midfielder headed Hashtag United in front on Saturday around the half hour mark. Billericay Town levelled through Alfie Cerulli, but Luke May-Parrott won the game for the Tags.

Ten Men, No Problem

Hashtag United became the first side to reach the semi-final of the League Cup this season. The Essex club have a real chance for some silverware and will be buoyed by their excellent display on Tuesday night. Devereux’s side beat Burgess Hill Town 5-1 and had ten men for most of the game.

Jaxon Brown gave the Tags an early lead, but the night could have turned for the worse when Jermaine Anderson was dismissed on 22 minutes. Burgess Hill Town were level shortly afterwards but parity didn’t last long. May-Parrot and an own goal later had the Tags 3-1 up at the break. Jaden Brissett and a last minute Evans Kouassi goal sealed victory and a passage into the last four.

Assistant Manager’s View

Roland Edge praised his players hard work after the 2-1 away win at Chatham Town, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “It was definitely a well earned three points and we weren’t going to get it easily, we knew that. Chatham are a really well organised strong side and they showed it”, he continued: “Credit to our team, they all stood up to it and they had to, otherwise we wouldn’t have gone with three points”.

What made victory more remarkable was the status of the Ramsgate side and how well their manager Kevin Hake is doing as manager, Edge explained: “Being full-time shows you what can happen, Kev has done a wonderful job. He’s got all of the boys buying into what he wants”, he added: “You can see that being full time has helped because they all know what they are doing and they are all really fit, but he’s also got talent in there. That’s why getting the three points was so magical really”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Michael Olarewaju and Eddie Dsane were involved in the matchday squad last time out. Dan Smith has been nursing a hamstring injury. Dean Nayler remains a long term absentee.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWLLWW)			Hashtag United (LWLDWW)
Chatham Town	A	2-1	Burgess Hill Town (LC)	A	5-1
St Albans City	H	1-0	Billericay Town	A	2-1
Folkestone Invicta	H	1-2	Aveley	H	2-2
Lewes	A	0-1	Chichester City	A	0-1
Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-0	Newmarket Town (LC)	H	2-1
Whitehawk	A	2-1	Brentwood Town	A	0-2

(LC – League Cup)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Hashtag United wins: 0 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Hashtag United (08/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Hashtag United 3 – 3 Dartford (12/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

The Darts scored five goals in their two games versus the Tags last season. Only Bognor Regis Town conceded more in the two league games against Dartford (6).
The Darts are unbeaten in their last three away openers of the calendar year (W2, D1)
Dartford have yet to lose in the league when leading at half-time (W7, D3)

On This Day

Dartford last won on this day 38 years ago when they visited Leicester United in the Southern Premier League. The 1-0 win is the Darts’ only triumph on 9 January in their last eight attempts. Dartford have picked up just two draws in that spell and have lost the previous three. The most recent defeat was two years ago at rivals Maidstone United.

Chatham Town v Dartford

December 27, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will have the chance to close the gap on Chatham Town in this weekend’s Kent derby.

The Darts got back to winning ways last time out and victory on Saturday will move them to within three points of the Chats. However, Adrian Pennock’s side have played two extra matches and are one place behind their opponents. Third place Chatham Town have hit form with five consecutive wins in all competitions.

Box Gift Wraps Win

At home to St Albans City last weekend, the Darts had to dig out a 1-0 win after looking second best for most of the afternoon. Olly Box scored the match winner with the hosts first meaningful effort on goal. Ten minutes into the second half Box used his skill and accuracy to fire beyond the St Albans City goalkeeper. The forward’s first goal at Princes Park in five. Dartford held out to claim a third home clean sheet in four and with it maximum points.

Jonny on the Spot

Earlier in the game George Whitefield, who was back in the lineup for Ben Frempah, gave away a first half penalty. Goalkeeper, Jonny Henly saved the spot kick to deny former Dartford striker Alex Wall from scoring on his return to Princes Park. The Darts keeper also made some crucial saves to earn Player of the Match.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Eze’s First Start

Two minutes after the penalty miss Pennock altered the side by cutting short Luther Williams’ 50th start for the club. The Dartford boss introduced 18 year old Nelson Eze in a tactical change giving the striker his debut after joining on loan from Ipswich Town. The Dartford boss felt Callum Jones needed more support up front.

Playoff Picture

Dartford ended a run of three straight losses without scoring against St Albans City and with it secured fourth place at Christmas. After back to back league defeats and with the current top six taking maximum points, victory over the Saints became more important. The Darts are being chased down by Aveley who are two points further back and have played four fewer matches.

Early pacesetters Brentwood Town hold second spot, but Chatham Town are hot on their heels, a win behind the Essex club and also with games in hand. Kevin Hake’s side have their sights on the National South after going full time in the summer and have recently hit great form.

Dartford Double

Last season the Darts won home and away against Chatham Town. On New Year’s Day, Pennock’s side kickstarted 2025 with a 2-0 victory on the road.

Both sides couldn’t be separated at the break. However, the breakthrough came just past the hour when George Whitefield’s cross was deflected goalwards and into the Chatham Town net. Eddie Dsane entered the game and added a second from a tight angle to secure the win.

Earlier in last season the Darts came from behind at Princes Park. The visitors led when Jamie Vila scored in the first half. Three minutes after the interval Sam Odaudu equalised with a long range effort. Dartford left it late to complete the turnaround when Callum Jones put the hosts in front with four minutes to go and Dsane netted a last minute penalty.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Ex-Darts Impress

In January last year Matthew MacArthur joined Dartford on loan, scored on debut, made another appearance then returned to Gillingham. Late October this year he joined Chatham Town and he has netted a brace in his last two league appearances and scored six in as many games in all competitions.

The 21-year old helped his new side reach the F.A Trophy fourth round by scoring against Plymouth Parkway. He also put two past Potters Bar Town and Cheshunt. Another former Dart was on the scoresheet in the trophy too. Ben Allen made ten substitute appearances under Pennock last season at Dartford. He has scored four in his last five matches for Chatham Town in all competitions, last on target in Tuesday night’s 2-1 Kent Senior Cup quarter final win over League Two side Bromley.

Hot Streak

Chatham Town are on track to match their seven wins in a row earlier in the season. However the Darts will be hoping to halt that run and become only the third team to beat the Chats at the Sports Ground in the Isthmian Premier this season.

Only runaway leaders Folkestone Invicta and St Albans City visited Chatham Town and claimed maximum points. Since the defeat to the Saints, the Kent side have won their last two home league fixtures putting four past Burgess Hill Town and three past Potters Bar Town. At the other end of the pitch the Chats have been solid recently. Bromley were the first team to breach Chatham Town’s defence in over seven hours of football.

Manager’s View

Pennock called last weekend’s win against St Albans City ‘a big three points’, but the performance was far from convincing at first, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and admitted: “We weren’t on it first half and I said to the boys at half time ‘look it could be one of these games where we’re not going to be right on it but we could win the game 1-0’ and that’s what we’ve done”.

The Dartford manager saw an improvement in the second half and was pleased in the way his side picked up maximum points, he added: “We showed some really good football in the second half in patches, but what I liked about us was winning that scrappy game, to win 1-0 and another clean sheet is excellent from the boys”.

Once again Dartford can expect a challenging afternoon this weekend against Chatham Town, Pennock commented: “It’s going to be a very tough game. They are full time, they are flying high in the league, but this win today (against St Albans City) sets us up nicely”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Michael Olarewaju has served his suspension and should be available again. Dan Smith is nursing a hamstring injury. Dean Nayler remains a long term absentee.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWWLLW)			Chatham Town (DWWWWW)
St Albans City	H	1-0	Bromley (KSC)	H	2-1
Folkestone Invicta	H	1-2	Cheshunt	A	4-0
Lewes	A	0-1	Potters Bar Town	H	3-0
Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-0	Plymouth Parkway (FAT)	H	3-0
Whitehawk	A	2-1	Burgess Hill Town	H	4-0
Cray Valley PM	A	1-1	Chichester City	A	2-2

(FAT – F.A Trophy / KSC – Kent Senior Cup)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 32 / Chatham Town wins: 40 / Draws: 11

Previous Meetings

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)
Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (15/04/2006 – Southern League Div One East)
Chatham Town 1 – 0 Dartford (27/09/2005 – Southern League Cup)

Statistics

Dartford have won four of the last five league meetings against the Chats (L1)
The Darts have won five of their last eight league matches at Chatham Town (D1, L2)
As a Dartford player, Eddie Dsane has scored in both his appearances against Chatham Town
The Darts end the year playing their 150th Isthmian Premier League match (W81 D33 L35)
Saturday’s game will be Dartford’s 49th in 2025 in all competitions (W24 D12 L12) and 43rd in the league (W23 D10 L9)

On This Day

Cody McDonald scored a hat-trick and was sent off on this day in 2008. The striker helped Dartford to a 3-2 win at Canvey Island with his treble. McDonald scored two first half goals within a minute of each other and added his third in the second half. The hosts hit back with two goals in reply, but the Darts finished with ten men when McDonald picked up two yellow cards.

Gravesend and Northfleet (now Ebbsfleet United) have been the most frequent opponents on this day. Dartford have played their local rivals eight times on 27 December winning five, drawing two and losing just one. The last meeting on this day between the two clubs ended 1-1 back in 1982.

Dartford v St Albans City

December 19, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford’s last home match of the year takes place this weekend when they host St Albans City in the Isthmian Premier.

The Darts are hanging around in the playoff places after back to back defeats. Adrian Pennock’s side are sitting in fourth, but two sides are close enough to potentially make games in hand count and apply more pressure on the Darts.

St Albans City were expected to be challenging further up the table after relegation from the National South. The Saints were forced to make a managerial change when Ian Culverhouse unexpectedly left. Since November, former Billericay Town boss Gary McCann has been in charge and his new side are mid-table.

Leaders Too Good

Last time out the Darts were up against a Folkestone Invicta side topping the table and suffered a 2-1 defeat. Adrian Pennock went for a back five to try and contain Invicta. With strikers Dan Smith out injured and Eddie Dsane only fit enough to be named substitute, the Dartford boss had little choice other than to replace a midfielder for an extra defender. In came Sam Odaudu and Ben Frempah in place of George Whitefield and Jez Pinder. Midfielder, Dan Carter returned to the starting lineup ahead of Samir Carruthers.

The visitors became only the second side to claim a win at Princes Park this season in the league. Joe Pigott managed to open the scoring from a tight angle. Former Dartford forward Ade Yussuf doubled Folkestone’s lead. Carruthers scored a superb free-kick with two minutes remaining, but it proved to be no more than a consolation goal.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Challenging Festive Fixtures

The Darts will feel the need for a victory after their last two results, even more so the fact they have two tricky Kent derbies on the horizon. In the second half of January, Dartford also take on three playoff pushing sides. Whilst the fixture list is tough over the next few weeks it will also be a great opportunity for Dartford to prove their playoff credentials. However, a positive result against St Albans City is the first target and in recent meetings the Hertfordshire side have come out on top.

Darts Miss Target

Dartford fell to defeat in the reverse fixture four months ago. St Albans City claimed a 2-0 victory with goals from Zane Banton and Jasper Mather. Banton netted a penalty after Michael Olarewaju’s handball was punished with a red card. Mather gave the Saints breathing space by doubling their lead.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of SaintsTV

The Darts have failed to get anything from St Albans City over the last four games. After a heartbreaking National South playoff defeat on penalties in May 2023, Dartford have lost three in a row without scoring against the Hertfordshire club. Yet that isn’t the first time such a streak has happened. In 2016 and 2017, the Saints also won three consecutive games versus the Darts without conceding.

Between those two barren spells, Dartford had improved their fortunes by tasting defeat just once in eight meetings with the Saints. Pierre Fonkeu was the last Dartford player to score a winning goal in this fixture, which came just weeks before the playoff defeat. A 2-1 home victory saw Carruthers put the hosts ahead before Shaun Jeffers acrobatically equalised.

Culverhouse Out, McCann In

Towards the end of October, Ian Culverhouse took the opportunity to return to King’s Lynn Town for a third spell. Saints were sitting in tenth, five points off the last playoff spot Dartford were occupying. Without a permanent boss the Hertfordshire club slid down to seventeenth.

Back in September, Gary McCann left Billericay Town after a disappointing start for the Blues. His availability led to St Albans City appointing him last month and so far he has taken Saints up four places with three victories and a draw from seven league games.

Mixed Results

Last weekend St Albans City fell to defeat against a Chichester City side who were hovering above the relegation zone. Troy Perez-Duah’s goal was sandwiched between Ethan Prichard’s lob and Joseph Moore’s winner for the Sussex club.

Saints took a point at Ramsgate, but they also lost a Hertfordshire derby versus bottom of the table side Potters Bar Town. Once again, McCann’s side equalised before falling behind to lose.

It was against another Kent team that the Saints excelled. They ended last month with a resounding 4-1 win over Chatham Town. Zane Banton, Sam Smart, Kieran Petrie and Leo Sery all found the back of the net. Former Dartford striker Alex Wall has regularly featured for St Albans City. Wall made 74 appearances and scored 23 times for the Darts over three spells.

Manager’s View

Pennock spoke to Dartford FC TV after the loss last Saturday, he said he was, “disappointed we lost. We’ve got to put our hands up and sometimes you get beaten by a better side, but we didn’t give up. We gave everything”.

The Darts boss feels his side weren’t ‘shrewd’ enough in attack and is pleased Eddie Dsane is getting fitter after injury, he commented: “he’s another option for us and he looked nice and bright when he came off the bench”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

If selected Luther Williams will make his 50th start for the Darts. Michael Olarewaju was out suspended against Folkestone Invicta, the defender has received two red cards this term, one in the reverse fixture at Clarence Park. Dan Smith is nursing a hamstring injury. Eddie Dsane, Dan Carter and Jacob Bland will be hoping for more minutes. Dean Nayler remains out after a pre-season injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDWWLL)			St Albans City (WLWLDL)
Folkestone Invicta	H	1-2	Chichester City	H	1-2
Lewes	A	0-1	Ramsgate	A	1-1
Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-0	Potters Bar Town	H	1-2
Whitehawk	A	2-1	Chatham Town	A	4-1
Cray Valley PM	A	1-1	Burgess Hill Town	H	3-4
Chichester City	H	2-0	Carshalton Athletic	H	2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 12 / St Albans City wins: 9 / Draws: 7

Previous Meetings

St Albans City 2 – 0 Dartford (16/08/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 3 St Albans City (23/12/2023 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 0 Dartford (09/09/2023 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (07/05/2023 – National South Playoffs)*
Dartford 2 – 1 St Albans City (22/04/2023 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 1 Dartford (22/10/2022 – National South)
* – St Albans City won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford are winless in their last four matches against St Albans City (D1*, L3) * – lost on penalties
Dartford have failed to score in their last three matches against St Albans City. The last time they went three in a row without a goal versus the Saints was from April 2016 to March 2017
The Darts have gone 18 matches without a clean sheet against the Hertfordshire club stretching back to February 2016 (W6, D3, L9). The Saints have kept a clean sheet in half of those games.

On This Day

Dartford caused a National League upset on this day in 2014 by going to Wrexham and winning 3-1. Imagine if that happened these days against the Championship side owned by Hollywood stars. Back then captain Elliot Bradbrook put the Darts ahead at the Racecourse Ground. The Welsh club levelled through Louis Moult, but Rory McAuley restored the visitor’s lead. In the final minute Tom Bradbrook sealed a memorable victory.

Dartford v Folkestone Invicta

December 11, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford host league leaders Folkestone Invicta in an enticing Kent derby this weekend hoping to close the gap at the top.

The Darts have collected the most points at home in the division, whilst Invicta are number one in the away charts. Adrian Pennock’s side know victory will put them in a great position ahead of a tough fixture schedule this month.

Folkestone Invicta are flying at the moment, nine points clear at the summit and have won their last four games on the road. Jay Saunders has guided his team to eight consecutive victories in the league, winning a top of the table clash last time out.

Late Loss at Lewes

Dartford’s unbeaten run was brought to a last gasp end at the Dripping Pan. The Darts had put together a run of four matches without defeat before travelling to Sussex.

Adrian Pennock made two changes with Joe Tennent returning to replace the suspended Michael Olarewaju. The lack of fit strikers also meant there was no Dan Smith or Eddie Dsane, so Samir Carruthers took his place in the midfield. Full back Sam Odaudu was back in the squad and made a substitute appearance after being out through injury since mid-October.

A 95th minute winner from Bobby Unwin made sure the hosts came out on top in a closely fought game. Pennock felt his side lacked that cutting edge in front of goal, which ultimately cost his side.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Lewes FC

Home Form Keeps Darts Challenging

Dartford’s home form is making sure they are hanging around the playoff places. The Darts finished last Saturday in fourth place, but by the time this weekend’s game comes around they could have dropped out.

At Princes Park, only Wingate and Finchley have gone home with maximum points and the Darts have scored in every league match on their own patch. Pennock’s side have won the last two home fixtures without conceding and will need to keep it tight at the back against a Folkestone Invicta side who have racked up 54 goals before the halfway point in the season.

Pennock told www.kentsportsnews.com last week that he thinks “the league is going to be tight behind Folkestone”. Although it’s hard to argue against his opinion, it’s down to Pennock to make sure the Darts remain in the playoff mix.

Bittersweet Draw

At the final whistle in this very fixture back in April, the Darts ended with mixed emotions. In the midst of a title race, Dartford went two down at Princes Park against Folkestone Invicta, drew 2-2 and results elsewhere meant somehow Pennock’s side extended their lead at the top by a point. Yet it still felt like two crucial points had been dropped.

Jon Henly was in goal for Invicta that day trying to prevent his current club from staying top of the league. However, it was Amadou Kassarate who stunned Princes Park with two first half goals and left the Darts with plenty of work to do.

It took Dartford an hour to finally break through the Invicta defence when George Whitefield pulled a goal back. With four minutes remaining Denzelle Olopade won a penalty and Carruthers kept his cool to level. In the final moments the Darts had an effort ruled out for offside, a close call that denied them a dramatic victory.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Jones Decides Outcome

Almost a year ago Dartford went to Cheriton Road and came home with all three points, Callum Jones scoring the decisive goal. In a scrappy contest their wasn’t much to write about, but in the end the Darts got what they wanted and at the time extended their unbeaten run to eleven matches.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Invicta TV

Invicta Target Title

Preparation for this campaign started early for Folkestone Invicta. In fact it really began at the tail end of last term. Saunders was originally announced Invicta boss for 2025/2026, but his stint in charge was brought forward to see last season out. That allowed him to assess the squad and it wasn’t long after the season ended that wholesale changes were made.

The result is a title push and the prospect of reaching the National South for the first time since the non league pyramid was reformed. Should they be successful in achieving promotion, the club will be playing in step two for the first time since 2003, when they were relegated from the Southern Premier League after three years in the division.

Setting the Standard

Invicta went ten unbeaten to set a solid foundation and that included a 5-2 away victory at Aveley and a 6-0 home win versus Lewes. At the end of October, Hashtag United were and still are the only side to have beaten the league leaders. Since that loss Saunders’ side have won eight straight league games including the 8-1 thrashing of Cray Wanderers.

On Saturday, Folkestone Invicta claimed a statement win against their closest rivals Brentwood Town. The top two were separated by Ade Yusuff’s penalty to pull Invicta further clear. The forward could make a return to Princes Park having played six times under Pennock last season scoring once.

Another clean sheet means the Kent side have not conceded in their previous three games. Also featuring in last weekend’s triumph was Jack Jebb, who made 67 appearances for the Darts scoring nine and Adam Lovatt, who had a loan spell in 2022/2023 appearing five times.

Manager’s View

Pennock was pleased with last weekend’s defensive display, but felt the Darts didn’t make the most of attacking opportunities. He spoke to www.dartfordfc.com after the game and explained: “We had lots of good chances, but our decision making was poor in the final third. Either the pass was poor, or we didn’t shoot when we should have. We wanted to walk the ball in. That’s what messed us up. I thought we defended very well as a unit, but we had the chances to win and we weren’t at it.”

Looking towards this weekend’s Kent derby, the Dartford boss says Invicta deserve to be leading the division, he commented: “I’ve known Jay at Folkestone a long time so it will be good to see him. They are the league leaders on merit and I’m really looking forward to the game”.

For the full interview with Gareth Morgan click here

Team News

Michael Olarewaju was suspended last weekend due to picking up two red cards this season. Dan Smith is unlikely to feature against his former club due a hamstring issue. Eddie Dsane is back in training. Dan Carter has extended his loan spell and could be available, but is recovering from a minor injury. Dean Nayler remains out after his pre-season injury. Sam Smith is another who could face his former side on Saturday.

Current League Form

Dartford (LWDWWL)			Folkestone Invicta (DWLLLDW)
Lewes	A	0-1	Brentwood Town	H	1-0
Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-0	Chichester City	H	3-0
Whitehawk	A	2-1	Wingate & Finchley	A	1-0
Cray Valley PM	A	1-1	Cheshunt	A	4-2
Chichester City	H	2-0	Cray Wanderers	H	8-1
Billericay Town	A	1-2	Potters Bar Town	A	3-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Folkestone Invicta wins: 10 / Draws: 5

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (05/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Folkestone Invicta 0 – 1 Dartford (21/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 6 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (17/05/2022 – Kent Senior Cup Final)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Folkestone Invicta (25/02/2020 – Kent Senior Cup)
Folkestone Invicta 1 – 4 Dartford (07/12/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dartford 2 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (12/09/2006 – Isthmian League Cup)**
* played at Chatham Town
** Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in their last six against Folkestone Invicta in all competitions (W4, D2).
In the league the Darts are winless in the last four at home against Folkestone Invicta (D1, L3).
Dartford’s blank versus Lewes last weekend was their first in the Isthmian Premier in 18 games.
Four of the top five goalscorers in the league play for either side. Dartford’s Olly Box has 11 goals and Eddie Dsane is on ten. Folkestone Invicta pair, Jake Hutchinson and Joe Piggot also have ten goals.

On This Day

Dartford caused a F.A Trophy first round upset to knock out Kent rivals Dover Athletic on this day in 2016. Ronnie Vint, whose goal took the tie to a replay days earlier, scored an equaliser after Jim Stevenson had Dover Athletic aheaad at the Crabble. On the stroke of half-time Luke Wanadio scored from 20 yards in the 2-1 win.

The Darts also beat Solihull Moors at the same stage of competition a couple of years earlier. The Bradbrook brother were on target in the 2-0 victory. Elliot scored from the penalty spot and Tom doubled the lead.

Dartford have failed to win a league game on this day since 1975, when they beat Dorchester Town 2-0 in the Southern League Division One South. Since then the Darts drew three in a row followed by three league defeats on the spin. The last home triumph in a league match on 13 December was back in 1958 against Guildford City, a 5-1 win in the Southern League South Eastern Division.