Dartford FC Previews -

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 26, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Ramsgate

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

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

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

Manager – Adrian Pennock

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

Summer Transfers

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

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

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

Head to Head

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

Previous Six Meetings

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

Next Meetings

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

Statistics

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

Match Highlights 2025/2026

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Match Highlights courtesy of Ramsgate FC

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 26, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Maldon and Tiptree

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

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

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

Manager – Mark Hawkes

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

Summer Transfers

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

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

Head to Head

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

Previous Six Meetings

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

Next Meetings

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

Statistics

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

Match Highlights – 2007/2008

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Highlights courtesy of the late sonytino

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 24, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Lewes

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

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

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

Manager – Craig Nelson

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

Summer Transfers

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

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

Head to Head

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

Previous Meetings

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

Next Meetings

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

Statistics

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

Match Highlights 2025/2026

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Match Highlights courtesy of Lewes FC

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 24, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Leatherhead

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

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

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

Manager – Ian Selley

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

Summer Transfers

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

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

Head to Head

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

Previous Six Meetings

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

Next Meetings

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

Statistics

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

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 23, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Enfield Town

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

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

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

Manager – Billy Holland

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

Summer Transfers

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

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

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

Head to Head

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

Previous Six Meetings

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

Next Meetings

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

Statistics

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

Match Highlights – 2007/2008

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Highlights courtesy of the late sonytino

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 23, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Eastbourne Borough

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

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

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

Manager – Steve King

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

Summer Transfers

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

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

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

Head to Head

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

Previous Six Meetings

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

Next Meetings

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

Statistics

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

Match Highlights 2023/2024

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 22, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dulwich Hamlet

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

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

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

Manager – Mark Dacey

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

Summer Transfers

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

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

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

Head to Head

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

Previous Six Meetings

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

Next Meetings

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

Statistics

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

Match Highlights 2025/2026

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Highlights courtesy of Dulwich Hamlet TV

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Season Preview 2026/2027

July 22, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford

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

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

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

Manager – Ben Greenhalgh

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

Summer Transfers

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

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

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

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

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

Season Preview 2026/2027

July 21, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Cray Wanderers

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

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

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

Manager – Tim O’Shea

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

Summer Transfers

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

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

Head to Head

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

Previous Six Meetings

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

Next Meetings

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

Statistics

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

Match Highlights 2025/2026

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Season Preview 2026/2027

July 21, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Cheshunt

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

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

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

Manager – James Elliott

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

Summer Transfers

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

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

Head to Head

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

Previous Meetings

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

Next Meetings

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

Statistics

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

Match Highlights 2025/2026

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