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Dartford v Cray Valley Paper Mills

April 23, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford conclude their Isthmian Premier season with a Kent derby against Cray Valley Paper Mills at Princes Park this weekend.

The Darts will be disappointed Saturday’s fixture only has consequences for their opponents. Adrian Pennock’s side failed to take their playoff hopes to the final day. The Millers need victory to potentially avoid relegation.

Dartford’s Hopes Dashed

A draw was not enough last time out for Dartford, who are now guaranteed a sixth place finish. Despite extending an unbeaten run to eight, results elsewhere meant the Darts fell short and will spend a third campaign in the Isthmian Premier.

Pennock stuck to the same starting eleven that won the previous two against Chatham Town and Canvey Island for their visit to mid-table Chichester City. The Darts fell behind when Isaac Bello scored for the hosts. However, the visitors were level through Joe Tennent.

Dan Smith was forced off with an injury and Eddie Dsane entered the fray before the break. The substitute put Dartford in front in the second half, his 15th goal of the season. Just like the away draw a fortnight earlier at Carshalton Athletic, the Darts conceded late when Joseph Clarke equalised. The curtain came down on Dartford’s playoff hopes with confirmation that both Brentwood Town and Chatham Town won their games.

Lifeline for Millers

Meanwhile, Cray Valley Paper Mills gave themselves a lifeline with a draw at home against champions Folkestone Invicta last weekend. The Millers have to claim maximum points this time and rely on other results to maintain their step three status.

Position	Team	Pld	Pts	GD
18	Hashtag United	41	42	-26
19	Carshalton Athletic	41	41	-13
20	Cray Valley Paper Mills	41	39	-27

Victory for Cray Valley Paper Mills will give them a shot of staying up. The Kent side will also need Carshalton Town to lose at home to tenth place St Albans City. Should that game finish level, goal difference hugely favours the Robins and Cray Valley Paper Mills will face the drop.

To finish outside the relegation zone, Kevin Lisbie’s side also need Hashtag United to lose at home to ninth place Dulwich Hamlet. However, with the Tags requesting voluntary relegation, the Millers may only need to leapfrog Carshalton Athletic to earn a reprieve.

A Princes Park Playoff Classic

Princes Park could be set for some drama once again in this fixture, even if it’s at the wrong end of the table this time. Almost a year ago, the Darts were on the verge of losing a playoff semi final before Sam Odaudu scored a last gasp free-kick to take the tie into extra time. Dartford prevailed 4-3 in the end to finish Cray Valley Paper Mills debut campaign in the Isthmian Premier.

The visitors had taken a two goal lead with a brace from Danny Waldren. Then with twenty minutes to go, an off the ball incident in the penalty box saw Crossley Lema sent off. Samir Carruthers netted the spot kick to give Dartford hope of a comeback. That hope was realised with seconds remaining when Odaudu levelled. In extra time, Hayden Bullas and George Whitefield moved the Darts clear. Yet there was still time for a tense finale after Adam Coombes pulled a goal back.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Former Dart Denies Old Team

The reverse fixture this season was less dramatic. A former Dart denied Pennock’s side maximum points in a 1-1 draw back in November. Dan Smith opened the scoring, but his goal was cancelled out by Rowan Liburd. The striker played three times for Dartford during the 2019/2020 season.

The previous league meeting at Princes Park between the two teams also finished level last term. No one was able to break the deadlock in a goalless draw, which turned out to be the first game of Dartford’s record equalling 21 match unbeaten run.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s Joe Tennent could potentially stand in the way of his former club. On the other side four ex Darts could help lead the Millers to safety. As well as the aforementioned Liburd, Fumnaya Shomotun, Sanchez Ming and Chris Dickson have all had spells at Princes Park too.

Cray Valley’s Final Push

All four were involved in Cray Valley’s 1-1 draw versus Folkestone Invicta last weekend. The Millers desperate for points to increase their chances of staying up went in front when Alfie Newby scored just past the hour. Lisbie’s side were denied victory in the final minute conceding to a Ben Mason goal. Had the Millers held on, then they would have just needed to better Carshalton Athletic’s result this Saturday. Instead the Kent side need a win against the Darts to stand a chance of survival.

Steve McKimm departed Cray Valley Paper Mills in February with the club one point from safety. Since Kevin Lisbie was appointed the Millers are still within range thanks largely to the last month of results.

Back to back wins over St Albans City and Ramsgate aided their chances of survival. Although the Millers lost a local derby with Cray Wanderers on Easter Monday, they picked up two more points with draws at Hashtag United and at home last weekend.

Manager’s View

Adrian Pennock is disappointed he couldn’t lead the Darts to this season’s playoffs, but doesn’t put it all down to one game. The Dartford boss gave an interview to www.dartfordfc.com and said: “We’ve been great over the past 10 games and finished the season so strongly as one of the most inform teams. But we can’t blame one match. We should have finished in the play-off places and should have already been up there.”

After a slow start to the campaign, suspensions, injuries and poor away form cost the Darts in the end. At Princes Park this weekend, a win could see Dartford top the home form table, Pennock added: “Our form at the beginning of the season wasn’t good enough. We had a hangover from losing out in the play-off final. We then had to play a host of games with nine or 10 men, had injuries to Dan Smith, Samir (Carruthers), Eddie, and the Sams (Okoye and Odaudu, to name a few”, he continued: “Then we look at our form. The home form is one of the best in the division, but our away form hasn’t been good enough”.

Team News

Dan Smith and Olly Box were substituted in the draw at Chichester City with injuries. Samir Carruthers and Dean Nayler will be out for the final game of the season.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWDWWD)			Cray Valley Paper Mills (LWWLDD)
Chichester City	A	2-2	Folkestone Invicta	H	1-1
Canvey Island	A	4-0	Hashtag United	A	1-1
Chatham Town	H	3-2	Cray Wanderers	H	1-2
Carshalton Athletic	A	2-2	Ramsgate	A	1-0
Hashtag United	H	7-0	St Albans City	H	2-0
Lewes	H	4-1	Chichester City	H	1-4

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Cray Valley Paper Mills wins: 0 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Cray Valley Paper Mills 1 – 1 Dartford (22/11/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 4 – 3 Cray Valley Paper Mills (30/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier Playoff)
Dartford 0 – 0 Cray Valley Paper Mills (02/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Valley Paper Mills 1 – 2 Dartford (10/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

Dartford are on their longest unbeaten run in all competitions this season of eight games
The Darts will record their lowest finish in the football pyramid since 2009 when they ended up 8th in the Isthmian Premier
Dartford have gained 12 points from losing positions this season versus 22 points lost from winning positions
In the final ten minutes of games, the Darts have won five points and lost 15 points

On This Day

Dartford defended their Southern League Cup title by completing a 3-1 aggregate victory over Burton Albion on this day in 1989. A 2-0 win in Staffordshire sealed the cup for a third time in the club’s history.

The Darts bid farewell to the National League with a 0-0 draw against Lincoln City on the final day of the 2015 campaign. The Imps have just won promotion to the Championship.

Charlie Sheringham enjoyed a Kent derby brace in the penultimate game of the 2010/2011 season. The striker scored twice at home against Dover Athletic in a 4-0 victory. Tom Champion and Danny Harris scored the other two.

Chichester City v Dartford

April 17, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

The race for an Isthmian Premier playoff place heats up this weekend as Dartford visit Chichester City in the penultimate game of the season.

Adrian Pennock’s side have just two matches to try and topple those above them and extend their campaign. Unbeaten in seven, the Darts are two points adrift of fifth place and one more slip up could be costly.

Chichester City are guaranteed Isthmian Premier football next term. The Sussex side can still finish inside the top ten, but they are winless in their previous three home matches.

Darts Find Form

Dartford are in the best form of their season with five wins and two draws during their current unbeaten run. The Darts have been more prolific in attack recently averaging four goals a game in their previous five outings.

Last weekend they hit already relegated Canvey Island for four. The comfortable victory preserved Dartford’s perfect away record against the Essex side in league meetings. Pennock’s team dominated from start to finish with Callum Jones opening the scoring on nine minutes. Olly Box was on the scoresheet again with his 17th goal of the season to give the Darts a two goal lead at the break. It took Jones six minutes into the second half to complete his brace and a fourth was added when Eddie Dsane slotted home.

The Darts have been on a roll since their 1-0 away win at Cheshunt just over a month ago. A decent draw on the road at champions Folkestone Invicta before brushing aside Lewes and Hashtag United back at Princes Park. The only slight blemish was conceding a last minute equaliser at Carshalton Athletic to start April. However, Dartford got through a crucial Kent derby versus Chatham Town before last weekend’s triumph.

How Can Dartford Stay in the Playoff Picture?

A Dartford win will take their chances to the final day.

A draw means the Darts will need Brentwood Town or Chatham Town to drop points in their games against already safe Cheshunt and relegated Potters Bar Town respectively.

A defeat for the Darts will require Brentwood Town to lose and realistically Chatham Town to be beaten too. Mathematically, a draw for Chatham Town will mean Pennock’s side can go level on points with the Chats on the final day, but the Darts will also need a 14 goal swing in their last two games.

Current Standings

Position	Team	Pld	Pts	GD
4	Brentwood Town	40	74	+17
5	Chatham Town	40	73	+41
6	DARTFORD	40	71	+27
7	Cray Wanderers	40	67	+11

Remaining Fixtures

Brentwood Town	Chatham Town	Dartford
Cheshunt (A) – 13th	Potters Bar (A) – 21st	Chichester City (A) – 12th
Chichester City (H) – 15th	Lewes (H) – 15th	Cray Valley (PM) (H) – 20th

Smith’s Double

Dan Smith was the difference maker earlier in the season when the Darts hosted Chichester City. The striker’s calmness and hard work paid dividends in front of goal. First, he kept his cool after being put through on goal by Jez Pinder to put the Darts ahead. Then in the second half, Smith’s endeavour resulted in another goal. After closing goalkeeper Kieran MaGee down, all Smith had to do was tap the ball into an empty net.

Stalemates

Dartford’s only previous visit to Oaklands Park ended in a 2-2 draw with the Darts squandering a two goal lead. Box opened the scoring before an own goal from Ben Pashley. In the second half the hosts fought back to earn a point. First, Ethan Prichard started the comeback, then Isaac Bello equalised.

The only other time the two sides met was when Chichester City denied the Darts a club record. Dartford were bidding to set a run of 11 straight league wins, but the streak was ended in a 0-0 draw at Princes Park.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Potential Disruptors

Chichester City haven’t been able to replicate their debut campaign in the Isthmian Premier league when they took their playoff push to the final day. They lost out in the winner takes all match against Dover Athletic to finish three points shy of the top five. Although the Sussex club look set to finish mid-table, they could have a big say in this season’s playoff lineup. After this weekend’s fixture Chichester City finish the campaign away at fourth place Brentwood Town, who the Darts are aiming to chase down.

Last weekend, Chi condemned Potters Bar Town to relegation with a 1-0 win. Jimmy Wild netted the only goal of the game to end a run of three straight loses. The striker got on the end of Bello’s long throw to score the decider.

Assistant Manager’s View

Although Dartford cruised to a 4-0 win over Canvey Island on Saturday, Roland Edge described the match as tough due to the hardness of the pitch and the windy conditions. The assistant boss told Dartford FC TV: “I know we could have been out of sight by half time but the pitch, you had to be on it to believe it really”.

Despite the state of the playing surface he was pleased with how the team performed, he added: “The actual quality the boys played was very good”. Yet, Edge still feels there was room for improvement, especially in the first half, he commented: “The only thing was the boys chose wrong choices in their box. We went in 2-0, but realistically on the day that half deserved to be four or five. So we went in knowing we had a job to do in the second half”.

Now the goals are flowing, Edge has drawn experience from last season, he explained: “Points are vitally important but the goals. Last year it affected our run in, this year it’s great because the last few games we’ve topped that up, so that could be worth a point or two”.

Momentum has been growing over the past few weeks, but with two more challenges to go Edge is not expecting an easy ride, he described Chichester City as: “A very tough team, especially at home, they play the right way. They have got a good side, good players”, he continued: “We’ve just got to go to Chichester and perform again as good as we can and see where we end up”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Samir Carruthers and Dean Nayler will be out for the rest of the season. Denzelle Olopade and Sam Okoye picked up injuries last weekend, but will hopefully be available.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWWDWW)			Chichester City (DWLLLW)
Canvey Island	A	4-0	Potters Bar Town	A	1-0
Chatham Town	H	3-2	Burgess Hill Town	H	0-2
Carshalton Athletic	A	2-2	Welling United	A	1-3
Hashtag United	H	7-0	Ramsgate	H	1-2
Lewes	H	4-1	Cray Valley Paper Mills	A	4-1
Folkestone Invicta	A	2-2	St Albans City	H	1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Chichester City wins: 0 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Chichester City (15/11/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 0 Chichester City (11/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Chichester City 2 – 2 Dartford (26/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten against Chichester City after three previous meetings
The Darts could go five unbeaten away games in the league for the first time this season
Dartford have scored in each of their last 11 league games including in their last six away games
Jez Pinder could make his 50th start for the club. The midfielder has made 86 appearances for the Darts, scoring 7 goals.

On This Day

Dartford set up a decisive Southern League Cup Final second leg on this day with a 1-1 home draw with Burton Albion in 1989. Defending that title, the Darts reached the halfway point level. A week later they went up to Burton and secured a 2-0 win to lift the cup again.

Last season, the Darts beat Kent rivals Dover Athletic 3-1 at Princes Park to keep their Isthmian Premier League title hops alive. Samir Carruthers, Denzelle Olopade and Josh Hill put the hosts in a commanding position before Dover’s Ruben Soares-Junior scored a consolation.

On the road, Dartford are winless in their last seven on 18 April, losing four in the league as well as two Kent Senior Cup semi-finals. The only league away point picked up in that time was the local derby versus Gravesend and Northfleet in 1992, a game that finished 1-1.

Canvey Island v Dartford

April 10, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford have three games to break into the playoff places starting with an away trip to already relegated Canvey Island this weekend.

The Darts kept their hopes alive with a vital victory in the Kent derby against Chatham Town on Easter Monday. The win stretched Dartford’s unbeaten run to six and narrowed the gap to fifth place to just two points.

Canvey Island were sent down on Easter Monday despite a late fightback in their Essex derby at Billericay Town. The Gulls are winless in six matches and have taken only two points in those outings.

On form Dartford are favourites this Saturday, but away from home they have beaten just one team in the current bottom eight. The Darts only have to look back to the reverse fixture against Canvey Island as a warning not to be complacent.

Old Boss Returns

Peter Taylor was in charge of the Gulls back in September and his team had lost all five leading up to their visit to Princes Park. Taylor led the Darts as Player Manager in the late eighties, seven months ago he guided Canvey Island to their first ever league point versus a Dartford side in a 2-2 draw.

The hosts got off to a terrible start conceding twice in the opening six minutes. Jonny Henly failed to hold on to a shot for Canvey’s Charlie Stimson to score. Then the goalkeeper was lobbed by Max Fiddes.

Dartford’s youngsters fought back in the second half to earn a point. George Whitefield nodded in Olly Box’s cross. Then, Box hit a low strike to equalise a couple of minutes later.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Happy Hunting Ground

The Darts have won all their away games in the league against Canvey Island. Last term Eddie Dsane netted the decisive goal to close out 2024. Almost 15 years earlier to the day, Dartford claimed a 5-2 win with a brace from Lee Burns and goals from Jamie Coyle, Rob Haworth and Danny Harris.

Cody McDonald scored a hat-trick and got sent off in a 3-2 victory back in December 2008 and six months earlier Brendon Cass was the match winner in a 1-0 triumph.

Closing the Gap

Over the last three games Dartford have chipped away at the deficit to the playoffs a point at a time. After the 4-1 home victory against Lewes, the Darts were five points behind. A comprehensive 7-0 win versus Hashtag United and a 2-2 draw at Carshalton Athletic closed the gap further. On Easter Monday a Kent derby triumph at home to Chatham Town has left the Darts only two points adrift.

Dan the Man Again

Pennock made three changes over Easter welcoming Joe Tennent and Jacob Bland back in place of Michael Olarewaju and Dan Carter. Box also returned to the side with Evans Kouassi named on the bench.

The Darts were two up in eight minutes when they beat Chatham Town in December. This time Dan Smith opened the scoring at Princes Park with a confident finish seven minutes in to the game. A superb solo effort from Box gave the Darts a two goal cushion just before the break.

The Chats got back into the derby through Jordy Robins, but the two goal margin was restored after Smith fired home to complete his brace. There was still time for former Dart, Ben Allen to grab a consolation. However the hosts ran out 3-2 winners.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s attack is playing with confidence after netting 16 goals in the last four games. After a series of injury setbacks earlier this season Smith has managed to get a run in the side and the striker has hit form. In his previous seven appearances the 26 year old has scored six times.

Playoff race

Maximum points for the Darts will give them a good chance of gatecrashing the top five, but they still need results elsewhere to go their way. Aveley and Billericay Town have all but booked a place in the playoffs. That leaves Dartford chasing down Chatham Town, who host almost safe Wingate and Finchley and Brentwood Town, who go to relegation threatened Carshalton Athletic.

Position	Team	Pld	Pts	GD
2	Aveley	39	77	+36
3	Billericay Town	39	75	+30
4	Brentwood Town	39	71	+15
5	Chatham Town	39	70	+37
6	DARTFORD	39	68	+23
7	Cray Wanderers	39	64	+8
8	Burgess Hill Town	39	64	-3

If results go perfectly the Darts could end the day in fourth. A win for Pennock’s side and defeats for both Chatham Town and Brentwood Town will put playoff ambitions in Dartford’s control.

A Season to Forget

Canvey Island have spent all season in the relegation zone and their only point in the opening nine games was the 2-2 draw at Princes Park. After a loss to Benfleet in the Essex Senior Cup, Peter Taylor stepped down with the Essex side on five points in 11 matches. His last two league fixtures resulted in a win and a draw. Ironically, Taylor left during what was to be the Gulls’ best spell in the Isthmian Premier, an unbeaten run of five. Garry Kimble is now in charge and with just six victories all season, the Islanders will return to the Isthmian North after four years away.

Downed by Blues

The Essex club drew consecutive games ahead of their local derby with Billericay Town last time out. The Blues took a commanding lead and with nine minutes to go were three up and almost home a dry. Goals from Charlie Ruff, Alfie Cerulli and Macauley Bonne sealed Canvey Island’s relegation. However, Kimble’s team kept going until the end and were rewarded with two goals of their own through Conor Hubble and Freddie Price.

Manager’s View

Adrian Pennock was delighted with completing a double over Chatham Town, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “I thought we were excellent, especially the first half. We came out on the front foot and thoroughly deserved to be two up at half-time”, he continued: “It’s a very good win, a very important win, but it hasn’t changed too much, we’re just hanging in there at the moment. It’s a good boost for our supporters and everyone connected to the football club”.

The Dartford boss admitted he had to make some difficult decisions with his selection by leaving out captain Michael Olarewaju and an in form Dan Carter. Pennock wanted to manage their minutes and use the squad available, especially as Carter also played for Leyton Orient prior the Good Friday draw with Carshalton Athletic.

There is not much room for error this weekend if the Darts want to extend their campaign. Pennock commented: “It’s got to be three points at the end of the day. We’re playing catching up and it’s always tough when you’re playing catch up. I’d rather have the points on the board”, he added: “Canvey are a good side and it’s a tough place to go, but we’ve got to turn up again like we have done in the last few games. We’re in good form, long may it continue”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Jacob Bland returned on Easter Monday after missing nine games with a broken nose. Eddie Dsane has been ill, but could still feature. Samir Carruthers and Dean Nayler will be out for the rest of the season.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDWWDW)			Canvey Island (LLLDDL)
Chatham Town	H	3-2	Billericay Town	A	3-2
Carshalton Athletic	A	2-2	Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-1
Hashtag United	H	7-0	Lewes	A	2-2
Lewes	H	4-1	Hashtag United	H	1-3
Folkestone Invicta	A	2-2	Chatham Town	H	0-1
Cheshunt	A	1-0	Chatham Town	A	0-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Canvey Island wins: 0 / Draws: 3

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 2 Canvey Island (06/09/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Canvey Island 0 – 1 Dartford (28/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Canvey Island (17/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 3 Canvey Island (12/10/2010 – F.A Cup)*
Canvey Island 2 – 2 Dartford (09/10/2010 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 2 – 1 Canvey Island (05/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
* – Dartford won 9-8 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten on the road against Canvey Island in all competitions (W4, D1)
The Darts could go four unbeaten away games in the league for only the second time this season if they avoid defeat this weekend

On This Day

The Bradbrook brothers both scored in a 3-1 win at Princes Park on this day in 2015. The Darts fell behind in a relegation six pointer, but came back to all but send Nuneaton Town down. Andy Brown put the visitors in front until Elliot Bradbrook scored from the spot. His brother Tom added a second and Harry Crawford made certain of the win.

Twice Dartford missed out on a trip to Wembley with F.A Trophy second leg defeats on this day. In 1987, the Darts lost 2-0 against Burton Albion going out 4-1 on aggregate. Six years earlier a 2-1 loss versus Bishop’s Stortford came after the first leg finished 1-1.

Dartford v Chatham Town

April 5, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to close the gap on Chatham Town in their penultimate home game on Easter Monday and keep their season alive.

The Darts will have three games remaining after hosting the Chats to try and break into the playoff places and extend their campaign. A late draw on the weekend leaves Dartford three points short of the top five.

Chatham Town are in a stronger position and victory will all but secure a playoff spot. The Chats would need just one more point in their final three fixtures, but another slip up see pressure coming from the Darts.

Opportunity Missed in Late Draw

A last minute goal away at Carshalton Athletic on Saturday dramatically changed the picture in the playoff race. Unfortunate, it was one that the Darts conceded resulting in the game at Colston Avenue finishing 2-2. Adrian Pennock handed a first start to Evans Kouassi in place of Olly Box and in the only change to the side that thrashed Hashtag United a week earlier.

The Robins went in front before the break through Robert Huke, but Dartford turned the game around in six second half minutes. Sam Odaudu scrambled home the equaliser, then Rohan Vaughan put the visitors into a crucial lead. At that stage, with other playoff contenders struggling, the Darts were only a point away from the top five. However, an injury time leveller from Fabio Saraiva put a dent in Dartford’s hopes, even if Pennock’s side gained some ground on fifth spot.

Home Fortress

Time may be running out, but Dartford go into their Bank Holiday Monday fixture knowing they have a strong home record. If they are still withing a chance of reaching the playoffs come the final day, the Darts will also be at Princes Park in one last Kent derby versus relegation threatened Cray Valley Paper Mills.

Pennock’s side have enjoyed playing on home soil this term where they have won six of their last seven, dropping just two points since mid December. Only two sides have taken maximum points away from Princes Park all season. The Darts have collected the most points in the division at home, joint with Folkestone Invicta who will be playing National South football next term.

Solid on the Road

Chatham Town will be standing in the way and their success this season is down to their defence. The Chats have conceded the fewest goals in the division, kept an impressive 19 clean sheets and only let in eight on the road. You have to go back to 24 February since they conceded on their travels against Dulwich Hamlet in a 1-0 defeat, five away fixtures ago.

Festive Victory

The reverse fixture this season was over the Christmas period and Dartford recorded a third straight win over the Chats. Two defenders stepped up on the day to give the Darts an early two goal cushion. First, Joe Tennent reacted quickly to score from close range with just four minutes on the clock. A couple of minutes later, George Whitefield doubled the lead. Chatham Town halved the deficit with just over half an hour to play, but the Darts held out for the win.

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Highlights courtesy of Chatham Town

Darts Double

Pennock’s side can complete the double over the Chats for a second season in a row with victory on Monday. Last term, Dartford defeated Kevin Hake’s side on New Year’s Day at Maidstone Road. The breakthrough came on the hour in front of a record crowd when Reece Butler scored in his own net. Eddie Dsane clinched maximum points after coming off the bench as a substitute.

The two sides also played during the Bank Holiday August fixtures of 2024 and again the Darts won by a two goal margin. Chatham Town led when Jamie Vila opened the scoring, but Sam Odaudu levelled with a long range drive in the second half. Callum Jones hit one in off the underside of the crossbar six minutes from time and Dsane sealed the 3-1 win from the penalty spot.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Derby Day

When it comes to Kent derbies in the Isthmian Premier League, Dartford have only been beaten by Folkestone Invicta this season. The Darts have collected 19 points in these games, winning five and drawing four. Chatham Town’s record is similar with six victories and two draws out of 11 local derbies, picking up a total of 20 points.

Chatham’s Story So Far

Kevin Hake’s side have had a strong campaign in multiple competitions. Their Isthmian Premier season began with just one defeat in 11 games up until the end of October. Aside from a minor blip of four without victory at the start of the year, Chatham Town have been consistent. Leading up to Easter the Chats were seven unbeaten in the league until they lost 1-0 to Aveley on the weekend.

The Chats also reached the last 16 in both the League Cup and F.A Trophy, setting a club record for the latter. It took a defeat from finalists Southend United to knock out the Kent side after going through six rounds. The highlight of that cup run was former Dartford loanee Matty MacArthur goal to knock out Carlisle United.

Playoff Picture

Dartford have now got to within striking distance, but still need results to go their way. Whilst a derby day win against the Chats will close the gap on the fourth place side, combined with a defeat for Brentwood Town will move the Darts into the top five on goal difference. For that to happen Dartford will be hoping local rivals Welling United beat the Blues to enhance their own chances of staying in the Isthmian Premier.

Meanwhile in Essex, Aveley and Billericay Town can both book their place in the playoffs with wins against teams in the relegation zone. The Millers host Hashtag United and Ricay are at home to Canvey Island, but both sides need Dartford to lose.

Position	Team	Pld	Pts	GD
2	Aveley	37	74	+34
3	Billericay Town	37	72	+29
4	Chatham Town	37	70	+38
5	Brentwood Town	37	68	+13
6	DARTFORD	37	65	+22
7	Cray Wanderers	37	61	+7
8	Burgess Hill Town	37	61	-5

Manager’s View

Adrian Pennock was upset at the way his side failed to hang on to a win at Carshalton Athletic on Saturday, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the draw and said: “We’re trying to get in the playoffs and to concede the goal we did at the end, that’s not good enough”. The Dartford boss was disappointed, but on reflection he could find a small positive, he added: “With the other results going our way, it’s a good point away from home”.

The crucial Kent derby against Chatham Town on Monday is going to provide a big challenge for the Darts, Pennock commented: “They are a full-time side. We got a very good result at theirs, but it was very tough and it could have gone either way”. With the quick turnaround between the two Easter matches expect some alterations to the starting lineup, he explained: “There is going to be changes, we need to get some fresh legs on there after today. I believe in every single one of my players in my squad”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

It’s likely that a few changes will take place in the starting lineup. Up front provides a number of options as shown in the Hashtag United win when the whole attack was changed. So we could see Rohan Vaughan and Olly Box involved a bit more than Saturday’s draw. Eddie Dsane missed out on the weekend due to illness, but if fit the striker could be in the squad. Options at the back include Luther Williams and Joe Tennent, the latter has yet to get his place back since returning from suspension. Sammie McLeod will also be hopeful of more minutes in the midfield.

Jacob Bland has been recovering from a broken nose, whilst Samir Carruthers and Dean Nayler have been suffering long term injuries.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWDWD)			Chatham Town (WWWDDL)
Carshalton Athletic	A	2-2	Aveley	H	0-1
Hashtag United	H	7-0	Brentwood Town	A	0-0
Lewes	H	4-1	Tonbridge Angels (KSC)	H	1-1*
Folkestone Invicta	A	2-2	Burgess Hill Town	A	3-0
Cheshunt	A	1-0	Canvey Island	A	1-0
Wingate & Finchley	A	1-3	Canvey Island	H	3-0

KSC – Kent Senior Cup / * – lost 6-5 on penalties

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 33 / Chatham Town wins: 40 / Draws: 11

Previous Meetings

Chatham Town 1 – 2 Dartford (27/12/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Chatham Town 0 – 2 Dartford (01/01/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (26/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 3 Chatham Town (09/04/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)
Chatham Town 2 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (15/04/2006 – Southern League Div One East)

Statistics

Dartford have won five of the last six league meetings against Chatham Town (L1)
The Darts have won two of their last three in the league at home versus the Chats (L1)
The last three home league games hosted by Dartford in this fixture have ended 3-1 (W2, L1)

On This Day

Led by Ernie Morgan, Dartford secured a place at Wembley on this day in 1974 with a 0-0 F.A Trophy second leg draw against Macclesfield Town. Watling Street celebrated history being made after the Darts went through to the final with a 2-1 aggregate win.

Two years ago, Olly Box scored the winning goal at Havant and Waterlooville in a 2-1 National South. Former Hawk, Joash Nembhard had scored four minutes earlier to cancel out a strike from James Roberts.

Carshalton Athletic v Dartford

April 3, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Playoff chasing Dartford hit the road on Saturday with a trip to a Carshalton Athletic side looking to move a step closer to safety.

The Darts narrowed the gap on the top five last time out with their biggest league win in 39 years. Pennock’s side are now unbeaten in four and an away victory will put more pressure on those above them in the Isthmian Premier.

The Robins picked up an excellent point last weekend against champions elect Folkestone Invicta. The Surrey side had an excellent March with three wins from four to help them move out of the relegation zone.

Jez’s Treble at the Darts

Dartford made the most of Hashtag United’s recent decision to request voluntary relegation last weekend. The Darts handed out a 7-0 thrashing, which included a Jez Pinder first half hat-trick. The Darts went in at the break five up and it all started with a couple of blistering counter attacks.

Pinder put in the rebound from Dan Smith’s saved effort, then he was on the end of Dan Carter’s excellent low cross to double the lead. Smith took advantage of a defensive lapse by pouncing on a mistake and calmly rolling the ball beyond Jack Giddens in the visitor’s goal. Olly Box scored from the spot and then Pinder completed his first senior hat-trick. An indirect free kick was awarded when the Hashtag United goalkeeper picked up a back pass. The midfielder waited on the edge of the box, received the ball and placed his effort into the net. In the second half, Michael Olarewaju headed in his second in as many games and Denzelle Olopade made it seven.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Chasing Down the Top Five

Victory put the Darts four points shy of the playoff places after Brentwood Town dropped points. Pennock’s side have now lost just once in their last eight games and they could go three unbeaten on the road by avoiding defeat in the first set of Easter fixtures.

In the attacking third, the Darts have vastly improved their goal difference over the last two games with the 4-1 win over Lewes and the 7-0 triumph against Hashtag United. Contributing to the attacking input Smith, Olarewaju and Olopade all scored in both of those matches. After racing into a big half time lead on Saturday, Pennock was also able to rest the entire frontline of Callum Jones, Smith and Box in the second half. The Dartford boss introduced new signing Evans Kouassi, loanee Rohan Vaughan as well as Eddie Dsane. Defensively the Darts have kept four clean sheets in the last seven.

Playoff Picture

This weekend could set up the playoff race nicely for the remainder of the campaign. Burgess Hill Town need a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and host Brentwood Town, who the Darts are chasing down. Chatham Town in third take on second place Aveley and Cray Wanderers in seventh are on home soil against Billericay Town.

Position	Team	Pld	Pts	GD
2	Aveley	37	71	+33
3	Chatham Town	37	70	+39
4	Billericay Town	37	69	+28
5	Brentwood Town	37	68	+14
6	DARTFORD	37	64	+22
7	Cray Wanderers	37	61	+8
8	Burgess Hill Town	37	58	-6

Box’s Brace

Back in August, the Darts came from behind to beat Carshalton Athletic 4-1 at Princes Park. The Robins went ahead through Tommy Bradford’s penalty. Box levelled just before the interval. Dan Smith put the hosts in the lead and Pinder scored his only other goal this season increase the advantage. Rounding of the win, Box netted another in a good team performance.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Eddie Opens His Account

The last time Dartford visited Colston Avenue, Eddie Dsane scored his first goal for the Darts in a 1-0 win. The striker joined the club from Kingstonian in the summer of 2024 and is now on 24 goals for the club. The visitors held on to their 18th minute lead and needed an inspired Matt Kerbey in goal to keep the Robins out.

Carshalton Fight for Survival

Carshalton Athletic spoilt Dartford’s party once before and will be hoping to do the same again to help themselves reach their goal of safety. On the final day of last season the Robins finished off any hope of a Dartford Isthmian Premier title with a 4-1 win at Princes Park.

With the likelihood of Hashtag United getting relegated and the high chance of Potters Bar Town and Canvey Island going down, Carshalton Athletic are in competition with a few clubs to stay up. The Robins went over three months without a league win, spanning 16 matches until the end of February. In that time they picked up just seven points and saw the departure of Peter Adeniyi as boss.

Robins Revival

Steven Bates was named the new manager in time for the Ramsgate game and although he lost his first three in charge, Bates has led the Robins to a revival. Carshalton Athletic’s home record this season is marginally better than Dartford’s away record. Despite the 11 places between the two clubs, the Robins should pose a challenge for the Darts. It’s at home where Bates’ side have won their last two.

Both of those victories were over teams involved in the relegation battle. To kick start March, the Robins hosted Canvey Island and came from a goal down to win 3-1. Bryan Ifeanyi, who scored at Princes Park on the final day of last season, equalised before Tolu Ladapo and Charlie George secured maximum points.

Nathan Young-Coombes scored the only goal of the game at Cheshunt for an away win for the Robins, then another three home points came their way against Wingate and Finchley. This time the Surrey side racked up four goals with Young-Coombes opening the scoring, Denzel Akyeampong doubling the lead and Fabio Saraiva making it three. The visitors pulled one back before Ladapo made it 4-1.

To cap off a good month for the Robins they put three past champions elect Folkestone Invicta to deny them the title last weekend. The only disappointment would be that Carshalton Athletic were 3-1 up at one stage. Despite falling behind, Ryan Huke, Ladapo and Young-Coombes all found the back of the Invicta net, but the league leaders found a way back in the 3-3 draw.

Relegation Battle

As it stands it looks like there is one relegation place to be decided with Canvey Island and Potters Bar Town needing a lot to go their way and Hashtag United requesting demotion. That leaves Cray Valley Paper Mills and Welling United as Carshalton Athletic’s main concerns. The Robins will be hoping to move away from both Kent clubs and catch the likes of Wingate and Finchley as well as Lewes.

Position	Team	Pld	Pts	GD
15	Lewes	37	42	-34
16	Wingate and Finchley	37	41	-8
17	CARSHALTON ATHLETIC	37	39	-10
18	Welling United	36	35	-25
19	Hashtag United	37	35	-27
20	Cray Valley Paper Mills	37	34	-27
21	Canvey Island	37	26	-37
22	Potters Bar Town	36	26	-38

Assistant Manager’s View

Roland Edge spoke to Dartford FC TV and praised the attitude of the team in light of the recent happenings at Hashtag United, he commented: “It was quite tough because of the stuff that was being put out about Hashtag. That could have distracted our boys and taken their mind off of what they had to achieve, but they were brilliant from the start”.

Edge was delighted for Pinder to get a hat-trick and how that contributed to Dartford’s objective, he added: “We know we have got to win, but not only win, we have to get goals. The goal difference is going to be important, it was last year and I think it is this”.

Carshalton Athletic’s form has picked up of late and Edge knows their league position doesn’t tell the current story, he said: “It’s going to be very tough, they’re around the relegation zone but don’t be fooled by that. Any team on its day can get three points. We’ve got to go there fully focussed, show them respect and work hard to try and get the victory”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Jacob Bland has been recovering from a broken nose since mid-February. The midfielder has missed the last eight games. Samir Carruthers has a knee injury that is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWLWDW)			Carshalton Athletic (LLWWWD)
Hashtag United	H	7-0	Folkestone Invicta	A	3-3
Lewes	H	4-1	Wingate & Finchley	H	4-1
Folkestone Invicta	A	2-2	Cheshunt	A	1-0
Cheshunt	A	1-0	Canvey Island	H	3-1
Wingate & Finchley	A	1-3	Potters Bar Town	A	1-2
Ramsgate	H	1-0	Welling United	A	1-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Carshalton Athletic wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Previous Meetings

Dartford 4 – 1 Carshalton Athletic (23/08/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 4 Carshalton Athletic (26/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 1 Dartford (24/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Carshalton Athletic (23/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 4 Dartford (19/09/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 2 Dartford (20/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in all five away games versus Carshalton Athletic and have won their last four (W4, D1)
The Darts have kept clean sheets in all three league visits to Carshalton Athletic.
The Robins’ last goal at home against Dartford was in January 1991, a F.A Trophy first round second replay tie. In the original match, the Darts kept a clean sheet in that too, a 0-0 draw.
The Darts are second in the eight game form table having picked up 17 points, four fewer than in form side Billericay Town.

On This Day

Dartford lifted the Kent Senior Cup for the seventh time on this day in 1973. The Darts clinched a 4-2 victory over Folkestone Town to win 10-4 on aggregate. In Dartford’s last away game on 4 April, Jordan Chiedozie equalised with eight minutes to go against Torquay United. The 2015 National League fixture finished 1-1. Chiedozie suffered life changing injuries in a non football related incident just over a year ago resulting in a leg amputation. The last time Dartford won on this day was in 1994 when they beat Folkestone Invicta 2-1 in the Kent League.

Dartford v Hashtag United

March 26, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford close out the penultimate month of the season with a crucial home fixture against Hashtag United this weekend.

Time is counting down and with just six games remaining the Darts have to make up at least a five point deficit if they want to extend their campaign. At the other end of the table Hashtag United will have an impact one way or another. The Tags have requested voluntary relegation from the league, but if that’s not accepted by the Football Association they are only a point above the drop zone.

Dan the Man

Dan Smith had an outstanding weekend last time out netting a brace to set Dartford on their way to a 4-1 win over Lewes. Adrian Pennock made no alterations to the starting lineup naming the same side for a third game in a row.

Dartford and in particular, Smith got off to a flyer. Inside the opening minute the striker curled home the opener after good work from Olly Box and Dan Carter. Smith added another in style by hitting a shot into the top corner ten minutes later, his eighth goal of the season.

Lewes got back into the match in the second half with a goal from Devonte West, his fourth in three games. The visitors were on top and against the run of play Denzelle Olopade made it three to regain control. Michael Olarewaju’s only goal for the Darts was against Lewes just over a year ago. The defender doubled his tally with a header on his 50th appearance for the club.

Playoff Race

Unbeaten in their last three and just one defeat in seven, the Darts are still involved in the playoff conversation. Key to their chances is Dartford’s continued home form where they haven’t been beaten since mid-December and have only lost twice in the Isthmian Premier this term.

Prior the 4-1 victory over Lewes, the Darts had also taken 13 points from a possible 15 in tough home fixtures. Pennock’s side beat St Albans City, followed by top four sides Aveley and Brentwood Town. They then drew with playoff chasing Cray Wanderers and at the time of playing Ramsgate defeated one of the in form teams in the division.

Position	Team	Pld	Pts	GD
3	Chatham Town	36	69	+39
4	Brentwood Town	36	67	+14
5	Billericay Town	36	66	+24
6	DARTFORD	36	61	+15
7	Cray Wanderers	36	58	+7
8	Burgess Hill Town	36	58	-2

The Darts still have four of the bottom six to play and on Easter Monday they go to Chatham Town hoping to close the gap on their Kent rivals. With six games remaining and with Billericay Town the form team in the division overhauling the Essex side will also be difficult. Although, Ricay take on the two teams directly below the Darts next. Likewise, Brentwood Town have fixtures against two playoff chasing sides coming up, Chatham Town and Burgess Hill Town. So the picture could change by the end of the Easter period.

Evans Switches Allegiance

Focus could be on Dartford’s new signing Evans Kouassi, who scored a brace against the Darts back in January playing for Hashtag United. The forward could be set to face his former club, where he has scored 15 times this season. Kouassi will be the fourth ex-Folkestone Invicta player signed by Pennock this season.

Youngsters Make Impact

Dartford were in a title race last time they hosted Hashtag United and just like this season they will be hoping to earn some vital points. The Darts went in front after Callum Jones was fouled in the penalty box, then he tucked away the spot kick. The second arrived five minutes from time. Olly Box was set up by Sam Odaudu to seal the 2-0 win.

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That’s Entertainment

In the other two meetings with Hashtag United both fixtures ended level in Essex with this season’s draw finishing 2-2. That game kickstarted Dartford’s 2026, but they would have felt points were dropped. Twice Pennock’s side took the lead and twice the Tags scored late in the half. Jones put the visitors ahead only for Kouassi to peg the Darts back. In the second half, George Whitefield restored Dartford’s lead, but Kouassi scored a fine injury time equaliser.

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Highlights courtesy of Hashtag United

Back in November 2024 a back and forth fixture resulted in a high scoring 3-3 draw. Jacob Marsden’s late wonder save preserved a point for Dartford. Odaudu scored the only goal of the first half, then the final 25 minutes became a goal fest. Toby Aromolaran and then Joshua Rusoke put the Tags in front. Olopade restored parity before Ayodeji Olukoga had the hosts heading for victory with three minutes left. Box levelled things up again in the final minute and there was still time for Marsden to save the day.

Tags Looking Down

Hashtag United had been on a wretched run of form losing five in a row in all competitions before last weekend. Since their good start to the year when they won the Essex derby versus Billericay Town and thrashed Burgess Hill Town in the League Cup with ten men, the Tags only won twice in 14 attempts. Pulled towards the relegation places, those two victories came against teams fighting the drop in Welling United and Carshalton Athletic.

However, with the recent statement released by the club those results may not matter to the Tags in the end. The Essex club have put in a request to the Isthmian League to voluntary leave step three by taking a relegation place. Now it’s up to the Football Association to accept the club’s offer.

Islanders Defeated

Last weekend when Hashtag United visited bottom side Canvey Island, the Tags fancied their chances after previous successful ‘six pointers’. Led by captain and former Dart, Max Cornhill a 3-1 victory and a crucial three points were secured. Yet they had to come from behind after Elliott Ronto’s early goal for the Gulls. Hashtag United hit back quickly. Kouassi netted from the spot and completed his brace early in second half. The game was put out of Canvey’s reach nine minutes from time when Chaynie Burgin scored.

Relegation Battle

Hashtag United sit just outside the relegation zone, a point ahead of Welling United. However, the Wings have a game in hand and that is against Potters Bar Town, who look unlikely to escape the drop. This weekend, the Wings could drag Wingate and Finchley into the battle and put more pressure on the Tags with a positive result. However, should Hashtag United drop out of the Isthmian Premier the fourth from bottom side will be reprieved.

Directly above Hashtag United are Carshalton Athletic and they face champions elect Folkestone Invicta on Saturday. Jay Devereux’s side will want to take something back from Princes Park because there will be a likely chance they can reduce the three point deficit on the Robins.

Assistant Manager’s View

Roland Edge spoke to Dartford FC TV after the 4-1 triumph last Saturday and said: “I thought it was a brilliant performance through the whole team. The boys started well and got off to a flyer”. At 2-1 and with Lewes in the ascendency, Edge was hoping the Darts could change their fortunes, he added: “At that point we was looking for a spark and we got it, we got a reaction from the lads and a good result”.

Edge is expecting a challenging afternoon when his side host the Tags, he commented: “Hashtag for the last few times we have met are always a really tough test, a very good attacking side and they play the right way. Yet again if we’re not at it, we’re going to be in trouble”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Jacob Bland and Samir Carruthers remain out injured. Bland is expected to be on the sidelines as he recovers from a broken nose. Carruthers is waiting on a scan to see the severity of his knee injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWLWDW)			Hashtag United (LLLLLW)
Lewes	H	4-1	Canvey Island	A	3-1
Folkestone Invicta	A	2-2	Brentwood Town	H	2-3
Cheshunt	A	1-0	Chatham Town	A	0-3
Wingate & Finchley	A	1-3	St Albans City	H	1-2
Ramsgate	H	1-0	Folkestone Invicta	A	0-1
Welling United	A	1-0	Ramsgate (LC)	A	0-1

LC – League Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Hashtag United wins: 0 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Hashtag United 2 – 2 Dartford (09/01/2026 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Hashtag United (08/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Hashtag United 3 – 3 Dartford (12/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

The Darts have scored in all 18 home league games this season. Their best scoring league run at Princes Park since 2011/2012 (19 games)
Dartford have won 10 of their last 13 home games (D1, L2)
Denzelle Olopade has scored in back to back home games and three in his last five appearances at Princes Park

On This Day

Dartford defended their Kent Senior Cup title on this day in 1932. A year earlier the Darts claimed the county honours for the first time in their history. On this occasion a 2-0 win over Sheppey United was enough to lift the cup again.

It’s been ten years since Dartford’s last game on 28 March and that was a 1-1 derby with rivals Ebbsfleet United. Matthew Godden put Fleet in the lead, but two minutes into the second half Ryan Hayes equalised at Stonebridge Road. The Darts have drawn four of their last five on this day.

Dartford v Lewes

March 19, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

The Darts return to Princes Park this weekend when they take on Lewes in the Isthmian Premier.

Dartford have hit the road of late with three consecutive away days. Now Adrian Pennock’s side are hoping to extend their unbeaten run on home soil to six games. Five points from a playoff place, the Darts know a victory will keep the pressure on those above them.

Lewes look set for another campaign in the Isthmian Premier and will want to finish as high up the standings as possible. The Rooks travel to Kent after a much needed win last weekend, their first in nine matches.

Jones at the Double

Following a 1-0 triumph at Cheshunt last midweek, the Darts made the short trip to league leaders Folkestone Invicta on Saturday. Pennock named an unchanged side and in isolation picked up an excellent point. However, results elsewhere mean Dartford have fallen further behind the top five with seven games remaining.

Callum Jones scored his first goal in ten appearances when he profited from Dan Smith’s saved effort. Within eight minutes Invicta were level after on loan debutante Nathan Paul-Lavaly equalised. It didn’t take long for the Darts to regain their advantage and it was Jones with a curling shot that did the trick. Folkestone Invicta are top of the table for a reason and in the second half they had the chance to make it all square from the spot. Former Invicta goalkeeper, Jonny Henly kept out Jake Hutchinson’s penalty, but moments later Henly couldn’t keep Joe Pigott at bay.

Playoff Race

Dartford have now lost just once in their last six and at Princes Park in the league they have only lost twice all season. At home, the Darts have taken 13 points from the last 15 available and with two consecutive fixtures on their own patch, Pennock’s side will be determined to cash in.

Above them in the table occupying the final playoff place is Billericay Town, who have a five point cushion. However, Dartford are also being hunted down by Burgess Hill Town in seventh and Cray Wanderers in eighth.

Position	Team	Pts	GD
4	Chatham Town	66	+36
5	Billericay Town	63	+23
6	DARTFORD	58	+12
7	Burgess Hill Town	58	+1
8	Cray Wanderers	55	+6

Youngsters Make Impact

In the two times Dartford have hosted Lewes they have a perfect home record and have yet to concede a goal at Princes Park. In the previous meeting on home soil the academy graduates took the plaudits in a 2-0 victory. After the Darts created plenty of chances in the first half, Olly Box finally made the breakthrough on the stroke of half time. Then just before an hour had been played George Whitefield doubled the lead. Lewes later had Ethan Kaiser sent off for a second yellow card.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

That was the first time Lewes had visited Princes Park since 2011. Back then Danny Harris opened the scoring for Tony Burman’s Dartford side and Charlie Sheringham added two more in a 3-0 triumph.

Points Down the Pan

Earlier this season the Darts were beaten for a second season in a row at the Dripping Pan. Dartford were looking good in the closing stages to take home a point in Sussex, but conceded a 95th minute goal when Bobby Unwin netted the winner. Defeat ended an unbeaten run of four on a day the Darts lacked a cutting edge according to Pennock.

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Highlights courtesy of LewesFCTV

Dartford will be hoping to end their two match losing streak against the Rooks having lost at the Dripping Pan just over a year ago. Michael Olarewaju scored what is still his only goal for the Darts when he equalised from Danny Bassett’s opener. Then late in the game Marcus Sablier grabbed a brace for Lewes as the Darts fell to a 3-1 loss.

Go West

Captained by former Dart, Tyler Christian-Law on the weekend, the Rooks beat Dulwich Hamlet 2-1. Devonte West made the difference with two first half goals for the Sussex side. Hamlet managed to pull one back via an own goal, but Lewes finally broke their winless streak to move into 14th place. Christian-Law started 13 games for the Darts last season and made a total of 42 appearances.

Tough Run

Lewes started out this season with Bradley Pritchard in charge and despite losing on the opening day they went on to win the next four. The Rooks couldn’t keep that kind of form going and after a terrible run of defeats in October the Sussex side made the managerial change. Craig Nelson returned to the dugout as the new boss.

Under Nelson’s guidance results had been mixed until recently. A loss at Billericay Town at the end of January was the start of a run in which the Rooks picked up a single point in eight outings. In that time Lewes have taken on four of the current top five. So the win last weekend was a welcome boost for the Sussex club as they look to push on for the remainder of the season.

Assistant Manager’s View

Roland Edge saw the point at Folkestone Invicta as a good result and was pleased with the forwards, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the 2-2 draw and said: “It was really pleasing. I thought the boys up front caused them no end of trouble, they struggled to deal with them”.

Dartford’s assistant boss highlighted the difference between the league leaders and this current Dartford side, he explained: “The one thing that their side has more than us is composure because they have got people that have been there, seen it and done it”. He continued: “Ours are quite young, still learning their trade, but I thought they were fantastic and I think they’ve grown as players game by game”.

Edge still believes the Darts can break into the top five, but admits there can’t be many more slip ups, he added: “I think we’ve got a team good enough to get in the playoffs. Is it going to be difficult? Yes. Are we going to need to be impeccable? Pretty much I think. We will keep going to the very end and hopefully we will achieve what we want, but we’ll fight anyway”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Jacob Bland and Samir Carruthers remain out injured. Bland is expected to be on the sidelines for a couple more weeks as he recovers from a broken nose. Carruthers is waiting on a scan to see the severity of his knee injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWWLWD)			Lewes (DLLLLW)
Folkestone Invicta	A	2-2	Dulwich Hamlet	H	2-1
Cheshunt	A	1-0	Brentwood Town	A	1-2
Wingate & Finchley	A	1-3	Billericay Town	H	0-3
Ramsgate	H	1-0	Cray Valley Paper Mills	H	0-1
Welling United	A	1-0	Whitehawk	A	1-3
Cray Wanderers	H	1-1	Cheshunt	A	0-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Lewes wins: 2 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

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)
Lewes 0 – 2 Dartford (15/01/1983 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

Last Saturday was the first time in seven matches in which Dartford scored more than one goal in a game, going back to the end of January against Brentwood Town.
The Darts have the second best points per game at home in the division (2.17)
Dartford have the second best home defence conceding 16 times in 17 matches. Lewes have the second worst away attack scoring 15 in 17 outings and have scored the second fewest (38) home and away.

On This Day

Dartford strolled to a comfortable 4-0 home win on this day against Margate in 2017. Two goals from captain Elliot Bradbrook helped the Darts secure three National South points. The midfielder headed in the first midway through the first half and the lead was doubled after the break through Luke Wanadio. A long range effort from Bradbrook made it three before Alfie Pavey finished off the scoring.

The Darts have only won three matches out of 14 on 21 March post second world war. In 1969 they beat Barry Town 2-1 in the Southern League Division One and in 1992 they defeated Moor Green 3-1 in the Southern Premier.

Folkestone Invicta v Dartford

March 13, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford visit league leaders Folkestone Invicta in a Kent derby this Saturday.

The Darts will be hoping to become just the third side to come away from Cheriton Road with maximum points this season. Although Adrian Pennock’s side are unlikely to break into the playoff places this weekend, a win could take them level with at least one of the top five.

Invicta are flying this campaign under Jay Saunders and have a staggering 12 point lead at the summit. Folkestone Invicta are favourites to take the Isthmian Premier title with eight games to go and are unbeaten in their last five at home.

Super Sub Eddie

Dartford closed the gap on fifth place to three points by taking full advantage of their game in hand on Tuesday night. Eddie Dsane scored the only goal of the game against Cheshunt to earn the Darts a vital win.

Adrian Pennock made four changes to the side that fell to a 3-1 defeat at Wingate and Finchley three days earlier. In came George Whitefield for the suspended Joe Tennent at the back. Jez Pinder returned to the midfield with Olly Box and Callum Jones starting up front.

Deadlocked at 0-0 in the second-half, Dsane was introduced to the action and within two minutes the striker smashed home his 13th goal of the season, his fifth after coming on as a substitute.

Playoffs in Reach

Dartford are grinding out results at this stage of their campaign. In their last four fixtures they have won three of them 1-0. The only blip came on the weekend at Wingate and Finchley. Those three clean sheets is as many as they had kept in the previous 12 games and up against the league leaders on Saturday the defence will need to be on top of their game once more.

After taking on Folkestone Invicta, the Darts only have one more game against a team in the current top half and that is against Chatham Town on Easter Monday. If Pennock’s side can take something positive home with them on the weekend, then that could set a good foundation for the remainder of their campaign.

The Darts are currently three points shy of a top five place behind Billericay Town and the Chats. However, both sides have a far better goal difference than Dartford. Just behind are Burgess Hill Town, two points further back.

Ade Returns Triumphant

Folkestone Invicta were leading the way in the division ahead of the reverse fixture back in December. Adrian Pennock went for a back five to try and contain Invicta, but the plan didn’t work.

The visitors became only the second side to claim a win at Princes Park in the league this season. 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.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Narrow Win

In Dartford’s last visit to Cheriton Road they came away with a 1-0 victory. Tough conditions made for a tight clash in the Kent derby that was decided by Callum Jones, who scored past Jonny Henly in the Folkestone Invicta goal. Now with the Darts, Henly was with Invicta last season. Another current Dart on loan at Welling United, Sam Smith was also part of Invicta’s team trying to keep Pennock’s side at bay. In the summer, Dartford also took striker Dan Smith from this weekend’s opponents.

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Highlights courtesy of Invicta TV

Former Darts

As well as the aforementioned Ade Yussuf, midfield pair Adam Lovatt and Alex Woodyard also featured for Dartford in the career. Lovatt played five games for the Darts on loan from Sutton United in 2022 and Woodyard made 41 appearances back in the 2013/2014 season. Jack Jebb, currently on loan at Croydon Athletic played 67 times for Dartford between 2019 and 2022 scoring nine goals.

Flying Folkestone

Invicta started the season on a ten game unbeaten run, lost to Hashtag United then bounced back with an incredible 12 match winning streak in the Isthmian Premier. Jay Saunders’ side have been pretty much unstoppable and have a commanding lead at the top.

January was their least productive period going four games without a win, but since then Invicta have won six of their last seven including Saturday’s 2-1 triumph over Potters Bar Town. The Scholars had the cheek to take the lead ten minutes into the second half through Nana Kyei, but the thought of a shock victory was short lived. Jake Hutchinson netted twice in six minutes to bring up a century of goals for Folkestone Invicta in all competitions this term.

If the Darts need any hope, three of the four defeats Invicta have suffered this season have come against sides in the top five. On the other side of the coin, the league leaders have taken an incredible 38 points from 42 at home versus teams outside the top four.

Manager’s View

Adrian Pennock welcomed Tuesday’s win, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It was a cracking win, honestly a very good win, a great performance”. The Dartford boss felt his team were braver with the ball and could see the improvement made after defeat three days earlier, he commented: “Especially after the performance and disappointment of Saturday, we regrouped and I thought we played some really nice football in good areas and it was a very good three points”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Joe Tennent returns from suspension after missing the win at Cheshunt. Jacob Bland (broken nose) has been unavailable since defeat at Potters Bar Town and Samir Carruthers and Dean Nayler are out for the rest of the season with injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (LDWWLW)			Folkestone Invicta (LDWWWW)
Cheshunt	A	1-0	Potters Bar Town	H	2-1
Wingate & Finchley	A	1-3	Billericay Town	A	0-1
Ramsgate	H	1-0	Hashtag United	H	1-0
Welling United	A	1-0	Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-0
Cray Wanderers	H	1-1	Lewes	A	5-0
Potters Bar Town	A	0-1	Welling United	H	2-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Folkestone Invicta wins: 11 / Draws: 5

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (13/12/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
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)

Statistics

Dartford’s defeat to Folkestone Invicta in December ended a run of six games unbeaten against their opponents in all competitions (W4, D2)
The Darts have won their last two visits to Folkestone Invicta having lost four away games in a row versus Invicta between 1998 and 2004
There have been 29 goals (20 for the Darts) in the last seven matches between Dartford and Folkestone Invicta at an average of 4.14 goals per game

On This Day

Dartford played their last game before Covid interrupted the 2019/2020 season on this day. In front of 1486 supporters, the Darts beat Chelmsford City 3-0 at Princes Park with goals from Josh Hill, Elliott Romain and Noor Husin. It wouldn’t be for another four months until Dartford played again in the National South playoffs.

Cheshunt v Dartford

March 9, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford play their game in hand when they hit the road to take on Cheshunt on Tuesday night.

The rearranged fixture is a must win if the Darts want to move within three points of the top five. A draw will be just about enough to regain the sixth place they lost on the weekend. Cheshunt look set for another campaign in the Isthmian Premier despite losing their last two.

Away Day Blues

Dartford suffered a blow to their playoff ambitions on the weekend when they lost at Wingate and Finchley. A seventh away league defeat of the season coupled with the top five all winning, left the Darts falling further behind. To compound a disappointing afternoon, Burgess Hill Town also won to climb above Pennock’s side.

Changes were made up front with Eddie Dsane and Rohan Vaughan starting ahead of Callum Jones and Olly Box. In defence Michael Olarewaju started his first game since the defeat at Potters Bar Town. Dave Winfield was recalled by his parent club Hornchurch.

An unbeaten run of three came to a halt when Wingate and Finchley put three past the Darts. First half goals from Mackye Townsend-West and Camilo Restrepo and an early third in the second half by Ryan Lowe left Dartford with too much to do. Dan Smith scored a consolation in a 3-1 loss that leaves Dartford six points off a playoff place.

Record Run Ends

The Darts are a world away from the consistent 21 game unbeaten sequence of last season. It was in their last visit to Theobalds Lane which brought an end to that record equalling run. Donell Thomas broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time. The Ambers doubled their advantage when Kenny Coker scored and a third followed from a penalty courtesy of Vas Vasiliou.

Dominant Darts

In September, the Darts got the better of Cheshunt at Princes Park. An early Dsane goal set the hosts on their way to a 2-0 victory. A numerical advantage helped Dartford’s cause when Darion Furlong was sent off before the interval. The Darts had a quick start to the second half with Jez Pinder breaking away on a counter attack to set up Box to slot in the second.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Double Defeat

Realistically Cheshunt can hope of a mid-table finish in Mel Gwinnett’s first campaign in charge. Although they can still win silverware in the London Senior Cup. The Ambers are nine points clear of the relegation places in fourteenth spot and the same distance away from the top ten.

The Hertfordshire side lost on the weekend at home to a Ramsgate side getting over their single goal defeat against the Darts in midweek. Goals from Solomon Ogunwomoju, Rolando Onu and Tija Jadama condemned Cheshunt to a 3-0 loss.

A week earlier, the Ambers lost to another team pushing for a playoff position. After conceding twice in the first half at Cray Wanderers with goals from Max Fiddes and Alex Hernandez, Cheshunt’s Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite scored a consolation five minutes from time.

Ambers Go for Silverware

Although defeated in their last couple of outings, the Ambers have had better times of late. Between those two league matches they reached the London Senior Cup semi-final with a victory over Combined Counties Premier South side Tooting and Mitcham United. Vasiliou and Matthias Fanimo scored first half goals to seal a safe passage into the last four.

Difficult to Beat

Leading up to the Cray Wanderers and Ramsgate games, the Ambers also went eight league matches unbeaten from the start of the year. The most impressive of those results was at the end of that sequence when they beat Aveley 2-0 with goals from Tommy Wood and Jesse Effa. That eight game run included four wins and four draws.

The Ambers have been competitive, but have recorded the second highest number of draws in the division. If they can turn those into victories then they will have a strong finish to their campaign. At home Cheshunt have only lost four in the Isthmian Premier, as many matches as Dartford have won on the road.

Goalkeeper’s View

Jonny Henly described Dartford’s performance on Saturday as ‘terrible’ after the 3-1 loss against Wingate and Finchley, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “They were miles better than us. The most disappointing part was probably the work rate. Effort wise, they were miles better than us and that shouldn’t happen”.

The goalkeeper views Tuesday night’s fixture as a chance to put things right, he commented: “We’ll be going there and we will be getting ourselves together and I guarantee we are going to put on a good performance, especially work rate wise, and turn it up in that sense”, he continued: “We will be raring to go and get back to being a proper team that we usually are. It’s good to have a game straight after to give you a chance to right the wrongs”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Jacob Bland (broken nose) has been unavailable since defeat at Potters Bar Town and Samir Carruthers and Dean Nayler are out for the rest of the season with injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLDWWL)			Cheshunt (DDWLWL)
Wingate & Finchley	A	1-3	Ramsgate	H	0-3
Ramsgate	H	1-0	Tooting & Mitcham (LSC)	A	2-0
Welling United	A	1-0	Cray Wanderers	A	1-2
Cray Wanderers	H	1-1	Aveley	H	2-0
Potters Bar Town	A	0-1	Lewes	H	0-0
Brentwood Town	H	3-2	St Albans City	H	2-2

LSC – London Senior Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Cheshunt wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Cheshunt (27/09/2025 – 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)

Statistics

Dartford’s only away win against teams lower than Cheshunt in the table was against Welling United (D2, L3)
Over the last eight league games The Darts have picked up one point more than Ambers (13 points v 12)
This season in the league, Dartford’s most common away score and Cheshunt’s most common home result is a 1-1 draw

On This Day

Ryan Hayes scored a Princes Park hat-trick on this day in 2007. The winger netted all three goals in the win over Croydon Athletic in the Isthmian Division One South. Hayes set Dartford on their way from the penalty spot, added a sublime curler from range for the second, then skillfully completed the second ever hat-trick at Princes Park by a Dartford player. Brendon Cass was the first two months earlier in a 7-2 win against Burgess Hill Town.

Wingate and Finchley v Dartford

March 6, 2026 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford continue their playoff push with a trip to Wingate and Finchley this weekend.

The Darts travel to North London knowing victory will keep them in touch of a top five spot. Adrian Pennock’s side will arrive at Summers Lane unbeaten in their last three and off the back of two 1-0 wins in a row.

Wingate and Finchley hope to pull away from the bottom four and move closer to safety. The Blues have a four point cushion, but have lost their last two home fixtures. Ahmet Rifat’s team also have a League Cup semi-final to look forward to on Tuesday night.

Darts Hit Singles

Dartford picked up seven points in the three Kent derby games leading up to this weekend. A goal in each game was enough to go unbeaten, even if that run took two late strikes. At Princes Park, Joe Tennent scored six minutes from time to rescue a draw against Cray Wanderers. Away at Welling United, loanee Rohan Vaughan netted his first for the club deep into stoppage time to earn the Darts a win.

The triumph at Park View Road meant Pennock named an unchanged side for the visit of in-form Ramsgate. Denzelle Olopade was the match winner, the midfielder scored from close range in the twentieth minute. The Rams were later reduced to ten men taking the tally of red cards in the two meetings this season to four.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Playoff Picture

Dartford remain three points shy of the playoffs as they try to chase down Billericay Town and Chatham Town. The Blues and the Chats have a superior goal difference, so it is unlikely Dartford will move above the dotted line this weekend. However, the Darts still need to be aware of those behind them. Only two points further back are Cray Wanderers and Burgess Hill Town.

The Darts only have two more fixtures against those in the current top half. After this weekend’s game and the rearranged fixture at Cheshunt on Tuesday night, Pennock’s side go to league leaders Folkestone Invicta for a third away day in a row. So this next week will be an opportunity to improve results on the road and build on the away win at Welling United.

The Blues Give Darts the Blues

Dartford fell to their first home league defeat of the season in the reverse fixture with Wingate and Finchley. It was the second year in a row in which the Blues came to Princes Park and won.

Wingate and Finchley came from behind with an injury time winner. The deadlock was broken when Jacob Bland tapped home his first goal for the Darts. The midfielder anticipated Eddie Dsane’s scuffed shot to put the Darts ahead. The visitors levelled when Loic Hernandez slotted the ball through Jonny Henly’s legs. Four minutes into added on time Romeo Akinola’s curling shot completed the turnaround.

Darts Hold Out

Dartford battled through adversity the last time they visited Summers Lane in January 2025. The Darts started quickly with an early goal via George Whitefield’s header. Sam Okoye won a penalty ten minutes before the break, which Samir Carruthers rolled in. On the stroke of half time Camilo Restrepo halved the deficit. The afternoon was cut short for the injured Whitefield and Carruthers. Then with half an hour to go Okoye was sent off for a second yellow card. However, Dartford showed their resolve to hold on.

Wingate Target Safety and Cup

It seemed a while ago now that Wingate and Finchley had turned around a slow start. After waiting until their seventh game for a win, the Blues went unbeaten for nine. Since then they have won two of their last seventeen league games. Fortunately the teams they beat were fellow relegation battlers Canvey Island and Potters Bar Town. Those ‘six pointers’ came only last month.

However, they are not out of the woods just yet after a pair of 2-1 home defeats to Burgess Hill Town on the weekend, then against Brentwood Town on Tuesday night. Featuring in the side was on loan Dartford defender Ben Frempah, who has made 11 appearances for the Darts.

Rifat’s team will want to extend their stay in the Isthmian Premier to a sixteenth year. After Saturday’s match they have a great chance to pull away from the relegation zone as they face Cray Valley Paper Mills, Carshalton Athletic and then Welling United, the three sides occupying eighteenth to twentieth in the table.

The Blues also have the opportunity to reach the League Cup final where Ramsgate await. Wingate and Finchley take on Isthmian North side Redbridge on Tuesday night.

Assistant Manager’s View

Although Tuesday night’s win over Ramsgate wasn’t the most entertaining, Roland Edge was delighted with his side getting maximum points, he told Dartford FC TV: “I think it was a fantastic victory, really hard fought, very similar to the weekend. Was it the prettiest game in the world? Not really, but I think as a team we did what we had to do to get the victory”.

With the Rams in close proximity to the Darts in the league, Edge expressed how vital the win was, he added: “Ramsgate are a very good side… I think their team has got bigger, stronger, better and its got belief. We knew when they came here the importance of the game, so that makes our victory even better”. The assistant manager was also happy how his players ‘stuck to their task’ when Ramsgate were reduced to ten men and felt “it was only fair that we saw the game out”.

Edge’s experiences of facing Saturday’s opponents Wingate and Finchley has never been easy and he doesn’t expect that to change this weekend, he commented: “It’s never an easy place to go in all the time I’ve been in this league, which is about 33 years. Wherever Wingate are in the league it’s still a really, really tough place to go”, he continued: “Their manager gets them fired up, they’ll be fighting for survival. We know what we’re going to get from Wingate and we’ve just got to carry on the mentality that we showed in the last few games”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

George Whitefield returned to the squad in midweek. Jacob Bland (broken nose) has been unavailable since defeat at Potters Bar Town and Samir Carruthers is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (LWLDWW)			Wingate & Finchley (LWLWLL)
Ramsgate	H	1-0	Burgess Hill Town	H	1-2
Welling United	A	1-0	Brentwood Town	H	1-2
Cray Wanderers	H	1-1	Canvey Island	H	2-0
Potters Bar Town	A	0-1	Burgess Hill Town	A	2-3
Brentwood Town	H	3-2	Potters Bar Town	H	2-1
Burgess Hill Town	A	1-2	Cheshunt	H	2-3

Head to Head

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

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Wingate and Finchley (08/11/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Wingate and Finchley 1 – 2 Dartford (18/01/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 3 Wingate and Finchley (19/10/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 0 Wingate and Finchley (26/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 0 – 2 Dartford (03/11/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 3 – 2 Dartford (18/03/2006 – Southern League Div 1 East)

Statistics

Dartford have won the last two away trips to Wingate and Finchley
The Darts have never failed to score against the Blues (18 goals in ten games)
On Tuesday night the Darts kept their first back to back clean sheets since March last year, when the Darts went three games without conceding.
Dartford are also on a streak of consecutive 1-0 wins in the league, the first time since April 2018 when Dartford recorded three in a row in the National South

On This Day

Dartford moved one step closer to the Southern League Cup final on this day in 1989. A 3-0 win at Watling Street against Atherstone United gave the Darts a commanding first leg lead. Under Peter Taylor, Dartford won the second leg 3-1, then went on to beat Burton Albion in the final.

Liam Nash and Darren McQueen helped Dartford to their only win in their last eight on this day, a 2-1 away victory over St Albans City in the National South. In those eight outings the Darts have drawn five, most recently 1-1 versus Hungerford Town three years ago.