Month: August 2022 (Page 1 of 2)

Hemel Hempstead Town v Dartford

The Darts will need to pick up some points at Hemel Hempstead Town on Bank Holiday Monday to end their barren spell in the National South.

Dartford’s run of defeats continued on Saturday as they conceded deep into injury time at home to Worthing. For a second game in a row, the Darts let slip a one goal lead to lose 2-1 to a newly promoted side. Connor Essam, once of Hemel Hempstead Town provided the Darts with an early lead after ten minutes, his header found the corner of the Worthing net. Despite Luke Allen and new loan signing Adam Lovatt having chances to extend the lead it remained 1-0 at the break. Six minutes into the second half and Worthing were level when Callum Kealy’s shot beat Young. After a spell of pressure from the visitors, Dartford came close when Campbell’s free-kick hit the crossbar just passed the hour. In the final minute of injury time the Rebels took home the three points after Joel Colbran scored the winner.

Goalkeeper, Dan Wilks was ruled out with an ankle injury meaning a debut was given to Joe Young. The Wolverhampton Wanderers academy goalkeeper is on loan until January and has represented England at various youth levels. Davide Rodari, who had scored in his previous two appearances was also missing through injury. Lovatt was also given his debut after coming in on loan from League Two side Sutton United. Dowson made a further three changes with Kristian Campbell returning from injury, whilst Alex Wall and Maxwell Statham made their first starts since signing in the summer.

A second consecutive home loss with an away defeat in between means Alan Dowson’s side have slipped to 13th place, after winning their opening two games of the campaign. However, the Darts can still be optimistic travelling to Vauxhall Road having won their last four there and are unbeaten in 11 against Hemel Hempstead Town.

The two clubs have formed links over the previous couple of years and that was demonstrated by this fixture last term. Tyrique Hyde was on loan at Hemel Hempstead Town from the Darts, but the midfielder was recalled prior the meeting between the two sides at Vauxhall Road. Hyde made an impact scoring twice in a 3-2 Dartford victory, Ade Azeez was the other goalscorer from the penalty spot. Alfie Cerulli had earlier equalised at 1-1 for the Tudors and he was also responsible for a late consolation.

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Highlights – Hemel Hempstead Town v Dartford (20/11/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In the reverse fixture Dartford hosted the Tudors for the first time since 2019. The Darts had a difficult afternoon falling behind when Gus Scott-Moriss gave the visitors the lead. Under Steve King, the hosts were trying to maintain an unbeaten home run in the league that had stretched to 16 games. So, there was relief when it was extended to a 17th match thanks to Marcus Dinanga’s last-minute equaliser. Samir Carruthers missed out that day as he was on loan from the Tudors, the midfielder could make his first start against his former side. Former Dart, Craig King was in goal for the Tudors in the draw and remains at the club, the goalkeeper made 18 appearances for Dartford before his move to Hertfordshire. 

Over this summer, the Darts have signed striker Pierre Fonkeu from Hemel Hempstead Town and already he has netted four goals this season in five games. Just as productive in front of goal, Jordan Greenidge has scored three in his opening five appearances for Hemel Hempstead Town after signing from Weymouth. The striker was on loan at Dartford last season and scored six times in only eight matches. Kory Roberts also impressed on loan in his 22 appearances under Steve King, the defender joined the Tudors from Bromley. Finally, Jernade Meade could be up against his former side after switching clubs over the summer, the full back played 25 times for the Darts.

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Highlights – Dartford v Hemel Hempstead Town (09/04/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The trio of former Darts have been part of Mark Jones’ newly assembled squad. The Tudors boss handed out nine debuts on the opening day, only Craig King and Charlee Hughes starting from the squad that was there last term. Roberts, Meade and Greenidge were all involved, and it was Greenidge who scored the winner in a 1-0 win over newly promoted Farnborough. The striker was at it again in the following outing putting the Tudors in front against Hampton and Richmond Borough. However, the Beavers equalised to share the points.

Like the Darts, the Tudors are on a three game losing streak, firstly defeat at Braintree Town where Hemel Hempstead Town were beaten 3-1, Ogo Obi scoring his first for the club since signing from Hanwell Town. Then a 4-2 loss against Welling United which saw the Tudors throw away a two goal lead given to them by Josh Castiglione and Greenidge’s penalty. The Wings hit back with three goals in six second-half minutes. Stefan Payne then Anthony Papadopoulos had the scores level and on the 55th minute Payne scored what turned out to be the winner. On Saturday, the Tudors played their second of three games against Kent sides and were humbly beaten by Dover Athletic 4-0.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Hemel Hempstead Town wins: 1 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWLLL)
    Hemel Hempstead Town
(WDLLL)
   
Worthing H 1-2 Dover Athletic A 0-4
Taunton Town A 1-2 Welling United H 2-3
Havant and Waterlooville H 1-2 Braintree Town A 1-3
Cheshunt H 2-1 Hampton & Richmond A 1-1
Bath City A 2-0 Farnborough H 1-0

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Hemel Hempstead Town (09/04/2022 – National South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 2 – 3 Dartford (20/11/2021 – National South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 1 – 3 Dartford (10/11/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Hemel Hempstead Town (31/08/2019 – National South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 1 – 2 Dartford (05/03/2019 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Hemel Hempstead Town (11/08/2018 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in 11 games against Hemel Hempstead Town (W6, D5)
  • The Darts have won each of their last four visits to Vauxhall Road and are unbeaten in five.
  • Dartford have gone three games without a league point for the first time since April 2019. The Darts last lost four consecutive league matches in March 2016.

On This Day

Dartford were on the receiving end of Alan Dowson’s Hampton and Richmond Borough six years ago. The Darts were thumped 4-1 at the Beveree with Christian Jolley, now Dowson’s assistant at Princes Park getting the first goal. Danny Harris equalised, but goals from Michael Kamara, Nicke Kabamba and a Tom Bonner own goal completed the win for the Middlesex club. A year before, the Darts had a better afternoon in their Kent derby with Margate, goals from Lee Noble and Elliot Bradbrook secured a 2-0 victory. Bradbrook also netted in the 2011 triumph against Bromley, Charlie Sheringham and Harris also scored as the Darts recorded a 3-1 win. Two years earlier, Lee Burns found the back of the Wealdstone net in a 1-1 draw. Dartford’s biggest win on this day came in 1959 when they beat Kettering Town in the Southern Premier League, Tommy Huckstepp scored 37 goals in 43 games in that campaign.

Dartford v Worthing

Dartford hope to return to winning ways when they host Isthmian Premier League champions Worthing this weekend.

The Darts were victorious in their opening two fixtures, but have fallen short in their last two outings with a pair of defeats. Worthing are settling quickly in their first ever campaign in the National South and are one of four unbeaten teams in the division.

Alan Dowson needs to pick up his players after consecutive 2-1 losses, first at Princes Park against Havant and Waterlooville then at Taunton Town last weekend. Whilst the Hawks are expected to be challenging for promotion and currently in second place, Taunton Town are new to the division and still finding their feet. On Saturday down in Somerset, the Darts named an unchanged side for a third consecutive match and once again Davide Rodari’s goal wasn’t enough to earn any points. The man on loan from Crawley Town netted his second of the season to add to the one he scored against Havant and Waterlooville. Dartford now occupy tenth place thanks to their opening two wins at Bath City and Cheshunt in which Pierre Fonkeu grabbed a brace in each game.

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HIghlights – Taunton Town v Dartford (20/08/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Four games into the new campaign and Dowson’s identified what is needed to improve the team, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after Saturday’s loss and said: “Last year’s team I’ve looked at them and the new signings I’ve looked at them and we need some legs in the team”, he added: “we haven’t got anybody to win the ball back. The two centre halves will get stuck in, but around the pitch I haven’t got anybody else who is going to win a battle for us”. Leading up to this weekend’s match, the Dartford boss has been looking for the ideal type of player to compliment a team who have shown they are more than capable in possession of the ball.

Pleased with the performances of the opening three games and up to the point Taunton Town turned a one goal deficit around, Dowson may make some changes to the line-up after selecting the same eleven for the last three outings, especially with two games coming up over the Bank Holiday weekend. Goalkeeper, Daniel Wilks played his 50th game in goal for the Darts with an ankle injury and didn’t train with the team on Monday. Dowson is hopeful Wilks will be fit enough to start against Worthing. Goalscorer, Rodari limped off against Taunton Town after getting a knock on his knee, but the Dartford boss is optimistic the forward will be available. Meanwhile, Cameron Brodie has gone out on loan to Isthmian Premier League side Margate.

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Interview – Alan Dowson’s thoughts on the loss at Taunton Town – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Worthing claimed the Isthmian Premier title with three games to spare last term, scoring a century of goals and accruing 97 points. The momentum has continued under Adam Hinshelwood with two wins on the road and two draws on their own patch. The signing of former Dart, Jake Robinson may have caught the eye. However, after his debut goal the striker picked up a knee injury ruling him out of a Princes Park return and for most of the season. Robinson scored 17 goals in 32 games for Dartford including a hat-trick in the delayed Kent Senior Cup final.

Two of Worthing’s opponents were two divisions higher last season and the Reds have picked up four points in those meetings. The first points came on the opening day with Robinson responsible for Worthing’s first ever goal in the National South after just five minutes against Dover Athletic, but Lee Martin spoiled the party as it ended 1-1.

The Sussex side didn’t have to wait long for their maiden victory beating another Kent side, Welling United 4-2. Again, Worthing were fast out the blocks when Callum Kealy put the Reds ahead, the forward signed from Dorking Wanderers in the summer. Former Dartford midfielder Tyrique Hyde levelled two minutes later before Lewis White and Joe Rye gave Hinshelwood’s men a two-goal advantage. Another ex-Dart, Ade Azeez scored to put the Wings within touching distance, but Kealy’s second secured Worthing’s first ever National South maximum.

A second win followed over Weymouth, who were playing in the National League last term. The Reds swept the Terras aside with a 3-0 win, two goals from last season’s top scorer Ollie Pearce and another by Joel Colbran continued Worthing’s unbeaten start. Last weekend the Sussex club extended their current run and kept a second clean sheet in a row earning a 0-0 draw at home to Chippenham Town. Hinshelwood gave debuts to Sammie McLeod, Adam Adam and Daniel Bowry when the trio came off the bench as substitutes. After four outings Worthing sit in third place on eight points.

Since promotion Adam Hinshelwood has strengthened his squad with several players providing National South experience. Playoff winner, Kane Wills moved back to Worthing from Dorking Wanderers, Nodirbek Bobomurodov arrived from Hungerfod Town and Charlie Towning from Eastbourne Borough. Lewis White has made the step up from Carshalton Town, whilst Adam El-Abd gives Worthing plenty of Football League experience.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Worthing wins: 1 / Draws: 1

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWLL)
    Worthing
(DWWD)
   
Taunton Town A 1-2 Chippenham Town H 0-0
Havant and Waterlooville H 1-2 Weymouth A 3-0
Cheshunt H 2-1 Welling United A 4-2
Bath City A 2-0 Dover Athletic H 1-1

Last Five Meetings

Worthing 1 – 2 Dartford (26/09/2009 – F.A Cup)
Worthing 2 – 1 Dartford (20/11/1982 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 3 – 0 Worthing (12/11/1927 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 1 – 0 Worthing (12/10/1921 – F.A Cup)
Worthing 0 – 0 Dartford (08/10/1921 – F.A Cup)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won both games played at home against Worthing
  • The Darts have not played the Rebels for 12 years and have never met in a league fixture
  • Dartford have only ever played Worthing in F.A Cup matches. The pair have been drawn out together four times, the Darts progressed in the competition on three occasions to Worthing’s one.
  • The Darts last lost three league games in a row in April 2019, towards the end of the 2018/2019 campaign

On This Day

Goalkeeper, Deren Ibrahim scored a long-range free kick six years ago on this day as the Darts beat Hungerford Town 2-0. Ibrahim opened the scoring with just over ten minutes remaining and when Alex Brown doubled the lead the points were made safe. Tom Bonner scored in 2018 when the Darts beat East Thurrock United 2-0 at Princes Park, Ben Greenhalgh wrapped up the victory. In 2012, Nathan Collier’s late looping winner at Cambridge United earned Dartford a famous win in the National League. Danny Harris put the Darts in front before James Jennings levelled for the hosts. Dartford have won five of their last six on 27 August with Chelmsford City the only side to take points off the Darts in a 0-0 draw 11 years ago. Jay May scored a Princes Park hat-trick in 2007 as Tony Burman’s Isthmian Division North title winning side beat Aveley 4-0, Brendon Cass scored the other. The same score was recorded six years earlier in the local derby against Erith and Belvedere.

Taunton Town v Dartford

Dartford’s second away game is back in the West Country this weekend when they take on Southern Premier South champions Taunton Town for the first time.

Successful in their first trip to Somerset on the opening day, the Darts will be aiming to bounce back from Tuesday night’s defeat and record a third win of the season. Taunton Town have yet to record a victory failing to score in their first three fixtures, the Peacocks will be hoping to record their first ever triumph in the National South.

Alan Dowson has opted for a stability in his selection policy making just one forced change to the starting eleven in the three games so far. Injured in the 2-0 win at Bath City on the opening day, Kristian Campbell has been out with Luke Allen starting the last two matches. The midfielder has impressed and has been linking up well in the centre of the pitch with Samir Carruthers. However, the pair were unable to help the Darts avoid defeat on Tuesday night against a strong Havant and Waterlooville side.

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Highlights – Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville (16/08/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Jason Prior just loves scoring against Dartford and the Hawks striker was at it again giving the visitors an early lead. The Darts were level with Davide Rodari netting his first goal since joining from Crawley Town in the summer. Havant and Waterlooville’s, Oscar Gobern won it for the Hampshire outfit with a second half winner condemning Dowson’s men to their first loss of the campaign. Despite picking up no points at home and a ‘slow start’ the performance was still good enough according to the Dartford boss.

Striker, Pierre Fonkeu had netted all of Dartford’s goals leading up to Tuesday’s match so it was a relief to see Rodari open his account. Dowson has called upon his players to help out with increasing the goal tally so they don’t rely on Fonkeu too much. The Dartford boss feels improvement can be made in defence as well as attack and is hoping to look at the loan market to provide more competition within the squad.

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Interview – Alan Dowson talks to Dartford FC TV after the Havant and Waterlooville game

After two victories and a loss, the Darts turn their attention to a first ever trip to Wordsworth Drive. The long journey means the squad will be travelling down the day before to aid their preparations against Taunton Town.

The Peacocks claimed the Southern League South on the final day last season. A late winner versus Farnborough, who could have snatched the title was enough to see the Peacocks cross the finishing line in first place. The same two sides were up against each other on Tuesday night and it was Boro who came out on top this time, Omar Rowe scoring the winner for the Hampshire club.

Rob Dray’s side entered their first ever National South campaign with momentum winning 19 of their last 22 fixtures. However, the opening three games this term has yielded no goals and one point. A 0-0 draw in the first game against Welling United was followed up by a single goal defeat versus Concord Rangers. The Peacocks have used the summer transfer window to sign experienced players at this level including ex Bath City trio Dan Ball, Lloyd James and Dave Sims-Burgess. Another new signing, Nat Jarvis finally got international clearance in time to make his debut on Tuesday, the striker played for Chippenham Town before moving to Barry Town United.

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWL)
    Taunton Town
(DLL)
   
Havant and Waterlooville H 1-2 Farnborough A 0-1
Cheshunt H 2-1 Concord Rangers A 0-1
Bath City A 2-0 Welling United H 0-0

Statistics

  • Dartford last won their opening two away games in consecutive seasons in 2005 and 2006.
  • The Darts have scored in their last 11 away games in all competitions stretching back to their F.A Trophy exit last season in February.
  • Dartford have failed to score in the league just once on the road in 2022, the North Kent Derby defeat to Ebbsfleet United on 2 January.
  • The Darts have kept three clean sheets in their last four away matches in the league.

On This Day

Dartford have won their last four fixtures on this day with the most recent in 2016 against Weston-super-Mare. Luke Wanadio and a Ryan Hayes goal six minutes from time helped the Darts to a 2-1 victory. In fact the last three matches on 20 August have ended with the same score. In 2011, Charlie Sheringham and Elliot Bradbrook netted first-half goals against Hampton and Richmond Borough. Future Dart, Jacob Erskine pulled a goal back for the Beavers at Princes Park. In the Southern League Division One East back in 2005, Dartford defeated Stamford Town and two years earlier they beat Burgess Hill Town 1-0. On the road, the Darts have won five and lost two on this day.

Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville

Dartford have made a perfect start to the season and will want to maintain their recent form against Havant and Waterlooville on Tuesday night.

The Darts have won their opening two National South fixtures and are currently on a run of seven unbeaten against the Hawks. At Princes Park, over the same number of games Dartford have not yet to lose to the Hampshire side. Havant and Waterlooville have to go back 22 years since their last win away from home in this fixture, a F.A Cup third qualifying round tie.

Last season the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw with Alex Wall scoring the equaliser for Havant and Waterlooville. The striker made the switch to Dartford over the summer to begin his third spell with the club. So far this term, Wall has come off the bench in both fixtures and will be hoping to make an impact against his former side. Dartford had taken the lead in last season’s meeting through Kory Roberts and could have had a second, but Ade Azeez’s penalty was saved by Ross Worner. The reverse match ended in a Dartford victory with Luke Allen scoring the only goal of the game.

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Highlights – Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville (19/03/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Allen made his first start of the campaign on the weekend coming in for the injured Kristian Campbell. That was the only change ahead of the first home game against newly promoted Cheshunt with Sam Odaudu filling in at left back. Defender, Maxwell Statham made his first competitive appearance as a late substitute. Despite the tweaking of the defence, the Darts almost came away with a consecutive clean sheet, but it was Pierre Fonkeu who grabbed the headlines again. The striker netted a brace to add to the two he scored at Bath City on the opening day. Cheshunt grabbed a late consolation when former Dartford academy graduate Dajon Golding made it 2-1.

Speaking to Dartford FC TV after the game, Martin Tyler said: “We won but we can do better”, he added: “When we get the ball we’ve shown we’re a pretty decent side, but we need to get the ball a bit more often. We’re still trying to get the blend right. We’ve not got that many players, so I think there is still that bit of scope for investment to strengthen the squad, but we’re doing okay”.

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Interview – Martin Tyler talks to Dartford FC TV after the Cheshunt win

Havant and Waterlooville were pipped to the final playoff place last season and this time out they have picked up four points in their two openers. A 3-1 victory at home on the first day of the season against Slough Town set them on their way with a stunning goal from Jake McCarthy followed by Gianni Crichlow’s first for the club, since signing from Braintree Town in the summer. Crichlow scored the equaliser for the Iron last season against the Darts in a 2-2 draw. After Ben Harris halved the deficit for Slough Town, Crichlow was involved again setting up Paul Rooney for a third.

On the weekend, the Hawks showed spirit to earn a point in their first away day of the campaign. Another former Dartford striker made an impact on the game, but not in a good way for the Hawks. Jason Prior retaliated and when he kicked out at a Braintree Town player he was shown a red card, leaving his side down to ten men for the remaining 70 minutes. Despite the disadvantage, the visitors went ahead when James Roberts hit his effort into the top corner, for his second in as many games. The hosts levelled in the second half, Levi Amantchi heading in the equaliser in a 1-1 draw.

Looking ahead to Havant and Waterlooville’s trip to Princes Park, Roberts spoke to HWFC Media after the draw, he commented: “Every game in this league is tough, every away game is tough and we go to one of the teams that expect to be up there”, he continued: “We had two really difficult games against Dartford last year so we know what to expect, we know they will be very, very good. We know that it will be a real challenge”.

Over the summer manager Paul Doswell made a few signings including the return of Jason Prior, who scored the championship winning goal in his previous spell with the Hawks denying the Darts the National South title on the final day. After scoring over 40 goals for Enfield Town last season, Muhammadu Faal has made the step up. Danny Wright and Jake Andrews moved from Torquay United and Joash Nembhard arrived from Hemel Hempstead Town. The centre back is likely to come face to face with former teammate’s Fonkeu and Samir Carruthers.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Havant and Waterlooville wins: 4 / Draws: 5

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (19/03/2022 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 0 – 1 Dartford (09/02/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (31/10/2020 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 1 – 2 Dartford (25/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (10/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Havant and Waterlooville (13/01/2018 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last seven games against Havant and Waterlooville (W4, D3)
  • The Darts are also seven unbeaten at home against the Hawks (W4, D3)
  • Dartford have scored in their last six meetings versus the Hampshire side

On This Day

Charlie Sheringham and Adam Green scored against Eastbourne Borough on this day in 2011. The National South fixture at Princes Park finished 2-1, Dartford’s last victory on this day. Since then, the Darts lost 1-0 on the road to Kidderminster Harriers in the National League eight years ago. The most recent outing was a 0-0 home draw with Gosport Borough back in the National South two years later. After winning the Isthmian Division One North in 2008, the Darts were welcomed to the Isthmian Premier League with a 3-0 away humbling at Hendon on the opening day. Also on 16 August, Dartford played out a 3-2 victory against Great Wakering Rovers in 2005 and suffered their only home defeat on this day two years earlier against Bashley, the Darts have won four and drawn three of the other home fixtures.

Dartford v Cheshunt

Dartford will want to keep up their winning start in their first home game of the season against newly promoted Cheshunt.

The Darts made Princes Park a fortress last season going 17 league games unbeaten, their best home run from the start of a campaign since the 1925/26. However, home form towards the end tailed off as they lost two of their final three fixtures and also fell short in the playoffs on home turf. Dowson and his team will want to get back to the excellent home form that served Dartford so well last term and make it consecutive victories to begin 2022/2023.

Last weekend, new Dartford signing Pierre Fonkeu had a debut to remember in Bath. Likewise, the Cheshunt made a statement in their first ever National South fixture helped by two former Darts.

Alan Dowson gave first league starts to Davide Rodari, Sam Odaudu, and Fonkeu and was rewarded with a 2-0 victory in the opener against Bath City. It took Fonkeu 65 minutes to open his account and he was involved again forcing an own goal five minutes later. Goalkeeper Dan Wilks provided the assist for the first goal when he played a long pass into plenty of space from a free kick on the edge of his box. Fonkeu used his pace and strength to get through on goal and side footed a confident first time shot into the roof of the net. The second goal came from the striker setting Carruthers on a charge through the centre and after the ball found its way out wide, the midfielder continued his run, received the ball and squared it across to Fonkeu who applied enough pressure on Bath City defender Zac Bell.

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Highlights – Bath City v Dartford (06/08/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Assistant manager, Christian Jolly was delighted with the way Dartford handled a tough Bath City side, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It was a professional performance, we were really pleased. We traveled overnight, we tried to do things as properly as possible, the boys were on board and they took on the information we gave them and they delivered”.

Jolly praised Fonkeu on his debut, commenting: “He had closest to the complete performance for ninety minutes. First half he did all of the dogged stuff and the ugly stuff. Second half, he then had the opportunity to show his quality and score some real individually quality goals”. The assistant boss also singled out the adaptability of Odaudu and Luke Allen in midfield. Allen had to replace Kristian Campbell at half-time who picked up a shoulder injury. Whilst Odaudu started out in midfield then filled in for Campbell at full back, whose injury will be assessed ahead of this weekend’s fixture. Striker, Alex Wall continued his return from injury with a substitute appearance, whilst Charlie Sheringham was not ready to make the squad.

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Interview – Christian Jolly after the Bath City victory – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Cheshunt arrive in the National South with momentum knowing they have already created history. The Ambers are guaranteed their highest ever league position and on the opening day were not deterred by the step up. Manager, Craig Edwards can be delighted with his team’s attitude last weekend after they went two down versus one of Dowson’s former clubs Hampton and Richmond Borough. It turned out to be one of the results of the day with Cheshunt staging a comeback in the final fifteen minutes.

Dajon Golding, once of Dartford’s academy set the Ambers on their way on his debut after signing from Worthing in the summer. The striker made two substitute appearances for the Darts and scored in the Kent Senior Cup almost seven years ago. The equaliser came from last season’s joint top scorer Rowan Liburd, another ex-Dart who made three appearances during a loan spell in 2019/2020. In the final minute, the other top scorer from last season, Reece Beckles-Richards netted a dramatic winner to get the Hertfordshire off the mark. There was one more Dartford connection in goal, Preston Edwards who was signed by the Darts as back up in July 2020.

Craig Edwards summed up the day when he spoke to www.cheshuntfc.com, he said he had: “Mixed emotions really. I was really disappointed with our first half performance. I thought we were timid, I thought we were off the pace. It looked like for the first time ever for this group, the occasion had got to us a little bit”. The Ambers boss was pleased with the change of attitude after the break, leaving him excited about the challenges ahead. Coming into this fixture on Saturday, Edwards said: “I expect 100% from the boys and 100% from me and the staff, giving it everything we’ve got. If we do that then we’ve got a chance with anyone”.

The Ambers came fifth in Isthmian Premier League South last term and won the Isthmian Promotion Final against Hornchurch to cap off a brilliant campaign. The Hertfordshire club won the county senior cup for the first time and reached the last sixteen of the F.A Trophy. It was only three years ago when they won the playoff final to get into the Isthmian Premier making it back to back promotions in their last two fully finished seasons.

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last seven home openers of the season winning their last two (W4, D3)
  • Charlie Sheringham could make his 100th start for the club if selected in the starting eleven

On This Day

Charlie Sheringham was on target twice in a convincing 4-0 opening day victory over Weston-super-Mare in 2011. Elliot Bradbrook scored the first of the afternoon and another current player, Tom Bonner also found the back of the net. That win made it four out of four on 13 August after a 2-1 win against Guildford City in 1969, a 3-1 triumph over Whitstable Town in 1994 and a 1-0 victory over Arlesey Town in 2005. The run came to an end in 2013 when the Darts lost 4-0 to Aldershot Town in the National League. Dartford drew their last game on this day six years ago against Chelmsford City. Luke Wanadio put the Darts ahead in Essex only for Shaun Jeffers to equalise.

Bath City v Dartford

Dartford kick start their National South campaign at Bath City this weekend with Alan Dowson taking charge of his first competitive game for the club.

The Darts will be hoping to recreate the last time they visited Twerton Park on the opening day when they came home with a 2-1 victory four years ago. Last season Dartford completed a league double over the Romans and knocked their opponents out of the F.A Trophy on penalties, meaning the Kent side have lost just one of their last 13 outings against Bath City.

Dowson is confident his players will be ready when it matters on Saturday after his side’s final pre-season fixture. The Darts lost to Canvey Island, but despite defeat the new boss believes the current squad is the strongest he has worked with for a while and is glad his players’ poor performance is out of their system. Midfielder, Luke Allen completed a full match and new signing, Alex Wall managed some game time to help the striker get fit after injury.

Wall will start his third spell at Dartford, in his first he scored six goals in 11 appearances, but his second failed to materialise after he was moved on before the season began. Charlie Sheringham, back for a fourth time missed the Canvey Island defeat after re-joining the Darts. Injured in the draw at Chatham Town, the striker has previously scored 54 goals in 119 appearances for Dartford.

Latest signing Pierre Fonkeu arrives from Hemel Hempstead Town, the forward scored in the pre-season draw against Boreham Wood whilst on trial with the Darts. The 25-year-old will be one of several players integrating into the squad, which includes Davide Rodari, Maxwell Statham and Luke Coulson. Fonkeu linked up with Samir Carruthers last term for a small period in February and March, the pair can form a partnership again now Carruthers has made a permanent switch to Princes Park.

Prior the final warm-up game, Dowson spoke to Dartford FC TV and is pleased with how the squad is shaping up, he said: “The lads have been brilliant in training, they have been excellent to work with, they’ve worked very hard. We’re trying to get the standards as high as we possibly can on the training ground which leads to on the pitch”. The 52-year-old is also highlighting the pathway for the academy by adding Cameron Brodie, Sam Odaudu and Marvin Herschel to the squad.

As the new era begins, Dowson is looking forward to the opener against Bath City, he commented: “It’ll be fantastic getting everybody ready for the first game of the season, everybody is excited, I’m excited as well and I’m looking forward to a good season hopefully”.

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Highlights – Bath City v Dartford (04/09/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A trio of now departed players found the back of the net the last time Dartford visited Twerton Park in the National South just under a year ago. Ade Azeez, now with local rivals Welling United opened the scoring and Jake Robinson, now at newly promoted Worthing doubled the lead. Bath City’s Alex Fletcher pulled a goal back, but George Porter, now at Dulwich Hamlet made it 3-1. The return fixture at Princes Park in February finished 2-0 to the Darts with goals coming from Kalvin Kalala, who joins Porter and Josh Hill at Hamlet and Marcus Dinanga, who is back with his parent club Altrincham. Other players moving on this summer include Jack Jeeb to promoted Dorking Wanderers, Danny Leonard returning to Sheppey United, Jernade Meade joining Hemel Hempstead Town and Olumide Durojaiye switching to Hereford, whilst Tyrique Hyde links back up with Azeez at Welling United.

Bath City manager, Jerry Gill is also pleased with how preparations have turned out for the new campaign, he spoke to Bath City Radio last weekend and said: “We look ready, the one thing I wanted was to have peace of mind that we’re fit. We’re strong, the shape looks good and we’re ready to go”. The Romans have had a good pre-season winning their last two warm-up games against Bristol City’s under 23 side then Yate Town, but Gill acknowledges that results only really matter when the league begins.

Summer signings provide extra depth to the squad that was perhaps missing last term, when the Romans recorded their lowest finish for seven years. Gill has delved into the Football League by bringing in seven players from higher divisions including Chris Lines from Stevenage and Scott Wilson from Dagenham and Redbridge. Both Zac Ball and Tommy Blackwell arrive from Bristol City, Joe Wright from Millwall, Luke Spokes from Grimsby Town and Jordan Dyer from Exeter City. Providing plenty of experience of National South football, Kieran Parselle made the switch from Chippenham Town and teams up again with Danny Greenslade, whilst Rex Mannings and Dan Hayfield join from lower league sides Frome Town and Tiverton Town respectively.

The Bath City boss is relishing the opportunity to take on the Darts on the opening day with a home crowd in support, he commented: “Dartford will be one of the favourites in the league. Dowse has built a strong squad down there, knows the National League South inside out, so he knows what players to bring in and his recruited well, so it’ll be a tough challenge. You have to play these teams at any point, we’re really excited we’re playing at home”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 26 / Bath City wins: 46 / Draws: 20

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Bath City (19/02/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 0 Dartford (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
Bath City 3 – 0 Dartford (30/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Bath City (09/02/2019 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just once in their last 13 games against Bath City (W10, D2)
  • In those 13 matches, the Darts have kept eight clean sheets and only once have the Romans scored more than one goal
  • At Twerton Park, Dartford have only been defeated once in their last eight visits (W4, D3)

Season Preview 2022/2023

Worthing

Champions of the Isthmian Premier League means Worthing will be playing at their highest ever level and they were worthy winners. The Sussex club won the title by ten points, scored a century of goals, and almost reached the 100-point mark. After two defeats in their opening four matches the tone was set in September through to the end of November when the Reds collected 31 points from 33 available. A similar run saw them drop just four points over the same number of fixtures from mid-January to mid-March. Worthing were comfortable winners, sealing the title with three games remaining.

2021/2022 Season
Isthmian Premier: 1st
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: Runner-Up
Top League Scorer: Ollie Pearce (35 goals)

Manager – Adam Hinshelwood

In his second spell as manager, Hinshelwood claimed the Isthmian Premier League title and reached the Sussex Senior Cup final. He is son of former Dartford defender Paul Hinshelwood and racked up 100 appearances for Brighton and Hove Albion, where he also had a spell as assistant manager after his first spell at Worthing. He took the step into management with Selsey before joining the Rebels the first time, but was enticed by the Seagulls as a number two. Hinshelwood returned to Woodside Road five years ago and in that time, he has improved results on the pitch eventually leading to their highest ever finish.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
Kane Wills (Dorking Wanderers) Dajon Golding (Cheshunt)
Callum Kealy (Dorking Wanderers) Will Seager (Cheshunt)
Lewis White (Carshalton Athletic) Jasper Pattenden (Wycombe Wanderers)
Adam El-Abd (Whitehawk) David Ajiboye (Peterborough United)
Jake Robinson (Dartford) Dean Cox
Nodirbek Bobomurodov (Hungerford Town)  
Charlie Towning (Eastbourne Borough)  

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Worthing wins: 1 / Draws: 1

Previous Matches

Worthing 1 – 2 Dartford (26/09/2009 – F.A Cup)
Worthing 2 – 1 Dartford (20/11/1982 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 3 – 0 Worthing (12/11/1927 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 1 – 0 Worthing (12/10/1921 – F.A Cup)
Worthing 0 – 0 Dartford (08/10/1921 – F.A Cup)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Worthing – 27/08/2022
Worthing v Dartford – 28/01/2023

Statistics

  • Dartford have won both games played at home against Worthing
  • The Darts have not played the Rebels for 12 years and have never met in a league fixture
  • Dartford have only ever played Worthing in F.A Cup matches. The pair have been drawn out together four times, the Darts progressed in the competition on three occasions to Worthing’s one.

Season Preview 2022/2023

Weymouth

After beating Dartford in the National South playoff final in 2020, Weymouth beat the drop in their first campaign in the National League finishing eighteenth. Then that dreaded second season syndrome hit the Terras as they never got to grips with the top-flight of non-league last term. After a run of seven straight losses Brian Stock was replaced in the New Year, but even that failed to revive hopes of survival. In 2022, the Dorset club won just twice which included a final day victory sign off against fellow relegated side Dover Athletic, the only team to have finished below them.

2021/2022 Season
National League: 22nd
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Josh McQuoid (6 goals)

Manager – David Oldfield

Returning to the National South with a different club, Oldfield was previously at Oxford City. The 54-year-old helped the Hoops take the step from mid-table to promotion contenders. He was only in charge for two games before the 2019/2020 campaign was halted and after 17 matches in the following season, Oxford City were third on points per game. Leaving his former club when they were fourth in the table, Oldfield moved up a division joining Weymouth in January 2022 with the aim to keep the Terras in the National League. The former Manchester City and Leicester City midfielder has also managed Brackley Town.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
Nathan Carlyle (Queens Park Rangers) Taofiq Olomowewe (Welling United)
Jack Seddon (AFC  Bournemouth) Josh McQuoid (Aldershot Town)
Luke Nippard (AFC Bournemouth) Tyler Cordner (Aldershot Town)
Keelan O’Connell (Torquay United) Ollie Harfield (Aldershot Town)
Claudio Ofosu (Spennymoor Town) Andreas Robinson (Gosport Borough)
Bradley Ash (Chippenham Town) Ben Thomson (Salisbury)
Dan Matsuzaka (Oxford City) Brandon Goodship (Salisbury)
Harry Kyprianou (Oxford City) Gerard Benfield (Salisbury)
  Jordan Greenidge (Hemel Hempstead Town)
  Omar Mussa (Dagenham and Redbridge)
  Sean Shields (Barnet)
  Martell Taylor-Crossdale
  Josh Leslie-Smith
  Ross Fitzsimons
  Ben Morgan

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 18 / Weymouth wins: 35 / Draws: 16

Previous Matches (last six)

Dartford 1 – 0 Weymouth (15/01/2022 – F.A Trophy)
Weymouth 0 – 0 Dartford (01/08/2020 – National South Playoff Final)*
Weymouth 3 – 1 Dartford (17/08/2019 – National South)
Weymouth 2 – 0 Dartford (27/12/1997 – Southern League South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Weymouth (23/08/1997 – Southern League South)
Weymouth 2 – 1 Dartford (15/02/1997 – National South)
*Weymouth won 3-0 on penalties

Next Meetings

Dartford v Weymouth – 29/10/2022
Weymouth v Dartford – 04/03/2023

Statistics

  • Dartford have not beaten Weymouth in the league for 32 years (D1, L5)
  • The Darts ended a 32 year run without beating the Terras in all competitions last season (D2*, L6) *lost one on penalties
  • Dartford’s clean sheet last season was the first time they have kept consecutive clean sheets against Weymouth

Match Highlights – 2021/2022

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Season Preview 2022/2023

Welling United

Maybe the relegation battle served as a warning sign for Welling United in a season where only one club went down. The Wings need stability and with that a new era will begin this season as Mark Goldberg stepped down as chairman and now it is down to Paul Whitehead to restructure the club. Last term the Wings went through three managers starting with Steve Lovell before moving on to former Dartford player manager, Peter Taylor. The new boss picked up the reigns and victory on the penultimate game of the season at champions Maidstone secured Welling United’s National South status.

2021/2022 Season
National South: 20th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: Semi-Final
Top League Scorer: Dipo Akinyemi (18 goals)

Manager – Warren Feeney

A day after former Dartford player manager, Peter Taylor left Warren Feeney was appointed boss at Welling United. The former Northern Ireland international took charge of the final ten league games and kept the Wings up. His last role in club management was out in Bulgaria where he won the Second Division with Pirin Blagoevgrad. Feeney has picked up experience in the dugout by managing Northern Ireland side’s Ards and Linfield as well as a spell at Newport County in League Two. In his playing days, the forward won 46 caps for his country and spent nearly his whole career in the Football League.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
Ade Azeez (Dartford) Mason Saunders-Henry (Tonbridge Angels)
Tyrique Hyde (Dartford) Ben Allen (Hungerford Town)
Taofiq Olomowewe (Weymouth) Tom Derry (Cray Wanderers)
Manny Parry (Maidenhead United) Dipo Akinyemi (Ayr United)
Rob Strachan (Aveley) Ade Shokunbi (Hampton and Richmond Borough)
Rob Howard (Southend United) Bradley Stevenson (Billericay Town)
Taylor Maloney (Lewes) Maxwell Statham (Dartford)
Ashley Nzala (Brentwood Town) Alfie Matthews (Braintree Town)
Stefan Payne (Chesterfield) Bradley Pearce (Carshalton Athletic)
Prince Adegoke (Chelsea) Harvey Bradbury (Gosport Borough)
Sam Cox (Braintree Town) Zeki Fryers (Macclesfield)
Antony Papadopoulos (Leyton Orient) Jamie Sendles-White
Palace Francis (Bromley)  

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 24 / Welling United wins: 10 / Draws: 11

Previous Matches (last six)

Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (26/04/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 2 Welling United (05/02/2022 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 6 Dartford (25/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Welling United (06/02/2021 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 0 Welling United (01/01/2020 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2019 – National South)
* Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Next Meetings

Dartford v Welling United – 10/09/2022
Welling United v Dartford – 04/02/2023

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of the last 17 against Welling United (W10, D6)
  • The Darts are unbeaten in the last eight games at home against the Wings (W7, D1)
  • Dartford have won their last two league games at Park View Road with an aggregate score of 9-0

Match Highlights – 2021/2022

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Season Preview 2022/2023

Tonbridge Angels

It was a surprise that manager Steve McKimm was relieved of his managerial duties with a game to go, after securing another season in the National South. The Angels suffered a heavy defeat in their season’s Kent derby opener against Ebbsfleet United and recovered well, they were the first team to take points off Dartford. During the last two months of 2021 results were difficult to find failing to pick up a victory. In the New Year, the Kent club’s form improved and with that they managed to move away from the relegation battle, finally staying up with a nine-point cushion.

2021/2022 Season
National South: 16th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 5th Round
County Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Scorer: Tommy Wood (12 goals)

Manager – Jay Saunders

The first full time manager to be appointed by the Angels in modern times, Saunders left Margate where he was popular as a player and most recently boss. In management he made his name at Maidstone United taking the Stones from the Isthmian Division One South to the National League within four years. Saunders won the Isthmian Premier League title between two playoff triumphs to get the Stones to the top flight of non-league. His shock departure from the Gallagher Stadium benefited Margate, who he led to eighth in the Isthmian Premier last term and reached the League Cup Final.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
Tommie Fagg (Ashford United) Tommy Wood (Hampton and Richmond Borough)
Louis Collins (Margate) Aaron Smith-Joseph (Carshalton Athletic)
Ben Swift (Margate) Tom Beere (Carshalton Athletic)
Fyn Rutherford (Margate) Jake Embery (Carshalton Athletic)
Mason Saunders-Henry (Welling United) Ibrahim Olutade (Folkestone Invicta)
Femi Akinwande (Billericay Town) Teddy Perkins (Concord Rangers)
Emmanuel Maja (Enfield Town) Ricky Modeste (Concord Rangers)
Lewis Gard (Southend United) Jerry O’Sullivan
Tettah-Quaye Addy (Crystal Palace) Adam Coombes
James Taylor (Crystal Palace)  

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 70 / Tonbridge Angels wins: 38 / Draws: 25

Previous Matches (last six)

Tonbridge Angels 2 – 3 Dartford (29/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Tonbridge Angels (11/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (05/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (28/12/2019 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 3 – 2 Dartford (03/09/2019 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 0 – 3 Dartford (15/10/2016 – F.A Cup)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels – 15/10/2022
Tonbridge Angels v Dartford – 15/04/2023

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of the last 14 games against Tonbridge Angels (W11, D2)
  • The Darts have won six of the last eight at home against the Angels (D2, L0)
  • Dartford have won five of the last six at Longmead (D0, L1)

Match Highlights – 2021/2022

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