Dartford FC Previews

Month: September 2022

Dartford v Hungerford Town

September 30, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford’s early F.A Cup exit means they are in league action this weekend against Hungerford Town at Princes Park.

The Darts moved into the playoff places after yet another 2-1 win against Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday night. After the three consecutive losses in August, Dowson’s men have rallied to win four of their last five National South fixtures. Hungerford Town head into this game having lost five of their last six, sitting third from bottom in the standings.

Dartford have often found games against the Crusaders close and at times frustrating. In the last nine meetings there has been no more than a goal separating the two sides with three of those fixtures ending in a draw. The last to be played at Princes Park was settled by Ade Azeez just past the hour mark. The Darts were made to work hard even though they created plenty of opportunities before going ahead. In this fixture the home side tends to fare better, only once as the away side won in the previous eleven meetings.

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Highlights – Dartford v Hungerford Town (09/10/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In February it was Hungerford Town who claimed victory on their own patch after a goalless first half. Former Dartford boss Steve King expressed his frustrations resulting in his dismissal before the break and things got worse after the interval. Danny Robinson’s side went two goals up through Sol Wanjau-Smith and Max Ram. Then the Darts were reduced to ten men on the field when Junior Tiensia was red carded. Jake Robinson pulled a goal back in the last minute, but Dartford were unable to complete the comeback. 

The Darts were in action on Tuesday night looking to make it three league wins on the spin and they succeeded against Eastbourne Borough. After victories over Dover Athletic as well as Hampton and Richmond Borough, Alan Dowson made one change to the side that beat the Beavers. Having scored in his last two appearances, Charlie Sheringham started in place of Davide Rodari up front. Rewarded for his goal on his league debut, Marvin Herschel retained his place. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers featured in his last game before his one game ban this weekend, the midfielder picked up his fifth caution against Hampton and Richmond Borough. Dan Wilks, Sam Odaudu and Luke Coulson were still recovering from injury.

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Highlights – Dartford v Eastbourne Borough (27/09/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

It was Dartford who came from behind to win under the Princes Park floodlights, the first time they have overturned a goal deficit to take all three points this season. Eastbourne Borough took the lead through Leone Gravata, but the Darts were soon level when Sheringham linked up with Carruthers, who netted his fourth of the campaign. Carruthers was involved again in Dartford’s winner by providing the ball to Kristian Campbell who set up Luke Allen to make it 2-1.

Alex Wall was an unused substitute and so far he has had limited time on the field for the Darts this term with just one start, the striker could go up against one of his former teams. Wall spent the 2017/2018 campaign with Hungerford Town scoring one goal in 14 appearances before joining Dartford for his second spell, which was cut short before the season began under Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle.

Since promotion to the National South six years ago, Hungerford Town have seen most of their seasons go right down to the wire. In their first campaign they were the surprise package making the playoffs, then followed that up with two last day survivals at the other end of the table. The Crusaders were bottom of the division in the Covid hit campaign, so last term the Berkshire club’s twelfth place finish provided some respite from the drama. Based on results so far this season, Hungerford Town are back on course for a tense campaign, but at least there is plenty of time to turn their current form around.

Although the Crusaders started steady, despite a single goal opening day defeat to relegated Dover Athletic, they went on to draw with St Albans City before beating Eastbourne Borough, their only win this season. A draw versus bottom of the table Weymouth is all they managed to muster from the five matches leading up to their latest mid-week game as they suffered defeats to Chippenham Town, Taunton Town and front runners Havant and Waterlooville and Ebbsfleet United. During that spell they also exited the F.A Cup with a loss at home to National North side Gloucester City.

Robinson was satisfied with the performance of his team against league leaders Ebbsfleet United and so he named an unchanged side for the visit of Hampton and Richmond Borough on Tuesday night. Robinson will be forced to make a change this weekend though as Callum Willmoth starts his three match ban for the red card he received against the Fleet. After just ten minutes Hungerford Town conceded a penalty, which was converted by Tommy Block to put the Beavers in front. The Crusaders couldn’t find an equaliser falling to their fifth 1-0 defeat of the campaign.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Hungerford Town wins: 4 / Draws: 3

Current League Form

Dartford
(LWLWWW) 		    Hungerford Town
(LDLLLL)		    
Eastbourne Borough H 2-1 Hampton & Richmond H 0-1
Hampton & Richmond H 2-1 Ebbsfleet United H 0-1
Dover Athletic A 3-1 Havant & Waterlooville A 1-4
Chippenham Town A 1-2 Taunton Town H 0-1
Hemel Hempstead Town A 2-0 Weymouth H 1-1
Worthing H 1-2 Chippenham Town A 0-1

Last Six Meetings

Hungerford Town 2 – 1 Dartford (22/02/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Hungerford Town (09/10/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Hungerford Town (16/01/2021 – National South)
Hungerford Town 1 – 2 Dartford (28/11/2020 – National South)
Hungerford Town 2 – 2 Dartford (26/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Hungerford Town (22/12/2018 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in all five home games against Hungerford Town (W3, D2)
  • The Darts have scored in each of their last six games against the Crusaders having not scored in the previous four
  • Dartford have kept three clean sheets in the five home games against Hungerford Town
  • All six of Dartford’s home games this season have ended 2-1 with three wins and three defeats

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook’s his 100th goal for the Darts and Andy Pugh’s late strike put Dartford into the fourth qualifying round of the F.A Cup on this day in 2016. Drawn against Southern Premier League leaders, Slough Town, the Darts came from behind twice at Arbour Park to win 3-2. Dartford are currently unbeaten in seven (W5, D2) on this day stretching back to 1985 and four of those victories have been in the F.A Cup. In 2011, the Darts romped to a 5-0 cup win over Harrow Borough with goals from James Rogers, Bradbrook, Charlie Sheringham, Tom Bonner and Lee Burns. At home Dartford have lost just once in in their last eleven (W8, D2) on 1 October and that was back in 1974. Whilst 28 years ago, the Darts played their first ever match in the F.A Vase against Steyning Town and won 3-1.

Dartford v Eastbourne Borough

September 27, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford can make it three league wins in a row when they host Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday night.

The Darts have made an inconsistent start, but after a consecutive league victory on the weekend they are in eighth place, just a point outside the playoffs. Their opponents on Tuesday night have started to climb the table and are just two points behind Dowson’s men.

Dartford racked up ten goals against Eastbourne Borough last term winning the corresponding fixture last season 3-1 with Jake Robinson opening his account with a brace. The striker’s first after seven minutes was a predatory finish and after excellent build up play leading to a penalty, Robinson netted another. The Sports hit back immediately after the break when Greg Luer scored, but Ade Azeez was brought on as a substitute and his well-placed header secured victory.

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Highlights – Dartford v Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford emphatically completed a double over the Sussex club when they last played in May. With both sides already booking playoff places, the Darts strolled to a 7-2 away win. Dan Roberts opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute, whilst Marcus Dinanga and Kalvin Kalala both netted a brace. Kory Roberts and Jordan Greenidge also found the back of the net.

Over the last four years the honours have been even between these two sides with four wins apiece and two draws. Previously Dartford had dominated this fixture racking up an unbeaten run of 12, which included eight victories.

Last week, Dowson had a busy time in the loan market ahead of the Hampton and Richmond Borough game. The Dartford boss brought in Jack Smith from Stevenage for a month, who made his debut on the weekend. Smith has played 29 times for Stevenage’s first team having come through the youth system, he has also had time on loan at Braintree Town and Kettering Town. Going the other way, after signing from Slough Town in the summer of 2020, Dan Roberts has gone back to his previous club on a month loan. The forward has made 37 appearances since joining Dartford, 26 of them have been as a substitute. Meanwhile, Kwaku Frimpong has returned to AFC Wimbledon after just two substitute appearances, the midfielder’s red card in the F.A Cup exit would have seen him suspended until the end of his loan spell. Likewise, Adam Lovatt was recalled by his parent club Sutton United, the midfielder played five times during his short stay. 

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Interview – Martin Tyler speaks to Dartford FC TV after a win against his former club

Dartford were forced to make a few changes to the side that beat Hampton and Richmond Borough on Saturday. Luke Coulson, Dan Wilks and Sam Odaudu were all out injured, however Luke Allen returned to the starting eleven after missing the win at Dover Athletic and defeat against Beckenham Town. Marvin Herschel was given his first ever league start and made it one to remember, whilst loan signing Smith made his first appearance too. Davide Rodari and Kristian Campbell were also back in the side.

Once again, Charlie Sheringham made an impact scoring within a matter of minutes of coming on as a substitute, his second in as many games to continue Dartford’s run of scoring in every game this season. The striker’s opening goal was much needed for a Dartford side who suffered a shock F.A Cup exit and were desperate to avoid their fourth straight home defeat, for the first time in six and half years. Sheringham was involved again setting up Herschel for his first goal for the club on his league debut. With three minutes remaining Dartford’s hopes of keeping a first clean sheet at home this term were dashed when Jake Gray’s deflected effort set up a nervy finish. Samir Carruthers picked up a fifth caution of the season, the midfielder will serve a match suspension in Dartford’s next game.

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Highlights – Dartford v Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Eastbourne Borough are showing signs of recovery after a poor start to the campaign, perhaps a hangover from last season. The Sports lost their last four league fixtures last term and were defeated in the playoff eliminator. The Sussex club tasted three consecutive losses at the start of this campaign conceding nine in those games. Since then Danny Bloor’s team have lost just one of their last six competitive matches to climb up to twelfth place in the National South standings.

On the weekend, Eastbourne Borough recorded their first away win of the season in a 4-2 victory at Concord Rangers. The Sports were two up by the interval with goals from Jacob Hutchinson and Shiloh Remy. Concord Rangers got their first of the afternoon through Danny Green, but the two goal lead was restored by Jayden Perez. With eight minutes to go Green gave the Beachboys some hope, however Greg Luer scored a fourth for the visitors to seal the three points. Featuring in Eastbourne Borough’s side was Kai Innocent, who made eight appearances with the Darts last season.

The win over Concord Rangers followed a F.A Cup victory over Uxbridge which set up a Sussex derby with Worthing in the next round. Consecutive triumphs is a good response to a side that were beaten 1-0 by Welling United a fortnight ago. Prior that loss, the Sports picked up maximums at home to Dulwich Hamlet and Dover Athletic and sandwiched between a draw against unbeaten Worthing.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 14 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 8 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford
(LLWLWW) 		    Eastbourne Borough
(LWDWLW)		    
Hampton & Richmond H 2-1 Concord Rangers A 4-2
Dover Athletic A 3-1 Welling United H 0-1
Chippenham Town A 1-2 Dover Athletic H 3-1
Hemel Hempstead Town A 2-0 Worthing A 1-1
Worthing H 1-2 Dulwich Hamlet H 2-1
Taunton Town A 1-2 Hungerford Town A 0-2

Last Six Meetings

Eastbourne Borough 2 – 7 Dartford (07/05/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 –1 Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (09/02/2021 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 3 – 1 Dartford (05/12/2020 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (22/02/2020 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 0 – 2 Dartford (02/11/2019 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford completed a league double over Eastbourne Borough last season. Out of eleven seasons in which the two sides have been in the same division there has been nine doubles (Dartford 6 v Eastbourne Borough 3).
  • Dartford have won seven of the last ten at home against Eastbourne Borough (D1, L2), but have also lost two of the last four (W2) at Princes Park against the Sports.
  • The Darts have conceded in each of their last seven home games against Eastbourne Borough.
  • Seven of Dartford’s nine league games have ended 2-1 (W2, L5)

On This Day

Dartford came from behind to claim a National League victory away at Nuneaton Borough on this day in 2014. Two goals in the final 12 minutes earned the win after Borough took the lead through Craig Curran. A penalty dispatched by Elliot Bradbrook levelled the match and Danny Harris headed home the winner two minutes later. The last home game on 27 September saw the Darts knocked out of the F.A Cup at the second qualifying round stage. Dartford, then of the Isthmian Premier League were drawn against Hampton and Richmond Borough, a division above. The Beavers had Dean Wells sent off in the first half but managed to win after Barrie Matthews nodded the only goal of the game. That defeat is just one of three at home on 27 September, Dartford have won eight and drawn two on their own patch on this day.

Dartford v Hampton and Richmond Borough

September 23, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford welcome one of Alan Dowson’s former clubs this weekend when they host Hampton and Richmond Borough in the National South.

The Darts boss oversaw the Beavers for four years and won the Isthmian Premier League title with the Middlesex club. Now Dowson is hoping to keep up his record of winning promotion with every club he has managed, this time with Dartford. The 52-year-old faced Dartford four times in his spell with Hampton and Richmond Borough winning one, drawing one and losing two. The last time he was up against the Darts as the Beavers manager was the Good Friday mud bath game in 2018, which saw Alfie Pavey score a last-minute winner.

After a middle of the road start with four wins and four defeats in the National South, the Darts will be determined to pick up the pace especially after their shock F.A Cup exit to Beckenham Town on the weekend. Only one change was made to the side that beat Dover Athletic on Tuesday with Charlie Sheringham making his 100th start for the club meaning Davide Rodari took his place on the bench. Alongside the rest of the substitutes, new signing Daniel Jinadu provided back up for goalkeeper Joe Young. At the start of the season Daniel Wilks was the first choice goalkeeper, but he is recovering from an ankle injury. Whilst Sam Odaudu has been out after having surgery on his mouth.

Beckenham Town led twice with Harvey Brand finishing after taking advantage of a corner conceded by the Darts. Then after Charlie Sheringham scored his first goal since returning to Dartford, Rob Carter won it late on for the visitors. Dowson’s tactical changes proved costly in unlucky circumstances, the Darts boss introduced Kristian Campbell at half time for Jordan Wynter and ten minutes into the second-half Rodari replaced Adam Lovatt to provide a greater attacking threat. Once Sheringham equalised, Dowson withdrew striker Pierre Fonkeu and gave midfielder Kwaku Frimpong his home debut. By the end of the tie Dartford were forced to take off the injured Luke Coulson with no substitutes left to use, conceded a goal and had Frimpong harshly sent off.

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Interview – Alan Dowson speaks to Dartford FC TV after the Darts exited the F.A Cup

Despite the F.A Cup loss the Darts did manage a win in their last league outing. A fine first-half display in the Kent derby a fortnight ago had Dartford 3-1 up before the interval at rivals Dover Athletic. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers scored the first of three goals in an 18-minute spell to put the Darts in command. Coulson assisted Carruthers for the first goal and found the back of the net to double Dartford’s lead and to add further misery to the hosts Maxwell Statham made it three. A lapse of concentration just before half-time let Dover Athletic back in the game, but a controlled second half saw the score unchanged.

Dartford are four points ahead of Hampton and Richmond Borough and last hosted the Middlesex club in January when Connor Essam and Jake Robinson combined for both goals. Essam set up Robinson twice and, on each occasion, put the Darts ahead. However, the Beavers hit back firstly through Sam Deadfield then Jack McKnight’s penalty. The reverse meeting six months ago featured a debut for Carruthers, the 29-year-old has scored three in his last two league appearances. Campbell also made his first start in a Dartford shirt that day, but it was Marcus Dinanga who settled the match with the only goal of the game.

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Highlights – Dartford v Hampton and Richmond Borough (22/01/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On the weekend, Hampton and Richmond Borough negotiated their way into the F.A Cup third qualifying round after beating Bognor Regis Town 2-0. An early strike from Ade Shokunbi settled any nerves of a cup upset and with four minutes remaining an own goal made sure the Beavers went through to the next round. Gary McCann’s side have now recorded consecutive victories after they won in their last league match at home to Chippenham Town, Tommy Block’s spot kick enough to end a run of three straight losses. Former Dartford goalkeeper, Mark Smith has now kept two clean sheets in a row last conceding in the 2-1 reverse at Slough Town, a game which saw the Beavers let a one goal lead slip in the final ten minutes.

Smith is one of two former Darts competing for the number one jersey. Signed by Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle for the 2019/2020 campaign, the 26-year-old made 29 appearances for Dartford after signing from Eastbourne Borough. Whilst Alan Julian won Dartford’s 2013/2014 Supporters Player of the Year making 45 appearances in that season. Since his spell at Princes Park, Julian has played for Sutton United, Bromley, Billericay Town and is now with Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford
(LLLWLW) 		    Hampton & Richmond Borough
(DWLLLW)		    
Dover Athletic A 3-1 Chippenham Town H 1-0
Chippenham Town A 1-2 Slough Town A 1-2
Hemel Hempstead Town A 2-0 Oxford City A 0-2
Worthing H 1-2 Havant and Waterlooville H 2-3
Taunton Town A 1-2 Tonbridge Angels A 4-1
Havant and Waterlooville H 1-2 Bath City H 1-1

Last Six Meetings

Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (26/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (22/01/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (08/02/2020 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 – 2 Dartford (05/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (23/03/2019 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of the last ten against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W5, D4)
  • The Darts have failed to win their last three home games against the Beavers (D2, L1)
  • Dartford have lost their last three home games for the first time since September/October 2019. The Darts have not lost four in a row at home since February/March 2006 in the Southern League Division One East.

On This Day

Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Danny Harris scored on this day in 2016 to help the Darts beat Concord Rangers 2-1 at Princes Park. Victory sealed a third consecutive home triumph on 24 September after a 3-1 win over Tonbridge Angels in 2011 in which Harris scored again, Elliot Bradbrook and Charlie Sheringham netted either side of the winger’s strike. In 1983, the Darts beat Witney Town 4-1 in the Southern Premier League. Between 1983 and 2011, Dartford played six times on this day on the road including the 5-1 hammering of Darenth Heathside in 1994.

Dartford v Beckenham Town

September 16, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Alan Dowson takes charge of his first F.A Cup game as Dartford manager this weekend against in form Isthmian Division One South East side Beckenham Town.

The Darts reached the final qualifying round last season losing to lower league opposition for a second time in three years. Dowson will want to avoid a cup upset and recreate the run he had in the competition whilst at Woking when they reached the third round, finally losing to Watford. Beckenham Town have a perfect record in their division winning their opening four fixtures to top the table. The Reds have already made it through three ties starting in the extra preliminary round and a win on the weekend will see them achieve their best ever run in the competition.

Dartford have faced Beckenham Town once before at this stage in the F.A Cup way back in 1926 and won 3-1. The two sides also met over the three seasons Dartford spent in the Kent League First Division during the nineties, the last meeting almost 27 years ago ended 0-0. In that 1995/1996 campaign the Darts finished runners up on goal difference losing one league match all season, the Reds managed two draws against Dartford with the reverse fixture finishing 1-1. During the Kent League days the Darts won three times with Beckenham Town’s only ever victory over Dartford coming in September 1994.

Leading up to Tuesday night’s 3-1 victory at Dover Athletic, the Darts had lost four of their last five 2-1 with late goals proving a thorn in their side. Dowson’s team did manage a win though when they beat Hemel Hempstead Town 2-0 on Bank Holiday Monday. Prior the Kent derby, the Dartford boss strengthened the midfield with the loan signing of Kwaku Frimpong from AFC Wimbledon, the 19-year-old was named as a substitute. Three changes were made from the defeat at Chippenham Town with Samir Carruthers and Davide Rodari now fully fit and Luke Coulson returning to the starting line up.

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Highlights – Dover Athletic v Dartford (13/09/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts may have missed Carruthers in their last outing, but the midfielder made his mark with a brilliantly crafted opener. The selection of Coulson also proved crucial, not only did he set up the first goal he chipped in the second. Within a 18 minute spell, the Darts grabbed a third, Maxwell Statham scoring for a second game in a row. Dover Athletic pulled a goal back before half-time when Luke Baptiste gave the hosts a lifeline. There were no goals in the second-half, but Frimpong did come on for his debut replacing Carruthers.

Louie Theophanous has been the star of Beckenham Town’s cup run this season scoring in every game. The forward also helped Kingstonian knock out the Darts three years ago scoring the second goal in a 3-2 win for the K’s. In the extra preliminary round Beckenham Town took on Dartford’s first ever opponents at Princes Park, Horsham YMCA. Within three minutes the Reds gave away a penalty, but he hosts missed their opportunity and Beckenham Town never looked back. Mudiaga Wonugho headed home the opener, Theophanous won and scored a penalty and George Goodwin nodded in the third. In the preliminary qualifier the Reds faced K Sports, another side a division below them and raced into a three-goal lead through Luke Hedges, Theophanous and Harvey Brand. Perhaps taking their foot off the pedal, Beckenham Town conceded twice in the final two minutes but won 3-2.

Theophanous continued his record of scoring in every round by recording a brace against East Grinstead Town in the first qualifying round. Both goals were cancelled out when Matthew Daniel then Tahjae Anderson equalised. The replay ended 3-1 to Beckenham Town with Theophanous opening the scoring and Tyler Anderson doubling the lead. Daniel halved the deficit for the Wasps, but Theophanous secured victory with his sixth F.A Cup goal in four games. 

On Tuesday night, Beckenham Town were in F.A Trophy action going out on penalties. After an even opening half hour, the Reds found themselves a goal down at the break against a Heybridge Swifts side that included former Dartford favourite Lee Noble. However, once again Theophanous’ coolness in front of goal put the Reds level for his ninth goal in as many games and the tie went to penalties. Callum Chafer saved twice to deny Beckenham Town as the Swifts went through 4-1 on spot kicks. Saturday’s match will be the Reds fourth cup tie in a row.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Beckenham Town wins: 1 / Draws: 1

Current Form (FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy)

Dartford
(LLLWLW) 		    Beckenham Town
(WWWDWD)		    
Dover Athletic A 3-1 Heybridge Swifts (FAT)* H 1-1
Chippenham Town A 1-2 East Grinstead Town (FAC) H 3-1
Hemel Hempstead Town A 2-0 East Grinstead Town (FAC) A 2-2
Worthing H 1-2 VCD Athletic A 1-0
Taunton Town A 1-2 Sheppey United H 2-1
Havant and Waterlooville H 1-2 K Sports (FAC) H 3-2

* Lost 4-1 on penalties

Last Six Meetings

Beckenham Town 0 – 0 Dartford (20/01/1996 – Kent League First Division)
Dartford 1 – 1 Beckenham Town (16/08/1995 – Kent League First Division)
Beckenham Town 1 – 2 Dartford (15/10/1994 – Kent League First Division)
Dartford 1 – 2 Beckenham Town (06/09/1994 – Kent League First Division)
Dartford 2 – 0 Beckenham Town (23/04/1994 – Kent League First Division)
Beckenham Town 0 – 4 Dartford (07/09/1993 – Kent League First Division)

Statistics

  • Dartford last failed to feature in at least the second qualifying round back in 2006/2007
  • The Darts have won all five F.A Cup ties when they have played on 17 September

On This Day

John Bartley scored four in a 7-1 F.A Cup win against Flackwell Heath in 1988 at Watling Street, his hat-trick was completed within the opening 20 minutes. A strong wind and ‘a game of two halves’ affected Dartford’s last F.A Cup tie on this day in 2016. The Darts raced into a three goal lead before half-time at Chelmsford City. Danny Harris headed on to the post with the rebound coming off Ross Fitzsimons in the Clarets goal. Elliot Bradbrook scored twice to put Dartford in command. In the second half Shamir Mullings netted twice, but the Darts held on for the final twenty minutes. Other F.A Cup ties on this day featured Dartford beating Hoddesdon Town 4-0 in 1983, Northfleet United 1-0 in 1910 and Folkestone 5-1 in 1904.

Dover Athletic v Dartford

September 13, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford’s first Kent derby takes place on Tuesday night when they travel to the Crabble and take on Dover Athletic.

After a weekend of national mourning the National South restarts with Dartford hoping to get back to winning ways. Avoiding defeat will keep the Darts ahead of their Kent rivals in the league as just a couple of points and two places separate the pair.

In their last outing over a week ago against Chippenham Town, Alan Dowson made two changes to the side that won 2-0 at Hemel Hempstead Town on Bank Holiday Monday bringing in Luke Allen and Dan Roberts to replace Luke Coulson and Samir Carruthers. It was Carruthers who scored a brace at Hemel Hempstead Town, but the midfielder picked up a knock and wasn’t named in the starting line-up. However, the midfielder should be back available and with goalkeeper Dan Wilks returning to training and Davide Rodari fit again, the Darts are almost back to full strength. Sam Odaudu is recovering from surgery on his mouth, but Dowson has brought in AFC Wimbledon youngster Kwaku Frimpong on loan.

Three defenders combined for the opening goal against the Bluebirds with Connor Essam sending in a cross to Tom Bonner who headed across goal for Maxwell Statham to nod in his first for the club. All was going well heading for the interval until Alefe Santos won a dubious penalty, then just about scored it. Goalkeeper, Joe Young spilt the ball before scrambling back to make a save, the match official decided the ball had crossed the line despite Dartford’s protests. With the points looking like they will be shared the hosts won a free-kick in the final minute, Jordan Young scored to win the match for Chippenham Town.

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Highlights – Chippenham Town v Dartford (03/09/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Tom Bonner, Conor Essam and Dover Athletic’s Luke Wanadio and Tyrone Sterling will know all about this rivalry having played in this fixture previously for both teams. The Darts travel down to the coast for a first league meeting at the Crabble in almost eight years and last time it was a day to forget, Dartford were heavily beaten 6-1 in the National League. Nicky Deverdics’ early header put Dover Athletic ahead, but Harry Crawford poked home to level. Richard Orlu restored the lead and Tom Murphy netted his first of the afternoon. Liam Bellamy netted a fourth, Barry Cogan from a penalty made it five and Murphy completed his brace in a convincing home win.

However, since then the Darts are unbeaten against the Whites and in that same season, they did win the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign at Princes Park. Bonner, Essam and Sterling were all lining up against the Darts, whilst Luke Wanadio scored the winner against his future employers. Yet it was Dartford goalkeeper, Jason Brown who turned out to be the real match winner. His penalty save in second-half injury time preserved Dartford’s lead in a 2-1 victory. Earlier, Tom Bradbrook put the hosts in front before Ricky Miller equalised for Dover Athletic from the spot. Wanadio put Dartford back in front, then Brown’s heroics kept the score at 2-1.

Since those league meetings the two sides have met three times in cup competitions with Dartford coming out on top. The 2016 F.A Trophy tie needed a replay after Ronnie Vint levelled for the Darts in the first match. The defender equalised again in the rematch at the Crabble and once again Wanadio found a winner. Another 2-1 win came Dartford’s way last season in the Kent Senior Cup setting them on their journey to the final, which they won. Jordan Greenidge scored a double on debut with Luke Baptiste grabbing a consolation for the Whites.

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Highlights – Dartford v Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Wanadio is now playing alongside Alfie Pavey and Tyrone Sterling in the Dover Athletic team. The tricky winger had three spells with the Darts turning out 99 times and scoring 18 goals. Pavey also had a number of stints at Dartford, his most successful being the 2017/2018 campaign when he claimed 27 goals. In defence, Sterling was part of the 2013/2014 squad and he represented Dartford 36 times registering one goal.

Dover Athletic have lost their last two league games conceding three on each occasion. The Kent derby defeat to early pace setters Ebbsfleet United was followed by a 3-1 reverse at Eastbourne Borough. Wanadio scored Dover Athletic’s goal equalising after the Sports led through Chris Whelpdale. Two goals by Jake Hutchinson pulled the Sussex club clear as the hosts won 3-1. In the Kent derby, Fleet’s Dominic Poleon came back to haunt his former club with a brace and Rakish Bingham also found the back of the Dover net.

The Whites have lost four of their last five, but breaking up the run of defeats Hessenthaler’s side did beat Hemel Hempstead Town 4-0 at the Crabble. Goals from Jake Goodman, Jordan Higgs, Noah Carney and Luke Baptiste confirmed Dover Athletic’s second win of the season, the other was a 1-0 triumph at home to Hungerford Town.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 14 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Current League Form

Dartford
(WLLLWL) 		    Dover Athletic
(WLLWLL)		    
Chippenham Town A 1-2 Eastbourne Borough A 1-3
Hemel Hempstead Town A 2-0 Ebbsfleet United A 0-3
Worthing H 1-2 Hemel Hempstead Town H 4-0
Taunton Town A 1-2 Havant and Waterlooville A 2-4
Havant and Waterlooville H 1-2 Tonbridge Angels H 1-2
Cheshunt H 2-1 Hungerford Town H 1-0

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (13/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dover Athletic 6 – 1 Dartford (17/01/2015 – National League)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (16/09/2014 – National League)
Dartford 0 – 3 Dover Athletic (04/03/2014 – Kent Senior Cup)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in three games against Dover Athletic, all of them cup ties (W2, L1)
  • The Darts have only won twice in the league at the Crabble in 1991 and 2010 (D4, L3)
  • Dartford’s last league trip to the Crabble was their joint heaviest defeat against Dover Athletic (lost 6-1 away in 2015 and at home in 2002).

On This Day

Tom Bonner and Luke Wanadio were involved in Dartford’s 2-0 win over Margate on this day in 2016. Substitute Andy Pugh pounced from close range to open the scoring with skipper Elliot Bradbrook adding the second from the spot two minutes from the end. A year earlier, the Darts left it late again with a 2-1 victory over Weston-super-Mare. They trailed to Dayle Grubb’s goal with 88 minutes on the clock but substitute Danny Harris levelled the scores before a Clayton Fortune own goal handed Dartford all three points. Also on this day, Dartford progressed in the F.A Cup to the second qualifying round in 1980 with a 4-1 win over Saffron Walden Town, in 1997 by beating Herne Bay 2-1 and most recently in 2008 against Hastings United. Goalkeeper, Deren Ibrahim made his debut against the Sussex club, Brandon Cass opened the scoring and from 2-1 down the Darts won 3-2 after Steve Butterworth and Danny Dafter scored.

Chippenham Town v Dartford

September 2, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford can make it back-to-back away wins when they go west again to face Chippenham Town this weekend in the National South.

The Darts have already beaten Bath City and lost to Taunton Town on their travels and now face the side that beat them in last season’s playoff eliminator. Chippenham Town took until the Bank Holiday weekend to score their first goal and have five points from as many games.

After a third consecutive 2-1 defeat on the weekend, at the hands of Worthing, the Darts bounced back on Monday with a 2-0 victory over Hemel Hempstead Town, the only time Dartford haven’t travelled over to the west side of the country for an away game this term. Dowson made two changes to the side that threw away a goal lead at home to Worthing, opting to bring Jordan Wynter and Keiran Murtagh back into the starting eleven.

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Highlights – Hemel Hempstead Town v Dartford (29/08/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Samir Carruthers has been an important player in midfield for the Darts this season and he scored twice against his previous club. Former Dartford goalkeeper, Craig King couldn’t stop the midfielder’s second-half double as the Darts picked up their third victory of the campaign. Early in the second-half, Carruthers delicately curled the ball into the top corner from just inside the box. Another followed, this time the 29-year-old scored directly from a free-kick bending the ball over the wall and in.

Speaking to Dartford FC TV after Monday’s game, Carruthers is confident in the side’s ability, he commented: “As long as we kept in the game in the first half, we knew our quality would come out in the second-half”, he continued: “We just need to have a bit more belief in ourselves. When we believe in ourselves and play football in the right way, defend, and work hard together we’re a good side. It will be difficult for a lot of teams to stop us”.

In both Bank Holiday weekend fixtures goalkeeper, Dan Wilks, Davide Rodari and Charlie Sheringham, who is yet to feature since his injury in pre-season have been sidelined. Dowson is confident Rodari and Sheringham could be ready as well as Alex Wall, who only played in the Worthing defeat. Sam Odaudu will be out for a couple of weeks; the midfielder is due an operation on his mouth.

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Interview – Alan Dowson’s thoughts on the win at Hemel Hempstead Town – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Last season’s meetings provided 12 goals in the league before the 0-0 playoff tie, which ended in Chippenham Town winning on penalties at Princes Park. A Hardenhuish Park last time out, the Bluebirds ran out 4-2 winners. On loan Jordan Greenidge scored his first league goal for the Darts, but Jordan Young equalised. Just before the interval Kieran Murtagh received a second yellow card and was sent off. Young, then Alefe Santos D’Abadia stretched the hosts lead and whilst Ade Azeez gave Dartford hope, Joe Hanks sealed a home win for the Wiltshire side.

The reverse fixture at Princes Park earlier in the campaign saw the two sides shared the points in an entertaining 3-3 draw. Dan Griffiths put Chippenham Town in front, but his goal was cancelled out by Azeez and then Noor Husin added a second. Ricky Aguiar equalised for the Bluebirds, and it stayed level until Azeez looked like he’d won the match for the Darts, but in the final minute Luke Russe scored the leveller.

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Highlights – Chippenham Town v Dartford (12/03/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Chippenham Town started the season against the side who ended their last campaign. After beating the Darts in the playoff eliminator, the Bluebirds lost to Ebbsfleet United after extra time in May. Fast forward three months and they returned to Stonebridge Road and lost 3-0 in their opening game of the 2022/2023 season. After a couple of postponements, the Bluebirds waited a fortnight for their next game which ended 0-0 at Isthmian Premier League champions Worthing. A consecutive goalless draw in the rescheduled home game against Chelmsford City followed meaning Gary Horgan’s side had failed to score in a third match in a row.  

Finally, the Bluebirds found the back of the net after 347 minutes without a goal. Russe’s winner in the 77th minute was enough to earn victory against Hungerford Town as Chippenham Town kept another home clean sheet. Back on the road on Monday, Chippenham Town were beaten 3-1 by Southern Premier South champions Taunton Town. This time Russe scored in his own net to give the Peacocks an advantage. Chippenham Town’s Caine Bradbury was introduced at half-time and after five minutes he made an impact with an equaliser. Parity didn’t last long because two minutes later, Taunton Town scored again through Jake Wannell, then Ollie Chamberlain put the game out of Chippenham Town’s reach.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Chippenham Town wins: 2 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWLLLW) 		    Chippenham Town
(LDDWL)		    
Hemel Hempstead Town A 2-0 Taunton Town A 1-3
Worthing H 1-2 Hungerford Town H 1-0
Taunton Town A 1-2 Chelmsford City H 0-0
Havant and Waterlooville H 1-2 Worthing A 0-0
Cheshunt H 2-1 Ebbsfleet United A 0-3
Bath City A 2-0      

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 0 Chippenham Town (12/05/2022 – National South Playoff)*
Chippenham Town 4 – 2 Dartford (12/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 3 Chippenham Town (06/11/2021 – National South)
Chippenham Town 1 – 2 Dartford (27/10/2020 – National South)
Chippenham Town 1 – 5 Dartford (01/02/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Chippenham Town (26/10/2019 – National South)
* – Chippenham Town won 3-2 on penalties

Statistics

  • The Darts have gone three games without victory against Chippenham Town
  • Dartford were unbeaten in their first four visits to Hardenhuish Park (W3, D1), but lost away from home for the first time against the Bluebirds in their last trip there last season

On This Day

Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle suffered defeat in their last game in charge with the Darts three years ago. Dartford went to Tonbridge Angels and lost 3-2 despite equalising twice in the game. Josh Hill and Charlie Sheringham scored for the Darts, but two goals from Joe Turner and another by Tom Derry gave the Angels victory. The last league win on this day came in 1997 when Dartford beat Baldock Town 3-1 in the Southern League South. Since then the Darts have lost 3-1 to Boreham Wood in 2005, were beaten 3-2 at Basingstoke Town in 2011 and drew 0-0 with Maidenhead United in 2016. It’s not been a good day to travel for the Darts as they have won one (Wealdstone 2-0 in 1977), drawn one and lost eight of their away games on 3 September.

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