Month: December 2022

Dartford v Ebbsfleet United

Dartford begin the New Year hosting rivals Ebbsfleet United in a National South top of the table clash.

The Darts could complete a league double over their rivals for the first time in 43 years to maintain top spot. Dowson’s side lead their Kent rivals by three points having played three games more. Whilst Ebbsfleet United will be looking to avenge the 4-1 Boxing Day defeat and avoid a fourth consecutive league loss.

On Monday, the festive feel good factor reached another level when Dartford claimed a first North Kent derby league victory at Stonebridge Road since 1979. The Darts made just one change to the side that beat fellow promotion contenders Havant and Waterlooville in their previous outing, Dan Wilks returning in goal for the Darts for the first time since August.

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

Highlights – Ebbsfleet United v Dartford (26/12/2022) – Dartford FC TV

It took just 45 seconds for Luke Allen to net from a Samir Carruthers cross. Former Fleet winger, Luke Coulson made it two on five minutes and six minutes later Maxwell Statham added a third. Dartford were pinching themselves when Alex Wall scored before the break, his eighth in all competitions and there was still time for the hosts to pull a goal back through Craig Tanner. Early in the second half Sam Odaudu was carried off with an injury and replaced by Jack Smith, the midfielder’s first appearance since the F.A Trophy defeat in mid-November. With no goals in the second forty five, the Darts recorded their biggest away league victory at the Fleet since New Years Day 1992 and condemned their rivals to a third straight loss in the National South.

Back from World Cup commentaries, Martin Tyler took the time to speak to Pure DFC after the game, he said: “We came with a plan and it was done more than we could ever hope for really. The way the chances were taken, we stifled their play, the front three defended very well and allowed the midfield to engage as well. Of course you can’t sustain that for really long periods so the fourth goal was a bonus”. Victory provided the Darts with plenty of festive cheer, Tyler praised the teams efforts saying he is “delighted for the supporters, thrilled for the players and obviously it was a very special post Christmas present for Dowse”. Ebbsfleet United may be going through a sticky patch in terms of results, but the Dartford coach is urging supporters to help make a difference once more, he added: “I hope that will encourage people to come out and support us on New Year’s Day. We’ve got huge respect with what Ebbsfleet United do. I think the quality of their individuals perhaps didn’t quite work as a quality of a team, but we know if they click into gear on another day it could go the opposite way”.

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

Interview – Martin Tyler speaks to Dartford FC TV after the derby day win

The sixth New Years Day meeting between the two sides takes on extra significance this season with the Darts and the Fleet eyeing up promotion back to the National League. In the league, Dartford have lost just once in the last ten home games against Ebbsfleet United stretching back to the early eighties. In that time the Darts have won seven and drawn twice, the only loss came seven years ago. Last season Dartford put in an excellent performance to win 1-0 at Princes Park, Jake Robinson scoring the winner. The striker got on the end of Kai Innocent’s cross to ensure the home side earned bragging rights.

Last time the local rivals met on New Years Day was five years ago when Fleet won 1-0 on their own patch. Bradley Bubb scored the winning goal to avenge the Boxing Day defeat at Princes Park. Four years earlier at Stonebridge Road an entertaining 2-2 draw was played out with Dartford taking a two goal lead thanks to Jon Wallis and Harry Crawford. Nathan Elder pulled a goal back and his last minute equaliser made sure the points were shared. The Darts last beat Ebbsfleet United on New Years Day when their opponents were known as Gravesend and Northfleet and it was a resounding victory. This season will mark 30 years since Dartford won 5-0 at Watling Street with all the goals coming in the second half.

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

Match Highlights – Dartford v Ebbsfleet United (01/02/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Two of Dartford’s experienced players know what the North Kent derby means having played on both sides of the divide. Captain, Tom Bonner has made over 400 appearances in a Dartford shirt, the defender left the Darts for Cambridge United before moving to Ebbsfleet United in 2015, then re-joined Dartford a year later. Charlie Sheringham has scored 59 times for the Darts over four spells, the striker’s spell at Stonebridge Road yielded 11 in 49 games between 2014 and 2017.

On the other side, Darren McQueen formed an excellent understanding with Elliott Romain at Dartford. Currently at Ebbsfleet United the duo have had a limited number of starting appearances this term. Mainly used as a substitute, McQueen has scored four this season, when he was with the Darts he top scored with 20 goals in the 2019/2020 campaign. Romain is currently out on loan with Hemel Hempstead Town.

Alan Dowson’s first season in charge began with consecutive victories, but four 2-1 defeats in the next five matches tested his squad. After a 3-1 Kent derby victory over Dover Athletic, the Darts crashed out of the F.A Cup at the first hurdle to lower league opposition, a theme that was repeated in the F.A Trophy two months later. However, between those cup losses, Dowson managed to guide Dartford on an outstanding run taking 31 points from a possible 33. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers has impressed in the centre of the pitch and with nine goals in all competitions has been one of the stand out players this term. Since mid-November, Dartford have shown their inconsistencies and like many other teams an unbeaten run will be a top of the New Year’s resolution list.

Ebbsfleet United came into this campaign as favourites and their early season form backed the bookies up. After nine league games the Fleet boasted a 100% record and it wasn’t until the 17th match that they tasted a league defeat. Going into that loss Ebbsfleet United had taken 42 points from a possible 48. In that time they also negotiated their way through four rounds of the F.A Cup to reach the second round where they were narrowly beaten by League One side Fleetwood Town.

Perhaps the cup run has been a distraction because leading up to their fixture with the Cod Army they lost their first league game and went out of the F.A Trophy to Eastbourne Borough, who also beat Fleet just over a fortnight ago. However, they did demonstrate their quality away at Worthing at the beginning of December with a resounding 6-0 win. However, Kutrieb’s side have felt the pressure from the chasing pack losing to lowly Cheshunt before the Boxing Day derby defeat on their own soil.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 68 / Ebbsfleet United wins: 56 / Draws: 32

Current League Form

Dartford
(DWLDWW)
    Ebbsfleet United
(LWWLLL)
   
Ebbsfleet United A 4-1 Dartford H 1-4
Havant & Waterlooville A 3-1 Cheshunt A 0-1
Bath City H 0-0 Eastbourne Borough H 0-2
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Worthing A 6-0
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Slough Town H 2-0
Oxford City A 1-1 Tonbridge Angels H 1-2

Last Six Meetings

Ebbsfleet United 1 – 4 Dartford (26/12/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (01/02/2022 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (02/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (02/01/2021 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (01/01/2017 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Ebbsfleet United (26/12/2016 – National South)

Statistics

  • The away team has failed to win in 20 of the last 22 league games between the two sides (home wins 13, draws 7, away wins 2)
  • In the league, Dartford have kept two clean sheets in a row at home against Ebbsfleet United, a third will make it the first time since 1989-1992
  • The Darts were the last team to claim back to back league wins in this fixture back in 1991 and 1992
  • Dartford have won 12, drawn 8 and lost 14 on New Years Day (at home W10, D3, L5)

On This Day

Dartford’s last three games on New Years Day all ended in victory at Princes Park against Welling United. A couple of years ago, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong opened the scoring and future Fleet strikers Elliott Romain and Darren McQueen netted the other three between them, Romain claiming the brace. In 2019, Ronnie Vint’s winner four minutes from time clinched a 1-0 triumph over the Wings and the year before that the Darts won 4-1, Ryan Hayes, Andy Pugh and two from Alfie Pavey sealing a comfortable afternoon. At home, the Darts have won three of the last four on 1 January drawing the other 0-0 with Margate in the Southern League South back in 1999. The last home defeat on this day was against Alma Swanley in 1996 when the Darts lost 3-2 in the Kent League.

Ebbsfleet United v Dartford

Dartford close out the year with a Boxing Day North Kent derby against league leaders Ebbsfleet United, as top of the table host second place in the National South.

Starting level on points, victory at Stonebridge Road on Monday will put more pressure on Fleet as the two Kent rivals battle it out over the festive season. Alan Dowson led his side to a win over another title challenger in Havant and Waterlooville last time out. Ebbsfleet United have just lost consecutive games for the first time in the league this season.

If facing the title favourites isn’t enough, the Darts will be searching for their first away win in the league against Fleet for 43 years, a run of 11 games without a victory. However, Dowson’s side can take heart from the fact they have just beaten third place Havant and Waterlooville and that Ebbsfleet United have lost two of their last three home games in the National South.

Dartford’s last visit to their local rivals was their first in league competition in five years and it ended in a disappointing single goal defeat back in January. Fleet’s Ben Chapman came off the bench to net the winner in a tightly contested game. The Darts created the better chances, but Ebbsfleet United’s ability to keep possession made for an interesting, but tense Sunday afternoon. Five years earlier the Fleet won by the same score with Bradley Bubb scoring the decisive goal. The three previous meetings in DA11 before the pair of losses all ended in a draw.

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

Match Highlights – Ebbsfleet United v Dartford (02/01/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Two of Dartford’s experienced players know what the North Kent derby means having played on both sides of the divide. Captain, Tom Bonner has made over 400 appearances in a Dartford shirt, the defender left the Darts for Cambridge United before moving to Ebbsfleet United in 2015, then re-joined Dartford a year later. Charlie Sheringham has scored 59 times for the Darts over four spells, the striker’s spell at Stonebridge Road yielded 11 in 49 games between 2014 and 2017. On the other side, Darren McQueen formed an excellent understanding with Elliott Romain at Dartford. Currently at Ebbsfleet United the duo have had a limited number of starting appearances this term. Mainly used as a substitute, McQueen has scored four this season, when he was with the Darts he top scored with 20 goals in the 2019/2020 campaign. Romain is currently out on loan with Hemel Hempstead Town.

Dowson recently made it clear he’s trying to strengthen the squad, not only is he searching for players he is looking for the consistency that propelled the Darts up the table between September and early November. Since Farnborough brought an end to a lengthy unbeaten run, Dartford have conceded late goals to drop points in the draw at Oxford City and defeat at Chelmsford City, scrapped for a point at home to Bath City in a goalless stalemate, but have also won 3-1 against Concord Rangers at Princes Park and on their travels versus Havant and Waterlooville.

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

Match Highlights – Havant and Waterlooville v Dartford (14/12/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Alex Wall returned to Westleigh Park just over a week ago and recorded a brace against his former club to earn Dartford all three points. The striker was recalled to the starting line up alongside Luke Coulson and Luke Allen, the midfielder coming back from a spell out with injury. Allen and Samir Carruthers combined for the first goal setting up Wall for his first of the evening. Allen netted the winner last season at Havant and Waterlooville and he was involved again to double the lead. The Hawks halved the deficit when Jake McCarthy scored, but Wall put the game beyond the hosts just two minutes later.

Dowson was pleased with his side’s attitude as they showed ‘guts and determination’ after a questionable display at home to Bath, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It was great for an away performance. I thought the first half we did well, especially after we got a lot of stick after Saturday. The lads got together and had a night out to sort it out between ourselves, so it’s down to them really. I’m delighted for the lads, and we’ve got a bit of belief now. We’ve got to believe, and we’ve got to believe we can get a run going again”.

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

Interview – Alan Dowson speaks to Dartford FC TV after the Darts beat Havant and Waterlooville

After narrowly missing out on promotion last season in the playoff final, Ebbsfleet United were quickly installed as the favourites to win the division this term. Under Dennis Kutrieb the Fleet were unstoppable in their opening nine games winning the lot. In fact, it took until matchday 16 for their three-month unbeaten run in the league to come to an end.

Finally defeated by Tonbridge Angels at home, Ebbsfleet United returned to winning ways keeping back-to-back clean sheets beating Slough Town 2-0 and thrashing Worthing 6-0 in Sussex. Fleet’s next trip to the county didn’t go so well as they lost 2-0 at Eastbourne Borough failing to score for the first time in the league this term. On Tuesday night Ebbsfleet United fell to a surprise defeat at Cheshunt. Reece Beckles-Richards scored an early penalty to condemn Fleet to their first away loss in the National South.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 67 / Ebbsfleet United wins: 56 / Draws: 32

Current League Form

Dartford
(LDWLDW)
    Ebbsfleet United
(WLWWLL)
   
Havant & Waterlooville A 3-1 Cheshunt A 0-1
Bath City H 0-0 Eastbourne Borough H 0-2
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Worthing A 6-0
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Slough Town H 2-0
Oxford City A 1-1 Tonbridge Angels H 1-2
Farnborough A 1-3 Hampton & Richmond A 2-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (01/02/2022 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (02/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (02/01/2021 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (01/01/2017 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Ebbsfleet United (26/12/2016 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 1 Dartford (28/03/2016 – National South)

Statistics

  • The away team has failed to win in 20 of the last 21 league games between the two sides (home wins 13, draws 7, away wins 1)
  • At Stonebridge Road, the Darts have lost and drawn their last two on Boxing Day, last winning in 1966.
  • The Darts lead the head to head with Ebbsfleet United in Boxing Day meetings – W9, D2, L6 (away record W1, D1, L3)
  • Dartford have won the last four Boxing Day meetings with Ebbsfleet United all at home with an aggregate score of 14-3

On This Day

Tom Bonner scored against his former club six years ago to give Dartford the lead against Ebbsfleet United. The Darts went two up when Duane Ofori-Acheampong scored, and Fleet’s Anthony Cook pulled a goal back. Since then, the Darts have played Welling United on Boxing Day which included Alfie Pavey’s last minute wonder goal in 2017. The last Boxing Day match for Dartford was also at Park View Road when they beat the Wings 3-0 three years ago. A year earlier, Welling United won 2-0 in Dartford’s only away Boxing Day defeat in their last six. On this day, the Darts have racked up 39 wins, 23 draws and 26 defeats and two abandonments, which includes the infamous clash with Gravesend and Northfleet back in 1959 when the match official called off the game because the players were “fighting against each other”.

Havant and Waterlooville v Dartford

A win for Dartford will take them back above Havant and Waterlooville as the two sides meet at Westleigh Park on Wednesday night.

The Darts gained a point on the weekend but dropped a place in the league standings after Havant and Waterlooville picked up maximum points in their fixture. Dartford have won just one in their last five since their eleven game unbeaten run ended a month ago, now they face the top two in the National South in their next three games. The Hawks bounced back from only their third defeat of the campaign with a victory on the weekend.

Both sides have been capable of stringing impressive runs together, the Darts took an incredible 31 points from a possible 33 between September and early November. Whilst the Hawks opened their season with nine wins and two draws in their first 11 fixtures. One of those victories for the Hampshire side came at Princes Park in August.

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

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

Former Dartford striker, Jason Prior missed Havant and Waterlooville’s last match, but he didn’t miss the target four months ago. Prior opened the scoring in the last meeting and although Davide Rodari scored his first for the Darts since joining from Crawley Town in the summer, Havant and Waterlooville went on to win 2-1 when Oscar Gobern scored. Prior, who tends to find the net regularly against Dartford will be determined to get fit from his shoulder injury and face his former club.

The Darts were successful in their last visit to Westleigh Park. Luke Allen’s strike on the stroke of half-time was enough to secure a 1-0 win. Dartford’s defensive qualities shone through as Havant and Waterlooville rarely threatened in front of goal. The subsequent meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw at Princes Park, Korey Roberts’ goal was cancelled out by Alex Wall, who is now back with the Darts and could face his former club on Wednesday night. Dartford squandered a chance to win though when Ade Azeez had his penalty saved by Ross Worner, the shot stopper is currently on Havant and Watewrlooville’s injury list.

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

Match Highlights – Havant and Waterlooville v Dartford (09/02/2022) – Dartford FC TV

On Saturday, Malachi Napa was handed his Dartford debut in a 0-0 draw with Bath City. The winger is on loan from Wealdstone and has been on Dartford’s radar for a while. After a spell at Dowson’s former club Woking, Napa played for Maldon and Tiptree before joining Wealdstone in the summer. However the new signing was unable to make an impact as the Darts drew a blank for a second game in a row, the first time under Dowson.

The Dartford boss spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “I’m delighted with a point to be honest as I thought we got battered”. Despite losing to Chelmsford City the week before the 0-0 draw with Bath City, the performance was better against the Clarets. Looking ahead to taking on Havant and Waterlooville then the festive double header over Ebbsfleet United, Dowson commented: “I can’t wait to get the games done, but I think we need to make one or two adjustments. If we play like that we’ll get done in all three games, but if we play how we did last week then we’ll have a go”.

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

Interview – Alan Dowson’s thoughts after the 0-0 draw with Bath City – Dartford FC TV

Havant and Waterlooville are two points behind league leaders Ebbsfleet United having played two extra games. The Hawks suffered a surprisingly heavy defeat in their last home games losing 5-1 to Worthing. Yet the won by the same score in the home fixture before that brushing Dulwich Hamlet aside and bounced back with a 3-1 victory at Slough Town on Saturday. The Hawks had to come from behind to beat the Rebels with a first goal for the club for Charlie Ruff. The experienced Danny Wright put Havant and Waterlooville in front before Billy Clifford wrapped up the three points.

The Hawks have been potent in front of goal with only leaders Ebbsfleet United scoring more in the league this term. Helped by the know how of Prior and Danny Wright, the Hawks also have Muhammadu Faal, James Roberts and Jake McCarthy chipping in with goals.

Head to Head

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

Current League Form

Dartford
(WLDWLD)
    Havant and Waterlooville
(WWWDLW)
   
Bath City H 0-0 Slough Town A 3-1
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Worthing H 1-5
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Tonbridge Angels A 1-1
Oxford City A 1-1 Chippenham Town A 3-0
Farnborough A 1-3 Dulwich Hamlet H 5-1
Braintree Town H 4-1 Hemel Hempstead Town H 2-0

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Havant and Waterlooville (16/08/2022 – National South)
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)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last three visits to Westleigh Park winning the last two (W2, D1)
  • The Darts have kept two clean sheets in their last three away games againsgt the Hawks
  • Defeat to Havant and Waterloville earlier in the season was Dartford’s first against the Hampshire side in eight games.

On This Day

Tom Champion was the hero on this day in 2010 when he scored the winning goal in a F.A Trophy replay against then National League side Crawley Town. The midfielder’s stoppage time goal caused an upset versus the Sussex side who went on to easily win promotion to the Football League. Strike duo Elliott Romain and Darren McQueen combined to help Dartford to a 3-2 win over Billericay Town three years ago. McQueen opened the scoring putting past former Dartford goalkeeper Alan Julian. Romain doubled the lead before half-time. Another ex-Dart scored for Ricay when Femi Akinwande pulled a goal back, but Romain restored the advantage before future Dart, Jake Robinson made it 3-2. Dartford’s last away game on 14 December was in 1999 when they drew 1-1 with Hastings United in the Southern League South. The Darts last away win was in 1976 against rivals Maidstone United in a Southern League Cup replay, Dartford won the entertaining tie 4-3. Finally, before Havant and Waterlooville’s merger, the Darts drew 0-0 with Havant Town on this day in 1996.

Dartford v Bath City

Dartford can make it another double over Bath City this weekend when they host the Romans at Princes Park in another earlier kick-off.

The Darts slipped off the top of the table in their early kick off last weekend and a fifth straight league win over Bath City will maintain some pressure on league leaders Ebbsfleet United. The Romans have found the last couple of months tough, but a win for Jerry Gill’s side can help keep their playoff push going.

The two sides battled it out on the opening day back in August and in a tightly contested affair, the Darts ran out 2-0 winners. Striker, Pierre Fonkeu had a debut to remember striking twice in the second-half to earn Dartford all three points. Alan Dowson also gave first league starts to Davide Rodari and Sam Odaudu at Twerton Park. It was goalkeeper Dan Wilks who provided a wonderful assist for Fonkeu’s opener and his second came after a generous deflection off Bath City defender Zac Bell.

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

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

Last season, former boss Steve King described the Darts performance against Bath City as ‘workman like’ in another 2-0 win. Kalvin Kalala netted his first goal for the club and towards the end, Danny Leonard won a penalty which Marcus Dinanga scored. The reverse fixture was won 3-1 in September 2021 with Jake Robinson scoring twice and George Porter netting Dartford’s third. Bath City’s Alex Fletcher scored in that match, the forward suffered a serious injury last month and needed emergency neurosurgery. We all wish Alex Fletcher well in his road to recovery.

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

Highlights – Dartford v Bath City (19/02/2022) – Dartford FC TV

With the chance to remain top of the National South, Dartford fell to a late goal at Chelmsford City last weekend. Alan Dowson named an unchanged side for the third game running, but they were unable to breakdown the Clarets defence and for the first time this season Dartford failed to score in the league. Dowson spoke to Dartford FC TV after the games and commented: “I thought we were excellent, I thought we were the better side against a good team, I thought we were unlucky”. The Darts manager felt his side were defensively sound, but needed more from his strikers, he added: “We had some good possession and good chances in the area, but we’ve got to do better”.

After an 11-game unbeaten run in the league only dropping two points, Dartford have now just won once in their last four National South fixtures. That means they occupy second place but are now four points from the top having played three games more than league leaders. Chasing the Darts down are Havant and Waterlooville and Chelmsford City who have games in hand.

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

Highlights – Chelmsford City v Dartford (03/12/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Although Bath City was beaten on the opening day, they began their campaign strongly going on to win four and drawing one of their next five league games. A defeat at Ebbsfleet United put an end to their early good form and since then the Somerset club have shown some inconsistencies. However, Bath City had only lost once on the road in the National South, now they have lost twice in a row on their travels. On Tuesday night, former Dartford striker Elliott Romain scored the only goal as the Romans fell to the Hemel Hempstead Town.

A consecutive away day without scoring, manager Gill doesn’t want drawing blanks to become a habit. Although he was pleased with his side’s display, he told Bath City FC TV: “I thought we deserved to win to be honest. We have to give credit them (Hemel Hempstead Town) for taking the three points because they hung in there”. The forward duo of Fletcher and Cody Cooke have found themselves on the scoresheet regularly, Cooke is top scorer for the Romans with 12 in all competitions this season.

It’s no surprise that with the pair currently out of action, the Romans have been lacking composure and that clinical edge in front of goal, Gill explained: “We do miss the two lads, of course we do, because that’s all our goals in our team. When you got someone like Cody Cooke and Alex Fletcher who stay so calm and just slot balls in in and around that 18-yard box it makes a huge difference”. The Bath City boss is hopeful that Jordan Dyer and Joe Raynes will return to action after missing the defeat in mid-week and the experienced Chris Lines recovers from a “few knocks”. Ahead of Saturday’s match against the Darts, Gill commented: “We’ve got to look forward to Dartford, which will be an extremely tough game. We’re going to have to defend against some real strong physical boys there and we’re going to have to, when you get your opportunities, take them”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 27 / Bath City wins: 46 / Draws: 20

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWWLDW)
    Bath City
(LLWLDL)
   
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Hemel Hempstead Town A 0-1
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Welling United H 1-1
Oxford City A 1-1 St Albans City A 0-3
Farnborough A 1-3 Tonbridge Angels A 2-1
Braintree Town H 4-1 Chelmsford City H 0-1
Welling United H 5-1 Dover Athletic H 0-1

Last Six Meetings

Bath City 0 – 2 Dartford (06/08/2022 – 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 won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just once in their last 14 games against Bath City (W11, D2)
  • In those 14 matches, the Darts have kept nine clean sheets and only once have the Romans scored more than one goal
  • Dartford have now lost four and drawn one to goals scored in the last ten minutes

On This Day

A Ronnie Vint equaliser in a F.A Trophy first round derby with rivals Dover Athletic took the tie into a replay on this day six years ago. The Darts went on to win at the Crabble three days later and Vint scored again in a 2-1 victory. Five years earlier Jacob Erskine scored a brace and Elliot Bradbrook netted from the spot as Dartford won 3-0 against Brackley Town, also in the F.A Trophy first round. Dartford’s last league outing on this day ended 4-2 versus Enfield in the Southern League Division One East. The last league defeat on 10 December was back in 1994 when Dartford lost 3-1 to Furness.

Chelmsford City v Dartford

League leaders Dartford face a tough away day in Saturday’s early kick off when they face fourth place Chelmsford City in the National South.

The Darts returned to the top of the table in their last outing with a victory over Concord Rangers. Although Alan Dowson’s side have played more games than their closest rivals, they have a one point advantage of Havant and Waterlooville and are three ahead of Ebbsfleet United. Chasing the leading pack, Chelmsford City make up the top four in the division after winning last weekend at Worthing.

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

Highlights – Dartford v Concord Rangers (26/11/2022) – Dartford FC TV

December and into the New Year will be a huge test to Dartford’s promotion credentials. After taking on Chelmsford City they will be up against Bath City before visiting second place Havant and Waterlooville, then the festive double header against league favourites and local rivals Ebbsfleet United. However, Robbie Simpson’s side stand in the way first and the Darts will be focused on this weekend’s game at the Melbourne Stadium where they picked up a point last season in a 0-0 draw. Dartford rarely return home with a victory and on previous trips to CM1 they have taken maximum points just once in their last eleven league outings there, back in 2015. Winless in their last five at Chelmsford City, the Darts have failed to score in four of those matches.

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

Highlights – Chelmsford City v Dartford (25/10/2021) – Dartford FC TV

Dartford put the disappointment of losing at Farnborough and Swindon Supermarine behind them by picking up four points from their last two matches. After conceding seven goals in those two away days, the trip to Oxford City tested the character of the side. Tom Bonner headed the Darts in front and Dowson’s men almost held on to all three points until Oxford City’s Canice Carroll equalised four minutes from time. Last weekend they hosted Concord Rangers with Dowson naming an unchanged side for the first time since August. The influential Samir Carruthers stood out again and opened the scoring in the first half to claim his ninth of the campaign. Prior the interval the visitors were level from the spot when Mo Bettamer made it 1-1. The Darts ran out winners in the second half with goals from Pierre Fonkeu and an own goal by Aron Pollock. The win also saw the return of midfielder, Luke Allen from off the bench who has been carrying an injury this season. Scorer of the second goal Fonkeu spoke to Dartford FC TV after the victory and said: “It was a really good performance from the team, we worked hard. After the last three games where we’ve struggled to get a win, it feels good to get back to winning ways”.

Assistant manager, Christian Jolley was also pleased with the performance and character the Dartford players showed, he added: “It was a great win, it was a good test. Concord Rangers came to Princes Park and made it difficult for us and had a lot of bodies behind the ball, so we had to be patient. The boys showed great character and good energy, especially off the back of Tuesday where we could have been a bit deflated after conceding after the 85th minute, but we came into this game with good energy and the boys recovered well”. Looking towards this weekend’s clash with Chelmsford City, Jolley added: “They’re all big games, at the moment it’s so tight, especially the top end of the table. The league is not going to be dictated by one weekend, but it’s a big test. They are a good outfit and they are having a good spell at the moment. We’re going to have just focus and do our due diligence to make sure we know exactly what they are going to be doing and how we can set up and find a way to win at their place. 

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

Interview – Christian Jolley’s thoughts after the Concord Rangers match – Dartford FC TV

Only Ebbsfleet United and Havant and Waterlooville have lost fewer games in the National South than Chelmsford City making the Clarets difficult to beat. Robbie Simpson has steadily improved the Essex club’s fortunes since taking over in March last year. In the summer he signed former Dart, Jazzi Barnum-Bobb who will return to Princes Park after a spell with Dulwich Hamlet. Barnum-Bobb played 18 times for the Darts under Steve King. Another signing pre-season, Harry Lodovica scored the winner against Dartford last season for Braintree Town.

The Clarets began their campaign unbeaten in their opening six games providing a platform to build. They went another six without defeat following an entertaining 4-3 defeat at home to Havant and Waterlooville in September. On their own patch the Clarets won six out of eight before recently being held 0-0 by Dover Athletic and losing 2-0 to Hampton and Richmond Borough. However, they bounced back from defeat in their last game with an away victory over Worthing last weekend. Kai Yearn and Cameron James put Simpson’s side in command, but the deficit was halved before the break. The three points were wrapped up in the second half when Tom Blackwell tapped home a third.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 41 / Chelmsford City wins: 55 / Draws: 23

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWWLDW)
    Chelmsford City
(LWWDLW)
   
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Worthing A 3-1
Oxford City A 1-1 Hampton and Richmond H 0-2
Farnborough A 1-3 Dover Athletic H 0-0
Braintree Town H 4-1 Bath City A 1-0
Welling United H 5-1 Eastbourne Borough H 5-0
Weymouth H 3-0 Tonbridge Angels A 0-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Chelmsford City (15/03/2022 – National South)
Chelmsford City 0 – 0 Dartford (25/10/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Chelmsford City (06/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Chelmsford City (14/03/2020 – National South)
Chelmsford City 4 – 0 Dartford (12/08/2019 – National South)
Chelmsford City 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2019 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are on their best unbeaten run home and away (W3, D1) against Chelmsford City since a six game unbeaten spell between 2011 and 2016
  • The Darts are winless in their last five trips to Chelmsford (D2, L3) and have only won twice in their last 13 away games against the Clarets (D4, L7)
  • Keiran Murtagh made his 50th start for the Darts last weekend against Concord Rangers

On This Day

Dartford beat rivals Dover Athletic at Princes Park on this day in 2011. Adam Green’s first-half penalty was cancelled out by Augustin Battipiedi before Ryan Hayes and Elliot Bradbrook’s second-half goals earned the Darts bragging rights. Six years ago, two goals in four first-half minutes by Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Luke Wanadio helped the Darts to a 2-1 home win over Poole Town. On the road Dartford lost their last fixture on this day getting knocked out by Forest Green Rovers in a F.A Trophy replay in 2013. The last victory away from home came in 2002 when Dartford defeated Chatham Town 1-0 in the Southern League Division One East.