Month: January 2023

Dartford v Metropolitan Police

Dartford are back in county cup action when they host Isthmian Premier League South side Metropolitan Police in the second round.

After two postponements of this fixture it’s third time lucky on Tuesday night. The Darts reached the quarter-final stage last season. Their opponents went out at this stage of the competition last term and are hoping to go one better this time.

This fixture has produced plenty of goals over the years stretching back to the seventies and most recently the 2006/2007 Isthmian Division One South season. Since the first ever meeting, when the Darts won a friendly 5-2 in 1939, there has been a 5-3 Dartford victory in 1975, a 6-2 triumph in the Southern League Division One South during the same season, and the last time the two sides played it ended 4-3 in Metropolitan Police’s only win over Dartford. The final game of the campaign in front of 239 at Met Police saw Brendon Cass score twice and Ryan Hayes net the other. Hayes was also on the scoresheet in December 2006 along with Richard Avery in a 2-2 draw at Princes Park.

The most famous clash had the Match of the Day cameras visiting Imber Court back in 1984, when the Darts beat Metropolitan Police in the only cup meeting between the two sides, George Borg scoring a wonder goal in a 3-0 win. The reward for John Still’s side was a second round tie with AFC Bournemouth in which Dartford lost in a replay, missing out on a dream draw against Manchester United.

Both sides negotiated their way through the first round without conceding. It took Dartford just over an hour to break the deadlock against Isthmian Division One Central side Tooting and Mitcham United, when Alex Wall was on the end of Davide Rodari’s pass across the goal. Metropolitan Police strolled to a 4-0 win over Combined Counties League Premier Division North side Hilltop FC. Jasper Mather opened the scoring with a tidy finish just 15 minutes into the cup tie and ten minutes later he added a second. Scoring his first goal since returning to the club, Ollie Knight increased the lead. The game was wrapped up six minutes from time when Josh Keeya completed the rout.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Tooting & Mitcham United (18/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s outstanding form did take them them to the top of the National South before their last two outings, which both ended in defeat. Alan Dowson has selected the same team for the last four games which included completing a double over Ebbsfleet United and beating Cheshunt before defeat at home to Hemel Hempstead Town and away to Worthing. However, the Darts boss is expected to make changes in the county cup to give fringe and academy players an opportunity.

New signings Jamar Loza and Jernade Meade made a substitute appearance on the weekend, but Tommy Block awaits his debut. Charlie Sheringham was missing through illness whilst midfielder, Luke Allen and defender Sam Odaudu are still recovering from injury. Dartford had an awful afternoon down at Worthing conceding three times for the second consecutive league game. Misery was compounded when Alex Wall was sent off late on, now the striker will be facing a suspension. Two early goals from the hosts put the Darts on the back foot and they never recovered. Maxwell Statham scored an own goal in eighth minute and three minutes later Ollie Pearce doubled the Rebels lead. In the second half, former Dartford loanee, Davide Rodari made it 3-0 before Wall was dismissed for an off the ball incident.

Metropolitan Police moved into the Southern League Premier South playoff places with a fifth straight win in their last match. It was a case of better late than never for Metropolitan Police in their game versus Hanwell Town on the weekend. Two goals from substitute Louis Degand in the final five minutes secured a 2-0 at Imber Court. The midfielder was only on the pitch for ten minutes when he netted his first and right at the end he added a second.

Martell Taylor-Crossdale’s goal at home to Plymouth Parkway was enough to earn all three points just over a fortnight ago. The Met had scored two in each of the three victories leading up to Saturday’s triumph, keeping a clean sheet at Harrow Borough before beating both Hendon and Winchester City 2-1. However, a couple of postponements has seen the Met slip out of the playoff zone. The Darts will need to watch out for Herson Rodrigues-Alves if selected, the striker has scored 17 goals in the league this term.

In cup competitions, the Met have beaten Corinthian and Burgess Hill Town in reaching the third qualifying round of the F.A Cup. Their cup run was ended by National South side Chippenham Town. They reached the same stage of the F.A Trophy going out at the first hurdle on penalties to Hastings United. Like Dartford, Metropolitan Police have entered two regional competitions this term. In the Surrey Senior Cup, they comfortably defeated Westfields 3-0 and will take on Banstead Athletic or Dowson’s old club Woking in the next round.

The winner of this second round tie will host Haringey Borough of the Isthmian Premier League in the last eight.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Metropolitan Police wins: 1 / Draws: 1

Current Form

 

Dartford
(WWWWLL)
    Metropolitan Police
(LWWWWW)
   
Worthing A 0-3 Hanwell Town H 2-0
Hemel Hempstead Town H 1-3 Plymouth Parkway H 1-0
Cheshunt A 3-1 Winchester City H 2-1
Ebbsfleet United H 4-0 Hendon H 2-1
Ebbsfleet United A 4-1 Harrow Borough A 2-0
Havant & Waterlooville A 3-1 Yate Town A 0-1

Previous Meetings

Met Police 4 – 3 Dartford (28/04/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Met Police (16/12/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Met Police 0 – 3 Dartford (17/11/1974 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 6 – 2 Met Police (29/11/1975 – Southern League Division One South)
Met Police 0 – 2 Dartford (09/09/1975 – Southern League Division One South)
Met Police 3 – 5 Dartford (14/01/1975 – Mid Surrey Floodlight League)
Dartford 3 – 1 Met Police (08/10/1974 – Mid Surrey Floodlight League)
Dartford 5 – 2 Met Police (11/11/1939 – Friendly)

Statistics

  • There has been 43 goals in 8 matches in this fixture at an average of 5.37 goals per game
  • Dartford have always scored two or more goals against Metropolitan Police hitting 3+ goals in six out of eight meetings
  • The Darts have won 11 of their last 12 county cup ties (includes penalties)

On This Day

Dartford have never lost at home on 31 January winning eight and drawing two. One of those stalemates came in their last fixture on this day which ended 2-2 at home to Bristol Rovers eight years ago. The Darts came from behind twice thanks to two goals from Ryan Hayes. In 2009, Rob Haworth was the hero against rivals Maidstone United in a 1-0 Isthmian Premier derby day win at Princes Park. That was the seventh consecutive home victory on this day for the Darts, which included two county cup wins against Herne Bay in 1959 (4-2) and Snowdon Colliery Welfare in 1953 (1-0).

Worthing v Dartford

Dartford return to action against Isthmian Premier League champions Worthing this weekend in the National South.

Cold weather has caused a lack of football across the non-league scene meaning both sides have not played for a fortnight. The Darts were on a strong run of form to move to the top before losing in their last outing and slipping into second. Worthing are on a five game unbeaten streak to keep them in the playoff places.

Back in August, Dartford lost 2-1 at home in their last meeting with Worthing, the Rebels first ever away win in their first ever league meeting against the Darts. Connor Essam gave the Darts a half time lead when he headed home, but six minutes into the second half Callum Kealy equalised. In the final minute of injury time Worthing stole maximum points when Joel Colbran netted the winner.

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Highlights – Dartford v Worthing (27/08/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Creating competition for places within the squad, Dowson could get new signings Jamar Loza, Tommy Block and Jernade Meade involved this weekend . Both Loza and Block previously worked with the Dartford boss at Woking. Loza impressed in two loan spells before moving to the Cards permanently. The forward will be with the Darts for at least a month after coming in from National League side Barnet, where he is yet to make an appearance for the Bees. Block arrives from Hampton and Richmond Borough after signing from Woking in the summer. The defender has scored five times this season for the Middlesex club and will provide competition to the Dartford defence. Signing until the end of the season Meade returns to Princes Park. The full back has made 25 appearances for the club and could be in line to make a second debut on Saturday. Midfielder, Luke Allen and defender Sam Odaudu are still recovering from injury.

Last time out Dartford were unable to complete a fifth consecutive victory seeing their nine game unbeaten home run in the National South come to an end. Jack Westbrook scored for Hemel Hempstead Town in the first-half, but it wasn’t long until Luke Coulson helped himself to a seventh assist in four games setting up Essam, the defender’s second goal in as many home matches. Approaching the interval the visitors went back in front with a fine strike from Kyle Ajayi. In second-half stoppage time, the Darts were caught out for a third time when new signing Jeremie Mukendi condemned Dartford to their first home loss in the league since August. Dowson called the defeat a “bad day at the office” when he spoke to Dartford FC TV post match as his side came off second best.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Hemel Hempstead Town (14/01/2023) – Dartford FC TV

Under Adam Hinshelwood, Worthing have performed excellently in their first campaign in the division. The Rebels opened their season with a ten match unbeaten run leaving them in fourth place after five victories and five draws. Steady results at home have been bettered by the second best away record in the league. Since the 6-0 home defeat to Ebbsfleet United in early December, the Rebels have taken 11 points from their last five outings, winning their previous two league matches.

A win at Eastbourne Borough two weeks ago followed up a Sussex Senior Cup triumph, in which they moved into the semi-finals. Hinshelwood handed a debut to Portsmouth loanee Liam Vincent and he was rewarded with a goal from the ex-Bromley full back. Last season’s top scorer with 35 goals, Ollie Pearce secured the three points as Worthing won 2-0. In all competitions that was a third clean sheet in four for the Rebels after beating Lancing 4-0 in the county cup and drawing 0-0 at Hampton and Richmond Borough. Sandwiched between those games Worthing defeated Welling United 3-2, Pearce and a brace from Lewis White making the difference.

Former Dart, Davide Rodari made his debut in the victory over the Wings and also started two weeks ago against Eastbourne Borough. The forward had a spell with the Darts this season making 21 appearances and scoring three goals whilst on loan from Crawley Town. This is his second time on loan at Worthing where he scored four times in five games just under a year ago. Jake Robinson is another former Dartford player currently with Worthing and his debut in the season’s opener was one of mixed emotions. The striker who scored 17 goals in 32 matches for the Darts, including a county cup final hat-trick, netted in his first game for Worthing. Unfortunately, the striker suffered a serious knee injury and has been out ever since.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Worthing wins: 2 / Draws: 2

Current League Form

Dartford
(DWWWWL)
    Worthing
(LWDDWW)
   
Hemel Hempstead Town H 1-3 Eastbourne Borough A 2-0
Cheshunt A 3-1 Welling United H 3-2
Ebbsfleet United H 4-0 Hampton & Richmond A 0-0
Ebbsfleet United A 4-1 Bath City A 2-2
Havant & Waterlooville A 3-1 Hampton & Richmond H 4-3
Bath City H 0-0 Weymouth A 1-3

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Worthing (27/08/2022 – National South)
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 top the form table over the last eight games taking 16 points. Worthing are third on 14 points.
  • Dartford have won their last three league games on the road. A fourth will be the best run under Alan Dowson’s stewardship.
  • Worthing have drawn ten games this season, the most in the division joint with Oxford City

On This Day

Dartford have scored ten goals without reply on this day which includes the 6-0 mauling of Thurrock 11 years ago. Elliot Bradbrook twice, Danny Harris, James Rogers, Lee Burns and Tony Garrod all scored on the day Ryan Hayes made his 300th Dartford appearance. Five years later, the Darts travelled to Wealdstone and picked up an impressive 4-0 victory with goals from Luke Wanadio, Hayes, Bradbrook and Andy Pugh. Dartford have won their last four on this day, in 2006 they beat Barton Rovers 2-1 in the Southern League Division One East and in 1995 defeated Greenwich Borough 3-0 in the Kent League. In league competition Dartford have won the last five on 28 January as they also won 1-0 at Watling Street against Bath City in 1989. Three years later, the Darts drew 1-1 in a Kent derby with Dover Athletic in the Southern League Cup third round.

Dartford v Hemel Hempstead Town

Dartford hope to at least maintain their cushion at the top of the National South when they host Hemel Hempstead Town this weekend.

The Darts know a fifth consecutive league victory will make sure they are guaranteed a five-point lead over the chasing pack. Alan Dowson’s side have already beaten the Tudors this term and could make it a double on Saturday. Hemel Hempstead Town ended 2022 by letting former boss Mark Jones go. The Hertfordshire club will be hoping new manager Bradley Quinton provides the bounce needed to see the club improve their current league position and win at Princes Park for the first time.

Samir Carruthers returned to Vauxhall Road in August and haunted his former team scoring both goals to stretch Dartford’s unbeaten run to 12 against Hemel Hempstead Town. Former Dartford goalkeeper, Craig King couldn’t stop the midfielder’s second-half double, the first a delicately curled ball into the top corner and the second direct from a free-kick. Carruthers has made vital contributions this term, not only as the 29-year-old provided creatively in the middle of the park, but he has also chipped in with nine goals and ten assists.

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

Dartford’s win at Hemel Hempstead Town in August came during an early spell of poor results. This time the shoe is on the other foot as the Darts head into Saturday’s fixture in confident mood. Particularly, Alex Wall who has netted four in his last four league appearances. The striker scored a brace against his former club Havant and Waterlooville to help the Darts to a 3-1 win. Over the festive period he grabbed a goal in both North Kent derbies against rivals Ebbsfleet United, in which Dartford won 4-1 at Stonebridge Road then 4-0 at Princes Park.

The Darts had to deal with a different type of pressure on their trip to Theobalds Lane in their previous league outing. Determined to make the excellent performances against their title rivals count, Dartford were facing an in form Cheshunt side trying to escape the relegation zone. Dowson’s men dealt with that pressure extremely well and despite an uneventful first half, an own goal by former Dart, Rowan Liburd gave the Darts a half-time lead. Coulson provided the cross for the opener, found the back of the net then set up Tom Bonner in the second-half to put Dartford in control. Coulson is showing excellent form at the moment and his creativity has led to two goals and six assists in his last three appearances. Although the hosts pulled a goal back late on, the afternoon was comfortable for the league leaders who took home another three points.

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Highlights – Cheshunt v Dartford (07/01/2023) – Dartford FC TV

Carruthers was unavailable in the corresponding fixture last season when he was on loan at the Darts. The Tudors almost ended Dartford’s long unbeaten home run in the league taking the lead through Gus Scott-Moriss. In the final minutes an in-form Marcus Dinanga equalised to extend Dartford’s record to 17 without a home league defeat. The reverse fixture earlier in the campaign was an entertaining 3-2 win for the Darts in which Tyrique Hyde scored twice on his return to Vauxhall Road, after the midfielder was recalled just days before the match. Ade Azeez scored Dartford’s other goal, whilst Alfie Cerulli recorded a brace for the Tudors.

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

Hemel Hempstead Town’s inconsistencies this season has resulted in a managerial change. On the same day Mark Jones’ departure by mutual consent was announced the club broke the news that Bradley Quinton will be taking over the hotseat. Quinton’s experience in the National South including getting Braintree Town promoted, knocking Dartford out of the playoffs in the process. The new Tudor’s boss has also had a spell with Welling United.

Under new stewardship Hemel Hempstead Town lost their first match with Quinton at the helm. The Tudors had lost at home to St Albans City 3-1 on Boxing Day spelling the end of Jones, this time they were defeated again 2-1 on New Year’s Day. Hemel Hempstead Town took the lead when Jack Westbrook scored, but the Saints came back with goals from Mamadou Jobe and the league’s top scorer Shaun Jeffers.

Identifying what is needed to improve the side, Quinton added former Dartford defender Josh Hill on loan from Dulwich Hamlet. Hill made 66 appearances for the Darts scoring seven times bringing experience to the backline. His debut went perfectly alongside two other former Dartford players, goalkeeper Craig King and full back Jernade Meade. King played 18 times for the Darts whilst Meade started 25 games. The trio contributed to a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory over Hampton and Richmond Borough, Luke Holness and Charlie Hughes scoring the decisive goals.

Head to Head

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

Current Form

Dartford
(LDWWWW)
    Hemel Hempstead Town
(DLWLLW)
   
Cheshunt A 3-1 Hampton & Richmond H 2-0
Ebbsfleet United H 4-0 St Albans City A 1-2
Ebbsfleet United A 4-1 St Albans City H 1-3
Havant & Waterlooville A 3-1 Bath City H 1-0
Bath City H 0-0 Concord Rangers A 1-2
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Taunton Town H 1-1

Last Six Meetings

Hemel Hempstead Town 0 – 2 Dartford (29/08/2022 – National South)
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

Statistics

  • The Darts are unbeaten in 12 games against Hemel Hempstead Town (W7, D5)
  • Dartford have never lost to the Tudors at Princes Park (W2, D4)
  • The last three matches at Princes Park in this fixture have ended in a draw

On This Day

Jacob Erskine’s F.A Trophy second round hat-trick inspired the Darts to a 4-2 victory over Boston United in 2012. The central defence looked familiar with Tom Bonner and Connor Essam pairing up. Lee Noble scored Dartford’s other goal as they progressed into round three. The last seven fixtures on this day have all been at home with four of those in the F.A Trophy. On their way to the semi-final in 1989 the Darts brushed aside Dorchester Town 4-0 in the first round. Three years later the Darts were beaten 2-1 by Merthyr Tydfil in a replay and most recently were knocked out by Chelmsford City six years ago. Dartford won their last league match on this day in the Southern League Division One East, the Darts defeated Wivenhoe Town in 2006.

Cheshunt v Dartford

Dartford are guaranteed to remain top of the National South even after they visit Cheshunt on the weekend.

The Darts had a wonderful festive season completing a double over their local rivals and title contenders Ebbsfleet United for the first time since 1979. Victory on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day propelled Dartford to the summit. Cheshunt also fared well picking up four points against Concord Rangers to leave the Ambers unbeaten in five.

Earlier in the season, Dartford began their home campaign with a 2-1 win over newly promoted Cheshunt. The Hertfordshire side won promotion via the Isthmian Premier League playoffs and after winning on debut, in the National South, travelled to Princes Park for their first away match at this level. Maxwell Statham made his first appearance for the Darts, but it was Pierre Fonkeu’s brace that made all the difference. In the first half, the striker curled a shot from the edge of the box into the Cheshunt net and benefited from Luke Coulson’s and Samir Carruthers excellent interplay in the second half. Former Dartford graduate Dajon Golding scored a late consolation for the visitors.

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Highlights – Dartford v Cheshunt (13/08/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Alan Dowson’s side have had an outstanding time of late with three consecutive victories over a pair of title challengers. After a 0-0 draw at home to Bath City in which Dartford were outplayed, the Darts were in third place trailing league leaders Ebbsfleet United by three points and 14 goals. Next up came a tricky away match at second place Havant and Waterlooville. Alex Wall’s double either side of an own goal moved the Darts ahead of the Hawks and into second after a 3-1 win.

Extra significance surrounded the double header with rivals Ebbsfleet United and Dartford passed with flying colours. Without a league victory against the Fleet at Stonebridge Road for 43 years, the Darts were three up inside 11 minutes on Boxing Day going on to win 4-1. Wall continued his good form in front of goal to wrap up the scoring, but it was Luke Allen, Coulson and Statham who put Dowson’s men in charge.

The return fixture at Princes Park on New Year’s day was even better and yet again Wall netted, his fourth in his last three appearances. A spell of Ebbsfleet United pressure, which included a stunning goal line clearance from Statham, subsided after Malachi Napa scored with a precise shot, his first goal for the Darts. Charlie Sheringham was introduced against one of his former teams and grabbed his 60th career goal for the Darts. To cap off a brilliant display defender Connor Essam chipped in with a fourth heading in at the far post. Since the Bath City stalemate, Dartford are now six points clear of the Fleet and seen a goal difference swing of 19 on their rivals. Three consecutive victories means the Darts have lost just once in their last seven since exiting the F.A Trophy, opening up a five point lead over second place Havant and Waterlooville.

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Highlights – Dartford v Ebbsfleet United (01/01/2023) – Dartford FC TV

Part of Dowson’s management team, Steve Haughney expressed his delight at another win, he told Dartford FC TV: “Obviously I’m pleased with the past week, two fantastic performances and six points, but in the bigger scheme of things we’re top of the league, but it’s not May yet”. Work ethic is key to Dartford’s recent success and leading up to the trip to Cheshunt, “the plan is to work hard, which we do week in, week out on the training field. Whether it’s Cheshunt, whether it’s Ebbsfleet United, whether it’s Havant and Waterlooville we’ll approach the game in the same way”. Haughney recognises that there is a long way until the end of the campaign and the Darts will need to remain focused if they want to maintain a title challenge, he added: “Over the next couple of weeks we’ve got games on paper that we should win, but they are banana skins. We won’t get ahead of ourselves and hopefully we’re in the mix come May time”.

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Interview – Steve Haughney talks to Dartford FC TV after the New Year’s Day win

It has taken some time for Cheshunt to settle into the National South and although they are in the relegation zone, their current form has given them a chance to stay in the division. Over the last eight league outings the Ambers have picked up the same number of points as the Darts and now only goal difference seperates them from safety.

Craig Edwards led his side to a historic opening day win at home to Hampton and Richmond Borough, but went on a sequence of ten straight defeats. That poor run was ended with a 1-0 away victory at Hemel Hempstead Town and although the Ambers went on to record two more wins they were still losing regularly until December arrived. Out of the last 15 points on offer, Cheshunt have notched up 11 with three straight triumphs sandwiched between two draws. In fact, the Hertfordshire club helped Dartford when they beat Ebbsfleet United at Theobalds Lane thanks to an early Reece Beckles-Richards penalty.

Approaching their festive double header against Concord Rangers with confidence, the Ambers claimed the Boxing Day spoils by overcoming Concord Rangers 4-2 despite going a goal behind. Like there season, Cheshunt were slow to get out the blocks and found themselves a goal down midway through the first half. Six minutes after falling behind Beckles-Richards equalised from the spot and before the interval Raul Da Silva had the hosts ahead. Cheshunt extended their advantage in the second half through Billy Cracknell and Lewis Hobbs, and in the final minute the Ambers conceded a second.

The return fixture on New Year’s Day finished all square with former Dart, Ricky Modeste rescuing a point for Concord Rangers in the final minute. However it was another ex Dartford player that gave Cheshunt the lead in the first half when Rowan Liburd opened the scoring. The striker only made three appearances for the Darts in December 2019 whilst on loan from Hereford.

Head to Head

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

Current League Form

Dartford
(WLDWWW)
    Cheshunt
(LDWWWD)
   
Ebbsfleet United H 4-0 Concord Rangers A 1-1
Ebbsfleet United A 4-1 Concord Rangers H 4-2
Havant & Waterlooville A 3-1 Ebbsfleet United H 1-0
Bath City H 0-0 Dover Athletic H 2-0
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Weymouth A 0-0
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Oxford City H 1-2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford’s eight goals over the festive period mean they are now the National South’s top scorers with 54 goals
  • The Darts also boast the best goal difference with +29, five ahead of closest rivals Ebbsfleet United
  • Only Havant and Waterlooville (27) have taken more points away from home than the Darts (23)

On This Day

Six different goalscorers found the back of the net on this day in 2017 including Tom Bonner, who opened the scoring in a 6-1 win over East Thurrock United. Alex Brown, Andy Pugh, Tom Murphy, Ryan Hayes and Elliot Bradbrook completed the rout. Dartford have won eight of their last nine games on the 7 January, a 0-0 draw with Arlesey Town in 2006 the only dropped points. This season the Darts are in a title battle and one of the challengers is Havant and Waterlooville. The two sides met in 2012 with Bradbrook and Danny Harris both scoring a brace in a 4-1 victory in the campaign Dartford were promoted to the National League. Other notable results include a Southern Premier League victory over Grantham in 1978 which finished 4-0, a 5-0 Kent Floodlit Cup first round triumph against Ashford Town in 1971 and a 4-1 win versus Merthyr Tydfil in the Southern League First division back in 1967.