Month: September 2023

Dartford v Harrow Borough

September 29, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford start their London Senior Cup campaign this weekend in a home tie against Southern Premier South side Harrow Borough.

The Darts have reached the last eight of the competition on both occasions in which they have entered the competition. Since Alan Dowson has taken charge, Dartford’s only cup victories have been in London Senior Cup beating Tooting and Mitcham United then Metropolitan Police before going out to Haringey Borough. Harrow Borough were knocked out at the first hurdle last season losing to Cockfosters.

Dartford have been drawn against Harrow Borough twice before, both in the F.A Cup at the second qualifying round stage. On each occasion the Darts swept Borough aside with the last encounter coming 12 years ago. Charlie Sheringham is the only survivor of the current squad to have featured in that cup win and he found the back of the net in a 5-0 victory.

The striker scored Dartford’s third as early as the 25^th minute to end any signs of a cup upset developing. Borough suffered a massive setback on three minutes when Danny Leech was sent off and the Darts took full advantage. James Rogers opened the scoring, and the lead was doubled by Elliot Bradbrook before Sheringham’s finish. Tom Bonner and Lee Burns added two more in the second half on a comfortable afternoon for the hosts. The other cup tie came in 1970 when the Darts ran out 7-0 winners on the road.

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Highlights courtesy of sonyti no

During Dartford’s short stay in the Isthmian Premier League the two sides met four times with both teams completing a double over each other. After winning promotion, the Darts lost both encounters the following season in November 2008 and March 2009. The lively Cody McDonald volleyed Burman’s side in front in the away clash, but goals from Kurt Morlese and Robin Shroot handed Harrow Borough victory. The reverse fixture at Princes Park was settled by Borough’s Dean Fenton who scored the only goal of the game.

The Darts went on to lift the 2009/2010 Isthmian Premier League title and picked up six points against Harrow Borough. Lee Burns found the net twice in a 2-0 triumph at Princes Park, the Darts recording an eleventh win in their first 12 matches. Burns scored a cheeky lob before completing his brace and it could have been three had Adam Flanagan put his penalty away. Three days after clinching the title with a 6-2 away win at Kingstonian, the champions beat Harrow Borough 1-0 in April 2010. Allan Tait was on the end of a slick Dartford move to secure another win.

Dartford’s F.A Cup exit left a gap in the fixture list allowing this cup tie to be brought forward. The Kent derby defeat came at the end of a four game losing streak, which the Darts put behind them with a National South win over Tonbridge Angels last time out. Dowson made four changes to the starting eleven from the team that lost to Welling United. Brandon Barzey, Tyrell Miller-Rodney, Luke Coulson and Harvey Bradbury all came into the side. Paul Rooney netted his first for the club since joining in the summer, the midfielder was alert after Coulson’s shot was blocked. The ball fell to Rooney who struck his shot beyond the Angels goalkeeper to score the decisive goal.

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On Tuesday night, Dowson had a look at a number of players in a friendly against a Gillingham B Team. Tom Wray, who has started four of the six cup games under Dowson started as well as Tommy Block, who is returning from injury. Manny Adebowale and Jay Boulton were also given game time having not featured this season so far. The Dartford boss also took the opportunity to observe some trialists.

The squad could be utilised again as usually in the county cups Dowson opts to mix experienced players with those on the fringes of the first team. Two players who will no longer be available are Marvin Herschel, who has departed the club after four years, 12 Dartford appearances and three goals. Whilst defender, James Golding has been recalled by his parent club Oxford City after ten appearances and one goal. Block, Luke Allen, Alex Wall and Maxwell Statham have all been on the treatment table recently so will be hoping for minutes.

Harrow Borough have continued to play at the same level ever since Dartford’s promotion in 2010. The only difference is they have moved across to the Southern League from the Isthmian League resulting in more travelling. Still, they have posted consistent league positions except for a fifth place finish the year after the Darts went up and reached seventh place in their first season in the Southern Premier South.

A tough start has seen Borough on the back foot as they took just one point from their opening five games, at one point conceding 13 in three games as they lost heavily to Waltham and Hersham and Basingstoke Town before a 4-2 defeat at home to Poole Town. However, they lost just one more in the league in their next four outings picking up a point at Hendon before beating Sholing at home. Harrow Borough went on to bounce back from their loss at Hanwell Town with victory versus Plymouth Parkway on the weekend. Two late goals saw Borough turn around a one goal deficit after they fell behind to a Jack Crago strike. With seven minutes to go the hosts were level when Lonit Talla scored from close range and five minutes later Mack Miskin won the match for Borough.

On Tuesday night they faced Hayes and Yeading United and former Dart, Norman Wabo gave United the lead from the penalty spot. Six minutes after the interval Harrow Borough found themselves two down when Ronan Silva doubled the deficit. In the final minute Borough conceded a third when substitute Steve Ngunga wrapped up victory for Hayes and Yeading United.

Current Form

Dartford (WLLLLW)			Harrow Borough (DLWLWL)
Tonbridge Angels	H	1-0	Hayes & Yeading Utd	A	0-3
Welling United (FAC)	H	2-3	Plymouth Parkway	H	2-1
St Albans City	A	0-1	Hanwell Town	A	1-2
Slough Town	H	1-2	Sholing	H	3-2
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Bracknell Town (FAC)	H	0-2
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Hendon	A	2-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Harrow Borough wins: 2 / Draws: 0

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 5 – 0 Harrow Borough (01/10/2011 – F.A Cup)
Harrow Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (13/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Harrow Borough (03/10/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 1 Harrow Borough (14/03/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Harrow Borough 2 – 1 Dartford (08/11/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Harrow Borough 0 – 7 Dartford (17/10/1970 – F.A Cup)

Statistics

The Darts have won each of their last three meetings versus Borough
Dartford have kept three consecutive clean sheets against Harrow Borough
Only once have both teams scored in this fixture. Dartford have kept four clean sheets to Harrow Borough’s one

On This Day

Alfie Pavey’s first-half hat-trick inspired Dartford to a comfortable 6-1 win over Needham Market in 2017. The F.A Cup third qualifying round was a breeze for the visitors with Tom Murphy, Andy Pugh and Ryan Hayes all finding the back of the net. After just two wins in ten on this day, the Darts are now four unbeaten. In the National League nine years ago Peter Sweeney and Elliot Bradbrook both equalised in a 2-2 draw with Welling United. Two late goals in 2012 earned a 2-1 victory over Hyde at Princes Park. Harry Crawford scored with six minutes on the clock and Richard Rose grabbed the winner with a delicious lob. Dave Martin was the match winner in 2006 against Croydon Athletic in the Isthmian Division One South.

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels

September 22, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return to National South action when they host Tonbridge Angels in another Kent derby this weekend.

The Darts were knocked out of the F.A Cup last time out losing to Welling United. Another early cup exit and a fourth straight loss, for the first time in seven years, has arguably put the most amount of pressure on Alan Dowson since his appointment. Tonbridge Angels threatened to make the playoffs last term under Jay Saunders, but they have also started this season slowly. A point better off than Dartford, the Angels were another team to exit the cup last Saturday.

Dowson is confident in his ability to turn results around and in a statement this week has the support of the board. The Darts boss also spoke to www.kentonline.co.uk and said: “I don’t feel under pressure. If anybody else wants to put me under pressure, that’s up to them”. Ten games down and Dowson believes mitigating circumstances haven’t helped the cause. Injuries to players in the early stages of the season has meant he is yet to find the ‘right team’.

Last weekend he made two changes with Paul Rooney coming back into the side and Charlie Sheringham making his first start since the final game of last season. Tyrell Miller-Rodney was named on the bench, but Harvey Bradbury was left out through illness. Alex Wall was among the substitutes after a long spell out injured, alongside Brandon Barzey who returned from international duty. Recovering from injury, Maxwell Statham was not ready to face his former club, neither were Tommy Block and Luke Allen. However, Dowson confirmed the trio could be in contention to return this weekend.

Last weekend, Dartford’s Lewis Manor and Welling United’s hat-trick hero, Antony Papadopoulos were both on target as the Darts twice went in front to lose 3-2. Manor was lurking at the far post to head in the opener from close range. However, after the drinks break Welling United piled on the pressure and just before half-time were level when Papadopoulos scored direct from a free-kick. Route one football led to Dartford retaking the lead in the second half. Mitch Beeney hit a long goal kick which found Manor who volleyed from a tight angle. Once again the Wings equalised when Papadopoulos scored from the edge of the box. The midfielder then completed his treble tapping the winner into the Dartford net.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts will be keen to end a three game losing streak in the league and will draw on their recent Kent derby record for inspiration. In the nine local league fixtures under Dowson, Dartford have won eight and drawn one. The last time they hosted Tonbridge Angels goals from Samir Carruthers and Pierre Fonkeu earned Dartford a 2-0 victory. Carruthers was pivotal in October’s meeting scoring direct from a corner then getting involved in the second goal as well. His flick on for Charlie Sheringham led to an effort on target, which Fonkeu followed up and scrambled over the line. In the return fixture back in April, Malachi Napa netted the only goal of the game to complete a double over the Angels.

Another hat-trick hero influenced Tonbridge Angels’ F.A Cup tie last weekend. Just like the Darts, the Kent side were determined to put the shock exit from a year ago behind them. Jay Saunders named a strong side against Haringey Borough, which included former Darts Jordan Greenidge and Jernade Meade. Greenidge scored six goals in just eight appearances during his short stay at Princes Park, whilst Meade played 40 games for the Darts over two spells.

The headlines were written by Matthew Young, whose three goals helped Haringey Borough to a 4-2 cupset. The unfortunate Greenidge gave away a penalty to present Young with the chance from the spot, which he duly took. Greenidge equalised, however Borough were back in front when Young scored on the stroke of half-time. The match ball was claimed with a third in the second-half and when Gianni Crichlow pulled a goal back the Angels had hope. With seven minutes to go, Walter Figuera made sure to send Haringey Borough into the next round.

That’s now one win in six for the Angels as they struggle to replicate the form that took them to an all-time high of ninth place last season. That solitary victory at the beginning of the month saw Tonbridge Angels put five past Slough Town. Considering they have scored just eight in the league it is clear where improvements are needed, the Kent club have failed to score in six National South matches out of the nine played. Last time in the league, Saunders’ side were comfortably beaten at home by Taunton Town.

Current Form

Dartford (WWLLLL)			Tonbridge Angels (LLWDLL)
Welling United (FAC)	H	2-3	Haringey Borough (FAC)	A	2-4
St Albans City	A	0-1	Taunton Town	H	0-3
Slough Town	H	1-2	Braintree Town	H	0-0
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Slough Town	A	5-2
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Welling United	H	0-1
Aveley	A	1-0	Yeovil Town	A	0-2
FAC – F.A Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 72 / Tonbridge Angels wins: 38 / Draws: 25

Last Six Meetings

Tonbridge Angels 0 – 1 Dartford (15/04/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (15/10/2022 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 2 – 3 Dartford (29/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Tonbridge Angels (11/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (05/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (28/12/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won nine of their last 11 league games against Tonbridge Angels (D1, L1)
In all competitions the Darts have lost just one in the last 16 meetings (W13, D2)
In the league, the Darts have won five of the last six at Princes Park versus the Angels (D1, L0).
In all competitions Dartford have won seven of the last nine at home against Tonbridge Angels (D2, L0)
The Darts have scored in each of the last 19 games in this fixture

On This Day

Rob Haworth scored what turned out to be a Kent derby winner against rivals Maidstone United on this day in 2008. Dartford’s only victory in their last five outings on this day came on the road at Central Park. The Darts led on 18 minutes after Steve Butterworth hit a low drive beyond the Stones keeper. One became two shortly afterwards and some slick build up play was finished off by a Haworth header. The hosts halved the deficit through Meshach Nugent, but the Darts stood firm to claim bragging rights. Way back in 1967, Dartford faced Tonbridge in the Southern League First Division and recorded a 1-0 win.

Dartford v Welling United

September 15, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford begin their F.A Cup campaign with a mouth-watering Kent derby against local rivals Welling United this weekend.

Both sides have started slowly in the National South and a second qualifying round win could provide a much-needed boost. The Darts have lost the last three league games which has put Alan Dowson under pressure. Dartford’s boss is looking to record his first F.A Cup victory for the club after last season’s shock exit to Beckenham Town. Meanwhile, the Wings are third from bottom, two points and three places behind the Darts, not the start new manager Danny Bloor was hoping for.

In Kent derbies, Dowson has excelled winning eight out of nine in league matches. Welling United are the only team to stop the Darts when they drew at Park View Road back in February. This fixture has seen Dartford dominate over the last decade recording 14 wins and nine draws (includes one penalty shoot-out win and loss), leaving the Wings with just two victories in normal time. However, the Darts will want to avoid repeating a loss at this stage of the competition to a fellow county side.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford last hosted Welling United back in November when the Darts were on a crest of a wave during Dowson’s best spell since his appointment. Racing into a three-goal lead before the break Pierre Fonkeu, Davide Rodari and former Wing, Maxwell Statham scored the goals to put Dartford well in command. Former Dart, Ade Azeez pulled a goal back for the visitors, but the advantage was later stretched when Jack Smith and Luke Coulson wrapped up a fine display.

The reverse fixture saw the Darts twice go a goal down to come away with a point. George Alexander, who netted against Dartford for Slough Town this month opened the scoring. It took a while for Dowson’s side to get going and they were level through Charlie Sheringham. The Wings went back ahead after Azeez smashed a shot in off the underside of the crossbar, but Malachi Napa confidently finished to level the match at 2-2.

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Highlights courtesy of Welling United FC Official

The same scoreline was recorded in the last two cup ties between the teams. In the Kent Senior Cup second round seven years ago, Welling United won 4-1 on penalties. Harry Crawford scored against his former club, but Dartford went ahead through Ryan Hayes and Keaton Wood. With four minutes on the clock, Matt Fish levelled to send the match to spot-kicks.

In April last year, Dartford survived a scare and came back from two goals down to reach the Kent Senior Cup final. Henry Burnett netted twice to put the hosts in control, but goals by Jordan Greenidge and Jake Robinson saw the semi-final decided from 12 yards. The Darts ran out 5-3 winners and went on to lift the county cup three weeks later.

Hoping a cup run will kick start Dartford’s season, the Darts approach this tie in poor form. Last weekend they fell to a single goal defeat against St Albans City, which followed a loss at home to Slough Town and before that a reverse at Taunton Town.

Last weekend, Dowson opted to drop captain Coulson to the bench giving the armband to the ever-present Joash Nembhard. After almost four weeks out injured Sam Odaudu returned to the starting lineup, Archie Woods made his first start after impressive displays and Moussa Diarra came back into the side. Statham’s injury against Taunton Town ruled him out for a second match, so he could miss playing against his former club. Paul Rooney wasn’t included in the matchday squad, whilst Luke Allen, Tommy Block and Alex Wall were also side-lined. Brandon Barzey will be available after completing his three match ban prior his call up to his national side Montserrat, which also saw the winger unavailable for the last two league games.

Welling United are struggling to find the back of the net and are searching for their first goal this month. Although the Wings claimed a 0-0 home draw with St Albans City, they have lost their last two fixtures against early pacesetters Worthing then Bath City. Danny Bloor has managed two victories whilst in charge of the Kent club and they came back-to-back over the Bank Holiday weekend. The Wings defeated Havant and Waterlooville 3-2 before taking the honours in their only Kent derby so far this season against Tonbridge Angels.

Current Form

Dartford (DWWLLL)			Welling United (LWWDLL)
St Albans City	A	0-1	Bath City	H	0-1
Slough Town	H	1-2	Worthing	A	0-2
Taunton Town	A	0-1	St Albans City	H	0-0
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0
Aveley	A	1-0	Havant & Waterlooville	H	3-2
Farnborough	H	1-1	Taunton Town	A	0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 25 / Welling United wins: 10 / Draws: 12

Last Six Meetings

Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (04/02/2023 – National South)
Dartford 5 – 1 Welling United (01/11/2022 – National South)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (26/04/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 2 Welling United (05/02/2022 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 6 Dartford (25/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Welling United (06/02/2021 – National South)
* – Welling United won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won half of their cup ties against Welling United (W10, D5, L5), but have never drawn the Wings in the F.A Cup
The Darts have played 20 F.A Cup ties against Kent sides since reforming in 1993 (W11, D3, L6)
Dartford are nine games unbeaten in all competitions at home against Welling United (W8, D1)

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook took home the match ball on this day in 2017 when his hat-trick sent Dartford into the F.A Cup third qualifying round. The Darts beat Barking 3-1 with two of Bradbrook’s goals coming from the penalty spot. Other F.A Cup victories on 16 September included a 4-0 Kent derby triumph over rivals Gravesend and Northfleet in 1967 and a 4-2 win against Redbridge Forest in 1989. However, the Darts recorded their biggest ever F.A Cup victory when they beat Hemel Hempstead 9-2 in 1972.

St Albans City v Dartford

September 8, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will be determined to put last season’s playoff defeat and current form behind them when they travel to St Albans City this weekend.

The Darts suffered heartbreak in May when they lost on penalties to a Saints side who fell short in the final. Dartford slipped down the National South standings in mid-week losing their second match in three days. St Albans City have taken four points in that time without conceding, ending their own barren spell of three defeats on the spin.

Dartford have been unable to replicate their form at the end of last year and so far in 2023 their inconsistencies have led to a slow start. On the weekend the long trip west finished in a 1-0 defeat against Taunton Town when Dave Sims-Burgess was allowed a free header at goal. Aiming to bounce back from the disappointment, Alan Dowson’s side had the chance on Tuesday night against bottom of the table Slough Town and failed to take it.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV – Footage credit: NLTV

Only one change was made to the starting lineup with Dowson opting to play two strikers, Lewis Manor selected ahead of Moussa Diarra. After serving a three-match suspension, Brandon Barzey is now away on international duty with Montserrat, whilst Tommy Block, Luke Allen, Alex Wall and Sam Odaudu are recovering from injury. Charlie Sheringham returned to the squad and made a substitute appearance against Slough Town, but Maxwell Statham suffered an injury and was replaced mid-way through the first half. A lacklustre performance left the Darts pointless and after Baris Altintop’s first Dartford goal cancelled out George Alexander’s twelfth minute strike, the Rebels scored the winner courtesy of Tyrese Dyce.

Alternating wins and losses in their opening three games, St Albans City went on to lose three on the trot ahead of the weekend. David Noble’s side stopped the unwanted run with a 0-0 draw at Welling United on Saturday. Three days later the Saints took on Dover Athletic and secured a 2-0 victory. Zane Banton and George Hoddle were unavailable due to injury, Nathan Carlyle was brought in to replace Dylan Fage. Forward, Mitchell Weiss assisted and scored to inspire his side. The 30-year-old set up Andronicos Georgiou in the first half and doubled Saints’ lead in the second. Former Dartford midfielder Bobby Dunn featured coming on as a late substitute.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In the three meetings last season the honours were even with Dartford drawing in their last visit to Clarence Park. Loanee, Jack Smith scored his first goal for the Darts to open the scoring. However, Saints equalised through Shaun Jeffers. In the return fixture, despite Dartford winning 2-1, it will be the goal scored by Jeffers that sticks long in the memory. First, Richard Chin provided the pass for Samir Carruthers to finish and put the Darts in front. However, Saints were back level when Jeffers acrobatically struck the ball beyond Ben Dudzinski. The hosts found a winner thanks to a pair of substitutes. Luke Coulson’s free-kick was saved only for Fonkeu to pounce and net the winner.

The crucial playoff semi-final clash came a fortnight later and this time St Albans City prevailed in a shoot-out. Harvey Bradbury gave Dartford the advantage when his clever lob beat the onrushing goalkeeper, Dylan Berry. The Darts were five minutes away from going in at the break with a one goal lead, but a low corner was converted by Aidan Francis-Clarke to draw level. No further goals were scored in the second-half or during extra time and so it came down to the pressure of penalties. When Berry saved Carruthers’ effort from 12 yards it was an advantage the Saints wouldn’t relinquish. St Albans City went on to score all five kicks to win 5-3 and progress to the final.

Current Form

Dartford (DDWWLL)			St Albans City (WLLLDW)
Slough Town	H	1-2	Dover Athletic	H	2-0
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Welling United	A	0-0
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Bath City	H	0-2
Aveley	A	1-0	Taunton Town	A	2-3
Farnborough	H	1-1	Torquay United	H	0-1
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Havant & Waterlooville	A	2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 12 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 7

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (07/05/2023 – National South Playoffs)*
Dartford 2 – 1 St Albans City (22/04/2023 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 1 Dartford (22/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 St Albans City (23/04/2022 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 3 Dartford (14/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 St Albans City (17/11/2020 – National South)
* – St Albans City won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in their last four league games against St Albans City (W3, D1) and have lost just once in the last eight league matches (W5, D2)
The Darts are unbeaten in three league games at Clarence Park (W2, D1) after losing the previous four without scoring
Both teams have scored in the previous five competitive meetings
Dartford have gone 15 games without a clean sheet against St Albans City stretching back to February 2016

On This Day

Ryan Hayes set up two goals and scored the other in a 3-0 home win over Chippenham Town six years ago. The winger’s accurate cross was headed in by Alfie Pavey in the first-half. After the interval, Hayes picked out Andy Pugh at the far post to double the lead. To wrap things up, Hayes got his goal sweeping the ball home into the bottom corner.

In 2014, the Darts came back from two goals down to clinch a last-minute draw with Eastleigh at Princes Park in the National League. The Spitfires scored twice inside 22 minutes through Jamie Collins and James Constable. However, the hosts fought back after the break with goals from Elliot Bradbrook and a ninetieth minute equaliser by Harry Crawford.

Dartford’s last away game on this day was 23 years ago when they lost 1-0 to Spalding United in the Southern League Division One East. The last victory on their travels on 9 September came in 1998 when the Darts beat Reading Town 3-0 in a F.A Cup preliminary round replay.

Dartford v Slough Town

September 5, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will want to get back to winning ways when they host bottom of the table Slough Town on Tuesday night.

After securing their first victories over the Bank Holiday weekend, the Darts were beaten on Saturday by a single goal leaving them three points off the top seven. Slough Town prop up the National South with just a solitary win to their name. The Rebels have lost their last three and have the leakiest defence in the division.

The Darts have got the better of Slough Town over the last three years claiming maximum points in the last five National South meetings. Throwing in a playoff victory and a penalty shoot out triumph in the F.A Trophy, the Darts have had plenty of joy in this fixture. The Rebels did manage to defeat Dartford in the F.A Cup during that period, but their only ever victories in the league came in the 2019/20 campaign when they completed a double over the Darts.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Kieran Murtagh scored the winning goal in last season’s fixture against the Rebels. Justifying Alan Dowson’s decision to select the midfielder in the starting lineup, Murtagh headed home Luke Coulson’s cross. Alex Wall also had an opportunity ruled out for offside, but Dartford went on to win 1-0.

Just under a year ago the Darts also won against the Berkshire side on their travels. Slough Town took the lead in the first-half through Josh Jackman, however Dartford showed character after going behind. Charlie Sheringham put the Darts on level terms in the second-half. Then the introduction of Pierre Fonkeu proved pivotal, the forward completed the turnaround with the match winner.

On the weekend Dartford suffered a narrow defeat down in Somerset ending an unbeaten run of four. In a close encounter with Taunton Town, Dave Sims-Burgess’ goal proved to be decisive for the hosts condemning the Darts to a second loss this season. Dowson made two changes to the side that beat Aveley 1-0 and Dover Athletic 2-0 over the Bank Holiday period.

Moussa Diarra made his debut after signing on loan from Barnet until January and Maxwell Statham returned to the starting eleven. Red carded against his former club Hampton and Richmond Borough last month, Brandon Barzey served the last of his three match ban. Tommy Block was unfit for Saturday, Sam Odaudu was out injured and Alex Wall is returning to fitness having yet to feature this season. Luke Allen was not involved in the squad despite coming back from injury against Dover Athletic, Lewis Manor was ill and Charlie Sheringham had been away all week.

Dowson reverted to playing one up front at Taunton Town, but has acknowledged he’d prefer an extra striker, he told Dartford FC TV after the game: “We had thirty balls in the box today. If Lewis Manor would have played it would have been a lot different because I think he would have had a hat-trick to be honest”, he added: “I know I’ve got too many players who are a bit of the same up front. I’m not daft, I am looking very hard to get a little nippy one because I wanted to go two up top”. The Dartford boss is hopeful new loan signing Archie Woods will add more creativity to help out the forwards, Dowson was impressed by the youngster and commented: “In the final third we didn’t create anything, but I thought when young Archie came on he created things and he looked lively”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Woods was named on the bench and came on to make his debut. The 19-year-old has been signed from West Ham United until the end of the season. The midfielder made 22 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers under 21 side last season after securing a professional contract in the summer last year.

Slough Town have had a tough start to their campaign with one win in seven. Although the Rebels have scored in each game they have the worst defence in the National South, form highlighted by their 5-2 home defeat against Tonbridge Angels on the weekend.

It was the Rebels who went in front with player manager, Scott Davies leading by example by scoring. At the break the sides were level after an attempted clearance from a James Fielding header found the back of Slough Town’s net. Ibby Akanbi started the second-half scoring spree for the Angels, Kodi Lyons-Foster added a third and Ruben Soares-Junior a fourth. Slough Town’s Rohun Luthra saved a penalty before it became 5-1 when Nathan Wood scored with his first touch. In the final minute George Alexander netted a consolation for the hosts.

Former Dartford player Temi Eweka took part in the defeat versus Tonbridge Angels and could face his old side. The defender played for the Rebels on loan last season from Maidenhead United and signed for the Berkshire club in the summer. Coming through the Darts academy, Eweka made three appearances for Dartford during the 2017/2018 campaign before leaving for VCD Athletic.

Davies has led his side to one victory this term and that was against newly promoted Weston-super-Mare. Alexander, who scored against the Darts for Welling United last season netted a first-half hat-trick in a 3-0 win. Either side of that triumph the Rebels have lost three in a row, opening their campaign with a 2-1 loss at Maidstone United. Beaten by the same scoreline at home to Dover Athletic, Slough Town went on to get soundly defeated 4-1 by Worthing. Another pair of 2-1 losses to Torquay United and Chippenham Town followed the win in Weston, and their sixth defeat was recorded on the weekend.

Current Form

Dartford (LDDWWL)			Slough Town (LLWLLL)
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Tonbridge Angels	H	2-5
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Chippenham Town	A	1-2
Aveley	A	1-0	Torquay United	H	1-2
Farnborough	H	1-1	Weston-super-Mare	A	3-0
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Worthing	H	1-4
Weymouth	A	0-1	Dover Athletic	H	1-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Slough Town wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 0 Slough Town (21/02/2023 – National South)
Slough Town 1 – 2 Dartford (25/10/2022 – National South)
Slough Town 0 – 6 Dartford (30/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Slough Town (21/08/2021 – National South)
Slough Town 2 – 2 Dartford (15/12/2020 – F.A Trophy)*
Dartford 2 – 0 Slough Town (21/11/2020 – National South)
* – Dartford won 6-5 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won five consecutive league games against Slough Town with an aggregate score of 14-1
The Darts have kept three clean sheets in a row against the Rebels in the league at Princes Park
Luke Coulson has now made 50 appearances for the Darts (42 starts, 8 sub, 9 goals)
Slough Town have lost all three games this season against Kent sides

On This Day

Dartford have not conceded a goal on this day in 36 years, scoring 18 without reply. Unbeaten in their last seven games on 5 September the last five fixtures have seen the Darts keep consecutive clean sheets. The most recent was the 4-0 victory at Whitehawk six years ago in which Alfie Pavey, Ryan Hayes, Elliot Bradbrook and Lyle Della-Verde all scored. The only team to hold the Darts to a draw in that spell was Bath City in 2015 at Twerton Park. Hendon were soundly beaten 5-0 in 2009, goals from Lee Burns, Rob Haworth, a brace from Jay May and Lee Noble secured three Isthmian Premier League points during the title winning campaign. The same score was recorded five years earlier in the F.A Cup preliminary round win over Horsham YMCA, and in the F.A Vase back in 1995 Steyning Town were beaten 4-0.

Taunton Town v Dartford

September 1, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are eyeing up a third consecutive National South victory this weekend when they make the long journey across the country to face Taunton Town.

The Darts climbed the table after a series of draws and a defeat left them winless in the opening four fixtures of their campaign. However, back-to-back victories over the Bank Holiday period has moved Dartford up ten places and into eleventh. Now just a point from the playoff zone, things are looking up for Alan Dowson’s side and victory will take them above Taunton Town. The Peacocks enjoyed a solid debut in the league last term and have begun this season even better. Rob Dray’s side have a perfect home record at Wordsworth Drive and hope to keep that momentum going.

Searching for a winning formula Alan Dowson tweaked the forward line last weekend and finally hit the jackpot. The Dartford boss then stuck with the same side two days later and was rewarded with maximum points over the August Bank Holiday. Opting to play two up front, Lewis Manor was given his first start in the late 1-0 win over Aveley. However, it was his strike partner Harvey Bradbury that made the headlines with an injury time header to snatch Dartford a first victory of the season. A first clean sheet was also welcomed by the defence, especially goalkeeper Mitch Beeney.

In the derby clash at home to Dover Athletic on Monday, James Golding and Manor both opened their accounts for the Darts with their first competitive goals. The hosts controlled the game and went into the lead after the visitors were unable to clear Luke Coulson’s free-kick. Eventually the ball found its way to Golding who stabbed home from close range. Coulson caused more problems in the second-half when his corner found Manor, who powerfully headed the ball beyond Billy Terrell in the Dover Athletic goal. The scoreline could have been more and Coulson could have easily made it three, but the captain blasted his penalty over the crossbar. Another shut out by Beeney in goal means the Darts have kept consecutive clean sheets.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Taunton Town were one of three teams who completed the double over Dartford last season. Just over a year ago, the Darts last visit to Wordsworth Drive ended in a 2-1 defeat. Davide Rodari scored the opener when he chased down Sam Odaudu’s long ball, but a mix up at the back between goalkeeper Jack Bycroft and centre half Dan Ball allowed Rodari to get between the pair, round the keeper and slot into an empty net. Another long ball caused problems with 15 minutes to go, this time for the Darts. Tom Bonner was caught out and substitute Dave Sims-Burgess took advantage to equalise. Then four minutes later another sub won it for the Peacocks, Stearn netting from close range.

In the return fixture the visitors started better, Nat Jarvis having a goal ruled out for offside. The Darts responded when Luke Allen twice struck the woodwork. With very little happening in the second-half Taunton Town’s Cameron Evans scored with three minutes to go to hand the visitors a 1-0 triumph.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Taunton Town boast a perfect home record starting with the opening day victory against Braintree Town. The Peacocks fought back from a goal down to win 2-1 against the Iron. Taunton Town conceded early, which was not an ideal start for debutante goalkeeper Dan Lavercombe, whose clearance rebounded off Nnamdi Nwachuku and into the empty net. The Peacocks recovered well and were level in first half stoppage time through Nick Grimes. In the second-half, manager Dray introduced Ross Stearn and barely a minute later he netted the winner.

The Darts will be the second Kent club to visit Wordsworth Drive this season. After the Peacocks lost their first game on their travels to Aveley and drew at Weymouth they hosted Welling United and bagged all three points. Nick McCootie’s shot from the edge of the box proved decisive in the 1-0 victory.

Taunton Town took four points out of the Bank Holiday weekend fixtures which began with an entertaining 3-2 win over playoff finalists St Albans City. Stearn’s last gasp winner was valuable giving Saints no time to respond like they had done twice in the game. The scoring was opened when Stearn capitalised on Michael Johnson’s fumble, but the Hertfordshire club drew level courtesy of the alert Giorgio Rasulo. Heading towards the break Grimes put the Peacocks back in front, but once again St Albans City found an equaliser, Mitchell Weiss firing beyond Lavercombe. In the closing stages Stearn backheeled a clever effort into the corner of the net to clinch all three points.

On Monday, the Peacocks picked up another point on the road drawing 1-1 with Maidstone United. Grimes scoring the equaliser to move to the top of Taunton Town’s goalscoring charts with three.

Current Form

Dartford (DLDDWW)			Taunton Town (WLDWWD)
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Maidstone United	A	1-1
Aveley	A	1-0	St Albans City	H	3-2
Farnborough	H	1-1	Welling United	H	1-0
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Weymouth	A	1-1
Weymouth	A	0-1	Aveley	A	1-4
Bath City	H	3-3	Braintree Town	H	2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Taunton Town wins: 2 / Draws: 0

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 1 Taunton Town (13/04/2023 – National South)
Taunton Town 2 – 1 Dartford (20/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford’s win over Dover Athletic was their 200th victory in the National South (P397, W200, D94, L103)
The Darts kept a consecutive league clean sheet on Monday for the first time since February 2023. The last time Dartford kept three clean sheets in a row in the league was back in September/October 2021

On This Day

Dartford came from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Alan Dowson’s Hampton and Richmond Borough on this day in 2017. Max Kretzschmar bagged a brace inside half an hour, but Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook made sure the Darts took home a point. Dartford’s last away win on 2 September came in 2006 as they swept aside Tunbridge Wells 5-0 in the F.A Cup preliminary round. On their travels, the Darts are unbeaten in six with three wins and three draws on this day stretching back to 1963.

Month: September 2023

Dartford v Harrow Borough

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels

Dartford v Welling United

St Albans City v Dartford

Dartford v Slough Town

Taunton Town v Dartford

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