Dartford are back at home this Halloween when they host Southern Premier League champions Weston-super-Mare.
The Darts are unbeaten on home soil against the Seagulls and aim to continue that run. A third straight victory at Princes Park will see Alan Dowson’s side enter the top ten moving within two points of the playoff places.
Weston-super-Mare made a fast start to life back in the National South. However one win in nine has seen Scott Bartlett’s team slide down the standings. The Seagulls have taken four points in their last two outings and are now a point behind the Darts.
It’s been just over five years since Dartford hosted the Seagulls. On that occasion the Darts won 2-1. Ben Greenhalgh was in this thick of the early action hitting the crossbar. The midfielder then sent in a cross for Lee Noble to header the hosts in front. Weston-super-Mare proceeded to hit the woodwork before deservedly equalising. Approaching half-time, Gethin Hill’s long range effort beat Deren Ibrahim. In the second-half the frame of the goal was struck again by the visitors. Two minutes later Elliot Bradbrook set up Jamie Philpot for the winner.
The Darts have won the last four home games against Weston-super-Mare. As hosts Dartford have won five and drawn three. The Seagulls only point at Princes Park came 12 years ago in 1-1 draw. The two previous stalemates were back in 1997 during Dartford’s homeless days.
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Dowson made no changes to his starting eleven for a third game running on Saturday. The last time the Dartford boss managed that feat was in January. On a frustrating afternoon which saw Dowson sent off, the Darts fell to a 2-1 defeat at Hemel Hempstead Town.
Winger, Luke Coulson scored his first goal since the opening day from the penalty spot. Yet his first-half strike was cancelled out moments later when Reece Grant finished a one-on-one chance. The Tudors were awarded a penalty in the second-half. Joe Iaciofano stepped up and condemned the Darts to their fifth defeat in eight on the road. All seven of Dartford’s losses this season have now been by a single goal margin.
The Darts have now dropped nine points from winning positions this term. At home, six of those came in their opening three outings at Princes Park. However they have fared better on their own patch beating Havant and Waterlooville and Tonbridge Angels in consecutive games. Only Slough Town have come away from DA1 with all three points.
Bartlett couldn’t have hoped for a better start back in the division with Weston-super-Mare. A perfect record from the opening three fixtures had the Seagulls joint top. A win away at Truro City ended a run of six winless games which saw Bartlett’s side drop to mid-table.
In October, the Seagulls lost consecutive matches without scoring against Chelmsford City and Braintree Town. Although they managed to bounce back with an impressive 3-2 victory over Torquay United. On the weekend, Weston-super-Mare fell behind as early as the third minute. Maidstone United’s Levi Amantchi scored for the Stones. The points were shared after Reuben Reid netted a crucial penalty on the hour.
The home side has won each of the last five league games in this fixture. The Darts recorded the last league away win in August 2016
Dartford are unbeaten at home against the Seagulls winning the last four (W5, D3)
Luke Coulson could make his 50th start for Dartford (60 appearances / 10 goals)
On This Day
In the 19 games played on Halloween, Dartford have never drawn. The first fixture to have taken place on this day was back in 1891. The Darts gave St Mary’s of Lewisham a shock by thrashing them 10-0. In more recent times, Jack Barham’s brace was enough to earn a 2-1 win over Havant and Waterlooville in 2020. A second cup tie against Chipstead in 2009 ended 3-0. The Darts had already won 6-1 in the F.A Cup versus the same opponents a month earlier. This time Jamie Day, Danny Harris and Ryan Hayes scored to send Dartford to the F.A Trophy third qualifying round.
Dartford are on the road again this weekend when they take on Hemel Hempstead Town in the National South.
Improved form has seen the Darts push up the table. Three league victories in their last five leaves Alan Dowson’s side three points away from the playoff places. Avoiding defeat will keep Dartford above this weekend’s opponents.
Hemel Hempstead Town are a point behind in a congested mid-table. The Tudors have a balanced home record and have drawn six of their last nine. In mid-week their unbeaten run of eight league matches came to an end.
On Tuesday, for the first time this season Dartford gained a point after falling behind. Eastbourne Borough scored early in the second-half when Fletcher Holman took advantage of a defensive error. A piece of individual skill from Brandon Barzey made sure the Darts came home with something to show. The draw at Priory Lane was Dartford’s tenth point from the last 15 available, one more than their opening nine games. Dowson made no changes to the starting eleven and no substitutions down in Sussex. After the game the Dartford boss suggested he will ‘freshen things up’ ahead of this weekend’s fixture.
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Victory followed a 2-0 home win against bottom of the table Havant and Waterlooville. Joash Nembhard scored against his former team and this weekend will face another of his previous clubs. The central defender played 30 times for the Tudors during the 2021/22 season. His partner at the back Moussa Diarra also had a spell for Hemel Hempstead Town winning promotion to the National South. Over three campaigns, Diarra made 82 appearances. Strikers Alex Wall and Charlie Sheringham have hardly featured this term. The pair have also spent time at Vauxhall Road during their careers. Wall returned to the Dartford squad in mid-week after recovering from injury.
The Tudors have a couple of former Dartford players of their own. Goalkeeper, Craig King wore the number one jersey 18 times. Leaving on loan to Hemel Hempstead Town, he went on to make a permanent switch to the Hertfordshire side. Josh Hill left in the same season and played 68 games for the Darts scoring 7 goals.
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The away side won both games last season with Dartford taking the honours at Vauxhall Road. Former Tudor, Samir Carruthers delicately curled the opener into the top corner from just inside the box. The 29-year-old added another scoring directly from a free-kick. The reverse fixture finished 3-1 to Hemel Hempstead Town at Princes Park. Jack Westbrook gave the away team the lead before Connor Essam’s equaliser. Approaching the interval, Kyle Ajayi scored a stunner and late in the match Jeremie Mukendi grabbed a third.
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Hemel Hempstead Town won their first two this season, then lost the next two. Since then the Tudors have become draw specialists in the league. Three consecutive stalemates was followed by an away win at Chelmsford City. Bradley Quinton’s side picked up another point before an impressive home win against Torquay United. Two trips to Kent resulted in plenty of goals as they drew on both occasions. Their match at Tonbridge Angels ended 3-3, then they secured a 2-2 draw at Dover Athletic. The Tudors showed plenty of character against Dover Athletic, twice coming from behind with ten men. However, they were unable to repeat the comeback when they lost 2-0 at home to Braintree Town on Tuesday night.
Dartford 1 – 3 Hemel Hempstead Town (14/01/2023 – National South) 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)
Statistics
Hemel Hempstead Town won the first and last league meetings against the Darts. In between those defeats Dartford were unbeaten in 12 league matches (W7, D5)
The Darts are on a streak of five consecutive victories at Vauxhall Road and are unbeaten in six (W5, D1)
On This Day
Unbeaten in their last three games on 28 October, the Darts have only lost one of the last nine on this day. Up against his former team, Tom Bender was the unfortunate St Albans City defender to hand Dartford all three points in 2017. Elliot Bradbrook put Dartford in front at Princes Park. Charlie Walker equalised before Bender’s own goal.
Nine years earlier the Darts were involved in a thrilling comeback. AFC Hornchurch went 3-0 up by half-time. However goals from Cody McDonald, Rob Haworth and Jamie Day stunned the visitors in a 3-3 draw.
The last match on the road on this day was back in 2006 when Brendon Cass scored twice. The striker’s brace helped Dartford to a 3-1 win over Corinthian Casuals. Ryan Hayes scored the other goal in the Isthmian Division One South fixture.
Dartford travel to the Sussex coast and will take on Eastbourne Borough in the Natonal League on Tuesday night.
The Darts could end up in the playoff places by the end of the evening. A victory and other results going their way will be enough to enter the top seven. Improved form over the last month has led to Alan Dowson’s side winning four of their last five.
Eastbourne Borough made changes on and off the field this summer. A takeover and an injection of cash put the Sports among the favorites for promotion. However, a slow start and inconsistent results leaves Mark Beard’s side in the bottom six.
The Darts got one over their former manager on the weekend with a 2-0 win over Havant and Waterlooville. Yet it was an ex-Hawk who stole the headlines with a brace. Central defender, Joash Nembhard was at the double to continue his goalscoring form. Ever present in the National South this season, the 25-year-old has now scored three in his last two appearances. Dowson made one change to the starting lineup by replacing Jayden Boulton with Jordan Wynter. The versatile midfielder made his 150th start for the club. Meanwhile, Luke Allen featured as a substitute to make his 100th appearance.
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Dowson praised Wynter’s performance and his midfield partner Paul Rooney after the win. Delighted with recent progress, the Dartford boss was pleased with the back four after a third consecutive home clean sheet. However, Dowson urges his squad to continue their good form now there are no major fitness doubts.
Speaking to Dartford FC TV after the home victory, Dowson commented about Tuesday’s clash with Eastbourne Borough, he said: “It’ll be a tough game, they have a young side and they have got some decent players. But, if we are going to challenge and believe we will be around the playoffs and beyond, we’ve got to go on and get results. We’ve got to make this push and I believe we can do it”.
The 4-3 defeat at Hampton and Richmond Borough has been Dartford’s only blip in a month. Whilst a 4-1 triumph at Chippenham Town means the Darts have netted seven in their last two away games. At home, a pair of 1-0 wins in league and cup kickstarted the current run of form. Tonbridge Angels were beaten with a Rooney goal. Harrow Borough were knocked out of the London Senior Cup after an own goal.
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The home side won 2-1 in both of these fixtures last season. Dartford travelled to Priory Lane back in April and took the lead. Harvey Bradbury made a blistering start to his Dartford career heading in his third goal in four appearances. The hosts turned the game around with goals from Leone Gravata and Luke Pearce. Substitutions and further injuries left the Darts down to nine men by the end of the match. In goal for Dartford that day was Eastbourne Borough goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski. The former Dart played 13 times for Dowson keeping five clean sheets before his switch in the summer.
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Cup involvements and rearranged games has seen Eastbourne Borough’s fixture list top heavy with away games. The Sussex side will be at home for the first time in the league for over a month. In fact just one of their last six National South matches have been at Priory Lane. The last resulted in a manager returning to BN23 with Welling United. The Sports drew 2-2 with Danny Bloor’s side and took the lead from the spot through Decarrey Sheriff. The Wings scored twice to lead, but Shiloh Remy made sure the points were shared.
The Sports lost on the weekend going down to a 3-1 defeat at Weymouth. Slipping to nineteenth, Beard’s side were below par on Saturday. They fell behind when Tom Bearwish and Ezio Touray scored in the first-half for the Terras. After the break, Fletcher Holman pulled a goal back, but former Dart, Dan Roberts sealed victory for Weymouth. Beard made two changes to the side that beat St Albans City a fortnight earlier. Zak Emmerson earned a place in the starting eleven thanks to a hat-trick against the Saints. The 19-year-old came off the bench at half-time to score his first senior treble. Eastbourne Borough came from behind twice to win 3-2 at Clarence Park.
Eastbourne Borough 2 – 1 Dartford (07/04/2023 – National South) Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (27/09/2022 – National South) Eastbourne Borough 2 – 7 Dartford (07/05/2022 – National South) Dartford 3 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021 – National South) Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (09/02/2021 – National South) Eastbourne Borough 3 – 1 Dartford (05/12/2020 – National South)
Statistics
In the last six league trips to Priory Lane the winning side has alternated. Eastbourne Borough were triumphant last time out
Dartford’s last visit to Priory Lane saw a three game winning streak against the Sports come to an end
The Darts have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven versus Eastbourne Borough (W4, L3)
Dartford have scored seven in their last two away games. As many as their previous ten on the road, stretching back to 4 March 2023.
On This Day
Elliot Bradbrook scored in each of Dartford’s last three games on 24 October. The Darts have won their last four games on this day with the most recent against Bath City in 2017. Bradbrook’s first-half penalty was added to in the second-half by Duane Ofori-Acheampong in a 2-0 win.
Bradbrook also scored two years earlier when the Darts beat Bishop’s Stortford 2-1. In the opposition lineup that day was Charlie Sheringham. It was Barry Cogan who put Dartford in front before Christian Smith levelled, then Bradbrook netted the winner.
Aveley were swept aside in 2009 despite Adam Flanagan getting sent off. At 1-1, the Darts had to play the majority of the second-half with ten men. Bradbrook opened the scoring, but the Millers equalised through Ryan Edgar. After the red card, Jamie Coyle, Ryan Hayes and Jay May secured the 4-1 victory. Dartford went on to take the Isthmian Premier League title that season.
Plenty of focus will be on Dartford’s next game when they host bottom of the table Havant and Waterlooville and face a few familiar faces.
The Darts thought they had kickstarted their campaign with consecutive league victories until last weekend’s defeat. However, where goals were in short supply, they have managed to find the back of the net more regularly in their last two outings and have lost just once at home this season. Havant and Waterlooville have struggled all season and after Jamie Collins picked up just four points in the opening eight games, the Hawks decided it was time for a managerial change.
So much of the narrative will be surrounding the return of Hawks boss Steve King and the former Dartford players he has taken to Westleigh Park since being appointed. The most surprising on that list of ex-Darts is Tom Bonner who announced his retirement just four months ago despite Alan Dowson’s pleas for the defender to remain at Dartford. Ten years at Princes Park and six years as skipper, Bonner played 456 times to put him sixth in the club’s all-time appearances list. He captained the Darts to back-to-back Kent Senior Cup triumphs whilst King was at the helm. Work commitments may keep the defender out of this weekend’s match, but he has faced Dartford before whilst at Kent rivals Dover Athletic and Ebbsfleet United.
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When King was appointed Dartford boss in October 2019, they were in a relegation battle. In the same season he took the Darts to a playoff final where they fell short on penalties, his fourth playoff final defeat as manager. Now at Havant and Waterlooville he will be hoping he can steer the Hawks to safety.
Since his arrival King has signed five former Darts including Bonner. Having joined on loan from Dorking Wanderers, Jack Jebb will be threat from set pieces. Adding to the midfield Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong teams up with King for a third time after arriving from Gloucester City. Goalkeeper, Reice Charles-Cook departed Bromley for the Hawks and Michael Kedman from Danish side Aalborg Boldspilklub. In the summer, former boss Jamie Collins signed ex-Dart, Kai Innocent.
Appearances for Dartford
Tom Bonner
456 appearances
19 goals
Jack Jebb
67 appearances
9 goals
Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong
26 appearances
8 goals
Reice Charles-Cook
9 appearances
0 goals
Michael Kedman
8 appearances
0 goals
Dartford have their fair share of former Havant and Waterlooville players too with Joash Nembhard, Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Paul Rooney all joining the Darts this summer. Nembhard has been ever present at the back and captained the side in the loss to St Albans last month. Miller-Rodney scored on his debut and has missed one National South fixture through suspension. Paul Rooney took some time to settle after serving a three-match ban at the start of the campaign but scored the winner against Tonbridge Angels in Dartford’s last home game in the division.
Moussa Diarra was with the Hawks during the 2020/2021 season and has formed a good partnership with Nembhard in central defence. Alex Wall is yet to make a start this term but is the current golden boot holder for the Darts and played for Havant and Waterlooville in 2020/2021. Tommy Block may not have made a first team appearance at Westleigh Park, however he was once part of the Hawks’ academy.
Appearances for Havant and Waterlooville
Paul Rooney
58 appearances
4 goals
Joash Nembhard
28 appearances
0 goals
Alex Wall
25 appearances
5 goals
Tyrell Miller-Rodney
20 appearances
0 goals
Moussa Diarra
15 appearances
1 goal
Dartford had scored on average a goal a game in the league during their opening ten fixtures. A fortnight ago the added four to their goals column and another three last time out. Yet the Darts came away with just one maximum in that time beating Chippenham Town 4-1 on the road. The rescheduled trip to Hampton and Richmond Borough last weekend finished a run of three straight wins in all competitions leaving Dartford down in fourteenth place.
A comeback, two penalties, seven goals and a last-minute winner provided plenty of entertainment, but Dartford came away with nothing from the Beveree. Dowson made three changes to the side that beat Chippenham Town due to the injuries to loanee Joshua Johnson and Jordan Wynter and the suspension of Maxwell Statham. In came academy graduate Jayden Boulton for his first ever league start, the experienced Paul Rooney and Tyrell Miller-Rodney returned from his one game ban.
Despite dominating possession in the first-half, the Darts found themselves two goals down before half-time. Hampton and Richmond Borough went in front through Dean Inman and increased their lead when Isaac Pitblado beat Mitch Beeney at the near post. During the interval Boulton and Rooney were replaced by Archie Woods and Lewis Manor.
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Two quickfire goals had the Darts level, first Harvey Bradbury scored Dartford’s opener for a second game running, then Joash Nembhard headed his first for the club. The Beavers went back ahead after Ben Seymour dispatched his penalty, but once again Dartford found a leveller when Manor outrageously flicked the ball home.
Bradbury had no problems from twelve yards a week earlier by scoring two penalties against Chippenham Town. The striker had the chance to score another from the spot, but his effort went straight down the middle giving Beavers goalkeeper, Adam Desbois an easy save to make. That miss proved costly because in stoppage time Jake Gray scored a dramatic late winner for Hampton and Richmond Borough.
Less than a year ago, Dartford and Havant and Waterlooville were challenging Ebbsfleet United for a potential title race. The Hawks saw former boss, Paul Doswell step down before the season was out and a slide down the table and out of the playoff places. The trend has continued this term with Collins departing leaving the Hampshire side at the foot of the standings. Since taking charge King has had little time to gel his squad and from his opening two league games the Hawks have taken a point.
The goalless draw at Taunton Town was a solid enough start for a side that had lost three in a row. Despite the fact there were no goals in this game there were plenty of chances including a missed penalty by Taunton Town’s Nick McCootie. With the game heading for full-time, the Hawks had Ansu Janneh sent off after he picked up a second caution.
Like Dartford, Havant and Waterlooville’s last game was also against Hampton and Richmond Borough and finished in a late defeat. King’s side gave away a lead to lose 2-1 at Westleigh Park. James Roberts netted the opener from a spot-kick. Ruaridh Donaldson put Hampton and Richmond Borough back on level terms before Kurran-Browne’s winner ten minutes from time.
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Last season’s fixture at Princes Park over a year ago ended in defeat for Dartford and it was a former Dart, Jason Prior who got his inevitable goal before Davide Rodari equalised. At the time the Darts succumbed to their first defeat of the campaign when Oscar Gobern netted the winner.
Dowson’s side avenged that loss in the reverse game at Westleigh Park, which came at the beginning of a fruitful festive period for the Darts. A top of the table clash saw Wall return to haunt his former club with a brace either side of Josh Passley’s unfortunate own goal. Jake McCarthy halved the deficit for the Hawks, but Wall’s second put the result beyond doubt in a 3-1 win for the Darts. Dowson’s side then went on to beat rivals Ebbsfleet United over Christmas and New Year to temporarily enter the title race.
Havant and Waterlooville 1 – 3 Dartford (14/12/2022 – National South) 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)
Statistics
Dartford have lost just once against Havant and Waterlooville in the last nine games (W5, D3)
The home defeat to the Hawks last season was the first loss at Princes Park against the Hampshire side in eight matches (W4, L3)
The Darts have won one of their last four at home against the Havant and Waterlooville (D2, L1)
Luke Allen is now on 99 appearances for the club (71 starts, 28 substitute appearances and 14 goals)
If fit, Jordan Wynter could make his 150th start for the club
On This Day
Dartford’s only victory in their last five on this day was at home against Burgess Hill Town in 2003. The Darts beat the Sussex side 2-1 in the Southern League Division One East. Six years ago, Chelmsford City won by a solitary Michael West goal. The Clarets then had Kudus Oyenuga red carded after just 19 minutes, but the Darts couldn’t break down the ten men. Prior the run of one win in five, Dartford had won nine and drawn one of the previous ten on 21 October. In 1961 they qualified for the F.A Cup first round with a 4-1 victory over Hastings United. Nine years later the Darts won the first leg of the Kent Senior Shield final 2-1 against Bexley United. Dartford drew the second leg 2-2 to triumph in the county competition.
Alan Dowson returns to the Beveree with his Dartford side this weekend to take on one of his former clubs Hampton and Richmond Borough in the National South.
Dartford’s boss spent almost four years with the Beavers winning the Isthmian Premier League before establishing the Middlesex side in the National South. Taking his place in the away dugout on Saturday, Dowson has turned around recent fortunes for the Darts and hopes to continue their current winning streak. After four straight defeats last month, Dartford approach this weekend’s fixture on the back of three consecutive victories.
Paul Rooney scored his first for the club in the 1-0 Kent derby win over Tonbridge Angels, whilst an own goal was the decisive factor in the London Senior Cup tie with Harrow Borough and last weekend Chippenham Town were comfortably beaten.
Dowson made seven changes to the side that won in the cup and three alterations to the team that started the last league game. Tyrell Miller-Rodney was missing through suspension after picking up five cautions, the midfielder should be available for selection on Saturday. Former Hampton and Richmond defender Tommy Block managed 35 minutes against Harrow Borough as he makes his way back from injury, but the defender took no part in the 4-1 win at Chippenham Town. Joshua Johnson is back in a Dartford shirt for his second loan spell with the club. The midfielder from Oxford United made six appearances last season. Lucas Defise made his debut after coming on as a substitute in Wilstshire and goalkeeper Emmanuel Idem was on the bench.
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Harvey Bradbury scored a couple of penalties to put Dartford in control at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday. First, Joash Nembhard was clipped in the box giving Bradbury the opportunity from twelve yards to score his first in six games. The striker hit his spot kick straight down the middle to put the Darts ahead. Moussa Diarra won the second penalty when a tangle of legs sent him to the ground, Bradbury opted to fire into the corner and increase the advantage. A third was added before half-time when former Hampton and Richmond Borough winger Brandon Barzey was rewarded for his endeavour with his first goal for the club. Putting pressure on the Chippenham Town defence the Montserrat international charged down the goalkeeper’s clearance and slotted into an empty net.
Sloppy defending allowed the hosts back into the game when Owen Windsor pulled a goal back, but Johnson made it a perfect return to the Darts by firing a shot into the top corner and secure victory. Maxwell Statham played his first league match in over a month, but the full back didn’t finish the game after picking up a red card for two bookings.
Earlier this season, the reverse fixture with Hampton and Richmond Borough ended all square. Dartford went ahead when Block sent in a cross for Bradbury to powerfully header into the top corner. The Beavers levelled with eight minutes remaining after the officials gave a questionable corner. The Darts were unable to clear their lines and when the ball fell to Inman he fired in the equaliser. Barzey was in the thick of the action late on when he received a straight red card for his lunge on an opponent leaving Dartford hanging on in the closing stages.
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It was the second draw in a row against the Middlesex side following a goalless stalemate in April last season. The final game of the campaign had nothing riding on the result, so Dowson elected to rest most of the side in preparation for the playoff semi-final a week later. The Darts were unable to net against Alan Julian, one of their former goalkeepers during a second 0-0 draw in three visits to the Beveree.
Last weekend, Hampton and Richmond Borough secured a late win against bottom of the table side Havant and Waterlooville. Connor Kurran-Browne’s strike saw the Beavers come from behind to win 2-1. The Hawks had led from the penalty spot when James Roberts netted the opener. Ruaridh Donaldson put Hampton and Richmond Borough back on level terms before Kurran-Browne’s winner ten minutes from time. That leaves the Beavers in nineteenth but only one win away from the Darts in twelfth. Victory at Westleigh Park on Saturday ended a run of three without a win for Mel Gwinnet’s side who drew 1-1 with Weston-super-Mare prior two defeats. The Beavers lost to current league leaders Yeovil Town 2-1 and were dumped out of the F.A Cup by Isthmian Premier League side Lewes, losing 3-0 at the Dripping Pan.
Dartford have lost just one of the last 13 league games against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W6, D6) and are unbeaten in the last six (W2, D4)
The Darts have kept three consecutive clean sheets at the Beveree (W1, D2)
Dartford could make it three consecutive league wins for the first time this season and the first time since December 2022/January 2023
There has been just one goal in the last three meetings at the Beveree between Dartford and Hampton and Richmond Borough. The Darts won 1-0 in March 2022.
Jordan Wynter made his 150th appearance for the Darts in the reverse fixture, this time he could make his 150th start
On This Day
Dartford have won their last four on this day and are unbeaten in five. In fact, they have only lost one in their last nine outings on 14 October. The last game on this day was six years ago when Alfie Pavey scored the only goal in the F.A Cup fourth qualifying round tie at Burgess Hill Town. In 2006, goals from Richard Avery, Anthony Hogg and Jay May handed Dartford a 3-1 Isthmian Division One South win over Godalming Town. Three years earlier the same score saw the Darts beat Sittingbourne in a Southern League Division One East fixture, whilst in 1989 Heybridge Swifts were beaten 1-0 in the F.A Cup third qualifying round. Dartford have won their last five away games on this day including a 3-1 win against Bexley United in 1970 and a 2-1 victory over Ashford United in 1961. The Darts also beat local rivals Gravesend and Northfleet 2-0 at home in 1967.
Dartford return to action in the National South with a visit to Chippenham Town this weekend hoping to build on recent positive results.
Mounting pressure was eased towards the end of the month with a pair of victories in league and cup. Remaining calm and with the backing of the board, Dowson led the Darts to consecutive wins over Tonbridge Angels and Harrow Borough. September was also tough for Chippenham Town, who were without a win in that time until victory down in Devon in their previous outing.
Early F.A Cup exits meant both sides brought forward fixtures last weekend and came away triumphant. Following up a much-needed league win in the Kent derby against Tonbridge Angels, the Darts hosted Isthmian Premier League side Harrow Borough in the London Senior Cup. A week earlier, Paul Rooney netted his first for the club to score the decisive goal against the Angels and end a four-game losing streak. The Dartford boss made seven changes to that winning team in the county cup.
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Goalkeeper, Tom Wray, defender Manny Adebowale and academy graduate Jayden Boulton were all given their first starts of the campaign. Maxwell Statham, who has been out for three and half weeks with injury and Tommy Block, a month returned to the side. Block managed 35 minutes of the first half before making way as a precaution. Former Crystal Palace under 18 midfielder Kevin Gonzalez made his debut and Jordan Wynter returned to the starting eleven. A dominant display ensured the Darts progressed to the next round despite the 1-0 scoreline courtesy of Henry Lukombo’s own goal.
Up into eight place and two points behind the playoff places, Chippenham Town took maximum points last Saturday in their trip to Plymouth to face Truro City. The Bluebirds welcomed Luke Haines back from suspension, but Tom Owen-Evans was not up to full fitness following a spell out injured. Matt McClure pulled out of the 4-1 F.A Cup defeat against Hungerford Town in the warmup three weeks ago, but the striker has made an impact since returning to the starting eleven. He scored twice as the Bluebirds won 2-0 against Truro City to claim their fourth league win of the season. McClure, now on five league goals for the campaign, also grabbed the opener in Chippenham Town’s 1-1 draw at Weymouth seven days earlier.
Dartford have lost on their last two visits to Hardenhuish Park having dropped just two points there previously. It’s a game that often brings goals going back to Dartford’s first trip to face Chippenham Town in Wiltshire back in January 2018. Alfie Pavey scored twice in a 2-2 draw that day as the spoils were shared. Sandwiched between a pair of 2-1 victories, in which goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim famously scored the winner in the first of those fixtures, the Darts claimed their biggest ever win against the Bluebirds when they won 5-1 with all the goals coming in the first-half. After four unbeaten matches on the road versus Chippenham Town, the run ended in March last year when the home side put four past Dartford in a 4-2 win. Incredibly the reverse fixture that season finished 3-3 at Princes Park.
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Last season’s visit resulted in another 2-1 scoreline, this time in favour of the Bluebirds. A last-minute Jordan Young free-kick clinched three points for this weekend’s opponents, however the talking point came when Chippenham Town equalised before the break. Three defenders combined to give Dartford the lead, Connor Essam’s cross was knocked down by Tom Bonner for Maxwell Statham to nod home. Then the Bluebirds won a dubious penalty. Alefe Santos took the spot kick and a goalkeeping error from Joe Young saw Santos’ effort spilt before the keeper scrambled back to make a save, unfortunately the match officials ruled the ball over the line.
Dartford 2 – 0 Chippenham Town (11/02/2023 – National South) Chippenham Town 2 – 1 Dartford (03/09/2022 – National South) Dartford 0 – 0 Chippenham Town (12/05/2022 – National South Playoff)* Chippenham Town 4 – 2 Dartford (12/03/2022 – National South) Dartford 3 – 3 Chippenham Town (06/11/2021 – National South) Chippenham Town 1 – 2 Dartford (27/10/2020 – National South) * Chippenham Town won 3-2 on penalties
Statistics
Dartford have kept a clean sheet in each of their three victories this season
The Darts have lost their last two visits to Chippenham Town, but were unbeaten in the previous four (W3, D1)
This fixture at Hardenhuish Park has average 4.16 goals a game and no clean sheets. Dartford have netted 14 goals to Chippenham Town’s 11.
Dartford’s clean sheet in the home fixture last season was their first against Chippenham Town since the first meeting in September 2017
If featured, Maxwell Statham will make his 50th appearance for the Darts (46 starts, 3 substitute)
On This Day
Alfie Pavey, Elliot Bradbrook and Andy Pugh helped Dartford to victory on this day in 2017. The Darts beat Bognor Regis Town 3-1 at Princes Park to claim all three points. A crowd of over 5000 witnessed Dartford’s defeat at Bristol Rovers in the National League nine years ago, Matty Taylor scoring the only goal. In 2006, Dartford strolled to a comfortable 4-1 victory in the F.A Trophy preliminary round against Ilford. The last win on this day away from home came in 1989 when Dartford beat Cambridge City 2-1 in the Southern Premier League. Since then the Darts have drawn one and lost three in away games on 7 October.