Dartford FC Previews

Month: December 2024

Canvey Island v Dartford

December 27, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Dartford’s unbeaten run continued on Boxing Day and they will be aiming to extend their excellent form at Canvey Island this weekend.

The Darts moved to 12 league matches without defeat with another comeback victory in their Kent derby against Cray Wanderers. Now on their longest unbeaten run in a season since winning the Isthmian Premier title, Adrian Pennock’s side have won three on the bounce and five of their last six league fixtures dropping just two points in that time. Canvey Island have never beaten a Dartford team in nine attempts. The Essex club were defeated on Thursday in their derby with Billericay Town. The Gulls have now lost in their last two outings without scoring.

For a sixth consecutive Isthmian Premier match, Pennock named an unchanged side in the 2-1 home win over Cray Wanderers. However with a second game in three days the Dartford boss admitted he may have to break that run. The Darts have picked up seven points from losing positions in the last four games and after a difficult first-half against the Wands they turned their fortunes around again.

After half an hour Josh Williams put the visitors in front. The second-half became Olly Boxing Day with two very well taken strikes to secure maximum points. Olly Box moved on to 11 goals for the season with the brace. First, he smashed home an equaliser on 58 minutes and four minutes later he cut inside and found the top corner. The forward has now netted eight in his last nine starts. After the game the man of the match spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “Three points is what we were looking for. We started off slow and sluggish for the whole of the first half. The gaffa knew exactly what to say to us at half-time to get us going and to be fair it seemed to work, we played a lot better in the second-half”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Pennock echoed Box’s summary and praised the character of his squad, he commented: “I liked the second-half, we went back to basics by working hard”, he added: “Every single one of them are so honest, they deserve a big pat on the back”. Looking forward to Saturday’s trip to Essex, the Dartford boss expects a tricky encounter, he explained: “We’re going to tinker it a little bit because having two games in three days is crazy really, but it will be the same for Canvey as well so there will be no excuses from me. We have to be on the front foot from the start to the end, it’s a tough one but we’re looking forward to it”.

Dartford kept up their outstanding record versus Canvey Island earlier in the season. The Darts maintained their perfect record in league matches against the Essex club with a seventh straight victory.

Sam Odaudu put in a man of the match performance and scored his first ever goal at Princes Park. The full back stabbed home a volley in the second half to put Dartford ahead. Tyler Christian-Law wrapped up the points by taking advantage of some poor defending to slot away the clincher, the midfielder’s only goal for the club since joining in the summer.

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s last visit to Park Lane actually ended all square when the two sides met in the F.A Cup third qualifying round. The hosts scored an injury time equaliser to force a replay in October 2010. Former Dart, Danny Heale headed Canvey Island in front during the first half. After the interval Dartford took the lead, first Ryan Hayes scored a penalty then James White nodded home. Three minutes into stoppage time the Gulls won a spot kick, which Rob King converted. The replay was just as dramatic three days later with the game finishing 3-3. Dartford eventually progressed 9-8 on penalties.

Almost 15 years ago to the day Dartford last visited Canvey Island in a league fixture. Lee Burns opened the scoring before Craig Davidson levelled from the spot. Jamie Coyle put the Darts ahead and Rob Haworth increased the advantage. The lead was stretched when Danny Harris and Burns made it five. A consolation goal from James Rowe made the final score 5-2 to the Darts. During the same time of year 12 months earlier, Cody McDonald bagged a hat-trick on the road and got sent off in a 3-2 win.

Canvey Island may be down in fourteenth place, but so tight is the division that they are just four points away from the playoff places. Two consecutive defeats without scoring, first at home to Horsham then away to Billericay Town on Boxing Day, has seen Brad Wellman’s team lose a bit of momentum. Goals from former Dart, Tyrell Miller-Rodney, Tommy Davis and Arjanit Krasniqi condemned Canvey Island to their fifth away defeat of the season.

The defeat at home to Horsham was only the second time in the league they had failed to score on their own patch. In the two previous home fixtures they had joy versus Whitehawk and Cray Wanderers to add six points to their tally. The following fixture at Park Lane saw the Gulls progress in the Essex Senior Cup by beating Dagenham and Redbridge 4-0.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWDWWW) Canvey Island (WWLWLL)
Cray Wanderers H 2-1 Billericay Town A 0-3
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Horsham H 0-1
Horsham A 3-1 Hendon A 1-0
Dulwich Hamlet H 2-2 Lewes A 1-2
Bognor Regis Town H 4-0 Cray Wanderers H 2-0
Hastings United A 3-0 Hashtag United H 3-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Canvey Island wins: 0 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Canvey Island (17/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 3 Canvey Island (12/10/2010 – F.A Cup)*
Canvey Island 2 – 2 Dartford (09/10/2010 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 2 – 1 Canvey Island (05/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Canvey Island 2 – 5 Dartford (29/12/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 4 – 0 Canvey Island (13/04/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
* – Dartford won 9-8 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have won all seven league fixtures against the Gulls with an aggregate score of 23-6
  • The Darts have won three and drawn one at Canvey Island in all competitions
  • Dartford have scored in every game against the Gulls averaging 3.11 goals a game
  • The Darts have now scored 200 goals in the Isthmian Premier League in 106 games (1.88 goals per game)

On This Day

Dartford have drawn five of their last eight on this day, the most recent a 2-2 draw at Braintree Town three years ago. Two goals in the final eight minutes salvaged a draw from two goals down. Jake Robinson halved the deficit from a penalty, then in the final minute Jack Jebb scored a brilliant free-kick. Two years earlier, Tonbridge Angels were comfortably beaten 3-0 at Princes Park. Darren McQueen and Elliott Romain put the Darts in control. Josh Hill was dismissed for the hosts late in the game, but Charlie Sheringham still managed to add a third.

Dartford v Cray Wanderers

December 23, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Dartford host a former landlord in a Kent derby against Cray Wanderers on Boxing Day.

It’s been 15 years since the Darts hosted this fixture back when they won the Isthmian Premier League. Adrian Pennock’s side top the form table and are currently on an unbeaten run of 11 games in the Isthmian Premier. The upturn in performances and efficiency in front of goal has seen the Darts rise from the lower half of the division to fourth place in the space of two months. Without a defeat in five, Cray Wanderers have also improved recently helping the Wands progress upwards and away from the relegation zone.

An unchanged Dartford side secured a third consecutive away victory on the weekend when they beat Folkestone Invicta by a single goal. Pennock named the same side for a fifth match in a row and managed to give some game time to defender Michael Olarewaju, who made his first appearance, as a substitute, since the start of November. In tough conditions Callum Jones scored his second in three matches putting his barren streak well behind him. Victory on the road extended Dartford’s unbeaten league run on their travels to six, their best sequence since 2018.

In front of goal Dartford have now scored in their last ten league matches, doubling the longest goalscoring run under Pennock. Olly Box has chipped in with six in his last eight starts and hopefully Jones will keep adding to his recent tally. Yet the triumph on the weekend owed just as much to the defensive display. Assistant manager, Roland Edge spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and explained: “For an away performance we were so solid and that was down to our defence and midfield. It wasn’t a smash and grab, we played some good football in tough conditions”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

At Princes Park, Dartford are currently five without defeat. Not only do they want to keep that record intact, they also want to add to the ten points collected from a possible 15 in Kent derbies this term home and away. Standing in their way will be Cray Wanderers and potentially former captain, Tom Bonner. The defender made 456 appearances for the Darts, won two Kent Senior Cups and the National South playoffs whilst at Princes Park. He featured in the weekend draw against Billericay Town.

The Wands included Bonner in the team and Remi Sutton was also given a start with Quade Taylor and Frankie-Jay Moralee missing out. Two goals inside the final ten minutes saw the spoils shared at Flamingo Park. Cray Wanderers took the lead with seven on the clock through Josh Williams, but Ashley Nzala equalised for Ricay in injury time.

Billericay Town’s late strike denied Cray Wanderers a fourth straight 1-0 win. The Wands began the month with maximum points at Bowers and Pitsea, won at home against Chichester City then defeated league leaders Dover Athletic at the Crabble. Although down in sixteenth place, Cray Wanderers are only six points from a playoff place, but just six points clear of the drop.

The two previous fixtures at Princes Park both ended in a draw with the last on Boxing Day 2009. Just over 1300 turned out for that fixture. Mark Willy gave the visitors a lead after 29 minutes, heading in Ross Lover’s free-kick. Dartford equalised eight minutes later, with substitute Danny Harris on hand to score. In the second half Lee Burns was sent off for the Darts in the 1-1 draw.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

The reverse meeting a week later saw the Darts run out 2-1 winners. Burns made up for his red card with the opening goal and James White added another four minutes later to take the Darts into the break with a two-goal advantage. The Wands hot back in the second half with Colin Luckett’s penalty, but the hosts couldn’t find an equaliser.

Cray Wanderers have played host in the last six meetings, including the league clash in January 2010. The Darts have come out on top five of those matches, the most recent a 2-1 London Senior Cup triumph in April this year. The quarter-final tie was a welcome escape for the Darts who had just confirmed their relegation back to the Isthmian Premier.

Early pressure from the Wands was rewarded as early as the second minute. Former Dart, Ellis Brown scored to put the hosts ahead at Hayes Lane. Jordan Greenidge used his strength to create an opportunity with half hour played and he took full advantage to level. As the tie approached the prospect of penalties, Dartford managed to force an own goal for the winner.

Three years earlier the Darts won in the F.A Trophy third round. Tyrique Hyde set up Jake Robinson for the first and won the penalty for Robinson’s second. Danny Leonard added a third goal before Jai Reason scored a consolation for the Wands. Sandwiched between a pair of 2-1 Dartford victories in a 2011 F.A Cup third qualifier and a 2016 Kent Senior Cup first round tie, Cray Wanderers did claim a win seven years ago. In another Kent Senior Cup first round match, the Wands progressed with a 4-2 victory. Dartford’s goals came from Toby Ajala and Warren Mfula.

There is a history between Dartford and Cray Wanderers, who first played each other 136 years ago. Yet it wasn’t until the 2006/2007 season that the pair met in a league other than a local county division or a cup fixture. However, in recent times both clubs have gone through a similar journey. When the Darts lost their Watling Street home and reformed in the nineties, they shared Cray Wanderers’ ground at Oxford Road. Dartford didn’t find a permanent place until they moved in at Princes Park in 2006. Likewise, the Wands left Oxford Road in 1998 and after many years at Hayes Lane, Bromley they finally moved into their new stadium Flamingo Park this season.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWWDWW) Cray Wanderers (LDWWWD)
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Billericay Town H 1-1
Horsham A 3-1 Dover Athletic A 1-0
Dulwich Hamlet H 2-2 Chichester City H 1-0
Bognor Regis Town H 4-0 Bowers and Pitsea A 1-0
Hastings United A 3-0 Carshalton Athletic H 1-1
Chichester City A 2-2 Canvey Island A 0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 36 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 11

Previous Meetings

Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (16/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 3 Dartford (18/12/2021 – F.A Trophy)
Cray Wanderers 4 – 2 Dartford (20/09/2017 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (05/10/2016 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (15/10/2011 – F.A Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (02/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • In the league Dartford have lost just once against Cray Wanderers in the last 19 outings (W14, D4)
  • The Darts have lost just once in the last 17 at home versus the Wands in all competitions (W11, D5)
  • This will be only the third time Dartford have played Cray Wanderers on Boxing Day. The first meeting was in 1901 when the Wands won 4-0 in the Kent League. The last was the 1-1 draw in the Isthmian Premier League 15 years ago.
  • Dartford have won 41, drawn 23 and lost 26 games on Boxing Day (Home record – W28 D15 L15)

On This Day

Dartford have won six of the last seven Boxing Day matches with three of those against Welling United. All seven of those games were in the National South and it was a year ago when Richard Chin scored the winner against the Wings at Park View Road. The Darts also won at Welling United 3-0 in 2019 and 3-2 in 2017 with Alfie Pavey’s stunning last minute scissor kick.

Two years ago, Dartford blew rivals Ebbsfleet United away at Stonebridge Road with four first half goals. Luke Allen, Luke Coulson and Maxwell Statham all netted inside 11 minutes. Alex Wall added a fourth with five minutes left of the first-half in a 4-1 victory over the then league leaders and eventual champions. The last Boxing Day fixture at Princes Park was in 2016 with Dartford beating Ebbsfleet United again. Duane Ofori-Acheampong scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory.

Dartford’s biggest triumph on this day was a 6-1 win at Canvey Island in 2007 with goals from Steve Norman, Ryan Hayes, Brendon Cass, Jay May, Eddie McClements and Jamie Coyle. At Watling Street in 1989, a team led by Peter Taylor beat Gravesend and Northfleet 5-0 in the Southern Premier League.

Folkestone Invicta v Dartford

December 19, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Dartford will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten run and stay in the playoff places when they visit Folkestone Invicta in this weekend’s Kent derby.

The Darts are unbeaten in the league throughout November and December and if Adrian Pennock’s side avoid defeat again it will take the Darts to 11 without a loss in the Isthmian Premier. The club are now enjoying their best run for two years and victory will guarantee fourth place at Christmas. Folkestone Invicta will be hoping to edge closer to the playoff zone even after a run of three consecutive away defeats. However, they have taken maximum points in their last three matches at Cheriton Road.

Pennock’s squad now seems settled and playing with confidence and for a fourth game in a row the Dartford boss named an unchanged team for the mid-week fixture at Horsham. The Darts kept up their good form over Sussex sides with another victory. It was the second consecutive game in which the Darts earned points after falling behind. Pennock was pleased with the character and togetherness shown by his team, which in pointed out in the post match interview.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Hornets led halfway into the first half, but Samir Carruthers equalised almost immediately. Maximum points were secured in the second-half when Olly Box took his tally to nine for the season, with his sixth goal in seven starts. Denzelle Olopade made it 3-1 to make sure the Darts picked up points for a fifth away match in a row.

Since the start of November, Dartford have won five and drawn five to take them from thirteenth in the table to fourth. On the road they have won the last two following on from three successive draws. The Darts last went six away league games unbeaten in the same season back in 2018, when they closed out the campaign with six straight victories under Tony Burman.

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Match highlights courtesy of Hornets TV

It’s been 20 years since the previous meeting between the two sides back in the Southern League Division One. Since then, they have played in several cup matches with the last being the Kent Senior Cup final in May 2022. Samir Carruthers was part of the winning side that retained the county cup after a 6-2 victory.

Life at Princes Park didn’t really work out for Ade Yusuff in the early part of this season, the forward opened the scoring for Invicta in the final. In the second-half Luke Allen headed Dartford level before the hour mark, the Ali Mansaray nodded in a second. The scores were even again once David Smith netted for Folkestone Invicta, but afterwards the Darts strolled away in the last 15 minutes. Connor Essam, an Ade Azeez double and Danny Leonard added more to Dartford’s tally.

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Josh Hill was involved in the previous meeting before the Kent Senior Cup triumph. In the same competition two years earlier, the Darts won 4-0 in the quarter-final. Liam Nash set the Dartford on their way and Tyrique Hyde, doubled the lead. Billy Crook and Elliot Romain extended Dartford’s advantage to send them into the final four. That campaign was delayed due to Covid and eventually the Darts claimed county honours in the following season.

Folkestone Invicta were beaten last weekend by an in-form Chatham Town side. Former Premier League striker, Freddie Sears scored a brace and two ex-Darts, Rowan Liburd and John Ufuah added to Chatham Town’s tally. Invicta’s goal came from Joe Turner who had earlier levelled the match. Defeat completed a trio of losses on the road following trips to Potters Bar Town where they lost 3-2 and Whitehawk where they were beaten 1-0.

Former Dart, Sam Blackman featured last weekend in the loss at Chatham Town. The midfielder was part of the 2019/2020 squad, but an unfortunate pre-season leg break restricted him to just one appearance for Dartford. Jack Jebb was unavailable on Saturday but was back in light training. Jebb played 66 times for the Darts scoring nine goals in his three seasons at Princes Park.

At home, Invicta have won three on the spin after losing to league leaders Dover Athletic on 5 November. Andy Drury’s side won their Kent derby with Cray Wanderers thanks to Dan Smith’s goal. Ten days later, an Amadou Kassarate brace helped Invicta beat Dulwich Hamlet 2-1. Just under a month ago Smith scored a hat-trick as they breezed past strugglers Bognor Regis Town 4-1. A fourth consecutive win followed at Horsham beginning the aforementioned run of away matches.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDWWDW) Folkestone Invicta (WWWLLL)
Horsham A 3-1 Chatham Town A 1-4
Dulwich Hamlet H 2-2 Potters Bar Town A 2-3
Bognor Regis Town H 4-0 Whitehawk A 0-1
Hastings United A 3-0 Horsham A 1-0
Chichester City A 2-2 Bognor Regis Town H 4-1
Lewes H 2-0 Dulwich Hamlet H 2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Folkestone Invicta wins: 10 / Draws: 4

Previous Meetings

Dartford 6 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (17/05/2022 – Kent Senior Cup Final)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Folkestone Invicta (25/02/2020 – Kent Senior Cup)
Folkestone Invicta 1 – 4 Dartford (07/12/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dartford 2 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (12/09/2006 – Isthmian League Cup)**
Dartford 1 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (18/01/2005 – Kent Senior Cup)
Folkestone Invicta 1 – 0 Dartford (13/03/2004 – Southern League Div One East)
* played at Chatham Town
** Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last four against Folkestone Invicta in all competitions (W3, D1). Invicta had won eight in a row prior Dartford’s current run
  • The Darts have lost the last five league games in this fixture stretching back to 1998
  • In the league Dartford have lost the previous two away versus Folkestone Invicta

On This Day

Chris Dickson may not have had his shooting boots on for Horsham in mid-week, but he did on this day four years ago. His very brief spell with the Darts got of to a flyer as the striker netted both goals on his debut in a 2-0 win. Three years earlier, Alfie Pavey scored twice and Andy Pugh netted in a 3-3 draw at Wealdstone, Lee Noble was sent off in second-half injury time. The most recent fixture on this day ended in a 2-0 loss at Braintree Town last season. The Darts lost a F.A Trophy tie to rivals Dover Athletic 3-2 in their last away match on 21 November. In 2006, Dartford claimed a 1-0 victory on the road at Leatherhead, Jay May the match winner.

Horsham v Dartford

December 16, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to maintain a top five place and continue their unbeaten run when they return to Sussex to face Horsham on Tuesday night.

The Darts can go ten league games without defeat if they pick up at least a point at Worthing Road, their best set of results since Adrian Pennock took charge. In that time Dartford have picked up four victories with only one of those on the road. The Darts won their last Isthmian Premier fixture away from Princes Park and since then they have taken four more points at home to occupy the final playoff spot. So tight is the current standings that if Horsham win their two games in hand over Pennock’s side they will go two points ahead of the Darts, yet the Hornets are currently down in thirteenth place.

For a third league away game in a row, Dartford travel to Sussex. In fact, four of the last five Isthmian Premier encounters have been against teams from the county and so far, Dartford have picked up ten points from those games beating Lewes, Hastings United, Bognor Regis Town and drawing with Chichester City.

The Darts have also enjoyed their last two visits to Horsham at two different venues. Just over five years ago they were drawn together in the F.A Cup second qualifying round. Two months into their new stadium on Worthing Road, the Hornets were knocked out by Dartford under interim manager Tony Burman at the time. Late goals in either half from Darren McQueen and Luke Allen secured a 2-0 away win for the Kent side.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Burman was also in charge for the last league outing back in March 2010. Heading towards the Isthmian Premier League title, Dartford came home with all three points from Gorings Mead. As early as five minutes, Elliot Bradbrook put the visitors ahead from close range. Ryan Hayes set up the first and supplied Allan Tait for the second. Bradbrook tidily finished for the third before Pat Harding scored a consolation for the Hornets.

On the weekend, Dartford found themselves in control, lost a lead and salvaged a point against Dulwich Hamlet. An unchanged side for the third consecutive match saw a fifth draw in the last nine league outings. Callum Jones opened the scoring with his first goal since late September, a run of 13 appearances. On the stroke of half-time, former Dart, Luke Wanadio came back to haunt his old side again with the equaliser. The forward also scored the winner to knock Dartford out of the F.A Trophy earlier this season.

Hamlet took the lead in the second half when Ralfi Hand put the visitors in front. Once again, Olly Box took centre stage with a leveller and his fifth goal in his last six starts. Although the Darts created enough opportunities to build a first-half lead they were unable to convert their chances. However, the side showed character to rescue a point and keep hold of their unbeaten run.

Tyler Christian-Law and Eddie Dsane were both unused substitutes on the weekend. If involved in the midweek fixture at Horsham they will be up against one of their former teams. Christian-Law joined the Hornets in November 2022 and departed three months later. Dsane had two spells at Horsham joining in September 2020 then again in November 2022, having played for Margate in between.

Horsham dropped out of the Isthmian Premier two years later sinking to the Southern Combination Premier by 2015. The Sussex club bounced back straight away with the title at the first attempt and took another three seasons to return to where they are now. Last term was historic for the Hornets despite losing the playoff semi-final. Horsham recorded their highest ever league finish, reached the F.A Cup second round for the second time in their history and won the Sussex Senior Cup.

Although Dominic Di Paola’s team haven’t reached the heights of last term, they remain strong at home and have put decent cup runs together. On their own patch they have breezed past strugglers Whitehawk as well as Bowers and Pitsea. Add another two wins over fellow county sides Chichester City and Lewes and a triumph over Potters Bar Town, the Hornets could feel confident ahead of their weekend clash with Cheshunt.

That confidence came through on Saturday thanks to a former Dartford striker bagging a hat-trick. Chris Dickson scored three goals in eight appearances for the Darts during the 2020/2021 campaign. The 3-1 victory over Cheshunt put the disappointment of the F.A Trophy exit a week ago behind the Hornets. Dickson will turn 40 years-old next week and he opened the scoring from the penalty spot. He doubled the lead five minutes after the break and missed a penalty with the score at 2-1. However, Dickson was determined to take home the match ball, and he secured it with his third of the afternoon. Victory was the Hornets second in a row at home in the Isthmian Premier having put five past Bowers and Pitsea at the end of November.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWDWWD) Horsham (LWLWLW)
Dulwich Hamlet H 2-2 Cheshunt H 3-1
Bognor Regis Town H 4-0 Billericay Town A 1-2
Hastings United A 3-0 Bowers and Pitsea H 5-0
Chichester City A 2-2 Folkestone Invicta H 0-1
Lewes H 2-0 Wingate and Finchley A 1-0
Hashtag United A 3-3 Chatham Town A 0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Horsham wins: 2 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Horsham 0 – 2 Dartford (21/09/2019 – F.A Cup)
Horsham 1 – 3 Dartford (18/03/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 2 Horsham (15/08/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Horsham 3 – 2 Dartford (18/02/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)
Horsham 0 – 3 Dartford (24/01/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 4 – 0 Horsham (20/09/2008 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won five of the last six games against Horsham in all competitions (D1)
  • The Darts have won the last two games at Horsham
  • Dartford are four league games unbeaten on the road (W1, D3), their longest unbeaten away run since September/October 2022

On This Day

Dave Tarpey scored a stunning goal that went viral on this day as the Darts were humbled 5-0 at Maidenhead United. The striker went on to get a hat-trick in that game and the Magpies ended up as the 2016/2017 National South champions. That was Dartford’s only other defeat in 16 matches on 17 December. The biggest win on this day came in 1988 when Peter Taylor’s side beat Moor Green 5-1 in the Southern Premier League at Watling Street. Whilst the last away victory on 17 December was in 1964 in a Kent Floodlight League fixture against Deal Town, the Darts won 3-1.

Dartford v Dulwich Hamlet

December 12, 2024 / / 0 Comments

This weekend Dartford host Dulwich Hamlet for the second time this season after the two sides previously met in the F.A Trophy.

The Darts were knocked out of the trophy two months ago during a winless spell throughout October and September. Now Adrian Pennock’s side are unbeaten in eight league games having won three of the last four in the Isthmian Premier. Dulwich Hamlet have had a busy week with a home defeat against league leaders Dover Athletic and a comeback draw at Lewes, to secure just their second point in their last five outings.

Since taking charge of the Darts, Adrian Pennock is on his longest run without a league defeat, the kind of form that helped his side reach the top five last weekend. However, Hamlet’s draw in Sussex on Tuesday saw Lewes regain fifth spot with Dartford dropping a place outside the playoffs.

Last weekend the Darts beat Bognor Regis Town comfortably. Having made nine changes in the League Cup defeat at Sheppey United, Pennock named the same side that beat Hastings United in the league giving Louis Dunne his home debut. On the bench was new loan signing Hayden Bullas, who came on to make his debut. The Leyton Orient midfielder had already been out on loan at Erith Town this season scoring twice in 20 appearances. Michael Olarewaju was still unavailable, the defender has missed the last month through injury.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford made the blustery conditions count in the first half blowing Bognor Regis Town away. The Darts racked up their biggest half time lead since beating Cockfosters in the London Senior Cup just over three years ago. Denzelle Olopade pounced on a rebound to get the scoring moving, the midfielder’s fourth of the campaign. Olly Box doubled the advantage with his fourth in his last five league games. Defender, George Whitefield found the back of the net for a third consecutive home game. To wrap up an excellent first-half display Josh Hill scored his first since returning to the club.

It was the first time the Darts scored four in the first half since the Boxing Day win at Ebbsfleet United in 2022. With the job as good as done and kicking against the wind, Dartford were unable to add to their tally in the second half despite the visitors going down to ten men in the closing stages.

Former Dartford winger, Luke Wanadio was the difference maker in the F.A Trophy meeting with Dulwich Hamlet back in October by scoring the only goal of the game. The 32 year old has scored 15 this season for Hamlet and top scored for the club last term. Over his three spells with the Darts he made 99 appearances and netted 18 goals. Trying to stop the London side’s attack is Dartford captain Josh Hill, who previously played for this weekend’s opponents. He could also come face to face with three more former Darts in Jordan Wynter, Danny Mills and George Porter.

Wynter was part of the Dartford team that last played against Dulwich Hamlet in a league fixture. Versatile in defence or midfield, Wynter made 191 appearances prior switching allegiances in May. Alex Wall bagged a hat-trick and Harvey Bradbury added a fourth as the Darts ran out 4-0 winners in April 2023.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The win at Princes Park completed a double over Hamlet that season after Dartford won 2-1 at Champion Hill in October 2022. The visitors had to come from behind when Nana Owusu put Dulwich Hamlet in front. On the stroke of Samir Carruthers equalised from the spot. It took Dartford until six minutes from time to find the decisive breakthrough when Charlie Sheringham headed home.

Hakan Heyrettin’s side have struggled on the road this term. The F.A Trophy tie at Princes Park was Hamlet’s last away victory in all competitions. In the league they have earned just one win on their travels picking up six points in nine games. However, Dulwich Hamlet showed plenty of character down at Lewes in their previous fixture. Hamlet were without Sam German, Ross Marshall and Jameson Horlick for their midweek trip. However, Max Hudson and Louis Ramsey returned to the starting eleven after recovering from injury. Ryley Scott could be in contention again this weekend.

After the 4-1 defeat at home to Dover Athletic, Hamlet were looking to get some points on the board with a tough trip to Lewes midweek. The hosts went two goals up at the Dripping Pan and looked set for victory, until two former Darts rescued a point for Heyrettin’s men. Mills scored seven in 26 games whilst on loan at Princes Park in 2017/2018. The forward came on as a substitute against the Rooks and made an immediate impact. With time running out, Wanadio levelled during injury time to complete the comeback for Hamlet, which leaves them thirteenth and four points behind the Darts.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDWDWW) Dulwich Hamlet (WLLDLD)
Bognor Regis Town H 4-0 Lewes A 2-2
Hastings United A 3-0 Dover Athletic H 1-4
Chichester City A 2-2 Cheshunt A 1-1
Lewes H 2-0 Hashtag United H 0-2
Hashtag United A 3-3 Folkestone Invicta A 1-2
Cheshunt H 2-1 Potters Bar Town H 3-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Dulwich Hamlet wins: 4 / Draws: 4

Previous Meetings

Dartford 0 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (05/10/2024 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 3 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (01/04/2023 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 1 – 2 Dartford (08/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (08/01/2022 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 0 – 2 Dartford (28/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (25/01/2020 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in all five home league games against Dulwich Hamlet W3, D2)
  • The Darts could make it four league wins in a row at home for the first time since September/October 2023 and first time since Adrian Pennock took charge
  • Dartford have kept three clean sheets in their last four league games at Princes Park

On This Day

High flying Crawley Town were knocked out by the Darts in the F.A Trophy on this day in 2010. The Sussex club were on their way to winning the National League and promotion into the Football League that season. After an entertaining 3-3 draw, Tom Champion was the match winner on home soil in a 1-0 cup upset.

Alex Wall scored a brace against his former side two years ago as the Darts beat Havant and Waterlooville 3-1 in Hampshire. Three years earlier on this day Dartford also netted three at home versus Billericay Town. This time Elliott Romain was at the double after Darren McQueen scored Dartford’s first of the afternoon in a 3-2 victory at Princes Park.

In 1935, Dartford made it to the F.A Cup third round with a win against Gainsborough Trinity. The Darts had already beaten Cardiff City in the previous round and were rewarded with a famous away tie versus top flight Derby County.

Dartford v Bognor Regis Town

December 6, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Dartford return to league action against bottom side Bognor Regis Town this weekend.

The Darts have managed to put their poor run behind them and are now looking towards the playoff places. Dartford are just a win away from the top five, but sit in ninth place after a run of seven league matches without defeat. Victory on Saturday will make it three in a row in the Isthmian Premier for the first time since August. Bognor Regis Town are four without a win and suffered a heavy defeat last time out to leave them at the foot of the table without a permanent manager.

Adrian Pennock’s side are beginning to enjoy playing hosts again turning their fortunes around over the last month. A creditable 0-0 draw against high flying Cray Valley Paper Mills set Dartford on their current unbeaten home run in the league to three. A wonder strike by George Whitefield turned out to be the winner versus Cheshunt in a 2-1 triumph and a fortnight ago the defender scored again. Olly Box and Whitefield were on the scoresheet in the last home outing, which the Darts won 2-0 against playoff chasers Lewes.

A couple of away games have taken place since and after dispatching struggling Hastings United 3-0 with goals from Samir Carruthers, Jez Pinder and Eddie Dsane, Dartford were in League Cup action at Isthmian South East side Sheppey United on Tuesday night. Pennock made nine changes to the side with only goalkeeper, Jacob Marsden and defender George Whitefield remaining the starting eleven. Whilst academy player Blu Husthwaite was given his first start for the Darts and reserve goalkeeper Josh Atkinson came on to make his debut.

The Dartford boss used the opportunity of a cup fixture to give experience to a very youthful side. Nine academy players and recent graduates featured before the final whistle signalled the end of Dartford’s League Cup run. Sheppey United led by a goal at the break and despite the visitors attempts to force penalties, the Ites added two stoppage time goals to go through to the quarter-final.

Now out of all cup competitions the Darts are left to concentrate on pushing for a playoff place. If Pennock’s side claim victory this weekend they could enter the top five. However, they will also need Lewes to fall to defeat and for Carshalton Athletic and Folkestone Invicta not to win.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Bognor Regis Town evokes memories for the Darts, mainly the title celebrations in 2010 and a championship decider in 2018, but those meetings were down in Sussex. At Princes Park, it was less about the occasion itself and more about an individual performance by an opposition player. During the Isthmian Premier winning campaign table toppers Dartford hosted rock bottom Bognor Regis Town and Jason Prior scored a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw. The striker must have impressed the Darts enough as he joined Dartford on loan in March 2013 before making a permanent move that summer.

Blushes were spared by the hosts due to a late Billy Burgess goal, but it was Prior’s hat-trick of headers that saw the Darts having to come back twice. Danny Harris netted a brace to level at 2-2 before Prior secured the match ball and put Bognor Regis Town ahead again. In stoppage time, Burgess scrambled home the equaliser on an entertaining afternoon.

Eight years later, Dartford scored three again at Princes Park and this time a stronger defence made sure of maximum points. Ryan Hayes took a quick throw which found its way to scorer Alfie Pavey via Andy Pugh on seven minutes. The visitors were level before the break, Kristian Campbell equalised and like Prior he went on to play for Dartford later in his career. In the second half the Darts pulled away with a successful penalty from Elliot Bradbrook and a header by Pugh.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s last meeting with the Rocks ended in heartbreak despite victory in April 2018. Needing to better Havant and Waterlooville’s result to win the National South on the final day, the Darts went 2-0 up in the 77th minute after goals from Danny Mills and Ronnie Vint. The hosts pulled a goal back when Ollie Pearce scored from the spot. Meanwhile, Havant and Waterlooville let a two-goal lead slip and were level. Until that man Prior, then at the Hawks, scored a last gasp winner snatching the title away from Dartford.

In 2010, the visit to Nyewood Lane was less nervy and one of celebration. Dartford were already Isthmian Premier champions ahead of the last game of the season. Jamie Coyle scored the Darts’ 100th league goal of the campaign and Lee Noble sealed a 2-0 triumph.

Bognor Regis Town departed with manager Robbie Blake after a heavy defeat to Chatham Town last weekend, David Birmingham and Craig Robson have been left in charge in the interim. The Rocks were 6-0 down by half-time on their own patch before losing 7-1. The former Burnley forward was in his seventh year at the helm after taking over at the Sussex club when they were relegated from the National South over six years ago.

Having lost eight of their last ten in the league, the Rocks have picked up just four points from the last 30 available. On the road, they have a solitary victory against Bowers and Pitsea and a draw at Hastings United, both sides are struggling in the Isthmian Premier this term. The Rocks have been leaking goals and have conceded 42 in the league, eleven of those have been in the previous two outings. Former Dart, Tommy Block is part of the Bognor Regis Town set up. The midfielder made 17 appearances at Dartford during last season but struggled with injuries in his time at Princes Park.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWDWDW) Bognor Regis Town (LWLDLL)
Hastings United A 3-0 Chatham Town H 1-7
Chichester City A 2-2 Folkestone Invicta A 1-4
Lewes H 2-0 Carshalton Athletic H 1-1
Hashtag United A 3-3 Lewes A 1-4
Cheshunt H 2-1 Bowers and Pitsea A 1-0
Potters Bar Town A 1-1 Cheshunt H 0-4

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Bognor Regis Town wins: 1 / Draws: 4

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (28/04/2018 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (07/10/2017 – National South)
Bognor Regis Town 0 – 2 Dartford (24/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 3 Bognor Regis Town (07/11/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (02/05/1981 – Southern League South)
Bognor Regis Town 2 – 2 Dartford (13/12/1980 – Southern League South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are currently on a six game unbeaten run against Bognor Regis Town stretching back 34 years (W3, D3)
  • The Darts have won the last three meetings between the two sides
  • Dartford are unbeaten at home against the Rocks (W4, D2)
  • Adrian Pennock will equal his longest unbeaten home record as Dartford boss if he avoids defeat at Princes Park for a fourth time in a row this weekend.

On This Day

Dartford have only tasted defeat twice at home on this day in ten outings, but this fixture will be the first at Princes Park. The Darts last home match on 7 December ended in a 1-1 draw with Folkestone Invicta in 1998. Two years earlier, also in the Southern League South, Dartford won 2-1 against Bashley. The Darts are currently on an unbeaten run of five at home on this day. The last five outings have all been on the road and in that time the Darts have won once. Another fixture against Folkestone Invicta ended 4-1 in 2011 with goals from Jacob Erskine, Tom Bonner and a double from Richard Graham in the Kent Senior Cup second round. Five years ago, Dartford drew 1-1 at Dulwich Hamlet, Elliott Romain netted from the spot.

Sheppey United v Dartford

December 2, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Dartford return to knockout competition with a fourth round Isthmian League Cup tie at Sheppey United on Tuesday night.

Facing each other for the first time since the mid-nineties both sides will be looking to reach the quarter-finals. A division higher than their opponents, Dartford approach the game on their longest unbeaten run during Adrian Pennock’s tenure. Starting with victory in this competition in the previous round, the Darts are without defeat in the last eight. Sheppey United are challenging for promotion to the Isthmian South East and it is likely they will have to go through the playoffs. The Ites are currently on a three game winning streak.

Dartford headed back to Sussex to take on Hastings United on the weekend. Adrian Pennock made one change to the side that let a two goal lead slip at Chichester City a week ago. New loan signing from Chelmsford City, Louis Dunne made his debut with Jeremiah Pinder dropping to the bench.

Although a former Dart gave the visitors an early scare, it was Dartford who took the lead. Davide Rodari earlier hit the crossbar for Hastings United prior to the in form Olly Box winning a penalty for the Darts. Samir Carruthers scored the spot kick, his fourth goal of the season, all in his last eight appearances. The midfielder was replaced by Pinder just past the hour mark. The substitute made an impact ten minutes later slotting home a pass from Box. Eddie Dsane was introduced after five games out with a shoulder injury, the striker made it 3-0 with his sixth goal of the season ending his six match goal drought.

In the previous round of the Isthmian League Cup, Pennock made seven changes to the starting eleven to face Erith Town. A Carruthers free kick was enough to see the Darts progress in a 1-0 win. In the solitary county cup tie this season the whole lineup was altered. It is likely this theme will continue on Tuesday night and a few academy players get the opportunity to impress the boss. So far this term eleven current or former academy players have made at least one appearance.

Dartford have progressed against all six Kent sides they have faced in the Isthmian League Cup, which includes two penalty shoot-outs. Sheppey United will be aiming to put an end to that sequence. The Ites had won just one cup match this season before beginning their Isthmian League Cup run. In the F.A Cup they beat North Greenford United prior to a heavy replay loss to Hanwell Town. Then they became Ramsgate’s victims in the F.A Trophy at the first hurdle.

A cup victory did arrive when they drew out Herne Bay in the League Cup, but the Ites couldn’t complete the job in normal time and went through on penalties. After no goals in 90 minutes the tie was decided from the spot with Sheppey United holding their nerve in a 5-4 shootout win. The same fate awaited Ernie Batten’s side in the Kent Senior Cup a week later, but with a different outcome. A 1-1 draw with Hythe Town forced another penalty lottery and this time the Ites went out 5-3.

Sheppey United will be hoping their third round Isthmian League Cup win over Margate last week has changed their fortune in knockout competition. Gil Carvalho’s second-half hat-trick helped the Ites to a 4-2 win. The Gate went in at half-time a goal up through Brandon Davey. Then a fourteen spell saw Sheppey United net four unanswered goals. Victor Aiye levelled six minutes into the second-half, then Carvalho scored three in eight minutes. With the game closing out, Jordon Ababio grabbed a consolation for Margate.

In the Isthmian South East, the Ites sit in the final playoff place. Three straight wins in the league at home and three consecutive victories in all competitions has given the Kent side confidence. On the weekend they faced Eastbourne Town and won with the only goal coming from Aiye, his second in as many matches. Featuring in the recent successes is captain and former Dart, Danny Leonard. The winger joined Dartford from the Ites before returning after a season. During the 2021/2022 season, Leonard started 28 games for the Darts, made 13 substitute appearances and scored 10 goals.

Current Form

Dartford (DWDWDW) Sheppey United (DWLWWW)
Hastings United A 3-0 Eastbourne Town H 1-0
Chichester City A 2-2 Margate (ILC) A 4-2
Lewes H 2-0 Phoenix Sports H 3-1
Hashtag United A 3-3 Burgess Hill Town A 0-3
Cheshunt H 2-1 Merstham H 4-3
Potters Bar Town A 1-1 Erith Town A 1-1

ILC – Isthmian League Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 48 / Sheppey United wins: 34 / Draws: 10

Previous Meetings

Sheppey United 1 – 3 Dartford (02/03/1996 – Kent League First Division)
Dartford 3 – 0 Sheppey United (28/10/1995 – Kent League First Division)
Dartford 0 – 1 Sheppey United (03/05/1995 – Kent League First Division)
Sheppey United 5 – 1 Dartford (29/03/1995 – Kent League First Division)
Sheppey United 3 – 1 Dartford (26/10/1994 – Kent Senior Trophy)
Dartford 0 – 0 Sheppey United (19/10/1994 – Kent Senior Trophy)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won the last two meetings in this fixture both during the 1995/1996 Kent League campaign
  • The Darts last knocked Sheppey United out of a cup competition in 1987 winning a Southern League Cup tie 2-0
  • The Ites are unbeaten in the last three cup games against Dartford winning two and drawing one.
  • Dartford have won 20 cup matches versus Sheppey United including three finals (1925 Kent League Cup, 1930 Kent Senior Shield and 1932 Kent Senior Cup). There have also been seven draws and eight defeats

On This Day

A late Louis Dunne cross proved costly for the Darts on this day two years ago. The on loan midfielder from Chelmsford City scored the only goal of the game as the Clarets won 1-0 at the Melbourne Stadium. Two goals in a couple of minutes helped Dartford to a 2-1 win against Poole Town in 2016. Duane Ofori-Acheampong opened the scoring and Luke Wanadio made it two. The visitors pulled a goal back through Luke Parker. The last cup tie on this day was in 2013 when the Darts were knocked out in a F.A Trophy first round replay versus Forest Green Rovers. In 2011, Dartford earned bragging rights in their Kent derby with rivals Dover Athletic. An Adam Green penalty, Ryan Hayes and Elliot Bradbrook all netted in the 3-1 home victory.

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