Month: January 2025

Bowers and Pitsea v Dartford

Dartford could rise to the top of the Isthmian Premier League when they travel to Bowers and Pitsea this weekend.

The Darts have put together an incredible 17 match unbeaten run to take them within a point of the summit. Next up, Adrian Pennock’s side face a struggling Bowers team who are trying to avoid the drop. Victory for Dartford in Essex will put pressure on leaders Dover Athletic as well as Cray Valley Paper Mills, who take on fourth place Billericay Town. Bowers and Pitsea are in desperate need of points, but they have been here before. In the reverse fixture back in September, Bowers were rock bottom when they won at Princes Park.

Pennock and company have vastly improved results since that meeting with Bowers four months ago. Last weekend the Darts secured an eighth straight league win with an impressive display against previous league leaders Billericay Town. Defenders, Michael Olarewaju and Sam Odaudu returned to the lineup whilst George Whitefield was fit to start. Samir Carruthers was given the nod despite exiting the field of play early in the 2-1 away win at Wingate and Finchley. The midfielder made an impact on the weekend, but a hamstring injury cut his afternoon short again. Sam Okoye was suspended for his red card a week earlier. Meanwhile, the loan spells of midfielders Hayden Bullas and Louis Dunne have been extended by the club.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Marking his 50th appearance for the club, Olly Box opened the scoring against Billericay Town with an excellent long-range effort. However, the former academy star was unable to complete the full ninety minutes after picking up an injury later in the match. Whitefield had never scored for the senior team before this season, the defender headed home for his sixth of the campaign. Player of the Match, Callum Jones added a third against his old side and set up Eddie Dsane for the fourth. Dsane has now scored four times from off the bench including three in his last four substitute appearances to take him to double figures in all competitions. The biggest attendance at Princes Park this season witnessed an eighth game unbeaten at home for the first time in two years, when the Darts reached ten without loss.

Dartford didn’t lose an away league game throughout the whole of November, December and January. When they visit Crown Avenue on Saturday they will be chasing a seventh consecutive triumph on the road in the Isthmian Premier. Three straight draws against Potters Bar Town, Hashtag United and Chichester City were followed by maximum points in their next six trips. The Darts were joyous in Sussex when they beat Hastings United and then Horsham. Claimed a pair of 1-0 victories over Folkestone Invicta and Canvey Island. Won the New Year’s Day derby at Chatham Town 2-0 and defeated Wingate and Finchley with ten men.

The feel-good factor has returned to DA1, but despite all the positivity Dartford will not take Bowers and Pitsea for granted. The Essex club are six without a win, have tasted victory just once in their last 15 league outings, taken just six points from 45 available and are nine points adrift of safety. However, they had only drawn once in their opening six fixtures before beating Dartford 2-1 in September. Former Dart, Alfie Evans scored twice in the first half to give the away side an advantage at the break. Callum Jones pulled a goal back and a strong penalty shout was waved away by the match official. Frustration boiled over after the final whistle when Duane Ofori-Acheampong aired his grievances to the match officials and received a red card.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Promoted via the Isthmian Division One North playoffs last term, Bowers and Pitsea returned to the Premier at the first time of asking. James Collins led the Essex club back into step three, but by Christmas Eve the former manager had resigned. Now Joe Flowers and Luke Wilson are at the helm as joint managers having joined from Runwell Sports, a team from the Essex Olympian Premier League (step 7). The pair have history with Bowers enjoying recent successes. Flowers was part of the management team that won the Isthmian Division One North in 2019. Wilson played over a century of games for the club winning the Essex Senior League and the Essex Senior League Cup. He was also part of the Bowers and Pitsea team that reached the F.A Vase semi-final in 2016.

Since being appointed, Flowers and Wilson picked up a point in their first game against Folkestone Invicta. The 2-2 draw was followed by a pair of defeats at home to Cray Valley Paper Mills and away at Chichester City. Last weekend Bowers were in Sussex to take on Lewes and came home with a 1-1 draw. Luke Reeve opened the scoring just before the hour, but the Rooks were level with a stoppage time equaliser.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWW) Bowers and Pitsea (DLDLLD)
Billericay Town H 4-0 Lewes A 1-1
Wingate & Finchley A 2-1 Chichester City A 0-1
Whitehawk H 4-1 Cary Valley (PM) H 1-2
Chatham Town A 2-0 Folkestone Invicta H 2-2
Canvey Island A 1-0 Chatham Town A 1-3
Cray Wanderers H 2-1 Hashtag United H 2-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Bowers and Pitsea wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Bowers and Pitsea (21/09/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won eight league games in a row for the first time since March/April 2018, when they won the final nine games of the season
  • The Darts are 17 matches unbeaten, Their best run since 2007/2008 when they went 21 matches without defeat.
  • Dartford have recorded six straight away wins equalling the run in March/April 2018. Last time they won seven consecutive games on the road was at the start of 2009/2010 season, when they managed nine.
  • The Darts are nine without defeat on their travels also last achieved in 2009/2010

On This Day

February normally begins well for Dartford when they play on the opening day of the month. Three years ago the Darts began extremely well taking bragging rights against rivals Ebbsfleet United in the North West Kent derby. The rearranged Boxing Day clash was decided by Jake Robinson’s first half goal at Princes Park.

Two years earlier, the Darts hit Chippenham Town for five in the opening forty five minutes. Darren McQueen scored twice, Liam Nash, Amrit Bansal-McNulty and an own goal secured a 5-1 victory in Wiltshire.

The previous three games on this day, all at home, finished 1-0 to Dartford. Elliot Bradbrook was the match winner against Braintree Town in 2011. There was a Southern League South win over Chelmsford in 1999 and in the same division Cinderford Town were beaten in 1997.

Dartford v Billericay Town

Dartford host new league leaders Billericay Town this weekend in a top of the table clash.

The Darts are full of confidence after seven straight wins in the Isthmian Premier taking them to fourth place. Stretching their league run to an impressive 16 games without defeat, Dartford have now surpassed their unbeaten sequence during the title winning campaign in 2009/2010. Another victory will put them level on points with the Blues, who comfortably beat Adrian Pennock’s side back in October. Billericay Town moved to the summit last weekend taking full advantage of Dover Athletic’s slip up.

Both clubs had the same goal at the start of the season of promotion. Dartford hope to bounce back to the National South at the first time of asking. Billericay Town are determined to reach the same destination after what would be a three year absence.

Last time out the Darts battled to a well earned triumph at Wingate and Finchley. Pennock had to adjust to in game injuries and a controversial red card to pick up vital points in the race for promotion. Full back, Sam Odaudu missed his first game of the season with a back injury and will be assessed before this weekend. Sam Okoye and Denzelle Olopade returned to the starting eleven and Michael Olarewaju was named on the bench.

Wingate and Finchley were quick out of the blocks in October leading by three after 21 minutes. This time the Darts started quickly with an early goal. Staying up from a free kick, George Whitefield found himself on the end of a Samir Carruthers cross to head in the opener after just nine minutes. The defender is now on five goals for the season. Okoye won a penalty ten minutes before the break, which Carruthers rolled in, his fifth spot kick scored and seventh goal this term. Dartford let the hosts back in the game on the stroke of half time when Camilo Restrepo halved the deficit.

A couple of injuries left Pennock needing to shuffle the pack and taking off the two goalscorers. Carruthers was unable to complete the first forty five and was replaced by Jez Pinder in the closing stages of the half. During the interval Whitefield was substituted and Michael Olarewaju introduced. Assistant manager, Roland Edge explained after the game that Carruthers felt a twinge in his hamstring and Whitefield rolled his ankle. The pair were taken off as a precaution and are hoping to be fit on Saturday.

Dartford were reduced to ten men with half an hour to go. Having already been cautioned Okoye picked up a second yellow card when the match official felt the full back took too long over a throw in. That left Dartford’s Player of the Match, Callum Jones isolated up front. The striker spent the end of last season on loan at Billericay Town. The dismissal also enforced a defensive substitution with Tyler Christian-Law coming on for Olly Box leaving the Darts digging deep to hold on.

That is now six consecutive wins on the road for Pennock’s side in the league, the last time the Darts achieved this in the same season was when they went on to lift the Isthmian Premier League trophy after an eight game winning streak. At home, Dartford are unbeaten in seven matches coming out on top in their last two.

With factors seemingly against Dartford they managed to secure three points last weekend, Edge commented to Dartford FC TV: “I’m super proud of them, it’s a squad thing and they all dug deep. Eddie (Dsane) and Tyler (Christian-Law) covered the ground as if they played ninety minutes. They all stick together, and they are a great group. It’s a pleasure to work with them and without having that togetherness today it could have easily been two all or 3-2 to Wingate. So, the lads take all the credit today they were fantastic”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford were handsomely beaten in the reverse fixture over three months ago. Matt Kerbey’s last appearance as a Dart ended in the goalkeeper conceding four unanswered goals. Billericay Town approached the game unbeaten, and it took just two minutes for former Dartford defender Tom Bender to give the Blues an early advantage. The second blow also came from a corner and this time it was Frankie Merrifield who nodded home. Michael Olarewaju was introduced for the second half to make his debut, but the defender was helpless in plugging Dartford’s leaky defence. The Blues added two more after the interval through Moses Emmanuel and Matt Johnson.

After the 4-0 loss, the Darts were encouraged by a goalless draw with ten men versus Hendon and a second half effort against Wingate and Finchley, yet they found themselves winless in five league matches. However, fortunes have turned since then with Pennock’s side going on an extraordinary run taking the club from thirteenth to fourth in the Isthmian Premier League standings. Since the beginning of Dartford’s unbeaten streak they have made up seven points on Billericay Town.

Dartford hold good form at home against the Blues winning the last four. Twice the Darts won in 2021, the last a 1-0 win decided by Jake Robinson. In the campaign prior that victory, Charlie Sheringham scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 triumph. The double act of Darren McQueen and Elliott Romain were responsible for the Darts winning 3-2 in December 2019. Eight months prior, Tom Murphy’s late brace turned a defeat into maximum points.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A week ago, De-Carry Sheriff finished off a great few days for the Essex club with a brace in Billericay Town’s 2-0 home win over Dulwich Hamlet. The forward helped his side to the top of the standings and just four days earlier he scored the only goal to send the Blues to the League Cup semi final. Gary McCann’s side beat Dartford’s conquerors Sheppey United 1-0 in the last eight. Double victory and consecutive clean sheets has helped Ricay bounce back from their 1-0 loss at fifth place Horsham, who are also within a shout of the title race just four points behind the league leaders. Prior the loss in Sussex, Billericay Town were four unbeaten on the road.

Mcann’s squad has plenty of familiar faces with five former Dartford players now donning the blue of Billericay Town. Midfielder, Tyrell Miller-Rodney was part of the Darts’ side relegated last term, he made 35 appearances scoring three goals. Jay Porter and Femi Akinwande came through the academy and made the senior team. Porter featured four times over a decade ago and Akinwande had two spells making just five appearances. Ade Azeez started life at Princes Park finding the back of the net on a regular basis, the striker ended up with 18 goals in 47 matches four seasons ago. Tom Bender was part of the 2014/2015 squad when he played 20 times.

The Blues have a big couple of weeks ahead of them in their pursuit for the Isthmian Premier title. After facing the Darts on their travels, they host Cray Valley Paper Mills, who are also in the shake up and currently occupying third place.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWW) Billericay Town (WWWWLW)
Wingate & Finchley A 2-1 Dulwich Hamlet H 2-0
Whitehawk H 4-1 Horsham A 0-1
Chatham Town A 2-0 Potters Bar Town H 1-0
Canvey Island A 1-0 Hashtag United A 2-1
Cray Wanderers H 2-1 Dover Athletic A 1-0
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Canvey Island H 3-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Billericay Town wins: 3 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Billericay Town 4 – 0 Dartford (08/10/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Billericay Town 0 – 2 Dartford (15/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Billericay Town (04/12/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Billericay Town (12/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Billericay Town (14/12/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Billericay Town (22/04/2019 – National South)

Statistics

  • The Darts are currently on a run of four consecutive home victories against Billericay Town
  • Dartford’s defeat to the Blues in October ended a run of five wins in a row against the Essex club
  • The winning side has kept a clean sheet in each of the last four meetings (W3, L1)
  • Dartford’s current unbeaten run of 16 matches is their best in a single season since the Isthmian Division One North title winning campaign, when they went 21 matches without defeat

On This Day

Dartford have not lost in their last four games on this day, all at home. Princes Park hosted an entertaining National League encounter against Cambridge United in 2014. The Darts came from two down to lead after U’s debutant Ryan Bird netted a brace. The hosts fought back with an Elliot Bradbrook penalty, a Max Cornhill header and a Danny Harris strike. Alan Julian saved a spot kick for the Darts before Luke Berry tied the match at 3-3.

Three years ago the Darts were held to a goalless draw with Concord Rangers in the National South. Another clean sheet was earned two years earlier when Darren McQueen scored the only goal against Dulwich Hamlet. The unbeaten run on 25 January started in 2011, a Kent Senior Cup triumph over Tonbridge Angels was secured with goals from Harris and Charlie Sheringham. Dartford went on to lift the county cup that season.

Wingate & Finchley v Dartford

Dartford visit the last side to beat them in the Isthmian Premier when they travel to North London and face Wingate and Finchley this weekend.

Since the reverse at Princes Park in October, the Darts have gone on their longest unbeaten run since 2009 to climb up to fourth in the table. The 15 match streak without defeat has seen Adrian Pennock’s team pick up ten victories and five draws to become the in form club. Dartford have won each of their last six outings and their previous five on the road. Wingate and Finchley have struggled since the tail end of November picking up just one point in their last eight league fixtures.

A near perfect December earned Pennock his first Manager of the Month award with the Darts. Only Dulwich Hamlet took points off his side in the final month of 2024. The New Year started as the last ended. An away Kent derby victory at Chatham Town was followed up with a 4-1 triumph at home against Whitehawk.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Dartford boss only made a couple of changes versus the Hawks, who themselves were experiencing a new manager bounce and unbeaten in five. Denzelle Olopade missed his first league game of the season due to an ankle injury. Pennock felt it was a good idea to rest the midfielder after playing four games in nine days. Samir Carruthers dropped to the bench, but made an impact when he came on. In their place came midfielders Jez Pinder and Louis Dunne.

The game came to life when Josh Hill scored a screamer from long range, an effort that could easily win goal of the season. Striker, Callum Jones increased the lead with his eighth of the campaign before Whitehawk halved the deficit. In the closing stages the Darts sealed the three points. First Carruthers won a penalty, dusted himself off and put away the spot kick. Then another substitute, Eddie Dsane scored his third in as many games with a wonderful solo effort. Substitutes have now contributed to eight league goals this season for the Darts.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts sunk to this season’s lowest point after Wingate and Finchley scored three unanswered goal in the opening 21 minutes of the October meeting at Princes Park. Few would have seen what was about to follow in the months ahead. Andronicos Georgiou scored a brace and Benedict Frempah added another for the Blues as the visitors raced into a commanding lead. Dartford fought back in the second half when half time substitutes Olly Box and Ade Yussuf pulled goals back. Even though the hosts couldn’t salvage a point that day, they have not tasted a league loss since.

Last time Dartford travelled to Summers Lane they recorded their first and only triumph over the Blues at their place. The prolific duo of Brendon Cass and Jay May both scored in a 2-0 win 18 years ago. The Darts were crowned Isthmian Division One North champions that season and completed a double over Wingate and Finchley on the final day.

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Match highlights courtesy of sonytino

Dartford defender, Michael Olarewaju has featured in the last five fixtures and started the previous three games since returning from his injury. The centre back was playing for Wingate and Finchley during the 2022/2023 campaign. Duane Ofori-Acheampong is another former Blue, who was with the North London club for two months at the end of 2020.

Playoff semi-finalists last term, Wingate and Finchley were sixth in the table after beating Dartford earlier in the campaign. Looking set to challenge for the playoffs and full of confidence they then went and beat Hendon 6-1 three days later. Even after a setback at Dulwich Hamlet, the Blues bounced back with three straight victories and climbed to third in the Isthmian Premier, four points behind the league leaders.

The tables have turned since and a poor run of form, bookended by a draw and defeat against Chatham Town, means Wingate and Finchley have dropped to fourteenth. However, the one shining light is the continued goalscoring form of Ogo Obi. The striker has scored 21 times in all competitions and is in the race for the golden boot. He was unable to prevent another loss on the weekend when his side were beaten 3-1 in Kent. Ryan Lowe put Wingate and Finchley in front, but former Premier League striker Freddie Sears bagged a hat-trick as the Chats won 3-1.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWW) Wingate and Finchley (LLDLLL)
Whitehawk H 4-1 Chatham Town A 1-3
Chatham Town A 2-0 Folkestone Invicta A 2-3
Canvey Island A 1-0 Cheshunt H 0-1
Cray Wanderers H 2-1 Lewes H 2-2
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Cray Valley (PM) A 3-5
Horsham A 3-1 Billericay Town H 0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Wingate and Finchley wins: 3 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 3 Wingate and Finchley (19/10/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 0 Wingate and Finchley (26/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 0 – 2 Dartford (03/11/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 3 – 2 Dartford (18/03/2006 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Dartford 2 – 1 Wingate and Finchley (17/12/2005 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Wingate and Finchley 2 – 2 Dartford (28/03/2005 – Southern League Div 1 East)

Statistics

  • Dartford are on their best winning league streak of six games since September/October 2022. A seventh consecutive victory will make it their best run since 2018.
  • Eight wins and a draw is the Darts best run over nine league games since the 2017/2018 campaign, when they won their final nine matches of the season.
  • Sam Odaudu is the only player left to have started every league game this season

On This Day

Dartford have won just four games on this day in 24 attempts. The last victory was over a decade ago back in 2003 when the Darts claimed three points in a Kent derby. The Southern League Division One East fixture against Sittingbourne finished 1-0 to the Darts. In 1992, Dartford recorded an impressive 5-0 win at Waterlooville in the Southern Premier League. The previous two triumphs came against Horsham in 1977 and Sittingbourne in 1930. The Darts have lost 1-0 in their last two outings on 18 January. Five years ago they were beaten by Slough Town in the National South and in 2014 by Salisbury City in the National League.

Dartford v Chichester City – postponed

Today’s game against Chichester City has been called off due to a frozen pitch.

A new date will be scheduled as soon as possible.

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Dartford v Chichester City

The two form teams of the Isthmian Premier go head to head this weekend when third place Dartford host Chichester City.

The Darts have climbed the division with an outstanding unbeaten run, which stretched to an impressive 15 league games last weekend. A sixth consecutive victory on Saturday lifted Dartford up another place and increased their run at home to seven without defeat. Chichester City are enjoying their debut season in the Isthmian Premier, unbeaten in six and are a place and three points shy of a playoff spot.

A near perfect December earned Adrian Pennock his first manager of the Month award with the Darts. Only Dulwich Hamlet took points off his side in the final month of 2024 as he led his team to five wins and a draw. The New Year started as the last ended. An away Kent derby victory at Chatham Town was followed up with a 4-1 triumph at home against Whitehawk.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Dartford boss only made a couple of changes versus the Hawks, who themselves were experiencing a new manager bounce and unbeaten in five. Denzelle Olopade missed his first league game of the season due to an ankle injury. Pennock felt it was a good idea to rest the midfielder after playing four games in nine days. Samir Carruthers dropped to the bench, but made an impact when he came on. In their place came midfielders Jez Pinder and Louis Dunne.

The busy schedule made for a challenging game as assistant boss Roland Edge explained when speaking to Dartford FC TV, he said: “Both teams looked a little bit leggy, so it was never going to have the normal tempo”. The game came to life when Josh Hill scored a screamer from long range, an effort that could easily win goal of the season. Striker, Callum Jones increased the lead with his eighth of the campaign before Whitehawk halved the deficit.

Edge added: “It took a wonder strike to spark it into a game and then at 2-0 I thought we were in control. We were in control so much that I thought we got a little bit sloppy, then the 2-1 woke us up and by the end of it we were the team that created most of the chances, so I thought in the end it was a fair result”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In the closing stages the Darts sealed the three points. First Carruthers won a penalty dusted himself off and put away the spot kick. Then another substitute, Eddie Dsane scored his third in as many games with a wonderful solo effort. Substitutes have now contributed to eight league goals this season for the Darts.

During the current unbeaten run, the Darts have won five of their last seven home fixtures keeping three clean sheets. Despite setbacks throughout September and October, Edge puts Dartford’s form down to endeavour, he commented: “I think we’ve got a lot of belief, but I think the belief has come from hardwork. When we weren’t winning everyone was all doom and gloom a little bit, but I thought we performed well in a lot of those games”.

In the reverse fixture back in November, the Darts let a two goal lead slip to come home with a point. An in form Olly Box scored for a third game in a row after nine minutes, then an own goal from Ben Pashley doubled Dartford’s advantage. In the second half the hosts fought back to earn a draw in the first ever meeting between the two sides. First, Ethan Prichard scored then Isaac Bello equalised leaving the spoils shared.

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Highlights courtesy of Chichester City FC

Edge was impressed with the Lillywhites in the away match he said: “I liked Chichester, I thought they had a lot about them. They are quite similar to us in a way that they have some good flair players that can score goals. Their forward line is a handful”. Now the focus is recovering in time ahead of the home game this weekend, he added: “It’s down to us now to get over the Christmas period, try and put some energy back into the lads, face Chichester and hopefully we will perform well”.

Isthmian Division One South East playoff winners, Chichester City have won five of their last six. After defeating Lewes 3-2 at the Dripping Pan they drew 1-1 with Whitehawk. Since then the Lillywhites have taken maximum points in their previous four fixtures against Hendon, Carshalton Athletic, Bognor Regis Town and most recently Chatham Town.

Last weekend, one change was made to the side that enjoyed the 4-1 New Year’s Day derby victory over Bognor Regis Town. Mo Jammeh was preferred to Lloyd Rowlatt and the decision was justified when Jammeh opened the scoring after just two minutes. It took until injury time for the Lillywhites to secure a 2-0 triumph when Prichard added another and his sixth league goal of the season.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWW) Chichester City (WDWWWW)
Whitehawk H 4-1 Chatham Town H 2-0
Chatham Town A 2-0 Bognor Regis Town A 4-1
Canvey Island A 1-0 Carshalton Athletic A 2-1
Cray Wanderers H 2-1 Hendon H 1-0
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Whitehawk H 1-1
Horsham A 3-1 Lewes A 3-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Chichester City wins: 0 / Draws: 1

Previous Meeting

Chichester City 2 – 2 Dartford (26/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • Dartford are on their best winning league streak of six games since September/October 2022. A seventh consecutive victory will make it their best run since 2018.
  • Eight wins and a draw is the Darts best run over nine league games since the 2017/2018 campaign, when they won their final nine matches of the season.
  • Sam Odaudu is the only player left to have started every league game this season

On This Day

One of Dartford’s most famous games took place on this day 89 years ago. The Darts travelled to the Baseball Ground to take on top flight Derby County in the F.A Cup third round. The Rams were second in the old First Division, but the Darts shocked their opponents going two goals up when Mercer and Joe Harron scored. Derby County were level by half-time with the winner coming in the second-half.

Dartford have won their last three home matches on 11 January with the most recent a 3-0 win against Oxford City five years ago. Darren McQueen, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong and Luke Wanadio all scored in the National South fixture. The previous two victories came in the fifties with the Darts beating Lovells Athletic 3-1 in the Southern League back in 1958 and two years earlier Dover 2-0 in a Kent Senior Cup first round replay.

Dartford v Whitehawk

Princes Park hosts its first game of the New Year this weekend when title chasers Dartford take on relegation battlers Whitehawk.

The Darts started brightly this season before a dip in form left them looking behind them. However, since November, Adrian Pennock’s side have put together an 14 match unbeaten run to turn them into title contenders. Whitehawk have struggled this term until recently. The Hawks are on their third manager who has recently masterminded a strong finish to 2024.

A fifth consecutive league win on Wednesday helped the Darts close the gap on league leaders Dover Athletic to just four points. November saw Dartford pick up four draws and three victories before consistently turning those draws into wins the following month. In December, only Dulwich Hamlet took points from Pennock’s side as the Darts claimed five wins in the final month of the year.

On New Year’s Day, Dartford added another three points to their tally. Pennock shuffled the pack again to account for the busy festive schedule making four changes to the side that beat Canvey Island. Michael Olarewaju and Hayden Bullas kept their places in the side with regulars Sam Okoye and Louis Dunne named on the bench. Josh Hill returned as captain, whilst Olly Box, Callum Jones and Samir Carruthers were back in the starting eleven.

Dartford completed a double over Chatham Town to see in 2025 starting in the manner in which they ended last year. Both sides were in form and couldn’t be separated at the break. However, the breakthrough came just past the hour when George Whitefield’s cross was deflected goalwards and into the Chatham Town net. Eddie Dsane entered the game and added a second from a tight angle to take his tally to eight for the season in all competitions. The Darts are now in the shake up for top spot with just four points separating the top four, which includes Cray Valley Paper Mills in third and Billericay Town in second.

Dartford won both games against Whitehawk last time the two sides were competing in the same division. At the Enclosed Ground in September 2017, the Darts ran out 4-0 winners with Alfie Pavey setting the Darts on the way to maximum points. The striker scored after eight minutes and by half-time the visitors had three. Ryan Hayes and Elliot Bradbrook added another two to put Dartford in command at the break. It took until the last minute for lead to be extended further when Lyle Della-Verde scored.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The reverse fixture at Princes Park four months later finished 3-1 to the Darts. Ronnie Vint pounced on a loose ball from Ryan Hayes’ free-kick just before the interval to put Dartford a goal up. Whitehawk were level when David Ijaha hit his low effort through a crowd of defenders. Andy Pugh became the decider with two goals, first the striker tucked away Dartford’s second then he rounded the goalkeeper for the third.

Dartford have won the last two at Princes Park against the Sussex side also winning in February 2017. This time the Darts went two up when Hayes curled a shot into the Whitehawk goal. Tom Murphy lobbed the goalkeeper to double the lead. In the second half, the Hawks scored from the spot before Pugh calmly finished a well worked move.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A change in manager has seen Whitehawk string together their best results of the season so far. Ahead of their New Year’s Day derby clash with Lewes, the Hawks went five unbeaten. Shaun Saunders returned to the struggling Sussex side to lift them off the bottom of the table. Whitehawk finished 2024 in the last relegation place, but without the unbeaten run things would be a little worse for the Hawks. Saunders is one of Whitehawk’s most successful managers, but requested a break from football this summer for personal reasons. Ross McNeilly was put in charge until he left and Dave Altendorff took over.

Whitehawk’s struggles in front of goal peaked during October and November at the end of McNeilly’s reign and throughout Altendorff’s when they went six games without a goal. In fact they managed just two in 11 outings. That led to a third change in manager at the end of November. Since the arrival of Saunders, the Hawks beat Folkestone Invicta at home before securing their first away win of the season against bottom side Bognor Regis Town. A pair of draws versus Chichester city and Hashtag United was followed by a much needed victory over Dulwich Hamlet.

The Hawks won against the odds showing the new found determination under Saunders. Just before half-time, goalkeeper Jasper Sheik conceded a penalty and was red carded for his troubles. Former Dart, Luke Wanadio just about slotted the penalty beyond makeshift keeper Rob O’Toole. A forward by trade O’Toole was left between the sticks as the Hawks had no replacement goalkeeper named on the bench. Still, the hosts came back from behind with goals from Andrew Briggs and Luke Robinson. Whitehawk were at home again on New Year’s Day against Sussex rivals Lewes, however the derby lasted 45 minutes before being abandonned.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWWWWW) Whitehawk (LWWDDW)
Chatham Town A 2-0 Dulwich Hamlet H 2-1
Canvey Island A 1-0 Hashtag United H 1-1
Cray Wanderers H 2-1 Chichester City A 1-1
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Bognor Regis Town A 3-2
Horsham A 3-1 Folkestone Invicta H 1-0
Dulwich Hamlet H 2-2 Hendon A 0-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Whitehawk wins: 3 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 Whitehawk (27/01/2018 – National South)
Whitehawk 0 – 4 Dartford (05/09/2017 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Whitehawk (04/02/2017 – National South)
Whitehawk 1 – 0 Dartford (10/08/2016 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 4 Whitehawk (12/03/2016 – National South)
Whitehawk 0 – 1 Dartford (19/12/2015 – National South)


Statistics

  • Dartford have won their last three games against Whitehawk with an aggregate score of 10-2
  • The Darts have won their last two home games 3-1 against the Hawks
  • Dartford have won their last five league games for the first time since September/October 2022

On This Day

Dartford let a two goal lead slip on this day four years ago, but man aged to come away with a win at Dorking Wanderers. As early as the second minute Darren McQueen scored from the spot. It took until the 72nd minute for the Darts to score another through Elliott Romain. The hosts hit back with two goals in five minutes to level the score. In the final moments of the game McQueen netted the winner on a dramatic afternoon. That victory was Dartford’s first on this day in four attempts having previously lost at home to Kidderminster Harriers (2015) and on the road to Stamford (2003) and Bromsgrove Rovers (1992). The last home win on 4 January was an entertaining 5-3 triumph over Barnet in 1986.

Chatham Town v Dartford

Dartford begin the new year with an enticing Kent derby at Chatham Town on Wednesday.

Two in form teams of the division will go head to head hoping to continue with their playoff push. Unbeaten in 13 league fixtures, the Darts are on their best run since their Isthmian Premier title winning season in 2010. Chatham Town have climbed to fifth in the table right behind Dartford and aim to close the seven point gap.

Adrian Pennock has guided Dartford to a strong fourth place to end 2024 and will be wishing for momentum to carry on starting on New Year’s Day. A busy festive fixture schedule saw the Darts boss make six changes on the weekend at Canvey Island to a side that had remained unchanged for the previous six league games. Dartford have benefitted from a settled starting eleven recently, but on Saturday they displayed what the rest of the squad can achieve.

Pennock rested captain Josh Hill, top scorer Olly Box and playmaker Samir Carruthers as well as Sam Okoye, Louis Dunne and Callum Jones. The Dartford manager introduced Michael Olarewaju for his first start since 5 November, Tyler Christian-Law, Hayden Bullas, Jez Pinder, Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Eddie Dsane.

Even with those changes, the Darts came away with a fourth straight victory on the road, something the club last achieved at the beginning of 2021/22 campaign. Two of the alterations had an impact in the only goal of the game in Essex. On the stroke of half-time, Hayden Bullas skipped down the byline and his dangerous cross saw Eddie Dsane react fastest to a loose ball and find the back of the net. The 1-0 win keeps Dartford’s perfect league record over Canvey Island taking their run against the Gulls to eight consecutive victories.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

At the other end of the field in goal, stand in captain Jacob Marsden kept a third away clean sheet in four. The goalkeeper admitted it wasn’t the best performance by his side, but at this stage of the season it’s the points that matter, he explained to Dartford FC TV: “The run continues and that is important for us to keep climbing the table. The wins are not always going to be pretty, particularly in the winter months due to the pitches and weather and whatever else, it’s needs must really”.

The stand in skipper was pleased with the attitude and application of his team mates and how that affected support from the fans, he added: “I thought the boys showed so much endeavour, work rate and heart, which is why the fans feed off us so much and we feed of their support. It helps us go and push through those barriers whether the football is pretty or not”.

Dartford won their last Kent derby by coming behind against Cray Wanderers on Boxing Day. Pennock’s side have now taken 13 points from 18 available in Kent derbies this season. One of those triumphs was the reverse fixture versus Chatham Town, which closed out August on a Bank Holiday afternoon. Jamie Yila put the visitors ahead and almost doubled the lead before the interval.

Sam Odaudu’s 25 yard drive put Dartford on level terms early in the second half. With six minutes to go Callum Jones fired a shot off the underside of the crossbar to put the Darts ahead. The deal was sealed in stoppage time when Eddie Dsane was fouled in the Chatham Town box. The striker took his chance from the spot to secure a 3-1 win.

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s last away trip to Chatham Town was 18 years ago on Boxing Day in the Isthmian Division One South. Tony Burman’s side won 3-2 thanks to goals from Ryan Hayes, Jay May and Lew Watts.

Chatham Town have been on a similar trajectory to the Darts. After the defeat in reverse fixture the Chats were 12th at the end of August. One point from the next nine available saw them slip five more places. Since mid-October they have lost just once in 14 league games. Starting with a win at Cray Wanderers and then a handful of draws, Chatham Town have claimed seven victories in that time to climb into the playoffs. They have started to rack up goals as well beating Whitehawk by five, hitting seven against Bognor Regis Town and they also stuck four past Folkestone Invicta.

On Boxing Day, they faced second placed Cray Valley Paper Mills and even that featured plenty of goals. Aiming to put the 2-0 away defeat versus Carshalton Athletic behind them, the Chats picked up a point in a 3-3 draw. Jordy Mongoy scored the first of the afternoon, but two former Dartford players Andre Coker and Fumnaya Shomotun gave the Millers the lead. Simon Cooper levelled the game before another former Dart, Jack Evans put the Chats back in front. Evans made 16 appearances for Dartford in the 2012/2013 season scoring twice. With five minutes remaining Tom Beere made sure the points were shared.

Kevin Hake’s side added another three to the goals for column on Saturday with a 3-1 win against struggling Bowers and Pitsea. Their opponents were without a permanent manager after the resignation of James Collins on Christmas Eve. Former Dartford academy player John Ufuah returned to the Chatham Town lineup and was back to scoring ways after seven minutes. Ufuah made two substitute appearances for Dartford’s senior team during the 2017-2018 campaign. Another ex Dartford player, Rowan Liburd featured just three times for the Darts whilst on loan in 2019/2020. The striker made it two just before the half hour mark. The Chats extended their lead further before the interval with Cooper scoring on the stroke of half time. Bowers and Pitsea pulled one back with 20 minutes remaining through Alex Teniola

At home the Chats have been strong tasting defeat just once to a Canvey Island side back in September. They have drawn with the current top two, Billericay Town and league leaders Dover Athletic and have scored 12 in their last three home matches in the league. Former Premier League striker Freddie Sears is top scorer with 14 goals in all competitions followed by the former Dartford trio Evans on eight goals and both Liburd and Ufuah on seven.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDWWWW) Chatham Town (WWWLDW)
Canvey Island A 1-0 Bowers and Pitsea H 3-1
Cray Wanderers H 2-1 Cray Valley (PM) A 3-3
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Carshalton Athletic A 0-2
Horsham A 3-1 Folkestone Invicta H 4-1
Dulwich Hamlet H 2-2 Cheshunt A 1-0
Bognor Regis Town H 4-0 Bognor Regis Town A 7-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 31 / Chatham Town wins: 40 / Draws: 11

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (26/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 3 Chatham Town (09/04/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)
Chatham Town 2 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (15/04/2006 – Southern League Div One East)
Chatham Town 1 – 0 Dartford (27/09/2005 – Southern League Cup)
Chatham Town 1 – 0 Dartford (20/09/2005 – Southern League Div One East)


Statistics

  • Dartford have won three of the last four league games against the Chats (L1)
  • The Darts have won four of their last seven league matches at Chatham Town (D1, L2)
  • An average of 4.25 goals per game have been scored in the last three meetings with the winning side scoring three on each occasion (W3, L1)
  • Dartford have won 4, drawn 1, lost 1 in Kent derbies this term compared to Chatham Town who have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 1

On This Day

Dartford brushed aside local rivals Ebbsfleet United for a second time in under a week on this day in 2023. Having already secured a 4-1 win at Stoembridge Road, the Darts went one better at Princes Park scoring four unanswered goals. Alex Wall, Malachai Napa, Charlie Sheringham and Connor Essam all netted against the eventual National South champions. Two years ago they brushed aside eventual National South champions and rivals Ebbsfleet United 4-0.

Previously, the Darts were triumphant against Welling United in three consecutive years between 2018 and 2020. Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong, an Elliott Romain brace and Darren McQueen penalty earned a 4-0 win over the Wings. The season before the score was 1-0 thanks to a late Ronnie Vint goal. In 2018, the Darts won 4-1 after Ryan Hayes, Andy Pugh and two from Alfie Pavey secured all three points. Dartford have won their last four fixtures on New Year’s Day all at home with an aggregate score of 13-1

However, on the road Dartford are winless in six on this day with the last victory in 2001 against Sittingbourne 5-2 in Southern League Division One East. That is only one of two away wins ever on New Year’s Day, the other was against Cambridge City in the 1988 Southern Premier season

New Year’s Day away record W2, D5, L9
New Year’s Day overall record W13, D8, L14