Dartford FC Previews

Month: September 2025

Dartford v Cheshunt

September 26, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford look to maintain their unbeaten home run in the league when they host Cheshunt this weekend.

The Darts have recorded just one win all season and that was over a month ago. Adrian Pennock’s side have drawn three consecutive games in the Isthmian Premier and a much needed victory will see Dartford move in the right direction.

Since relegation from the National South, Cheshunt survived another drop and finished in the lower half last term. The Ambers have made a better start this time around with just one defeat in their opening eight league fixtures.

County Cup Exits

Both sides were involved in their respective county cups on Tuesday night. Dartford were up against Isthmian South East side Erith Town and went out on penalties. With the amount of injuries in the squad Pennock used the Kent Senior Cup tie as an opportunity to hand some of the younger and academy players their debuts.

Crowning his first start for the Darts, Albie O’Mara-Knapp scored his first senior goal in just his third appearance to give Dartford a lead going into the break. Erith Town were level shortly after the restart when Aaron Jeffrey headed the equaliser. With no extra time the tie went to penalties with the Dockers progressing into the next round.

Cheshunt were involved in the Hertfordshire Senior Cup and were away at Hadley, Dartford’s opponents in the F.A Trophy next Saturday. Mel Gwinnett’s side went a goal down in first half injury time after conceding a penalty. Isaac Stones scored the spot kick for the hosts. The Ambers were unable to find a leveller and so it was Hadley who progressed to the semi-final.

Whitefield’s Wonderstrike

George Whitefield scored a brilliant winner in the corresponding fixture last season. With the match all level, the defender unleashed a shot from long range to hand Dartford three points. Earlier, Samir Carruthers had converted his penalty before Tommy Wood equalised for Cheshunt.

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Ambers Spoil the Party

The story was different in the reverse match seven months ago. The Darts were on the verge of creating history after equalling a club record 21 league games unbeaten. Cheshunt had other ideas though and humbled the visitors 3-0, denting Dartford’s title ambitions in the process. Donell Thomas scored in first half injury time, Kenny Coker doubled the lead and Vas Vasiliou added a third from the spot.

Draw Specialists

Dartford have specialised in drawing lately with the most recent against Aveley. Unlike the previous two outings, in which the Darts had to come from behind, this time they let a goal lead slip. Callum Jones scored his first of the season, but with four minutes remaining Jayden Gipson equalised for the Millers. Both sides were reduced to ten men earlier in the clash with Aveley’s Albie Armin being sent off for a reckless tackle and Ikechi Eze for retaliating.

Like Dartford, the Ambers have also drawn their last three league games slowing down their early season progress. The Hertfordshire side, yet to be beaten at home, picked up a point on their own patch against Burgess Hill Town, then when they hosted Billericay Town and in their last league outing versus Dulwich Hamlet.

Early Pacesetters

Cheshunt were setting the pace after the opening two games and scoring plenty of goals. The Ambers defeated Welling United 4-2 and went to Canvey Island and won 4-1. Only Chatham Town have managed to get the better of Gwinnett’s team in the Isthmian Premier, but Cheshunt bounced back with a couple of victories. Hashtag United were beaten 3-1 and St Albans City lost 2-1 before the run of draws.

Manager’s View

Pennock took the decision to rest the majority of the first team squad in midweek to protect the players he has available for this weekend. The Dartford manager is hoping for some members of the team to return to action, he spoke to www.dartford.com and confirmed: “I’m hoping we have a few back, but I will know more after Thursday’s training session”.

Although injuries and suspensions have played a part in Dartford’s campaign so far, Pennock still believes he can start picking up victories, he added: “I’m confident we can change these draws into wins and I would like that to happen as soon as possible, especially with a full, fit squad to choose from”.

Team News

Sam Odaudu, Michael Olarewaju, Dan Smith, Sammie McLeod and Dean Nayler have all been on the injury list. Sam Okoye has served his suspension, but Ikechi Eze will start his ban for the red card recieved last weekend.

Current Form

Dartford (DDLDDD) Cheshunt (WLDDDL)
Erith Town (CC) A 1-1* Hadley (CC) A 0-1
Aveley A 1-1 Dulwich Hamlet H 1-1
Canvey Island H 2-2 Billericay Town H 2-2
Bracknell Town (FAC) H 0-2 Burgess Hill Town H 1-1
Bracknell Town (FAC) A 2-2 Leiston (FAC) H 1-2
Ramsgate A 4-4 St Albans City A 2-1

(FAC – F.A Cup / CC – County Cup / * – lost 3-4 on penalties)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Cheshunt wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Meeting

Cheshunt 3 – 0 Dartford (22/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (09/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cheshunt 1 – 3 Dartford (07/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have a perfect home record against Cheshunt in the two meetings so far
  • The Darts have yet to keep a clean sheet versus the Ambers
  • In the four matches played both teams scored averaging 3.25 goals per game
  • Dartford have drawn three league games in a row for the first time since January 2022. The last time Dartford drew four consecutive league matches was in April 1992.

On This Day

Samir Carruthers and Luke Allen hit the target on this day in 2022. A goal down at home to Eastbourne Borough, the Darts came back to win 2-1 in the National South. Eight years earlier the same pattern of scoring happened away at Nuneaton Town. The Darts were a goal down in the National Premier before Elliot Bradbrook scored a penalty with 12 minutes remaining and Danny Harris grabbed the winner a couple of minutes later.

Erith Town v Dartford

September 22, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford start their Kent Senior Cup campaign with a local derby against Erith Town on Tuesday night.

The Darts enter at the first round stage for the first time in eight years and are 13 times winners of the competition. Erith Town went out at this stage last season and are a division below in the Isthmian Division One South East.

Drawn Again

Just under a year ago the two sides drew each other in the Isthmian League Cup. The third round tie was the first meeting between the two sides and Adrian Pennock’s side came out on top. Samir Carruthers scored the only goal of the game with a free-kick on his 50th start for the club. That victory came after a seven match winless streak, the Darts went on an incredible 21 game unbeaten run in the league. Dartford will be hoping history repeats itself to spark this season into life after winning just one of their opening eight fixtures in the Isthmian Premier.

Another Stalemate, Another Red

Joe Tennent made his debut on the weekend in the 1-1 draw at Aveley. The central defender replaced Ben Frempah at the back. Pennock also selected Ikechi Eze in the starting eleven with Samir Carruthers dropping to the bench.

The selection of Eze turned out to be significant for the wrong reasons as he became the fifth Dartford player to get sent off this season. Fortunately, the dismissal wasn’t a disadvantage for the Darts as Aveley were reduced to ten men as well. That means Pennock’s side have yet to finish a league game on the road with eleven players on the pitch this season.

Dartford have made a habit of starting slowly and falling behind, but for just the second time in 12 matches the Darts took the lead on Saturday. Callum Jones scored his first of the campaign finally opening his account for 2024/2025 on his ninth appearance. However, Dartford were unable to hold on to all three points when Aveley’s Jayden Gipson equalised four minutes from time. The Darts have now drawn three league games in a row.

Dockers Winless at Home

Erith Town are looking for a first victory at Bayliss Avenue this term having drawn two from four on their own patch in the league. In cup competitions they have been forced into two replays after having home advantage and were knocked out in the F.A Trophy.

The Dockers picked up a creditable draw on Saturday when they drew 0-0 against unbeaten Faversham Town. Last Tuesday they claimed their first league win of the campaign breezing past Sheppey United 4-1 on the road.

Cup Form

Erith Town have already played six cup games this season. They needed a second attempt to get past Sporting Bengal United and Southall in the early qualifying rounds of the F.A Cup. The Dockers were held to a goalless draw before beating Sporting Bengal United 4-2 in the replay. In the next round they drew 1-1, then hit another four past Southall. The run came to an end in the first qualifying round, going out to Farnham Town.

A week later, the Dockers started in the F.A Trophy and a penalty shoot-out defeat versus Deal Town ended any chances of a run. Erith Town have drawn out Deal Town again in the Isthmian League Cup.

Manager’s View

Pennock agreed with the red card decision on Saturday and has already spoken to Eze about the incident as the Darts could have had a man advantage. The Dartford boss spoke to www.kentonline.co.uk after the match and said: “The referee was going to do his job anyway and we would have played against 10 men for a lot of the game because that was a horrendous tackle on Eddie (Dsane)”.

It may have felt like Dartford dropped points conceding late in the game, but Pennock was not too disheartened, he commented: “Overall, I’m just pleased with the performance. It’s a very hard place to come but I thought the performance was excellent”, he added: “We had to adjust and so did they when it went to 10 men but I’m just a little bit disappointed because we should have won the game”.

Team News

Sam Okoye has now served his suspension for the red card received against Ramsgate. Despite extra recovery time Sam Odaudu, Michael Olarewaju, Dan Smith were all out injured on the weekend. Pre-season injuries to Sammie McLeod and Dean Nayler means the pair have yet to feature this season. Ikechi Eze will start his suspension against Cheshunt on Saturday.

Current Form

Dartford (WDDLDD) Erith Town (LLDDWD)
Aveley A 1-1 Faversham Town H 0-0
Canvey Island H 2-2 Sheppey United A 4-1
Bracknell Town (FAC) H 0-2 Merstham H 2-2
Bracknell Town (FAC) A 2-2 Deal Town (FAT) H 1-1*
Ramsgate A 4-4 Farnham Town (FAC) H 0-3
Carshalton Athletic H 4-1 VCD Athletic A 1-2

(FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy / * – lost 3-4 on penalties)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Erith Town wins: 0 / Draws: 0

Previous Meeting

Dartford 1 – 0 Erith Town (29/10/2024 – Isthmian League Cup)

Statistics

  • In all competitions Dartford have lost just one in six games. However, they have also one victory in that time.
  • Dartford have lost two of their last three Kent Senior Cup ties on the road. The Darts drew the other, but progressed on penalties
  • The Darts last went out at the first round stage in 2017 when they were beaten by Cray Wanderers

On This Day

Paul Rooney scored the only goal of the game as the Darts won their Kent derby against Tonbridge Angels in 2023. In another Kent derby 15 years earlier, Dartford defeated rivals Maidstone United in the Isthmian Premier League. Steve Butterworth and Rob Howarth both scored in a 2-1 win.

Aveley v Dartford

September 19, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford are back in action this weekend and are determined to claim a first away win of the season when they visit Aveley.

The Darts have yet to hit top gear and have picked up just one point on the road. The Millers were relegated from the National South last term and are waiting for their first league victory at home this campaign.

Slow Out of the Blocks

Adrian Pennock’s side are just a place above the relegation zone and one of the constant themes this season is the need for the Darts to come from behind. Dartford have conceded first in all but one of their eight fixtures so far. Although they turned the game around at home to Carshalton Athletic, they fought back against Ramsgate, Bracknell Town and most recently Canvey Island to rescue draws.

Youngsters Step Up

A dreadful opening six minutes saw Dartford two down at home to Canvey Island a fortnight ago. Defensive frailties were punished by a side looking for their first points. Jonny Henly failed to hold on to a shot for Canvey’s Charlie Stimson to score. Then the goalkeeper was lobbed by Max Fiddes.

A number of injuries in the squad meant Pennock had to trust his young side. In the end, two academy graduates saved the day. First, George Whitefield nodded in Olly Box’s cross on 67 minutes Then Box hit a low strike to equalise two minutes later.

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Tennent Moves In

Dartford’s defence has been hit hard this season with a number of injuries and suspensions. It’s an obvious concern for Pennock who has signed the experienced Joe Tennent to help shore up the back.

The central defender arrives from Dover Athletic and played a pivotal role in beating the Darts in last season’s playoff final. The 27-year old made 36 appearances for the Whites in 2024/2025 and could make his debut this weekend.

Late Winner at Parkside

It took until the fifth National South game in August 2023 for Dartford to claim their first win in that campaign. That victory was in their last visit to Parkside against Aveley. Maximum points were snatched in the fifth minute of injury time when Harvey Bradbury headed the decisive goal. Whitefield and Box were the only current players involved in that matchday squad and they were unused substitutes.

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Millers Return to the Isthmian

After a two year stay in the National South, Aveley were relegated last season. Danny Scopes stepped down and Brett Munyard is now manager of the Essex club. Over the summer Munyard was busy in the transfer market bringing in plenty of new faces. One of those is former Dartford loanee, Rowan Liburd from Chatham Town. The striker made three appearances for the Darts during the 2019/2020 campaign.

Late Cup Victory

Whilst Dartford had a rest last weekend, Aveley travelled to Suffolk to take on Southern Premier Central side AFC Sudbury. A late Alejandro Machado winner sent the Millers into the F.A Cup third qualifying round where they will visit Grimsby Borough. Earlier in the tie Jaden Brissett equalised for the Essex side after the hosts had led through Kyran Clements’ goal.

Back Down to Earth

Monday night proved to be even tougher for Munyard’s side. Approaching their home fixture with one defeat in their opening six league games, Aveley hosted Folkestone Invicta. The Millers led through Jayden Robinson, but found themselves 4-1 down halfway into the second half. Jayden Gipson pulled a goal back before Invicta added a fifth.

Assistant Manager’s View

Heading into this weekend’s fixture Roland Edge knows his players have what it takes to save a match if required, but they need to “find out what makes them tick from minute one” in future games. The assistant manager spoke to Dartford FC TV after the draw with Canvey Island and said: “We don’t doubt their character, they will always fight until the end. They won’t give up, they are honest boys”.

Although going behind in matches allows the Darts to showcase their team spirit, the assistant manager would rather a smoother ride, he commenetd: “To be honest we shouldn’t be fighting back. Too often we are letting teams get into the position where they should be seeing the game out”, he continued: “It’s only down to endevaour, hardwork and some of the skills we have got within the team that we are getting back. We get back into games, but we’re not that happy with it”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

An early F.A Cup exit means the Darts have had a week off and extra recovery time for some of the squad. Sam Odaudu and Sam Okoye were both substituted in the cup replay versus Bracknell Town. The defenders weren’t fit to be included in the matchday squad four days later against Canvey Island. Four others are recovering from injury as well. Captain, Michael Olarewaju has been out for a month. Dan Smith pulled up with a hamstring issue at the end of August. Pre-season injuries to Sammie McLeod and Dean Nayler means the pair have yet to feature this season, Nayler will be a long term absentee.

Current Form

Dartford (LWDDLD) Aveley (LWWDWL)
Canvey Island H 2-2 Folkestone Invicta H 2-5
Bracknell Town (FAC) H 0-2 AFC Sudbury (FAC) A 2-1
Bracknell Town (FAC) A 2-2 St Albans City H 1-1
Ramsgate A 4-4 Hashtag United (FAC) H 3-0
Carshalton Athletic H 4-1 Canvey Island A 2-1
St Albans City A 0-2 Chatham Town H 0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Aveley wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Aveley (27/02/2024 – National South)
Aveley 0 – 1 Dartford (26/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Aveley (17/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier League)
Dartford 4 – 5 Aveley (15/12/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)
Aveley 1 – 4 Dartford (24/10/2009 – Isthmian Premier League)
Aveley 2 – 2 Dartford (29/12/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last four trips to Aveley (W3, L1)
  • This fixture has averaged 4.08 goals a game in the 12 previous meetings. Dartford have scored 31 to Aveley’s 18
  • The Darts have conceded first in ten of their last 11 games
  • In the 15 games since the start of April, the Darts have faced a two or more goal deficit in ten matches. Dartford have won one and drawn four of those ten games.
  • The Darts have gained five of their six points this season from losing positions

On This Day

Dartford’s last away win on this day was back in 2003 when they beat Hastings United 3-0 in the Southern League Eastern Division. Since then the Darts have been beaten on the road by Chatham Town, losing 1-0 in 2005 and by Cray Wanderers in a 2017 Kent Senior Cup tie that ended 4-2 to the Wands.

Way back in 1890 Dartford racked up 16 goals without reply in a friendly against Star Rovers, Belvedere. Three players claimed a hat-trick that day Sales and Harry Exeter scored five each and Madden netted three.

Brendon Cass started and finished the scoring in a 4-0 home win against Horsham in 2008, Lee Noble netted a brace in between. Three years later a Ryan Hayes penalty and a Tom Champion goal helped the Darts to a 2-1 Princes Park triumph over Staines Town. Dartford’s last league fixture on this day ended with a 2-1 home loss against Forest Green Rovers in 2014, Max Cornhill scored a last minute consolation.

Dartford v Canvey Island

September 4, 2025 / / 0 Comments

A Dartford legend returns in the opposing dugout when the Darts host bottom of the table Canvey Island this weekend.

Adrian Pennock will be aiming to maintain Dartford’s unbeaten record against the Gulls. In his way will be former player manager, Peter Taylor who will be determined to help Canvey Island gain their first points of the season.

Perfect League Record

Dartford have won every league encounter against the Essex club averaging three goals a game. Last season the trend continued and although the Darts score quite so many they kept a clean sheet in both matches.

Sam Odaudu put in a man of the match performance scoring his first ever goal at Princes Park in this fixture last term. The full back stabbed home a volley in the second half. Tyler Christian-Law wrapped up the points with eight minutes to go.

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In December, the Darts kept up the 100% league record versus Canvey Island by winning 1-0 at Park Lane. Eddie Dsane scored the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time.

F.A Cup Exit

The Darts went out at the first hurdle against Bracknell Town in their F.A Cup replay on Tuesday night. Samir Carruthers made his first start of the season after being out with a groin injury, but was unable to complete the full ninety. Ben Frempah wasn’t involved in the squad on Saturday, but he returned to the starting eleven. Both Olly Box and Ikechi Eze were also selected after coming off the bench on Saturday. Dan Smith was out injured, Jez Pinder was named as a substitute, Sam Smith and Sam Okoye were suspended for the replay. The hosts finished the tie with six academy graduates on the field. Richie Atkins was introduced late in the game to make his senior debut.

The habit of falling behind continued despite the Darts creating enough opportunities to be ahead. Approaching the interval and against the run of play Teddy Tarbotton put Bracknell Town in front. The pattern of play carried on in the second half, but once again Dartford went two down when Joe Grant scored his third against the Darts in three days. This time Pennock’s side was unable to claw back the deficit and went out at the F.A Cup first qualifying round for the first time since 2006.

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A Legend Returns

Peter Taylor returned to management this summer at the age of 72 and is certainly the most experienced manager in the Isthmian Premier. At Dartford he managed for four seasons between 1986 and 1990, came Southern League runners up in consecutive seasons, won back to back Southern League Cups and lifted the Kent Senior Cup twice. He also led the Darts to two F.A Trophy semi-finals as well as the F.A Cup first round on three occasions. As a player manager he also made it into the club’s top ten scorers of all-time with 94 goals in 253 games.

Struggling Gulls

Canvey Island are at the foot of the table and out of the F.A Cup. However, the Darts will not take the Gulls lightly as almost a year ago they lost to another side from Essex at the bottom, Bowers and Pitsea. Taylor has recently said that managing the Gulls could be the toughest job of all in his many past challenges as a player and manager.

Six games into the season and the Gulls have yet to avoid defeat. On the weekend they were beaten by one of Taylor’s former teams Maldon and Tiptree in the cup. Over the Bank Holiday period they lost to then league leaders Dulwich Hamlet and two days later were second best in their derby at home to Aveley.

The lowest scorers in the division with just two goals, it is clear where immediate improvements are needed. Aside from the four conceded against Cheshunt, the Essex side have let in two goals in all the other matches so far.

Team News

Sam Smith and Okoye return from their one match suspension. Dan Smith, Dean Nayler, Michael Olarewaju and Sammie McLeod were on the injury list on Tuesday. Odaudu was taken off with an injury against Bracknell Town. Dsane could make his 50th appearance for the Darts if he features on Saturday. The striker has scored four in his last three appearances.

Current Form

Dartford (DLWDDL) Canvey Island (LLLLLL)
Bracknell Town (FAC) H 0-2 Maldon & Tiptree (FAC) A 0-2
Bracknell Town (FAC) A 2-2 Aveley H 2-2
Ramsgate A 4-4 Basingstoke Town H 3-2
Carshalton Athletic H 4-1 Weymouth A 1-1
St Albans City A 0-2 Poole Town H 3-4
Billericay Town H 1-1 Uxbridge H 1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Canvey Island wins: 0 / Draws: 2

Previous Six Meetings

Canvey Island 0 – 1 Dartford (28/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
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 won 9-8 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have won all eight league matches against Canvey Island with an aggregate score of 24-6
  • The Darts have won four and drawn one versus the Gulls at Princes Park. The draw ended up in a F.A Cup penalty shootout, which Dartford won 9-8
  • Dartford have conceded first in nine of their last ten games
  • The Darts have gone 12 games without a clean sheet and eight without a clean sheet at home
  • Dartford have won one of their last eight since their playoff semi-final win last season

On This Day

Dartford claimed bragging rights in their Kent derby with Welling United on this day nine years ago. The National South fixture finished 2-1 to the Darts at Princes Park. Elliot Bradbrook missed a penalty only for Alex Brown to score the rebound. Adam Coombes netted a free-kick for the Wings, but Bradbrook grabbed the winner. That is the only win for the Darts in the last six matches on 6 September.

Dartford v Bracknell Town

September 1, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford have to go again in the F.A Cup first qualifying round against Bracknell Town on Tuesday night.

On Saturday, the Darts left it late in Berkshire to force a replay back at Princes Park. Once again Adrian Pennock’s side had to battle back to rescue a draw.

Eddie Dsane was rewarded with his second start of the season after being the hat-trick hero on Bank Holiday Monday. The forward replaced Olly Box, who dropped to the bench. Luther Williams returned to the starting lineup in place of Ben Frempah, who wasn’t named in the matchday squad.

Two Down But Not Out

Despite a promising opening quarter of an hour, the Darts found themselves two down before the break. Joe Grant’s double put Bracknell Town in the driving seat as they controlled most of the first half.

After the interval the Darts improved and with five minutes remaining Denzelle Olopade hooked the ball in off the crossbar. With Dartford on the verge of crashing out of the F.A Cup, Dsane was felled in the penalty box in injury time. He calmly stepped up to the spot and slotted the ball home to equalise.

Dwindling Defensive Options

A number of injuries and suspensions leaves the Darts with few options at the back on Tuesday night. Out of the players named in the senior squad, Sam Odaudu, George Whitefield and Luther Williams are all available. When Dartford were reduced to nine men at Ramsgate, Pennock had to use striker Callum Jones at full back. The Dartford boss will be hoping he can call on some reserves before putting players in their unnatural positions. Pennock confirmed that the red card given to Sam Okoye on Bank Holiday Monday was being appealed by the club, so he may be available depending if the appeal is successful.

Manager’s View

Pennock called his side’s first half performance as ‘naive’, the second half as ‘magic’ and felt the Darts deserved to stay in the competition. He spoke to Dartford FC TV after the 2-2 draw and said: “The second half was great, we know we’re fit and stronger than a lot of other teams, but the way we played the second half was chalk and cheese from the first half”.

According to Pennock that naivety comes with having a young squad, but he is sticking by his players, he added: “We’re a very young side and the players are learning their trade, unfortunately we’re learning the hard way at the moment, but I do believe in what we’re doing”, he continued: “We’ve just got to keep faith in our youngsters because they are our future”.

Determined to go on a cup run, Pennock is hoping the supporters can play their part as well. He commented: “It’s a really big game for us and we need the Dartford supporters behind us, like they have been home and away this season. Obviously since I’ve been here they have been fantastic. We need them to turn up in their numbers and really get behind the boys. It’s going to be a tough game”.

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Team News

Samir Carruthers returned on Saturday after a few weeks out with a groin injury. The midfielder made a substitute appearance and got through the final 25 minutes. Striker, Dan Smith pulled with a hamstring injury during the first half at Bracknell Town. Michael Olarewaju was still out injured as well as Sammie McLeod and Dean Nayler. Defender, Ben Frempah was missing from the squad on Saturday. Due to the replay being needed, Sam Smith and Sam Okoye (depending on the outcome of his appeal) will serve a one match suspension on Tuesday evening.

Current Form

Dartford (LDLWDD) Bracknell Town (LDLDWD)
Bracknell Town A 2-2 Dartford H 2-2
Ramsgate A 4-4 Basingstoke Town H 3-2
Carshalton Athletic H 4-1 Weymouth A 1-1
St Albans City A 0-2 Poole Town H 3-4
Billericay Town H 1-1 Uxbridge H 1-1
Dulwich Hamlet A 0-4 Berkhamsted A 0-1

Statistics

  • Dartford have progressed or started beyond the first qualifying round stage for the last 18 years. Hastings United were the last side to beat the Darts at this stage of the competition in 2006.
  • The Darts had won their last four first qualifying round ties before Saturday’s draw. They needed a replay in 2007 against Sittingbourne and beat Hastings United (2008), Chipstead (2009) and Marlow (2024)
  • Dartford’s last F.A Cup replay was against rivals Ebbsfleet United in 2013. Elliot Bradbrook scored a match winning penalty in a 1-0 victory.
  • In the 13 games since the start of April, the Darts have faced a two or more goal deficit in eight matches. Dartford have won one and drawn three of those eight games.
  • Luther Williams will make his 50th Dartford appearance if he features on Tuesday night

On This Day

Dartford last won on this day in 2006 and that was in the F.A Cup preliminary round. Drawn against Tunbridge Wells, the Darts cruised through with a 5-0 victory. In 2017, Dartford came from two down against Hampton and Richmond Borough in the National South. Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook completed the comeback at the Beveree. Either side of that draw, the Darts were beaten 3-2 at home by Carshalton Athletic. Jamie Day and John Guest netted for the Darts in the Isthmian Premier fixture. Most recently, Dartford lost 1-0 at Taunton Town in the National South two years ago.

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