Month: November 2025

Dartford v Dulwich Hamlet

November 28, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will be determined to make home form count and avenge their opening day defeat when they host Dulwich Hamlet this weekend.

The Darts have only been beaten once in the Isthmian Premier at Princes Park this term winning four of their last five. Adrain Pennock’s side held their place in the last playoff place on Tuesday night, but will want to strengthen their credentials on Saturday. Dulwich Hamlet are the current draw specialists on the road and one of the sides aiming to break into the top five.

Box on the Spot

Olly Box once again caused Whitehawk problems on Tuesday night with his second brace against the Hawks this season. The forward opened the scoring with a low strike after former Hamlet man, Dan Smith set him up for his first of the evening. The lead didn’t last long though because five minutes later Grant Hall equalised for the home side.

In first-half stoppage time both sides were reduced to ten men, Harry Lodovica was dismissed for the Hawks and Michael Olarewaju sent off for the Darts, the defender’s second red card this term.

In the second half, Dartford went on to claim all three points. Box won a penalty with ten minutes to go, stepped up and scored his fifth in his last three games against the Sussex club.

Pennock had to use the depth of his squad to get through the mid-week win. Luther Williams was recalled from Burgess Hill Town and put straight into the starting lineup, his first Dartford start in over two months. Whilst Sammie McLeod made his long awaited debut and academy player Elliot Oviave made his first league appearance, both coming on as late substitutes.

More Reds on the Road

Suspensions have played their part in Dartford’s campaign caused by poor discipline away from home. Olarewaju became Dartford’s eighth red card this campaign and seventh on the road. Worryingly the Darts have only played nine away matches in the league.

In total, games involving Dartford have resulted in 15 red cards and on four occasions both sides have had a player sent off. They will be hoping this trend doesn’t spill over into their home matches.

Magic Wands

Luke Wanadio has been a thorn in Dartford’s side and to rub insult to injury he enjoyed three spells as a Dart. The winger destroyed Pennock’s side on the opening day of the season with a hat-trick in a 4-0 win. Not only that, the ex-Dart was the match winner in last season’s F.A Trophy tie and also scored in Hamlet’s last league visit to Princes Park. Wanadio scored 18 times in 99 appearances for Dartford. At Hamlet he has scored five in four games against his former employers.

Opening Day Disaster

The Darts got off to their worst start to a campaign in six years when they were comfortably beaten at Champion Hill in August. Hamlet debutant, Lonit Talla had the hosts in front and six minutes later Wanadio scored his first of the afternoon. Ben Frempah’s debut ended early when the defender was sent off and from the resulting free-kick Wanadio had his second. The hat-trick was completed in the 66th minute to sink gthe Darts.

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Highlights courtesy of Dulwich Hamlet TV

Olly Saves a Point

This fixture last season saw Dartford in control before losing a lead, then salvaging a point. Callum Jones ended a barren spell in front of goal with a first goal in 13 appearances. On the stroke of half-time, Wanadio equalised. Hamlet took the lead in the second half when Ralfi Hand put the visitors in front. However, Box took centre stage with a leveller to save a point.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A Brace for Jones

The reverse fixture was more comfortable for the Darts as they were pushing for the Isthmian Premier title. Hayden Bullas set Dartford on their way before Jones doubled the lead in the first half. The striker went on to add his second to complete the 3-0 victory.

Early Pacesetters

Dulwich Hamlet not only enjoyed a handsome opening day victory, but they kept that momentum going until Bank Holiday August. In their opening four league games Hamlet took maximum points without conceding a goal to sit at the top of the table. Wingate and Finchley, Ramsgate and Canvey Island were all defeated in the opening month of the season with Wanadio finding the net five times in that period.

Hamlet’s Slide

Whitehawk were the first team to take points from Dulwich Hamlet, and although Hamlet bounced back with a victory over Welling United, they have only won once in their last 13 league matches. In that time the London side have picked up five draws in a row, gained 11 points, but have dropped outside of the playoff places down to eighth spot. Mark Dacey’s side are without an away win in six league games, but have drawn their last four. Former Darts, Jordan Wynter and Danny Mills were involved in Hamlet’s last league outing, a 1-1 draw with Hashtag United.

Manager’s View

Pennock was equally delighted with his team and frustrated on Tuesday night having earned a win at a ‘difficult place’, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the Whitehawk game and said: “They made it hard for us, it was a big three points for us. Second half we just prodded and prodded and prodded and we got our rewards. I’m unbelievably proud of them”.

The Dartford boss shared his annoyance at the fact his players reacted in the incident that saw both sides reduced to ten men. He commented: “I cannot believe that we have to get involved when the lad already headbutted Joe (Tennent). I don’t tell them boys to get sent off, I don’t tell them boys to get yellow cards. It’s got to stop, it’s killing us”.

This weekend will be a chance for the Darts to put the opening day defeat behind them. Pennock exclaimed: “We know it’s going to be a tough game. They have got some very good footballers and they battered us at their place. We owe them, it’s going to be a tough game, but I’m really looking forward to it”.

Team News

Injuries kept Sam Odaudu, Eddie Dsane, Dan Carter and Jacob Bland out of the squad on Tuesday night and suspension ruled out Sam Okoye. Dean Nayler remains a long term absentee. Michael Olarewaju will begin his second suspension of the season in Dartford’s next match against Lewes.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLLWDW)			Dulwich Hamlet (WWLDLD)
Whitehawk	A	2-1	Hashtag United	H	1-1
Cray Valley PM	A	1-1	Cray Valley PM	H	1-3
Chichester City	H	2-0	Burgess Hill Town	A	1-1
Billericay Town	A	1-2	Wingate & Finchley	H	0-3
Wingate & Finchley	H	1-2	St Albans City	H	4-2
Welling United	H	3-1	Harrow Borough (LC)	H	4-0

LC – League Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Dulwich Hamlet wins: 5 / Draws: 5

Previous Meetings

Dulwich Hamlet 4 – 0 Dartford (09/08/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dulwich Hamlet 0 – 2 Dartford (29/03/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Dulwich Hamlet (14/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
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)

Statistics

The Darts are unbeaten at home in the league versus Hamlet (W3, D3)
Dartford have failed to win their last two home matches against Dulwich Hamlet in all competitions (D1, L1)
The winning side has kept a clean sheet in four of the last five meetings with both sides winning twice

On This Day

Dartford have won their last four home games on this day with the most recent fixture in the F.A Trophy. The Darts hosted Eastbourne Borough in the third qualifying round 14 years ago and goals from Tom Champion and Danny Harris in the replay secured a 2-1 win. Three years earlier Dartford defeated Boreham Wood 3-0 in the Isthmian Premier. Cody McDonald netted a brace and Ryan Hayes scored the other.

In 1947, Dartford were in the Southern League and held Football League side Bristol City to a 0-0 draw in the F.A Cup first round at Watling Street. The replay didn’t go quite as well as the Robins, then in the Division Three South won 9-2. Dartford’s last game on this day was a National League 2-1 away defeat to Forest Green Rovers in 2014.

Whitehawk v Dartford

November 25, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford make a midweek trip down to Whitehawk on Tuesday night hoping to improve their away form in the Isthmian Premier.

The Darts have won just one league game on the road in eight attempts this season. After back to back defeats home and away earlier this month, the Darts have picked up four points in their last two outings.

Whitehawk claimed a win on the weekend to move within a point of the top half. The Hawks have had an inconsistent campaign so far, but have had better results at home.

Held at Cray

Suspensions for Jez Pinder and Sam Okoye and with Jacob Bland and Dan Carter unavailable forced Adrian Pennock into four changes on the weekend. Ben Frempah and Denzelle Olopade made their first starts since early September and mid October respectively. Samir Carruthers and Sam Smith were also back in the starting eleven. Meanwhile Sammie McLeod was in the matchday squad for the first time named as one of only four substitutes. The midfielder has been out with an injury since pre-season.

For a second game in a row this Tuesday, Joe Tennent is likely to marshall the Dartford defence against another one of his former sides. The defender put in a good first half performance to help the Darts go into the break without conceding. Even better was the fact Dan Smith scored his third goal in two games when he put away a rebound from Olly Box’s saved shot. The Dartford defence couldn’t hold out for the full ninety and a second-half mistake from Samir Carruthers put ex-Dart, Rowan Liburd through on goal and the striker finished to share the points.

Box of Tricks

Back at Princes Park last month Dartford won the reverse fixture thanks to a fine performance by Olly Box. Returning from a one game ban the forward scored a brace and set up another in a 3-0 win. In the first half Box fired into the top corner and after the break he curled in number two. He then unselfishly turned provider when he set up Callum Jones for the third.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Darts at the Double

Dartford completed a double over the Hawks last term completing the feat in Sussex. In April earlier this year Pennock’s side were deep in a title race and after dropping points in the previous game were under pressure to secure victory. Box came off the bench to score the only goal of the game.

In January last season former captain Josh Hill scored Dartford’s goal of the season. The defender unleashed an unstoppable long range effort to open the scoring at Princes Park. Jones doubled the lead before Josh Nandhra pulled a goal back for the visitors. Maximum points were secured late on when Carruthers won a penalty and scored the spot kick. Eddie Dsane added a fourth with a fine solo effort and finish.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Success in Sussex

Similarly to Dartford, the Hawks have a much better home record. The Sussex side went six unbeaten in the league at the Enclosed Ground. Victories included destroying Dulwich Hamlet’s perfect start to the campaign on Bank Holiday August and a win over previous league leaders Brentwood Town this month. Aveley are the only side to take home maximum points. In the next league fixture at the Enclosed Ground, Whitehawk drew 0-0 with Billericay Town meaning the Hawks have failed to score in their previous two matches on their own patch.

An Away Maximum

On Saturday, Shaun Saunders’ side travelled to Hertfordshire hoping to improve results on the road and they made a positive step in doing just that. Approaching their match against Potters Bar Town, the Hawks were winless in their last five away games in the Isthmian Premier. This time they won 3-2 in a back and forth game.

The Hawks led through Harry Bridle, but just before the interval the Scholars were level after Josh Hutchinson scored. Shortly after the restart Damaray Anyadike put the hosts in front. However, Whitehawk came back with goals from Destiny Ojo and Harry Lodovica. Victory moved the Sussex side up to twelfth place and with a game in hand on most of the teams just above them, they could get within striking distance of the playoffs.

Team News

Sam Odaudu, Eddie Dsane and Jacob Bland were nursing injuries on the weekend. Dan Carter miss the draw at Cray Valley Paper Mills through illness and both Jez Pinder and Sam Okoye were suspended. Dean Nayler remains a long term absentee.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWLLWD)			Whitehawk (DWLLDW)
Cray Valley PM	A	1-1	Potters Bars Town	A	3-2
Chichester City	H	2-0	Billericay Town	H	0-0
Billericay Town	A	1-2	Chichester City	A	1-2
Wingate & Finchley	H	1-2	Aveley	H	0-1
Welling United	H	3-1	Brentwood Town	H	2-1
Cray Wanderers	A	2-0	Burgess Hill Town	A	2-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Whitehawk wins: 3 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 0 Whitehawk (14/10/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Whitehawk 0 – 1 Dartford (12/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 4 – 1 Whitehawk (04/01/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
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)

Statistics

Dartford have won their last six games against Whitehawk
The Darts have won their last two away games versus the Hawks without conceding
Dartford have scored three or more goals in five of the last six matches against Whitehawk

On This Day

In one of Dartford’s very few good moments during the 2023/2024 season, on this day two years ago they beat Torquay United 3-0 at Princes Park. Three goals in 12 first half minutes sealed the deal. Richard Chin opened the scoring, George Alexander made it two and Moussa Diarra added a third.

In 2017, Lee Noble scored the winner against his former side Brentwood Town to knock them out of the F.A Trophy. The Darts won 2-1 in the third qualifying round with Elliot Bradbrook netting Dartford’s first. Noble is now back at the Essex club.

The F.A Cup second round and another Football League opponent was a step too far for Dartford in 1961. The Darts travelled to Third Division side Bristol City and were hammered 8-2.

Dartford hosted foreign opposition in 1971 and 1977 on 25 November. The friendly matches against FC Gelsenkirchen 07 of Germany and Grankulla IFC of Finland were both won 4-1. Geoff Bray scored a hat-trick against the Finnish side.

Cray Valley Paper Mills v Dartford

November 20, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are in local derby action when they make the short trip to Cray Valley Paper Mills this weekend in the Isthmian Premier.

The Darts take on the side they dramatically beat en route to the playoff final back in April. Both teams made a slow start this term, only Dartford have recovered and are setting their sights on remaining in the top five this Saturday. Cray Valley Paper Mills climbed out of the relegation zone on Tuesday night and aim to stay clear of the bottom four.

Smith Double Tops

Dartford returned to winning ways last time out after consecutive defeats. The Darts recorded a sixth home victory and fourth clean sheet of the season when they beat Chichester City last Saturday.

Adrian Pennock named an unchanged side meaning Dan Smith started ahead of top scorer Eddie Dsane. The striker repaid the manager with a brace to double his tally since joining the Darts in the summer.

Smith kept his cool in the first half after being put through on goal by Jez Pinder. Dartford’s number nine slotted the ball home to open the scoring. In the second half, Smith’s endeavour was rewarded when he closed down Chichester City goalkeeper Kieran MaGee to tap the ball into an empty net.

The striker explained after the 2-0 win that his team mates work ethic helps him push a little harder, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the win and said: “Playing up front with whoever in this team, but especially Jonesy, you feel bad if you don’t press”.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Away Day Struggles

Dartford have scored in each of their last eight away games, yet they have only one win in that time. They also exited two cup competitions against lower league opposition and have had disciplinary issues resulting in red cards. The latest dismissal came the last time the Darts travelled when they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Billericay Town.

On Saturday, Pennock will be hoping to start turning results away from home around and harness the positive outcome at Cray Wanderers, their only away win all season three miles down the road from the Millers.

Sam the Saviour

Dartford were seconds from crashing out of the playoffs last time they faced the Millers until Sam Odaudu came up with a magical moment. Set pieces were the Darts downfall with two identical corners by Cray Valley Paper Mills in each half. Danny Waldren got on the end of both to give the visitors a 2-0 lead and leave Pennock’s side on the brink.

The hosts were handed a lifeline with 20 minutes to go when Cray Valley’s Crossley Lema was red carded. Samir Carruthers went on to score a penalty later on. Then virtually the last kick of normal time saw Odaudu’s free-kick deflect into the net taking the tie into extra time.

A man up, Dartford looked stronger and went two goals ahead through Hayden Bullas and George Whitefield. But the Millers didn’t give up and things got nervy for the Darts when Adam Coombes made it 4-3.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Opening Day Delight

A red card also played a part in the last time Dartford visited the Badgers Sports Ground. Making their debut in the Isthmian Premier, Cray Valley Paper Mills were fresh from a title win. Dartford were still reeling after relegation from the National South.

Both Callum Jones and Denzelle Olopade scored on debut either side of Tom Chamber’s equaliser. Jones linked up well with Olly Box for the opener before Hassan Ibrahiym was sent off for Cray Valley Paper Mills. Despite being reduced to ten the Millers levelled. However, it was Olopade’s excellent long range strike that won the game for the Darts.

The reverse fixture may have ended 0-0 at Princes Park, but it was the start of a turning point for Dartford last term. The Darts were down in 14th and the Millers were in fifth just three points from the top. The draw was the beginning of a 21 game unbeaten run in the league helping Pennock’s side finish third by the end of the campaign.

Vital Valley Victory

Cray Valley Paper Mills helped Dartford maintain their playoff position on Tuesday night by beating Dulwich Hamlet. The Millers also moved out of the bottom four after the 3-1 win. Liam Moore had the Millers one up inside the first minute only for Luke Wandio to equalise six minutes later. Tom Beere got the Kent side back ahead and Ola Ogunwamide made it three.

Three former Darts helped the Millers end the eight game winless streak. Rowan Liburd started for Steve McKimm’s side, the striker played three times for Dartford during the 2019/2020 campaign. Fumnaya Shomotun and Marcel Barrington came on as substitutes. Shomotun made 19 appearances for the Darts scoring twice in 2023/2024 and Barrington featured twice as substitute also in 2019/2020.

Home record

One home win in the league hasn’t given Millers fans much to cheer about. Cray Valley’s latest defeat on their own patch extended a winless streak at the Badgers Sports Ground to six. Ibby Akanbi, who featured for the Darts during the relegation campaign scoring once in five starts, netted in the 4-1 loss to Aveley. The striker is currently the club’s top scorer in all competitions and also found the net in the Millers’ last home win in the Isthmian Premier back in August, a 4-1 triumph over Ramsgate.

Coach’s View

Goalkeeping Coach, Les Cleevely gave his thoughts to Dartford FC Tv after the win over Chichester City, he said: “I thought we did well and in the end it could have been five or six. We created good opportunities by pressing and particularly in the first half our shape was good. We created chances which is really pleasing to see and we denied them opportunities”.

The return of Denzelle Olopade recently and Ben Frempah has improved the options available when Pennock is selecting the starting eleven. Cleevely also explains the other benefits a nearly full squad brings, he commented: “It makes things a lot easier when you start to get bodies back. If you look at the early part of the season, when we had injuries and suspensions and we were a little bit thin on the ground, the results were a bit sketchy. When you’ve got everybody available it makes such a difference. It gives the squad a boost, it gives them energy and allows us to train properly”.

Despite Cray Valley’s lowly position the Cleevely is expecting a difficult afternoon on Saturday, he added: “I think it’s going to be a tough game. They are a hard opposition, physically they work hard, they are quite a together unit, so again it’s another challenge for us”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Since joining the Darts, defender Joe Tennent is likely to face one of his former clubs. Ben Frempah was back in the squad last weekend having been named on the bench. The defender made his first appearance since coming on against Whitehawk over a month ago. Full back, Sam Okoye is suspended for the red card versus Billericay Town. Sam Odaudu and Sammie McLeod were expected to be back in training last week and Dean Nayler remains out with a long term injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWLLW)			Cray Valley (PM) (LDLDLW)
Chichester City	H	2-0	Dulwich Hamlet	A	3-1
Billericay Town	A	1-2	Burgess Hill Town	A	0-1
Wingate & Finchley	H	1-2	Billericay Town	A	1-1
Welling United	H	3-1	Aveley	H	1-4
Cray Wanderers	A	2-0	Lewes	H	1-1
Potters Bar Town	H	4-1	Brentwood Town	H	1-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Cray Valley Paper Mills wins: 0 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Dartford 4 – 3 Cray Valley Paper Mills (30/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier Playoff)
Dartford 0 – 0 Cray Valley Paper Mills (02/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Valley Paper Mills 1 – 2 Dartford (10/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

The Darts are unbeaten in their three previous meetings with Cray Valley Paper Mills (W2, D1)
Dartford have won just once in their last seven league games on the road (D3, L3)
The Darts have picked up six red cards from their seven away games in the league this term

On This Day

Dartford are looking for their first away win on this day since 1924. The Darts enjoyed a 1-0 success over rivals Maidstone United back then in the Kent League First Division, their only ever away victory on 22 November. Since then Dartford have played 12 times on the road, drawn five and lost seven. One defeat was an epic 8-4 loss in 1947 at Welsh side Lovells Athletic, a team based in Newport.

Dartford’s last triumph of any kind on this day was in 1988. A Peter Taylor led side beat Crawley Town 4-0 at Watling Street in the second round of the Southern League Cup. The Darts went on to lift the League Cup. The last league victory was two years earlier, Dartford thrashed Folkestone Town 5-0 in the Southern Premier.

Dartford v Chichester City

November 14, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will want to put the previous week behind them when they host Chichester City this weekend.

The Darts suffered their first home league loss last Saturday and were beaten on the road on Tuesday night. Yet Adrian Pennock’s side hold a place in the playoff positions occupying fifth spot.

Chichester City have put together an unbeaten run of six during a difficult time for the Sussex club. Manager, Miles Rutherford is hoping to go one better than last season’s success, the Lillywhites missed out on a top five finish on the final day.

Away Day Discipline Costs Darts

Adrian Pennock altered the starting lineup for the first time in three games bringing in Dan Carter and Dan Smith against Billericay Town. The changes paid off when Carter scored his first for the club on his first start. The midfielder from Leyton Orient celebrated his loan extension by striking an excellent shot for a ninth minute opener.

The game took a turn before half-time when full back Sam Okoye was sent off for a second yellow card, his second dismissal this season and Dartford’s seventh. Then Matt Johnson put Billericay Town on level terms.

Billericay Town went in front through Elliot Long in the second half and with a man advantage the home side looked on course to inflict defeat on the Darts. However, former Dartford defender Jazzi Barnum-Bobb picked up his second caution of the evening and received his marching orders as well. The Blues sealed victory with a third when Long grabbed another in the closing stages.

In the Mix

At the top of the table daylight has appeared between the two frontrunners and the chasing pack. On Saturday, Dartford began the day in fourth and dropped to sixth. By Tuesday evening, the Darts climbed back into the playoffs even though they lost.

Not only did Dartford lose in midweek, but so did Chatham Town, Dulwich Hamlet and Cray Wanderers leaving those four sides and Aveley separated by three points. Whilst victories for teams in mid-table means there are just six points between third and twelfth.

Darts Denied Record

Last time Dartford hosted Chichester City they were bidding to set a new club record of 11 straight league wins. The Lillywhites were themselves in good form having won seven in a row during their debut Isthmian Premier campaign. So there was little surprise when this fixture finished level and the points were shared. With no goals to show, the Darts continued their unbeaten run. Chichester City were only one of two teams to have not been beaten by Pennock’s side in the league last term.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Debut Draw

In the first ever meeting between the two sides just over a year ago Dartford let a two goal lead slip. Olly Box opened the scoring, then an own goal from Ben Pashley doubled Dartford’s lead. In the second half the hosts fought back to earn a 2-2 draw. First, Ethan Prichard started the comeback, then Isaac Bello equalised.

A Difficult Time

It’s been emotional for Chichester City this season with the tragic loss of Billy Vigar in October. The striker will always be in the club’s thoughts and first team coach Danny Potter wants his side to draw inspiration from the time Vigar was at the club. The Chi boss has seen football as an outlet, rather than applying pressure to the players he is letting them play and allowing them to take things slowly.

False Position

A combination of time off and other opponents still in cup competitions means the Sussex club have played the fewest games in the league. Although Chichester City are down in 13th they have only lost twice in the Isthmian Premier. Based on their current record and if they make their games in hand count they can certainly be chasing a playoff place like last season.

City Comeback

Chichester City went into the break on Tuesday night a goal down against Whitehawk in a Sussex derby. The hosts conceded right before half-time when Charlie Lambert put the Hawks in front. However, the game changed momentum in six second half minutes. Potter’s side levelled through Emmett Dunn, Whitehawk’s Nathan Cooper was sent off, then Prichard scored what turned out to be the winner.

Trio of Draws

Prior Tuesday night’s game Chichester City were on a run of three consecutive draws. They fought back from two down at home versus Billericay Town with second half goals from Olly Munt and Lloyd Rowlatt. Ricay had led at the interval after Johnson scored the first and Pashley put through his own net. The next two outings resulted in 0-0 draws against playoff pushing sides Dulwich Hamlet and Cray Wanderers.

Assistant Manager’s View

Roland Edge was disappointed when Dartford were reduced to ten men on Tuesday night. He felt the game had been ‘a really good contest’ prior Okoye’s second yellow card. The assistant manager spoke to Dartford FC TV after the loss and said: “I think the referee’s decisions probably turn the game”. Despite the disadvantage Edge was pleased with the attitude of the players, he added: “The boys dug in. They worked really, really hard”.

Looking towards the weekend Edge expresses his sympathy for this Saturday’s visitors, but expects another tough match, he commented: “Chichester are a very good side, we drew with them twice last year. They have started fantastically this year and they had a really bad thing happen at Wingate. We all feel sorry for the club and the family”, he continued: “We know what’s coming to us on Saturday, a really good side. We just got to dust ourselves off, get our minds on that game and turn up and do our best”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Sam Odaudu has been out of action for almost a month, but Pennock believes the full back is not far from a return. Sammie McLeod returned to training this week after his long term injury. Ben Frempah has not been named in the last few squads. Dean Nayler has been sidelined after a pre-season injury. Sam Okoye will be available this weekend before his suspension next week against Cray Valley Paper Mills.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWLL)			Chichester City (LWDDDW)
Billericay Town	A	1-2	Whitehawk	H	2-1
Wingate & Finchley	H	1-2	Cray Wanderers	A	0-0
Welling United	H	3-1	Dulwich Hamlet	H	0-0
Cray Wanderers	A	2-0	Billericay Town	H	2-2
Potters Bar Town	H	4-1	Lewes	H	3-0
Whitehawk	H	3-0	Farnham Town (FAT)	H	2-4

FAT – F.A Trophy

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Chichester City wins: 0 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 0 – 0 Chichester City (11/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Chichester City 2 – 2 Dartford (26/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

Dartford have scored in all 9 league games at Princes Park this season. On five occasions they have scored three or more.
There have been 13 red cards involving Dartford games this season (7 for the Darts and 6 for their opponents). In three of those matches both sides have received a red card.
The Darts have picked up six red cards from their seven away games in the league this term
Dartford have gained 11 points from losing positions this season and dropped 14 points from winning positions (dropped six points in the previous two matches)

On This Day

Dartford’s last win on this day was against Burnham in 2003. The Southern League Division One East fixture finished 3-0 to the Darts. Since then, Dartford were beaten 3-2 by Sutton United in the Isthmian Premier. Danny Dafter and Rob Haworth scored in that meeting 17 years ago. In 2014, Harry Crawford struck an injury time equaliser at Princes Park versus Southport in the National League. The last home victory came way back in 1977 when the Darts defeated Medway 3-0 in the Kent Senior Cup first round.

Billericay Town v Dartford

November 10, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will make the midweek trip to Billericay Town hoping to return to the top five on Tuesday night.

The Darts dropped out of playoff places on weekend but could get back above the dotted line with a win in Essex. The Blues can potentially climb into the top ten if they extend their unbeaten run at home in the league to six.

Good Thing Comes to an End

Dartford fell to their first home league defeat of the season and experienced a first Isthmian Premier loss since August. Wingate and Finchley came from behind with an injury time winner to end Dartford’s unbeaten run of 11 matches in the division.

For the first time this season Adrian Pennock kept the same starting eleven for three consecutive games, but his side were unable to extend their four game winning streak on the weekend.

A tight first half saw the score level at the break, but the deadlock was finally broken by the hosts on 69 minutes. Wingate and Finchley failed to clear a free kick and when Jacob Bland anticipated Eddie Dsane’s scuffed shot he tapped home his first for the club.

The visitors levelled when Caoilan McGettigan squared for an unmarked Logic Hernandez who slotted the ball through Jonny Henley’s legs. Four minutes of time added on and the Gate grabbed a winner through Romeo Akinola’s curling shot from just outside the box.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Playoff Contenders

Home form may have kept the Darts in contention for a top five place, but on the road Pennock’s side are unbeaten in their previous four. Yet it took until the end of October to get a first away victory when they won the Kent derby at Cray Wanderers. Prior to that Dartford had drawn three in a row on their travels.

At present Dartford sit one place below the playoff places on goal difference. Earlier in the season Pennock called on his players to turn draws into wins. Whilst they have been able to do that more consistently at Princes Park, they will need to replicate that form on the road.

All Square

Back at Princes Park in August, Dartford and Billericay Town couldn’t be separated in a 1-1 draw.

Halfway through the second game of the season Sam Odaudu put in a long throw which Billericay Town failed to clear. The ball fell to Olly Box at the far post who opened his and Dartford’s account for 2025/2026.

At half time the Blues made a triple change bringing on three former Darts, Femi Akinwande, Liam Nash and Tyrell Miller-Rodney. Billericay Town put the Darts under pressure for most of the second half resulting in Nash’s equaliser.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Ricay Run Riot

The Darts will need to forget last season’s showing at the New Lodge if they want to pick up points on Tuesday night.

Billericay Town claimed a 4–0 win taking an early lead through former Dart, Tom Bender. Set pieces caused problems for Dartford and Frankie Merrifield doubled Ricay’s advantage. Things didn’t improve in the second half as the hosts added more goals. Moses Emmanuel netted just past the hour and Matt Johnson in the final ten minutes.

Darts Destroy Blues

Dartford avenged their heavy defeat by dishing out the same punishment in the reverse fixture.

Box put the Darts ahead after just six minutes and George Whitefield doubled the lead. Dartford added to their tally with goals from former Billericay Town striker Callum Jones before Eddie Dsane got on the scoresheet.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Scope for Change

The pressure of going so close last term and replicating a title challenge ended up too much in the early stages of this season for Billericay Town. After some statement summer signings the Blues were just not clicking and by early September, manager Gary McCann departed.

The following day Danny Scopes was named as his successor. The new Billericay Town boss has pedigree with Essex clubs in non league. Recently he won two promotions to guide Aveley from the Isthmian North to National South, where the Millers recorded their highest ever league finish. At Concord Rangers, he stepped out at Wembley when he led them to the F.A Trophy final.

Since the new appointment, the Blues have only lost league matches against former league leaders Brentwood Town and against current league leaders Folkestone Invicta. Although Scopes has increased the club’s points per game, draws have kept their total down to ten in the previous eight outings.

Unbeaten Run

Like the Darts, Billericay Town have been making their home games count with only Cray Wanderers back in August winning at the New Lodge in the Isthmian Premier. The Blues are currently unbeaten in five on their own patch in the league, recently drawing 1-1 on the weekend against Cray Valley Paper Mills.

Scopes made one change to the side that beat a high flying Chatham Town side. Rio Oudnie-Morgan replaced Alfie Cerulli in a lineup that included three former Darts named as starters and two who made substitute appearances. Teddy Collis put the hosts ahead, but the sending off of Ryan Scott handed the visitors an advantage. The Millers took the opportunity and Matthew Vigor’s penalty made sure the points were shared.

That draw followed two home victories for the Blues. At the end of last month they brushed Potters Bar Town aside with a 3-1 win. Scott, Collis and Freddie Hockey scored for the Essex side. More impressively Billericay Town beat Chatham Town thanks to two goals in as many minutes from Cerulli and Matt Johnson. The Chats managed to net a second-half penalty, but the Blues ran out 2-1 winners.

Former Players on Show

Two of Billericay Town’s statement signings over the summer were former Darts, Liam Nash and Jack Evans. Although the pair were at Dartford for a short spell, they both had goalscoring success for their subsequent clubs. St Vincent and Grenadines international defender, Jazzi Barnum-Bobb, former academy graduate Jay Porter and Tyrell Miller-Rodney have also spent time with Dartford.

Manager’s View

In the home defeat at the weekend Dartford had a goal ruled out that Pennock felt would have changed the game had it stood, he spoke to www.dartfordfc.com and said: “Eddie scored and it was given offside and we have since seen it was onside. If we had gone 2-0 up, I think we would have won the game, or at least wouldn’t have lost. We were on top at the time, so it was a crucial decision that didn’t go our way”.

The Dartford boss was pleased with the effort of his team, but the performance wasn’t quite at the higher standards of recent weeks, he added: ““I thought the work-rate was really good. We didn’t stop trying. There were a few players who weren’t quite on it, especially compared to how we’ve played over the last few weeks, but we did keep going”.

Team News

Denzelle Olopade returned to the matchday squad on the weekend as a substitute. Dan Carter has had his loan from Leyton Orient extended another month. Sam Odaudu has been out of action for almost a month, but Pennock believes the full back is about ten days away from a return. Sammie McLeod is expected to be back in training later this week after his long term injury. Ben Frempah has not been named in the last few squads. Dean Nayler has been sidelined after a pre-season injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWWWWL)			Billericay Town (WLWLWD)
Wingate & Finchley	H	1-2	Cray Valley Paper Mills	H	1-1
Welling United	H	3-1	Chatham Town	H	2-1
Cray Wanderers	A	2-0	Folkestone Invicta	A	1-2
Potters Bar Town	H	4-1	Potters Bar Town	H	3-1
Whitehawk	H	3-0	Bishop’s Stortford (FAT)	H	0-5
Brentwood Town	A	1-1	Waltham Abbey (ESC)	H	3-0

FAT – F.A Trophy / ESC – Essex Senior Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Billericay Town wins: 3 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Billericay Town (12/08/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 4 – 0 Billericay Town (25/01/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
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)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of their last nine against Billericay Town (W6, D2)
The Darts suffered their heaviest defeat against the Blues in their last visit to the New Lodge
Dartford have kept four clean sheets in the last six games against the Essex club

On This Day

Princes Park celebrates its 19th birthday and hosted its first game on this day in 2006. Brendon Cass scored the first ever goal at the stadium in front of a capacity crowd. Horsham YMCA dared to equalise with a goal from Matt Ottley, but Cass added a second before half-time. Eddie McClements had Dartford in control after his screamer extended their lead, then the visitors pulled one back through Steve Davies. However, Nick Barnes made sure the celebratory mood continued by sealing a 4-2 win.

Dartford v Wingate and Finchley

November 7, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 1 Comment

Dartford begin this weekend in the playoff places and host an in-form Wingate and Finchley on Saturday.

The Darts have won four in a row to extend their unbeaten league run to 11 matches. Two Kent derby victories over the last fortnight have pushed Adrian Pennock’s side into the top five.

Wingate and Finchley picked up just one point in their opening six games, but over the last month the Blues have climbed out of the relegation zone after an unbeaten run of six games in the Isthmian Premier.

Double Derby Delight

Momentum is building for Dartford which has coincided with a defence that has tightened up and a front three that has clicked. After putting three past Whitehawk and scoring four against Potters Bar Town on home soil, the Darts recorded a first win and clean sheet on the road this term when they beat Cray Wanderers by two.

A week later Pennock stuck with the same starting lineup for the next Kent derby against Welling United, but his side were shell shocked early on. The Darts went a goal down inside the opening minutes after Ruben Shakpoke hit a shot in off the post. Dartford’s best first half chances came through George Whitefield, who had one cleared off the line and another that hit the post. Eddie Dsane also saw his effort excellently saved.

The in-form striker didn’t have to wait long in the second half. Dsane grabbed a quick-fire brace to make it six goals in his last three appearances. First, he finished to level after good work from Olly Box, then he hit a low drive to put the hosts in front. The three points were sealed once Box curled a third into the top corner.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A Wakeup Call

Last season the second half at home to Wingate and Finchley was arguably a turning point in Dartford’s season. Despite ending in defeat, the Darts showed they had the battling spirit and character that would help them go on an impressive unbeaten run equalling a club record of 21 league games.

That fixture back in October 2024 began disastrously when the visitors went three up in the opening 21 minutes. Ben Frempah lined up for the Blues that day and he scored as well as Andronicos Georgiou, who netted a brace. As the Darts hit a low point it also served as a wakeup call. Dartford fought back with two second half goals from Box and Ade Yussuf.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The return fixture in January saw roles reversed as it was Dartford’s turn to build up a lead with goals from George Whitefield and a spot kick from Sami Carruthers. The Blues pulled one back through Camilo Restrepo but couldn’t find an equaliser.

Blues Shock Leaders

Wingate and Finchley stunned league leaders Brentwood Town last weekend with a brilliant 5-0 victory in Essex. Whilst the Darts halted Brentwood Town’s perfect home start four weeks ago, Wingate and Finchley went one better by becoming the first side to beat the early pacesetters on their own patch.

Two goals in the opening eight minutes set the North London side on their way. Ryan Lowe and Kyron Horsley-McKay made sure the visitors got off to a fast start and Restrepo made it three before half-time. An early second-half goal from Gianluca Botti put the game beyond doubt and Romeo Akinola added some extra gloss in the final stages.

Late, Late Show

Ahmet Rifat’s side were brought back down to earth on Tuesday night against bottom side Canvey Island. In a tight contest it took until eight minutes from time for Wingate and Finchley to go in front with a goal from Loic Hernandez. However, the Gulls managed a late leveller through Elliott Ronto to share the points. The Blues still gained a couple of places in the league table moving up to sixteenth.

Manager’s View

Pennock was pleased with the way his side turned Saturday’s game around, he told Dartford FC TV his players needed to earn the right to play good football, he said: “We had a couple of good chances in the first half and Jonny made a really good save with his feet. I just wanted us to be more on the ball and people wanting the ball in the second half and that’s what we done”.

The Darts fans were rewarded in the end, the Dartford boss added: “The second half of football was very pleasing to watch. That was one for the fans, they’ve really enjoyed that as well, but we’re not getting too carried away, but it’s obviously nice to win a derby”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Former Wingate and Finchley defender, Ben Frempah last featured as a substitute for the Darts in the win over Whitehawk. The defender hasn’t been involved in the last two matchday squads. Sam Odaudu has been missing through injury since that Whitehawk game. Dean Nayler and Sammie McLeod have been long term absentees. Ikechi Eze has gone out on loan to Potters Bar Town and Albie O’Mara- Knapp has had his loan spell extended at Erith Town.

Current League Form

Dartford (LDWWWW)			Wingate & Finchley (DWWLWD)
Welling United	H	3-1	Canvey Island	A	1-1
Cray Wanderers	A	2-0	Brentwood Town	A	5-0
Potters Bar Town	H	4-1	Cheshunt (FAT)	A	0-1
Whitehawk	H	3-0	Cheshunt	A	3-2
Brentwood Town	A	1-1	Hashtag United	A	1-0
Hadley (FAT)	A	1-2	Ramsgate	A	1-1

FAT – F.A Trophy

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Wingate and Finchley wins: 3 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Wingate and Finchley 1 – 2 Dartford (18/01/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
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)

Statistics

Dartford have won four of their last six games against Wingate and Finchley (L2)
The Darts have lost just one at home against the Blues (W2, D1)
If selected Sam Okoye will make his 50th start for Dartford
Dartford’s eight unbeaten home games from the start of the season is their longest unbeaten home start since 2021 (17 games)
The Darts have won three league games in a row at Princes Park. A fourth consecutive home league victory will equal Adrian Pennock’s best since taking over as boss.

On This Day

Dartford reached the second round of the F.A Cup on this day in 1961 and 2014. The most recent first round tie ended up with seven goals as the Darts beat Bromley 4-3 at Hayes Lane. Louis Dennis started the goal action for the hosts before Danny Harris equalised. Tony Burman’s side took the lead twice through Ryan Hayes and Elliot Bradbrook, but the Ravens hit back on both occasions when Moses Ademola and then Danny Waldren scored. The match winner turned out to be Tom Bradbrook who nodded home with nine minutes to go to help the Darts into the second round for the first time in 30 years.

In 1961, the Darts shocked Football League opponents Exeter City of Division Four. Days earlier Dartford took the Grecians to a replay after coming back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3. Bob Taylor scored a brace and Ray White got the other goal that day. The replay back at Watling Street on 8 November finished with the Darts winning 2-1, Jimmy Fletcher netted one and Taylor scored again.