Dartford FC Previews

Month: January 2026

Dartford v Brentwood Town

January 29, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Dartford hope to strengthen their playoff credentials by gaining ground on Brentwood Town this weekend.

The Darts host the Blues this Saturday and know victory will take them to within two points of the Essex side. Only a win will guarantee Adrian Pennock’s side a top five place at the end of the afternoon as pressure starts to mount from those looking to get into the playoff places. Brentwood Town will not want to get dragged into that battle and instead will be aiming to keep pace with those above them.

Missed Opportunities

Out of the current top five it is looking like Brentwood Town is the team Dartford can catch, but the Darts failed to gain on the Blues last weekend and so Keith Rowland’s side remain five points clear.

Lately, Dartford have made a habit of beating teams towards the top of the table, then dropping points against teams below them. After claiming an excellent win over Chatham Town, the Darts conceded late to draw at Hashtag United. Adrian Pennock’s side then ended Aveley’s long unbeaten run only to follow that impressive result with defeat at Burgess Hill Town.

Sunk in Sussex

It was no surprise that the Dartford boss named an unchanged side for their trip to Sussex after defeating an in form Aveley. However, once again their away performance has contributed to why the Darts are hanging onto a playoff spot rather than comfortably being in the top five.

Burgess Hill Town can thank George Vorster for the win. The forward scored a brace either side of Denzelle Olopade’s fantastic strike. The Hillians earned a penalty when Kieran Rowe was fouled by Jonny Henly. Up stepped Vorster to put the hosts ahead. In first half injury time, Olopade unleashed a long range shot which flew past Roco Rees and into the net. The midfielder’s second goal in as many games.

Vorster restored Burgess Hill Town’s lead with a header early in the second half and it was much needed. The Sussex side were reduced to ten men after Ben Pope was given a second yellow card. Dartford couldn’t make the numerical advantage count in the final half hour and suffered their first ever defeat at Burgess Hill Town, losing a perfect away record against the Hillians.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open "Highlights | Burgess Hill Town FC 2-1 Dartford FC – 24/01/2026" directly

Highlights courtesy of Hillians TV

Home Sweet Home

Dartford will be pleased to be back at home this weekend. A draw at Brentwood Town in October was one of 14 points gained on the road this term. At Princes Park the story is different with the Darts boasting the second highest points at home in the division, just over double the amount earned on their travels.

Darts Deny Blues

Three months ago in Essex, the Darts faced Isthmian North champions Brentwood Town and halted their 100% home record. Continuing momentum from last season, the league leaders at the time had just won eight in a row. Jacob Bland made his debut and Dan Carter came off the bench for his first appearance, but it was a more experienced midfielder who gave Dartford a lead. Samir Carruthers scored directly from free kick, but Charlee Hughes equalised for the Blues as the points were shared.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open "EP13: THE LEE NOBLE DERBY! 🔥 | Brentwood Town vs Dartford (25/26)" directly

Highlights courtesy of Brentwood Town TV

Noble’s the Prize

Dartford have only hosted Brentwood Town once at Princes Park and that ended in defeat back in March 2008. The Blues won 1-0 and the decisive goal alerted Dartford to a certain Lee Noble. The midfielder impressed in the Brentwood midfield and later became a fans favourite with the Darts, winning multiple Player of the Year awards and scoring the 2012 playoff winner. In the previous six meetings against the Essex club, Dartford have won just once and that was in the F.A Trophy third qualifying round in November 2017. Noble proved decisive again, this time against his former side as the Darts triumphed 2-1.

Settling in the Isthmian Premier

Brentwood Town had an outstanding start to their season and topped the table at the end of October. Between the opening day draw with Aveley and the stalemate with the Darts they won all eight league matches. The momentum from their Isthmian North title win just kept growing.

The beginning of November saw the changing of the guard. Brentwood Town lost three in a row to begin that month and relinquished top spot. The Blues recovered, only losing one more in the next eight and that was at league leaders Folkestone Invicta.

Blues Barren Spell

However, for a second time this term the Essex club have just lost three on the spin and will be determined to stop the streak. A clinical Cray Wanderers side won 4-1 with all of their goals coming in the first-half. Although Kymani Thomas scored a consolation, it was a sorry afternoon for the Blues.

The Essex derby with Billericay Town was decided by Elliot Long as Ricay took all three points. Then last time out, Brentwood Town were beaten 2-0 by Dulwich Hamlet.

Manager’s View

Adrian Pennock was disappointed at the defeat in Sussex last weekend, he told www.dartfordfc.com: “I was disappointed with the result. But we weren’t good enough from front to back. I thought our decision-making was poor. It’s not often I can say nearly every player had an off game”.

Dartford are coming under pressure from teams trying to reach the playoffs, the Darts boss commented: “There’s a lot of football to be played. There are lots of teams behind us hitting form, so we have to concentrate on us”, but home advantage could well play its part in the next fortnight, he added: “There’s two home matches to come and they will both be tough games. But we are strong at home. We are going to do all we can to get the six points and forget about this weekend”.

Team News

Aside from Dean Nayler with a long term injury, Adrian Pennock should have a full squad to choose from.

Current League Form

 
Dartford (LWWDWL) Brentwood Town (WWWLLL)
Burgess Hill Town A 1-2 Dulwich Hamlet H 0-2
Aveley H 2-0 Billericay Town A 0-1
Hashtag United A 2-2 Cray Wanderers H 1-4
Chatham Town A 2-1 Welling United A 4-1
St Albans City H 1-0 Potters Bar Town H 1-0
Folkestone Invicta H 1-2 Hashtag United H 2-0

 

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Brentwood Town wins: 2 / Draws: 3

Previous Meetings

Brentwood Town 1 – 1 Dartford (11/10/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Brentwood Town 1 – 2 Dartford (25/11/2017 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 0 – 1 Brentwood Town (29/03/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Brentwood Town 2 – 2 Dartford (05/02/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Brentwood Town 2 – 1 Dartford (08/03/1969 – Southern League First Division)
Dartford 1 – 1 Brentwood Town (15/02/1969 – Southern League First Division)

Statistics

  • Dartford are five games without a league win against Brentwood Town (D3, L2)
  • The Darts have kept four clean sheets at home in their last five league games and have kept consecutive home clean sheets in the league
  • The Darts last managed three home league games without conceding a year ago.
  • Neither side have scored more than two goals in this fixture

On This Day

Dartford have an incredible unbeaten home record on this day winning nine and drawing two. The last side to visit the Darts and prevent a victory was Bristol Rovers in 2015. Dartford equalised twice through Ryan Hayes in the 2-2 National League draw. Keiran Murtagh and Pierre Fonkeu were on hand to give the Darts a 2-0 London Senior Cup win over Metropolitan Police three years ago. In 2009, the Darts won a Kent derby against rivals Maidstone United in the Isthmian Premier League. Rob Haworth scored from a tight angle in Cody McDonald’s last game for the Darts before he joined Norwich City. That derby day victory was the last of a seven game winning streak at home on 31 January.

Burgess Hill Town v Dartford

January 22, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Dartford are on the road when they travel to Burgess Hill Town in the Isthmian Premier League this weekend.

The Darts approach Saturday’s game with confidence having put an end to Aveley’s unbeaten run last Saturday. The victory means Adrian Pennock’s side have taken ten points in their last four games.

Burgess Hill Town sit two places and seven points adrift of Dartford. The Isthmian South East playoff winners came close to beating league leaders Folkestone Invicta last time out.

Darts Halt Millers Run

Dartford pulled off a feat no one had yet to do in the league this season by beating Aveley at home. The Millers had not lost an away match in the Isthmian Premier and were on an unbeaten streak of 16 games.

Pennock made two changes for the Aveley game by bringing in Samir Carruthers and Dan Smith for Dan Carter and Nathan Eze. On the bench Sammie McLeod and Michael Olarewaju returned to the matchday squad.

The Darts settled into the game early and when Denzelle Olopade scored in the ninth minute, the midfielder set the hosts on their way to three points. Dartford were good value for the lead creating various chances against a physical Aveley side. In the second half, Harry Critchley was sent off for the Millers with fifteen minutes remaining and five minutes later Joe Tennent made it 2-0.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open "Highlights DARTFORD v AVELEY" directly

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Playoff Picture

Dartford stay in fifth place, but with Cray Wanderers drawing the Darts now have a two point cushion and a game in hand. Brentwood Town also dropped points meaning Pennock’s side gained ground on the Blues as well as last weekend’s opponents Aveley. Meanwhile Burgess Hill Town are on the outside looking in. The Hillians are waiting to take advantage of any slip ups to close the gap to the playoff places.

Consistency away from home needs to improve if the Darts want to pull clear of the chasing pack. Although they have lost just one in their previous five on the road, Dartford have only picked up three victories in 12 matches on their travels.

That’s Entertainment

Six goals, a penalty miss, two sending offs and a late equaliser made an entertaining game at Princes Park in the reverse fixture. The Darts twice let a lead slip in the 3-3 draw.

Olly Box had a mixed evening, first scoring after three minutes, then receiving two yellow cards in the second half. Callum Jones extended Dartford’s lead before Eddie Dsane had his penalty saved to prevent the Darts going three up prior to the break.

Hillians substitute, Marcus Allen made an immediate impact by coming on for the second half and scoring with his first touch. The defender then equalised after the visitors had been reduced to ten men.

Sam Odaudu put Dartford back in front with a deflected free kick. However, the goal and man advantage was erased in the closing stages. Box was dismissed and in injury time Chris Whelpdale levelled for Burgess Hill Town to earn their first ever point at Princes Park.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open "LATE DRAMA DENIES TWO WINS ON THE BOUNCE | HIGHLIGHTS | 30/09/25" directly

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Happy Hunting Ground

Dartford have a perfect record on their visits to Burgess Hill Town winning all four meetings in Sussex. Alfie Pavey scored the only goal of the game in 2017 as the Darts knocked out the Hillians in the F.A Cup fourth qualifying round for a second time in four seasons.

Not only did the Darts defeat the Hillians in the F.A Cup two years earlier, but they also won the F.A Trophy tie in the same campaign. This time it took a last minute Danny Harris goal to separate the sides in the second round. Crawford was on target again by scoring a penalty, Pat Harding equalised and Harris sent the visitors through.

Brendon Cass scored an away day hat-trick in 2006 as the Darts ran riot with a 6-1 victory. Jon Farley and a Jay May brace ensured all three points for Dartford in the Isthmian Division One South. In that same campaign Tony Burman’s side won the home fixture 7-2 and is best remembered for Dave Martin’s wonder goal.

Hillians Target Top Five

Burgess Hill Town have yet to beat a team currently in the top six, however they have picked up a trio of 3-3 draws on the road. At home they lost heavily to Aveley and were beaten by Folkestone Invicta, who they earned a draw with, in Kent last weekend. It took the league leaders until six minutes from time to find an equaliser as Burgess Hill Town were good value for a point. Ben Hope headed the Hillians ahead in the first half and Jonathan Lawson levelled.

This year started off with a Sussex derby victory over Lewes. Pope opened the scoring before Charlie Walker made it one each. George Vorster put Burgess Hill Town back in front with ten minutes left. Three days later the Hillians crashed out of the League Cup losing 5-1 to Hashtag United who were down to ten men after 22 minutes. Then back in the league they lost to another Essex side Billericay Town. However, the draw last weekend against Folkestone Invicta ended the two game losing streak and has Burgess Hill Town seven points behind the Darts, who occupy the final playoff spot.

Assistant Manager’s View

Roland Edge described Saturday’s victory over Aveley as ‘one of our best performances’ and he puts it down to team spirit, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “We were good today. I thought everybody and that’s the starting eleven and the subs that came on, they all made an impact, and we knew we had to. They are a good side, well organised and anything but complete togetherness wasn’t going to get us the result”.

Edge believes his side is ‘getting stronger’ and is hoping the Darts can keep their performance levels to the same standard as last weekend against a decent Burgess Hill Town side, he explained: “They are strong, they are going full guns as well. We know what they are about, they gave us a real good scrap at the beginning of the season. We’ve now got to go into their home pitch and carry on this performance”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open "Roland Edge Post Match Interview Dartford v Aveley" directly

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

There are no major concerns with the fitness of the squad. Although Samir Carruthers was substituted against Aveley after being on the receiving end of some tough tackles.

Current League Form

 
Dartford (LLWWDW) Burgess Hill Town (LLWLLD)
Aveley H 2-0 Folkestone Invicta A 1-1
Hashtag United A 2-2 Billericay Town H 1-2
Chatham Town A 2-1 Hashtag United (LC) H 1-5
St Albans City H 1-0 Lewes H 2-1
Folkestone Invicta H 1-2 Chichester City H 1-2
Lewes A 0-1 Aveley H 2-5

 

(LC – League Cup)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Burgess Hill Town wins: 1 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 3 Burgess Hill Town (30/09/2025 – Isthmian Premier League)
Burgess Hill Town 0 – 1 Dartford (14/10/2017 – F.A Cup)
Burgess Hill Town 1 – 2 Dartford (10/01/2015 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 3 – 1 Burgess Hill Town (25/10/2014 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 7 – 2 Burgess Hill Town (13/01/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)
Burgess Hill Town 1 – 6 Dartford (19/08/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)

Statistics

  • The Darts are unbeaten in six games against Burgess Hill Town in all competitions (W5, D1)
  • Dartford have scored first in 17 of their 26 league matches this season
  • The Darts have only kept one clean sheet on the road this season
  • Dartford’s defenders have contributed to seven goals this term, four of those have been in the last three games.

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten on this day in their last six and have won their last three on the road. The last outing on 24 January was at Eastbourne Borough in 2017. An extremely foggy evening ended with hardly anyone being able to witness Kaka Dembele’s winning goal in a 3-2 victory. Tom Bonner, Connor Essam, Danny Harris and Adam Green all scored in a 4-1 win over Staines Town five years earlier. Whilst in 2009 the Darts secured a 3-0 triumph at Horsham, Ryan Hayes and two goals from Cody McDonald.

Dartford v Aveley

January 16, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Dartford host the form team of the Isthmian Premier this weekend when they take on Aveley.

The Darts have been relying on home advantage this season and will need to again if they want a positive outcome at Princes Park on Saturday. The Millers are unbeaten in 16 league games, chasing down the top three in the division and reached the Essex Senior Cup final this week.

Held at Hashtag

Adrian Pennock’s side had to settle for a point last time out having twice squandering the lead late in each half. The Dartford boss had his strongest squad to choose from with only one absentee. Sam Odaudu was the only change to the side that beat Chatham Town, whilst Dan Smith was back from injury and made a substitute appearance.

Callum Jones scored his fifth of the season when he lobbed Tags goalkeeper, Jack Giddens. The striker finished off the skilful work of Nathan Eze to open the scoring. On the stroke of half-time, the Darts were caught out as Evans Kouassi equalised.

Dartford regained their advantage in the second half. George Whitefield, who scored what turned out to be the winner against Chatham Town, nodded home for his second in as many games. But once again, as the clock was ticking at the end of the half, Kouassi completed his brace to deny the Darts a third consecutive win.

Second Best Home v Second Best Away

Dartford have only played one of the current top six at home and that ended in defeat against league leaders Folkestone Invicta. The only other team to have returned home with maximum points was Wingate and Finchley. Out of the 13 league matches at Princes Park, the Darts have collected 27 points, the second best home record in the division.

The Millers are unbeaten on the road and boast the second best away record. That has helped the Essex side climb the standings in a way that is reminiscent of Dartford’s resurgence last season.

The Darts lost heavily to league leaders Dover Athletic in September 2024 and a couple of months later embarked on an incredible unbeaten run to make the playoffs. Fast forward a year and the Millers were beaten handsomely 5-2 by Folkestone Invicta in September. Now the Essex side are on a fantastic unbeaten streak in the Isthmian Premier that started against the Darts in the reverse fixture.

Leaving It Late

Jones opened his scoring account for the campaign in the 1-1 draw with Aveley four months ago. However, just like Friday’s trip to Essex, the Darts let a lead slip late on in the game when Jayden Gipson equalised for the Millers. Not only did the two sides share points and goals, they also both had a player sent off earlier in the clash. Aveley’s Albie Armin was dismissed for a reckless tackle and Ikechi Eze for retaliating.

If recent history is anything to go by then don’t leave this match early. When the two sides met in the National South two seasons ago both fixtures were decided late on. The away side won on each occasion with Harvey Bradbury scoring an injury time winner at Parkside in August 2023.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open "AVELEY VS DARTFORD | NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH | 26/07/23" directly

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Six months later, in Tony Burman’s last game as interim manager, the Millers came from behind to claim all three points. Fumnaya Shomotun put the Darts ahead, but in the final ten minutes Nana Kyei equalised and Siju Odelusi scored from the spot.

League and Cup Double?

Since the defeat at home to Folkestone Invicta, Brett Munyard’s side have won ten and drawn six. So far this month they have won two Essex derbies and avenged their loss against the league leaders. Chris Harris and Gipson were on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win over Canvey Island, Gipson grabbed a brace. Ollie Peters was the match winner against Invicta and last Friday, Fletcher Hubbard and two goals from Tobi Aromolaran sealed a 3-0 triumph versus Cray Wanderers.

Potentially the Millers can get themselves into a title race. With Folkestone Invicta dropping eight points from their last three matches and Aveley gaining momentum, the Millers can close the gap to seven points by winning their games in hand.

Aveley also booked their place in the Essex Senior Cup final on Monday night with a 3-0 win over Billericay Town. The Millers have never lifted the county cup having been runners up four times. A new name is guaranteed to be etched on the cup as they will be waiting for Hashtag United or Great Wakering Rovers for a chance to create history.

Manager’s View

Pennock felt his side should have taken maximum points against Hashtag United, he told Dartford FC TV after the game: “I’m very disappointed we didn’t win because I thought we were outstanding and the football we played was excellent”.

The Dartford boss admitted that naivety cost them victory, he added: “We conceded a goal thirty seconds before the half-time whistle went when we should have managed the game and then we conceded right at the end”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open "”Disappointing not to get the three-points” | Ady Pennock post match interview | Hashtag United (A)" directly

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Pennock has pretty much a full squad to choose from this weekend. Sammie McLeod has returned from his loan spell at Sevenoaks Town, but did miss Friday’s game with a virus. The midfielder should be available for selection. Ben Frempah and Ikechi Eze have been put out on loan and Dean Nayler is out.

Current League Form

 
Dartford (WLLWWD) Aveley (WDWWWW)
Hashtag United A 2-2 Billericay Town (ESC) H 3-0
Chatham Town A 2-1 Cray Wanderers A 3-0
St Albans City H 1-0 Folkestone Invicta A 1-0
Folkestone Invicta H 1-2 Canvey Island H 3-1
Lewes A 0-1 Hashtag United A 2-2
Dulwich Hamlet H 1-0 Burgess Hill Town A 5-2

 

(ESC – Essex Senior Cup)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Aveley wins: 3 / Draws: 4

Previous Meetings

Aveley 1 – 1 Dartford (20/09/2025 – Isthmian Premier League)
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)

Statistics

  • Dartford lost at home in the league for the first time against the Millers last time Aveley visited Princes Park. The Darts were unbeaten in four (W2, D2)
  • This fixture has averaged 3.92 goals a game in the 13 previous meetings. Dartford have scored 32 to Aveley’s 19.
  • Having gone four unbeaten at home versus the Millers (W3, D1), the Darts haven’t won their last three at Princes Park against Aveley (D1, L2) in all competitions.

On This Day

Alex Brown was the hero on this day in 2017 making up for a red card he received just days before. The Darts scored three second-half goals to beat Weston-super-Mare 3-2 in the National South. Dartford came from behind at Princes Park with goals from Jordan Wynter and Danny Harris, but the visitors levelled. Then with eight minutes to go Brown smashed home the decisive strike.

Dartford’s only defeat at home on this day came in 1998 when they lost to Cirencester Town in the Southern Premier League. The other ten home games on 17 January have resulted in eight wins and two draws.

Hashtag United v Dartford

January 7, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Dartford will finally get their New Year underway on Friday night when they take on League Cup semi-finalists Hashtag United.

Hoping to start 2026 in the way they ended 2025, the Darts are seeking a third straight win in the Isthmian Premier to keep the pressure on those in the playoff places. The Tags equally need the points to get out of the relegation zone.

Defenders Step Up

Adrian Pennock’s side had the weekend off last Saturday due to the postponement of their Kent derby against Ramsgate. The Darts will be hoping momentum from consecutive victories, including an excellent result at Chatham Town, doesn’t slow and that their defence can have another solid performance.

Last time out, early goals from Joe Tennent and George Whitefield helped the Darts to an excellent 2-1 away win at Chatham Town. At the same stage last season, before kick off, defenders had scored twice as many as they had this term. So with Tennent and Whitefield chipping in with two goals it eased the reliance on the forward line.

Pennock made just one change from the 1-0 win against St Albans City by bringing in Nathan Eze for his full debut. The striker on loan from Ipswich Town made an impact setting up Tennent to score after just three minutes. The lead was doubled five minutes later when Whitefield expertly finished from a Callum Jones cross.

Chatham Town halved the deficit in the second half through Sam Sene-Richardson, but a strong Dartford defensive display kept the hosts at bay. The win for the Darts kept them in fourth on the day. However, over the last week they have dropped out of the playoffs due to other results.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open "Match Highlights: Chats v Dartford / Isthmian League" directly

Highlights courtesy of Chatham Town

Better Form

Earlier in the season draws and poor away form were costing Dartford points. Now they have drawn just once in the last 14 and have been picking up wins more often.

Over the first 12 games of the season, the Darts picked up 18 points in total and just four wins, all at home. In the following dozen matches, despite suffering back to back defeats twice, Dartford have added a further seven victories, three on the road and gained a further 22 points.

Another triumph could be vital to return to the top five. The two teams directly above the Darts are also in action on Friday night when Aveley go to Cray Wanderers.

Marsden’s Marvellous Save

A classic was served up the last time Dartford visited Hashtag United with five goals and in the final quarter of the game. The 3-3 draw was full of action and it was Sam Odaudu who gave the Darts a first half lead.

In the second half Dartford came from behind twice and if it wasn’t for Jacob Marsden they could have fallen behind again at the death. The Tags went in front when Toby Aromolaran, then Joshua Rusoke scored. Three minutes later Denzelle Olopade drew Dartford level before the hosts went 3-2 up in the 87th minute courtesy of Ayo Olukoga. In the final moments Olly Box made it all square again and there was still time for last ditch heroics when Marsden made an incredible save onto the crossbar.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open "EX PREM PLAYER & STOPPAGE TIME CHAOS! – Hashtag United vs Dartford – 24/25 EP13" directly

Match Highlights courtesy of Hashtag United

Dartford Hit Double Top

The Darts were in a title race during the reverse fixture last season. Pennock’s side started out on top, relinquished pole position before returning to the summit. Callum Jones put the hosts in front at Princes Park with a penalty. Box added another with five minutes remaining to make sure Dartford ended the day in first place on goals scored.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open "DARTS DISPOSE OF TAGS TO MAKE IT 10 STRAIGHT WINS! | HIGHLIGHTS | 08/02/25" directly

Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Tags in Relegation Battle

Hashtag United were last season’s entertainers scoring 82 goals and conceding 71 as they finished in eighth place. This term they haven’t averaged quite so many goals and at the moment it’s only goal difference keeping them in the bottom four.

Yet Jay Devereux’s side are showing signs of improvement going three unbeaten at home. The Tags drew 3-3 with Lewes and won an Essex derby against Canvey Island 4-0. They also earned a creditable 2-2 draw versus their landlords Aveley.

In between the two Essex derbies, the Tags lost back to back on the road at Brentwood Town and Chichester City. Although that didn’t knock their confidence when they took on county rivals Billericay Town last weekend.

Max Cornhill represented Dartford 66 times scoring nine goals in the two seasons he was at Princes Park. The midfielder headed Hashtag United in front on Saturday around the half hour mark. Billericay Town levelled through Alfie Cerulli, but Luke May-Parrott won the game for the Tags.

Ten Men, No Problem

Hashtag United became the first side to reach the semi-final of the League Cup this season. The Essex club have a real chance for some silverware and will be buoyed by their excellent display on Tuesday night. Devereux’s side beat Burgess Hill Town 5-1 and had ten men for most of the game.

Jaxon Brown gave the Tags an early lead, but the night could have turned for the worse when Jermaine Anderson was dismissed on 22 minutes. Burgess Hill Town were level shortly afterwards but parity didn’t last long. May-Parrot and an own goal later had the Tags 3-1 up at the break. Jaden Brissett and a last minute Evans Kouassi goal sealed victory and a passage into the last four.

Assistant Manager’s View

Roland Edge praised his players hard work after the 2-1 away win at Chatham Town, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “It was definitely a well earned three points and we weren’t going to get it easily, we knew that. Chatham are a really well organised strong side and they showed it”, he continued: “Credit to our team, they all stood up to it and they had to, otherwise we wouldn’t have gone with three points”.

What made victory more remarkable was the status of the Ramsgate side and how well their manager Kevin Hake is doing as manager, Edge explained: “Being full-time shows you what can happen, Kev has done a wonderful job. He’s got all of the boys buying into what he wants”, he added: “You can see that being full time has helped because they all know what they are doing and they are all really fit, but he’s also got talent in there. That’s why getting the three points was so magical really”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open "”Three-points was never going to come easy” | Roland Edge post match interview | Chatham Town (A)" directly

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Michael Olarewaju and Eddie Dsane were involved in the matchday squad last time out. Dan Smith has been nursing a hamstring injury. Dean Nayler remains a long term absentee.

Current League Form

 
Dartford (WWLLWW) Hashtag United (LWLDWW)
Chatham Town A 2-1 Burgess Hill Town (LC) A 5-1
St Albans City H 1-0 Billericay Town A 2-1
Folkestone Invicta H 1-2 Aveley H 2-2
Lewes A 0-1 Chichester City A 0-1
Dulwich Hamlet H 1-0 Newmarket Town (LC) H 2-1
Whitehawk A 2-1 Brentwood Town A 0-2

 

(LC – League Cup)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Hashtag United wins: 0 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Hashtag United (08/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Hashtag United 3 – 3 Dartford (12/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • The Darts scored five goals in their two games versus the Tags last season. Only Bognor Regis Town conceded more in the two league games against Dartford (6).
  • The Darts are unbeaten in their last three away openers of the calendar year (W2, D1)
  • Dartford have yet to lose in the league when leading at half-time (W7, D3)

On This Day

Dartford last won on this day 38 years ago when they visited Leicester United in the Southern Premier League. The 1-0 win is the Darts’ only triumph on 9 January in their last eight attempts. Dartford have picked up just two draws in that spell and have lost the previous three. The most recent defeat was two years ago at rivals Maidstone United.

© 2026 Dartford FC Previews

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑