Dartford continue their pre-season with another home friendly this weekend against National South side Eastbourne Borough.

The Darts began preparations for the 2025/2026 campaign last Saturday in an entertaining game against a strong Charlton Athletic team. Although the Darts lost 3-2, Pennock changed each outfield player at half-time as the squad continued to build up their fitness levels.

New signings were given a chance to impress for the fist time. Ben Frempah was part of the defence having signed from Wingate and Finchley. Midfielder, Sammie McLeod started after his move from Sevenoaks Town. Goalkeeper, Jonny Henly was at Folkestone Invicta last term and he was replaced late in the second half.

At the break the scores were level with Dartford equalising twice. Last season’s Player of the Year and top scorer, Callum Jones put home a rebound from close range. Then Samir Carruthers calmly chipped in a penalty.

For the second half, Pennock gave supporters a glimpse at latest signing Ikechi Eze. Signed from Potters Bar Town, the midfielder is brother of Crystal Palace’s F.A Cup winner and England international, Eberechi. Dan Smith also came on, the striker top scored for Folkestone Invicta last season. After signing a new contract this summer Michael Olarewaju also featured. The defender could have a part to play against his old club this weekend.

Eastbourne Borough kickstarted their build up to the new season with an away trip to Farnham Town. Their opponents hosted the Sports after winning back to back titles to reach the Southern Premier South.

The Sports fielded former Dart, Kai Innocent who made eight appearances for Dartford in 2022. A goal down at the break, the Sussex side introduced George Alexander as one of many changes and he equalised. The striker is another former player and scored two goals in ten games for the Darts during the 2023/2024 campaign. However, Farnham Town went on to add two unanswered goals to win 3-1.

The footballing worlds of Dartford and Eastbourne Borough collided 14 years ago. Moving in the right direction, the Darts made their way up to the National South. Whilst the Sports dropped down a division, culminating in many meetings between the two sides.

Between August 2011 and November 2018, the Darts enjoyed an unbeaten run of 12 games in all competitions against the Sussex side. However, over the following dozen matches the spoils have been shared with five victories each. In that time both sides have claimed notable wins. The Sports won 6-0 in April 2019 and the Darts won 7-2 three years later.

Like the Darts, Borough took the league title to the final day last season, but were incredibly one of five teams to have missed out. In the end the Sports finished third on goal difference a point behind eventual winners Truro City. The Sussex club were beaten in their first playoff match losing to Maidstone United.

Still, it was a positive campaign for Eastbourne Borough who recorded their highest finish since relegation from the National League in 2011. Former manager, Adam Murray left this summer to move nearer his family in the Midlands. Now Matt Gray is at the helm. Four years ago he guided Sutton United to the National League title and into the Football League.