Author: Stuart Maidment (Page 1 of 35)

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.

Dartford v Welling United

October 31, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Playoff chasing Dartford have a second Kent derby in a week when they host relegation battling Welling United this weekend.

A run of ten league games unbeaten and three wins on the spin has propelled the Darts up the table. Adrian Pennock’s side have picked up form and have yet to taste defeat at Princes Park in the Isthmian Premier this season.

Welling United have made a managerial change already after a struggling start that has the Wings down in the bottom four.

Playoff Push

The Darts had the opportunity to move into the playoff places with just three Isthmian Premier fixtures taking place last weekend and they took that chance to go fifth.

Last weekend’s Kent derby at high flying Cray Wanderers ended in another Dartford triumph following up comfortable wins against Whitehawk and Potters Bar Town.

Dsane Man

Eddie Dsane was on target again to set the Darts on their way at Flamingo Park last Saturday. The striker followed up the hat-trick against Potters Bar Town with the opener at Cray Wanderers.

Pennock made just one change bringing in George Whitefield. A closely fought first half ended with the Darts in front. Whitefield made an excellent block before clearing the ball away to turn defence into attack. Olly Box set up Dsane and the striker calmly rolled the ball home for his fourth goal in two games.

Wands boss, Tim O’Shea made a triple change at the break for the hosts and another early substitution in the second half. Those adjustments helped Cray Wanderers put the Darts under pressure, then against the run of play Callum Jones doubled Dartford’s lead.

Off the Mark on the Road

A first away win in all competitions this season moved the Darts to within a point of Cray Wanderers. Jonny Henly also put in a solid performance keeping his maiden clean sheet on the road. The goalkeeper will hope to add another one against his former side this weekend. It was also Dartford’s first away clean sheet in ten attempts going back to April last term. The

Honours Even

Over the past two seasons both sides have dropped into the Isthmian Premier, so the last meetings happened during the 2023/2024 campaign. Whilst Dartford picked up four league points from the Wings, Welling United knocked the Darts out of the F.A Cup.

The National South fixture at Princes Park ended all square. The Darts went ahead when Luke Coulson volleyed Paul Rooney’s cross. With minutes left of the Kent derby, Welling United salvaged a point in the 97th minute when Ike Orji’s cross went in off Moussa Diarra.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford were triumphant though at Park View Road on Boxing Day 2023. In a poor first half there wasn’t much between the two sides, the hosts just about the better team. However, Dartford approached the second-half with more energy and were rewarded just before the hour. George Alexander was put through on goal, but his effort was saved. Richard Chin kept pace and he stroked home the rebound into an empty net.

Earlier that season Antony Papadopoulos upstaged Lewis Manor to send Welling United into the next round of the F.A Cup. Manor scored a brace to put Dartford in front twice, but Papadopoulos scored a hat-trick.

Mart-in, Mart-out

Welling United are already on their second manager this season following relegation last term. Lee Martin was named boss over the summer and lasted just ten league games. Leaving the Wings fourth from bottom with two wins and eight defeats, the Kent side decided to make an early change.

Interim manager Rod Stringer has been at helm for just under a month and so far the former Chelmsford City and Braintree Town boss has yet to manage his team in front of a home crowd. This weekend’s fixture at Princes Park will be Welling United’s ninth match in a row on the road, Stringer has been in the Wings dugout for the previous six.

League Priority

Last weekend Stringer came up against his former team Brentwood Town in the F.A Trophy first round. The Isthmian Premier leaders went through with a 3-0 victory to put Welling United out of their third cup competition since the interim boss took charge.

So now Welling United can put all their focus on remaining in the division. With just three wins so far, the Wings have lost four of their last five league outings. Their latest defeat was at St Albans City after they had claimed maximum points away at Ramsgate.

New Signings and Former Darts

In his second spell with the club, Stringer has already made some moves to strengthen the team. Ex-Dartford midfielder Luke Allen was signed up after leaving the Cray Wanderers. Allen made 123 appearances for the Darts and scored 15 goals. He joins former academy graduates John Ufuah and Femi Akinwande who were already at the club. Akinwande had two spells with Dartford appearing five times. John Ufuah made two substitute appearances.

As well as Allen arriving at Park View Road, Stringer has signed full back Marcel McIntosh from Lewes, brought back striker Josh Redfearn, welcomed Jack Thomas from Royston Town and used the loan market to bring in Harry Clout from Portsmouth and Leo Young from AFC Wimbledon.

Assistant Manager’s View

Roland Edge was more than pleased with Dartford’s performance at Flamingo Park, he told Dartford FC TV after the game: “Cray are a very good side this year, they’ve held most of the teams at the top. We knew we were in for a tough game, but I thought we were exceptional”.

After a clean sheet, Edge also praised goalkeeper Jonny Henly and the defence, he added: “When he was called upon he was fantastic and the back four were so solid”.

Edge doesn’t see any reason why the Darts can’t push forwards and increase their unbeaten run, but he’s not taking Welling United lightly, he said: “Welling are a good side. Everyone needs the rub of the green sometimes, I’ve watched their highlights and they have been unfortunate in some of the games”, he continued: “We know what we’re up against with it being a derby, but we’ve just got to stay professional and get the job done”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Denzelle Olopade and Sam Odaudu were both out of the matchday squad last weekend with injury. Long term absentees, Dean Nayler and Sammie McLeod have yet to feature this season. Academy graduate, Joseph Kpaka has left the Darts and has joined Margate.

Current League Form

Dartford (DLDWWW)			Welling United (WLWLLL)
Cray Wanderers	A	2-0	Brentwood Town (FAT)	A	0-3
Potters Bar Town	H	4-1	Cray Valley PM (LSC)	A	1-2
Whitehawk	H	3-0	St Albans City	A	1-2
Brentwood Town	A	1-1	Ramsgate	A	2-1
Hadley (FAT)	A	1-2	VCD Athletic (KSC)	A	2-3
Burgess Hill Town	H	3-3	Royston Town (FAT)	A	3-0

FAT – F.A Trophy / KSC – Kent Senior Cup / LSC – London Senior Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 26 / Welling United wins: 11 / Draws: 13

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Welling United (30/12/2023 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 1 Dartford (26/12/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 3 Welling United (16/09/2023 – F.A Cup)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (04/02/2023 – National South)
Dartford 5 – 1 Welling United (01/11/2022 – National South)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (26/04/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)*
* – Welling United won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in ten league games against Welling United (W7, D3)
In the league, the Darts are unbeaten in nine home games (W7, D2) and have only lost one at home (W10, D3) versus the Wings
Dartford have won three consecutive games for the first time since March.

On This Day

Three years to the day Dartford thrashed Welling United 5-1 in the National South at Princes Park. Pierre Fonkeu, Davide Rodari and Maxwell Statham had the Darts three up before the interval. Ade Azeez pulled a goal back for the Wings before Jack Smith and Luke Coulson sealed an emphatic win.

In 2008, Cody McDonald scored a Princes Park hat-trick in the F.A Trophy second qualifying round. However, Oxford City still forced the tie into a replay after a 3-3 draw. In 1975 the Darts were on their way to Wembley in the F.A Cup, only it was a fourth qualifying round tie against Wembley. A 1-0 victory put the Darts into the first round proper where they went out to Bishop’s Stortford.

Cray Wanderers v Dartford

October 23, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford have a Kent derby on the road when they face Cray Wanderers this weekend.

Unbeaten in nine league games, the Darts are still looking for their first away win of the season. Adrian Pennock’s side moved up to sixth last time out.

Fourth place Cray Wanderers have not tasted league defeat in eight and only leaders Brentwood Town have beaten the Wands at Flamingo Park in the Isthmian Premier. Tim O’Shea’s team picked up another draw on Tuesday night.

Hat-Trick Eddie

Eddie Dsane took home the match ball on Saturday with a hat-trick in a 4-1 win for the Darts. The forward moved on to ten goals in 14 appearances this season.

Sam Smith returned to the starting lineup and Michael Olarewaju made his first league start since his red card at St Albans City back in August. Sam Odaudu and George Whitefield weren’t in the squad, but Dan Smith returned on the substitute’s bench.

Dartford came from behind for the fourth time this season to claim points. Potters Bar Town took the lead on nine minutes, Brandon Adams fired low beyond Jonny Henly to put the visitors in front. The equaliser came shortly after when Dsane won a penalty and scored to equalise. He added a second four minutes later from close range after good work by Samir Carruthers and Callum Jones. A third arrived just before half time with a well taken volley by Joe Tennent, his first goal for the Darts. Dsane completed his second hat-trick of the campaign two minutes into the second-half to secure back to back Dartford wins for the first time this season.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

So Close Yet So Far

Last season saw the Darts visit Flamingo Park for the first time in a roller coaster of a match. The Easter Monday fixture against Cray Wanderers had a huge impact on the title race. At the start of the day Dartford had a two point lead and for eight minutes Pennock’s side were on the verge of automatic promotion back to the National South.

Callum Jones found himself on the end of a long Sam Odaudu throw to put the Darts in the driving seat. However the hosts threw a spanner in the works when Frankie Raymond levelled from the spot. The Wands edged ahead after Lateef Adaja scored. Dartford pushed for an equaliser and got it through Denzelle Olopade. There was still time for Michael Olarewaju to get sent off and Eddie Dsane to hit the crossbar. The 2-2 draw left the Darts in third place level on points with the top two, but with an inferior goal difference going into the final day of the season.

Box-ing Day

The reverse fixture was played over the festive period four months earlier with Olly Box netting a brace on Boxing Day.

After half an hour Josh Williams put Cray Wanderers in front. In the second-half Box turned the game around with a pair of delightful goals either side of the hour mark. First, he smashed home an equaliser and four minutes later he cut inside and found the top corner to secure a 2-1 home victory.

Skipper Returns

Captained by former Dartford skipper Tom Bonner, Cray Wanderers have made a decent start to their league campaign. Bonner’s leadership and experience on the field helped the Darts win the National South playoffs and two Kent Senior Cups across his ten seasons and 456 appearances for the club. He missed last weekend’s entertaining draw with Chatham Town through suspension after picking up two yellow cards in the previous game against Dulwich Hamlet.

Another former Dart in the Wands squad is Chris Dickson. Now 40 years old he played a part in Horsham’s title winning team last term. The striker scored three goals in eight games during a loan spell for Dartford in the 2020/2021 season. Going the other way, Ben Frempah used to play for Cray Wanderers spending part of the 2013/2014 campaign with the Wands before a move to Leicester City.

The Drawing Wands

Cray Wanderers may be unbeaten in eight league matches, but like the Darts they have had their fair share of draws. Not only have they finished level in their previous three fixtures, they have drawn six in their last eight league outings.

On Tuesday night the Wands came so close to getting maximum points, leading St Albans City in the closing stages. Kareem Isiaka opened the scoring at Flamingo Park a minute into the second half. However three minutes into stoppage time George Sippetts equalised for the visitors.

Last weekend Cray Wanderers were involved in a 3-3 draw against Chatham Town, who sit a place above the Wands in the standings. Isiaka gave the hosts an early lead, but Chatham Town were in front by the break. Cray Wanderers were quick out of the blocks in the second half levelling through Alex Hernandez. The Chats looked as though they had won it with two minutes to go, but Ashley Nzala earned a point in injury time.

The trio of draws started at Dulwich Hamlet, the side currently sandwiched between the Darts and the Wands. Hernandez cancelled out Nyren Clunis’ opener.

A Year of Progress

This time last year Cray Wanderers were rock bottom with six points from their opening ten games. Although former manager Neil Smith improved results and pushed the Wands up the table, O’Shea took charge for the final seven games to secure a top ten finish and earn the manager’s job on a permanent basis.

Assistant Manager’s View

Roland Edge is seeing the Darts make progress this season and that’s just as important to him than consecutive wins, he told Dartford FC TV after the Potters Bar Town victory: “Obviously you always want back to back wins, you want to go on a lovely run like we did last year, but that doesn’t always happen. The pleasing thing for me is we’re getting better in each game”, he added: “We’re getting harder to break down, people are starting to understand what people are going to do when they are on the ball. They are buying into it as a group and you need to be a squad to get the job done”.

The assistant manager rates Cray Wanderers, but looking forward to this weekend’s Kent derby Edge wants the Darts to concentrate on what they do well, he commented: “They’re a good side, they have started brilliantly. They know what they are doing, they have got a good manager”, he continued: “We’ve just got to focus on ourselves a lot really and perfect our own game and we’ll find out where we are. They’ve started well, we’re starting to get together and make a climb. I hope we can do it on the weekend”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Denzelle Olopade, Sam Odaudu and George Whitefield were all out of the matchday squad last weekend with injury. Long term absentees, Dean Nayler and Sammie McLeod have yet to feature this season.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDLDWW)			Cray Wanderers (WDLDWW)
Potters Bar Town	H	4-1	St Albans City	H	1-1
Whitehawk	H	3-0	Chatham Town	A	3-3
Brentwood Town	A	1-1	Dulwich Hamlet	A	1-1
Hadley (FAT)	A	1-2	AFC Wimbledon (LSC)	H	4-5
Burgess Hill Town	H	3-3	Bishop’s Stortford (FAT)	A	0-4
Cheshunt	H	2-0	Dulwich Hamlet	H	4-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 37 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 12

Previous Meetings

Cray Wanderers 2 – 2 Dartford (21/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cray Wanderers (26/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (16/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 3 Dartford (18/12/2021 – F.A Trophy)
Cray Wanderers 4 – 2 Dartford (20/09/2017 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (05/10/2016 – Kent Senior Cup)

Statistics

In the league Dartford have lost just once against Cray Wanderers in the last 21 outings (W15, D5)
The Darts have won 18 of the last 23 away matches against Cray Wanderers in all competitions (D2, L3)
Dartford have drawn their last three away league games. The Darts last drew four in a row on the road in the Kent League back in April 1995.
At home, only Dartford have scored more than Cray Wanderers and only Potters Bar Town have conceded more than the Wands

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last 11 league games on this day, a run that started back in 1969 when they beat Cambridge City 5-0 in the Southern League First Division. Following that win, the Darts drew six in a row up until 2008, when they defeated Tooting and Mitcham United. Cody McDonald and Rob Haworth netted for Dartford in the Isthmian Premier away win.

The next three fixtures on this day have also been on the road. In 2011 Dartford crossed the river and cruised past Thurrock with a 3-0 National South triumph. Jacob Erskine, James Rogers and Jack Pallen scored the goals. Fast forward ten years and the Darts held Chelmsford City to a goalless draw. The last outing on this day ended with a 2-1 victory over Slough Town. After falling behind, Charlie Sheringham and Pierre Fonkeu scored to complete a comeback win.

Dartford v Potters Bar Town

October 17, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are back in action at Princes Park this weekend when they host Potters Bar Town.

The Darts go into Saturday’s fixture unbeaten at home in the Isthmian Premier. They could extend that run to eight matches and in the process they will also move onto eight undefeated in the league.

Potters Bar Town will be coming to Kent hoping to spoil Dartford’s form. Although the Scholars picked up a much needed win on the weekend, they are currently third from bottom.

Squad Changes

Dartford became the first side on the road to take a point from league leaders Brentwood Town last weekend. On Tuesday night they followed up that draw with a home victory against Whitehawk.

Adrian Pennock has stated his side need to turn draws into wins and to help the Darts achieve that he has made some changes to the squad. Jacob Bland and Dan Carter made their first appearances at Princes Park in midweek. Ahead of the Whitehawk game the Dartford boss also announced the departure of Gabe Campbell. Whilst Luther Williams and Hugo Taylor have gone out on loan to Burgess Hill Town and Hythe Town respectively.

Box-ing Clever

Olly Box was back in the side on Tuesday night after serving his one game ban. The forward continued his excellent goalscoring form with a brace and an assist.

Box once again showed his worth to the side taking his tally in his last four appearances to five goals. In the first half Box fired into the top corner and after the break he curled in number two. The tricky forward then unselfishly turned provider when he set up Callum Jones for the third. To cap off a good team performance, the defence kept a second clean sheet of the campaign.

Dartford’s biggest victory of the season moved them into seventh place and two points shy of the playoff places. For the first time this season, the Darts have also moved into a positive goal difference.

Scholars School the Darts

Potters Bar Town were the first team to beat the Darts last season when they came away from Princes Park with a 1-0 win. Eddie Dsane came on as a substitute that day to make his Dartford debut, but it was Steve Cawley who turned out to be the match winner for the visitors. What made the victory more remarkable for the Scholars is that they lost 8-0 just days before.

In the reverse fixture the Darts picked up an away point despite having Duane Ofori-Acheampong sent off. The striker was dismissed for a second yellow card, but Dartford went in front through a Samir Carruthers penalty. The hosts levelled when Brandon Adams made it 1-1.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Struggling Scholars Get Win

Last time out Potters Bar Town recorded their first home win in the league beating bottom side Canvey Island, to go seven points clear of the Gulls. However the Islanders clawed back the deficit with a shock midweek win over Brentwood Town. Brandon Adams scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory, the Scholars first win since early September when they beat Chichester City 3-1 on the road.

Max Mitchell’s side have only avoided defeat in two other Isthmian Premier games, drawing with Hashtag United in the opening week of the season and against Wingate and Finchley on Bank Holiday August.

Manager’s View

Dartford have made a ‘sticky start’ according to Pennock, so he dedicated Tuesday’s win to the fans. The Darts boss was delighted with the result and the way his team played, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “I thought we were fantastic from start to finish. We controlled the game, played some really good football and scored three very good goals. It was just a very good team performance from everybody in the squad”.

Team News

Denzelle Olopade and Sam Odaudu will be assessed. Olopade picked up a hamstring issue against Brentwood Town and Sam Odaudu came off injured versus Whitehawk. Dan Smith was unavailable in midweek due to a family bereavement, but the striker will be available this weekend. Long term absentees, Dean Nayler and Sammie McLeod have still yet to feature this season.

Current League Form

Dartford (DDWDDW)			Potters Bar Town (DWLLLW)
Whitehawk	H	3-0	Canvey Island	H	1-0
Brentwood Town	A	1-1	Cray Valley (PM)	H	2-3
Burgess Hill Town	H	3-3	Ramsgate	A	1-2
Cheshunt	H	2-0	St Albans City	H	2-4
Aveley	A	1-1	Chichester City	A	3-1
Canvey Island	H	2-2	Wingate and Finchley	H	3-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Potters Bar Town wins: 2 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Potters Bar Town 1 – 1 Dartford (05/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 1 Potters Bar Town (13/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Potters Bar Town 2 – 2 Dartford (05/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 4 – 0 Potters Bar Town (27/10/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 1 – 2 Potters Bar Town (11/03/2006 – Southern League Div One East)
Potters Bar Town 1 – 4 Dartford (08/10/2005 – Southern League Div One East)

Statistics

Dartford are winless in three games against Potters Bar Town (D2, L1)
The Darts have won one of the three home games versus the Scholars (L2)
Olly Box has scored in every league game at home this season (8 goals in 6 games)
Samir Carruthers made his 100th appearance for the club on Tuesday night (78 starts, 22 substitute appearances and 23 goals)

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last four matches on this day all at home. Alex Wall scored the only goal against Tooting and Mitcham United in 2022 to send the Darts into the next round of the London Senior Cup. An equaliser from Andy Pugh secured a 1-1 draw with Aldershot Town in the National League 11 years ago.

Twice the Darts progressed to the F.A Trophy second qualifying round on this day. In 2008, Rob Haworth and Jamie Coyle helped Dartford get past Harlow Town in a 2-1 win. Three years earlier the Darts came from behind twice to defeat rivals Dover Athletic 3-2 in a replay, Steve Hafner scoring a wonderful winner.

In 1986 Dartford racked up seven without reply in the Southern Premier League when they thrashed Redditch United.

Dartford v Whitehawk

October 13, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford can move above Whitehawk with a win on Tuesday night at Princes Park.

Unbeaten at home in the league this season and in their last seven Isthmian Premier outings, the Darts can edge in front of the Hawks on goal difference should they pick up maximum points. In fact Adrian Pennock’s side could finish the evening as high as seventh.

The Hawks will be aiming to break their five game losing streak against Dartford. Victory in Kent could take the Sussex club into the playoff places, a vast improvement to their form last season.

A Point at the Leaders

Pennock’s side will have gained confidence after coming home with a point at the league leaders on the weekend. Another draw for Dartford brought an end to Brentwood Town’s eight game winning streak and 100% home record in the league.

New signing Jacob Bland made his debut, whilst Leyton Orient loanee Dan Carter was named on the bench and featured later on for his first appearance. Samir Carruthers returned to the starting lineup and Ben Frempah was back in the squad.

Pennock was forced into an early substitution with Denzelle Olopade departing the action. The Darts went into the break goalless against the league leaders.

Carruthers made an impact by opening the scoring direct from a free kick ten minutes into the second half, the midfielder’s first goal of the season. Brentwood Town hit back equalising through Charlee Hughes. Dartford have now drawn five of their last six league matches.

Goal of Last Season

Former captain Josh Hill scored Dartford’s goal of the season against Whitehawk back in January. The defender unleashed an unstoppable long range effort to open the scoring at Princes Park. Callum 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.

The Darts completed a double over the Sussex side in the reverse fixture in April. Pennock’s side were deep in a title race and after dropping points in the previous game were under pressure to secure victory. Olly Box came off the bench to score the only goal of the game.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Hawks Swoop on Robins

On the weekend, Whitehawk picked up their first win in the Isthmian Premier since Bank Holiday August. Like the Darts, the Hawks have only lost twice in the league. However, the Sussex side have picked up victories, this time at home against Carshalton Athletic.

Whitehawk were handed a great opportunity to take the lead when Noah Nzuzi conceded a penalty in his first start for the Robins. Charlie Lambert scored from the spot despite the efforts of former Dartford goalkeeper, Matt Kerbey. The Hawks doubled the lead when substitute Harry Bridle finished one-on-one with the keeper.

A Positive Return

This time last year the Hawks were down in seventeenth and a fortnight later they parted ways with their manager, Ross McNeilly. Almost 12 months on from the start of his second spell as boss, Shaun Saunders has improved Whitehawk’s fortunes.

Despite an opening day defeat to Isthmian South East champions Ramsgate and a goalless draw at home to Chichester City, the Hawks went on to win three in a row. In that run they ended early pacesetters Dulwich Hamlet’s perfect record.

September began with a loss at Folkestone Invicta, but since then the Hawks are three unbeaten, drawing with St Albans City and Hashtag United prior to a win on the weekend.

Manager’s View

Pennock called Saturday’s draw a ‘proper team performance’ and felt his team were braver on the ball, something he had been asking his players to do. The Dartford boss praised debutantes Jacob Bland and Dan Carter, he spoke to www.dartfordfc.com and said: “I thought Jacob Bland did really well. He always wants the ball. His work-rate is phenomenal and he gets in some good spaces. I thought it was a very good debut”, he added: “And young Dan came on and did really well. He looked bright and comfortable on the ball”.

After getting through the first two months of the season, dealing with injuries and suspensions, Pennock has had time to review the squad and is ready to make changes, and his players know that, he commented: “They know we mean business and there are some other changes coming”, he continued: “It’s great to have that strength and depth there now. We want proper competition for places”.

The Darts find themselves on an unbeaten run, but not racking up the points at the rate they would like. Without a defeat at Princes Park in the league, Pennock wants to make that advantage count, he said: “Now we have two important home games coming up and we want to build from here and turn some draws into wins and keep moving up the table”.

Team News

Olly Box returns from suspension. Denzelle Olopade will be assessed after coming off early on the weekend with a hamstring issue. Dean Nayler and Sammie McLeod remain sidelined with injury.

Current League Form

Dartford (DDDWDD)			Whitehawk (WWLDDW)
Brentwood Town	A	1-1	Carshalton Athletic	H	2-0
Burgess Hill Town	H	3-3	Hashtag United	A	1-1
Cheshunt	H	2-0	St Albans City	H	1-1
Aveley	A	1-1	Folkestone Invicta	A	1-4
Canvey Island	H	2-2	Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-0
Ramsgate	A	4-4	Wingate & Finchley	A	1-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Whitehawk wins: 3 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

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)
Whitehawk 1 – 0 Dartford (10/08/2016 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won their last five games against Whitehawk
The Darts have won their last three home games versus the Hawks
Dartford have scored three or more goals in four of the last five matches against Whitehawk

On This Day

Dartford qualified for the F.A Cup first round on this day in 2017. Alfie Pavey scored an early goal to win the tie versus Burgess Hill Town. The Darts went out in the next round when they came up against League Two side Swindon Town.

Two years ago, the Darts were on the end of a seven goal thriller when they lost 4-3 at Hampton and Richmond Borough. Dartford’s last home match on this day was back in 2006 when Richard Avery, Anthony Hogg and Jay May scored in a 3-1 win over Godalming Town in the Isthmian Division One South.

Brentwood Town v Dartford

October 10, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are up against newly promoted and surprise league leaders Brentwood Town this weekend in the Isthmian Premier.

The Darts face a tough task if they want to record their first win on the road this season. Adrian Pennock’s side will need to end the Blues perfect home start and eight game winning streak in the league.

Isthmian Division One Division One North champions Brentwood Town are top of the standings again. After a draw on the opening day no one in the division has been able to stop Keith Rowland’s team in their tracks. The Essex club are guaranteed to remain in pole position this weekend regardless of the result.

Another Cup Exit

For the second time in four seasons Dartford have exited the F.A Trophy, F.A Cup and Kent Senior Cup at the first hurdle. The Darts are now under pressure to pick up results after their disappointing trophy defeat to Hadley. Olly Box continued his good goalscoring form with an early strike making it three goals in his last three appearances. Even though injuries within the squad have cleared up, Michael Olarewaju and Dan Smith made their first starts since August, Dartford still let a lead slip. Hadley turned the tie on its head to become the fourth team from a lower division to knock the Darts out of the competition in the last six years.

Too Many Draws

Only four sides in the Isthmian Premier League have lost fewer matches than Dartford. The problem is those sides are in the top four and the Darts are down in thirteenth. Drawing over half of their league games has contributed to this season’s frustration which has seen the Darts post just two wins on the board, both at Princes Park.

Burgess Hill Town were the latest club to hold back Pennock’s side having come from behind twice. Box and Callum Jones got Dartford off to a great start and the performance in the first half deservedly had the home side ahead. After the break, the Darts were caught out immediately when Marcus Allen pulled a goal back, then equalised with twenty minutes to go. Sam Odaudu scored a deflected free-kick late in the game, but another free-kick from Chris Whelpdale caught out goalkeeper Jonny Henly during injury time to level for the Hillians.

Whilst the Darts are now six unbeaten in the Isthmian Premier they have only picked up ten points from those games.

New Signing

Dartford could give a debut to 21-year-old Jacob Bland, a new signing from Isthmian Division One North side Bowers and Pitsea. The midfielder spent a month with the Darts during the summer. After getting regular games with Bowers, Pennock feels Bland is now a good addition to the squad.

Noble Shines and Signs

Dartford romped to the league title last time Brentwood Town were in the same division. Lining up for The Blues against the Darts that year was a future Dartford legend. Lee Noble impressed Tony Burman in both fixtures back in 2008, so much so he signed the midfielder that summer.

Noble spent 12 years at Princes Park, scoring the National South playoff winner in 2012, won the Supporter’s Player of the Year on five occasions, made over 450 appearances and scored 51 goals. Noble returned home to Brentwood Town in 2024, became Manager’s Player of the Year and helped the Blues to the Isthmian Division One North title.

In a campaign where the Darts added a championship to their honours, Brentwood Town took four points from Burman’s side. Brendon Cass and John Guest scored for Dartford in a 2-2 draw in Essex. The reverse fixture ended 1-0 to the Blues, the scorer that day was Lee Noble.

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Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Brentwood’s Brilliant Start

The Blues have been perfect since the season opening draw at Aveley. Former West Ham United defender and Northern Ireland international, Keith Rowland guided Brentwood Town to their first Isthmian Premier point in nine years. Summer signing Charlee Hughes scored against his former club in the 1-1 draw.

Since then, Brentwood Town have been unstoppable with maximum points in their last eight outings. At home, the Blues have beaten St Albans City, Burgess Hill Town, Carshalton Athletic, Canvey Island and Billericay Town. All opponents Dartford have already played home or away this term with the Darts picking up six points from those teams.

Top Scorers

Rowland’s team have been potent in attack helped by last season’s Player’s Player and Supporters’ Player Of The Year, Danny Ogunleye. He is already on five league goals and sparked interest from Colchester United over the summer. Hughes is just one goal behind in all competitions joint with Louie Johnson, who netted 18 last season to pick up annual awards at Walthamstow.

Manager’s View

The shock defeat at Hadley led to an honest discussion in the Dartford camp. Pennock spoke to www.dartfordfc.com this week and said: “We had a good chat after the game. It was an open floor. I said what I thought and I let them all speak and they gave their opinions. There was no shouting, but we all took things on board and we will see an improvement on Saturday”.

Dartford’s boss felt let down and urges his team to ‘play for the shirt’ and get a good result against the league leaders this weekend, he commented: “I want a reaction and a better performance”, he added: “I want us to bounce back and put in a proper performance against a team that is flying”.

Looking forward to the trip to Essex, Pennock is confident fortunes will improve if the players perform to the levels he demands, he said: “I know we will turn it round. But this week, I want to see energy and players that want the ball. The players know they will need to up the intensity that we have seen in the past few games, but if we can do that, it will be a cracking game”.

Team News

Dartford will be without their creative spark, Olly Box who is suspended for the red card picked up against Burgess Hill Town. However, Ikechi Eze returns after serving his ban. Defender, Ben Frempah has been out of the squad since the draw at home to Canvey Island in early September. Both Sammie McLeod and Dean Nayler have yet to feature this term as they recover from long term injuries.

Current Form

Dartford (DDDWDL)			Brentwood Town (WWLWWW)
Hadley (FAT)	A	1-2	Westfield (FAT)	A	2-1
Burgess Hill Town	H	3-3	Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1
Cheshunt	H	2-0	Billericay Town	H	3-0
Erith Town (CC)	A	1-1*	Royston Town (FAC)	A	0-1
Aveley	A	1-1	Canvey Island	H	1-0
Canvey Island	H	2-2	Carshalton Athletic	H	3-2

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

Head to Head

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

Previous Meetings

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)
Dartford 2 – 0 Billericay Town (15/04/1968 – Southern League First Division)

Statistics

Dartford are four games without a league win against Brentwood Town (D2, L2)
The Darts are five league games without a win on the road from the start of the season for the first time since 2019
Neither side have scored more than two goals in this fixture

On This Day

It’s been 11 years since Dartford played on 11 October and that was the 1-1 draw at home to Macclesfield Town. The National Premier game ended all square thanks to two late goals. Ryan Hayes looked to have won it for the Darts with five minutes to go, but Matthew Barnes-Homer levelled.

The last six Dartford fixtures on this day have all been at home with just two victories recorded. Ilford were beaten 3-1 in the Southern Premier Division One East back in 2005. Whilst in 1988, the Darts won a Southern League first round cup tie 1-0 versus Hastings United.

On the road, the Darts are unbeaten in four on this day with three draws. The last away day on 11 October was in 1986 against Bedworth United, a Southern Premier League match that ended 1-1. Dartford’s last win on their travels on this day was in 1975 when they defeated Waterlooville 2-1 in the Southern League Division One South.

Hadley v Dartford

October 3, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford enter the F.A Trophy in the third qualifying round with an away tie at Hadley this weekend.

The Darts are hoping for a first win in the competition in almost three years. The Bricks will be aiming to cause an upset and are currently unbeaten in their last seven games.

Waiting for a Cup Run

Adrian Pennock’s side will be hoping to avoid that upset, especially after going out in the F.A Cup and Kent Senior Cup at the first hurdle already this term. In the previous two seasons the Darts were beaten in the F.A Trophy by teams in the same division. The three teams to knock out Dartford before were from lower divisions.

Season in the Balance

The Darts may be unbeaten in normal time in their last five games, but they are being held back by draws. Dartford have claimed just two victories this term, both at home and are still waiting for an away win. Pennock’s side have drawn seven of their 12 matches this season and one of those ended in a Kent Senior Cup exit on penalties. Their latest stalemate came in midweek.

Squandered Opportunity

Dartford twice threw away a lead on Tuesday night to draw 3-3 with Burgess Hill Town. Adrian Pennock named an unchanged side for only the second time hoping his side can build on the 2-0 win over Cheshunt last weekend.

Olly Box had a mixed evening, first scoring after just 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.

Role Reversal

So often this season Dartford have had to come from behind and/or play with fewer players. Roles were reversed for a period of time on Tuesday night. 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, the Darts conceding from a third set piece of the evening.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Hadley’s Trophy Run So Far

Hadley have already played in two rounds of the F.A Trophy this term starting out with an away trip to Ware. The Bricks were handed a huge advantage just five minutes into the tie. Goalkeeper, Max Woodford was sent off on his debut leaving the hosts down to ten and Lewis Thomas, a central defender in goal. Romey Meoded opened the scoring for Hadley with a long range effort, but Ware went level when Theo Ofori put away a penalty. It didn’t take long for the visitors to regain the lead, Luke Alfano put the Bricks ahead right before half-time. The extra man counted in the second as Finley Aldridge, Tommy Roberts and Peter Rosemin made it a comfortable 5-1 away win.

The second qualifying round was less than straightforward at home to 2023 F.A Vase winners Ascot United. The trophy tie needed deciding on penalties as the game ended 2-2. Ascot United led through Cheick Sylla before Hadley replied with two goals. Lenny Asamoah headed home the equaliser, then he added another. An own goal levelled the tie again late on and so it went to spot kicks. At 4-3 Ascot United had a chance to win the shootout, but Hadley goalkeeper Charlie Taylor saved. Eventually the Bricks progressed winning 7-6.

Building Bricks

Based in Barnet, the Bricks have spent most of their history in county leagues until promotion from the Spartan South Midlands in 2022. Hadley have improved their league position year on year since finishing ninth, eighth and fifth in the Southern League Division One Central. The Bricks were brushed aside in last season’s playoff semi-final but set a club record finish.

Relatively new to the F.A Trophy, the Hertfordshire side had a strong run in last season’s competition getting through five rounds before losing to Oxford City in round three. On the way to the last 32, Hadley got past Grays Athletic, Ipswich Wanderers and caused upsets against Carshalton Athletic, Hastings United and AFC Telford United. In their previous two campaigns they had never reached beyond the second qualifying round.

Promising league start

The Bricks have started brightly in their league campaign. One defeat in seven has them sitting in fifth place just a point off Ware, the current leaders. That defeat came at home on the opening day and since then Hadley have not looked back with four league wins and two draws. Finley Aldridge is the man in form with four goals in his last five appearances in all competitions.

Manager’s View

Pennock expressed his disappointment at the draw on Tuesday night claiming it was the most frustrated he has been since arriving at Princes Park. Leading the match and with a man advantage, the Dartford boss felt his side could have done more to see out the game. Instead Burgess Hill Town were let back into the match. Pennock spoke to www.dartfordfc.com and said: “I thought we started well, but didn’t put our foot on the ball and keep it in the second half. It’s a game we should have won. It’s like a loss. We’ve got to learn to keep the ball better and learn from the mistakes quickly.”

After a few days reflection and time on the training pitch, Pennock is hoping the players meet his demands set after the midweek draw, he commented: “I want the lads to be braver on the ball. Being brave is not always a hard tackle or a 50/50 header. It’s about wanting to get on the ball all over the pitch. Showing and creating space for your teammates. We’ll regroup, work on some of the things we need to in training and go again”.

Team News

Ikechi Eze is serving a suspension. Dean Nayler and Sammie McLeod have been dealing with long term injuries. Olly Box will be available before his one game ban begins on the weekend against league leaders Brentwood Town. Albie O’Mara-Knapp is now on loan at Erith Town, the side he scored his first senior goal against in the Kent Senior Cup.

Current Form

Dartford (LDDDWD)			Hadley (WWDWWD)
Burgess Hill Town	H	3-3	Leverstock Green	A	1-1
Cheshunt	H	2-0	Marlow	A	3-2
Erith Town (CC)	A	1-1*	Cheshunt (CC)	H	1-0
Aveley	A	1-1	Ascot United (FAT)	H	2-2^
Canvey Island	H	2-2	Thame United	H	4-3
Bracknell Town (FAC)	H	0-2	Ware (FAT)	A	5-1

(FAC – F.A Cup / CC – County Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy / * – lost 3-4 on penalties / ^ – won 7-6 on penalties)

Statistics

The Darts have drawn four away games in a row (in normal time) for the first time since 1995
A fifth consecutive draw on the road will be a joint club record set between 25 November 1899 and 11 January 1900
Dartford are hoping to avoid consecutive third qualifying round exits for the first time since 2018 and 2019
The Darts have lost their last four F.A Trophy ties without scoring a goal
In total 11 players have been sent off in 12 Dartford matches this season. 6 for the Darts and 5 for the opposition.

On This Day

Dartford drew 1-1 against Grimsby Town on this day in 2014. Elliot Bradbrook hit the woodwork before his brother Tom put the hosts in front. Nathan Collier was dismissed late on for deliberate handball. Lenell John-Lewis converted the resulting penalty for the Mariners. Lee Noble scored the only goal of the game in 2008 as the Darts beat Billericay Town in the Isthmian Premier League on the road. Dartford’s last cup tie was a F.A Cup second qualifying replay at St Albans City in 1988. The Darts progressed with a 4-2 victory.