Author: Stuart Maidment (Page 1 of 26)

Dartford v Cheshunt

Dartford are back at Princes Park when they host Cheshunt on Saturday in the Isthmian Premier.

After a packed mid-week league schedule, the Darts are fifteenth in the league following consecutive draws, first at home against Cray Valley Paper Mills and then on the road at Potters Bar Town on Tuesday night. Whilst Dartford were in action, Cheshunt had a rest following their impressive win on the weekend over bottom side Bognor Regis Town.

Ahead of Dartford’s clash with Potters Bar Town, the Darts were level on points with Cheshunt. The gap increased by one by full-time thanks to a hard earned 1-1 draw. Adrian Pennock made two changes to the side that picked up a point versus Cray Valley Paper Mills just three days earlier. The Dartford boss selected the same defence that kept a clean sheet against the Millers. In came Jeremiah Pinder for Oliver Box and Duane Ofori-Acheampong for Ade Yusuff.

The Darts were left to rue missed chances in the first-half, especially after being reduced to ten men early in the second-half. Ofori-Acheampong, Josh Hill and Denzelle Olopade all had opportunities before the interval, but the sides were level at the break. After a caution for kicking the ball away in the first half, Ofori-Acheampong was shown a second yellow for a late tackle. The striker now faces another suspension following one he has already served for his red card against Bowers and Pitsea just over six weeks ago.

That dismissal stifled Dartford’s attacking threat, however four minutes later Callum Jones won a penalty and Samir Carruthers scored it, his second goal in three games. Shortly afterwards Olopade saw his effort go inches wide. Potters Bar Town applied plenty of pressure taking advantage of the extra man. The hosts were rewarded with an equaliser with 20 minutes to go through Brandon Adams. Dartford were made to dig in for the rest of the match with the hosts hitting the post. Sam Okoye limped off during the game and Olopade had time for one more effort.

The Darts have a perfect record over Cheshunt and will be desperate to keep things that way. In the only season the two sides have met, Cheshunt were the new boys of the National South during 2022/2023. The Ambers made their debut in step two lasting one campaign before relegation sent the Hertfordshire club back to the Isthmian Premier.

At Princes Park, Dartford began their home campaign with a 2-1 win over the Ambers in August 2022. Maxwell Statham made his first appearance for the Darts, but it was Pierre Fonkeu’s brace that made all the difference. In the first half, the striker curled a shot from the edge of the box into the Cheshunt net and benefited from Luke Coulson’s and Samir Carruthers excellent interplay in the second half. Former Dartford graduate Dajon Golding scored a late consolation for the visitors.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts had a little help from a former player in the reverse fixture in January 2023. Rowan Liburd gave the Darts a half-time lead putting in his own net. Coulson was the influential figure providing the cross for the opener before scoring, then he assisted Tom Bonner in the second-half to put Dartford in control. Once again, the Ambers managed a consolation as the Darts ran out 3-1 winners.

Cheshunt had to rely on a late surge last season to avoid another drop. In the end, under the management of Craig Edwards they secured Isthmian Premier safety on the final day at Margate’s expense. This term, the Ambers beat Bognor Regis on the opening day, but then went seven without a league victory, picking up just two points. That led to the departure of Edwards after seven years of service to the club and over 300 appearances in the dugout.

Cheshunt won their two league outings under interim management giving new boss Mel Gwinnett a platform to build on. The former Hampton and Richmond Borough manager was appointed towards the end of last month. Gwinnett had previously guided the Beavers to a club record unbeaten run, an F.A Trophy quarter-final and to within a point of the National South playoffs.

Whilst Gwinnett’s first two Isthmian Premier games ended in a pair of 1-0 defeats, first against Cray Wanderers then Canvey Island, his side bounced back with help from striker Vas Vasiliou. Last weekend Vasiliou netted a hat-trick in the 4-0 triumph over Bognor Regis Town.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLDLDD) Cheshunt (LWWLLW)
Potters Bar Town A 1-1 Bognor Regis Town A 4-0
Cray Valley (PM) H 0-0 Canvey Island H 0-1
Wingate & Finchley H 2-3 Cray Wanderers H 0-1
Hendon H 0-0 Whitehawk A 2-0
Billericay Town A 0-4 Hastings United A 3-2
Bowers & Pitsea H 1-2 Potters Bar Town H 0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Cheshunt wins: 0 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Cheshunt 1 – 3 Dartford (07/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have a perfect record against Cheshunt in the two meetings so far
  • In the two matches played both teams scored averaging 3.5 goals per game
  • Samir Carruthers is the only player left in the current Dartford squad to have featured in both games against Cheshunt in 2022/2023

On This Day

Ryan Hayes and Ollie Berquez secured a 2-0 win over rivals Dover Athletic in the National South 14 years ago. Three days after almost causing a F.A Cup shock against Port Vale, the Darts travelled to the Crabble and earned their first away victory of the 2010/2011 league campaign.

Dartford’s last outing on this day was in the F.A Cup away at Salisbury City in the first round. Goals from Lee Burns and Max Cornhill weren’t enough in a 4-2 defeat back in 2013.

The last home match on 9 November for Dartford was a 1-1 draw with Tooting and Mitcham United. The 1996 F.A Trophy tie went to a replay, which the Darts won 3-2. At home Dartford are currently five unbeaten on this day alternating between draws and wins. Whilst their biggest victory on 9 November came in a friendly 135 years ago. The Darts won 12-1 against Horticultural College Hextable.

Potters Bar Town v Dartford

Dartford go again on Tuesday night with a trip to Kings Langley to face Potters Bar Town in the Isthmian Premier.

The Darts will be hoping to build on the League Cup win over Erith Town and Saturday’s draw with Cray Valley Paper Mills. However, they currently sit bottom of the form guide having picked up just two points in the last six league matches. Tuesday’s reverse fixture against Potters Bar Town will provide an opportunity for Adrian Pennock’s side to avenge defeat to the Scholars back in August. Meanwhile, Max Mitchell’s team have recovered well from an opening day humbling to climb up to seventh in the table, five points ahead of Dartford.

Just under three months ago, the Darts were beaten in their home opener against Potters Bar Town, who had just been thrashed 8-0 on matchday one against Dover Athletic. At Princes Park, Dartford were unable to produce any clear chances in the first half, which helped the visitors grow in confidence. Just before conceding, the Darts had a warning when Ore Bello raced through on goal only to miss. Two minutes later Potters Bar Town went ahead through Steve Cawley for the only goal of the game. Although Eddie Dsane came close in the second half it was the visitors who took home all three points.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On the road, Dartford are unbeaten versus the Scholars in their two visits. Alex O’Brien inspired a comeback last time the Darts travelled to Potters Bar Town. The Isthmian Division One North title run-in was heating up in April 2008 and every point was crucial. The hosts were ahead after a couple of minutes when Sam Adejoken tapped in. In the second half Junior Dadson scored to heap pressure on the Darts. After a few positive substitutions, Jay May halved the deficit to give Tony Burman’s side hope. Then late on Adam Flanagan nodded the ball down to O’Brien to make it 2-2. A fortnight later Dartford were crowned champions.

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Match highlights courtesy of Sonytino

On the weekend, Dartford’s winless league run continued stretching to six matches with the 0-0 draw at home to Cray Valley Paper Mills. Once again, the Darts drew a blank in front of goal whilst keeping a clean sheet, their second goalless draw in three league matches. Jacob Marsden returned in goal replacing David Aziaya, who kept a clean sheet in Dartford’s previous game against Erith Town in the League Cup. Adrian Pennock made eight changes to the side that progressed in the cup, but just four alterations to the team selected for the last league outing. As well as swapping the goalkeepers, in came Luther Williams, Oliver Box and Ade Yusuff. Midfielder, Tyler Christian-Law featured as a substitute on Saturday and he could face Potters Bar Town, one of his former clubs.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts had to dig in defensively and did well to hold onto a point against Cray Valley Paper Mills. Assistant Manager, Roland Edge was pleased with the draw and spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game, he said: “You know what you’re going to get when Cray turn up. They are a very strong, physical, and well organised side, so we knew we was in with a tough day. The real pleasing thing, and I know everybody wants to score a goal, is that we kept another clean sheet. They threw everything at us, and I think we dealt with it really well”.

Edge believes going two unbeaten in all competitions lays a foundation for short term form to improve, he added: “We said to the boys ‘this is a platform’ and we’ve got to build from it. We’ve got to go to Potters Bar and get three points”.

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Potters Bar Town had an attempt to put their heavy opening day defeat at home to Dover Athletic behind them on the weekend. This time the league leaders won by a three-goal margin without reply. Ruben Soares-Junior, Alfie Matthews and Francis Mampolo kept the league leaders on top, whilst the Scholars are now a point shy of the playoff places. In all competitions Max Mitchell’s side are winless in four having exited the F.A Trophy to Biggleswade Town and the League Cup on penalties against Cheshunt. In October, Potters Bar Town drew at Chatham Town and beat Cheshunt in the league.

Although recent form has been inconsistent, the Scholars put a run of positive results together starting with their Princes Park win in August. Potters Bar Town went on to win six of their next eight in the Isthmian Premier, including a 5-0 thrashing of early pace setters Lewes. Cawley, who netted the winner at Dartford has scored in five of the six league matches in which the Scholars have won.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLLDLD) Potters Bar Town (WLWWDL)
Cray Valley (PM) H 0-0 Dover Athletic A 0-3
Wingate & Finchley H 2-3 Chatham Town A 2-2
Hendon H 0-0 Cheshunt A 1-0
Billericay Town A 0-4 Lewes H 5-0
Bowers & Pitsea H 1-2 Whitehawk A 0-2
Dover Athletic A 1-5 Bowers & Pitsea H 1-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Potters Bar Town wins: 2 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

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 unbeaten in their two visits to Potters Bar Town (W1, D1)
  • The Darts have kept four clean sheets in their last nine league games. The same number of clean sheets than their previous 36 league outings.
  • Dartford have failed to score in three of the last four Isthmian Premier matches

On This Day

Dartford have won their last four league matches on Guy Fawkes. Two years ago they put on a fine display at Princes Park beating Braintree Town 4-1 with ten men. Charlie Sheringham’s penalty was the difference before Tom Bonner was sent off just past the hour. Luke Coulson scored a screamer, then the Iron pulled a goal back. The Darts need not worry though as Samir Carruthers scored twice in stoppage time.

Three years earlier, Dartford beat Hampton and Richmond Borough 2-1 on the road. Ky Marsh-Brown and Elliott Romain netted either side of the host’s equaliser. Jon Wallis and Jacob Erskine helped the Darts come from behind at Salisbury City in 2011. Whilst 19 years ago, Dartford defeated Aveley 5-1 in the Southern League Division One East.

Also on this day, Dartford faced higher league opposition in consecutive seasons. Both F.A Cup first round ties ended in a home loss. Swindon Town won 5-1 in 2017 and a year earlier Sutton United were 6-3 winners.

Dartford v Cray Valley Paper Mills

Dartford search for their first league win in over two months when they host Cray Valley Paper Mills in Saturday’s Kent derby.

Since the opening day victory over this weekend’s opponents, the Darts have dropped to fourteenth in the Isthmian Premier. Meanwhile, the Millers have made a promising start in their debut campaign at this level. Adrian Pennock’s side can potentially complete a double over Cray Valley Paper Mills, but it’s Steve McKimm’s team who are in the better form occupying fifth place in the standings.

All of Dartford’s league triumphs came in August and the first one was on the road in the reverse fixture. Callum Jones scored on debut in the first half as the Darts began the season brightly. Dartford were handed an advantage after the break when Hassan Ibrahiym was sent off. Yet the hosts still managed to equalise through Tom Chambers. Then a moment of magic by Denzelle Olopade won Dartford the game when he curled home a shot from 30 yards.

The Darts are desperate to end a run of five league games without a win and start climbing the table. The last setback was a fortnight ago when they fell three behind in no time at all against Wingate and Finchley. Pennock’s side did manage to get two goals, but were unable to complete a comeback.

On Tuesday night Dartford finally put an end to a winless streak of seven without victory in all competitions. Returning to the Isthmian League Cup for the first time in 14 years they beat Erith Town by a solitary goal. Samir Carruthers scored on his 50th start for the club from a free-kick after eight minutes. The first free-kick scored by the Darts since the midfielder netted one in August 2022 against Hemel Hempstead Town. Seven changes were made to the eleven that started in the last league game, including a debut for Nelson Ajayi, who has signed on a non-contract basis.

Cray Valley Paper Mills gave a good account of themselves on the opening day of the season despite defeat and that didn’t deter McKimm’s side. The Millers won their remaining games in August taking the accolades in the Cray derby, defeating Cheshunt 4-2, then picking up a pair of 1-0 victories against Folkestone Invicta and Carshalton Athletic. The Kent club closed out the opening month with progression in the F.A Cup.

Although the Millers failed to win any of their three league games in September and exited the F.A Cup, they returned to form in October. Last month goals at either end were abundant. After getting past Ramsgate in the F.A Trophy, Cray Valley Paper Mills drew 4-4 with Canvey Island and beat Chichester City 2-1 at home. The next three fixtures in all competitions yielded 18 goals with the Millers beating Bognor Regis Town 3-2 in the league, Sevenoaks Town 4-2 in the League Cup before getting knocked out in the F.A Trophy against Brentwood Town, losing 4-3.

On Tuesday night, McKimm’s men were in Kent Senior Cup action. Drawn against Isthmian Premier leaders Dover Athletic, the Millers exited the competition with a 3-1 loss that featured former Darts, Lyle Della-Verde, Andre Coker and Fumnaya Shomotun. Another former Dartford player, Marcel Barrington didn’t feature.

Shomotun originally joined the Millers on loan from Tonbridge Angels, now that deal has become permanent. He has already scored three in his nine appearances for the Millers. As a Dart he scored twice in 19 appearances last term. Della-Verde started 22 games for Dartford in 2017/2018 and made 12 appearances from the bench. Coker featured the season afterwards scoring three in 13 starts and 17 substitute appearances. Barrington only made two substitute appearances for the Darts in the 2019/2020 campaign.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLLLDL) Cray Valley PM (LDLDWW)
Wingate & Finchley H 2-3 Bognor Regis Town A 3-2
Hendon H 0-0 Chichester City H 2-1
Billericay Town A 0-4 Canvey Island A 4-4
Bowers & Pitsea H 1-2 Hendon A 0-1
Dover Athletic A 1-5 Billericay Town H 1-1
Chatham Town H 3-1 Whitehawk A 0-2

Head to Head

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

Previous Meeting

Cray Valley Paper Mills 1 – 2 Dartford (10/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • The Darts are four games without a win at home in all competitions
  • This will be Dartford’s sixth Kent derby this season (W3, L2)
  • Dartford have won just three of their last 17 home games in the league going back to November 2023 (D5, L9)

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in all four home matches played on 2 November. The last home match on this day was a 3-1 win against Gloucester City in 1966. Since then the Darts have played eight straight away matches on this day losing the previous one 1-0 at Concord Rangers three years ago in the National South. The last victory on 2 November came in 2019 when Norman Wabo and Elliott Romain scored at Eastbourne Borough.

Erith Town v Dartford

Dartford are back in the Isthmian League Cup for the first time in 15 years on Tuesday night with a local derby against Erith Town.

The Darts make the nine-mile trip to Bayliss Avenue in Thamesmead on their quest to challenge for the Alan Turvey trophy. Adrian Pennock’s side will take on the Dockers, who were promoted via the playoffs last season and are now in the Isthmian South East. Having exited three cup competitions in the last month, the Darts are hoping to progress into the last sixteen.

It will be the first time these two sides have met in a competitive game. A decade ago, Dartford and Erith Town were five divisions apart. The Darts have dropped from the National League, whilst the Dockers have worked their way up a step from the Southern Counties East. Both sides have little experience in this competition with Dartford entering for only the fifth time and Erith Town making their debut.

In previous editions, the Darts have never gone beyond the fourth round. If their last fixture in the League Cup is anything to go by, then it should be entertaining under the floodlights at Bayliss Avenue. Dartford lost a nine-goal thriller in the third round at home to Aveley. Adam Burchell scored a brace in the 5-4 defeat that saw Danny Harris and Allan Tait also finding the back of the net. In the eleven ties the Darts have been involved in, there has been three or more goals scored in every game.

Pennock’s side return to action after a ten day break and will be desperate to end a run of seven games without a win. Last time out Dartford were blown away inside the opening 21 minutes against Wingate and Finchley. The Princes Park crowd were stunned when the visitors went 3-0 up with less than a quarter of the match gone. The Darts battled back with a goal from Oliver Box and another from Ade Yusuff, his first for the club.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A week earlier Dartford picked up a draw at home to Hendon which controversially saw two goals ruled out for offside and Jeremiah Pinder sent off. The club successfully appealed against Pinder’s dismissal, so the midfielder was able to play just over a week ago. Meanwhile, defender Mert Apat has left the club after making just four starts and a substitute appearance since joining in the summer.

Although Tuesday night will be the first time the Darts take on Erith Town, paths almost crossed in 1996. The year Dartford won promotion out of the Kent League, Woolwich Town transferred from the Spartan League in time for the following season. After one campaign the Dockers changed their name to Erith Town after moving to their new home, the Erith Stadium. Since then the club has never really settled in one place having shared grounds with numerous teams including Greenwich Borough, Thamesmead Town, Cray Valley Paper Mills and VCD Athletic.

The two times Kent Senior Trophy winners are now playing at their highest ever level after last season’s playoff success. The Dockers beat Glebe 2-1 in the semi-final before defeating Corinthian on penalties. This term Erith Town sit seventh in the Isthmian South East after Saturday’s win at home to Broadbridge Heath. An early Ollie Milton goal settled the game handing the Dockers all three points.

During October, Adam Woodward’s side have alternated between results, winning, drawing and losing two each. Erith Town were beaten at Eastbourne Town to begin the month, picked up a point against Merstham and won at home versus Deal Town. Another away draw followed with Sevenoaks Town before defeat at Ben Greenhalgh’s Margate, but that disappointment was put behind them on the weekend.

In Erith Town’s debut match in the League Cup, they beat Sittingbourne in round two coming from behind to win 4-1. The Brickies led at half-time by a goal from debutant Antony Martin. The Dockers overcame their youthful opponents in the second-half with goals from Hayden Bullas, Thomas Ash, James Dyer and Rahman Kareem. Sittingbourne’s Harvey Earle also saved a penalty to keep the score down for the visitors.

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford (LLLDLL) Erith Town (LDWDLW)
Wingate & Finchley H 2-3 Broadbridge Heath A 1-0
Bromley (KSC) A 1-3 Margate H 1-3
Hendon H 0-0 Sevenoaks Town A 0-0
Billericay Town A 0-4 Deal Town H 2-1
Dulwich Hamlet (FAT) H 0-1 Merstham Town A 1-1
Worthing (FAC) A 1-3 Eastbourne Town A 1-2
FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy / KSC – Kent Senior Cup

Statistics

  • In normal time, Dartford have won 5, drawn 2 and lost 4 in the Isthmian League Cup
  • The Darts have won two out of five away ties in normal time and progressed once in a penalty shoot out on the road in the Isthmian League Cup
  • Dartford have progressed in this competition each time they have played a Kent side (W3, D2)

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook was the hero in the North West Kent F.A Cup derby 13 years ago. The midfielder’s match winning penalty against Ebbsfleet United sent Dartford’s rivals out in the fourth qualifying round replay. In the previous three cup games on this day, prior beating Fleet, the Darts went out against Bromley in the F.A Cup (2011), Crawley Town in the Southern League Cup (1996) and Deal Town in the F.A Vase (1996). Leading up to that losing streak Dartford had only lost one in eight cup matches on 29 October. The Darts qualified for the F.A Cup first round with wins over Tooting and Mitcham United (1983), Slough Town (1988) and Dagenham and Redbridge (1989). In 1970, Dartford lifted the Kent Senior Shield securing victory with a 2-2 second leg draw against Bexley United, winning 4-3 on aggregate.

Dartford v Wingate and Finchley

Dartford hope to build on last weekend’s draw with a positive result at home to Wingate and Finchley on Saturday in the Isthmian Premier.

Last time out in the league, the Darts ended a run of four straight defeats in all competitions against Hendon. However, on Tuesday night they were knocked out of the Kent Senior Cup at League Two side Bromley. Wingate and Finchley reached the playoffs last term and are currently eighth in the Isthmian Premier, a point in front of the Darts in eleventh.

Dartford lifted the Isthmian Division One North trophy last time they played Wingate and Finchley. A week earlier, the Darts were beaten at Edgware Town, but title challengers AFC Sudbury failed to get the required result too. With the title and promotion secured, Tony Burman’s side could enjoy the final day of the 2007/2008 season. The celebrations were made all the sweeter when a Steve Norman free-kick was fumbled only for Brendon Cass to score the winner from close range. Cass came second in the league scoring charts and won the club’s golden boot with 37 goals in all competitions. That completed a double over the Blues as the reverse fixture finished 2-0 in November 2007, Cass and Jay May the scorers.

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Match highlights courtesy of sonytino

Dartford had gone three games without a goal approaching the Kent Senior Cup tie on Tuesday night. Adrian Pennock shuffled the pack giving minutes to a mixture of senior and youth team players. The Dartford boss changed the whole side and gave debuts to Todd Brand and Joseph Kpaka. New signing Marc-Anthony Okoye retired from non-league football in November 2019 at 27 years-old with a knee injury. Almost five years on the centre half is back on a non contract basis, he made his debut against his former club. Gabe Campbell, Dean Nayler, Ade Yusuff all made their first starts for the Darts. Former Wingate and Finchley player Mert Apat featured. Whilst another ex-Blue, Duane Ofori-Acheampong was rested.

Dartford were caught out by set pieces a week ago in their 4-0 defeat at Billericay Town. The opening three goals at Hayes Lane all came from corners. Bromley were two up inside 13 minutes, but George Whitefield halved the deficit six minutes later, the defender’s first senior goal. There was still time for another before the interval and that went the way of the Ravens, who ran out 3-1 winners. Academy players Blu Husthwaite and Luke Mandry made their debuts for the Darts coming on as substitutes.

Wingate and Finchley were consistent enough to record their highest league position in seven years last season. Hanging around just outside the top five, the Blues really pushed on from February losing only two games until the end of the campaign. In that time Wingate and Finchley picked up nine victories and five draws to cement a place in the playoffs where they lost to eventual winners Enfield Town.

This season the Blues were involved in plenty of goals at both ends of the pitch over the opening four matches. In between the 3-2 wins against Dulwich Hamlet and Canvey Island they lost 3-2 at Carshalton Athletic and drew 3-3 with Folkestone Invicta. Ogo Obi netted two braces in those games and leads the scoring charts for Ahmet Rifat’s side with ten in all competitions. The Blues suffered consecutive 2-1 defeats against Potters Bar Town and Bognor Regis Town, then picked up a point at home to Chichester City. Ending the run of three without a league win, the Blues closed out September with a 2-1 victory at Dover Athletic.

On Tuesday night, Wingate and Finchley returned to action after ten days. Having lost 1-0 in the F.A Trophy to Chatham Town, the Blues bounced back/lost again versus Bowers and Pitsea. Rifat made three changes including the introduction of Ryan Lowe and Loic Hernandez to the starting lineup. The pair have just recovered from injury and had been building up their fitness with appearances from off the bench in recent games.

Lowe made a good start to the season prior his injury scoring twice. The midfielder opened the scoring four minutes into the match, continuing the Blue’s streak of netting in every game this season. Bowers and Pitsea were level before the break through Jacob Bland. With 20 minutes remaining, Obi put Wingate and Finchley ahead and late on Tyrese Briscoe secured maximum points. The Blues are now three unbeaten and have won their last two in the league.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWLLLD) Wingate & Finchley (WLLDWW)
Hendon H 0-0 Bowers & Pitsea H 3-1
Billericay Town A 0-4 Dover Athletic A 2-1
Bowers & Pitsea H 1-2 Chichester City H 1-1
Dover Athletic A 1-5 Bognor Regis Town A 1-2
Chatham Town H 3-1 Potters Bar Town H 1-2
Carshalton Town A 1-0 Canvey Island A 3-2

Head to Head

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

Previous Meetings

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)
Wingate and Finchley 2 – 2 Dartford (28/03/2005 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Dartford 2 – 2 Wingate and Finchley (27/12/2004 – Southern League Div 1 East)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won three of their last four games against Wingate and Finchley (L1)
  • The Darts are unbeaten in the three home matches against the Blues (W2, D1)
  • Dartford are winless in four league games (D1, L3) and have failed to score in the last two

On This Day

Matthew Godden’s hat-trick against Hyde helped Dartford to an entertaining 4-3 victory over Hyde on this day. The National League fixture in 2013 went back and forth at Princes Park and was decided by a late winner. The visitors came from two down to go 3-2 up, but George Monger equalised in the 83rd minute. Four minutes later Godden scored the winner and took home the match ball. Josh Hill was an unused substitute that day.

Steve King took charge of his first game as Dartford boss on this day five years ago. Leading the team out in the F.A Cup fourth qualifying round tie against Kingstonian, the Darts lost 3-2 with Andy Pugh and Darren McQueen the scorers. Prior that defeat Dartford went seven unbeaten on 19 October which included a 3-1 Kent Senior Cup win over Welling United in 2015. George Sykes, Callum McNaughton and Dajon Golding all getting on the scoresheet.

Bromley v Dartford

Dartford begin their Kent Senior Cup campaign with a visit to Football League side Bromley on Tuesday night.

A repeat of the second round fixture from last season, the Darts will be hoping to progress again. This time both sides are in new divisions with an even wider gap between them. Dartford’s relegation to the Isthmian Premier and Bromley’s promotion to League Two means they are currently separated by 61 places.

The county cup is generally a chance for fringe and academy players to get game time. Although the Darts may be the underdogs, the outcome is often affected by the strength of the starting lineup. Last season Dartford’s experienced side defeated a young Bromley team, then made it to the semi-final. Adrian Pennock has already hinted to Dartford FC TV that he’ll make changes, he said: “It won’t be the team that started this afternoon (against Hendon). I will play the subs, involve the squad and I would like to see some youth players as well”.

It was all level at the break just under a year ago, but the Darts turned it on in the second-half to run out 5-1 winners. Charlie Sheringham scored from the spot before Kido Taylor-Hart equalised. Luke Allen put Dartford back in front, Sheringham netted another and Brandon Barzey added a brace.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford have won the last two Kent Senior Cup ties against the Ravens having beaten them in the 2011 final as well. Under Tony Burman the Darts won 4-1 with goals from Elliot Bradbrook, Ryan Hayes, an own goal and Danny Harris. Since then the Darts have lifted the trophy three more times taking their tally to 13 county cup triumphs, second in the all-time list. Bromley are six time winners last lifting the cup in 2007.

Six of the last seven meetings have gone Dartford’s way with both teams scoring in this fixture over the last ten matches. Bromley’s only win in that time was the F.A Cup fourth qualifying round victory in 2011. Since then, the Darts have won four in a row all in different competitions. Dartford triumphed in consecutive years between 2012 and 2014 in the National South, F.A Trophy and F.A Cup before last season’s victory in the Kent Senior Cup.

The Darts are five games without a win in all competitions, however they broke their losing streak on the weekend. Goalkeeper, David Aziaya made his debut and whether he plays on Tuesday depends on the terms of his loan spell from Bromley. Aziaya kept a clean sheet despite Dartford playing almost all of the second half with ten men. The 20 year old became the 13th goalkeeper used by the Darts since April 2022, when Dan Wilks lost his regular spot as the number one.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Duane Ofori-Acheampong returned from suspension in the 0-0 draw with Hendon making his first start since rejoining the club. Whilst Oliver Box made a substitute appearance after recovering from injury. New signing, Michael Olarewaju was also selected for his first start as Adrian Pennock made three changes. The Darts were the better side, but yet again couldn’t find the vital breakthrough even after Jeremiah Pinder’s red card. The draw leaves Dartford in ninth position in the Isthmian Premier League.

Pennock thought it was a ‘good’ 0-0 against Hendon, who were in fifth place before kick-off. The Dartford boss was delighted with his team, he commented: “I thought it was an excellent performance. Going down to ten men after five minutes of the second half, the lads were absolutely unbelievable”. Despite a barren spell of results and in front of goal, he is confident results will improve, he added: “This is our ninth game of the season, arguably we’ve had two poor performances, Dover was obviously poor and Tuesday night I wasn’t happy with either (Billericay Town). Other than that, we’ve been in games where we’ve outplayed our opponents but have not had the rub of the green, that will change”.

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Looking towards the EFL Trophy could give Dartford an indication of the sort of side Bromley manager Andy Woodman will select. The Ravens have fielded a mixture of squad players and youngsters in their two group games in the competition. Bromley earned two points in the 3-3 draw with Cambridge United as they won 4-3 on penalties. The Ravens followed that up with a 3-2 loss against Chelsea’s under 21 side.

In their debut Football League campaign Bromley are currently in 20th. The newly promoted side got off to a great start in League Two with a pair of 2-0 wins over Harrogate Town and AFC Wimbledon. Sandwiched between those victories, the Ravens were knocked out in their debut League Cup match against the Dons. Since then, Woodman’s side have failed to win in ninety minutes, a run of ten games. However, the last three outings have all been draws versus Milton Keynes Dons, Chesterfield and Fleetwood Town.

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford (WLLLLD) Bromley (LLLDDD)
Hendon H 0-0 Fleetwood Town A 0-0
Billericay Town A 0-4 Chesterfield H 2-2
Dulwich Hamlet (FAT) H 0-1 Milton Keynes Dons H 1-1
Worthing (FAC) A 1-3 Chelsea U21 (EFT) H 2-3
Bowers & Pitsea H 1-2 Grimsby Town A 0-1
Leatherhead (FAC) H 2-0 Notts County H 2-4
FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy / EFT – EFL Trophy

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 26 / Bromley wins: 28 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 5 – 1 Bromley (28/11/2023 – Kent Senior Cup)
Bromley 3 – 4 Dartford (08/11/2014 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 4 – 2 Bromley ( 12/01/2013– F.A Trophy)
Bromley 1 – 2 Dartford (09/04/2012 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Bromley (29/10/2011 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 3 – 1 Bromley (29/08/2011 – National South)

Statistics

  • The Darts have won 11, lost 10 and drawn 5 against Bromley in the Kent Senior Cup
  • Dartford have won the last two Kent Senior Cup ties against Bromley, which includes the final in May 2011
  • The last three meetings between the two sides have seen 19 goals (6.33 per game). The last seven Kent Senior Cup games have seen 34 goals (4.85 per match)

On This Day

Dartford have won their last two games on 15 October both against Tonbridge Angels. Two years ago Sam Odaudu and Samir Carruthers featured in a 2-0 win at Princes Park. Carruthers scored directly from a corner and Pierre Fonkeu wrapped up victory. In 2016, the Darts defeated the Angels in the fourth qualifying round of the F.A Cup. Alex Brown, Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook all netted in the 3-0 win. In another F.A Cup tie five years earlier the Darts won 2-1 at Cray Wanderers with Ryan Hayes and Danny Harris scoring. In 1969, Dartford ran out 3-1 winners against Bromley in the Kent Floodlight League.

Dartford v Hendon

Dartford will search for their first win in almost a month when they host Hendon this Saturday.

The Darts started well this season, but victories have ran dry recently and they are on a run of four straight defeats. Adrian Pennock will be hoping to stop the downward trend after his side returned to the Isthmian Premier in the summer. The Greens also returned to the division after spending six years in the Southern Premier South. The Middlesex club have settled in well sitting in fifth place, but are waiting for a first away win in the league.

On Tuesday night, for a second game in a row a former Dartford player came back to haunt his old team. Two minutes into the game Tom Bender headed Billericay Town in front from a corner. The unbeaten Blues scored again before the interval, another corner was nodded in by Frankie Merrifield. Things didn’t improve in the second half as the hosts doubled the score. Moses Emmanuel netted just past the hour and a Matt Johnson in the final ten minutes. The Darts have now conceded 12 in last three away games, nine in the last two league matches on the road.

Matt Kerbey returned in goal for his last game for the club replacing Jacob Marsden, Pennock’s only change to the starting line up. Kerbey will go back to his parent club Sutton United. Oliver Box was recovering from a groin injury, but is hopeful of a return this weekend. Duane Ofori-Acheampong served the last of his three match ban and will be available again. Other departures this week include Ben Allen, who made just ten substitute appearances since joining in the summer and Sam Caiger.

New signings Ade Yusuff and Michael Olarewaju were named on the bench on Tuesday night and made their debuts. Forward, Yusuff has enjoyed successful spells with last season’s Isthmian Premier champions Hornchurch and with Folkestone Invicta in the past. Defender, Olarewaju was at Dover Athletic and Eastbourne Borough last term.

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

It was only six months ago when the two sides met in the London Senior Cup semi-final. Pennock named a predominately academy squad, which included George Whitefield, Box and Jeremiah Pinder. Hendon’s Joe White stood out with a four goal haul as the Greens went on to win 6-3. Daniel Matsuzaka and Kai Brosnan scored the other goals for the hosts. Louie Atkins, Finley Sillince and Box netted for the Darts.

Princes Park first hosted this fixture when it was still in its infancy. Two years after Dartford’s homecoming the two sides met in December 2008. The Isthmian Premier League fixture was decided by an unlikely source. Tommy Osbourne scored three times in 258 appearances for the Darts and one of those goals was in the 1-0 victory against Hendon. Dartford approached the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season as Isthmian Division One North champions. The Darts were humbled 3-0 with Brian Haule, James Bent and Chris Bangura scoring for the Greens.

The following campaign witnessed Dartford take the Isthmian Premier title. Tony Burman’s side completed a double over Hendon winning at home 5-0 in September 2009. Rob Haworth opened the scoring and Lee Burns doubled the lead. Jay May grabbed a second half brace and in the final minute Lee Noble completed the rout. The penultimate game of that campaign was a closer affair. Danny Harris scored both goals in a 2-1 victory.

Apart for 14 years, the two sides reconvene this weekend. Dartford have gone full circle climbing up to the top of non-league before slipping back into step three. Hendon are in their 46th consecutive season at the same level. As for Mert Apat the wait to meet up with the Middlesex club again is not quite as long. The defender could face his former side having played eight games for the Greens last season.

Last term Hendon recorded their highest finish in the Southern Premier South during their six-season tenure. Drawing the most games in the division, the greens had to settle for tenth place. However, they had success in the F.A Trophy reaching the last 16 for the first time in 25 years. On the weekend they started a new journey in the competition hoping to repeat that achievement. Top scorer Brosnan netted a first half hat-trick in the third qualifying round against Bedford Town. The forward took his tally to eight in all competitions helping the Greens to a 5-1 win. Billie Busari and Niko Muir also got on the scoresheet guiding Hendon into the first round.

In the league, Brosnan scored a goal in each of the opening five fixtures. Hendon started the season with a 2-1 win over newly promoted Bowers and Pitsea. Their first game on the road ended in defeat at Dulwich Hamlet. Leading up to a F.A Cup victory over Whitehawk, the Greens beat Cray Wanderers, drew with Bognor Regis Town and secured three points versus Cheshunt. September saw Hendon exit both the F.A Cup and London Senior Cup. Whilst in the league they picked up a draw at Chatham Town, lost to Folkestone Invicta and won against Cray Valley Paper Mills.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWLLL) Hendon (WDWDLW)
Billericay Town A 0-4 Cray Valley (PM) H 1-0
Bowers & Pitsea H 1-2 Folkestone Invicta A 0-2
Dover Athletic A 1-5 Chatham Town A 2-2
Chatham Town H 3-1 Cheshunt H 2-0
Carshalton Town A 1-0 Bognor Regis Town A 2-2
Canvey Island H 2-0 Cray Wanderers H 3-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Hendon wins: 3 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Hendon 6 – 3 Dartford (23/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Hendon 1 – 2 Dartford (22/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 5 – 0 Hendon (05/09/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 0 Hendon (06/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Hendon 3 – 0 Dartford (16/08/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 3 Hendon (08/11/1952 – F.A Cup)

Statistics

  • Dartford’s defeat in last season’s London Senior Cup semi-final ended a run of three consecutive victories against Hendon
  • The Darts have won both fixtures at Princes Park scoring six without reply
  • Dartford are hoping to avoid a third consecutive home defeat in all competitions for the first time since November 2023.

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last seven games on 12 October. Tony Burman was the interim manager in 2019 after the departures of Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle in early September. In his last game before Steve King took charge, Burman led the Darts to a 1-0 away win over Oxford City, Ben Greenhalgh scoring the only goal of the game. In 2013, Dartford left it late on the road to draw 2-2 with Hereford in the National League. Lee Noble converted Matt Godden’s cross in the first half. The Bulls hit back with strikes from Kevin Krans and Ross Dyer. A point was rescued when Uche Ibemere headed in a Ryan Hayes cross.

An F.A Cup epic was played out on this day in 2010. The third qualifying round replay with Canvey Island went all the way under the Princes Park lights. Danny Harris, Carl Rook and Paul Goodacre scored for the Darts in a 3-3 draw. The seemingly never ending penalty shoot out finally came to a conclusion with Dartford running out 9-8 winners.

Billericay Town v Dartford

Dartford return to Isthmian Premier action on Tuesday night when they visit unbeaten Billericay Town.

The Darts have lost their last two league games, most recently a fortnight ago. Since then they have exited both the F.A Cup and F.A Trophy. Billericay Town have had a solid start and are second, four points behind the leaders. Yet it is Dartford who have come out on top in this fixture winning the previous five.

Two second half goals earned the Darts maximum points at the New Lodge in April 2022. A slick move ended with former Blue, Jake Robinson crossing for Jack Jebb to finish from close range. A calmly taken side footed volley from Marcus Dinanga doubled the lead in the 2-0 win. The reverse fixture four months earlier was decided by Robinson’s goal after ten minutes.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts are going through a tricky spell. After winning four of their opening five matches they fell to consecutive league defeats. A heavy loss versus Dover Athletic was followed by a poor result against Bowers and Pitsea. At least between those games the Darts beat Leatherhead in the cup, but that’s their only win in the last five.

Despite losing 3-1 in the F.A Cup to Worthing, Adrian Pennock was pleased with the performance against higher league opponents. Therefore the Dartford boss stuck to the same starting eleven on Saturday against Dulwich Hamlet in the F.A Trophy. Oliver Box was unavailable with a groin injury and Duane Ofori-Acheampong with a suspension. The striker will serve the last of his three match ban on Tuesday night.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts were undone by a former player when Luke Wanadio scored the only goal of the game. Pennock’s side looked dominant in the first half but were wasteful in front of goal. Unable to find a way through they were punished on 53 minutes by Wanadio. Dartford drew a blank and went out at the first hurdle in the F.A Trophy for a third year in a row. With that result, Callum Jones’ run of scoring in four consecutive home games came to an end. The striker will be hoping to get back on the scoresheet against his former club on Tuesday night.

New signing Ade Yusuff will be available after joining on dual registration from Isthmian Premier champions Hornchurch. The striker had 33 goal involvements in 49 games with the Essex club. The 30 year old also hit 95 goals in 183 appearances for Folkestone Invicta over two spells.

Hoping they won’t be haunted by former players again, the Darts will have to be on their guard. Midfielder, Tyrell Miller-Rodney spent last season at Princes Park making 35 appearances and scoring three goals. Tom Bender has previously netted against Dartford whilst at St Albans City. The defender spent the 2014/2015 season with the Darts appearing 20 times. Jay Porter came through the academy at Princes Park and he played four times for the first team over ten years ago. Whilst Ade Azeez is returning from a long term injury. The striker scored 18 goals during the 2021/2022 for Dartford.

On the weekend, Gary McCann’s side were also knocked out of the F.A Trophy. Drawn away to Southern Premier South’s Chertsey Town, the Blues were taken to spot kicks. Ashley Nzala opened the scoring for Billericay Town, but his goal was cancelled out by William Montague. The hosts went through with a 6-5 penalty shoot out victory.

Last season Billericay Town narrowly missed out on the playoffs falling three points shy of fifth place. A late run of six consecutive victories wasn’t quite enough, but the Blues ended up with the third best defence in the division. The Essex club have continued where they left off and now boast the best defence.

Three consecutive clean sheets in the league has earned goalkeeper Sam Donkin the Golden Glove award for September. Billericay Town’s defence have conceded just five in the Isthmian Premier this term. One of this season’s favourites to be challenging for promotion, the Blues won their opening game before three consecutive draws. In their last four league outings only Cray Valley Paper Mills have taken any points from them. Victories over Hashtag United, Folkestone Invicta and Bognor Regis Town leave the Blues in a healthy position.

Current League Form

Dartford (LWWWLL) Billericay Town (DDWWDW)
Bowers & Pitsea H 1-2 Bognor Regis Town H 4-0
Dover Athletic A 1-5 Cray Valley (PM) A 0-0
Chatham Town H 3-1 Folkestone Invicta A 3-0
Carshalton Town A 1-0 Hashtag United H 2-1
Canvey Island H 2-0 Cheshunt A 1-1
Potters Bar Town H 0-1 Dover Athletic H 1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Billericay Town wins: 2 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

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)
Dartford 3 – 2 Billericay Town (14/12/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Billericay Town (22/04/2019 – National South)
Billericay Town 1 – 1 Dartford (15/09/2018 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won their last five games against Billericay Town keeping clean sheets in the last three
  • The Darts have won twice at New Lodge in their first and last visits (D1, L1)
  • Adrian Pennock has made just seven changes to the starting eleven this season. Seven players have started every game for Dartford this term in all competitions.

On This Day

Duane Ofori-Acheampong found the back of the net twice on a glorious afternoon in Cornwall eight years ago. The Darts came away with a rare away victory at Truro City and did it in some style. Keaton Wood set the tone on three minutes and Andy Pugh added a second. Ofori-Acheampong scored either side of the interval and Alex Brown made it 5-0. Dartford’s last fixture on this day was two years when they beat Dulwich Hamlet 2-1. Samir Carruthers netted a penalty and Charlie Sheringham grabbed the winner.

Dartford v Dulwich Hamlet

One cup campaign ends and a new one begins when Dartford host Dulwich Hamlet in the F.A Trophy this weekend.

The Darts saw their F.A Cup run come to a halt last Saturday, but now they turn their attention to the F.A Trophy. Starting in the qualifying round for the first time in five years, Dartford are looking for their first victory in the competition since January 2022 having lost the last three. In the previous two campaigns the Darts were knocked out at the first hurdle. Dulwich Hamlet have participated in at least the first round for the last six years so will want to avoid an early exit.

Dartford are defending an unbeaten home record against Dulwich Hamlet having won three and drawn three since their first competitive meeting in 1996, when the two sides were paired up in the F.A Trophy third qualifying round. The Darts were in the Southern League South and Hamlet in the Isthmian Premier, a division above. In the days when Dartford shared a ground with Erith and Belvedere they held Hamlet to a 0-0 draw at Park View, five days later the Darts lost 3-1 in the replay.

Jordan Wynter was part of the Dartford team that last played against Dulwich Hamlet in April 2023. Versatile in defence or midfield, Wynter made 191 appearances prior switching allegiances in May. The only current player in Pennock’s team to have featured in that matchday squad was Samir Carruthers, but the midfielder was an unused substitute. Alex Wall had one of his good days scoring his first ever league hat-trick to reach a century of career goals. Harvey Bradbury added a fourth towards the end of the match as the Darts ran out 4-0 winners and extended their unbeaten run against Dulwich Hamlet to six.

The win at Princes Park completed a double over Hamlet that season after Dartford won 2-1 at Champion Hill in October 2022. The visitors had to come from behind and were made to work for the three points when Nana Owusu put Dulwich Hamlet in front. On the stroke of half-time Marvin Herschel won a penalty and Carruthers equalised from the spot. It took Dartford until six minutes from time to find the decisive breakthrough when Charlie Sheringham headed home.

Whilst the opening month of the campaign yielded five victories in six outings, form has dipped recently. Dartford approach the F.A Trophy tie on the back of three defeats in their four games last month. A heavy defeat at Dover Athletic was followed up by avoiding a F.A Cup upset against Leatherhead. The Tanners had beaten Dulwich Hamlet in the previous round, so when the Darts secured a 2-0 victory, they were rewarded with last weekend’s fixture against National South side Worthing.

After defeat to bottom of the table Bowers and Pitsea, Pennock made one change to the side to face Worthing last Saturday. George Whitefield replaced Mert Apat at the back. Sam Caiger, who has been out on loan at Hitchin Town took up a place on the bench. Oliver Box missed the F.A Cup tie with a groin injury and Duane Ofori-Acheampong was suspended for receiving a red card a fortnight ago, the striker will be unavailable for the next two matches. Callum Jones is bidding to become the first Dartford player to score in five home games in a row since Elliot Bradbrook, who managed seven goals in six consecutive matches back in March and April 2017.

This weekend the Darts will need to be alert straight from kick-off after conceding early goals in the last two games. In the 2-1 defeat versus Bowers and Pitsea, the visitors took the lead after four minutes and were two up midway through the first half. At Worthing it took the Sussex side six minutes to gain an early advantage through Danny Cashman’s long range shot. In the second half, Cashman and Tommy Willard put the Rebels in command. Eddie Dsane scored a consolation for the Darts as they exited the competition with a 3-1 loss. However, the scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story as the Darts hit the woodwork three times.

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Despite exiting the F.A Cup, Pennock enjoyed the performance. After the game he spoke to Dartford FC TV and commented: “I thought we were outstanding, but that’s what is frustrating about us, we’re inconsistent. We didn’t whimper out of the F.A Cup, we had a right old go and I couldn’t have asked for anymore, I’m so proud of the boys”.

The Dartford boss is optimistic about the future, he said: “Because we’re a new squad it’ll take time to gel, but if we take this form into the league then we will have a good season, I really do believe that”. Looking towards the F.A trophy tie, he added: “I think it will be a cracking game. We’re at home, so we will hopefully put on another good performance and this time get a little bit of luck. We know it’s going to be difficult because they are a good side as well”.

Captain, Josh Hill has started every game for the Darts this season and his 77th appearance for the club is likely to come against a former side. The central defender left Princes Park for Champion Hill in June 2022. After a couple of loan spells he moved on to Hemel Hempstead Town before joining Dartford this summer for a third spell.

On the other side of the divide, Hamlet could have up to four players involved who have previously worn the Dartford shirt, including the aforementioned Wynter. Luke Wanadio was a tricky winger for the Darts appearing 99 times and scoring 18, he is Hamlet’s top scorer this term with eight goals in all competitions and won the club’s golden boot last season. George Porter scored six in 37 appearances for the Darts in 2021/2022 and Danny Mills scored seven in 26 games whilst on loan in 2017/2018.

Dulwich Hamlet were in league action instead on Saturday having been knocked out of the F.A Cup. Hakan Hayrettin’s side also came unstuck against Bowers and Pitsea finding themselves four down with just half an hour played. Former Dartford academy player Alfie Evans followed up his Princes Park brace a week earlier with another as the Essex side won 4-1.

On Tuesday night, Hamlet travelled to newly promoted Chichester City and picked up a point in a 0-0 draw. That leaves them in sixth place and two points ahead of the Darts in tenth.

Current Form

Dartford (WWLWLL) Dulwich Hamlet (DLWWLD)
Worthing (FAC) A 1-3 Chichester City A 0-0
Bowers & Pitsea H 1-2 Bowers & Pitsea A 1-4
Leatherhead (FAC) H 2-0 Horsham H 5-2
Dover Athletic A 1-5 Canvey Island A 3-2
Marlow Town (FAC) H 6-2 Leatherhead (FAC) A 0-1
Chatham Town H 3-1 Leatherhead (FAC) H 2-2
(FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Dulwich Hamlet wins: 3 / Draws: 4

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (01/04/2023 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 1 – 2 Dartford (08/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (08/01/2022 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 0 – 2 Dartford (28/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (25/01/2020 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 1 – 1 Dartford (07/12/2019 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won four of their last five matches against Dulwich Hamlet (D1)
  • The Darts are unbeaten at home in all competitions versus Hamlet (W4, D3
  • Callum Jones has scored in four consecutive home matches, the first Dartford player to do that since Darren McQueen (December 2019 to January 2020)
  • Dartford have failed to score in their last three F.A Trophy ties

On This Day

Tony Burman was back in charge in a cup game on this day in 2019. Charlie Sheringham scored twice in a 4-1 F.A Cup third qualifying round tie at Blackfield and Langley. Luke Allen and Adam Cunnington also scored in the New Forest. Three years earlier, the Darts beat Cray Wanderers 2-0 in the Kent Senior Cup first round with goals from Andy Pugh and Duane Ofori-Acheampong. Dartford’s only F.A Trophy game on 5 October came in 2002 when they lost 2-0 at Salisbury City in the preliminary round.

Worthing v Dartford

Dartford will need to cause an upset to progress in the F.A Cup when they visit Worthing this weekend.

If the Darts achieve the feat of knocking out higher league opposition, they will make it through to the fourth qualifying round for the first time in three years. The Rebels ended a 24 year wait to reach the first round last season and will be favourites going into Saturday’s tie.

These two clubs have history in the competition having played five times previously. Drawn against each other on four occasions, Dartford lead the head-to-head record winning in the last F.A Cup game between the pair back in 2009. Hopefully preparations will be smoother this time for the Dartford players who were held up when travelling to Woodside Road 15 years ago. Luckily the delays didn’t affect the result and goals from Elliot Bradbrook and Jay May led to a 2-1 win, Jamie Brotherton scored a consolation for Worthing.

Worthing’s only F.A Cup triumph over the Darts rewarded the Sussex club with a second round tie with Oxford United. Dartford were beaten 2-1 on the road in 1982 despite Paul Lazarus giving the visitors a half time lead. The Rebels came from behind to set a club record run in the competition, a record that remains today. The two other ties came back in the twenties with Dartford winning at home 3-0 in a fourth qualifying round match in 1927. Six years earlier the pair drew 0-0 in Sussex before the Darts won the first qualifying round replay 1-0.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In recent history Dartford have faced Worthing in the National South over the previous two campaigns. The last visit to Woodside Road finished in an entertaining 4-3 victory to the Darts just over a year ago. Danny Cashman put the hosts ahead, then in the space of 15 minutes at the end of the first half Dartford were 3-1 to the good. Alex Wall, Luke Coulson and Jordan Wynter scored to put the visitors in control. The hosts fought back through Ricky Aguiar and Ollie Pearce. However, with six minutes to go Tyrell Miller-Rodney scored the winner.

Yet it is Worthing that have the upper hand winning the other three league meetings. In August 2022 they came from behind at Princes Park. Connor Essam gave Dartford an early lead, but second-half goals from Callum Kealy and a last-minute Joel Colbran effort handed the Rebels the win. The reverse fixture was more comfortable for Worthing as they led through an own goal, then Pearce and former Dart, Davide Rodari made it 3-0. The last meeting five months ago also finished 2-1 to the Sussex side. Once again, the Rebels turned a goal deficit around after Luke Coulson’s penalty. Bradley Dologhan and Kane Wills struck for Worthing putting the Darts on the brink of relegation.

Dartford’s F.A Cup run is a distraction from the Isthmian Premier after suffering back to back league defeats. In between the 5-1 loss at Dover Athletic, the Darts navigated a second qualifier against Leatherhead. Last weekend they were undone by bottom side Bowers and Pitsea and a former academy player. Alfie Evans scored twice in the first half for the Essex club, whilst Callum Jones scored in his fourth consecutive home match in the 2-1 home loss.

Adrian Pennock was without Oliver Box (groin), but selected an unchanged side to the team that beat Leatherhead. Returning to action after a pre-season injury Duane Ofori-Acheampong made a substitute appearance only to be sent off after the final whistle, the striker will now face a suspension.

Worthing have been renowned for high scoring matches since reaching the National South. In their two full campaigns at that level they have scored 196 goals and conceded 144. This season, on the opening day against Weston-super-Mare that trend continued as they come from three goals down to win 4-3, getting off to a good start to life without the talismanic Pearce. The former Rebel left in the summer to join former manager Adam Hinshelwood at York City. The striker scored over 30 league goals in each of his last three seasons.

Consecutive draws followed before a 5-0 humbling at Truro City, but the Rebels ended August with a 3-2 victory over Hampton and Richmond Borough. This month has seen Worthing pick up five points from three league games drawing in their previous two National South outings against AFC Hornchurch and last weekend versus Weymouth. Prior the pair of draws they beat to Boreham Wood.

Story so far…

First Qualifying Round
Dartford 6 – 2 Marlow
A convincing victory over the Southern South side eased Dartford into the next round. Eddie Dsane put the hosts in front and just before the break Oliver Box doubled the lead. Box added another shortly after the interval. Marlow pulled a goal back from the spot before Ben Allen scored his first goals for the Darts either side of the away side’s second. Wrapping up the win, Callum Jones added a sixth.

Second Qualifying Round
Dartford 2 – 0 Leatherhead
Jones took advantage of a goalkeeping error to get Dartford of the mark in the second qualifying round. Following up a spilt effort, the striker pounced to make to put the Darts one up. Dsane secured a passage into the next round when he calmly finished a wonderful Samir Carruthers assist.

Worthing 3 – 2 Havant and Waterlooville
Muhammadu Faal scored against his former club as Worthing scraped past lower league opposition Havant and Waterlooville. The Hawks, relegated with Dartford last term, opened the scoring through Keane Anderson. The hosts were level in the second half when Jack Spong made it one each. Moments later Ryan Seager scrambled the Hampshire side in front, then the Rebels left it to the final five minutes. Tommy Willard and Faal completed the comeback to put Worthing’s name into the hat

Current Form

Dartford (WWWLWL) Worthing (LWWDWD)
Bowers & Pitsea H 1-2 Weymouth A 1-1
Leatherhead (FAC) H 2-0 Havant & Waterlooville (FAC) H 3-2
Dover Athletic A 1-5 AFC Hornchurch H 0-0
Marlow Town (FAC) H 6-2 Boreham Wood A 2-1
Chatham Town H 3-1 Hampton & Richmond A 3-2
Carshalton Athletic A 1-0 Truro City A 0-5
(FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Worthing wins: 4 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Worthing (09/04/2024 – National South)
Worthing 3 – 4 Dartford (14/11/2023 – National South)
Worthing 3 – 0 Dartford (28/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Worthing (27/08/2022 – National South)
Worthing 1 – 2 Dartford (26/09/2009 – F.A Cup)
Worthing 2 – 1 Dartford (20/11/1982 – F.A Cup)

Statistics

  • Four of the last five fixtures between Dartford and Worthing have been won by the away side.
  • The Darts have won 3, drew 1 and lost 1 in F.A Cup games versus the Rebels
  • Dartford have won nine out of their last 11 away F.A Cup games. Only Oxford City in 2018 and AFC Sudbury in 2021 have beaten the Darts in those matches.

On This Day

An Emmanuel Sonupe double helped Dartford into the London Senior Cup second round on this day three years ago. The Darts beat Athletic Newham 5-2 with the other goals coming from George Porter and Dan Roberts. In Dartford’s last away fixture on 28 September they beat Essex League side Ford United 1-0 in the second qualifying round of the F.A Cup back in 1991. Only two other F.A Cup ties involving the Darts were played on this day. Dartford went out to Staines Town in 1997 and beat rivals Maidstone United in 1912.

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