Author: Stuart Maidment (Page 11 of 35)

Dartford v Hendon

October 11, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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.

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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

October 7, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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

October 4, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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.

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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

September 26, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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.

Dartford v Bowers and Pitsea

September 20, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford welcome Bowers and Pitsea to Princes Park for the very first time on the weekend in the Isthmian Premier.

The new look Darts started promisingly this season winning four of their opening five games before progress was curtailed in their last league outing. A heavy defeat at Kent rivals Dover Athletic may have been a setback, but the Darts bounced back in the F.A Cup last Saturday reaching the third qualifying round for the first time in three years.

This weekend’s opponents, Bowers and Pitsea were promoted via the Isthmian North playoffs returning to the Premier at the first time of asking. The Essex side have picked up a solitary draw this term, are searching for their first points on the road and suffered a cup exit last time out.

A home victory was just the tonic for the Darts when they took on Isthmian South Central side Leatherhead a week ago. Adrian Pennock made three changes to the team that were beaten at Dover Athletic bringing in Jacob Marsden, who made his long awaited debut and kept his first clean sheet since joining from Chelmsford City in the summer. The goalkeeper picked up an injury in pre-season resulting in loanee Matt Kerbey’s selection for the opening seven games. Samir Carruthers made his first start since following Marsden over the Thames and returning to Princes Park, whilst Mert Apat was also back in the side. Former Bowers and Pitsea striker Duane Ofori-Acheampong is still yet to feature this season after his pre-season injury.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

It was another of the former Chelmsford City players who got Dartford on the move against Leatherhead. Goalkeeping errors played a part in the Kent derby loss seven days earlier, but it was Dartford’s turn to benefit from a costly error. Leatherhead’s Sonny Wheeler spilled Eddie Dsane’s long range effort and Callum Jones followed up the rebound. Heading towards the break Carruthers displayed his creativity with a precise through ball to Dsane who calmly added another, his fourth in his last five matches. The strike duo have both netted in each of their last three home appearances.

Roland Edge felt Dartford deserved the win and was particularly pleased with Carruthers who he described as ‘class’. He also praised the patience of Marsden after recovery from a pre-season groin injury and biding his time since. The assistant manager was delighted with the team’s mindset, which was completely different to a week earlier. The strike partnership of Jones and Dsane impressed and the pair drew plaudits for the work off the ball as much as their current scoring form.

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Post match interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford now return their focus to the league before their third qualifying tie away at National South side Worthing. Edge looked ahead to this weekend’s home game and told Dartford FC TV: “First and foremost you know the league is what you want to win. You want to get into at least the playoffs and push for success. We’re looking forward to getting Bowers and Pitsea here and putting on a show”.

Meanwhile, Bowers and Pitsea were knocked out of the F.A Cup against Southern Premier Central side Biggleswade Town. Bowers were slow out of the blocks and after just two minutes found themselves a goal down. A failed clearance fell to Marcus Gouldbourne who fired in the top corner to put the Waders ahead. It looked like the Essex club rescued the tie with Jacob Brand heading an equaliser four minutes from time. However, the hosts dusted themselves down and from a corner Cyrus Babaie provided the sucker punch with a header sending Bowers out of the competition.

So far this season, Bowers and Pitsea’s only victory on the road was an impressive scalp in the previous round at Billericay Town. Whilst Bowers approached the game winless, Ricay were unbeaten. Rohdell Gordon opened the scoring in the first-half for the visitors. Former Dartford midfielder Tyrell Miller-Rodney equalised on his Billericay Town debut. The tie was decided ten minutes from time when Valckx Fernandes headed home the winner.

In the league, Bowers and Pitsea’s only point was picked up in their first home game. Having lost the opening fixture of the campaign 2-1 at Hendon, Bowers drew 1-1 with Cheshunt. Since then they have lost four consecutive matches in the Isthmian Premier to Chatham Town, Whitehawk, Canvey Island and most recently Potters Bar Town.

New signing Alfie Evans made his debut as a substitute in the 1-0 loss at Potters Bar Town. The former Dartford academy graduate was a promotion winner with Phoenix Sports before moving to Cray Wanderers almost a year ago, then on to Bowers and Pitsea. Former Chatham Town boss James Collins made more moves in the transfer market prior their defeat to the Scholars. Former Hashtag United striker, Alex Teniola arrived from Walthamstow after a very short spell with Cray Wanderers and Jack Turner has arrived on loan from Chelmsford City.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWWWL)			Bowers and Pitsea (LDLLLL)
Dover Athletic	A	1-5	Potters Bar Town	A	0-1
Chatham Town	H	3-1	Canvey Island	H	1-2
Carshalton Athletic	A	1-0	Whitehawk	A	1-2
Canvey Island	H	2-0	Chatham Town	H	0-2
Potters Bar Town	H	0-1	Cheshunt	H	1-1
Cray Valley Paper Mills	A	2-1	Hendon	A	1-2

Statistics

Dartford have won their last four home games in all competitions
The Darts have kept two clean sheets in the last two home matches having kept just one in the previous 17.
Callum Jones and Eddie Dsane are the first players to score in three consecutive home games for the Darts since Jake Robinson (November 2021 to January 2022)

On This Day

Dartford have won their previous three games at home on this day without conceding. The last outing on 21 September on their own patch was a 3-0 victory over Kidderminster Harriers in the National League. Jason Prior netted from close range, Elliot Bradbrook slotted home a second and Danny Harris sealed all three points.

Watling Street was the venue for the previous two home fixtures with the Darts beating Burton Albion 2-0 in the Southern League back in 1991. Whilst 56 years ago Dartford won 4-0 in the F.A Cup first qualifying round against Hornchurch.

In the same competition the Darts progressed under Tony Burman to the third qualifying round five years ago. Winning on the road at Horsham, Darren McQueen scored late in the first-half and Luke Allen in the final minute of the tie.

Dartford v Leatherhead

September 12, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford hope to continue their run in the F.A Cup by overcoming Leatherhead at Princes Park this Saturday.

The Darts will be determined to avoid an upset against the Isthmian South Central side and put their heavy derby defeat behind them. Leatherhead are on their fifth cup game already. Having started in the F.A Cup preliminary round, the Tanners also began their F.A Trophy campaign last weekend.

Adrian Pennock named an unchanged side for a fourth consecutive match against rivals Dover Athletic last time out. The Dartford boss could make some changes to the starting eleven after his side fell to a 5-1 away defeat. Costly mistakes helped the hosts race into a half-time lead and after the break they went four goals up. Jeremiah Pinder’s fine strike was merely a consolation, but it was the academy graduate’s maiden goal for the first team. There was still time for Dover Athletic to net a fifth on a disappointing afternoon for the Darts. With the run of four consecutive wins coming to an end, Dartford dropped to fifth in the league.

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Post match interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Luther Williams has started every game for the Darts since joining from Leatherhead in the summer. The defender could face his old side, so could striker Eddie Dsane who played for the Tanners during the 2019/2020 season. Meanwhile, Duane Ofori-Acheampong is still recovering from his pre-season injury and yet to feature since rejoining Dartford.

Brendon Cass scored twice last time the Darts played Leatherhead 17 years ago. After shifting from the Isthmian Division One South to the North, Dartford hosted the Tanners in the F.A Cup preliminary round as equals. Tom Bradbrook also found the back of the net in the 3-0 victory. Tony Burman’s side went two more rounds before going out to higher non-league opponents Bromley.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

A season earlier Dartford and Leatherhead were in the same division and it remains the only time the pair have met in the league. On both occasions the away team brought home maximum points. Leatherhead were the last side to play the Darts in a league fixture before the Princes Park homecoming and the Tanners won 2-1, Cass scoring for the hosts. The reverse match almost a month later saw Dartford win 1-0, this time Jay May netted the winner.

In this season’s F.A Cup, a convincing 6-2 win over Marlow eased the Darts into the second qualifying round. Scoring in his third consecutive appearance, Dsane put Dartford in front at Princes Park. Just before the break Oliver Box got off the mark for the campaign by doubling the lead moments later. Then early in the second half Box added another. 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 victory, Callum Jones grabbed his second in as many games.

Leatherhead have negotiated through two rounds this term under the guidance of former F.A Cup winner Ian Selley. The ex Arsenal midfielder lifted the cup in 1993 when the Gunners beat Sheffield Wednesday in a replay. It was his current club who needed a replay a fortnight ago after the Tanners drew 2-2 at Dulwich Hamlet. Leatherhead came from behind with goals from Seb Karczewski, but a late leveller forced the two sides to battle it out again days later. The F.A Cup upset was completed in the rematch when Tom Kavanagh converted from the spot with five minutes remaining.

In the preliminary round Leatherhead were drawn against Isthmian South East side Sevenoaks Town. Two well taken strikes from Deondre Date and Marco Haigh were enough to see the Surrey side through. Date was also the match winner last weekend for the Tanners in their 1-0 F.A Trophy triumph over Hayes and Yeading United.

Cup runs have meant little action in the league for the Tanners. Prior to their scheduled trip to Guernsey on Wednesday, Leatherhead had picked up just one point from their opening three Isthmian South Central games. An opening day draw at Southall was followed up with defeats at home to Hartley Wintney and on the road at Selley’s former club Westfield.

The trip to the Channel Island of Guernsey was well worth it. Level on points with their opponents, the Tanners took a two goal half time lead with goals from Karczewski and Date. In the final minute Kwesi Ntim added a third to wrap up a fine evening for the Surrey side, who have now gone three consecutive matches without conceding.

Current Form

Dartford (LWWWWL)			Leatherhead (LLDWWW)
Dover Athletic	A	1-5	Guernsey	A	3-0
Marlow Town (FAC)	H	6-2	Hayes & Yeading (FAT)	A	1-0
Chatham Town	H	3-1	Dulwich Hamlet (FAC)	H	1-0
Carshalton Athletic	A	1-0	Dulwich Hamlet (FAC)	A	2-2
Canvey Island	H	2-0	Westfield	A	1-3
Potters Bar Town	H	0-1	Hartley Wintney	H	2-3
(FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Leatherhead wins: 2 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 0 Leatherhead (01/09/2007 – F.A Cup)
Leatherhead 0 – 1 Dartford (21/11/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Leatherhead (30/10/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 5 – 2 Leatherhead (09/10/2004 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 2 – 1 Leatherhead (25/01/1982 – F.A Trophy)
Leatherhead 5 – 1 Dartford (09/02/1978 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

Dartford have won all three home cup ties against Leatherhead (1982, 2004 and 2007)
In all competitions, the Darts have won the last two games against the Tanners
Dartford have exited the F.A Cup at the second qualifying round stage in three of the last fours seasons
Leatherhead have reached this stage for the first time in three years and it’s been six years since the Tanners made it past the second qualifying round

On This Day

Dartford progressed in the F.A Cup on this day in 2003 by beating Peacehaven and Telscombe. The Darts were two divisions higher than their Sussex County Division Two opponents and won 3-0. Five years ago and early Charlie Sheringham goal set Dartford on their way to a 2-0 league victory over Concord Rangers, Alex Flisher scored the other. Dartford have won six out of nine home games on 14 September. The first ever fixture on this day back in 1895 saw the Darts win a friendly 10-0 against Pickwicks.

Dover Athletic v Dartford

September 6, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Third place Dartford take on high scoring Kent rivals Dover Athletic in the Isthmian Premier on the weekend.

The two relegated sides from the National South meet at The Crabble with the Darts looking for a seventh straight victory against the Whites. Both teams have responded well to the disappointment of dropping a division. Dartford have won five of their opening six fixtures in all competitions. Dover Athletic are the league’s top scorers and just two points behind in fourth.

Princes Park is seeing the feel good factor return and it was Dartford’s turn to bag plenty of goals last weekend in the F.A Cup. A convincing 6-2 win over Marlow eased the Darts into the second qualifying round. Scoring in his third consecutive appearance, Eddie Dsane put the hosts in front. Just before the break Oliver Box got off the mark for the campaign by doubling the lead moments later. Then early in the second half Box added another. 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 victory, Callum Jones grabbed his second in as many games.

Once again Adrian Pennock was able to name an unchanged team for a third game in a row and for the first time he used all five substitutes giving Gabe Campbell his debut. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers continued to build up his fitness since returning from injury and made his 50th Dartford appearance by coming off the bench. Striker, Duane Ofori-Acheampong is still recovering from his injury picked up in pre-season.

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Post match interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Meanwhile Dover Athletic thought they had escaped an upset against Isthmian South East side Sittingbourne with the help of goalkeeper Mitch Walker and a couple of injury time goals. The Whites were two down after 25 minutes at Woodstock Park. Henry Sinai and Ryan Kingsford put the hosts in command and they held out until the 93rd minute. The cup drama began when Walker’s deep free kick was sent towards the box and astonishingly found its way in the Sittingbourne net. Two minutes later Alfie Matthew’s saved Dover Athletic’s blushes temporarily in the 2-2 draw. Three days later Jake Leberl’s side were knocked out in the replay losing 1-0.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford completed the double over Dover Athletic last season winning 2-1 in the previous match at the Crabble. Marking his first league start for the Darts, Box scored his first league goal for the club. Destiny Oladipo equalised in the second half, but Luke Coulson netted a decisive penalty in a 2-1 triumph. The reverse fixture took place during last season’s August Bank Holiday. James Golding and Lewis Manor scored their first goals for Dartford and it could have been better had Coulson put away a penalty.

The two victories last term claimed a second double against Dover Athletic in a row. In the previous campaign Dartford won 3-1 at the Crabble scoring three first half goals. Carruthers, Coulson and Maxwell Statham put the visitors in control. Dover Athletic grabbed a consolation through Luke Baptiste. At Princes Park, Harvey Bradbury gave Dartford an early advantage that was cancelled out by Jordan Higgs prior the interval. Luke Allen settled the match inside the final ten minutes with a well taken finish.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford have taken maximum points in their two Kent derbies this term. The Darts beat newcomers Cray Valley Paper Mills on the opening day 2-1. On Bank Holiday Monday they hosted Chatham Town and won 3-1 after going a goal down.

Dover Athletic started the season with a phenomenal result thrashing Potters Bar Town 8-0, equalling the record win for the club. George Nikaj, who was ruled out of Tuesday’s defeat through injury, took home the match ball with a hat-trick and is already on eight goals for the season in just five matches. However, the Whites followed up the rout with a Kent derby defeat in their opening home game against Folkestone Invicta and a draw on the road at Billericay Town.

Since dropping points Dover Athletic picked up maximum points over the Bank Holiday weekend taking their goal tally to 19, nine more than anyone else. This time Ruben Soares-Junior scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 victory over newly promoted Chichester City. Then two days later the Whites went to Horsham and claimed a 3-1 triumph.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWWW)			Dover Athletic (WLDWW)
Chatham Town	H	3-1	Horsham	A	3-1
Carshalton Athletic	A	1-0	Chichester City	H	5-2
Canvey Island	H	2-0	Billericay Town	A	1-1
Potters Bar Town	H	0-1	Folkestone Invicta	H	2-3
Cray Valley Paper Mills	A	2-1	Potters Bar Town	A	8-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 18 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (17/02/2024 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Dover Athletic (28/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National South)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (13/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

Dartford have won their last six matches against Dover Athletic in all competitions
The Darts have won the last two league games at the Crabble having won just twice in the previous nine league visits (D4, L3)
Dartford have lost just one of the last ten in the league against the Whites (D1, L1)
The Darts have conceded the fewest goals in the league (3). Dover Athletic are the top scorers (19)

On This Day

Reigning Southern Premier League champions and F.A Trophy runners up, Dartford played the previous incarnation of Dover fifty years ago on this day. In the season after reaching Wembley and winning the league title the Darts drew 1-1 with Dover in 1974. Dartford have failed to win their last three on this day last tasting victory on 9 September in 1997 versus Clevedon Town, 3-1 in the Southern League South. Two goalless draws followed in a Southern League Division One East fixture at Fleet Town in 2002 and a National League match at Chester in 2013. In 2019, Dartford were involved in a seven goal thriller at Princes Park losing out to Dorking Wanderers 4-3.

Dartford v Marlow

August 30, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford begin their F.A Cup campaign with a first qualifying round tie against Southern Premier League South side Marlow this weekend.

The Darts enter at this stage for the first time in 15 years and are hoping for a first F.A Cup victory since October 2021. Under previous manager Alan Dowson, Dartford failed to win in the F.A Cup. Current boss, Adrian Pennock will be desperate to avoid going out at the first hurdle. The last time that happened to the Darts in three consecutive seasons was in the fifties between 1951 and 1953.

Marlow reached the second qualifying round last season going out to Horsham in a replay. The Blues started the previous campaign at the preliminary stage beating Wallingford and Crowmarsh then AFC Croydon Athletic. The Blues did once reach the semi-final back in 1882 losing 5-0 to eventual winners Old Etonians at the Kennington Oval.

Pennock has had to wait six months for his first attempt at the F.A Cup with the Darts. His side approach the tie having picked up 12 points in their opening five Isthmian Premier League games. Dartford’s double delight over the Bank Holiday saw them climb up to third in the table showing different sides to their game against Carshalton Athletic, then in the Kent derby versus last season’s Isthmian Premier runners up Chatham Town.

Pleased with his side’s performance at Carshalton Athletic, Pennock stuck to the same starting eleven two days later. If the away victory in Surrey displayed Dartford’s grit and determination to hold on to a 1-0 lead, the home win on Monday proved his team has the character to come from behind and cause an attacking threat.

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Although Chatham Town went in front, the Darts won in the league for a third time in a row, the first time since December 2022 to January 2023. Jamie Vila put the visitors ahead and almost doubled the lead before the interval, only for goalkeeper Matt Kerbey to prevent the striker.

Sam Odaudu has been in excellent form and his 25 yard drive put Dartford on level terms early in the second half. The full back has now scored two in his last three appearances having found the net just once in 60 games previously. With six minutes to go Callum Jones fired a shot off the underside of the crossbar to put the Darts ahead. The deal was sealed in stoppage time when Eddie Dsane was fouled in the Chatham Town box. The striker took his chance from the spot to secure a 3-1 win. Dartford’s trio of goalscorers all move onto two goals for the season.

Isthmian Division One South Central runners up Marlow won promotion last term via the playoffs. Before promotion to step three, the Buckinghamshire side had been knocking on the door. The Blues lost in the playoff semi-final in 2019 and 2023, the fifth time they had missed out on a place in a playoff final in the club’s history. Finally, they made it by beating Westfield 3-2, then Leatherhead 3-1 in the final. A deserved reward for the Blues after amassing 89 points and netting 106 goals, the most scored in their division last term.

This season they are finding their feet after moving across to the Southern League. Marlow are sitting bottom with just a single point from their five outings. That draw came on the opening day against Winchester City. Since then they have fell to four consecutive defeats, the first two of those on the road at Waltham and Hersham, then Sholing.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Marlow found the back of the net for only the second time. David Tarpey scored against Poole Town, but it wasn’t enough in a 2-1 loss. The forward scored a wonder goal against the Darts, which went viral, back in December 2016 whilst playing for Maidenhead United. On Monday, the Blues registered another blank losing 2-0 to Hanwell Town.

Dartford have faced Marlow once previously in 1990. The Darts beat the Buckinghamshire side 3-1 in the Premier Inter League Cup first round. At the time a competition between the Southern, Isthmian and Northern Premier League teams.

Current Form

Dartford (WLWWW)			Marlow (DLLLL)
Chatham Town	H	3-1	Hanwell Town	A	0-2
Carshalton Athletic	A	1-0	Poole Town	H	1-2
Canvey Island	H	2-0	Sholing	A	0-1
Potters Bar Town	H	0-1	Waltham and Hersham	A	0-3
Cray Valley Paper Mills	A	2-1	Winchester City	H	1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Marlow wins: 0 / Draws: 0

Previous Meeting

Marlow 1 – 3 Dartford (09/10/1990 – Premier Inter League Cup) 

Cup Statistics

Dartford have lost seven of their last nine home F.A Cup ties. Victories came against Barking (2017) and Hythe Town (2021)
The Darts have won their last three F.A Cup first qualifying matches beating Sittingbourne in a replay (5-1 in 2007), Hastings United (3-2 in 2008) and Chipstead (6-1 in 2009)
Hastings United were the last side to knock Dartford out at the first qualifying round stage back in 2006

On This Day

Dartford’s only F.A Cup tie on this day was in 2003 when they beat Bashley 1-0 at home in the preliminary round. The Darts have won just one more cup game on 31 August, a 2-0 Southern League Cup victory over rivals Gravesend and Northfleet in 1982. In the same competition, Dartford drew 2-2 with Chelmsford City in 1965 and 1-1 against Margate the year before. Hastings United defeated the Darts 5-2 in the league cup in 1960, the two sides had also drawn 1-1 five years earlier. The last win on this day was back in 2009 when Lee Burns and Elliot Bradbrook scored in a 2-0 victory over Hornchurch. Most recently in 2019, Norman Wabo rescued a point versus Hemel Hempstead Town.

Dartford v Chatham Town

August 25, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford host their first Kent derby of the season when they face last season’s runners up Chatham Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

The two sides meet for the first time in 17 years and are are both expected to be challenging for promotion this term. The Darts are looking for a way back to the National South at the first attempt, despite making wholesale changes over the summer. The Chats missed out last time losing the playoff final.

A victory on Saturday saw Dartford move above their opponents Carshalton Athletic and into fourth. Adrian Pennock has now guided the Darts to three wins in their opening four matches, their best start in three years. Chatham Town also took maximum points on the weekend and sit two points and four places further back.

The Darts have already tasted triumph in a Kent derby beating newly promoted Cray Valley Paper Mills on the opening day. Although Pennock’s side fell to defeat in their first home game against Potters Bar Town, they bounced back with a 2-0 Princes Park win over Canvey Island.

On Saturday, Dartford travelled to unbeaten Carshalton Athletic and Eddie Dsane’s first goal for the club was enough to bring home all three points. Tyler Christian-Law was back in the side after his strike against Canvey Island replacing defender Mert Apat. Meanwhile, returning from injury Samir Carruthers was named on the bench and was introduced with just over ten minutes to go.

Duane Ofori-Acheampong remained an absentee, whilst young defender George Whitefield missed out on selection. Former West Ham United academy full back, Samuel Caiger joined the Darts after impressing on trial. The 22 year-old has returned from a long term injury and will now spend a month on loan at Southern League Premier Central side Hitchin Town.

Dsane opened his account in the first half netting a maiden goal since his move from Kingstonian in the summer. Good work from Denzelle Olopade set up the striker to give Dartford a lead inside the first twenty minutes. The Darts held off Carshalton Athletic late on with spirited defending and a good goalkeeping performance by Matt Kerbey. For the first time in a year Dartford have now kept back to back clean sheets in the league.

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Post match interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Brendon Cass was Dartford’s scorer last time this fixture was played in April 2007. However, it was to no avail as the hosts went down 3-1 in the Isthmian Division One South. The reverse fixture four months earlier went better for Tony Burman’s side as they won 3-2 thanks to goals from Ryan Hayes, Jay May and Lew Watts.

At the end of that season Dartford switched to the Isthmian Division One North and won the title at the first attempt. A couple of years later the Darts were Isthmian Premier champions. After two more campaigns they were up from the National South to the National League via the playoffs. In that same period Chatham Town remained in Isthmian Division One bouncing between the South and North divisions until relegation to the South Counties East in 2017.

Fortunes have changed with Dartford now back in step three joining Chatham Town. The catalyst for the Chats seems to be chairman and now manager Kevin Hake, who took over the club seven years ago following the drop to step five. Hake became manager after the Covid years and won consecutive promotions before almost making it three in a row last term.

Labelled as one of the favourites for the title prior to the start of the season, Chatham Town lost their opening day fixture at Lewes. At a goal down, Jamie Yila missed a late penalty for the Chats before the Rooks went on to score another. Their first home match of the season ended in a draw with another side expecting to be challenging for promotion in Billericay Town. With Chatham Town a goal down two minutes into second-half stoppage time, a point was rescued when Kofi Anokye-Boadi equalised.

Four days later two former Dartford players found the back of the net as the Chats recorded their first win of the season. Jack Evans and Rowan Liburd scored in a 2-0 victory over Bowers and Pitsea. Evans made 16 appearances for the Darts in the 2012/2013 season scoring twice. Liburd featured just three times whilst on loan in 2019/2020.

On the weekend Chatham Town hosted Dulwich Hamlet and secured a second win in a row. Yila scored his first of the season to make sure the home side went into the interval with an advantage. Three minutes into the second half former Dartford winger Luke Wanadio levelled, but the hosts restored their lead through former West Ham United striker Freddie Sears. A two goal cushion was assured when Sam Sene Richardson added a third. Maxwell Statham made his Chatham Town debut on loan from Hemel Hempstead Town and could face his former side. The ex-Dart left this summer after making 78 appearances for the club.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWW)			Chatham Town (LDWW)
Carshalton Athletic	A	1-0	Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-1
Canvey Island	H	2-0	Bowers and Pitsea	A	2-0
Potters Bar Town	H	0-1	Billericay Town	H	1-1
Cray Valley Paper Mills	A	2-1	Lewes	A	0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 30 / Chatham Town wins: 40 / Draws: 11

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 3 Chatham Town (09/04/2007 – Isthmian Division One South) Chatham Town 2 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2006 – Isthmian Division One South) Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (15/04/2006 – Southern League Div One East) Chatham Town 1 – 0 Dartford (27/09/2005 – Southern League Cup)
Chatham Town 1 – 0 Dartford (20/09/2005 – Southern League Div One East) Chatham Town 1 – 1 Dartford (16/11/2004 – Southern League Div One East)

Statistics

Dartford have won just two of the last 10 league meetings against Chatham Town (D2, L6)
The Darts have won one of their last five in the league at home versus the Chats (D1, L3)
An average of 4.33 goals per game have been scored in the last three meetings with the winning side scoring three on each occasion (W2, L1)

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last five games on 26 August winning four of them. Last season, Harvey Bradbury’s injury time winner against Aveley earned the Darts their first victory of the campaign. Hungerford Town are the only side to take points from Dartford in the unbeaten sequence. The Darts let a 2-1 lead slip with two minutes to go after Darren McQueen and Luke Wanadio both scored in the first-half at Bulpit Lane. Two Elliot Bradbrook penalties helped Dartford beat Hemel Hempstead Town 3-0 on the road in 2019, Alfie Pavey chipped in with the third. In the National League 11 years ago, Danny Harris and Kenny Clark scored in a 2-0 away win at Tamworth. In 2006, Jay May scored the only goal in a home win over Kingstonian in the Isthmian Division One South.

Carshalton Athletic v Dartford

August 23, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are on the road this weekend with a trip to unbeaten Carshalton Athletic in the Isthmian Premier.

The Darts won their opening away match, whilst the Robins were triumphant in their only home game of the season so far. Something will have to give on Saturday as the pair go head to head at Colston Avenue.

Adrian Pennock secured a second win of the campaign last time out when his side beat Canvey Island at Princes Park. The Dartford boss made two changes to the team that lost the previous home fixture 1-0 against Potters Bar Town. Defender and new signing Mert Apat made his debut, whilst Eddie Dsane started for the first time. The duo replaced George Whitefield and Tyler Christian-Law, the latter making an impact from off the bench.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A switch in formation gave the Darts impetus as they struggled to create in the first half. Moving to a more attacking 4-3-3, Pennock’s plan B worked a treat. Sam Odaudu put in a man of the match performance and scored his first ever goal at Princes Park. The full back stabbed home a volley in the second half to put Dartford ahead. Christian-Law wrapped up the points and did well to stay on his feet to take advantage of some poor defending and slot away the clincher.

After the win Odaudu spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “The good thing is that we bounced back and got the win”. Odaudu’s only other goal for the Darts was back in April 2023 at Concord Rangers, so the academy graduate was delighted with getting on the scoresheet, he added: “I don’t get many to be fair, my last one was probably about two years ago, so its always good to score”.

A first clean sheet of the season and first at home since the 3-0 victory over Torquay United in November was welcomed, he commented: “If we always get clean sheets then we’re going to draw the game at least, so that’s a good building block. With the talent we’ve got going forward we’re bound to score. As long as we stay solid then that puts us in a good position to win the game”.

Samir Carruthers is still waiting to get involved in a matchday squad. Injury has prevented the midfielder from making an appearance since returning to the club this summer. Likewise, Duane Ofori-Acheampong has been on the treatment table and has yet to make a competitive appearance since coming back to Princes Park. Goalkeeper, Jacob Marsden is waiting for his debut and after returning from injury was named as a substitute last weekend.

Dartford are unbeaten in their four previous trips to Carshalton Athletic, winning in their last three visits there. During the Isthmian Premier title winning season, the Darts convincingly won 4-0 in September 2009 with goals from Lee Burns, Jamie Day, Rob Haworth and Jamie Coyle, who also scored in 1-1 draw four months later at Princes Park.

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Highlights courtesy of sonytino

The previous season saw Dartford avenge a 3-2 home defeat in September 2008 with a 2-0 away win in December the same year. Tommy Osbourne scored a penalty before the prolific Cody McDonald put the game out of reach.

The first meetings between the two sides came in the F.A Trophy in 1991. in the days before penalty shootouts decided the winner, it took two replays for Dartford to progress to round two after drawing 0-0 away, then 1-1 at Watling Street. A return to Surrey for the third attempt saw the black and white hooped Darts win 3-2 thanks to a last minute Gary Aldous winner.

Carshalton Athletic have made an unbeaten start to their campaign, but they won’t get too carried away if they have learnt lessons from twelve months ago. The Robins went seven without defeat to begin last term with five victories and two draws. The Surrey club finished in twelfth place.

This time Peter Adeniyi’s side are hoping to maintain their promising beginnings and continue to challenge at the top end of the Isthmian Premier. Last weekend, Carshalton Athletic recorded their second win in a row, a 3-1 triumph over newly promoted Chichester City. A goal on debut by Steve Gody inside half an hour was cancelled out by Mo Jammeh’s penalty. The Robins regained the lead through Tommy Stagg who then added another to secure all three points.

Victory in Sussex followed up their maiden win of 2024/2025 at home against Wingate and Finchley. This time it was Dominic Vose who netted a brace to add to his opening day goal in the 1-1 draw with Folkestone Invicta. Vose put the Robins ahead early on and before the interval put his side two up. Although Carshalton Athletic let the lead slip, the match winner turned out to be the man who replaced Vose in the second half. Paris Hamilton-Downes followed up a rebound to make it 3-2 to the Robins.

Peter Adeniyi will be without long term absentee Kwaku Frimpong, who had a loan spell with the Darts two years ago. The midfielder made two substitute appearances and was sent off in the shock F.A Cup defeat against Beckenham Town.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLW)			Carshalton Athletic (DWW)
Canvey Island	H	2-0	Chichester City	A	3-1
Potters Bar Town	H	0-1	Wingate and Finchley	H	3-2
Cray Valley Paper Mills	A	2-1	Folkestone Invicta	A	1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Carshalton Athletic wins: 1 / Draws: 3

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Carshalton Athletic (23/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 4 Dartford (19/09/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 2 Dartford (20/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 3 Carshalton Athletic (02/09/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 2– 3 Dartford (21/01/1991 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 1 – 1 Carshalton Athletic (15/01/1991 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

Dartford lost their first ever league meeting against Carshalton Athletic but have since gone three unbeaten (W2, D1)
The home side has never won this fixture in seven attempts.
Dartford are unbeaten in all four away games versus Carshalton Athletic and have won their last three

On This Day

Norman Wabo’s late winner handed Dartford all three points on this day five years ago. The Darts came from behind against Braintree Town after former Dartford player Femi Akinwande gave the Iron the lead. Luke Allen levelled before half-time and the game swung Dartford’s way once Adam Mills was sent off for the visitors. Dartford made the extra man count and with three minutes to go Wabo made it 2-1. Exactly six years earlier, Braintree Town were victorious beating the Darts 2-0 in the National League.

On the road, Dartford are currently four unbeaten on 24 August. They secured a 2-1 win at Sittingbourne 20 years ago, a 1-1 draw with Corby Town in 2002 and two more victories against Bashley (4-1 in 1996) and Sheppey United (3-0 in 1993). Dartford have lost just four out of 22 games on this day, winning 12 and drawing six.

Author: Stuart Maidment (Page 11 of 35)

Dartford v Hendon

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Dartford v Dulwich Hamlet

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Dartford v Bowers and Pitsea

Dartford v Leatherhead

Dover Athletic v Dartford

Dartford v Marlow

Dartford v Chatham Town

Carshalton Athletic v Dartford

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