Elected as founder members of the Isthmian League Division Two 53 years ago, Carshalton Athletic have spent just two seasons outside the Isthmian Leagues. The Robins were part of the first two years of the National South’s existence in 2004 before returning. Despite relegation to Division One South in 2018, Carshalton Athletic were back four years later with a title and promotion. A runner up place was followed up by mid-table finishes.
2023/2024 Season Isthmian Premier: 12th F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round County Cup: 3rd Round Top League Scorer: Oluwabunmi Babajide (19 goals)
Seven games in and Carshalton Athletic were among the leading pack last season. Five victories and two draws gave the Robins a positive outlook. Then their form took a turn with just a solitary win in their next eleven outings. From December, the Surrey based club regained their form losing just three times until early April. Running out of steam in the final month, the Robins finished in the middle pack.
Manager – Peter Adeniyi
Former midfielder, Peter Adeniyi joined Carshalton Athletic as a player coach eight years ago and later became Director of Football. Whilst in that role he took on the manager’s job of Merstham in June 2022, another of his former sides in his playing days meaning he represented two clubs at the same time. A year ago, Adeniyi returned to the managerial hotseat at Colston Avenue so he can now fully focus on the Robins.
Rising through the non-league pyramid during the nineties, Canvey Island found glory at the beginning of the millennium winning the F.A Trophy in 2001. The Jeff King era peaked when the Gulls reached the National League three years later, where they stayed for two years. Eventually voluntary relegation saw the Essex club drop to the Isthmian Division One North. Two spells in that division since, both ended in playoff wins, the last coming two years ago.
2023/2024 Season Isthmian Premier: 14th F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round County Cup: 4th Round Top League Scorer: Bradley Sach (12 goals)
Canvey Island’s first campaign back in the Isthmian Premier ended in a third-place finish and defeat in the playoffs. Last season the Gulls were unable to replicate that success and finished 11 places lower. Inconsistent form and a leaky defence, the second worst out of non-relegated sides, prevented the Essex club from a better showing. Yet they ended the campaign strongly with just two losses in their last eight.
Manager – Brad Wellman
Over a decade ago Brad Wellman ended his 16-year coaching stint with Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire. He took up a position with Canvey Island in the summer of 2013 and four years later was promoted to assistant manager. Another four years passed, and Wellman became manager of the Gulls. In his first season he came second in the Isthmian Division One North and won promotion via the playoffs, then guided Canvey Island to third in the Isthmian Premier.
The Isthmian Division One North playoff winners bounced back to the Isthmian Premier at the first time of asking. A tense final against Brentwood Town finished 3-2 on penalties putting relegation a year ago behind them. Three times Essex League champions, twice as Bowers United, they previously won promotion to the Isthmian Premier League in 2016, the same year Bowers were within a game of reaching Wembley in the F.A Vase.
2023/2024 Season Isthmian Division One North: 4th F.A Cup: Preliminary Round F.A Trophy: 2nd Qualifying Round County Cup: 3rd Round Top League Scorer: Matt Price (16 goals)
A nine-game winning streak entering the final stretch of the season set Bowers and Pitsea up for the playoffs. From Boxing Day, the Essex club really clicked into gear tasting just one league defeat in 18 outings, dropping just nine points in the process. With a top five place secure Bowers lost their last two league matches but went on to win both playoff contests on penalties.
Manager – James Collins
James Collins turned fortunes around at Lordswood and Cray Valley Paper Mills. He won the London Senior Cup, making the Millers the first side from step five to lift the trophy. At Chatham Town, he won the Kent Senior Cup and a League Cup before quitting with the Chats top of the table. After time at Faversham Town, Collins took over at Bowers and Pitsea and has already experienced a relegation and promotion in his two seasons in charge.
Next Meetings
Dartford v Bowers and Pitsea – Saturday 21st September 2024 Bowers and Pitsea v Dartford – Saturday 1st February 2025
Founding members of the West Sussex League, Bognor Regis Town won five consecutive titles in the twenties. The Rocks spent a year in a district competition before joining the Sussex County League where they stayed until 1972 after back-to-back titles. Promotion to the Southern League, a switch to the Isthmian and spells in the National South, the Sussex club have finished runners up on seven occasions since their last championship winning campaign in 72’.
2023/2024 Season Isthmian Premier: 10th F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round F.A Trophy: 2nd Round County Cup: Quarter-Final Top League Scorer: Dan Gifford (18 goals)
Only the champions lost fewer games at home than Bognor Regis Town, yet they finished eleventh in the home table. Too many draws cost the Rocks a higher placing, but they proved what they can achieve in periods. At the turn of the year, they won six on the bounce and to close the season they won three in row scoring 13 and conceding just once.
Manager – Robbie Blake
Mostly remembered for his time with Burnley in the Premier League, Robbie Blake scored a memorable goal against then defending champions Manchester United in August 2009. The 48-year-old has a wealth of playing experience in the Football League including spells at Bradford City and Leeds United. Bognor Regis Town is Blake’s first managerial job, a role he took after the Sussex club were relegated from the National South. This will be his seventh year in charge of the Rocks.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 5 / Bognor Regis Town wins: 1 / Draws: 4
Previous Six Meetings
Dartford 2 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (28/04/2018 – National South) Dartford 3 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (07/10/2017 – National South) Bognor Regis Town 0 – 2 Dartford (24/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier) Dartford 3 – 3 Bognor Regis Town (07/11/2009 – Isthmian Premier) Dartford 1 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (02/05/1981 – Southern League South) Bognor Regis Town 2 – 2 Dartford (13/12/1980 – Southern League South)
Next Meetings
Dartford v Bognor Regis Town – Saturday 7th December 2024 Bognor Regis Town v Dartford – Saturday 22nd March 2025
Statistics
Dartford are currently on a six game unbeaten run against Bognor Regis Town stretching back 34 years (W3, D3)
The Darts are unbeaten at home against the Rocks (W4, D2)
Dartford have won in their last two visits at Bognor Regis Town, both on the final day of the season
A non-league local force in the seventies, Billericay Town won three of the first five F.A Vase competitions in that decade to go with seven league titles and numerous cups. Such success landed the Blues in the Isthmian Leagues and immediate back-to-back promotions. The two-time Isthmian Premier winners has seen the Essex club reach the National South for brief spells, but relegation two years ago returned the Blues to step three.
2023/2024 Season Isthmian Premier: 6th F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round F.A Trophy: 3rd Round County Cup: 3rd Round Top League Scorer: Bradley Stevenson (18 goals)
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 was an excellent recovery after a run of one point from eight outings in February and March. The Blues ended up with the third best defence in the division.
Manager – Gary McCann
Joining the club in April last year on a three-year contract, Gary McCann took Hampton and Richmond Borough to the National South playoffs in consecutive seasons in his previous job. Four years ago, he was denied a hat-trick of playoff qualifications based on points per game. Prior his spell at the Beavers, McCann enjoyed 13 years at Hendon and guided them to the Isthmian Premier Promotional Final in his final season there.
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)
Next Meetings
Billericay Town v Dartford – Saturday 14th September 2024 Dartford v Billericay Town – Saturday 25th January 2025
Statistics
Dartford have won their last five games against Billericay Town keeping clean sheets in the last three
The Darts are currently on a run of four consecutive home victories against Ricay
Dartford have won twice at New Lodge in their first and last visits (D1, L1)
Dartford can concentrate on reaching a county cup final for the third time in five seasons when they take on Hendon in the London Senior Cup on Tuesday night.
Thirteen times winners of the Kent Senior Cup, Dartford won consecutive titles in 2021 and 2022 and now the Darts will be eyeing a place in the final of the London Senior Cup for the first time. Hendon are six times winners last lifting the trophy four years ago and are hoping to secure a top ten finish in the Southern League Premier South.
When Dartford and Hendon last played at the same level it was in the Isthmian Premier League. Princes Park was still in its infancy and Hendon’s Claremont Road era was coming to an end. After storming to the Isthmian Division One North title and winning promotion, Dartford’s opener the following season was on the road against the Greens. The Darts were humbled 3-0 with Brian Haule, James Bent and Chris Bangura scoring for the hosts. Dartford finished the game with ten men when defender Jon Guest was sent off. The reverse fixture in December 2008 went Dartford’s way when an unlikely source became the match winner. Tommy Osbourne scored a penalty, the defender ended up with 258 appearances and all three of his goals were from the spot.
In the only other campaign together, Dartford won the Isthmian Premier League title. That season the Darts were early pacesetters and won 5-0 at Princes Park, a sixth victory in the opening seven games opened up a five point cushion at the top. It could have been worse for Hendon, but James Reading saved an early penalty. It took until just before the break for the Darts to get the goals flowing when Rob Haworth scored the opener. In the second-half, Lee Burns doubled the lead before Jay May grabbed a brace. In the final minute Lee Noble completed the rout. The penultimate game of the season almost fourteen years to the day was a closer affair. Danny Harris scored both goals in a 2-1 victory.
Dartford have gone full circle since those days climbing up to the top of non-league before their return to the Isthmian Premier next season. Hendon are just about to complete a 45th consecutive year at the same level, but at least they have had a change of scenery switching from the Isthmian League to the Southern League in 2018.
In the final game of the National South season at home to Truro City on the weekend, Adrian Pennock made eight changes to the side that won the quarter final tie a week ago. Sam Odaudu made his first start since mid-February and Oliver Bray who last featured against Truro City a month ago made a substitute appearance against his former side. Odaudu was one of two alterations from the side that lost at Yeovil Town with Taylor Maloney in for Harrison Sodje.
The Darts signed off with a 2-1 victory, their first win in the league since November, a run of eleven games. Joash Nembhard powered home a header midway through the first half from a Luke Coulson corner. Rhys Byrne kept Truro City at bay in an excellent performance, which included a triple save in the second half. The hosts went two ahead after Oliver Bray put in a low cross that was deflected and wrong footed goalkeeper, James Halman for an own goal. Byrne’s performance deserved a clean sheet, but in the final minute Tyler Harvey’s long range drive nestled into his bottom corner. Dartford finished the season fourth from bottom.
Hendon have yet to win this month or even lose. The Greens have drawn all five in April. On Saturday they recorded their sixteenth draw, more than anyone else in the Southern League Premier South and now they occupy eleventh spot with a game to go.
Their latest stalemate was goalless at home to Gosport Borough. A week ago Hendon let a two goal lead slip against Sholing with all four goals coming in a nine minute spell either side of the break. Billy Leonard and Shaun Lucien scored two in a minute on the stroke of half-time, but Sholing pulled one back before the whistle went for the interval. The Hampshire side equalised in the second-half to leave the score at 2-2. A pair of 1-1 draws against Merthyr Town and Walton and Hersham followed the 0-0 at Hayes and Yeading.
London Senior Cup – story so far
Round One Dartford 1 – 0 Harrow Borough An own goal sent the Darts on their way in the London Senior Cup, but the narrow scoreline didn’t tell the whole story. The hosts could have been more clinical in front of goal during a dominant display. Henry Lukombo failed to clear Baris Altintop’s cross and the ball ended up in his own net.
Hendon 6 – 1 Glebe A near post Ethan Light header from a corner opened the scoring against Glebe. Adam Laaref added a second to double the lead before half-time. In the second-half a swift counter attack was finished of by Florian Envoudou-Ada, Kai Brosnan calmly stroked home a fourth and an own goal added another. The Southern Counties Premier East opponents pulled one back prior Laaref’s second of the night.
Round Two Dartford 1 – 1 Queens Park Rangers Development Team(5-4 on penalties) Oliver Box was player of the match scoring the winning penalty as this tie went all the way. The young Hoops took the lead with half hour played, Henry Hawkins bundled the ball over the line. The hosts fought back and levelled through a clean Luke Coulson strike. After normal time the match went into penalties and the Darts won 5-4.
Hendon 1 – 0 Wingate and Finchley The Greens were given a tough second round tie against Isthmian Premier playoff chasers Wingate and Finchley. Hendon came through thanks to a Shaun Lucien winner to send them into the last eight.
Quarter-Final Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford A last minute own goal sent Dartford into the final four after coming from behind. Nyren Clunis put Cray Wanderers ahead after just two minutes. Just before the half hour mark Jordan Greenidge restored parity with a confident finish. With the quarter-final heading for spot kicks, the visitors won it right at the end.
Hendon 2 – 1 Sporting Bengal United Two goals in injury time turned this quarter-final on its head. An upset was on the cards when Sporting Bengal United took the lead with twenty minutes to play. A high bounce was hit first time by Joe Gregory to give the Essex Senior League side the lead. Hendon fought back and equalised in the 91st minute through Brosnan. Three minutes later Billy Leonard followed up a rebound to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Dartford have won their last two matches, last achieved back in November. Their best run all season is three consecutive wins in September.
The Darts have won their last three against Hendon scoring eight and conceding one.
Own goals are the top scorer in the London Senior Cup for the Darts. There have been two own goals, whilst Luke Coulson and Jordan Greenidge have netted the other two in the competition.
On This Day
Dartford have lost just two of their last ten on St George’s Day and last time out they beat St Albans City. Keiran Murtagh scored twice and set up Marcus Dinanga in a 3-1 victory at Princes Park. Elliot Bradbrook helped the Darts come from behind twice at home to Oxford City in 2016. The captain equalised twice including a late minute penalty to rescue a point.
Between defeats against Fisher Athletic in 2005 and Margate in 1997, the Darts beat Langley Sports (now Eastbourne Borough) 2-1 in 2001. Dartford also won four in a row on this day with a 3-0 win versus Dagenham in the National League back in 1985 and a 1-0 triumph at home to Leicester United in the 1988 Southern Premier League. A year later, the Darts went to Bromsgrove Rovers and won 2-0 and in 1994 they recorded the same score versus Beckenham Town in the Kent League.
Dartford’s spell in the National South comes to an end on Saturday in their final league game of the season against Truro City.
The Darts were relegated to the Isthmian Premier last weekend and return to the division for the first time in 14 years. During a difficult campaign the Kent side have only managed two league victories this calendar year and those were against the bottom two. The White Tigers will be playing in the National South next term after Tuesday night’s triumph versus Dover Athletic guaranteed survival.
At the third time of asking the reverse fixture eventually took place in March. Originally due to be played in Plymouth, the game moved to Taunton before ending up in Gloucester. With Dartford desperate for points and Truro City facing the daunting task of 12 games in 25 days at the time it felt like a six-pointer. Neither side could break the deadlock in a 0-0 draw, Dartford’s only clean sheet since Boxing Day.
Only Jordan Wynter and Charlie Sheringham out of the current squad featured the last time Dartford hosted Truro City just over five years ago. The visitors took the lead after half an hour when a deep cross was headed goalwards and kept out by Bailey Vose, but Nick Grimes followed up to score the rebound. Just past the hour mark Dartford equalised and this time it was Elliot Bradbrook who pounced from Ryan Hayes’ saved shot. The 1-1 draw extended the Darts unbeaten home run against the White Tigers after claiming a 4-1 triumph in February 2018 and an entertaining 5-3 win in March 2017.
Dartford will be pleased to see the end of this campaign and after defeat against champions Yeovil Town they had the chance to progress in the London Senior Cup on Tuesday night. Drawn against former landlords, Cray Wanderers in the quarter final Adrian Pennock made seven changes to the starting lineup. Academy graduates Tom Wray, George Whitefield, Jayden Boulton and Finley Sillince took to the field. Fumnaya Shomotun and Jordan Greenidge were also picked to start.
Pennock’s side left it late to come from behind and set up a last four meeting with Hendon. Early pressure from the Wands was rewarded as early as the second minute. Former Dart, Ellis Brown scored to put the hosts ahead at Hayes Lane. Greenidge used his strength to create an opportunity with half hour played and he took full advantage to level. As the tie approached the prospect of penalties, Dartford managed to force the ball home for the winner.
At the beginning of the year Dartford and Truro City were level on points in mid-table. As much as 2023 has been poor for the Darts, their opponents on the final day have not been able to recreate the form that saw them win six out of seven from late November to early January. The White Tigers went through a spell of picking up just one point in seven attempts at the turn of the year. However, victories against Taunton Town, St Albans City, Slough Town and Maidstone United as well as several draws have kept the points ticking over enough.
Truro City may have been flirting with the bottom four, but with a vast number of postponements they have been playing catch up. This weekend’s fixture will end a run of eight straight ‘home’ matches for the White Tigers. On Tuesday night victory over already relegated Dover Athletic secured the Cornwall club’s National South status. Tyler Harvey netted his 13th of the campaign in the first-half to put them nine points clear of safety with two games remaining. On Thursday night Truro City drew 0-0 with Weymouth
Current League Form
Dartford (DLLWLL)
Truro City (LDLWWD)
Yeovil Town
A
1-3
Weymouth
H
0-0
Worthing
H
1-2
Dover Athletic
H
1-0
Havant & Waterlooville
A
2-1
Maidstone United
H
3-1
Eastbourne Borough
H
0-2
Yeovil Town
H
0-2
Chelmsford City
A
1-4
Eastbourne Borough
H
0-0
Truro City
A
0-0
Torquay United
H
1-2
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 3 / Truro City wins: 5 / Draws: 3
Last Six Meetings
Truro City 0 – 0 Dartford (26/03/2024 – National South) Dartford 1 – 1 Truro City (30/03/2019 – National South) Truro City 3 – 1 Dartford (27/10/2018 – National South) Dartford 4 – 1 Truro City (24/02/2018 – National South) Truro City 3 – 1 Dartford (11/11/2017 – National South) Dartford 5 – 3 Truro City (18/03/2017 – National South)
Statistics
Dartford are unbeaten in their last three home games against the White Tigers (W2, D1)
The Darts have given up 30 points from winning positions this season
Captain, Luke Coulson made his 50th appearance of the season on Tuesday night and is set to win this Dartford’s golden boot this season. The winger is on 11 goals in all competitions, five ahead of Oliver Box.
On This Day
Dartford left themselves a lot to do in the Southern League Cup Final on this day in 1988. Peter Taylor missed a penalty in a 3-1 defeat at Bromsgrove Rovers. History suggested Dartford’s chances of winning were slim, only two sides had ever overturned a two-goal first leg deficit in the Southern League Cup Final. When the Darts missed another penalty in the second leg six days later, it looked as if the cup had slipped away. Yet with the Watling Street crowd providing full support, goals from Gary Britnell, Kurt Davidson and Colin Johnson completed a memorable comeback.
Dartford will need to pick themselves up against Cray Wanderers in the London Senior Cup quarter-final on Tuesday night.
Relegation back to the Isthmian Premier League was confirmed at the weekend with a loss at newly crowned National South champions Yeovil Town. The Darts will be meeting the Wands next season as they return to the third tier of non-league for the first time in 14 years.
Needing at least a point to potentially take their campaign to the last day, Adrian Pennock stuck to the same side that beat Havant and Waterlooville, but lost to Worthing. In the end nothing more than a victory was required as their closest rivals claimed three points on Saturday. All that was immaterial though because the Darts finished their travels in the league with a 3-1 defeat.
Yet Dartford did have the smallest glimmer of hope when they took a shock lead through top scorer Luke Coulson. The captain netted his eleventh in all competitions in the fifth minute. Yeovil Town we’re back on level terms just three minutes later through Sam Pearson and before half-time Dylan Morgan put the champions ahead. In the second-half, Rhys Byrne saved Frank Nouble’s penalty and Alex Fisher added a third for the Glovers.
The Darts have negotiated their way through two rounds of the London Senior Cup so far starting out in September. Drawn against Harrow Borough of the Isthmian Premier League, Dartford won 1-0. Despite the low scoreline the Darts were dominant, but still had to rely on an own goal by Borough’s Henry Lukombo. In the second round the tie went all the way to penalties against Queens Park Rangers U23’s. Oliver Box scored the equaliser that forced spot-kicks and then netted the winner in the shootout.
Dartford’s last four meetings against Cray Wanderers have been in cup competition and on three occasions the Darts have progressed to the next round. The most recent of those ties came in December 2021 in the F.A Trophy third round. A Jake Robinson brace and a Danny Leonard goal in the space of five first-half minutes earned a 3-1 victory. Cray Wanderers came out on top in the previous county cup clash though. In the Kent Senior Cup the Wands won 4-2 in round one back in September 2017. At the same stage a year earlier Andy Pugh and Duane Ofori-Acheampong helped Dartford to a 2-1 triumph. The same score in the 2011 F.A Cup third qualifying clash saw the Darts progress with goals from Ryan Hayes and Danny Harris.
Former Dartford captain Tom Bonner could feature for the Wands. The defender come out of retirement and after a spell with Havant and Waterlooville, he signed for Cray Wanderers in November. Bonner made 456 appearances for the Darts and won two Kent Senior Cups and the National South playoffs whilst at Princes Park. David Ijaha and Ellis Brown are also part of the Wands squad, Ijaha played 12 games for Dartford and Brown started just six and made 15 appearances from the bench.
Neil Smith’s team have secured a sixth season in the Isthmian Premier league and are currently in 16th place. The Wands had a slow start to their campaign losing their opening five whilst scoring just once. Then they went to promotion contenders Chatham Town and won 5-1. Inconsistency and a glut of draws from November to January left the Wands’ season in the balance. A positive period in February saw Smith’s side take 17 points from 21 available making life more comfortable. Since then form has taken a dip and they have won just one league fixture in their last nine outings.
Cray Wanderers’ London Senior Cup journey began in November at home against Tooting and Mitcham United. The Wands beat the Combined Counties Premier South side 4-2. Yahya Bamba, who scored twice against the Darts for Eastbourne Borough just over a fortnight ago bagged a brace, while Gary Lockyer and Nyren Clunis added a third and fourth. In round two Cray Wanderers defeated Fisher 3-0 to move into the last eight. Tayo Oyebola, Alfie Evans and Anthony Cook all scored to overcome their Southern Counties East Division opponents.
Some silverware for Dartford will provide a small amount of consolation and victory on Tuesday night will set up a semi-final against Hendon of the Southern Premier League South.
Dartford have won 17 of their last 22 away games against Cray Wanderers (D2, L3)
In county cups (all Kent Senior) the Darts have progressed on eight occasions when drawn against the Wands (W8, D3, L2)
Dartford have a 72.5% win rate versus Cray Wanderers over the last 40 meetings in all competitions (W29, D6, L5)
On This Day
On the penultimate game of the 2012/2013 National League campaign the Darts enjoyed a 3-2 win against Forest Green Rovers on this day. Victory lifted Dartford into seventh place with goals from Danny Harris and a brace from Elliot Bradbrook. Although Tony Burman’s side dropped one place on the final day they were crowned the best part-time team in the country. After a mediocre season in the Southern Division One East, Dartford recorded a 6-2 triumph over basement boys Tilbury in 2005. The last fixture on this day for the Darts ended 0-0 versus Basingstoke Town in the National South eight years ago.
Dartford realistically need to defeat new National South champions Yeovil Town on Saturday to be in with a chance of a dramatic last day survival next weekend.
The Darts are two points from safety with just two matches remaining and need results to go their way to avoid relegation. Last season’s runners up have taken a mighty fall this term and a loss against the Glovers could see them return to the Isthmian Premier League for the first time in 14 years. Yeovil Town have handled their relegation setback in the best way possible by bouncing straight back up to the National League at the first attempt and wrapped up the title on Thursday night.
When Dartford hosted Mark Cooper’s side in November it looked as though the Darts were about to turn the corner. Under Alan Dowson, the 2-2 draw at Princes Park came shortly after victories at Worthing and Torquay United and left them four points shy of a playoff place in twelfth. Since then, the Darts have won just three times in the league in 23 attempts and replaced Dowson with Adrian Pennock.
In the opening ten minutes of the reverse fixture Dartford were almost blown away, but Ryan Sandford’s Player of the Match performance kept the hosts in the game. Yeovil Town took the lead from the spot through Rhys Murphy but could have already scored a few times by then. Somehow Dartford went in at the break level when Luke Allen set up George Alexander. In the second half the hosts improved, and Richard Chin gave the Darts a shock lead with twenty minutes remaining. However, the Glovers showed why they have topped the table for most of the season when Jordan Young equalised to leave the score all square.
This will be Dartford’s first visit to Huish Park, which opened in 1990. When the two sides last met, in the 1984/1985 Alliance Premier League season it was played at Yeovil Town’s former home, the Huish Athletic Ground. The Darts felt as though they had dropped points that day drawing 2-2 against a Yeovil Town side who were reduced to ten men. Dartford went on to finish third that season, their highest ever position. The Glovers ended the campaign bottom and were relegated to the Isthmian League, at the time the equivalent of the National South today.
Dartford’s hopes of surviving the drop were given a boost last weekend in their 2-1 victory away at Havant and Waterlooville. After falling behind, the Darts levelled through Joash Nembhard and shortly afterwards Oliver Box netted the winner. The academy graduate impressed once again, and local reports continue to suggest there is interest for the youngster from Premier League clubs. With Eastbourne Borough also winning on Saturday that meant a victory against Worthing on Tuesday night was pretty much a must win game for the Darts.
Adrian Pennock named an unchanged side and when Luke Coulson scored from the penalty spot there was hope for the hosts. Unfortunately, that hope was extinguished in the second-half as Worthing fought back to secure a playoff place. Bradley Dologhan miss-hot a cross that sailed over goalkeeper Rhys Byrne. Then Nembhard’s misjudgement at the back put in Kane Wills to score the winner.
Yeovil Town clinched the National South title on Thursday night in Gloucester. The Glovers claimed an away win over Truro City, who are yet to confirm their status in the division for next season. Rhys Murphy and Alex Fisher got the celebrations underway with a goal in each half to secure a 2-0 win. The Somerset club are now nine points clear and unsurpassable.
Starting the campaign as one of the favourites brings its own pressure and Yeovil Town have handled that well. After a shock defeat on the opening day to Hemel Hempstead Town, the Glovers took the first month to get familiar with their surroundings. By the start of September, they had won three out of seven and lost to now relegated Havant and Waterlooville. Then a ten-game winning streak propelled Cooper’s side to the top with a comfortable lead. In all competitions they set a club record of 14 consecutive victories. Although they have had minor blips in form on a couple occasions this term, Yeovil Town’s ability of putting winning runs together and their consistency has deservedly kept them at the top of the pile through most of the campaign.
Dartford 2 – 2 Yeovil Town (09/12/2023 – National South) Dartford 1 – 2 Yeovil Town (13/01/1990 – F.A Trophy) Dartford 1 – 1 Yeovil Town (23/02/1985 – National League) Yeovil Town 2 – 2 Dartford (22/12/1984 – National League) Yeovil Town 0 – 1 Dartford (12/09/1984 – Bob Lord Trophy) Dartford 1 – 3 Yeovil Town (04/09/1984 – Bob Lord Trophy)
Statistics
Dartford’s only two league victories in 2024 have came on the road (D2, L7)
The Darts last away win in the league against Yeovil Town was 60 years ago, a 2-0 Southern Premier League victory in 1963, a run of 13 winless away matches in the league versus the Glovers (D5, L8)
The Glovers have won 51 points at home in the division, more than any other side. However, they have won one in their last four at Huish Park (D0, L3)
On This Day
Dartford lifted the Kent Senior Trophy for the first and only time on this day in 1996. Facing Chatham Town at Park View Road, the Darts overcame a nervy start eventually winning 3-0 with goals from Dean Bowey, Ricky Bennett and Sean Bristow. In the last five Dartford matches on 13 April the winning side has managed to keep a clean sheet, the last two for the opposition. Taunton Town beat the Darts 1-0 last season at Princes Park and at the same venue four years earlier Chippenham Town recorded the same score. The previous three outings before those defeats went Dartford’s way. Charlie Sheringham scored the only goal of the game against Stockport County in 2013 and Allan Tait was the match winner at Harrow Borough in 2010. In the season before the Darts bagged four without replay versus Canvey Island. Lee Noble, Adam Flanagan, Rob Haworth and Ryan Hayes all finding the back of the net.
Dartford host their penultimate home game of the season against promotion hopefuls Worthing on Tuesday night.
Adrian Pennock’s side remain in the bottom four, but victory on the weekend has given the Darts hope they can survive the drop. Worthing also claimed maximum points in their last outing defeating table toppers Yeovil Town and all but securing a playoff place.
When the original fixture was due to be played Pennock had just been appointed Dartford boss and Worthing’s manager, Adam Hinshelwood left for York City. Now Aarran Racine will be in the visitor’s dugout and both managers have it all to play for as the season heads down the finishing straight. The Darts need victories to have a chance of holding on to their National South status. The Rebels will be determined to keep momentum going and earn home advantage for the playoffs.
On Saturday, Dartford travelled to Hampshire in a relegation six pointer against Havant and Waterlooville. Pennock made three changes to the side that lost 2-0 at home to Eastbourne Borough on Easter Monday. Injuries to Tommy Block and Brandon Barzey meant Jack Smith and Olly Box were introduced to the starting eleven. Alex Wall was brought in to replace Jordan Greenidge. Tyrell Miller-Rodney was named on the bench and made a late appearance after recovering from tonsillitis. Manny Adebowale, Oliver Bray, Tom Wray and Sam Odaudu were on the injury list.
Joash Nembhard returned to his former side with a goal and Oliver Box became the match winner as the Darts claimed their first league win in 11 attempts. In the first half Dartford were unfortunate not to be ahead with Alex Wall and Box coming close. Havant and Waterlooville tested Rhys Byrne occasionally, but the Darts goalkeeper was equal to the task. Despite being the better side, Dartford went a goal behind in the second half. Harrison Sodje was down injured when the hosts took advantage through an excellent strike from James Roberts. Yet the Darts showed great character and when Nembhard headed over the line, his fourth goal of the season and third against his former side, the visitors were on level terms. Just four minutes later Luke Coulson set up Box to smash the ball into the roof of the net. A couple of good saves from Byrne at the end made sure the score remained 2-1 to the Darts.
Results elsewhere leaves Dartford a point below Eastbourne Borough. In order to remain in the division it looks as though the Darts will have to stop a winless run of nine at home stretching back to November. Pennock will have two opportunities starting with Worthing and ending the campaign against Truro City. In between those two fixtures Dartford travel to champions elect Yeovil Town.
The reverse fixture against Worthing this season was a topsy-turvy affair. The Darts came from behind, let a lead slip, but ended up winning. Worthing went in front when Danny Cashman scored. Then in the space of 15 minutes at the end of the first-half Dartford were 3-1 to the good. Wall capitalised on some poor defending, captain Coulson netted from the edge of the box and Jordan Wynter then grabbed a rare goal. The Rebels fought back with a superb strike from Ricky Aguiar before Ollie Pearce levelled the score. There was one more twist with six minutes to go, Miller-Rodney put away the winner.
Worthing completed the double over the Darts last season winning 2-1 at Princes Park. In a story akin to this season Dartford let a one goal lead slip after going in front through Connor Essam. The Rebels equalised in the second-half when Callum Kealy scored and in the last minute Joel Cobran netted the decisive goal. Five months later Worthing won 3-0 in a game that saw Wall sent off and Maxwell Statham score an own goal. The prolific Pearce and former Dart, Davide Rodari scored the other two goals.
Three consecutive defeats and a draw threatened to derail Worthing, however a playoff place is pretty much guaranteed, barring a drastic goal difference swing and poor run of form. The Rebels bounced back with three victories on the spin. The latest triumph came on the weekend against Yeovil Town.
Pearce grabbed a brace and is on course to reach the 40 mark for the season and Brad Dolaghan also scored in a 3-1 win. In front of a home crowd, Yeovil Town had the chance to wrap up the National South title, but the Rebels denied the Glovers. Pearce won a penalty in the first half and the league’s top scorer added another to his tally to put the visitors ahead. On the stroke of half-time Joe Felix pounced on a defensive error to set up Dolaghan to make it 2-0. Alex Fisher headed a goal back for the Glovers with six minute to play, but Pearce sealed the deal seven minutes into injury time.
Over the Easter period Racine’s side claimed maximum points scoring seven and conceding one. On Good Friday they breezed past Havant and Waterlooville with a 5-1 triumph and on the Monday defeated Hampton and Richmond 2-0. Pearce grabbed a brace against the Hawks whilst Dolaghan repeated the feat versus the Beavers.
The Sussex side are top scorers in the division with 94 goals and England C international Ollie Pearce has 38 of them. Last term they were the second highest scorers and despite conceding plenty over the last two years their attacking philosophy has paid dividends. Having missed out in the playoffs almost twelve months ago Worthing will be aiming to go one better and reach the National League for the first time in their history.
Dartford are on their longest winless run at home in the league since 2014/2015 when they went 11 games without a home win between November 2014 and April 2015 in the National League.
The Darts have recorded just two league wins in 2024 in 18 attempts (D4, L12)
The last victory for the Darts at home against Worthing was 97 years ago in a F.A Cup tie (W2, L1)
Oliver Box is already Dartford’s second highest scorer this season in all competitions with six goals in 15 appearances
On This Day
Dartford won the Southern League Cup for the first time on this day back in 1977. The Darts drew 1-1 against Yeovil Town in the first leg in Somerset and shocked the then four times winners early in the second leg at Watling Street. Keith Robinson scored a 15th minute penalty to put the Darts in front. Then six minutes later Vic Akers caught out Yeovil’s goalkeeper with a strike from 35 yards. Dartford won 2-0 on the day and 3-1 on aggregate to lift the cup. Dartford’s last outing on this day was two years ago when they drew 1-1 at home against Hemel Hempstead Town, Marcus Dinanga rescued a point in the last minute. Eight years ago, Lee Burns ended up in goal as Dartford won at the Gallagher Stadium to claim a Kent derby victory over Maidstone United. Elliot Bradbrook scored a tenth minute penalty, Keaton Wood scored an own goal and Nathan Ferguson scored the winner.
