Author: Stuart Maidment (Page 2 of 19)

Hampton and Richmond Borough v Dartford

October 13, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Alan Dowson returns to the Beveree with his Dartford side this weekend to take on one of his former clubs Hampton and Richmond Borough in the National South.

Dartford’s boss spent almost four years with the Beavers winning the Isthmian Premier League before establishing the Middlesex side in the National South. Taking his place in the away dugout on Saturday, Dowson has turned around recent fortunes for the Darts and hopes to continue their current winning streak. After four straight defeats last month, Dartford approach this weekend’s fixture on the back of three consecutive victories.

Paul Rooney scored his first for the club in the 1-0 Kent derby win over Tonbridge Angels, whilst an own goal was the decisive factor in the London Senior Cup tie with Harrow Borough and last weekend Chippenham Town were comfortably beaten.

Dowson made seven changes to the side that won in the cup and three alterations to the team that started the last league game. Tyrell Miller-Rodney was missing through suspension after picking up five cautions, the midfielder should be available for selection on Saturday. Former Hampton and Richmond defender Tommy Block managed 35 minutes against Harrow Borough as he makes his way back from injury, but the defender took no part in the 4-1 win at Chippenham Town. Joshua Johnson is back in a Dartford shirt for his second loan spell with the club. The midfielder from Oxford United made six appearances last season. Lucas Defise made his debut after coming on as a substitute in Wilstshire and goalkeeper Emmanuel Idem was on the bench.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Harvey Bradbury scored a couple of penalties to put Dartford in control at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday. First, Joash Nembhard was clipped in the box giving Bradbury the opportunity from twelve yards to score his first in six games. The striker hit his spot kick straight down the middle to put the Darts ahead. Moussa Diarra won the second penalty when a tangle of legs sent him to the ground, Bradbury opted to fire into the corner and increase the advantage. A third was added before half-time when former Hampton and Richmond Borough winger Brandon Barzey was rewarded for his endeavour with his first goal for the club. Putting pressure on the Chippenham Town defence the Montserrat international charged down the goalkeeper’s clearance and slotted into an empty net.

Sloppy defending allowed the hosts back into the game when Owen Windsor pulled a goal back, but Johnson made it a perfect return to the Darts by firing a shot into the top corner and secure victory. Maxwell Statham played his first league match in over a month, but the full back didn’t finish the game after picking up a red card for two bookings.

Earlier this season, the reverse fixture with Hampton and Richmond Borough ended all square. Dartford went ahead when Block sent in a cross for Bradbury to powerfully header into the top corner. The Beavers levelled with eight minutes remaining after the officials gave a questionable corner. The Darts were unable to clear their lines and when the ball fell to Inman he fired in the equaliser. Barzey was in the thick of the action late on when he received a straight red card for his lunge on an opponent leaving Dartford hanging on in the closing stages.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

It was the second draw in a row against the Middlesex side following a goalless stalemate in April last season. The final game of the campaign had nothing riding on the result, so Dowson elected to rest most of the side in preparation for the playoff semi-final a week later. The Darts were unable to net against Alan Julian, one of their former goalkeepers during a second 0-0 draw in three visits to the Beveree.

Last weekend, Hampton and Richmond Borough secured a late win against bottom of the table side Havant and Waterlooville. Connor Kurran-Browne’s strike saw the Beavers come from behind to win 2-1. The Hawks had led from the penalty spot when James Roberts netted the opener. Ruaridh Donaldson put Hampton and Richmond Borough back on level terms before Kurran-Browne’s winner ten minutes from time. That leaves the Beavers in nineteenth but only one win away from the Darts in twelfth. Victory at Westleigh Park on Saturday ended a run of three without a win for Mel Gwinnet’s side who drew 1-1 with Weston-super-Mare prior two defeats. The Beavers lost to current league leaders Yeovil Town 2-1 and were dumped out of the F.A Cup by Isthmian Premier League side Lewes, losing 3-0 at the Dripping Pan.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLLLWW)			Hampton & Richmond (LLWDLW)
Chippenham Town	A	4-1	Havant & Waterlooville	A	2-1
Tonbridge Angels	H	1-0	Yeovil Town	H	1-2
St Albans City	A	0-1	Weston-super-Mare	A	1-1
Slough Town	H	1-2	Weymouth	H	1-0
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Farnborough	A	1-3
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Aveley	A	0-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 6

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (15/08/2023 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (29/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (26/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (22/01/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last 13 league games against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W6, D6) and are unbeaten in the last six (W2, D4)
The Darts have kept three consecutive clean sheets at the Beveree (W1, D2)
Dartford could make it three consecutive league wins for the first time this season and the first time since December 2022/January 2023
There has been just one goal in the last three meetings at the Beveree between Dartford and Hampton and Richmond Borough. The Darts won 1-0 in March 2022.
Jordan Wynter made his 150^th appearance for the Darts in the reverse fixture, this time he could make his 150^th start

On This Day

Dartford have won their last four on this day and are unbeaten in five. In fact, they have only lost one in their last nine outings on 14 October. The last game on this day was six years ago when Alfie Pavey scored the only goal in the F.A Cup fourth qualifying round tie at Burgess Hill Town. In 2006, goals from Richard Avery, Anthony Hogg and Jay May handed Dartford a 3-1 Isthmian Division One South win over Godalming Town. Three years earlier the same score saw the Darts beat Sittingbourne in a Southern League Division One East fixture, whilst in 1989 Heybridge Swifts were beaten 1-0 in the F.A Cup third qualifying round. Dartford have won their last five away games on this day including a 3-1 win against Bexley United in 1970 and a 2-1 victory over Ashford United in 1961. The Darts also beat local rivals Gravesend and Northfleet 2-0 at home in 1967.

Chippenham Town v Dartford

October 6, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return to action in the National South with a visit to Chippenham Town this weekend hoping to build on recent positive results.

Mounting pressure was eased towards the end of the month with a pair of victories in league and cup. Remaining calm and with the backing of the board, Dowson led the Darts to consecutive wins over Tonbridge Angels and Harrow Borough. September was also tough for Chippenham Town, who were without a win in that time until victory down in Devon in their previous outing.

Early F.A Cup exits meant both sides brought forward fixtures last weekend and came away triumphant. Following up a much-needed league win in the Kent derby against Tonbridge Angels, the Darts hosted Isthmian Premier League side Harrow Borough in the London Senior Cup. A week earlier, Paul Rooney netted his first for the club to score the decisive goal against the Angels and end a four-game losing streak. The Dartford boss made seven changes to that winning team in the county cup.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Goalkeeper, Tom Wray, defender Manny Adebowale and academy graduate Jayden Boulton were all given their first starts of the campaign. Maxwell Statham, who has been out for three and half weeks with injury and Tommy Block, a month returned to the side. Block managed 35 minutes of the first half before making way as a precaution. Former Crystal Palace under 18 midfielder Kevin Gonzalez made his debut and Jordan Wynter returned to the starting eleven. A dominant display ensured the Darts progressed to the next round despite the 1-0 scoreline courtesy of Henry Lukombo’s own goal.

Up into eight place and two points behind the playoff places, Chippenham Town took maximum points last Saturday in their trip to Plymouth to face Truro City. The Bluebirds welcomed Luke Haines back from suspension, but Tom Owen-Evans was not up to full fitness following a spell out injured. Matt McClure pulled out of the 4-1 F.A Cup defeat against Hungerford Town in the warmup three weeks ago, but the striker has made an impact since returning to the starting eleven. He scored twice as the Bluebirds won 2-0 against Truro City to claim their fourth league win of the season. McClure, now on five league goals for the campaign, also grabbed the opener in Chippenham Town’s 1-1 draw at Weymouth seven days earlier.

Dartford have lost on their last two visits to Hardenhuish Park having dropped just two points there previously. It’s a game that often brings goals going back to Dartford’s first trip to face Chippenham Town in Wiltshire back in January 2018. Alfie Pavey scored twice in a 2-2 draw that day as the spoils were shared. Sandwiched between a pair of 2-1 victories, in which goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim famously scored the winner in the first of those fixtures, the Darts claimed their biggest ever win against the Bluebirds when they won 5-1 with all the goals coming in the first-half. After four unbeaten matches on the road versus Chippenham Town, the run ended in March last year when the home side put four past Dartford in a 4-2 win. Incredibly the reverse fixture that season finished 3-3 at Princes Park.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Last season’s visit resulted in another 2-1 scoreline, this time in favour of the Bluebirds. A last-minute Jordan Young free-kick clinched three points for this weekend’s opponents, however the talking point came when Chippenham Town equalised before the break. Three defenders combined to give Dartford the lead, Connor Essam’s cross was knocked down by Tom Bonner for Maxwell Statham to nod home. Then the Bluebirds won a dubious penalty. Alefe Santos took the spot kick and a goalkeeping error from Joe Young saw Santos’ effort spilt before the keeper scrambled back to make a save, unfortunately the match officials ruled the ball over the line.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWLLLW)			Chippenham Town (DWDDLD)
Tonbridge Angels	H	1-0	Weymouth	A	1-1
St Albans City	A	0-1	Maidstone United	H	0-2
Slough Town	H	1-2	Taunton Town	H	3-3
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Dover Athletic	A	1-1
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Slough Town	H	2-1
Aveley	A	1-0	Braintree Town	A	0-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Chippenham Town wins: 3 / Draws: 4

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Chippenham Town (11/02/2023 – National South)
Chippenham Town 2 – 1 Dartford (03/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Chippenham Town (12/05/2022 – National South Playoff)*
Chippenham Town 4 – 2 Dartford (12/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 3 Chippenham Town (06/11/2021 – National South)
Chippenham Town 1 – 2 Dartford (27/10/2020 – National South)
* Chippenham Town won 3-2 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have kept a clean sheet in each of their three victories this season
The Darts have lost their last two visits to Chippenham Town, but were unbeaten in the previous four (W3, D1)
This fixture at Hardenhuish Park has average 4.16 goals a game and no clean sheets. Dartford have netted 14 goals to Chippenham Town’s 11.
Dartford’s clean sheet in the home fixture last season was their first against Chippenham Town since the first meeting in September 2017
If featured, Maxwell Statham will make his 50th appearance for the Darts (46 starts, 3 substitute)

On This Day

Alfie Pavey, Elliot Bradbrook and Andy Pugh helped Dartford to victory on this day in 2017. The Darts beat Bognor Regis Town 3-1 at Princes Park to claim all three points. A crowd of over 5000 witnessed Dartford’s defeat at Bristol Rovers in the National League nine years ago, Matty Taylor scoring the only goal. In 2006, Dartford strolled to a comfortable 4-1 victory in the F.A Trophy preliminary round against Ilford. The last win on this day away from home came in 1989 when Dartford beat Cambridge City 2-1 in the Southern Premier League. Since then the Darts have drawn one and lost three in away games on 7 October.

Dartford v Harrow Borough

September 29, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford start their London Senior Cup campaign this weekend in a home tie against Southern Premier South side Harrow Borough.

The Darts have reached the last eight of the competition on both occasions in which they have entered the competition. Since Alan Dowson has taken charge, Dartford’s only cup victories have been in London Senior Cup beating Tooting and Mitcham United then Metropolitan Police before going out to Haringey Borough. Harrow Borough were knocked out at the first hurdle last season losing to Cockfosters.

Dartford have been drawn against Harrow Borough twice before, both in the F.A Cup at the second qualifying round stage. On each occasion the Darts swept Borough aside with the last encounter coming 12 years ago. Charlie Sheringham is the only survivor of the current squad to have featured in that cup win and he found the back of the net in a 5-0 victory.

The striker scored Dartford’s third as early as the 25^th minute to end any signs of a cup upset developing. Borough suffered a massive setback on three minutes when Danny Leech was sent off and the Darts took full advantage. James Rogers opened the scoring, and the lead was doubled by Elliot Bradbrook before Sheringham’s finish. Tom Bonner and Lee Burns added two more in the second half on a comfortable afternoon for the hosts. The other cup tie came in 1970 when the Darts ran out 7-0 winners on the road.

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Highlights courtesy of sonyti no

During Dartford’s short stay in the Isthmian Premier League the two sides met four times with both teams completing a double over each other. After winning promotion, the Darts lost both encounters the following season in November 2008 and March 2009. The lively Cody McDonald volleyed Burman’s side in front in the away clash, but goals from Kurt Morlese and Robin Shroot handed Harrow Borough victory. The reverse fixture at Princes Park was settled by Borough’s Dean Fenton who scored the only goal of the game.

The Darts went on to lift the 2009/2010 Isthmian Premier League title and picked up six points against Harrow Borough. Lee Burns found the net twice in a 2-0 triumph at Princes Park, the Darts recording an eleventh win in their first 12 matches. Burns scored a cheeky lob before completing his brace and it could have been three had Adam Flanagan put his penalty away. Three days after clinching the title with a 6-2 away win at Kingstonian, the champions beat Harrow Borough 1-0 in April 2010. Allan Tait was on the end of a slick Dartford move to secure another win.

Dartford’s F.A Cup exit left a gap in the fixture list allowing this cup tie to be brought forward. The Kent derby defeat came at the end of a four game losing streak, which the Darts put behind them with a National South win over Tonbridge Angels last time out. Dowson made four changes to the starting eleven from the team that lost to Welling United. Brandon Barzey, Tyrell Miller-Rodney, Luke Coulson and Harvey Bradbury all came into the side. Paul Rooney netted his first for the club since joining in the summer, the midfielder was alert after Coulson’s shot was blocked. The ball fell to Rooney who struck his shot beyond the Angels goalkeeper to score the decisive goal.

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Highlights courtesy of sonyti no

On Tuesday night, Dowson had a look at a number of players in a friendly against a Gillingham B Team. Tom Wray, who has started four of the six cup games under Dowson started as well as Tommy Block, who is returning from injury. Manny Adebowale and Jay Boulton were also given game time having not featured this season so far. The Dartford boss also took the opportunity to observe some trialists.

The squad could be utilised again as usually in the county cups Dowson opts to mix experienced players with those on the fringes of the first team. Two players who will no longer be available are Marvin Herschel, who has departed the club after four years, 12 Dartford appearances and three goals. Whilst defender, James Golding has been recalled by his parent club Oxford City after ten appearances and one goal. Block, Luke Allen, Alex Wall and Maxwell Statham have all been on the treatment table recently so will be hoping for minutes.

Harrow Borough have continued to play at the same level ever since Dartford’s promotion in 2010. The only difference is they have moved across to the Southern League from the Isthmian League resulting in more travelling. Still, they have posted consistent league positions except for a fifth place finish the year after the Darts went up and reached seventh place in their first season in the Southern Premier South.

A tough start has seen Borough on the back foot as they took just one point from their opening five games, at one point conceding 13 in three games as they lost heavily to Waltham and Hersham and Basingstoke Town before a 4-2 defeat at home to Poole Town. However, they lost just one more in the league in their next four outings picking up a point at Hendon before beating Sholing at home. Harrow Borough went on to bounce back from their loss at Hanwell Town with victory versus Plymouth Parkway on the weekend. Two late goals saw Borough turn around a one goal deficit after they fell behind to a Jack Crago strike. With seven minutes to go the hosts were level when Lonit Talla scored from close range and five minutes later Mack Miskin won the match for Borough.

On Tuesday night they faced Hayes and Yeading United and former Dart, Norman Wabo gave United the lead from the penalty spot. Six minutes after the interval Harrow Borough found themselves two down when Ronan Silva doubled the deficit. In the final minute Borough conceded a third when substitute Steve Ngunga wrapped up victory for Hayes and Yeading United.

Current Form

Dartford (WLLLLW)			Harrow Borough (DLWLWL)
Tonbridge Angels	H	1-0	Hayes & Yeading Utd	A	0-3
Welling United (FAC)	H	2-3	Plymouth Parkway	H	2-1
St Albans City	A	0-1	Hanwell Town	A	1-2
Slough Town	H	1-2	Sholing	H	3-2
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Bracknell Town (FAC)	H	0-2
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Hendon	A	2-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Harrow Borough wins: 2 / Draws: 0

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 5 – 0 Harrow Borough (01/10/2011 – F.A Cup)
Harrow Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (13/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Harrow Borough (03/10/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 1 Harrow Borough (14/03/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Harrow Borough 2 – 1 Dartford (08/11/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Harrow Borough 0 – 7 Dartford (17/10/1970 – F.A Cup)

Statistics

The Darts have won each of their last three meetings versus Borough
Dartford have kept three consecutive clean sheets against Harrow Borough
Only once have both teams scored in this fixture. Dartford have kept four clean sheets to Harrow Borough’s one

On This Day

Alfie Pavey’s first-half hat-trick inspired Dartford to a comfortable 6-1 win over Needham Market in 2017. The F.A Cup third qualifying round was a breeze for the visitors with Tom Murphy, Andy Pugh and Ryan Hayes all finding the back of the net. After just two wins in ten on this day, the Darts are now four unbeaten. In the National League nine years ago Peter Sweeney and Elliot Bradbrook both equalised in a 2-2 draw with Welling United. Two late goals in 2012 earned a 2-1 victory over Hyde at Princes Park. Harry Crawford scored with six minutes on the clock and Richard Rose grabbed the winner with a delicious lob. Dave Martin was the match winner in 2006 against Croydon Athletic in the Isthmian Division One South.

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels

September 22, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return to National South action when they host Tonbridge Angels in another Kent derby this weekend.

The Darts were knocked out of the F.A Cup last time out losing to Welling United. Another early cup exit and a fourth straight loss, for the first time in seven years, has arguably put the most amount of pressure on Alan Dowson since his appointment. Tonbridge Angels threatened to make the playoffs last term under Jay Saunders, but they have also started this season slowly. A point better off than Dartford, the Angels were another team to exit the cup last Saturday.

Dowson is confident in his ability to turn results around and in a statement this week has the support of the board. The Darts boss also spoke to www.kentonline.co.uk and said: “I don’t feel under pressure. If anybody else wants to put me under pressure, that’s up to them”. Ten games down and Dowson believes mitigating circumstances haven’t helped the cause. Injuries to players in the early stages of the season has meant he is yet to find the ‘right team’.

Last weekend he made two changes with Paul Rooney coming back into the side and Charlie Sheringham making his first start since the final game of last season. Tyrell Miller-Rodney was named on the bench, but Harvey Bradbury was left out through illness. Alex Wall was among the substitutes after a long spell out injured, alongside Brandon Barzey who returned from international duty. Recovering from injury, Maxwell Statham was not ready to face his former club, neither were Tommy Block and Luke Allen. However, Dowson confirmed the trio could be in contention to return this weekend.

Last weekend, Dartford’s Lewis Manor and Welling United’s hat-trick hero, Antony Papadopoulos were both on target as the Darts twice went in front to lose 3-2. Manor was lurking at the far post to head in the opener from close range. However, after the drinks break Welling United piled on the pressure and just before half-time were level when Papadopoulos scored direct from a free-kick. Route one football led to Dartford retaking the lead in the second half. Mitch Beeney hit a long goal kick which found Manor who volleyed from a tight angle. Once again the Wings equalised when Papadopoulos scored from the edge of the box. The midfielder then completed his treble tapping the winner into the Dartford net.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts will be keen to end a three game losing streak in the league and will draw on their recent Kent derby record for inspiration. In the nine local league fixtures under Dowson, Dartford have won eight and drawn one. The last time they hosted Tonbridge Angels goals from Samir Carruthers and Pierre Fonkeu earned Dartford a 2-0 victory. Carruthers was pivotal in October’s meeting scoring direct from a corner then getting involved in the second goal as well. His flick on for Charlie Sheringham led to an effort on target, which Fonkeu followed up and scrambled over the line. In the return fixture back in April, Malachi Napa netted the only goal of the game to complete a double over the Angels.

Another hat-trick hero influenced Tonbridge Angels’ F.A Cup tie last weekend. Just like the Darts, the Kent side were determined to put the shock exit from a year ago behind them. Jay Saunders named a strong side against Haringey Borough, which included former Darts Jordan Greenidge and Jernade Meade. Greenidge scored six goals in just eight appearances during his short stay at Princes Park, whilst Meade played 40 games for the Darts over two spells.

The headlines were written by Matthew Young, whose three goals helped Haringey Borough to a 4-2 cupset. The unfortunate Greenidge gave away a penalty to present Young with the chance from the spot, which he duly took. Greenidge equalised, however Borough were back in front when Young scored on the stroke of half-time. The match ball was claimed with a third in the second-half and when Gianni Crichlow pulled a goal back the Angels had hope. With seven minutes to go, Walter Figuera made sure to send Haringey Borough into the next round.

That’s now one win in six for the Angels as they struggle to replicate the form that took them to an all-time high of ninth place last season. That solitary victory at the beginning of the month saw Tonbridge Angels put five past Slough Town. Considering they have scored just eight in the league it is clear where improvements are needed, the Kent club have failed to score in six National South matches out of the nine played. Last time in the league, Saunders’ side were comfortably beaten at home by Taunton Town.

Current Form

Dartford (WWLLLL)			Tonbridge Angels (LLWDLL)
Welling United (FAC)	H	2-3	Haringey Borough (FAC)	A	2-4
St Albans City	A	0-1	Taunton Town	H	0-3
Slough Town	H	1-2	Braintree Town	H	0-0
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Slough Town	A	5-2
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Welling United	H	0-1
Aveley	A	1-0	Yeovil Town	A	0-2
FAC – F.A Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 72 / Tonbridge Angels wins: 38 / Draws: 25

Last Six Meetings

Tonbridge Angels 0 – 1 Dartford (15/04/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (15/10/2022 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 2 – 3 Dartford (29/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Tonbridge Angels (11/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (05/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (28/12/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won nine of their last 11 league games against Tonbridge Angels (D1, L1)
In all competitions the Darts have lost just one in the last 16 meetings (W13, D2)
In the league, the Darts have won five of the last six at Princes Park versus the Angels (D1, L0).
In all competitions Dartford have won seven of the last nine at home against Tonbridge Angels (D2, L0)
The Darts have scored in each of the last 19 games in this fixture

On This Day

Rob Haworth scored what turned out to be a Kent derby winner against rivals Maidstone United on this day in 2008. Dartford’s only victory in their last five outings on this day came on the road at Central Park. The Darts led on 18 minutes after Steve Butterworth hit a low drive beyond the Stones keeper. One became two shortly afterwards and some slick build up play was finished off by a Haworth header. The hosts halved the deficit through Meshach Nugent, but the Darts stood firm to claim bragging rights. Way back in 1967, Dartford faced Tonbridge in the Southern League First Division and recorded a 1-0 win.

Dartford v Welling United

September 15, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford begin their F.A Cup campaign with a mouth-watering Kent derby against local rivals Welling United this weekend.

Both sides have started slowly in the National South and a second qualifying round win could provide a much-needed boost. The Darts have lost the last three league games which has put Alan Dowson under pressure. Dartford’s boss is looking to record his first F.A Cup victory for the club after last season’s shock exit to Beckenham Town. Meanwhile, the Wings are third from bottom, two points and three places behind the Darts, not the start new manager Danny Bloor was hoping for.

In Kent derbies, Dowson has excelled winning eight out of nine in league matches. Welling United are the only team to stop the Darts when they drew at Park View Road back in February. This fixture has seen Dartford dominate over the last decade recording 14 wins and nine draws (includes one penalty shoot-out win and loss), leaving the Wings with just two victories in normal time. However, the Darts will want to avoid repeating a loss at this stage of the competition to a fellow county side.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford last hosted Welling United back in November when the Darts were on a crest of a wave during Dowson’s best spell since his appointment. Racing into a three-goal lead before the break Pierre Fonkeu, Davide Rodari and former Wing, Maxwell Statham scored the goals to put Dartford well in command. Former Dart, Ade Azeez pulled a goal back for the visitors, but the advantage was later stretched when Jack Smith and Luke Coulson wrapped up a fine display.

The reverse fixture saw the Darts twice go a goal down to come away with a point. George Alexander, who netted against Dartford for Slough Town this month opened the scoring. It took a while for Dowson’s side to get going and they were level through Charlie Sheringham. The Wings went back ahead after Azeez smashed a shot in off the underside of the crossbar, but Malachi Napa confidently finished to level the match at 2-2.

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Highlights courtesy of Welling United FC Official

The same scoreline was recorded in the last two cup ties between the teams. In the Kent Senior Cup second round seven years ago, Welling United won 4-1 on penalties. Harry Crawford scored against his former club, but Dartford went ahead through Ryan Hayes and Keaton Wood. With four minutes on the clock, Matt Fish levelled to send the match to spot-kicks.

In April last year, Dartford survived a scare and came back from two goals down to reach the Kent Senior Cup final. Henry Burnett netted twice to put the hosts in control, but goals by Jordan Greenidge and Jake Robinson saw the semi-final decided from 12 yards. The Darts ran out 5-3 winners and went on to lift the county cup three weeks later.

Hoping a cup run will kick start Dartford’s season, the Darts approach this tie in poor form. Last weekend they fell to a single goal defeat against St Albans City, which followed a loss at home to Slough Town and before that a reverse at Taunton Town.

Last weekend, Dowson opted to drop captain Coulson to the bench giving the armband to the ever-present Joash Nembhard. After almost four weeks out injured Sam Odaudu returned to the starting lineup, Archie Woods made his first start after impressive displays and Moussa Diarra came back into the side. Statham’s injury against Taunton Town ruled him out for a second match, so he could miss playing against his former club. Paul Rooney wasn’t included in the matchday squad, whilst Luke Allen, Tommy Block and Alex Wall were also side-lined. Brandon Barzey will be available after completing his three match ban prior his call up to his national side Montserrat, which also saw the winger unavailable for the last two league games.

Welling United are struggling to find the back of the net and are searching for their first goal this month. Although the Wings claimed a 0-0 home draw with St Albans City, they have lost their last two fixtures against early pacesetters Worthing then Bath City. Danny Bloor has managed two victories whilst in charge of the Kent club and they came back-to-back over the Bank Holiday weekend. The Wings defeated Havant and Waterlooville 3-2 before taking the honours in their only Kent derby so far this season against Tonbridge Angels.

Current Form

Dartford (DWWLLL)			Welling United (LWWDLL)
St Albans City	A	0-1	Bath City	H	0-1
Slough Town	H	1-2	Worthing	A	0-2
Taunton Town	A	0-1	St Albans City	H	0-0
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0
Aveley	A	1-0	Havant & Waterlooville	H	3-2
Farnborough	H	1-1	Taunton Town	A	0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 25 / Welling United wins: 10 / Draws: 12

Last Six Meetings

Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (04/02/2023 – National South)
Dartford 5 – 1 Welling United (01/11/2022 – National South)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (26/04/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 2 Welling United (05/02/2022 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 6 Dartford (25/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Welling United (06/02/2021 – National South)
* – Welling United won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won half of their cup ties against Welling United (W10, D5, L5), but have never drawn the Wings in the F.A Cup
The Darts have played 20 F.A Cup ties against Kent sides since reforming in 1993 (W11, D3, L6)
Dartford are nine games unbeaten in all competitions at home against Welling United (W8, D1)

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook took home the match ball on this day in 2017 when his hat-trick sent Dartford into the F.A Cup third qualifying round. The Darts beat Barking 3-1 with two of Bradbrook’s goals coming from the penalty spot. Other F.A Cup victories on 16 September included a 4-0 Kent derby triumph over rivals Gravesend and Northfleet in 1967 and a 4-2 win against Redbridge Forest in 1989. However, the Darts recorded their biggest ever F.A Cup victory when they beat Hemel Hempstead 9-2 in 1972.

St Albans City v Dartford

September 8, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will be determined to put last season’s playoff defeat and current form behind them when they travel to St Albans City this weekend.

The Darts suffered heartbreak in May when they lost on penalties to a Saints side who fell short in the final. Dartford slipped down the National South standings in mid-week losing their second match in three days. St Albans City have taken four points in that time without conceding, ending their own barren spell of three defeats on the spin.

Dartford have been unable to replicate their form at the end of last year and so far in 2023 their inconsistencies have led to a slow start. On the weekend the long trip west finished in a 1-0 defeat against Taunton Town when Dave Sims-Burgess was allowed a free header at goal. Aiming to bounce back from the disappointment, Alan Dowson’s side had the chance on Tuesday night against bottom of the table Slough Town and failed to take it.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV – Footage credit: NLTV

Only one change was made to the starting lineup with Dowson opting to play two strikers, Lewis Manor selected ahead of Moussa Diarra. After serving a three-match suspension, Brandon Barzey is now away on international duty with Montserrat, whilst Tommy Block, Luke Allen, Alex Wall and Sam Odaudu are recovering from injury. Charlie Sheringham returned to the squad and made a substitute appearance against Slough Town, but Maxwell Statham suffered an injury and was replaced mid-way through the first half. A lacklustre performance left the Darts pointless and after Baris Altintop’s first Dartford goal cancelled out George Alexander’s twelfth minute strike, the Rebels scored the winner courtesy of Tyrese Dyce.

Alternating wins and losses in their opening three games, St Albans City went on to lose three on the trot ahead of the weekend. David Noble’s side stopped the unwanted run with a 0-0 draw at Welling United on Saturday. Three days later the Saints took on Dover Athletic and secured a 2-0 victory. Zane Banton and George Hoddle were unavailable due to injury, Nathan Carlyle was brought in to replace Dylan Fage. Forward, Mitchell Weiss assisted and scored to inspire his side. The 30-year-old set up Andronicos Georgiou in the first half and doubled Saints’ lead in the second. Former Dartford midfielder Bobby Dunn featured coming on as a late substitute.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In the three meetings last season the honours were even with Dartford drawing in their last visit to Clarence Park. Loanee, Jack Smith scored his first goal for the Darts to open the scoring. However, Saints equalised through Shaun Jeffers. In the return fixture, despite Dartford winning 2-1, it will be the goal scored by Jeffers that sticks long in the memory. First, Richard Chin provided the pass for Samir Carruthers to finish and put the Darts in front. However, Saints were back level when Jeffers acrobatically struck the ball beyond Ben Dudzinski. The hosts found a winner thanks to a pair of substitutes. Luke Coulson’s free-kick was saved only for Fonkeu to pounce and net the winner.

The crucial playoff semi-final clash came a fortnight later and this time St Albans City prevailed in a shoot-out. Harvey Bradbury gave Dartford the advantage when his clever lob beat the onrushing goalkeeper, Dylan Berry. The Darts were five minutes away from going in at the break with a one goal lead, but a low corner was converted by Aidan Francis-Clarke to draw level. No further goals were scored in the second-half or during extra time and so it came down to the pressure of penalties. When Berry saved Carruthers’ effort from 12 yards it was an advantage the Saints wouldn’t relinquish. St Albans City went on to score all five kicks to win 5-3 and progress to the final.

Current Form

Dartford (DDWWLL)			St Albans City (WLLLDW)
Slough Town	H	1-2	Dover Athletic	H	2-0
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Welling United	A	0-0
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Bath City	H	0-2
Aveley	A	1-0	Taunton Town	A	2-3
Farnborough	H	1-1	Torquay United	H	0-1
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Havant & Waterlooville	A	2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 12 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 7

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (07/05/2023 – National South Playoffs)*
Dartford 2 – 1 St Albans City (22/04/2023 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 1 Dartford (22/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 St Albans City (23/04/2022 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 3 Dartford (14/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 St Albans City (17/11/2020 – National South)
* – St Albans City won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in their last four league games against St Albans City (W3, D1) and have lost just once in the last eight league matches (W5, D2)
The Darts are unbeaten in three league games at Clarence Park (W2, D1) after losing the previous four without scoring
Both teams have scored in the previous five competitive meetings
Dartford have gone 15 games without a clean sheet against St Albans City stretching back to February 2016

On This Day

Ryan Hayes set up two goals and scored the other in a 3-0 home win over Chippenham Town six years ago. The winger’s accurate cross was headed in by Alfie Pavey in the first-half. After the interval, Hayes picked out Andy Pugh at the far post to double the lead. To wrap things up, Hayes got his goal sweeping the ball home into the bottom corner.

In 2014, the Darts came back from two goals down to clinch a last-minute draw with Eastleigh at Princes Park in the National League. The Spitfires scored twice inside 22 minutes through Jamie Collins and James Constable. However, the hosts fought back after the break with goals from Elliot Bradbrook and a ninetieth minute equaliser by Harry Crawford.

Dartford’s last away game on this day was 23 years ago when they lost 1-0 to Spalding United in the Southern League Division One East. The last victory on their travels on 9 September came in 1998 when the Darts beat Reading Town 3-0 in a F.A Cup preliminary round replay.

Dartford v Slough Town

September 5, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will want to get back to winning ways when they host bottom of the table Slough Town on Tuesday night.

After securing their first victories over the Bank Holiday weekend, the Darts were beaten on Saturday by a single goal leaving them three points off the top seven. Slough Town prop up the National South with just a solitary win to their name. The Rebels have lost their last three and have the leakiest defence in the division.

The Darts have got the better of Slough Town over the last three years claiming maximum points in the last five National South meetings. Throwing in a playoff victory and a penalty shoot out triumph in the F.A Trophy, the Darts have had plenty of joy in this fixture. The Rebels did manage to defeat Dartford in the F.A Cup during that period, but their only ever victories in the league came in the 2019/20 campaign when they completed a double over the Darts.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Kieran Murtagh scored the winning goal in last season’s fixture against the Rebels. Justifying Alan Dowson’s decision to select the midfielder in the starting lineup, Murtagh headed home Luke Coulson’s cross. Alex Wall also had an opportunity ruled out for offside, but Dartford went on to win 1-0.

Just under a year ago the Darts also won against the Berkshire side on their travels. Slough Town took the lead in the first-half through Josh Jackman, however Dartford showed character after going behind. Charlie Sheringham put the Darts on level terms in the second-half. Then the introduction of Pierre Fonkeu proved pivotal, the forward completed the turnaround with the match winner.

On the weekend Dartford suffered a narrow defeat down in Somerset ending an unbeaten run of four. In a close encounter with Taunton Town, Dave Sims-Burgess’ goal proved to be decisive for the hosts condemning the Darts to a second loss this season. Dowson made two changes to the side that beat Aveley 1-0 and Dover Athletic 2-0 over the Bank Holiday period.

Moussa Diarra made his debut after signing on loan from Barnet until January and Maxwell Statham returned to the starting eleven. Red carded against his former club Hampton and Richmond Borough last month, Brandon Barzey served the last of his three match ban. Tommy Block was unfit for Saturday, Sam Odaudu was out injured and Alex Wall is returning to fitness having yet to feature this season. Luke Allen was not involved in the squad despite coming back from injury against Dover Athletic, Lewis Manor was ill and Charlie Sheringham had been away all week.

Dowson reverted to playing one up front at Taunton Town, but has acknowledged he’d prefer an extra striker, he told Dartford FC TV after the game: “We had thirty balls in the box today. If Lewis Manor would have played it would have been a lot different because I think he would have had a hat-trick to be honest”, he added: “I know I’ve got too many players who are a bit of the same up front. I’m not daft, I am looking very hard to get a little nippy one because I wanted to go two up top”. The Dartford boss is hopeful new loan signing Archie Woods will add more creativity to help out the forwards, Dowson was impressed by the youngster and commented: “In the final third we didn’t create anything, but I thought when young Archie came on he created things and he looked lively”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Woods was named on the bench and came on to make his debut. The 19-year-old has been signed from West Ham United until the end of the season. The midfielder made 22 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers under 21 side last season after securing a professional contract in the summer last year.

Slough Town have had a tough start to their campaign with one win in seven. Although the Rebels have scored in each game they have the worst defence in the National South, form highlighted by their 5-2 home defeat against Tonbridge Angels on the weekend.

It was the Rebels who went in front with player manager, Scott Davies leading by example by scoring. At the break the sides were level after an attempted clearance from a James Fielding header found the back of Slough Town’s net. Ibby Akanbi started the second-half scoring spree for the Angels, Kodi Lyons-Foster added a third and Ruben Soares-Junior a fourth. Slough Town’s Rohun Luthra saved a penalty before it became 5-1 when Nathan Wood scored with his first touch. In the final minute George Alexander netted a consolation for the hosts.

Former Dartford player Temi Eweka took part in the defeat versus Tonbridge Angels and could face his old side. The defender played for the Rebels on loan last season from Maidenhead United and signed for the Berkshire club in the summer. Coming through the Darts academy, Eweka made three appearances for Dartford during the 2017/2018 campaign before leaving for VCD Athletic.

Davies has led his side to one victory this term and that was against newly promoted Weston-super-Mare. Alexander, who scored against the Darts for Welling United last season netted a first-half hat-trick in a 3-0 win. Either side of that triumph the Rebels have lost three in a row, opening their campaign with a 2-1 loss at Maidstone United. Beaten by the same scoreline at home to Dover Athletic, Slough Town went on to get soundly defeated 4-1 by Worthing. Another pair of 2-1 losses to Torquay United and Chippenham Town followed the win in Weston, and their sixth defeat was recorded on the weekend.

Current Form

Dartford (LDDWWL)			Slough Town (LLWLLL)
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Tonbridge Angels	H	2-5
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Chippenham Town	A	1-2
Aveley	A	1-0	Torquay United	H	1-2
Farnborough	H	1-1	Weston-super-Mare	A	3-0
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Worthing	H	1-4
Weymouth	A	0-1	Dover Athletic	H	1-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Slough Town wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 0 Slough Town (21/02/2023 – National South)
Slough Town 1 – 2 Dartford (25/10/2022 – National South)
Slough Town 0 – 6 Dartford (30/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Slough Town (21/08/2021 – National South)
Slough Town 2 – 2 Dartford (15/12/2020 – F.A Trophy)*
Dartford 2 – 0 Slough Town (21/11/2020 – National South)
* – Dartford won 6-5 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won five consecutive league games against Slough Town with an aggregate score of 14-1
The Darts have kept three clean sheets in a row against the Rebels in the league at Princes Park
Luke Coulson has now made 50 appearances for the Darts (42 starts, 8 sub, 9 goals)
Slough Town have lost all three games this season against Kent sides

On This Day

Dartford have not conceded a goal on this day in 36 years, scoring 18 without reply. Unbeaten in their last seven games on 5 September the last five fixtures have seen the Darts keep consecutive clean sheets. The most recent was the 4-0 victory at Whitehawk six years ago in which Alfie Pavey, Ryan Hayes, Elliot Bradbrook and Lyle Della-Verde all scored. The only team to hold the Darts to a draw in that spell was Bath City in 2015 at Twerton Park. Hendon were soundly beaten 5-0 in 2009, goals from Lee Burns, Rob Haworth, a brace from Jay May and Lee Noble secured three Isthmian Premier League points during the title winning campaign. The same score was recorded five years earlier in the F.A Cup preliminary round win over Horsham YMCA, and in the F.A Vase back in 1995 Steyning Town were beaten 4-0.

Taunton Town v Dartford

September 1, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are eyeing up a third consecutive National South victory this weekend when they make the long journey across the country to face Taunton Town.

The Darts climbed the table after a series of draws and a defeat left them winless in the opening four fixtures of their campaign. However, back-to-back victories over the Bank Holiday period has moved Dartford up ten places and into eleventh. Now just a point from the playoff zone, things are looking up for Alan Dowson’s side and victory will take them above Taunton Town. The Peacocks enjoyed a solid debut in the league last term and have begun this season even better. Rob Dray’s side have a perfect home record at Wordsworth Drive and hope to keep that momentum going.

Searching for a winning formula Alan Dowson tweaked the forward line last weekend and finally hit the jackpot. The Dartford boss then stuck with the same side two days later and was rewarded with maximum points over the August Bank Holiday. Opting to play two up front, Lewis Manor was given his first start in the late 1-0 win over Aveley. However, it was his strike partner Harvey Bradbury that made the headlines with an injury time header to snatch Dartford a first victory of the season. A first clean sheet was also welcomed by the defence, especially goalkeeper Mitch Beeney.

In the derby clash at home to Dover Athletic on Monday, James Golding and Manor both opened their accounts for the Darts with their first competitive goals. The hosts controlled the game and went into the lead after the visitors were unable to clear Luke Coulson’s free-kick. Eventually the ball found its way to Golding who stabbed home from close range. Coulson caused more problems in the second-half when his corner found Manor, who powerfully headed the ball beyond Billy Terrell in the Dover Athletic goal. The scoreline could have been more and Coulson could have easily made it three, but the captain blasted his penalty over the crossbar. Another shut out by Beeney in goal means the Darts have kept consecutive clean sheets.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Taunton Town were one of three teams who completed the double over Dartford last season. Just over a year ago, the Darts last visit to Wordsworth Drive ended in a 2-1 defeat. Davide Rodari scored the opener when he chased down Sam Odaudu’s long ball, but a mix up at the back between goalkeeper Jack Bycroft and centre half Dan Ball allowed Rodari to get between the pair, round the keeper and slot into an empty net. Another long ball caused problems with 15 minutes to go, this time for the Darts. Tom Bonner was caught out and substitute Dave Sims-Burgess took advantage to equalise. Then four minutes later another sub won it for the Peacocks, Stearn netting from close range.

In the return fixture the visitors started better, Nat Jarvis having a goal ruled out for offside. The Darts responded when Luke Allen twice struck the woodwork. With very little happening in the second-half Taunton Town’s Cameron Evans scored with three minutes to go to hand the visitors a 1-0 triumph.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Taunton Town boast a perfect home record starting with the opening day victory against Braintree Town. The Peacocks fought back from a goal down to win 2-1 against the Iron. Taunton Town conceded early, which was not an ideal start for debutante goalkeeper Dan Lavercombe, whose clearance rebounded off Nnamdi Nwachuku and into the empty net. The Peacocks recovered well and were level in first half stoppage time through Nick Grimes. In the second-half, manager Dray introduced Ross Stearn and barely a minute later he netted the winner.

The Darts will be the second Kent club to visit Wordsworth Drive this season. After the Peacocks lost their first game on their travels to Aveley and drew at Weymouth they hosted Welling United and bagged all three points. Nick McCootie’s shot from the edge of the box proved decisive in the 1-0 victory.

Taunton Town took four points out of the Bank Holiday weekend fixtures which began with an entertaining 3-2 win over playoff finalists St Albans City. Stearn’s last gasp winner was valuable giving Saints no time to respond like they had done twice in the game. The scoring was opened when Stearn capitalised on Michael Johnson’s fumble, but the Hertfordshire club drew level courtesy of the alert Giorgio Rasulo. Heading towards the break Grimes put the Peacocks back in front, but once again St Albans City found an equaliser, Mitchell Weiss firing beyond Lavercombe. In the closing stages Stearn backheeled a clever effort into the corner of the net to clinch all three points.

On Monday, the Peacocks picked up another point on the road drawing 1-1 with Maidstone United. Grimes scoring the equaliser to move to the top of Taunton Town’s goalscoring charts with three.

Current Form

Dartford (DLDDWW)			Taunton Town (WLDWWD)
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Maidstone United	A	1-1
Aveley	A	1-0	St Albans City	H	3-2
Farnborough	H	1-1	Welling United	H	1-0
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Weymouth	A	1-1
Weymouth	A	0-1	Aveley	A	1-4
Bath City	H	3-3	Braintree Town	H	2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Taunton Town wins: 2 / Draws: 0

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 1 Taunton Town (13/04/2023 – National South)
Taunton Town 2 – 1 Dartford (20/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford’s win over Dover Athletic was their 200th victory in the National South (P397, W200, D94, L103)
The Darts kept a consecutive league clean sheet on Monday for the first time since February 2023. The last time Dartford kept three clean sheets in a row in the league was back in September/October 2021

On This Day

Dartford came from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Alan Dowson’s Hampton and Richmond Borough on this day in 2017. Max Kretzschmar bagged a brace inside half an hour, but Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook made sure the Darts took home a point. Dartford’s last away win on 2 September came in 2006 as they swept aside Tunbridge Wells 5-0 in the F.A Cup preliminary round. On their travels, the Darts are unbeaten in six with three wins and three draws on this day stretching back to 1963.

Dartford v Dover Athletic

August 27, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford host their first Kent derby of the season when Dover Athletic visit Princes Park this weekend.

An outstanding record in Kent derbies last term earned the Darts an impressive 22 points. Alan Dowson led his side to seven league victories against local rivals, only dropping points in the draw at Welling United. Meanwhile Dover Athletic failed to notch a single derby day win last term, two of those defeats against the Darts.

Unbeaten in the league at Princes Park against Dover Athletic for 15 years, Dartford have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture. The most recent was back in April when the Darts secured the double over the Whites. Harvey Bradbury helped Dartford on their way after just five minutes. The striker capitalised on a defensive mix up to score and had the ball in the back of the net again moments later, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Dover Athletic gained control and before the first-half was out Jordan Higgs equalised. The Darts got to grips with proceedings in the second-half and with seven minutes remaining substitute Luke Allen finished superbly to win it for the hosts.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In the previous meeting at the Crabble, the Darts won 3-1 with all the goals coming in the first-half. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers scored the first of three goals in an 18-minute spell to put the Darts in command. Coulson assisted Carruthers for the first goal and scored the second. Maxwell Statham made it three before a lapse of concentration just before half-time let Dover Athletic back in the game. A controlled second half from Dartford saw the score unchanged and three points secured.

The Darts are looking for a first home win of the campaign after drawing their opening three from winning positions. Bath City pegged Dartford back twice in a 3-3 draw, whilst Hampton and Richmond Borough and Farnborough equalised to leave the Darts sharing the points. Dowson had to contend with the absence of Paul Rooney for the opening three games. The summer signing returned to make his debut at Farnborough. Brandon Barzey began his Dartford career brightly, but he was sent off against Hampton and Richmond Borough and gave away the penalty in the last home match. The winger missed the weekend trip to Aveley through suspension.

Dowson tweaked the forward line on the weekend preferring to play two up front. Therefore Lewis Manor was given his first start and teamed up with Harvey Bradbury. The only other change saw Baris Altintop in for Maxwell Statham. Meanwhile, winger Brandon Barzey sat out through suspension. Sam Odaudu (hamstring) and Luke Allen were other noticeable absentees, Charlie Sheringham came on to make his 150th Dartford appearance.

New loan signing from Barnet, Moussa Diarra was named on bench and took no part in Saturday’s victory. The defender will have to wait a bit longer to make his debut. The 33-year-old joins from the National League side until January and has previously played under Dowson at Woking as well as Hampton and Richmond Borough. If selected on Bank Holiday Monday he will face one of his former clubs having spent time at Dover Athletic during the 2018/19 season where he made 20 appearances.

Dartford had enough chances in the first-half, but Aveley came closest when they hit the crossbar from a free kick. In the second-half the Darts persisted and when a penalty decision was overturned and a goalmouth scramble wasn’t converted, it felt like it was going to be another one of those days for the Darts.

Late goals had become a thorn in Dartford’s side, but it was their turn to profit. In the fifth minute of added time Bradbury headed the winner to grab a first win of the season for the Darts and a first clean sheet for goalkeeper, Mitch Beeney. Victory doubled Dartford’s points tally for the season, a point ahead of Dover Athletic.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On the weekend, the Whites went down to league leaders Worthing. Manager, Mitch Brundle made two changes to the side that drew with Braintree Town a week earlier. New signing Dontai Stewart went straight into the starting lineup to make his debut. Whilst Iffy Allen returned from injury, the pair replacing Nick Dembele and Luke Baptiste. Dover Athletic fell behind on eight minutes when Nicky Wheeler hit a long range shot beyond Billy Terrell. The Whites were still in the game, but with eight minutes remaining Reece Meekums found space inside the box and slotted in to double the Rebels lead.

The Whites had a difficult summer which saw players make u-turns and an assistant manager change his mind. Dover Athletic avoided relegation last season on goal difference adding to the challenge presented to Brundle ahead of his first full campaign in charge.

On the opening day, Dover Athletic fought back from two down inside 20 minutes to draw 2-2 against league favourites Torquay United. An injury time winner by Baptiste earned the Whites their first win on their travels when they beat Slough Town 2-1. However, the Kent derby trend continued in the following match when Brundle’s side lost 1-0 at Tonbridge Angels. Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, Dover Athletic picked up another point in the 1-1 draw against Braintree Town before defeat at home to Worthing.

Current Form

Dartford (DLDDW)			Dover Athletic (DWLDL)
Aveley	A	1-0	Worthing	H	0-2
Farnborough	H	1-1	Braintree Town	H	1-1
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Tonbridge Angels	A	0-1
Weymouth	A	0-1	Slough Town	A	2-1
Bath City	H	3-3	Torquay United	H	2-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 16 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National League)
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)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dover Athletic 6 – 1 Dartford (17/01/2015 – National League)

Statistics

Dartford have won six of the last eight league games against Dover Athletic (D1, L1). They have also won the last four matches in all competitions, a record run against the Whites.
The Darts have won the last four league meetings against Dover Athletic at Princes Park with an aggregate score of 11-3
Dartford’s three consecutive home draws from the start of a season is a record
The Darts last drew four home games in a row back in 2016. Dartford drew their final two matches at Princes Park during the 2015/16 season, then their opening two of the next campaign

On This Day

A last minute Tyrique Hyde goal secured a 2-0 away win against Dulwich Hamlet on this day two years ago. Josh Hill had opened the scoring as early as the seventh minute. Hyde rounded off the match with a fine individual effort to double the lead. Dartford’s last home match on 28 August ended in a 1-0 defeat to East Thurrock United in 2017. After 18 years of waiting for a North West Kent league derby, the Darts drew 1-1 with Ebbsfleet United in 2010. Michael West headed the fleet in front, but Charlie Sheringham’s successful spot kick made sure the spoils were shared.

Aveley v Dartford

August 25, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford search for their first win of the season when they travel to newly promoted Aveley to start the Bank Holiday weekend.

The Darts have made a slow start in Dowson’s second campaign in charge having drawn three of the opening four games. Now they face an Aveley side full of confidence and second in the National South. In their debut season at this level the Millers have gained momentum from back to back promotions and have a perfect record at home.

If true to form in this fixture, Dartford’s first visit to Aveley in nearly 14 years could provide goals. During the Isthmian Premier League title winning season, the Darts won 4-1 despite playing the majority of the game a man down. Elliot Bradbrook guided the away side into the lead directing a low cross into the net. The Millers equalised through Ryan Edgar’s long range drive which deceived Andrew Young in the Dartford goal. Adam Flanagan was then dismissed for an off the ball incident just before half-time, however that didn’t faze Tony Burman’s side in the second-half.

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Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Jamie Coyle nodded in at the far post from a deep corner to regain Dartford’s lead and from there on the Darts pulled away. After a goalmouth scramble Jay May ensured the ball crossed the line and in injury time Ryan Hayes exquisitely volleyed his own rebound over the stranded goalkeeper. In the same season the reverse fixture finished 2-2 at Princes Park and a league cup clash ended 5-4 to Aveley.

Frustratingly for Dartford they are currently six points behind the front runners, the same number of points they have dropped from winning positions. Although their only away fixture ended in a 1-0 defeat down in Weymouth, the Darts led twice versus Bath City to draw 3-3 and conceded equalisers in the 1-1 stalemates against Hampton and Richmond Borough, then Farnborough.

Impressive in his first two games for Dartford, Brandon Barzey has been in the thick of the action in his previous two outings. The winger was red carded against his former club Hampton and Richmond Borough and will start his suspension this weekend. Unfortunately, he also gave away a needless last minute penalty resulting in Farnborough’s equaliser. However, summer signing Paul Rooney is now available after he made his debut last weekend. Meanwhile, Jack McIntyre and Joe Rabbetts have returned to their parent clubs after being recalled.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Aveley began their maiden season in the National South with a 1-0 away defeat at Chippenham Town. The Millers were undone by a Tyreke Johnson cross that sailed over goalkeeper Jonathan North. Manager, Danny Scopes handed out six debuts in an historic game for the Millers and since the loss they have adapted quickly to their new surroundings. Three consecutive victories has put Aveley in second place, a run which also halted Worthing’s perfect start.

At Parkside the Millers have won two out of two, starting with the 4-1 thumping of Taunton Town. Siju Odelusi’s hat-trick rounded off a memorable afternoon and e opened the scoring from the penalty spot. Malachi Linton levelled for the Peacocks, but Odelusi had Aveley back in front before the break. Charlee Hughes extended the Millers lead and in the last minute Odelusi secured the matchball. Full timers, Eastbourne Borough were next to visit and were beaten 2-0 by a Jon Benton strike and Matt Rush goal.

Last weekend Aveley’s first away victory followed when they defeated Worthing, who had won their opening three. Benton scored for a second game in a row and Eduino Vaz made it two before half-time. Worthing pulled a goal back, but it was merely a consolation for the Rebels.

Current Form

Dartford (DLDD)			Aveley (LWWW)
Farnborough	H	1-1	Worthing	A	2-1
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Eastbourne Borough	H	2-0
Weymouth	A	0-1	Taunton Town	H	4-1
Bath City	H	3-3	Chippenham Town	A	0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Aveley wins: 2 / Draws: 3

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 2 Aveley (17/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier League)
Dartford 4 – 5 Aveley (15/12/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)
Aveley 1 – 4 Dartford (24/10/2009 – Isthmian Premier League)
Aveley 2 – 2 Dartford (29/12/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 3 – 0 Aveley (13/11/2007 – Isthmian League Cup)
Dartford 4 – 0 Aveley (27/08/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)

Statistics

The Darts are unbeaten in their last three trips to Aveley (W2, L1)
In the ten previous meetings, an astonishing 4.5 goals a game have been scored in this fixture
Charlie Sheringham could make his 150th appearance if selected (116 starts + 33 sub)

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last four on this day drawing 2-2 in their last match on 26 August. In 2019, the Darts battled back from a goal down to lead 2-1 thanks to goals from Darren McQueen and Luke Wanadio, however an 88th minute equaliser denied Dartford a win at Hungerford Town. Two years earlier a Bradbrook brace and Alfie Pavey goal earned a 3-0 away victory over Hemel Hempstead Town and in 2013, Danny Harris and Kenny Clark scored in a 2-0 win at Tamworth.

Dartford’s last home game on this day resulted in 1-0 triumph over Kingstonian in 2006, Jay May netting the winner. The last away defeat on the 26 August was back in 1985, meaning the Darts have gone five without loss on their travels. The other two wins on the road include a 3-2 victory against Bromsgrove Rovers in 1989 and a 3-1 win over Egham Town in the F.A Cup preliminary round 28 years ago.

Author: Stuart Maidment (Page 2 of 19)

Hampton and Richmond Borough v Dartford

Chippenham Town v Dartford

Dartford v Harrow Borough

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels

Dartford v Welling United

St Albans City v Dartford

Dartford v Slough Town

Taunton Town v Dartford

Dartford v Dover Athletic

Aveley v Dartford

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