The Clarets make up a trio of Essex teams in the National South this season and were another to reach the playoffs last time out. It was seventh time unlucky as they bowed out in the eliminator round against St Albans City. Having finished way down the standings in the previous campaign, Chelmsford City can be pleased with their progress by finishing in the top seven, but disappointed to miss out on third by goal difference. The Clarets were the best of the rest when it came to defence conceding just two more than champions Ebbsfleet United. At the start of November, they were real title contenders then they slipped out of the race over the next three months. Chelmsford City’s form improved towards the end, yet they just fell short.
2022/2023 Season National South: 5th F.A Cup: 1st Round F.A Trophy: 4th Round County Cup: Semi-Final Top League Scorer: Tom Blackwell (9 goals)
Manager – Robbie Simpson
Five months after joining Chelmsford City as a free agent from Milton Keynes Dons, Simpson became the interim boss. Impressing as a player manager in January and February 2020, the Clarets appointed Simpson as the permanent successor to Rod Stringer the following month. Last season was his second full campaign at the helm, and he guided Chelmsford City to the playoffs finishing fourteen places higher than the season before. As a player, Simpson won promotion with Milton Keynes Dons and can draw on a wealth of Football League experience during his seventeen years as a professional.
Summer Transfers
Robbie Simpson has always admired the creativity of Samir Carruthers and now he has got his man from the Darts. Adding experience to the squad is former Colchester United midfielder Anthony Wordsworth from Enfield Town. Mohammad Dabre arrives from League Two side Swindon Town, Mohamed Battamer from Hayes and Yeading United, Eze Ebuzoeme and Adam Mills make the step up and Charlie Ruff switches from Havant and Waterlooville. Josh Castiglione comes in from Hemel Hempstead Town. After impressing on trial, Luke Jenkins earned a deal from AFC Wimbledon and Callum Watts from Grays Athletic.
Dartford 1 – 2 Chelmsford City (25/03/2023 – National South) Chelmsford City 1 – 0 Dartford (03/12/2022 – National South) Dartford 2 – 1 Chelmsford City (15/03/2022 – National South) Chelmsford City 0 – 0 Dartford (25/10/2021 – National South) Dartford 1 – 0 Chelmsford City (06/10/2020 – National South) Dartford 3 – 0 Chelmsford City (14/03/2020 – National South)
Next Meetings
Dartford v Chelmsford City – Tuesday 7th November 2023 Chelmsford City v Dartford – Friday 29th March 2024
Statistics
Chelmsford City were one of three teams to complete a double over the Darts last season
Dartford have won four of the last five league meetings at Princes Park (D0, L1)
The Darts are winless in six league trips to Chelmsford City last winning there in December 2015 (D2, L4). That victory is the only away win in the league against the Clarets in 12 attempts (D3, L8)
Flirting with relegation since dropping back into the National South four years ago led to a change of the guard. Angelo Harrop was appointed to lead the team into the 2022/2023 season, and he guided the Iron to the playoffs. The Essex club may have fell short in the end, but they made the top seven thanks to exceptional home form. Braintree Town went unbeaten in the opening nineteen league matches at Cressing Road and only lost twice on their own patch all season. They also went thirteen without defeat after the New Year and at the end of that run were challenging for a third-place finish. However, momentum shifted in the closing stages and losing home advantage in the playoffs on the final day proved costly.
2022/2023 Season National South: 7th F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round F.A Trophy: 4th Round County Cup: Winners Top League Scorer: Aaron Blair (11 goals)
Manager – Angelo Harrop
A new manager to the National South, Braintree Town opted to appoint Harrop last summer following the departure of Ryan Maxwell. The 35-year-old will be familiar to Dartford fans as he was the boss who caused the F.A Cup upset in the fourth qualifying round two years ago. Harrop took AFC Sudbury to seventh in the Isthmian Division One North and the first round of the F.A Cup in his last season there. His first campaign with the Iron ended in a playoff appearance and this summer Harrop agreed to stay on with the aim to remain in the division.
Summer Transfers
Dartford have benefited from the departure of Baris Altintop by signing the defender this summer. Whilst former Dart, Alfie Pavey also leaves Cressing Road opting to join Farnborough. Replacing the goals of top scorer Aaron Blair, who returned to his parent club Dagenham and Redbridge and Alfie Matthews, who will be trying to impress at Hemel Hempstead Town was top of Angelo Harrop’s list. The Iron boss raided his former club with the signing of Nnamdi Nwachuku, the striker recorded 49 goals last season and has been in great pre-season form. Joe Grimwood and Reggie Lambe also arrive from AFC Sudbury. Will Davies found the net regularly at Leiston last term and he will be hoping to continue his form in the National South, whilst George Quantrell follows Davies to Cressing Road. Arriving on loan from Luton Town will be Ben Tomkins.
Braintree Town 1 – 1 Dartford (18/02/2023 – National South) Dartford 4 – 1 Braintree Town (05/11/2022 – National South) Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (02/05/2022 – National South) Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (28/12/2021 – National South) Braintree Town 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2021 – National South) Dartford 2 – 1 Braintree Town (24/08/2019 – National South)
Next Meetings
Dartford v Braintree Town – Tuesday 21st November 2023 Braintree Town v Dartford – Tuesday 12th March 2024
Statistics
The Darts have recorded just two victories in the last 14 matches against Braintree Town (D5, L7)
Dartford’s 4-1 win in November was their biggest victory against the Iron and the first time they scored more than twice in a game versus the Essex club
The Darts are winless in their last six trips to Cressing Road (D3, L3) and their only victory there was in September 2012
An eleventh successive National South campaign was an emotional one for Bath City ending in silverware and a mid-table finish. One event put football in perspective when Alex Fletcher suffered a life-threatening injury in November. Under the circumstances the club and non-league pulled together during a difficult time. Up to that point the Romans had started brightly finishing October in the playoff places. Striker Cody Cooke formed a decent partnership with Fletcher and when the pair were out injured the goals dried up over a tricky winter. Up stepped Scott Wilson, getting Bath City firing again with a final flourish to the season, which was rewarded with a Somerset Premier Cup triumph. Hopefully we will see Alex Fletcher back on a football pitch when he’s given the green light.
2022/2023 Season National South: 11th F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round F.A Trophy: 4th Round County Cup: Winners Top League Scorer: Scott Wilson (18 goals)
Manager – Jerry Gill
A former Bath City defender in his playing days, Gill was appointed boss of the Romans in October 2017. He arrived with experience working in academies at Bristol Rovers, Kidderminster Harriers, Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Yet his managerial career started seven years before he took the Bath City post. At Weymouth, Gill only lasted forty-four days hampered by the club’s financial issues, but that never deterred the former Birmingham City player. Gill has guided Bath City to two top ten and two top five finishes since his appointment, the last playoff appearance was three years ago.
Summer Transfers
Keeping hold of Cody Cooke was a positive over the summer and joining him will be Luke Russe from Chippenham Town. Going the other way, moving to the Bluebirds is Luke Spokes. Ben Morgan arrives from Gloucester City and Jordan Thomas from Southern Division One Central side North Leigh. Goalkeeper, Ollie Wright joins for a season long loan from Southampton replacing Hungerford Town bound Ryan Clarke. The Romans have also secured Ewan Clark on a season long loan from Bristol City.
Rewind nine years and it’s incredible to think Aveley will be testing themselves against former Football League sides. The Millers were down in the Isthmian Division One North, whilst Yeovil Town were in the Championship. Yet here they are and fully merited after back-to-back promotions. Last season, the Essex club negotiated the playoffs, beating third place Canvey Island and league runners up AFC Hornchurch. In their previous campaign they clinched the Isthmian Division One North title. Five wins in their opening six set the tone last term and after a twelve-match unbeaten run around the turn of the year, it set the Millers up for their successful promotion push. Former Dartford striker George Sykes top scored for the club, but he won’t be donning Aveley colours this season.
2022/2023 Season Isthmian Premier: 4th F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round County Cup: 3rd Round Top League Scorer: George Sykes (15 goals)
Manager – Danny Scopes
Four years ago Danny Scopes was appointed as a manager for the first time, but he never had a full campaign with Concord Rangers due to two Covid hit seasons. Still he managed to guide the Beachboys to Wembley losing the F.A Trophy final against Harrogate Town. Shortly after that final defeat, Scopes resigned in May 2021. Six months later Aveley took the opportunity to take on the man who helped the Cowley brothers take Concord Rangers up the non-league pyramid. Already Scopes has made an impression at Aveley by winning the Isthmian Division One North, then last season’s Isthmian Premier playoffs.
Summer Transfers
Danny Scopes has bought in Lionel Ainsworth to be his player/assistant manager. The 35-year-old has plenty of Football League experience and also had a three year stay at Motherwell. Alex Hernandez and Nana Kyei remain in the National South after relegation with Concord Rangers, Harry Lodovica switches from Chelmsford City, Tommy Davis and Jon Benton arrive from Southend United, Jalen Jones from Cray Wanderers, Charlee Hughes from Hemel Hempstead Town and Matt Rush from Braintree Town. Former Dartford striker and top scorer George Sykes leaves, but Garrett Kelly, Aveley’s Player of the Season stays.
8 July 2023 – Charlton Athletic (home) Alan Dowson kick started his first pre-season as Dartford boss against the Addicks last July. The League One side ran out 6-1 winners in front of 2775 supporters. It took half an hour for Charlton Athletic to break the deadlock through Charlie Kirk, but a Jayden Stockley own goal cancelled out their lead. Numerous changes took place at the break and with the superior technique and fitness, the Addicks scored five without reply. Miles Leaburn grabbed a brace, Sean Clare netted from the spot, Stockley made amends and Deji Elerewe finished off the rout.
14 July 2023 – Dunston (away) A summer getaway to Dowson’s homeland aims to build up team spirit and integrate new signings. The long journey to the North East of England to Gateshead to take on Dunston will provide an opportunity for the team to bond. The Northern Division One East side finished three points away from the playoffs last time out. When Lee Noble scored the winner for the Darts in the 2012 National South playoffs, Dunston had success of their own that season winning the F.A Vase at Wembley.
18 July 2023 – Margate (away) Dartford may showcase some of their academy talents in front of Ben Greenhalgh, who has been working with Dowson to produce a pathway for the youngsters. Greenhalgh also plays for Margate in the Isthmian Premier League and is their assistant manager. The Gate also have former Darts, Tyrone Sterling and Sam Blackman in their squad managed by new boss Reece Prestedge. The two sides last met in April 2022 in the Kent Senior Cup quarter-final. Dartford won 4-2 with goals from Luke Allen, Kalvin Kalala, Ade Azeez and Ody Alfa, the Darts went on to lift the county cup, which Margate won last season.
22 July 2023 – Gillingham (home) It’s been four years since Dartford faced Gillingham and in that time the Gills have dropped into League Two. In 2019, the Darts were beaten 2-1 at Princes Park with Norman Wabo scoring for the hosts. Last season Gillingham looked set for back to back relegation and falling out of the Football League, but a takeover and an injection of cash saw them ease to safety. The Gills will now be among the favourites to challenge for promotion for the upcoming campaign. The Darts last beat Kent’s only Football League side in 2015 when they went on to lift the county cup. Tom Wynter and Jack Simmons scored in the 2-1 Kent Senior Cup second round victory.
25 July 2023 – Bromley (away) The Darts visited Bromley as part of their pre-season last year and came away with a 0-0 draw against the F.A Trophy winners. The Ravens had beaten Wrexham 1-0 at Wembley and Dartford’s Luke Coulson was in that Bromley side that triumphed. The Ravens went out at the first hurdle last term, but they did reach the playoff semi-finals and ran Chesterfield close in an epic tie. It’s been over ten years since Dartford have been on an even footing with Bromley, with the two sides passing each other in 2015.
28 July 2023 – Phoenix Sports (away) A last minute penalty from former Dartford legend Ryan Hayes won Phoenix Sports promotion back to the Isthmian South East in their last competitive game. Just three and half miles separate the two clubs and also on Phoenix’s books last season was Andy Pugh. The Darts breezed past the Sports in March 2020 on the way to lifting the delayed Kent Senior Cup. Jordan Wynter, a brace from Liam Nash, Elliott Romain and Amrit Bansal-McNulty all scored in a 5-1 semi-final victory.
29 July 2023 – Billericay Town (away) Dartford make the trip over the river to take on a Billericay Town side hoping to get back to the National South. Helping Ricay to achieve their goal will be former Dartford players aplenty. Ade Azeez, Dan Wilks, Malachai Napa, Tom Bender and Jay Porter have all been recruited in the summer by former Hampton and Richmond Borough boss Gary McCann. The Darts have won their last five against Billericay Town whilst they were in the National South without conceding in the last three meetings, the last of which was a 2-0 victory in April 2022 at the New Lodge.
1 August 2023 – Leatherhead (away) The final warm up game is a trip clockwise round the M25 to visit Isthmian Division One South side Leatherhead. The Darts played out an entertaining friendly at Fetcham Grove just four years ago. Lee Noble, Andy Pugh, the now retired Tom Bonner and Darren McQueen had Dartford 4-0 up before the Tanners hit three in a seven goal thriller. Four of the six competitive meetings between the two sides have been in cup competitions. The only time the Darts faced Leatherhead in the league was in the 2006/2007 season when both sides won a game each.
Dartford are two wins away from a return to the National League as they begin their playoff campaign against St Albans City at Princes Park on Sunday.
The two sides met just a fortnight ago and it was Dartford who claimed maximum points to secure second place and home advantage in the playoffs. This time the stakes are higher with a place in the final up for grabs and a shot at promotion.
Last time at Princes Park, the Darts got off to a quick start against the Saints going in front after just three minutes. Richard Chin had an excellent afternoon and the loanee set up Samir Carruthers for his tenth goal of the season. It took until the 72nd minute for St Albans City to equalise with Shaun Jeffers acrobatically striking the ball beyond Ben Dudzinski for yet another goal against the Darts, his third in as many appearances. Luke Coulson and Fonkeu may have started from the substitute’s bench, but the pair made an impact five minutes after St Albans City equalised. Coulson’s free-kick was saved by Dylan Berry and Fonkeu pounced to net the winner, his tenth league goal of the campaign.
Match Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (22/04/2023) – Dartford FC TV
The reverse fixture back in October ended with honours even. Jack Smith scored his first goal in a Dartford shirt and although it was an easy tap in, the Darts worked the ball forwards swiftly after gaining possession on the halfway line. St Albans City equalised after catching Dartford out with a quick throw in and when the ball fell to Jeffers, he took an air shot before drilling his second attempt beyond Joe Young.
Hosting the playoff semi-final could benefit Dartford who picked up 50 points at Princes Park this season, the second best in the division. However, the Kent side have lost their last three playoff matches at Princes Park. One of those defeats was against Chelmsford City in 2017, who the Saints defeated on Tuesday night. Manager, David Noble made one change to the side that beat Farnborough 2-0 last weekend bringing in Chay Cooper for Kyran Wiltshire. Once again the prolific Jeffers, who has scored 28 times in the National South this season was named on the bench. After ninety minutes neither side could break the deadlock forcing the tie to go into extra time. Finally it was Jeffers once again who prodded the ball into the Chelmsford City net to decide the tie in the 95th minute. The striker has now scored in each of his last three appearances after coming on as a substitute.
Both sides have experience of making it to playoff finals and Dartford will want to draw on the positive outcome back in 2012 when they beat local rivals Welling United, Lee Noble’s early strike sent Tony Burman’s side up to the National League. Whilst under Steve King, the Darts reached the final two years ago and lost on penalties. St Albans City have won the playoffs three times as far back as when the non-league pyramid was restructured in 2004. That year they were involved in two epic playoff encounters to earn entry into the new National South league, a 4-3 victory against Heybridge Swifts followed by a 5-4 triumph over Bedford Town. Two years later they won promotion to the National League with a win versus Histon and in 2014, the Saints made their way back to the National South by defeating Chesham United.
Match Highlights – St Albans City v Dartford (22/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV
Since the turn of the year Dartford have been inconsistent and will need to win back to back matches for the first time since the festive period if they want to go up. On the final day of the season, Alan Dowson decided to rest nine players with only Richard Chin and Jernade Meade retaining their place in the starting eleven. That gave minutes to Charlie Sheringham who made his return from a long term injury just over two weeks ago. The striker, who had a successful spell with Chelmsford City, has scored seven times this season and is behind fellow forward Alex Wall, midfielder Samir Carruthers and Pierre Fonkeu all of which have hit double figures in all competitions. Dowse can also look towards Harvey Bradbury as an option, his short time at Dartford has yielded five goals in nine appearances. At the back Tom Bonner and Connor Essam have forged a strong partnership and it looks as though Ben Dudzinski is the preferred choice in goal. The trio were rested last weekend and with Dan Wilks in between the sticks, academy graduate George Whitefield and Emmanuel Adebowale making their National South debuts for the club, the Darts kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with Hampton and Richmond Borough.
St Albans City finished their campaign strongly with a home win against Farnborough. That made sure David Noble’s side finished the season in sixth spot. Difficult to beat in the first couple of months of the season, St Albans City were too inconsistent and by the end of October they were in twelfth. However, the Hertfordshire side saw out the rest of 2022 with seven wins from nine, including a 6-0 away trouncing of Hampton and Richmond Borough and moved into fifth. A mediocre start to the New Year and a difficult February meant the Saints dipped below the dotted line, but they would rise again. The Saints have tasted defeat just twice in their last eleven outings winning seven of those.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 12 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 6
Current Form
Dartford (WLWLWD)
St Albans City (LWWLWW)
Hampton & Richmond
A
0-0
Chelmsford City*
A
1-0^
St Albans City
H
2-1
Farnborough
H
2-0
Concord Rangers
A
2-3
Dartford
A
1-2
Tonbridge Angels
A
1-0
Welling United
H
3-0
Taunton Town
H
0-1
Concord Rangers
A
2-1
Dover Athletic
H
2-1
Braintree Town
A
0-2
* Playoff eliminator round / ^ After extra time
Last Six Meetings
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 1 – 2 Dartford (07/03/2020 – National South)
Statistics
Dartford have not recorded consecutive win, draws or losses in their last 17 games
The Darts have the best defence at home conceding the fewest in the division (19)
Dartford scored in 87% of their games (40 out of 46), the second best in the National South
Dartford finished with the third best defence in the league (50)
St Albans City picked up the second most points away from home in the division (40)
Against fellow playoff contenders St Albans City have the worst record (W2, D2, L6)
On This Day
A year ago, Dartford cruised to a 7-2 final day win down on the Sussex coast. The Darts brushed aside Eastbourne Borough in a dazzling display, and it all started when Dan Roberts opened the scoring. The Sports levelled through Charley Kendall, but with half an hour played Marcus Dinanga put Dartford in front, then six minutes later Kory Roberts extended the advantage. In the second-half Dartford netted three goals in a five-minute spell, Dinanga scored his second and Kalvin Kalala grabbed a quickfire brace. A seventh was added by Jordan Greenidge before Chris Whelpdale managed a consolation goal for the hosts. Six years ago, Dartford lost 2-1 against Chelmsford City in the playoff semi-final second leg. Louie Theophanous and Chris Dickson put Chelmsford City in command and there was only enough time for Duane Ofori-Acheampong to claim a consolation for the Darts.
The National South playoffs begin this week with the eliminator round taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday night. We take a look at the six sides who made the end of season finale and the potential opponents Dartford could face.
Securing second place for the Darts may be crucial because they hit the 50-point mark at Princes Park, the second-best home tally in the division and best out of the playoff teams. A strong period from September to November and a festive double over the champions set Alan Dowson’s side up for a title push. All that fell away in the second half of the season as inconsistency left Dartford battling for home advantage. In the end they secured a runners up spot with a game to spare by beating St Albans City, who they could face in the semi-final. A fifth playoff campaign in seven years, the Darts have previously lost to Chelmsford City in 2017 and Braintree Town a year later. Their last two attempts ended in penalty shoot-out defeats against Weymouth in the final and Chippenham Town 12 months ago. This squad will hope to take inspiration from the team that won the National South playoffs back in 2012, whilst Dowson has experience of winning promotion via the playoffs as boss of Woking six years later.
Record vs playoff contenders (W2 D4 L4)
Home
Away
Oxford City
0-0
1-1
Worthing
1-2
0-3
Chelmsford City
1-2
0-1
St Albans City
2-1
1-1
Braintree Town
4-1
1-1
Playoff route Sunday 7 May (12:30) – home vs Chelmsford City or St Albans City Sunday 14 May (12:30) – home vs Oxford City, Worthing or Braintree Town
Whatever division Oxford City end up in next season they have managed to put long unbeaten runs together in 2022/2023. The Hoops have only lost three times in 2023 and come into the playoffs as one of the form teams. Within those undefeated streaks Oxford City have drawn the second most in the National South. On the road they have a defence difficult to breach, but lack goals at the other end. At home they have only lost three times which will provide them with a semi-final advantage. Ross Jenkins’s side make the playoffs for a second year in a row and will hope to repeat the final they won to get into the National South in 2012, rather than the semi-final loss last season. Against the teams who made the playoffs, Oxford City are unbeaten at home and on their travels results have been extremely close. Promotion will take them to the National League for the first time, but failure could see them remain in the South or move across to the North.
Record vs playoff contenders (W4 D4 L2)
Home
Away
Dartford
1-1
0-0
Worthing
3-0
0-1
Chelmsford City
3-1
0-1
St Albans City
2-1
1-0
Braintree Town
2-2
0-0
Playoff route Sunday 7 May (15:30) – home vs Worthing or Braintree Town Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford or home vs Chelmsford City or St Albans City
The Isthmian Premier League champions could make it back-to-back promotions after an outstanding first season in the National South. They could follow in the footsteps of fellow south coast teams such as Weymouth and Havant and Waterlooville, who also made the move from step three to step one in consecutive campaigns. In Ollie Pearce they have a goalscorer and the second best attack in the division totalling 92 league goals, however at the back they have also conceded an astounding 72, the same as bottom club Hungerford Town. Approaching the playoffs in good form, the Rebels beat Concord Rangers 7-0 to start April and won six of their last seven games. The Sussex club have been consistent in that their home and away form is nearly identical and with the number of goals scored in each net they could be providing the playoffs with plenty of entertainment.
Record vs playoff contenders (W5 D0 L5)
Home
Away
Dartford
3-0
2-1
Oxford City
1-0
0-3
Chelmsford City
1-3
2-4
St Albans City
4-5
1-0
Braintree Town
2-1
1-2
Playoff route Wednesday 3 May (19:45) – home vs Braintree Town Sunday 7 May (15:30) – away vs Oxford City Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford or home vs Chelmsford City or St Albans City
Robbie Simpson has done an excellent job to turn Chelmsford City’s fortunes around. A year ago, they finished down in 19th avoiding relegation to the Isthmian Premier League. This time, the Essex club were tussling for second place and if it wasn’t for a sticky winter period, they may well have accrued enough points. The Clarets finished strongly with only Oxford City and Taunton Town beating them in their final nine games. At home, Chelmsford City have managed to perform when it comes to fixtures against those around them dropping just two points when up against fellow contenders. The Clarets are taking part in their seventh playoff campaign at this level since 2009 and only once have they reached the final, when they beat Dartford on the way.
Record vs playoff contenders (W6 D2 L2)
Home
Away
Dartford
1-0
2-1
Oxford City
1-0
1-3
Worthing
4-2
3-1
St Albans City
1-1
0-3
Braintree Town
2-0
2-2
Playoff route Tuesday 2 May (19:45) – home vs St Albans City Sunday 7 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Oxford City or Worthing or home vs Braintree Town
6th – St Albans City – 75 points W22 D9 L15 F71 A51 GD +20
Three times playoff winners, St Albans City won in 2004 to enter the National South when the non-league pyramid was restructured. Two years later they triumphed against Histon to reach the National League where they stayed for a season only. After another relegation they returned to the National South in 2014 when they beat Chesham United in the final. This season they head into the mini-competition with the best away record out of the contenders and a top striker in Shaun Jeffers. Just two defeats in their final ten outings, one of which against Dartford, who they could play in the semi-final, saw the Hertfordshire club finish just as strong as Worthing and Chelmsford City. On the other hand the Saints have the worst record against fellow playoff sides, but they won’t be put off by being on the road.
Record vs playoff contenders (W2 D2 L6)
Home
Away
Dartford
1-1
1-2
Oxford City
0-1
1-2
Worthing
0-1
5-4
Chelmsford City
3-0
1-1
Braintree Town
0-2
0-1
Playoff route Tuesday 2 May (19:45) – away vs Chelmsford City Sunday 7 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Oxford City or Worthing or home vs Braintree Town
Slipping down to seventh on the final day of the season meant the Iron lost any chance of home advantage at all. This could be a deciding factor to a successful playoff campaign as Braintree Town only lost two at Cressing Road all season, going 19 unbeaten in the league before their first home reverse. Form really picked up at the turn of the year when the Essex club went undefeated in the National South for three months over 13 matches. They finished by losing half of their last eight games, but did manage to beat champions Ebbsfleet United. Braintree Town made their playoff debut in 2016 when they played for a place in the Football League, however they lost to Grimsby Town in the semi-final. Their last appearance was triumphant in 2018 winning on penalties against Hemel Hempstead Town, beating Dartford with a Billy Crook goal then they defeated Hampton and Richmond Borough on spot kicks to return to the National League.
Record vs playoff contenders (W3 D4 L3)
Home
Away
Dartford
1-1
1-4
Oxford City
0-0
2-2
Worthing
2-1
1-2
Chelmsford City
2-2
0-2
St Albans City
1-0
2-0
Playoff route Wednesday 3 May (19:45) – away vs Worthing Sunday 7 May (15:30) – away vs Oxford City Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford, Chelmsford City or St Albans City
Pressure is off for Dartford for one weekend only as they take on Hampton and Richmond Borough in the final league game of the season.
The Darts secured the runners up spot crowning their final home game of the regular season with a win. Victory earned Alan Dowson’s side home advantage in the playoffs and a bye into the semi-finals which starts next weekend. The Dartford boss used to manage Hampton and Richmond Borough and his success there will see him welcomed back to the Beveree. The Middlesex club can finish as high as sixteenth in the division with all three points.
Match Highlights – Dartford v Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022) – Dartford FC TV
Marvin Herschel scored on his debut in the reverse fixture back in September and it turned out to be the match winner. However, it was Charlie Sheringham that made an impact by scoring and assisting after coming on as a substitute. After Carruthers and Luke Allen combined, Sheringham was sent through and slotted home the opener. The striker then set up Herschel nine minutes later to see Dartford go two up with 18 minutes to play. Searching for a first home clean sheet of the season, the Darts were unable to hold out when Jake Gray fired past Joe Young. Last time at the Beveree, Carruthers made his Dartford debut last season and found himself on the winning the side. Marcus Dinanga scored the only goal of the game just over a year ago.
Match Highlights – Hampton & Richmond Borough v Dartford (26/03/2022) – Dartford FC TV
Dowson will need to decide on whether to rest players or maintain the side that beat St Albans City at Princes Park last Saturday. The Darts suffered a disappointing defeat on the road just two days earlier against relegation threatened Concord Rangers but bounced back with a hard fought 2-1 win against the Saints. Four changes were made to the side with Jordan Wynter, Richard Chin, Luke Allen and Samir Carruthers returning to the starting eleven, the latter returning from injury and making an early impact against St Albans City. Striker Alex Wall who returned from injury against Concord Rangers as a substitute only to be substituted in the same game was out on the weekend as well as former Hampton and Richmond Borough defender Tommy Block.
Saturday’s win was a good test for what is to come in a weeks’ time as the Darts could be facing last weekends opponents again. Chin had an excellent afternoon and the loanee set up Carruthers for his tenth goal of the season. The Darts had an advantage after just three minutes and had to hold firm as the first-half progressed. It took until the 72nd minute for St Albans City to equalise with one of the best goals scored at Princes Park from an opposing side. Shaun Jeffers acrobatically struck the ball beyond Ben Dudzinski for yet another goal against the Darts. Luke Coulson and Pierre Fonkeu started from the substitute’s bench and the pair made an impact five minutes after St Albans City equalised. Coulson’s free-kick was saved by Dylan Berry and Fonkeu pounced to net the winner, his tenth league goal of the campaign.
Match Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (22/04/2023) – Dartford FC TV
Dartford’s form has been sketchy to say the least as they approach the playoffs, they have alternated between wins and losses for the last nine games. Whilst they have suffered late defeats to Chelmsford City, Taunton Town and Concord Rangers as well as the reverse at Eastbourne Borough, the Darts also beat Farnborough, Dulwich Hamlet, recorded their sixth and seventh Kent derby wins of the season against Dover Athletic and Tonbridge Angels respectively and overcame St Albans City.
Hampton and Richmond Borough were heading for a relegation battle in February compounded by a heavy defeat to Ebbsfleet United. A month earlier Gary McCann departed and Mel Gwinnett was appointed as boss. The new man couldn’t buy a win in his first six games in charge, but the Beavers rallied and swam to safety showing excellent form throughout March in particular. After the 6-2 reverse against the Fleet, Hampton and Richmond Borough won eight of their next eleven fixtures beating the sides down at the bottom such as Dulwich Hamlet, Cheshunt, Dover Athletic and Hungerford Town. Keeping their cool during those six pointers lifted the Middlesex club away from the battle at the wrong end of the table with plenty of time to spare.
On Tuesday night, with the shackles off they were beaten for a third away game in a row having been beaten by Chippenham Town and Concord Rangers, although they did win their last home match in between versus Weymouth. A 3-0 reverse at Welling United means the Beavers have now lost three in four, but all the hard work has already been done.
Dartford have lost just one of the last 11 against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W6, D4)
The Darts are unbeaten in their last five visits to the Beveree (W3, D2)
Dartford have kept three clean sheets in their last four visits to Hampton and Richmond Borough
On This Day
A dramatic late win down in Poole helped Dartford secure a third-place finish and a bye in the playoffs. Needing to beat Chelmsford City’s result at Hungerford Town, the Darts came from behind to leapfrog the Clarets on the final day. Andy Pugh gave Dartford a lead which was extinguished when Poole Town scored twice through Marvin Brooks and Steve Devlin. Two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game Tom Murphy equalised and with virtually the last kick Lee Noble completed the comeback. The Darts have won their last two on this day and both games were on the road, Tonbridge Angels were beaten 4-2 in the Southern League South back in 2000. Ricky Bennett scored four in a 6-0 win over Faversham Town in 1995. Dartford’s opponents were forced to field a young side after several players had walked out of the club. In a subsequent match, Faversham Town lost 13-0 against Folkestone Invicta.
Dartford have a tough final home game of the regular season when they host playoff hopefuls St Albans City this weekend.
The Darts will be hoping for another two home matches, but that depends if they can secure second place and make it through to the playoff final next month. A runners up finish will mean a home tie in the semi-final against the side who finishes in either fifth or sixth, that side could be St Albans City. The Saints have a four-point cushion over eighth place with two games remaining.
Victory will bring up 50 points at Princes Park for Dartford this term, who have the second-best home record in the league. St Alban City have fared better on their travels accumulating the second most points on the road. Little separates the two teams and that was the case back in October when they played out a 1-1 draw at Clarence Park. Jack Smith scored his first goal in a Dartford shirt and although it was an easy tap in, the Darts worked the ball forwards swiftly after gaining possession on the halfway line. St Albans City equalised after catching Dartford out with a quick throw in and when the ball fell to Shaun Jeffers, he took an air shot before drilling his second attempt beyond Joe Young. The Darts will have to keep an eye on St Albans City’s top scorer, Jeffers has managed 25 league goals this term and top scored last season with 27.
Match Highlights – St Albans City v Dartford (22/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV
The prospect of facing St Albans City since Dartford returned to the National South used to be daunting for the Darts, the Saints won five out of six with an aggregate score of 14-2. However, the tide has turned in recent years as Dartford have lost just once in the last seven meetings, winning four of those. The last time the Hertfordshire club came to visit Princes Park was a day shy of a year. Dartford surpassed a century of goals for the season in all competitions and Keiran Murtagh scored his first two for the club. The midfielder’s glancing header from Jack Jebb’s corner set the host on their way, but Jeffers levelled for the Saints. Murtagh put the Darts back ahead when his volley beat goalkeeper, Michael Johnson at the near post. Marcus Dinanga slotted in a third to complete a double over St Albans City after the reverse fixture on the opening day also ended 3-1.
Match Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (23/04/2022) – Dartford FC TV
Up until the festive season the Darts were well within a chance of challenging for the National South title. After victories against Havant and Waterlooville then completing a double against local rivals Ebbsfleet United, Dartford were top of the table on New Years Day. Rising to the summit was helped by a run of ten victories and a draw in eleven matches from September to early November. After the fantastic spell over Christmas and New Year, the Darts beat Cheshunt to make it four wins on the bounce, but form has not been that good since. Now the National South title has been sewn up, Dowson’s side are left scrapping for second with Oxford City and Chelmsford City.
On Thursday night the Darts missed an opportunity to go five points clear of the chasers losing 3-2 at Concord Rangers. Only one change was made to the starting eleven after the 1-0 away win at Tonbridge. Luke Allen made way for Pierre Fonkeu. Alex Wall and Charlie Sheringham were named on the bench. Wall had been out with a calf strain picked up against Eastbourne Borough on Good Friday. Although the striker made a ten minute appearance on Thursday he was taken off and may have returned from injury too soon. Sheringham’s injury kept the striker out for over two months and he was introduced later on in the game. Samir Carruthers didn’t feature in the matchday squad and has been recovering since the Easter period, although Dowson did state the midfielder is back training.
Dartford suffered a disappointing defeat in Essex against a Concord Rangers side hoping to pull of a great escape. In a topsy turvy game the hosts went ahead when Lewis Manor scored. Within six minutes the Darts were level and it was Harvey Bradbury yet again with his fifth goal in eight games since joining last month. Dartford edged in front when Sam Odaudu scored his first for the club on his 26th appearance. The Beachboys fought back in the second half, Ben Steward equalised then with two minutes left Manor scored a vital winner for Rob Small’s side.
A second place finish is still in Dartford’s hands but they will most likely need points against St Albans City this weekend. Dowson’s side are two points ahead of their closest challengers Oxford City and Chelmsford City and can still be caught by Worthing.
Dartford (79pts)
Oxford City (77)
Chelmsford (77)
Worthing (72)
St Albans (H)
Havant & W (H)
Hemel (A)
Taunton (A)
Cheshunt (A)
Hampton & R (A)
Bath (A)
Taunton (H)
Hemel (H)
St Albans City have hit form at the right time to get into the top seven and they hope to stay put. If the Saints can make the playoffs it will be the first time in this division since they won promotion to the National League in 2006. Difficult to beat in the first couple of months of the season, St Albans City were too inconsistent and by the end of October they were in twelfth. However, the Hertfordshire side saw out the rest of 2022 with seven wins from nine, including a 6-0 away trouncing of Hampton and Richmond Borough and into fifth. A mediocre start to the New Year and a difficult February meant the Saints dipped below the dotted line, but they would rise again. Currently David Noble’s side have tasted defeat just once in their last eight outings winning five of those and their last two matches. A 3-0 triumph over Welling United last weekend followed up a 2-1 win at bottom club Concord Rangers and now St Albans City are hoping to stay above that dotted line.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 11 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 6
Current League Form
Dartford (WLWLWL)
St Albans City (WWDLWW)
Concord Rangers
A
2-3
Welling United
H
3-0
Tonbridge Angels
A
1-0
Concord Rangers
A
2-1
Taunton Town
H
0-1
Braintree Town
H
0-2
Dover Athletic
H
2-1
Chippenham Town
A
1-1
Eastbourne Borough
A
1-2
Havant & Waterlooville
H
2-0
Dulwich Hamlet
H
3-0
Dover Athletic
H
1-0
Last Six Meetings
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 1 – 2 Dartford (07/03/2020 – National South) Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (06/08/2019 – National South)
Statistics
Dartford have won 50% of their home games against St Albans City in all competitions (W6, D4, L2)
The Darts have gone 13 games without a clean sheet against the Saints stretching back to a 2-0 win in February 2016
Dartford have alternated between wins and losses for their last eight games
On This Day
Two late goals from substitute Tom Murphy turned the final home game of the 2018/2019 season around for the Darts. After finding themselves a goal down at home to Billericay Town, Murphy was introduced and scored in the 88th and 90th minutes to win it for Dartford. Two years earlier, the Darts cruised to a 4-0 triumph over Bishop’s Stortford in the last home league fixture of the 2016/2017 campaign before the playoffs. Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook gave the Darts a commanding 2-0 lead before the break. Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Alfie Pavey added another two in the second-half. Bromley beat the Darts 4-1 at Hayes Lane in 2011 on this day and Danny Harris netted a brace a year earlier in a 2-1 victory over Hendon with the Isthmian Premier League title already secured. Dartford claimed a fourth Kent Senior Cup in five seasons with a 3-2 win over Folkestone back in 1935.
Dartford aim to make their game in hand count against bottom side Concord Rangers on Thursday nightas they push to secure second place.
The Darts can extend their lead over Oxford City and Chelmsford City to five points going into the final two games of the season with a consecutive away victory. Dartford put their away day troubles behind them on a weekend that saw the chasing sides pile on the pressure with victories of their own. Dowson’s men have failed to win back to back fixtures on the road since the purple patch in December and into January when they beat Havant and Waterlooville, champions Ebbsfleet United and Cheshunt. Concord Rangers will be on their third game of the week and after Tuesday night’s result have given themselves a glimmer of hope.
Dartford are guaranteed a playoff spot after ending their run of six away games without a win in the league by beating Tonbridge Angels on the weekend. The Darts have now gone unbeaten in Kent derbies after inflicting doubles over champions Ebbsfleet United, Dover Athletic and now Tonbridge Angels, picking up an astonishing 22 points from a maximum of 24, only Welling United managed to take anything from the Darts in the league. However, inconsistent form has seen Dartford alternate between winning and losing for the last seven matches and since the start of February they have not recorded consecutive wins, draws or losses. Heading towards the playoffs now is the time for Dowson and company to find consistency and build momentum.
Malachai Napa was given his first league start in nearly a month and rewarded Alan Dowson’s decision with the only goal of the game. The winger was one of four changes from the side that lost to Taunton Town a week ago. With four games in eight days, the Dartford boss shuffled his side by bringing in Napa, Sam Odaudu, Keiran Murtagh and Jack Smith for Jernade Meade, who has now served his one match suspension, Jordan Wynter, Bobby Dunn and Marvin Herschel.
Tonbridge Angels enjoyed most of the possession throughout the Kent derby, but resolute Dartford defending restricted the hosts. The decisive moment came in the 24th minute when goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski sent a long ball forward which fell to Napa. Breaking through the Angels backline the 23-year- old made sure the Darts took an important lead. Keeping out Tonbridge Angels secured three points and earned Dartford their first away clean sheet since August, a third on the road this season and first in 19 matches in all competitions.
Christian Jolley spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and commented: “I thought the boys were outstanding, to a man they were brilliant, it was a real squad performance. After the week we’ve had and the miles we’ve covered in regard to pitch action we thought it was a really important game to try and get a result. We had to do it differently by being patient and using our energy reserves wisely”.
Match Highlights – Concord Rangers v Dartford (02/11/2021) – Dartford FC TV
Last time Dartford travelled across the River Thames to take on the Beachboys they lost 1-0 on a cold November evening. Lemar Reynolds scored the decisive goal to separate the two teams. It was just as tight two months later when a goalless draw was played out at Princes Park.
However, the Darts got the better of Concord Rangers earlier this season thanks to the influential Samir Carruthers. The midfielder stood out and opened the scoring in the first half with a deflected effort, but Mo Bettamer levelled the score from the spot just before the break. A neat move in the second-half saw Pierre Fonkeu swivel and shoot beyond goalkeeper Mitch Beeney to regain Dartford’s lead. Maximum points were secured when Dan Wilks’ drop kick found its way to the edge of the Concord Rangers box. A lack of communication between Beeney and Aron Pollock led to the defender passing the ball into his own goal.
Match Highlights – Dartford v Concord Rangers (26/11/2022) – Dartford FC TV
If fit Alex Wall could face his former club, a team he helped reached the F.A Trophy final in May 2021 scoring the winner in the semi-final. The striker had two spells with the Beachboys scoring 32 goals in 53 games. Wall has been back training this week and so has well as Charlie Sheringham, so they could play a part against Concord Rangers. Dowson is also confident midfielder Samir Carruthers can make a return, whilst Jernade Meade returns from suspension. Former Dart, Ricky Modeste could feature for Concord Rangers, the winger only made three appearances for Dartford in the 2020/2021 campaign.
Concord Rangers have lost every game against sides in the top six and have picked up just one point from those in the current top ten. However on Tuesday night they faced a struggling Dover Athletic side a grabbed a crucial three points. Nana Kyei’s cross was finished by Lewis Manor in the only goal of the game leaving the Beachboys nine points from safety with five matches to go.
The heavy end of season schedule could play a huge part in whether the Essex club remain in the division. Last weekend they were comprehensively beaten away at Bath City losing 4-0. That defeat came after a relegation scrap with Hungerford Town in which Concord Rangers won 1-0, and victory over Dover Athletic was just their second in nine outings. The Beachboys need to cram in their final fixtures over the nine days remaining of the season and by the time they take on Dulwich Hamlet it could be a vital six pointer.
Dartford 3 – 1 Concord Rangers (26/11/2022 – National South) Dartford 0 – 0 Concord Rangers (25/01/2022 – National South) Concord Rangers 1 – 0 Dartford (02/11/2021 – National South) Dartford 0 – 1 Concord Rangers (21/12/2019 – National South) Concord Rangers 0 – 2 Dartford (14/09/2019 – National South) Dartford 1 – 1 Concord Rangers (26/01/2019 – National South)
Statistics
Dartford have won just one of their last five trips to Concord Rangers (D2, L2).
The Darts have scored once in each of their last five away games.
Tom Bonner made his 450th start for Dartford in the win at Tonbridge Angels on Saturday.
On This Day
Dartford were defeated in the first leg of the Southern League Cup final on this day in 1988. The reliable Peter Taylor missed a penalty as Bromsgrove Rovers won 3-1 giving the Darts a mammoth task, only two teams had ever overturned a two goal deficit in the Southern League Cup final before. Six days later and despite another miss from the spot, Dartford won 3-0 in the second leg with goals from Garry Britnell, Kurt Davidson and Colin Johnson handing the cup to the Darts. It wasn’t so glorious in Dartford’s last away trip on 20 April, they lost 6-0 down in Eastbourne four years ago.