Dartford FC Previews

Author: Stuart Maidment (Page 25 of 35)

Dartford v Ebbsfleet United

December 30, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford begin the New Year hosting rivals Ebbsfleet United in a National South top of the table clash.

The Darts could complete a league double over their rivals for the first time in 43 years to maintain top spot. Dowson’s side lead their Kent rivals by three points having played three games more. Whilst Ebbsfleet United will be looking to avenge the 4-1 Boxing Day defeat and avoid a fourth consecutive league loss.

On Monday, the festive feel good factor reached another level when Dartford claimed a first North Kent derby league victory at Stonebridge Road since 1979. The Darts made just one change to the side that beat fellow promotion contenders Havant and Waterlooville in their previous outing, Dan Wilks returning in goal for the Darts for the first time since August.

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Highlights – Ebbsfleet United v Dartford (26/12/2022) – Dartford FC TV

It took just 45 seconds for Luke Allen to net from a Samir Carruthers cross. Former Fleet winger, Luke Coulson made it two on five minutes and six minutes later Maxwell Statham added a third. Dartford were pinching themselves when Alex Wall scored before the break, his eighth in all competitions and there was still time for the hosts to pull a goal back through Craig Tanner. Early in the second half Sam Odaudu was carried off with an injury and replaced by Jack Smith, the midfielder’s first appearance since the F.A Trophy defeat in mid-November. With no goals in the second forty five, the Darts recorded their biggest away league victory at the Fleet since New Years Day 1992 and condemned their rivals to a third straight loss in the National South.

Back from World Cup commentaries, Martin Tyler took the time to speak to Pure DFC after the game, he said: “We came with a plan and it was done more than we could ever hope for really. The way the chances were taken, we stifled their play, the front three defended very well and allowed the midfield to engage as well. Of course you can’t sustain that for really long periods so the fourth goal was a bonus”. Victory provided the Darts with plenty of festive cheer, Tyler praised the teams efforts saying he is “delighted for the supporters, thrilled for the players and obviously it was a very special post Christmas present for Dowse”. Ebbsfleet United may be going through a sticky patch in terms of results, but the Dartford coach is urging supporters to help make a difference once more, he added: “I hope that will encourage people to come out and support us on New Year’s Day. We’ve got huge respect with what Ebbsfleet United do. I think the quality of their individuals perhaps didn’t quite work as a quality of a team, but we know if they click into gear on another day it could go the opposite way”.

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Interview – Martin Tyler speaks to Dartford FC TV after the derby day win

The sixth New Years Day meeting between the two sides takes on extra significance this season with the Darts and the Fleet eyeing up promotion back to the National League. In the league, Dartford have lost just once in the last ten home games against Ebbsfleet United stretching back to the early eighties. In that time the Darts have won seven and drawn twice, the only loss came seven years ago. Last season Dartford put in an excellent performance to win 1-0 at Princes Park, Jake Robinson scoring the winner. The striker got on the end of Kai Innocent’s cross to ensure the home side earned bragging rights.

Last time the local rivals met on New Years Day was five years ago when Fleet won 1-0 on their own patch. Bradley Bubb scored the winning goal to avenge the Boxing Day defeat at Princes Park. Four years earlier at Stonebridge Road an entertaining 2-2 draw was played out with Dartford taking a two goal lead thanks to Jon Wallis and Harry Crawford. Nathan Elder pulled a goal back and his last minute equaliser made sure the points were shared. The Darts last beat Ebbsfleet United on New Years Day when their opponents were known as Gravesend and Northfleet and it was a resounding victory. This season will mark 30 years since Dartford won 5-0 at Watling Street with all the goals coming in the second half.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Ebbsfleet United (01/02/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Two of Dartford’s experienced players know what the North Kent derby means having played on both sides of the divide. Captain, Tom Bonner has made over 400 appearances in a Dartford shirt, the defender left the Darts for Cambridge United before moving to Ebbsfleet United in 2015, then re-joined Dartford a year later. Charlie Sheringham has scored 59 times for the Darts over four spells, the striker’s spell at Stonebridge Road yielded 11 in 49 games between 2014 and 2017.

On the other side, Darren McQueen formed an excellent understanding with Elliott Romain at Dartford. Currently at Ebbsfleet United the duo have had a limited number of starting appearances this term. Mainly used as a substitute, McQueen has scored four this season, when he was with the Darts he top scored with 20 goals in the 2019/2020 campaign. Romain is currently out on loan with Hemel Hempstead Town.

Alan Dowson’s first season in charge began with consecutive victories, but four 2-1 defeats in the next five matches tested his squad. After a 3-1 Kent derby victory over Dover Athletic, the Darts crashed out of the F.A Cup at the first hurdle to lower league opposition, a theme that was repeated in the F.A Trophy two months later. However, between those cup losses, Dowson managed to guide Dartford on an outstanding run taking 31 points from a possible 33. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers has impressed in the centre of the pitch and with nine goals in all competitions has been one of the stand out players this term. Since mid-November, Dartford have shown their inconsistencies and like many other teams an unbeaten run will be a top of the New Year’s resolution list.

Ebbsfleet United came into this campaign as favourites and their early season form backed the bookies up. After nine league games the Fleet boasted a 100% record and it wasn’t until the 17th match that they tasted a league defeat. Going into that loss Ebbsfleet United had taken 42 points from a possible 48. In that time they also negotiated their way through four rounds of the F.A Cup to reach the second round where they were narrowly beaten by League One side Fleetwood Town.

Perhaps the cup run has been a distraction because leading up to their fixture with the Cod Army they lost their first league game and went out of the F.A Trophy to Eastbourne Borough, who also beat Fleet just over a fortnight ago. However, they did demonstrate their quality away at Worthing at the beginning of December with a resounding 6-0 win. However, Kutrieb’s side have felt the pressure from the chasing pack losing to lowly Cheshunt before the Boxing Day derby defeat on their own soil.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 68 / Ebbsfleet United wins: 56 / Draws: 32

Current League Form

Dartford
(DWLDWW) 		    Ebbsfleet United
(LWWLLL)		    
Ebbsfleet United A 4-1 Dartford H 1-4
Havant & Waterlooville A 3-1 Cheshunt A 0-1
Bath City H 0-0 Eastbourne Borough H 0-2
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Worthing A 6-0
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Slough Town H 2-0
Oxford City A 1-1 Tonbridge Angels H 1-2

Last Six Meetings

Ebbsfleet United 1 – 4 Dartford (26/12/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (01/02/2022 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (02/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (02/01/2021 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (01/01/2017 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Ebbsfleet United (26/12/2016 – National South)

Statistics

  • The away team has failed to win in 20 of the last 22 league games between the two sides (home wins 13, draws 7, away wins 2)
  • In the league, Dartford have kept two clean sheets in a row at home against Ebbsfleet United, a third will make it the first time since 1989-1992
  • The Darts were the last team to claim back to back league wins in this fixture back in 1991 and 1992
  • Dartford have won 12, drawn 8 and lost 14 on New Years Day (at home W10, D3, L5)

On This Day

Dartford’s last three games on New Years Day all ended in victory at Princes Park against Welling United. A couple of years ago, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong opened the scoring and future Fleet strikers Elliott Romain and Darren McQueen netted the other three between them, Romain claiming the brace. In 2019, Ronnie Vint’s winner four minutes from time clinched a 1-0 triumph over the Wings and the year before that the Darts won 4-1, Ryan Hayes, Andy Pugh and two from Alfie Pavey sealing a comfortable afternoon. At home, the Darts have won three of the last four on 1 January drawing the other 0-0 with Margate in the Southern League South back in 1999. The last home defeat on this day was against Alma Swanley in 1996 when the Darts lost 3-2 in the Kent League.

Ebbsfleet United v Dartford

December 23, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford close out the year with a Boxing Day North Kent derby against league leaders Ebbsfleet United, as top of the table host second place in the National South.

Starting level on points, victory at Stonebridge Road on Monday will put more pressure on Fleet as the two Kent rivals battle it out over the festive season. Alan Dowson led his side to a win over another title challenger in Havant and Waterlooville last time out. Ebbsfleet United have just lost consecutive games for the first time in the league this season.

If facing the title favourites isn’t enough, the Darts will be searching for their first away win in the league against Fleet for 43 years, a run of 11 games without a victory. However, Dowson’s side can take heart from the fact they have just beaten third place Havant and Waterlooville and that Ebbsfleet United have lost two of their last three home games in the National South.

Dartford’s last visit to their local rivals was their first in league competition in five years and it ended in a disappointing single goal defeat back in January. Fleet’s Ben Chapman came off the bench to net the winner in a tightly contested game. The Darts created the better chances, but Ebbsfleet United’s ability to keep possession made for an interesting, but tense Sunday afternoon. Five years earlier the Fleet won by the same score with Bradley Bubb scoring the decisive goal. The three previous meetings in DA11 before the pair of losses all ended in a draw.

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Match Highlights – Ebbsfleet United v Dartford (02/01/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Two of Dartford’s experienced players know what the North Kent derby means having played on both sides of the divide. Captain, Tom Bonner has made over 400 appearances in a Dartford shirt, the defender left the Darts for Cambridge United before moving to Ebbsfleet United in 2015, then re-joined Dartford a year later. Charlie Sheringham has scored 59 times for the Darts over four spells, the striker’s spell at Stonebridge Road yielded 11 in 49 games between 2014 and 2017. On the other side, Darren McQueen formed an excellent understanding with Elliott Romain at Dartford. Currently at Ebbsfleet United the duo have had a limited number of starting appearances this term. Mainly used as a substitute, McQueen has scored four this season, when he was with the Darts he top scored with 20 goals in the 2019/2020 campaign. Romain is currently out on loan with Hemel Hempstead Town.

Dowson recently made it clear he’s trying to strengthen the squad, not only is he searching for players he is looking for the consistency that propelled the Darts up the table between September and early November. Since Farnborough brought an end to a lengthy unbeaten run, Dartford have conceded late goals to drop points in the draw at Oxford City and defeat at Chelmsford City, scrapped for a point at home to Bath City in a goalless stalemate, but have also won 3-1 against Concord Rangers at Princes Park and on their travels versus Havant and Waterlooville.

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Match Highlights – Havant and Waterlooville v Dartford (14/12/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Alex Wall returned to Westleigh Park just over a week ago and recorded a brace against his former club to earn Dartford all three points. The striker was recalled to the starting line up alongside Luke Coulson and Luke Allen, the midfielder coming back from a spell out with injury. Allen and Samir Carruthers combined for the first goal setting up Wall for his first of the evening. Allen netted the winner last season at Havant and Waterlooville and he was involved again to double the lead. The Hawks halved the deficit when Jake McCarthy scored, but Wall put the game beyond the hosts just two minutes later.

Dowson was pleased with his side’s attitude as they showed ‘guts and determination’ after a questionable display at home to Bath, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It was great for an away performance. I thought the first half we did well, especially after we got a lot of stick after Saturday. The lads got together and had a night out to sort it out between ourselves, so it’s down to them really. I’m delighted for the lads, and we’ve got a bit of belief now. We’ve got to believe, and we’ve got to believe we can get a run going again”.

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Interview – Alan Dowson speaks to Dartford FC TV after the Darts beat Havant and Waterlooville

After narrowly missing out on promotion last season in the playoff final, Ebbsfleet United were quickly installed as the favourites to win the division this term. Under Dennis Kutrieb the Fleet were unstoppable in their opening nine games winning the lot. In fact, it took until matchday 16 for their three-month unbeaten run in the league to come to an end.

Finally defeated by Tonbridge Angels at home, Ebbsfleet United returned to winning ways keeping back-to-back clean sheets beating Slough Town 2-0 and thrashing Worthing 6-0 in Sussex. Fleet’s next trip to the county didn’t go so well as they lost 2-0 at Eastbourne Borough failing to score for the first time in the league this term. On Tuesday night Ebbsfleet United fell to a surprise defeat at Cheshunt. Reece Beckles-Richards scored an early penalty to condemn Fleet to their first away loss in the National South.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 67 / Ebbsfleet United wins: 56 / Draws: 32

Current League Form

Dartford
(LDWLDW) 		    Ebbsfleet United
(WLWWLL)		    
Havant & Waterlooville A 3-1 Cheshunt A 0-1
Bath City H 0-0 Eastbourne Borough H 0-2
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Worthing A 6-0
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Slough Town H 2-0
Oxford City A 1-1 Tonbridge Angels H 1-2
Farnborough A 1-3 Hampton & Richmond A 2-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (01/02/2022 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (02/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (02/01/2021 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (01/01/2017 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Ebbsfleet United (26/12/2016 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 1 Dartford (28/03/2016 – National South)

Statistics

  • The away team has failed to win in 20 of the last 21 league games between the two sides (home wins 13, draws 7, away wins 1)
  • At Stonebridge Road, the Darts have lost and drawn their last two on Boxing Day, last winning in 1966.
  • The Darts lead the head to head with Ebbsfleet United in Boxing Day meetings – W9, D2, L6 (away record W1, D1, L3)
  • Dartford have won the last four Boxing Day meetings with Ebbsfleet United all at home with an aggregate score of 14-3

On This Day

Tom Bonner scored against his former club six years ago to give Dartford the lead against Ebbsfleet United. The Darts went two up when Duane Ofori-Acheampong scored, and Fleet’s Anthony Cook pulled a goal back. Since then, the Darts have played Welling United on Boxing Day which included Alfie Pavey’s last minute wonder goal in 2017. The last Boxing Day match for Dartford was also at Park View Road when they beat the Wings 3-0 three years ago. A year earlier, Welling United won 2-0 in Dartford’s only away Boxing Day defeat in their last six. On this day, the Darts have racked up 39 wins, 23 draws and 26 defeats and two abandonments, which includes the infamous clash with Gravesend and Northfleet back in 1959 when the match official called off the game because the players were “fighting against each other”.

Havant and Waterlooville v Dartford

December 14, 2022 / / 0 Comments

A win for Dartford will take them back above Havant and Waterlooville as the two sides meet at Westleigh Park on Wednesday night.

The Darts gained a point on the weekend but dropped a place in the league standings after Havant and Waterlooville picked up maximum points in their fixture. Dartford have won just one in their last five since their eleven game unbeaten run ended a month ago, now they face the top two in the National South in their next three games. The Hawks bounced back from only their third defeat of the campaign with a victory on the weekend.

Both sides have been capable of stringing impressive runs together, the Darts took an incredible 31 points from a possible 33 between September and early November. Whilst the Hawks opened their season with nine wins and two draws in their first 11 fixtures. One of those victories for the Hampshire side came at Princes Park in August.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville (16/08/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Former Dartford striker, Jason Prior missed Havant and Waterlooville’s last match, but he didn’t miss the target four months ago. Prior opened the scoring in the last meeting and although Davide Rodari scored his first for the Darts since joining from Crawley Town in the summer, Havant and Waterlooville went on to win 2-1 when Oscar Gobern scored. Prior, who tends to find the net regularly against Dartford will be determined to get fit from his shoulder injury and face his former club.

The Darts were successful in their last visit to Westleigh Park. Luke Allen’s strike on the stroke of half-time was enough to secure a 1-0 win. Dartford’s defensive qualities shone through as Havant and Waterlooville rarely threatened in front of goal. The subsequent meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw at Princes Park, Korey Roberts’ goal was cancelled out by Alex Wall, who is now back with the Darts and could face his former club on Wednesday night. Dartford squandered a chance to win though when Ade Azeez had his penalty saved by Ross Worner, the shot stopper is currently on Havant and Watewrlooville’s injury list.

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Match Highlights – Havant and Waterlooville v Dartford (09/02/2022) – Dartford FC TV

On Saturday, Malachi Napa was handed his Dartford debut in a 0-0 draw with Bath City. The winger is on loan from Wealdstone and has been on Dartford’s radar for a while. After a spell at Dowson’s former club Woking, Napa played for Maldon and Tiptree before joining Wealdstone in the summer. However the new signing was unable to make an impact as the Darts drew a blank for a second game in a row, the first time under Dowson.

The Dartford boss spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “I’m delighted with a point to be honest as I thought we got battered”. Despite losing to Chelmsford City the week before the 0-0 draw with Bath City, the performance was better against the Clarets. Looking ahead to taking on Havant and Waterlooville then the festive double header over Ebbsfleet United, Dowson commented: “I can’t wait to get the games done, but I think we need to make one or two adjustments. If we play like that we’ll get done in all three games, but if we play how we did last week then we’ll have a go”.

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Interview – Alan Dowson’s thoughts after the 0-0 draw with Bath City – Dartford FC TV

Havant and Waterlooville are two points behind league leaders Ebbsfleet United having played two extra games. The Hawks suffered a surprisingly heavy defeat in their last home games losing 5-1 to Worthing. Yet the won by the same score in the home fixture before that brushing Dulwich Hamlet aside and bounced back with a 3-1 victory at Slough Town on Saturday. The Hawks had to come from behind to beat the Rebels with a first goal for the club for Charlie Ruff. The experienced Danny Wright put Havant and Waterlooville in front before Billy Clifford wrapped up the three points.

The Hawks have been potent in front of goal with only leaders Ebbsfleet United scoring more in the league this term. Helped by the know how of Prior and Danny Wright, the Hawks also have Muhammadu Faal, James Roberts and Jake McCarthy chipping in with goals.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Havant and Waterlooville wins: 5 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford
(WLDWLD) 		    Havant and Waterlooville
(WWWDLW)		    
Bath City H 0-0 Slough Town A 3-1
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Worthing H 1-5
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Tonbridge Angels A 1-1
Oxford City A 1-1 Chippenham Town A 3-0
Farnborough A 1-3 Dulwich Hamlet H 5-1
Braintree Town H 4-1 Hemel Hempstead Town H 2-0

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Havant and Waterlooville (16/08/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (19/03/2022 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 0 – 1 Dartford (09/02/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (31/10/2020 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 1 – 2 Dartford (25/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (10/08/2019 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last three visits to Westleigh Park winning the last two (W2, D1)
  • The Darts have kept two clean sheets in their last three away games againsgt the Hawks
  • Defeat to Havant and Waterloville earlier in the season was Dartford’s first against the Hampshire side in eight games.

On This Day

Tom Champion was the hero on this day in 2010 when he scored the winning goal in a F.A Trophy replay against then National League side Crawley Town. The midfielder’s stoppage time goal caused an upset versus the Sussex side who went on to easily win promotion to the Football League. Strike duo Elliott Romain and Darren McQueen combined to help Dartford to a 3-2 win over Billericay Town three years ago. McQueen opened the scoring putting past former Dartford goalkeeper Alan Julian. Romain doubled the lead before half-time. Another ex-Dart scored for Ricay when Femi Akinwande pulled a goal back, but Romain restored the advantage before future Dart, Jake Robinson made it 3-2. Dartford’s last away game on 14 December was in 1999 when they drew 1-1 with Hastings United in the Southern League South. The Darts last away win was in 1976 against rivals Maidstone United in a Southern League Cup replay, Dartford won the entertaining tie 4-3. Finally, before Havant and Waterlooville’s merger, the Darts drew 0-0 with Havant Town on this day in 1996.

Dartford v Bath City

December 9, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford can make it another double over Bath City this weekend when they host the Romans at Princes Park in another earlier kick-off.

The Darts slipped off the top of the table in their early kick off last weekend and a fifth straight league win over Bath City will maintain some pressure on league leaders Ebbsfleet United. The Romans have found the last couple of months tough, but a win for Jerry Gill’s side can help keep their playoff push going.

The two sides battled it out on the opening day back in August and in a tightly contested affair, the Darts ran out 2-0 winners. Striker, Pierre Fonkeu had a debut to remember striking twice in the second-half to earn Dartford all three points. Alan Dowson also gave first league starts to Davide Rodari and Sam Odaudu at Twerton Park. It was goalkeeper Dan Wilks who provided a wonderful assist for Fonkeu’s opener and his second came after a generous deflection off Bath City defender Zac Bell.

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Highlights – Bath City v Dartford (06/08/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Last season, former boss Steve King described the Darts performance against Bath City as ‘workman like’ in another 2-0 win. Kalvin Kalala netted his first goal for the club and towards the end, Danny Leonard won a penalty which Marcus Dinanga scored. The reverse fixture was won 3-1 in September 2021 with Jake Robinson scoring twice and George Porter netting Dartford’s third. Bath City’s Alex Fletcher scored in that match, the forward suffered a serious injury last month and needed emergency neurosurgery. We all wish Alex Fletcher well in his road to recovery.

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With the chance to remain top of the National South, Dartford fell to a late goal at Chelmsford City last weekend. Alan Dowson named an unchanged side for the third game running, but they were unable to breakdown the Clarets defence and for the first time this season Dartford failed to score in the league. Dowson spoke to Dartford FC TV after the games and commented: “I thought we were excellent, I thought we were the better side against a good team, I thought we were unlucky”. The Darts manager felt his side were defensively sound, but needed more from his strikers, he added: “We had some good possession and good chances in the area, but we’ve got to do better”.

After an 11-game unbeaten run in the league only dropping two points, Dartford have now just won once in their last four National South fixtures. That means they occupy second place but are now four points from the top having played three games more than league leaders. Chasing the Darts down are Havant and Waterlooville and Chelmsford City who have games in hand.

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Highlights – Chelmsford City v Dartford (03/12/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Although Bath City was beaten on the opening day, they began their campaign strongly going on to win four and drawing one of their next five league games. A defeat at Ebbsfleet United put an end to their early good form and since then the Somerset club have shown some inconsistencies. However, Bath City had only lost once on the road in the National South, now they have lost twice in a row on their travels. On Tuesday night, former Dartford striker Elliott Romain scored the only goal as the Romans fell to the Hemel Hempstead Town.

A consecutive away day without scoring, manager Gill doesn’t want drawing blanks to become a habit. Although he was pleased with his side’s display, he told Bath City FC TV: “I thought we deserved to win to be honest. We have to give credit them (Hemel Hempstead Town) for taking the three points because they hung in there”. The forward duo of Fletcher and Cody Cooke have found themselves on the scoresheet regularly, Cooke is top scorer for the Romans with 12 in all competitions this season.

It’s no surprise that with the pair currently out of action, the Romans have been lacking composure and that clinical edge in front of goal, Gill explained: “We do miss the two lads, of course we do, because that’s all our goals in our team. When you got someone like Cody Cooke and Alex Fletcher who stay so calm and just slot balls in in and around that 18-yard box it makes a huge difference”. The Bath City boss is hopeful that Jordan Dyer and Joe Raynes will return to action after missing the defeat in mid-week and the experienced Chris Lines recovers from a “few knocks”. Ahead of Saturday’s match against the Darts, Gill commented: “We’ve got to look forward to Dartford, which will be an extremely tough game. We’re going to have to defend against some real strong physical boys there and we’re going to have to, when you get your opportunities, take them”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 27 / Bath City wins: 46 / Draws: 20

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWWLDW) 		    Bath City
(LLWLDL)		    
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Hemel Hempstead Town A 0-1
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Welling United H 1-1
Oxford City A 1-1 St Albans City A 0-3
Farnborough A 1-3 Tonbridge Angels A 2-1
Braintree Town H 4-1 Chelmsford City H 0-1
Welling United H 5-1 Dover Athletic H 0-1

Last Six Meetings

Bath City 0 – 2 Dartford (06/08/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 0 Dartford (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
Bath City 3 – 0 Dartford (30/11/2019 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just once in their last 14 games against Bath City (W11, D2)
  • In those 14 matches, the Darts have kept nine clean sheets and only once have the Romans scored more than one goal
  • Dartford have now lost four and drawn one to goals scored in the last ten minutes

On This Day

A Ronnie Vint equaliser in a F.A Trophy first round derby with rivals Dover Athletic took the tie into a replay on this day six years ago. The Darts went on to win at the Crabble three days later and Vint scored again in a 2-1 victory. Five years earlier Jacob Erskine scored a brace and Elliot Bradbrook netted from the spot as Dartford won 3-0 against Brackley Town, also in the F.A Trophy first round. Dartford’s last league outing on this day ended 4-2 versus Enfield in the Southern League Division One East. The last league defeat on 10 December was back in 1994 when Dartford lost 3-1 to Furness.

Chelmsford City v Dartford

December 2, 2022 / / 0 Comments

League leaders Dartford face a tough away day in Saturday’s early kick off when they face fourth place Chelmsford City in the National South.

The Darts returned to the top of the table in their last outing with a victory over Concord Rangers. Although Alan Dowson’s side have played more games than their closest rivals, they have a one point advantage of Havant and Waterlooville and are three ahead of Ebbsfleet United. Chasing the leading pack, Chelmsford City make up the top four in the division after winning last weekend at Worthing.

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Highlights – Dartford v Concord Rangers (26/11/2022) – Dartford FC TV

December and into the New Year will be a huge test to Dartford’s promotion credentials. After taking on Chelmsford City they will be up against Bath City before visiting second place Havant and Waterlooville, then the festive double header against league favourites and local rivals Ebbsfleet United. However, Robbie Simpson’s side stand in the way first and the Darts will be focused on this weekend’s game at the Melbourne Stadium where they picked up a point last season in a 0-0 draw. Dartford rarely return home with a victory and on previous trips to CM1 they have taken maximum points just once in their last eleven league outings there, back in 2015. Winless in their last five at Chelmsford City, the Darts have failed to score in four of those matches.

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Highlights – Chelmsford City v Dartford (25/10/2021) – Dartford FC TV

Dartford put the disappointment of losing at Farnborough and Swindon Supermarine behind them by picking up four points from their last two matches. After conceding seven goals in those two away days, the trip to Oxford City tested the character of the side. Tom Bonner headed the Darts in front and Dowson’s men almost held on to all three points until Oxford City’s Canice Carroll equalised four minutes from time. Last weekend they hosted Concord Rangers with Dowson naming an unchanged side for the first time since August. The influential Samir Carruthers stood out again and opened the scoring in the first half to claim his ninth of the campaign. Prior the interval the visitors were level from the spot when Mo Bettamer made it 1-1. The Darts ran out winners in the second half with goals from Pierre Fonkeu and an own goal by Aron Pollock. The win also saw the return of midfielder, Luke Allen from off the bench who has been carrying an injury this season. Scorer of the second goal Fonkeu spoke to Dartford FC TV after the victory and said: “It was a really good performance from the team, we worked hard. After the last three games where we’ve struggled to get a win, it feels good to get back to winning ways”.

Assistant manager, Christian Jolley was also pleased with the performance and character the Dartford players showed, he added: “It was a great win, it was a good test. Concord Rangers came to Princes Park and made it difficult for us and had a lot of bodies behind the ball, so we had to be patient. The boys showed great character and good energy, especially off the back of Tuesday where we could have been a bit deflated after conceding after the 85th minute, but we came into this game with good energy and the boys recovered well”. Looking towards this weekend’s clash with Chelmsford City, Jolley added: “They’re all big games, at the moment it’s so tight, especially the top end of the table. The league is not going to be dictated by one weekend, but it’s a big test. They are a good outfit and they are having a good spell at the moment. We’re going to have just focus and do our due diligence to make sure we know exactly what they are going to be doing and how we can set up and find a way to win at their place. 

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Interview – Christian Jolley’s thoughts after the Concord Rangers match – Dartford FC TV

Only Ebbsfleet United and Havant and Waterlooville have lost fewer games in the National South than Chelmsford City making the Clarets difficult to beat. Robbie Simpson has steadily improved the Essex club’s fortunes since taking over in March last year. In the summer he signed former Dart, Jazzi Barnum-Bobb who will return to Princes Park after a spell with Dulwich Hamlet. Barnum-Bobb played 18 times for the Darts under Steve King. Another signing pre-season, Harry Lodovica scored the winner against Dartford last season for Braintree Town.

The Clarets began their campaign unbeaten in their opening six games providing a platform to build. They went another six without defeat following an entertaining 4-3 defeat at home to Havant and Waterlooville in September. On their own patch the Clarets won six out of eight before recently being held 0-0 by Dover Athletic and losing 2-0 to Hampton and Richmond Borough. However, they bounced back from defeat in their last game with an away victory over Worthing last weekend. Kai Yearn and Cameron James put Simpson’s side in command, but the deficit was halved before the break. The three points were wrapped up in the second half when Tom Blackwell tapped home a third.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 41 / Chelmsford City wins: 55 / Draws: 23

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWWLDW) 		    Chelmsford City
(LWWDLW)		    
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Worthing A 3-1
Oxford City A 1-1 Hampton and Richmond H 0-2
Farnborough A 1-3 Dover Athletic H 0-0
Braintree Town H 4-1 Bath City A 1-0
Welling United H 5-1 Eastbourne Borough H 5-0
Weymouth H 3-0 Tonbridge Angels A 0-1

Last Six Meetings

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)
Chelmsford City 4 – 0 Dartford (12/08/2019 – National South)
Chelmsford City 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2019 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are on their best unbeaten run home and away (W3, D1) against Chelmsford City since a six game unbeaten spell between 2011 and 2016
  • The Darts are winless in their last five trips to Chelmsford (D2, L3) and have only won twice in their last 13 away games against the Clarets (D4, L7)
  • Keiran Murtagh made his 50th start for the Darts last weekend against Concord Rangers

On This Day

Dartford beat rivals Dover Athletic at Princes Park on this day in 2011. Adam Green’s first-half penalty was cancelled out by Augustin Battipiedi before Ryan Hayes and Elliot Bradbrook’s second-half goals earned the Darts bragging rights. Six years ago, two goals in four first-half minutes by Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Luke Wanadio helped the Darts to a 2-1 home win over Poole Town. On the road Dartford lost their last fixture on this day getting knocked out by Forest Green Rovers in a F.A Trophy replay in 2013. The last victory away from home came in 2002 when Dartford defeated Chatham Town 1-0 in the Southern League Division One East.

Dartford v Concord Rangers

November 25, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford a back in action at Princes Park this weekend when they host Concord Rangers in the National South.

It’s been three weeks since a home game for the Darts and after losing in their last league outing they picked up a draw on Tuesday night. Under a new manager Concord Rangers have started to pick up crucial points as they begin to move up the table.

Dartford went into the Oxford City game on Tuesday on the back of two defeats, in which they conceded seven goals. A 3-1 loss on the road at Farnborough was followed up by a cup upset against Swindon Supermarine in the F.A Trophy. After that 4-0 reverse to the Southern Premier South side, Alan Dowson and company travelled to Marsh Lane to face a team who had only lost once in the league at home.

The central defensive partnership of Connor Essam and Tom Bonner was reunited after a two game absence. It was the captain Bonner who headed the Darts in front in a well earned 1-1 draw. Dartford came close to returning home with all three points but were denied by Canice Carroll’s late equaliser three minutes from time. Dowson made five changes in total from the team that exited the F.A Trophy bringing in goalkeeper, Archie Mair on a months loan from Norwich City’s under 21 team. As well as Essam returning to the starting eleven, Keiran Murtagh, Samir Carruthers and Davide Rodari were back in the side. There was no Josh Johnson after completing a month of his loan and Joe Young who missed the Swindon Supermarine game on the weekend.

Dartford picked up just one point against Concord Rangers last term and that was at Princes Park in January. Despite Jake Robinson hitting the crossbar late on, the game ended 0-0 in Ronnie Vint’s last appearance for the Darts. Both meetings in 2021/2022 were close encounters and it was the Beachboys who came out on top at Thames Road just over a year ago. The match was settled when Lamar Reynolds scored the only goal just past the hour mark.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Concord Rangers (25/01/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Concord Rangers have improved over the last month since a change of manager. The Beachboys were down in 22nd when Chris Search departed having won only twice in the opening 14 fixtures. With eight points on the board, the Essex club felt it was time to make a change in the dugout. In came Rob Small who took Bowers and Pitsea from the Essex Senior League to the Isthmian Premier division and after losing his opener, the Beachboys have since gone unbeaten in the National South. Small had success in his eight years at Bowers and Pitsea and also took then to the F.A Cup first round for the first time ever losing narrowly to Lincoln City 1-0 at Sincil Bank. Small also took the Essex club to the semi-final of the F.A Vase in 2016.

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Match Highlights – Concord Rangers v Dartford (02/11/2021) – Dartford FC TV

Unbeaten in the National South in their last four games, the Beachboys strung three consecutive wins together since a 3-0 defeat at Hampton and Richmond Borough. Concord Rangers won by the same score in the following match defeating Dover Athletic with goals from Ryan Blackman, Nana Kyei and Aron Pollock. Another three were netted at home versus Chippenham Town after falling behind at Thames Road. Alex Bray, Saleem Akanbi and Blackman were all on the scoresheet to pick up maximum points.

The last two league games for the Beachboys involved Kent sides Tonbridge Angels and Welling United. Ben Williamson scored the winning goal against the Angels in a 1-0 victory and four days later Concord Rangers drew with the Wings. With home advantage and playing 70 minutes with an extra man, the Beachboys were unable to take advantage of Welling United’s Sid Nelson’s sending off. Instead the visitors took the lead when Taylor Mahoney netted for the Kent side. Concord Rangers managed to get a grip on the game and were rewarded with an equaliser by Louis Ramsey.

Since then, Small’s side have been in cup action losing to lower league opposition Harrow Borough 4-2 in the F.A Trophy. The Southern Premier League South side caused an upset going three up inside the opening 35 minutes. Blackman scored in first-half stoppage time and when Harrison Day grabbed another for the Beachboys the comeback was on. However in the last minute Harrow Borough regained a two goal lead to send the Essex club out.

On Tuesday night they took on Aveley in the Essex Senior Cup, a team representing the Isthmian Premier League and were taken to penalties. After a 1-1 draw the Beachboys won the shootout 4-2. Former Dart midfielder D’Sean Theobalds was named on the bench, but ex Dartford winger Ricky Modeste was not included, the pair could return to Princes Park on the weekend. Theobalds played seven games under Steve King during last season and scored one goal, whilst Modeste signed in August 2020 and made only three appearances for the club.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Concord Rangers wins: 4 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford
(DWWWLD) 		    Concord Rangers
(LLWWWD)		    
Oxford City A 1-1 Welling United H 1-1
Farnborough A 1-3 Tonbridge Angels H 1-0
Braintree Town H 4-1 Chippenham Town H 3-1
Welling United H 5-1 Dover Athletic A 3-0
Weymouth H 3-0 Hampton and Richmond A 0-3
Slough Town A 2-1 Bath City H 0-2

Last Six Meetings

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)
Concord Rangers 2 – 0 Dartford (14/08/2018 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won just one of their last seven games against Concord Rangers (D3, L3)
  • The Darts are winless in three at home versus the Beachboys (D2, L1)
  • Dartford have failed to score in their last three matches against Concord Rangers

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook scored a F.A Trophy hat-trick on this day to send Dartford into round one. Weston-super-Mare took the lead through Bradley Ash, but before the break Andy Pugh levelled. Bradbrook put the Darts back in front and the tie could have turned after Tom Bonner was sent off. Ash converted the subsequent penalty equalising for the hosts. A replay would have been a good result with ten men, however Bradbrook had other ideas scoring twice to claim the match ball and a 4-2 victory. That win is Dartford’s only triumph on this day in the last six outings. Three years ago they went out at the same stage of the competition to local rivals Maidstone United in a replay. In the twelve home matches on 26 November, the Darts have won just three, 4-0 against Faversham in 1898, 3-2 versus Chelmsford City in 1960 and the last win at home came in 1988 when Dartford beat Worcester City 2-0.

Oxford City v Dartford

November 22, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford will be eager to bounce back from a difficult week when they take on Oxford City on Tuesday night in the National South.

After an unbeaten run of 11 games in all competitions and picking up an impressive 31 points from a possible 33 in the league, the Darts lost twice in a row to see their good form come to an end. Oxford City have been have not lost at home in the league since the opening day and will fancy their chances.

The journey to Marsh Lane last season ended in a 1-1 draw with goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook making his debut. The shot stopper was unable to keep out Joe Iaciofano’s equaliser that day after the Darts had taken the lead in the third minute through a Marcus Dinanga penalty. The two sides couldn’t be separated in the earlier meeting at Princes Park either playing out a 0-0 stalemate. In October 2019, the Darts won 1-0 in Oxford with Ben Greenhalgh’s curling shot being the decisive goal in the game. Overall, Dartford have avoided defeat against Tuesday’s opponents in their last four matches, winning two and drawing two.

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Match Highlights – Oxford City v Dartford (02/04/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Alan Dowson has plenty of work to do ahead of the visit to Marsh Lane. Last weekend they were beaten on the road at Farnborough missing an opportunity to top the standings. Instead they ended the day in third after falling to a 3-1 loss against the Hampshire side. After acknowledging the poor performance, Dowson made four changes to the team to face Swindon Supermarine on Saturday in the F.A Trophy second round.

Kristian Campbell scored a consolation goal against Farnborough and he was named in the starting eleven alongside goalkeeper Tom Wray and loanee Joshua Johnson. Once again the Darts missed the central defensive partnership of Tom Bonner and Connor Essam. Bonner was suspended versus Farnborough, but the captain returned on the weekend. This time Essam was unavailable and the unfortunate Wray conceded four as the Darts failed to score. Yet another cup upset went against the Darts and having conceded seven goals over the past week, Dowson needs his players to respond on Tuesday night.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Oxford City (13/11/2021) – Dartford FC TV

Oxford City were also dumped out of the trophy against lower league opposition. Last season, Plymouth Parkway were two divisions below the Hoops. After winning promotion, the Devonshire club have now claimed an cupset beating Ross Jenkins’ team on penalties. Iaciofano had put City ahead only for Harrison King to level and take the tie to spot kicks.

In the National South, Oxford City have one of the best home records in the division tasting defeat just once and that was on the opening day. Since then they have gone a dozen home games unbeaten winning eight and drawing four. Oxford City have dished out a 5-0 hammering of Concord Rangers, were the first team to take points off league leaders Ebbsfleet United and have won three of their last four at Marsh Lane. Form on the road has not been as great and explains why City are ninth in the table, but just a point from a top seven spot.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Oxford City wins: 3 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford
(WDWWWL) 		    Oxford City
(WLWLDW)		    
Farnborough A 1-3 Dover Athletic H 3-1
Braintree Town H 4-1 Hemel Hempstead Town H 2-2
Welling United H 5-1 Worthing A 0-1
Weymouth H 3-0 Hungerford Town H 2-0
Slough Town A 2-1 Farnborough Town A 1-2
St Albans City A 1-1 Taunton Town H 2-1

Last Six Meetings

Oxford City 1 – 1 Dartford (02/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Oxford City (13/11/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Oxford City (11/01/2020 – National South)
Oxford City 0 – 1 Dartford (12/10/2019 – National South)
Oxford City 2 – 1 Dartford (27/04/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Oxford City (13/11/2018 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are four games unbeaten against Oxford City (W2, D2) and have kept three clean sheets in those matches
  • Dartford have scored in each of their eight visits to visiting Marsh Lane and are unbeaten in their last two there (W1, D1)
  • If the Darts avoid defeat it will be their best unbeaten run when visiting Oxford City.

On This Day

Dartford have failed to win on this day since 1988 when they beat Crawley Town 4-0 in the Southern League Cup second round. In league football you have to go back two years earlier when they defeated Folkestone 5-0 in the Southern Premier League. In 1989, the Darts took Football League side Exeter City to a F.A Cup first round replay, but lost the away tie 4-1. Dartford’s last six games on 22 November have been away from home, the last was a 2-2 draw at Welling United in 2016 in the Kent Senior Cup. Goals from Ryan Hayes and Keaton Wood weren’t enough as the Wings went through 4-1 on penalties.

Swindon Supermarine v Dartford

November 18, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford get their F.A Trophy campaign underway this weekend with a trip to Swindon Supermarine of the Southern Premier League South.

In the first meeting between the two sides, the Darts will be determined to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat which saw their unbeaten run of eleven games come to an end. Swindon Supermarine on the other hand will be hoping to join a list of teams who have upset Dartford in cup competitions recently.

After ten victories and a draw the Darts travelled to Hampshire last weekend to face Farnborough, who were on a good run of their own. Alan Dowson’s side were second best throughout the afternoon losing 3-1 and not only did they miss an opportunity to return to the top of the National South they also missed their captain, Tom Bonner. The defender was suspended after his red card in the 4-1 victory over Braintree Town, but he will be available for the F.A Trophy second round tie. Having been reliable in a defensive midfield role, Jordan Wynter dropped to centre back with Keiran Murtagh and Samir Carruthers coming into the side in place of Bonner and Josh Johnson.

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Match Highlights – Farnborough v Dartford (12/11/2022) – Dartford FC TV

The hosts exposed Dartford’s defence and after nineteen minutes were ahead when Hisham Kasimu got the better of Wynter then finished a one on one with Joe Young in goal. The lead was doubled when Dartford failed to clear the ball and Johnathon Page netted from close range. After five weeks without any playing time, Darts full back Kristian Campbell returned to action at half-time. His introduction was rewarded when he scored a header from Luke Coulson’s corner. However, Farnborough made sure of maximum points when Ollie Pendleberry scored a brilliant free-kick.

Disappointed with the result, Dowson was unhappy with his performance as well as his players, especially after the high standards set by the Darts over the last two months by taking an astonishing 31 points from a possible 33 in the league prior to defeat at Farnborough. Sitting third in the National South two points behind rivals Ebbsfleet United keeps Dartford in a strong position, but now they now focus on cup football and will hope to put past cup results behind them.

Earlier this season, Dowson lost his first competitive cup match for the club at home against Beckenham Town, a team one division lower than Swindon Supermarine. Last term, the Darts were beaten by lower league teams AFC Sudbury in the F.A Cup and Needham Market in the F.A Trophy. The season before the Darts lost to Haringey Borough in the F.A Trophy and former boss, Steve King lost on debut to Kingstonian in the F.A Cup three years ago. Dartford should know too well that complacency is no option come three o’clock on Saturday.

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Interview – Alan Dowson speaks to Dartford FC TV after defeat at Farnborough

Swindon Supermarine have only reached the third round on two occasions losing to Ebbsfleet United in 2008/09 and Bath City in 2020/21, so victory will equal their best performance in the F.A Trophy. The Marine are going well in the Southern Premier League South sitting in fifth and occupying a playoff place. The Wiltshire club are currently four unbeaten in all competitions including a 5-0 victory in the last round of the competition. During those four matches Harry Williams has netted each time adding five to his total tally of the season which stands at 20 in as many games. The striker has an impressive scoring record for Marine recording nearly goal every other game since being at the club.

On the weekend they beat Yate Town 2-0 with new loan signing from Gloucester City, Liam Armstrong keeping a clean sheet on debut. Yate Town were reduced to ten men before the break with the scores level. It took Williams until seventy minutes to register the first goal and with five minutes to go Conor McDonagh sealed the victory.

The Marine’s F.A Trophy campaign began after the F.A Cup exit to Farnborough. Swindon Supermarine were beaten 5-1 by the Hampshire side in the third qualifying round. In the F.A Trophy, Lee Spalding’s side have negotiated through two rounds beating Cirencester Town 3-0 early last month in a local derby. Brad Hooper scored with a fine strike after ten minutes and a second half back heel from James Harding made it two. The third came when Zack Kotwica took the ball round the goalkeeper to slot home. In the last round they drew out Winchester City and despite losing to the Hampshire club in the league a week earlier they thrashed City 5-0 on the road. Williams and McDonagh gave Marine a two goal cushion heading into the interval to put the visitors in control. Williams got the scoring started again in the second half with twenty minutes left on the clock and two late goals from Hooper and Kotwica wrapped up the win.

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford
(DWWWWL) 		    Swindon Supermarine
(WLDWDW)		    
Farnborough A 1-3 Yate Town H 2-0
Braintree Town H 4-1 Chesham United A 1-1
Welling United H 5-1 Winchester City (FAT) A 5-0
Weymouth H 3-0 Hanwell Town H 1-1
Slough Town A 2-1 Winchester City H 1-2
St Albans City A 1-1 Harrow Borough H 2-1

Statistics

  • In the last two F.A Trophy campaigns Dartford won on penalties in the second round
  • Since reaching the semi-final in 2013, the Darts have got to at least the third round in three of the last nine years
  • This is only the third time Swindon Supermarine has played in the F.A Trophy second round since entering the competition for the first time in 2001/02

On This Day

This will be Dartford’s first F.A Trophy game on this day, but other cup competitions haven’t gone so well on 19 November for the Darts. They have won just twice beating Sheppey United 6-2 in the Kent Senior Cup 42 years ago and Headington United 2-0 in a Southern League Cup tie in 1958. Dartford have lost six cup games on this day including their last four. In 1985 AFC Bournemouth knocked the Darts out of the F.A Cup for a second year in a row, the year before the Cherries denied Dartford a chance to take on Manchester United in the next round. The Darts were also beaten by Millwall in 1983 and Kettering Town in 1988 in the F.A Cup first round. The last outing for Dartford on this day was six years ago when they defeated Bishop’s Stortford 3-0, an own goal was added to by Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook.

Farnborough v Dartford

November 10, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford can extend their unbeaten run to a dozen matches when they visit Southern Premier South playoff winners Farnborough this weekend.

The Darts have won ten and drawn one of their last 11 games and have the potential to top the National South standings when the full-time scores roll in on Saturday. Farnborough may have taken a while settling in on their return to the division but are enjoying an unbeaten streak of their own.

Dartford were in pole position come the end of last weekend’s results and they have found their scoring boots of late. Only once had the Darts scored more than twice, in the Kent derby win over Dover Athletic two months ago, now they have scored twelve in three games hitting Weymouth for three, Welling United for five and most recently Braintree Town for four. Alan Dowson made one change to the side that thrashed local rivals Welling United for the game against Braintree Town, Charlie Sheringham was back in attack replacing Davide Rodari. The Dartford boss will need to reshuffle again this weekend, this time in defence due to the one game suspension picked up by captain Tom Bonner.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Braintree Town (05/11/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dowson’s side have showed character this season, firstly overcoming a spell of five defeats in seven earlier in the campaign, then with comeback wins over Eastbourne Borough, Dulwich Hamlet and Slough Town and on Saturday they had to play out half an hour with ten men. The Darts often struggled against Braintree Town in the past, but this time they won 4-1 with an outstanding second-half display. Sheringham netted from the spot five minutes after the break and the game could have turned after Bonner was sent off for a second caution. However, Dartford stretched their lead when Luke Coulson scored potentially the goal of the season. His second in as many games since coming back from injury was a spectacular volley from outside the box. Braintree Town pulled a goal back with just over ten minutes to play, the header from Kyran Clements testing Dartford’s resolve. Dowson introduced Samir Carruthers and Keiran Murtagh and the pair combined for a third in the last minute, Carruthers finishing off a fine move. Then there was time for Carruthers to score the second penalty of the afternoon for his eighth of the campaign.

Martin Tyler spoke to Dartford FC TV afterwards and said: “No one could have written the scenario like this to be honest and we’ve ended up singing in the Dartford rain, but the scoreline doesn’t in any way reflect what a tight game it was and what Braintree brought to the match”, he added: “The reason we’ve had a recent run of good results is the competition for places has been that much hotter, so even someone like Samir (Carruthers) who has played in the Premier League cannot be guaranteed a start”.

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Match Highlights – Farnborough v Dartford (17/11/2011) – courtesy of sonytino

The last time Dartford won 4-1 and were reduced to ten men was 11 years ago against Farnborough. On that day Sheringham scored twice including one from a penalty. Tom Champion and Danny Harris were the other scorers, Lee Noble was sent off when the scores were level at 1-1. In the reverse fixture five months earlier Noble scored a last-minute consolation in a 2-1 defeat. The next season Dartford won promotion to the National League via the playoffs and completed a double over Boro winning 2-1 at Cherrywood Road thanks to goals from Sheringham and Lee Burns, then at Princes Park Jacob Erskine netted twice and Tony Garrod sealed a 3-0 victory.

Farnborough are on a nine-game unbeaten streak in all competitions and wrote some F.A Cup headlines last weekend by upsetting League Two Sutton United. Last term, Dartford signed Michael Fernandes on loan from Colchester United before the campaign had started, however he didn’t manage a competitive game before moving to Farnborough. The winger scored with three minutes to go in the F.A Cup tie and a second was added by Francis Amarty in injury time. Confidence has been growing at Boro since their promotion and slow start to this season. In cup games they have beaten last season’s promotion rivals Hayes and Yeading United, brushed aside Dartford’s F.A Trophy opponents Swindon Supermarine in a 5-1 win, hit Biggleswade Town for seven and in the Hampshire Senior Cup defeated Cove 7-2 as well.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Farnborough (10/03/2012) – courtesy of sonytino

In the National South, Farnborough lost seven of their opening ten games ending September down in the relegation zone. Spencer Day’s side have climbed five places over the last month picking up 11 points out of a possible 15, their latest a 0-0 draw at home to Eastbourne Borough. Day spoke to Farnborough TV after the Tuesday night’s game, he commented: “I think it was a fair result, it was a very poor performance from us, very much the cliché after the lord mayor’s show at the weekend”. Attention now turns to hosting the Darts and Day said: “It’s a massive game, it’s a hell of a challenge, it’s the first team right at the top of the table that we’ve faced at home, it’s a massive challenge. Dowse is doing a great job there and it’s going to be a very difficult game”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Farnborough wins: 4 / Draws: 2

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWDWWW) 		    Farnborough
(LWDWWD)		    
Braintree Town H 4-1 Eastbourne Borough A 0-0
Welling United H 5-1 Oxford City H 2-1
Weymouth H 3-0 Weymouth A 1-0
Slough Town A 2-1 Dover Athletic A 1-1
St Albans City A 1-1 Worthing A 2-1
Tonbridge Angels H 2-0 Chelmsford City H 0-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 3 – 0 Farnborough (10/03/2012 – National South)
Farnborough 1 – 2 Dartford (17/09/2011 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 1 Farnborough (22/01/2011 – National South)
Farnborough 2 – 1 Dartford (21/08/2010 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Farnborough Town (23/11/1998 – F.A Trophy)
Farnborough Town 1 – 1 Dartford (21/11/1998 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

  • The Darts have never won at Farnborough in five attempts (D2, L3)
  • Half of Dartford’s games this season have ended 2-1 (W5, L5)
  • Farnborough have won four times in this fixture, three of them were 2-1 victories.

On This Day

Danny Harris and Luke Wanadio scored the goals to claim a 2-0 win over Hemel Hempstead Town on this day six years ago. The last away day on 12 November came in 2013 with the Darts being humbled by Woking 3-0 in the National League. Dartford’s last victory on their travels on this day was in 2005 when they beat Margate in the F.A Trophy 1-0. The Darts have only tasted victory two other times away from home on 12 November. In 1996 they beat Tooting and Mitcham United 3-2 also in the F.A Trophy and in 1921 they defeated Bexley Heath 3-1 in the Kent Senior Cup.

Dartford v Braintree Town

November 4, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford hope to continue their excellent form and maintain the pressure at the top of the National South when they host Braintree Town this weekend.

The Darts have put themselves in contention at the summit of the National South by winning nine of their last ten league games. Next to arrive at Princes Park is Braintree Town, who have often been a thorn in Dartford’s side and this season the Iron are currently in the playoff places arriving on the back of four straight victories.

In all competitions Dartford have only beaten their opponents twice at home in nine attempts. Including trips to Cressing Road, then the Darts record over the Iron makes for grimmer reading. In 16 matches between the two sides Dartford have just three wins to their name.

Under Alan Dowson, the Darts have grown in confidence and prior the last week were not quite the finished article. Time will tell whether their potential will be reached, but six points and eight goals over the last week shows promising signs. On Saturday the Darts overcame bottom club Weymouth 3-0 with Josh Johnson scoring his first for the club on his home debut and Alex Wall netting a brace from off the bench. Influential midfielder, Samir Carruthers was replaced for the second-half and missed Tuesday night’s 5-1 win against Welling United, his replacement on the weekend Luke Coulson was given the nod to start the Kent derby. The only other change involved Davide Rodari making his first start in almost a month in place of Charlie Sheringham.

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The Darts were three up by half-time with Pierre Fonkeu and Rodari recreating the goalscoring exploits from earlier in the season. The pair shared Dartford’s first six goals this term and on Tuesday they scored the opening two. Fonkeu now has two in his last three games, whilst Rodari scored for the first time since August. Before the interval there was time for Maxwell Statham to draw level with Rodari in Dartford’s scoring charts with his third of the campaign. Early in the second-half former Dart, Ade Azeez kept the Dowson’s side on their toes by pulling a goal back. Jack Smith celebrated extending his loan spell from Stevenage until January with a delightful finish as the Darts hit four for the first time under Dowson. It got even better with three minutes to go when Coulson added a fifth to send Dartford top of the National South by the end of the evening.

The Darts only took a point from Braintree Town last season losing the corresponding fixture 1-0 in May, ten days before the playoff campaign. Whether the Darts were resting players or not, the performance was under par resulting in the defeat. Braintree Town’s Harry Lodovika scored late on just minutes after coming off the bench. The Iron also made things difficult earlier in the campaign at Cressing Road. Dartford were forced to come back from two goals down with a last gasp equaliser. A stunning stoppage time free kick from Jack Jebb earned a point after a Jake Robinson penalty halved the deficit. The visitors went two goals up through Gabriel Piorkowski and Gio Crichlow.

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The Iron are having a fantastic season compared to their seventeenth-place finish last term, for long periods they were in a scrap to beat the drop and ended up the lowest scorers in the division. The man partly responsible for the upturn in performances is manager Angelo Harrop, who masterminded AFC Sudbury’s run to the F.A Cup first round giant killing Dartford on the way. The Essex club are one of three unbeaten teams at home and sit in fifth place with the fourth highest goal tally. Although the Iron will be without home advantage, they have picked up four league victories on the road, winning their last two away fixtures 3-0 against Hampton and Richmond Borough and 2-1 at Eastbourne Borough. Those triumphs on their travels have helped Harrop’s side claim four straight wins home and away for the first time in the league since April 2018, when they were promoted to the National League via the playoffs.

Braintree Town’s last away outing saw them negotiate their way past Hampton and Richmond Borough despite several injuries and suspensions to first teamers. The reshuffled side took the lead through Jon Benton and waited until two minutes from time to add a second. Levi Amantchi scored his sixth of the season since joining in the summer from Potters Bar Town. To wrap up a good afternoon for Harrop’s team the Beavers netted an own goal to make it 3-0. Former Concord Rangers forward Lemar Reynolds has notched four league goals this term and so has ex-Welling United midfielder Alfie Matthews, who will serve a one match ban this weekend.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Braintree Town wins: 8 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWDWWW) 		    Braintree Town
(WLWWWW)		    
Welling United H 5-1 Hampton and Richmond A 3-0
Weymouth H 3-0 Welling United H 4-1
Slough Town A 2-1 Eastbourne Borough A 2-1
St Albans City A 1-1 Worthing H 2-1
Tonbridge Angels H 2-0 Dover Athletic A 1-3
Dulwich Hamlet A 2-1 St Albans City H 1-0

Last Six Meetings

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)
Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (06/05/2018 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Braintree Town (23/12/2017 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won just once in their last 12 games against Braintree Town (D4, L7)
  • The Darts have gone 13 games without a clean sheet against the Iron
  • The Iron have kept eight clean sheets versus Dartford, in half of the games they have played the Darts.

On This Day

Dartford led twice to win against Hampton and Richmond Borough three years ago. Ky Marsh-Brown opened the scoring, but minutes later Tyrone Lewthwaite levelled for the Beavers. Elliott Romain won a penalty, picked himself up and netted from the spot to grab the winner. The Darts suffered heavy F.A Cup first round defeats in consecutive seasons on this day, both at Princes Park. In 2016, Dartford pegged National League side Sutton United back three times with two goals from Elliot Bradbrook and one from Duane Ofori-Acheampong. However, the Darts ran out of steam as the U’s rattled in three without reply in the final half an hour to win 6-3. A year later, Dartford were outclassed by League Two side Swindon Town losing 5-1, Richard Sho-Silva scoring the consolation goal. Other big scores on 5 November include Dartford’s 5-1 win over Aveley in 2005 at Stonebridge Road and a 6-2 Kent League Cup triumph against Greenwich Borough in 1994. The Darts were also on the end of an 8-0 reverse at Cambridge City in 1960.

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