Author: Stuart Maidment (Page 26 of 35)

Dartford v Welling United

November 1, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford could move to the top of the table if they win their rescheduled Kent derby against Welling United on Tuesday night.

The Darts moved to within two points of league leaders and local rivals Ebbsfleet United on the weekend extending their unbeaten run in the National South to nine. Victory will guarantee top spot for at least 24 hours and the Darts will remain at the summit if Havant and Waterlooville inflict a first defeat of the season on Ebbsfleet United on Wednesday evening.

Dartford are seven without defeat against the Wings and eight unbeaten at Princes Park in all competitions. However, Welling United will desperately want to undo that record with a win, potentially moving back in to the playoff places.

Fortunes have changed for Alan Dowson’s side, when this fixture was scheduled originally the Darts had just lost a fourth league game in five. Whilst, Welling United were in sixth place having won four of their last five. The form table has turned for Dartford as they have not lost in the league since the defeat at Chippenham Town in early September. In the opposite dugout Welling United boss, Warren Feeney has seen just two victories since the 5-0 triumph versus Oxford City, beating Eastbourne Borough before going six without a win until the weekend when they beat Hungerford Town.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dartford v Weymouth (29/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Dowson made two changes to the side that beat Slough Town a week ago when they faced bottom side Weymouth on Saturday. Tom Bonner returned after be rested as a precaution, the captain took the place of Keiran Murtagh. Whilst the match winner in the 2-1 win over Slough Town, Pierre Fonkeu started ahead of Marvin Herschel. The Darts secured a ninth league win in eleven with a 3-0 victory over the Terras. Joshua Johnson scored from a delightful long range effort on his home debut and Alex Wall came off the bench to claim a brace and double his tally for the season in all competitions. The fourth consecutive league victory at home was also Dartford’s biggest score this term.

The Darts boss stated that the performance was “alright”, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “It was a good win with three goals, but I don’t think it was that margin to be honest”, he added: “We were probably losing them games earlier on the season, but it was just alright”. Looking ahead to the Tuesday evening derby, Dowson commented: “They have a decent team on paper, but we have as well so we look forward to the game. A local derby and it’s only round the corner, it’s what you’re here for really. That’s the games I like and I’m sure the players like it and we’re in a good position. We look forward to the game”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Inetrview – Alan Dowson’s views after the win against Weymouth – Dartford FC TV

Dartford did the league double over the Wings last term and knocked them out of the Kent Senior Cup on penalties. At Princes Park, the Darts had to show their character to come from behind twice after Afolabi Akinyemi scored both of Welling United’s goals. Marcus Dinanga netted his first for the Darts to make it all square at 1-1 and Danny Leonard restored parity after Dartford fell behind again. Luke Allen enjoyed this fixture last season scoring the third at home, the midfielder also found the net at Park View Road. Dinanga went on to complete the 4-2 win with his second of the afternoon.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dartford v Welling United (05/02/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

It was much more convincing earlier in the season when Dartford recorded an impressive away victory. Azeez scored a brace against his future employers and Allen also scored twice. Noor Husin and Leonard were the other scorers that day in a resounding 6-0 win. Towards the end of the campaign the two sides were drawn against each other in the Kent Senior Cup semi-final. Again, Welling United led with both goals from Henry Burnett, but Jordan Greenidge and Jake Robinson last minute penalty forced spot kicks which the Darts won 5-3.

Several players are likely to face their old team in this local derby. Statham signed for the Darts this summer from Welling United, whilst Kristian Campbell moved from Park View Road to Princes Park during last season. Charlie Sheringham scored 19 in 39 games way back in 2008/2009 for Welling United before his first spell with Dartford in 2010/2011. Goalkeeper, Dan Wilks was also at Welling United previously, but an ankle injury means he has not played since late August.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Welling United v Dartford (25/09/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Meanwhile, Ade Azeez who scored 18 times for Dartford last season is now part of the Wings strike force and returns to Princes Park for the first time. The forward has scored seven league goals so far this campaign including a hat-trick against Oxford City. Rob Howard had a brief spell on loan in late 2019 making seven appearances, he could also face his former club.

The Wings have had a reliable start to their campaign, but have yet to taste victory against a side in the current top six. Welling United picked up one point in their opening two fixtures then went on a solid run of five wins in six outings. A number of draws, including stalemates in Kent derbies against Dover Athletic and Ebbsfleet United as well as at home to high fliers Havant and Waterlooville, and defeats against St Albans City and Braintree Town has seen the Wings drop out of the playoffs.

However, the Wings were back to winning ways on Saturday beating Hungerford Town 1-0 at Park View Road. Devonte Aransibia’s penalty was decisive and despite Amadou Kassarate’s late sending off Welling United held on. Despite what Feeney called a ‘flat’ first-half, the Wings dominated in the second forty five but only managed one goal. The Wings boss spoke to www.wellingunited.com post match ahead of their clash with the Darts and said: “We respect everyone we play, but for me it is just another game of football. It’s a local derby but we have got to make sure we take confidence from today (win against Hungerford Town) and give the fans something to cheer about”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 24 / Welling United wins: 10 / Draws: 11

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWDWW)			Welling United (DDLDLW)
Weymouth	H	3-0	Hungerford Town	H	1-0
Slough Town	A	2-1	Braintree Town	A	1-4
St Albans City	A	1-1	Ebbsfleet United	A	1-1
Tonbridge Angels	H	2-0	St Albans City	H	0-2
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1	Hampton and Richmond	A	1-1
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	Dover Athletic	H	1-1

Last Six Meetings

Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (26/04/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 2 Welling United (05/02/2022 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 6 Dartford (25/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Welling United (06/02/2021 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 0 Welling United (01/01/2020 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2019 – National South)
* Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of their last 17 against Welling United in all competitions (W10, D6)
The Darts are unbeaten in the last eight games at home against the Wings (W7, D1) in all competitions
The Darts have won by an aggregate score of 10-2 against Welling United last season eclipsing the previous best of 7-0 in the 2019/2020 campaign
Dartford have kept four clean sheets in the last six league fixtures against Welling United
The Wings have only won three times in 21 attempts when visiting Dartford (D4, L14)

On This Day

Cody McDonald hit a Princes Park hat-trick in the F.A Trophy on this day in 2008. The striker still didn’t end up on the winning team though as the Darts drew 3-3 with Oxford City. Dartford have to go back to 1975 for their last victory on 1 November. Months after visiting Wembley in the F.A Trophy final they returned to the area to beat Wembley 1-0 in a F.A Cup fourth qualifying round tie. Since then, the Darts have drawn three and lost two on this day. The last time Dartford played on 1 November was eight years ago when they fell to a 3-0 away defeat at Grimsby Town in the National League.

Dartford v Weymouth

October 28, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to keep the pressure on the top two when they host bottom of the table Weymouth in the National South this weekend.

Unbeaten in the league since the start of September, the Darts have won seven of their last eight and approach Saturday’s game in great form. Weymouth have recorded just one win in the league this season and based on current form gives Dartford a chance to end a 32 year wait for a league victory against their opponents.

For a third time in a month, the Darts showed character to come from behind to claim all three points on Tuesday night. Alan Dowsn’s side have taken nine points from losing positions this term against Eastbourne Borough at the end of September, at Dulwich Hamlet and then at Slough Town. After suffering four defeats in five near the start of the campaign, Dowson’s side is now full of confidence after just one defeat in the last ten league outings.

Earlier in the week one change was made to the starting eleven with Tom Bonner rested as a precaution meaning a start for Kieran Murtagh. Slough Town took the lead in the first-half through Josh Jackman and continued to be in front at the interval. In the second-half, Dowson tweaked the side with the introduction of Pierre Fonkeu and that proved pivotal later on. Charlie Sheringham scored to put Dartford on level terms, the striker’s fourth in all competitions this term. Then Fonkeu won it for the Darts with his sixth of the campaign to take him level with Samir Carruthers. Over the last seven days Dartford have picked up four points with Tuesday’s win adding to the creditable 1-1 draw at St Albans City.

Dartford avenged their playoff heartbreak when they last played Weymouth by knocking the Terras out of the F.A Trophy. Last season Jack Jebb’s well drilled shot from outside the box was enough to put the Darts into the last sixteen of the competition. Goalkeeper, Dan Wilks was in top form to keep Weymouth at bay in the second-half and help his side hold on.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dartford v Weymouth (15/01/2022 – F.A Trophy) – Dartford FC TV

As the head to head record suggests Weymouth have enjoyed taking on the Darts, especially during the Southern League years of the sixties, seventies and nineties as well as the Conference years in the mid-eighties. The Terras have won almost twice the amount of times as Dartford, one of those victories was in the playoff final in August 2020. After a 0-0 draw, Weymouth clinched promotion to the National League on penalties, the Darts missed all of their spot kicks to lose 3-0. In that campaign the two sides met just once in the league and yet again the Dorset club came out on top. Norman Wabo’s last minute goal was merely a consolation for the Darts as the Terras scored three.

Weymouth have struggled with life back in the National South following relegation last season. David Oldfield started the campaign in charge, but after just two points in the opening eight matches the former Oxford City boss exited by mutual consent. Bobby Wilkinson was lined up to take over and arrived at the Bob Lucas Stadium with a good reputation. Wilkinson led Hungerford Town to promotion to the National South and has also won the Isthmian League South Central with Bracknell Town. A spell at Wealdstone saw the Middlesex club reach the F.A Trophy and playoff semi-finals and he is no stranger to working within a tight budget.

Losing his first four league games in charge of the Terras, Wilkinson finally posted a win for the Dorset club at their twelfth attempt. Victory over Slough Town came against the odds in that Weymouth were reduced to ten men away from home, but Cam Murray’s late winner recorded a first maximum. Yet they almost threw the three points away having led by two goals scored by Bradley Ash and Teddy Howe. Slough Town fought back when Arnold Matshazi pulled a goal back before Nathan Carlyle was sent off for the Terras. Scott Davies equalised direct from a free-kick, but with two minutes left on the clock Cam Murray netted the decisive goal.

On Tuesday night, Weymouth hosted Farnborough and by the end of the evening they were left still looking for their first home win in the league. The Terras were level for most of the first-half but conceded with virtually the last play. Jack Ball headed in at the far post to give Farnborough the advantage which they kept until the final whistle. The contrast between Weymouth’s league and cup form is stark. Whilst the Terras having struggled to buy a win in the National South they have reached the first round of the F.A Cup with victories over Winchester City, Welling United and an impressive win against Havant and Waterlooville. Their reward is a home tie against AFC Wimbledon next week.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 18 / Weymouth wins: 35 / Draws: 16

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWDW)			Weymouth (LLLLWL)
Slough Town	A	2-1	Farnborough	H	0-1
St Albans City	A	1-1	Slough Town	A	3-2
Tonbridge Angels	H	2-0	Eastbourne Borough	A	1-5
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1	Havant and Waterlooville	H	0-2
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	Dover Athletic	H	0-2
Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1	Bath City	A	1-2

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 0 Weymouth (15/01/2022 – F.A Trophy)
Weymouth 0 – 0 Dartford (01/08/2020 – National South Playoff Final)*
Weymouth 3 – 1 Dartford (17/08/2019 – National South)
Weymouth 2 – 0 Dartford (27/12/1997 – Southern League South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Weymouth (23/08/1997 – Southern League South)
Weymouth 2 – 1 Dartford (15/02/1997 – National South)
*Weymouth won 3-0 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have not beaten Weymouth in the league for 32 years (D1, L5)
The Darts ended a 32 year run without beating the Terras in all competitions last season (D2*, L6) *lost one on penalties
Dartford’s clean sheet last season was the first time they have kept consecutive clean sheets against Weymouth

On This Day

Dartford belatedly lifted the Kent Senior Shield on this day in 1970. Continued over from the previous season the Darts drew 2-2 with Bexley United in the second leg to win 4-3 on aggregate. Nine years ago, Dartford knocked out rivals Ebbsfleet United in the F.A Cup fourth qualifying round with Elliot Bradbrook scoring the winner from the spot. The 1-0 win in the replay came after a 1-1 draw in the first game. It wasn’t the first time Dartford qualified for the F.A Cup first round on this day. The Darts won fourth qualifying round ties by beating Tooting and Mitcham United 2-0 in 1983, then in consecutive season’s against Slough Town 2-1 in 1988 and Dagenham and Redbridge 3-1 in 1989. Dartford’s last outing on 29 October was six years ago, Andy Pugh scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win at home to Oxford City.

Slough Town v Dartford

October 25, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford could climb to second in the National South if they manage to beat Slough Town at Arbour Park on Tuesday night.

Alan Dowson’s side closed the gap on Havant and Waterlooville on the weekend and with the Hawks playing on Wednesday, the Darts can overtake the Hampshire club. First, Slough Town stand in their way looking to bounce back from three straight defeats in the league.

Dartford completed a double over Slough Town last season scoring nine goals without reply. The previous visit to Arbour Park ended 6-0 to the Darts. Marcus Dinanga took barely any time at all to open the scoring and the advantage was doubled when Keiran Murtagh flicked in Jack Jebb’s corner. By half-time the Darts were three up through Dinanga and on cruise control. Kalvin Kalala got in on the act, Jordan Greenidge added a fifth and Olumide Durojaiye scored to wrap up the comprehensive victory.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Slough Town v Dartford (30/04/2022) – Dartford FC TV

In August, the Darts faced Slough Town at Princes Park and claimed a comfortable 3-0 win in the first competitive game in front of home fans since March 2020. Noor Husin’s performance was rewarded with a composed finish for the opening goal. Ade Azeez and George Porter added the other two.

Dowson made nine changes to the team that beat Tooting and Mitcham United in the London Senior Cup, only Sam Oduadu and Jack Smith remained in the starting line up. It was Smith who opened the scoring on Saturday in the 1-1 draw at St Albans City, his first goal for the Darts during his loan spell. However, the Saints equalised through the prolific Shaun Jeffers. The result stretched Dartford’s unbeaten run to seven in the National League keeping them in third place.

Dartford coach, Steve Haughney spoke to Dartford FC TV after the draw at his former club St Albans City and said: “The first forty five minutes were a bit of a basketball match as in end to end, both sides looked dangerous going forward and opportunities were created both ends”. Once again, Dowson made use of the interval and in the second-half Haughney thought the Darts were “good value, but without creating too much”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – St Albans City v Dartford (22/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Signed on loan from Oxford United, Josh Johnson was given his debut at Clarence Park, he was the only change to the team that won Dartford’s last league game 2-0 against Tonbridge Angels. Haughney was pleased with his debut, he commented: “He brings energy, he brings enthusiasm. I don’t think he’s played competitively for a while but you can see what’s coming, I think he’s a good player”.

Looking ahead to Tuesday night Haughney trusts the Dartford players to put in a shift, he added: “We know it’s opportunity knocks again, another ninety minutes and I know for a fact that group have worked so hard and they’ll go to Slough on Tuesday and work hard again. It’s in their make up, it’s in their DNA and they are buying in to what the management team are doing”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

HIghlights – Dartford v Slough Town (21/08/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Slough Town suffered a disappointing result on Saturday losing 3-2 to bottom side Weymouth. Their opponents were also reduced to ten men before grabbing a winner late in the games. The Terras took the lead when Bradley Ash converted a spot kick and in the second-half Teddy Howe made it two for the visitors. Slough Town fought back from two down with Arnold Matshazi scoring first before Nathan Carlyle was sent off for Weymouth. Scott Davies made the man advantage count equalising direct from a free-kick. However with two minutes left on the clock Cam Murray won it for the Terras.

Dan Roberts made his third league appearance for the Rebels in his one month loan spell. The forward was a favourite in his first spell at Arbour Park making 58 appearances scoring 13 goals. His hard work and pace earned him a move to the Darts in the summer of 2021 and so far he has started just 11 games under Steve King and now Dowson. The 24-year-old has the highest substitute appearances in the current Dartford squad with 26 and has scored six times for the Darts.

Slough Town have had a patchy start to their campaign highlighted by the fact they are mid-table with almost identical home and away records. Opening the season with one point from a possible nine, the Rebels went on to lose just once in the next seven, a 5-1 hammering at Bath City. In that spell they managed to pick up five wins and a draw and by the end of September were ninth and just a point behind Dartford in seventh. However, three losses in a row has seen the Berkshire club lose ground, but Neal Baker and Jon Underwood will be determined to get the Rebels back on track.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / St Albans City wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWD)			Slough Town (WDWLLL)
St Albans City	A	1-1	Weymouth	H	2-3
Tonbridge Angels	H	2-0	Dover Athletic	A	0-3
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	0-2
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	Chippenham Town	A	1-0
Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1	Braintree Town	A	1-1
Hampton & Richmond	H	2-1	Taunton Town	H	1-0

Last Six Meetings

Slough Town 0 – 6 Dartford (30/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Slough Town (21/08/2021 – National South)
Slough Town 2 – 2 Dartford (15/12/2020 – F.A Trophy)*
Dartford 2 – 0 Slough Town (21/11/2020 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Slough Town (03/10/2020 – F.A Cup)
Slough Town 0 – 3 Dartford (19/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
* – Dartford won 6-5 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won the last three league games scoring 11 without reply
The Darts have gone four games unbeaten in all competitions against the Rebels, winning three and going through on penalties in the F.A Trophy
Dartford are unbeaten in three away games against the Rebels

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last eight games on this day, but five of those have been draws. The last outing on 25 October ended without a goal as the Darts drew 0-0 at Chelmsford City a year ago. Harry Crawford scored twice and Elliot Bradbrook netted from the spot in 2014 to help Dartford qualify for the F.A Cup first round by beating Burgess Hill Town 3-1. That victory was the last in a sequence of three straight victories on this day. In 2011, Jacob Erskine, James Rogers and Jack Pallen scored in a 3-0 win across the River Thames against Thurrock. Three years earlier, the Darts beat Tooting and Mitcham United 2-0 thanks to Cody McDonald and Rob Haworth finding the back of the net. Prior the run of three consecutive wins, Dartford drew four in a row versus Barking and East Ham United (2-2 in 2005), Fleet Town (0-0 in 2003), Newport Isle of Wight (1-1 in 2000) and Bashley (2-2 in 1997). The last defeat on this day came back in 1988 against Sutton United in the first round of the Club Call Cup. The same season the U’s recorded that famous F.A Cup win against Coventry City in the third round.

St Albans City v Dartford

October 21, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are eyeing up a seventh straight National South win when they travel to St Albans City this weekend.

Alan Dowson has guided the Darts up to third place after recording their best winning run in the league for four and half years. Last time on their travels, the Dartford boss recorded back-to-back away victories for the first time since joining the club and is hoping for three in a row on Saturday. After six years in charge of St Albans City, Ian Allinson stepped down from his role and head coach at the end of last month with the Saints in fifteenth. Interim Head Coach, David Noble has since moved the Hertfordshire club up into ninth after an unbeaten start.

Four points behind top spot, Dartford are top of the form guide over the last six fixtures and will head into their trip to Clarence Park with confidence. The Darts opened last season with an away day at St Albans City and it turned out to be a great start to the campaign. Scoring at the end of both halves wrapped up a satisfying afternoon. Ade Azeez headed home a Danny Leonard cross just before the interval. Former Dartford and now ex-St Albans City defender, Tom Bender levelled the game. Dan Roberts was introduced, and it proved pivotal when he scored twice in the closing stages to earn a 3-1 win. Victory in Hertfordshire made it two in a row at St Albans, a place the Darts previously struggled to get a result. The reverse fixture finished the same with Dartford running out 3-1 winners. Kieran Murtagh put on a fine display scoring twice and setting up Marcus Dinanga.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – St Albans City v Dartford (14/08/2021) courtesy of St Albans City FC

The squad is almost at full strength now Sam Odaudu has returned and with Luke Coulson taking part in Tuesday night’s London Senior Cup tie. Dartford beat Isthmian South Central side Tooting and Mitcham United 1-0 with the winning goal coming from Alex Wall, his second of the season. George Whitefield signed a first team contract after catching Dowson’s eye in the academy and he was rewarded with a debut. Afo Soyemi-Ololade also made his first appearance coming on as a substitute. Dan Wilks is still recovering from an ankle injury which has allowed Joe Young a loan stint in goal.

Dartford have scored two in each of their last five league games and one player adding goals to his creativity is Samir Carruthers, the midfielder has netted six times in his last seven appearances scoring in each of his last three outings. Last weekend at Princes Park he gave the Darts the lead against Tonbridge Angels directly from a corner. Pierre Fonkeu doubled Dartford’s advantage before the away side missed a penalty resulting in a 2-0 Kent derby win. Carruthers also opened the scoring in the 2-1 triumphs at Dulwich Hamlet and at home versus Eastbourne Borough during his scoring spree.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (23/04/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Under David Noble’s stewardship, St Albans City are unbeaten in October with three wins and a draw, one of those victories came in the Hertfordshire Senior Cup. Noble will be pleased with a defence that has been breached just once since he took charge recording three clean sheets. Only Chelmsford City have conceded fewer in the league, but at the other end the Saints have scored less than a goal a game, in fact only five goals in six matches have been witnessed in the league at Clarence Park this term.

However, they were no lack of goals last weekend when St Albans City made the trip to Kent to take on Welling United. A comfortable afternoon saw the Hertfordshire side win 3-0 with last season’s top scorer Shaun Jeffers starting the ball rolling. Zane Banton took advantage of a goalkeeping error which allowed him to put into an empty net from 30 yards and the third came from Jeffers for his second of the day. Victory at Park View Road followed up the 1-0 home win over Concord Rangers in which Joe Neal scored the winner. In Noble’s first league game in charge, the Saints drew 1-1 with Chippenham Town and before that they beat London Colney 2-0 in the senior cup, the interim Head Coach’s first match at the helm.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 11 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWW)			St Albans City (LWLDWW)
Tonbridge Angels	H	2-0	Welling United	A	2-0
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1	Concord Rangers	H	1-0
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	Chippenham Town	H	1-1
Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1	Braintree Town	A	0-1
Hampton & Richmond	H	2-1	Farnborough	A	2-1
Dover Athletic	A	3-1	Worthing	H	0-1

Last Six Meetings

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)
Dartford 3 – 2 St Albans City (12/01/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last six against St Albans City (W4, D1) having won just one of the previous six (D0, L5)
On the road, Dartford have won in their last two visits to St Albans City having lost the previous four with and aggregate score of 0-11.
Dartford have gone 19 games without a league draw for the first time since the 2016/2017 season.

On This Day

Brendon Cass stole the show in the F.A Trophy first qualifying round on this day in 2006. The striker helped himself to four goals as Dartford eased to victory against Horsham YMCA. Eddie McClements opened the scoring and Ryan Hayes scored with his trademark curler in a trophy tie that ended up 6-0 to the Darts. Most recently, Luke Wanadio scored the only goal of the game as Dartford went away to Bath City and won in 2016. Dartford’s last game at Princes Park on 22 October ended in defeat against Truro City. The visitors were two goals up after just seven minutes. Tom Bonner pulled a goal back after scoring a rebound, but the Darts couldn’t complete their comeback.

Dartford v Tooting and Mitcham United

October 17, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

The Darts begin their London Senior Cup campaign on Tuesday night when they host Tooting and Mitcham United for the first time in almost thirteen years.

Dartford crossed paths with the Terrors during the Isthmian League days meeting twice in the Division One South then four times in the Premier Division. These two sides have cup history between them as well with previous in both the F.A Cup and F.A Trophy during the seventies, eighties and nineties.

The last time Dartford hosted their round one opponents was the year the Darts clinched the Isthmian Premier League title, but the Terrors gave the league leaders a fright going two goals up through defender Jamie Byatt and striker Paul Vines. Before the interval, Ryan Hayes marked his 150th starting appearance in style bending a free-kick past Dave King in the Tooting and Mitcham United’s goal. Hayes was at it again with another fine finish early in the second-half to level the match, then late on substitute Rob Howarth scored the winner.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dartford v Tooting and Mitcham United (24/11/2019) – courtesy of sonytino

In the reverse fixture, Tooting and Mitcham United inflicted one of only seven defeats Dartford suffered that season. At the Imperial Fields, Simon Parker coolly finished early on to put the hosts in front. The Terrors had to wait until the final ten minutes for their second when Vines got on the end of a long ball. Three minutes later Vine scored again, but there was still time for Allan Tait to grab a consolation for the Darts.

A win a piece sums up the head to head between these two sides. In cup competitions it’s all level with two victories each and a stalemate. In league fixtures the Darts just edge it with three wins, two defeats and a draw. Out of the eleven meetings over the years this game has often produced plenty of goals averaging just under four a game.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Tooting and Mitcham United v Dartford (13/03/2010) – courtesy of sonytino

Last season Dartford participated in the London Senior Cup for the very first time and reached the last eight losing to Brentford B. In the two rounds leading up to the quarter-final, the Darts racked up 14 goals beating Athletic Newham 5-2 and Cockfosters 9-0. Although Dartford entered the competition in 2020/2021 they were forced to pull out before playing their first round tie, Tooting and Mitcham United went on to win the competition that season for the eighth time beating AFC Wimbledon in the final. Last term the Terrors went out in the second round in their attempt to retain the cup, they beat Redbridge 4-1 at the first hurdle before losing 2-1 against Haringey Borough.

After Saturday’s triumph, Alan Dowson has now guided the Darts to six straight league victories, however the last cup outing during that sequence ended in a cup upset. On the weekend, goals from Samir Carruthers, his sixth of the season and Pierre Fonkeu, the striker’s fifth goal of the campaign gave the Darts a 2-0 derby day win over Tonbridge Angels to leave them third and four points from the top. The National South fixture saw the return of Sam Odaudu after a six week absence.

Tooting and Mitcham United lost 2-0 to Westfields on the weekend conceding just past the hour when John Adebiyi scored. Then in the last minute Troy Walters clinched the win for the visitors. The result leaves the Terrors down in 16th place in the Isthmian Division One Central. In cup competitions the London based club won their extra preliminary tie against Cobham before being knocked out by VCD Athletic. In the F.A Trophy the Terrors fell at the first hurdle on penalties against Kent club Corinthians. Finally, leading up to their last league outing Tooting and Mitcham United lost a third consecutive cup match in the Isthmian League Cup. A 2-1 defeat at Sevenoaks Town halted their progress in the second round of the competition.

The Terrors now have the league and London Senior Cup to concentrate on. Without a win in September and October, Tooting and Mitcham United are winless in six attempts. The last time they tasted victory was away at Guernsey at the end of August and their only other victory was at the beginning of that month, the extra preliminary F.A Cup triumph.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Tooting and Mitcham United wins: 4 / Draws: 2

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford (LWWWWW)			Tooting & Mitcham United (DDLDLL)
Tonbridge Angels	H	2-0	Westfield	H	0-2
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1	Sevenoaks Town (LC)	A	1-2
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	South Park	H	1-1
Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1	Hanworth Villa	H	0-3
Hampton & Richmond	H	2-1	Southall	A	1-1
Beckenham Town (FAC)	H	1-2	Corinthian (FAT)*	H	0-0

FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy / * – lost 7-6 on penalties / LC – League Cup

Last Six Meetings

Tooting and Mitcham United 3 – 1 Dartford (13/03/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 2 Tooting and Mitcham United (24/11/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 1 Tooting and Mitcham United (28/02/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Tooting and Mitcham United 0 – 2 Dartford (25/10/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Tooting and Mitcham United (27/02/2007 – Isthmian Division One)
Tooting and Mitcham United 2 – 1 Dartford (17/10/2006 – Isthmian Division One)

Statistics

There has been 3.72 goals a game in the 11 meetings between Dartford and Tooting and Mitcham United.
The Darts have won three of the last four meetings against the Terrors, however they lost last time they met
Dartford have never failed to score against Tooting and Mitcham United.

On This Day

Ryan Hayes scored his 50th Dartford goal on this day in 2008 which turned out to be the winner in a F.A Trophy tie against Harlow Town. The Darts have won each of their last five cup games on this day and Hayes’ goal came after Adam Flanagan’s superb volley from outside the box. Harlow Town pulled a goal back, but it was Dartford who progressed into the next round. Three years earlier the Darts beat Kent rivals Dover Athletic in a five goal thriller. The F.A Trophy first qualifying round replay ended 3-2 to Dartford after the sides played out a 1-1 draw. In 1988, Dartford won a Southern League cup fixture against Hastings United and in 1983 beat Sittingbourne 4-1 in the F.A Cup third qualifying round after a replay. In the less prestigious Eastern Floodlit Cup back in 1977, the Darts beat Maidstone United 2-1 in the semi-final, but went on to lost the final to Chelmsford City.

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels

October 14, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford could claim a sixth straight league win for the first time in four and a half years on the weekend when they host Tonbridge Angels in the National South.

The Darts have found some form winning five league games in a row for the first time since the beginning of the year. The Darts can move back into third if they pick up at least a point this weekend and are guaranteed to finish fourth by the end of the afternoon. Tonbridge Angels could break into the playoff places if results go their way and potentially be the fourth Kent side in the top seven.

Six wins in their last seven league outings has seen Dartford move up the National South standings with the help of Samir Carruthers. The midfielder returned to the line-up on the weekend as the Darts recorded another 2-1 win, this time at Dulwich Hamlet. Returning from his one game ban, Carruthers scored from the spot to record his fifth goal in as many appearances. Keiran Murtagh was also back in the starting eleven, whilst Luke Allen was named as a substitute alongside Charlie Sheringham, who missed the home match against Hungerford Town. Luke Coulson picked up an injury in that 2-0 victory over the Crusaders, so he missed out on the Dulwich Hamlet fixture with Dan Wilks (ankle) and Sam Odaudu, who was close to making his return. Coulson returned to training this week and manager Alan Dowson is hopeful the winger will be available for this weekend’s Kent derby.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford (08/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

The Darts were made to work hard for their win at Champion Hill after falling behind early on through Nana Owusu. Academy graduate, Marvin Herschel continued his impressive form in the senior team by winning a penalty on the stroke of half-time, which Carruthers successfully converted. Sheringham was introduced late in the second half and with six minutes remaining headed home the winner. A goal and assist from Carruthers takes the 29-year-old’s tally to eight goal involvements since the start of the season.

Martin Tyler spoke to Dartford FC TV after the Dulwich Hamlet game and said the performance “got better”, he added: “the scoreline reflects that. We were probably sloppy enough to be one down but getting a break just before half-time changed the mood of the half-time team talk”. Tyler praised Herschel for creating another influential moment in the game by winning the penalty, Dowson’s substitutions and Sheringham for his winner from off the bench.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview – Martin Tyler speaks to Dartford FC TV after the win at Dulwich Hamlet

Dowson is pleased with the uplift in form and recording back to back away wins for the first time since becoming manager has put his side in a positive frame of mind, he spoke to Dartford FC TV this week and exclaimed: “It’s been a good place morale wise because we’re winning games”, he continued: “It was a good result on Saturday and at times we played some really good stuff, but other times we haven’t, it’s just about getting the balance right. We’re in a good position and the beauty about it is being in this position and wanting to add to it a little bit, I think we’ll be fine. It’s been a good couple of weeks”. Citing the Beckenham Town cup exit as a wake-up call, Dowson has made some alterations on the field which has been rewarded with the third best form in the division over the last eight league games. The Dartford boss now turns the attention towards Tonbridge Angels and is expecting a challenging afternoon this weekend against a “tough side”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview – Alan Dowson gives an update to Dartford FC TV

Last season, Tonbridge Angels were the first side to take points off Dartford in a 1-1 draw at Princes Park. The Darts had won their opening five matches and fell behind to a Tommy Wood header. Dartford equalised when Jack Jebb took advantage of the headed clearance by goalkeeper Jonathan Henly to fire a half volley over the goalkeeper and into the Angels net. Jebb also scored what turned out to be the winner in the reverse fixture in a 3-2 victory, the start of another five-match winning streak this year. Winger, Danny Leonard set Dartford on their way scoring a brace in the opening twenty minutes. However, Wood halved the deficit and after the Darts restored a two-goal cushion through Jebb, the Angels added a consolation through Ibrahim Olutade.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dartford v Tonbridge Angels (11/09/2021) – Dartford FC TV

Like Dartford, the summer was a period of change for Tonbridge Angels with Steve McKimm leaving and being replaced by former Margate boss Saunders. Moving with Saunders from Hartsdown Park to Longmead came Louis Collins, Ben Swift and Fyn Rutherford, the trio would have played alongside Dartford’s Sam Odaudu last term when the midfielder was on loan at Margate. Former Dartford defender, Craig Braham-Barrett was retained by Tonbridge Angels over the summer having featured in the majority of games last season, the 34-year-old Montserrat international made 29 appearances for the Darts.

Tonbridge Angels showed plenty of character last weekend after they found themselves two down at home to Oxford City. Josh Ashby and Josh Parker had the visitors in control at the break, but a spirited second-half fightback thanks to goals from Ruben Soares-Junior and Jeremey Santos rescued a point in a 2-2 draw. The draw came after a loss to Hemel Hempstead Town in the league, which had ended a three-game winning run against Dulwich Hamlet, then promoted teams Farnborough and Cheshunt. Saturday’s clash with Dartford will be a good test for the Angels as they have yet to play any of the current top seven.

Saunders is hopeful his Angels side can come away with some points when they visit Princes Park despite an injury list building up. Tommie Fagg picked up a groin strain against Oxford City, Joe Tyrie a head injury, James Taylor (ankle) and Santos will be assessed after limping off as well. Swift is out of action with potentially a longer-term injury. The Angels boss is looking forward to the trip to Princes Park, he told www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk: “I’ve been quite lucky in the past there so hopefully that carries on. It is a tough place; Dowse is a very experienced manager. I know a lot of their players and they have picked up some good results over the last few weeks. We have to prepare; we’ve got a week now to nurse the ones that need it and I’ll probably have to look at getting a couple of players in”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 70 / Tonbridge Angels wins: 38 / Draws: 25

Current League Form

Dartford (LWWWWW)			Tonbridge Angels (LWWWLD)
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1	Oxford City	H	2-2
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	Hemel Hempstead Town	A	0-1
Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1	Cheshunt	A	4-3
Hampton & Richmond	H	2-1	Farnborough	H	2-1
Dover Athletic	A	3-1	Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-1
Chippenham Town	A	1-2	St Albans City	H	1-2

Last Six Meetings

Tonbridge Angels 2 – 3 Dartford (29/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Tonbridge Angels (11/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (05/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (28/12/2019 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 3 – 2 Dartford (03/09/2019 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 0 – 3 Dartford (15/10/2016 – F.A Cup)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last 14 games against Tonbridge Angels (W11, D2)
The Darts have won six of the last eight at home against the Angels (D2, L0)
Two thirds of Dartford’s league games this season have ended 2-1 (W4, L4)
Dartford have not drawn a league game since April, a run of 18 games (12 this season).
Another match without a draw will equal the run of 19 without a draw in the 2016/2017 campaign

On This Day

Dartford beat Tonbridge Angels on this day six years ago to earn a place in the F.A Cup first round. Goals from Alex Brown, Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook sealed a 3-0 victory at Longmead which featured Tom Bonner as the only current Dartford player in the line-up that day. The last three games on this day have been Kent derbies as five years prior, the Darts claimed a 2-1 away victory over Cray Wanderers in the F.A Cup, Ryan Hayes and Danny Harris scoring in the third qualifying round. In 2005, Dartford drew 1-1 with Dover Athletic in a F.A Trophy first qualifying tie, whilst the last home game on 15th October ended in a 4-0 F.A Cup defeat to Havant and Waterlooville 22 years ago. The last time Dartford were in league action on this day was back in 1997 when they beat Margate 1-0 in the Southern League South Division. The Darts have won all five league games at home played on this day since originally forming in 1888.

Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford

October 7, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford go back on the road to face some familiar faces this weekend when they make the short journey to Dulwich Hamlet.

The Darts moved into third place last Saturday after collecting a fourth consecutive league victory, their fifth in six outings. Hamlet are transitioning after a change in manager and just two wins in ten National South games.

After an inconsistent start to the campaign, which included five defeats in all competitions, manager Alan Dowson has turned Dartford’s form around to get his side into the playoff places. The latest triumph came at home against a difficult yet struggling Hungerford Town. Marvin Herschel scored his second in three league starts for the club, charging down a clearance from the goalkeeper and passing the ball into an empty net. Alex Wall silenced any critics with his first since re-joining the Darts to seal a 2-0 win with his well struck shot. The third straight home victory means Dartford have maximum points in their last four National South fixtures having also beaten Eastbourne Borough, Hampton and Richmond Borough and Kent rivals Dover Athletic.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dartford v Hungerford Town (01/10/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford coach, Martin Tyler was delighted with the reaction of his players to exiting the F.A Cup early, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “After the Beckenham game we’ve had a few heart to hearts with the players and we’ve won three games. Admittedly all of them have been at home and not by extravagant margins, but it’s been a great response”. The Darts kept a first clean sheet at Princes Park this term and Tyler was keen to single out Jordan Wynter’s move from full back to defensive midfield as the cornerstone to Dartford’s improved defending.

Looking ahead to this weekend Tyler expects a tough challenge at Champion Hill when they face Dulwich Hamlet, he commented: “They are always competitive, they’ve had a change this season after a long period of stability. They’ve always put out competitive teams against us, so we will see what it’s now like. I would expect the same under the new regime, it’s a fine football club”. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers will be available after serving his one match ban for five cautions this season. Charlie Sheringham missed last weekend because of personal matters, so should be available on Saturday. Dan Wilks is recovering from his ankle injury, Sam Odaudu is getting closer to a return, whilst Luke Coulson was substituted against Hungerford Town after picking up an injury.

Over the last few years there have been plenty of connections between Dartford and Dulwich Hamlet. In fact, one of those connections scored in the corresponding fixture last season. Josh Hill smashed in the opening goal at Champion Hill in Dartford’s last visit there, the defender is now part of Hamlet’s squad. The 31-year-old made 66 appearances for the Darts scoring seven goals before moving to SE22. In that 2-0 win for Dartford, Tyrique Hyde scored the other, he also spent time at both clubs during his career to date. At Princes Park last season it was Tyrone Sterling, a former Dart who put Dulwich Hamlet in front. However, the match ended all square after Jake Robinson equalised.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford (28/08/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

As well as Hill, former Dartford academy graduate Ronnie Vint has been impressing at Champion Hill. The central defender spent nine years with Dartford’s senior team turning out 202 times, scoring 11 goals. George Porter made 37 appearances over two years contributing to six goals, Kalvin Kalala was also part of last season’s squad netting five goals in 26 appearances. Whilst Danny Mills has been with Hamlet for longer, joining the London based club in 2019 after a loan spell with Dartford in which he scored seven times in 26 appearances. Sanchez Ming takes the list of former players to six, the defender played 13 times under Steve King.

Since the former Dartford contingent signing in the summer, the boss that brought them to Dulwich has left. Gavin Rose’s contract wasn’t extended last month after taking charge of more than 550 games and winning two promotions in his 13 years with the club. His departure came with the club in 21^st place after a 3-1 defeat against Tonbridge Angels and fourth loss in a row. After winning on the opening day of the season and drawing the next two, Dulwich Hamlet lost six consecutive matches. The last of those losses saw new interim Head Coach, Paul Barnes take charge of his first league match for the club. Leading up to the defeat at Chippenham Town, Barnes had won two out of two in cup competitions.

Athletic Newham were beaten 5-2 in the London Senior Cup and a 2-1 F.A Cup win over Margate saw Hamlet into the third qualifying round which took place last weekend. Ahead of the cup tie versus Folkestone Invicta, Barnes did manage to record his first league win since taking over by beating newly promoted strugglers Cheshunt. However, his side ended up suffering a F.A Cup exit to the Isthmian Premier League side and last season’s Kent Senior Cup runners up. Former Hamlet man, Ade Yussuf scored the only goal of the game for Folkestone Invicta three minutes into the second half. That came after another ex-Dulwich player Nathan Green was sent off in the first half.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Dulwich Hamlet wins: 3 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWWWW)			Dulwich Hamlet (LLLLLW)
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	Cheshunt	A	3-0
Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1	Chippenham Town	A	1-2
Hampton & Richmond	H	2-1	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	1-3
Dover Athletic	A	3-1	Tonbridge Angels	A	1-3
Chippenham Town	A	1-2	Welling United	H	1-2
Hemel Hempstead Town	A	2-0	Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (08/01/2022 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 0 – 2 Dartford (28/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (25/01/2020 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 1 – 1 Dartford (07/12/2019 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 2 – 0 Dartford (02/03/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (20/10/2018 – National South)

Statistics

The Darts have lost just one of the last six meetings with the Hamlet (W3, D3)
After losing on each of their first three visits to Champion Hill, Dartford are unbeaten in their last two there (W1, D1)
Dartford have managed a four game winning streak in the league for a second time this calendar year. The Darts recorded five consecutive victories from 29 January to 19 February last season
The Darts are on the longest current winning steak in the division, but need another five consecutive victories to match rivals Ebbsfleet United’s nine wins in a row from the start of the campaign.

On This Day

A brace from Duane Ofori-Acheampong rewarded the long travelling Dartford fans who witnessed a 5-0 victory on this day. The Darts beat Truro City down in Cornwall with Keaton Wood, Andy Pugh and Alex Brown also geting their names on the scoresheet. Matthew Godden scored five goals in nine appearances whilst on loan in 2013/14, one of his goals came in the 1-1 draw with Salisbury on this day in 2013. Godden went on to make it in the Football League with Peterborough United and is currently at Coventry City.

Dartford v Hungerford Town

September 30, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford’s early F.A Cup exit means they are in league action this weekend against Hungerford Town at Princes Park.

The Darts moved into the playoff places after yet another 2-1 win against Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday night. After the three consecutive losses in August, Dowson’s men have rallied to win four of their last five National South fixtures. Hungerford Town head into this game having lost five of their last six, sitting third from bottom in the standings.

Dartford have often found games against the Crusaders close and at times frustrating. In the last nine meetings there has been no more than a goal separating the two sides with three of those fixtures ending in a draw. The last to be played at Princes Park was settled by Ade Azeez just past the hour mark. The Darts were made to work hard even though they created plenty of opportunities before going ahead. In this fixture the home side tends to fare better, only once as the away side won in the previous eleven meetings.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dartford v Hungerford Town (09/10/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In February it was Hungerford Town who claimed victory on their own patch after a goalless first half. Former Dartford boss Steve King expressed his frustrations resulting in his dismissal before the break and things got worse after the interval. Danny Robinson’s side went two goals up through Sol Wanjau-Smith and Max Ram. Then the Darts were reduced to ten men on the field when Junior Tiensia was red carded. Jake Robinson pulled a goal back in the last minute, but Dartford were unable to complete the comeback.

The Darts were in action on Tuesday night looking to make it three league wins on the spin and they succeeded against Eastbourne Borough. After victories over Dover Athletic as well as Hampton and Richmond Borough, Alan Dowson made one change to the side that beat the Beavers. Having scored in his last two appearances, Charlie Sheringham started in place of Davide Rodari up front. Rewarded for his goal on his league debut, Marvin Herschel retained his place. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers featured in his last game before his one game ban this weekend, the midfielder picked up his fifth caution against Hampton and Richmond Borough. Dan Wilks, Sam Odaudu and Luke Coulson were still recovering from injury.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dartford v Eastbourne Borough (27/09/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

It was Dartford who came from behind to win under the Princes Park floodlights, the first time they have overturned a goal deficit to take all three points this season. Eastbourne Borough took the lead through Leone Gravata, but the Darts were soon level when Sheringham linked up with Carruthers, who netted his fourth of the campaign. Carruthers was involved again in Dartford’s winner by providing the ball to Kristian Campbell who set up Luke Allen to make it 2-1.

Alex Wall was an unused substitute and so far he has had limited time on the field for the Darts this term with just one start, the striker could go up against one of his former teams. Wall spent the 2017/2018 campaign with Hungerford Town scoring one goal in 14 appearances before joining Dartford for his second spell, which was cut short before the season began under Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle.

Since promotion to the National South six years ago, Hungerford Town have seen most of their seasons go right down to the wire. In their first campaign they were the surprise package making the playoffs, then followed that up with two last day survivals at the other end of the table. The Crusaders were bottom of the division in the Covid hit campaign, so last term the Berkshire club’s twelfth place finish provided some respite from the drama. Based on results so far this season, Hungerford Town are back on course for a tense campaign, but at least there is plenty of time to turn their current form around.

Although the Crusaders started steady, despite a single goal opening day defeat to relegated Dover Athletic, they went on to draw with St Albans City before beating Eastbourne Borough, their only win this season. A draw versus bottom of the table Weymouth is all they managed to muster from the five matches leading up to their latest mid-week game as they suffered defeats to Chippenham Town, Taunton Town and front runners Havant and Waterlooville and Ebbsfleet United. During that spell they also exited the F.A Cup with a loss at home to National North side Gloucester City.

Robinson was satisfied with the performance of his team against league leaders Ebbsfleet United and so he named an unchanged side for the visit of Hampton and Richmond Borough on Tuesday night. Robinson will be forced to make a change this weekend though as Callum Willmoth starts his three match ban for the red card he received against the Fleet. After just ten minutes Hungerford Town conceded a penalty, which was converted by Tommy Block to put the Beavers in front. The Crusaders couldn’t find an equaliser falling to their fifth 1-0 defeat of the campaign.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Hungerford Town wins: 4 / Draws: 3

Current League Form

Dartford (LWLWWW)			Hungerford Town (LDLLLL)
Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1	Hampton & Richmond	H	0-1
Hampton & Richmond	H	2-1	Ebbsfleet United	H	0-1
Dover Athletic	A	3-1	Havant & Waterlooville	A	1-4
Chippenham Town	A	1-2	Taunton Town	H	0-1
Hemel Hempstead Town	A	2-0	Weymouth	H	1-1
Worthing	H	1-2	Chippenham Town	A	0-1

Last Six Meetings

Hungerford Town 2 – 1 Dartford (22/02/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Hungerford Town (09/10/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Hungerford Town (16/01/2021 – National South)
Hungerford Town 1 – 2 Dartford (28/11/2020 – National South)
Hungerford Town 2 – 2 Dartford (26/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Hungerford Town (22/12/2018 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in all five home games against Hungerford Town (W3, D2)
The Darts have scored in each of their last six games against the Crusaders having not scored in the previous four
Dartford have kept three clean sheets in the five home games against Hungerford Town
All six of Dartford’s home games this season have ended 2-1 with three wins and three defeats

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook’s his 100^th goal for the Darts and Andy Pugh’s late strike put Dartford into the fourth qualifying round of the F.A Cup on this day in 2016. Drawn against Southern Premier League leaders, Slough Town, the Darts came from behind twice at Arbour Park to win 3-2. Dartford are currently unbeaten in seven (W5, D2) on this day stretching back to 1985 and four of those victories have been in the F.A Cup. In 2011, the Darts romped to a 5-0 cup win over Harrow Borough with goals from James Rogers, Bradbrook, Charlie Sheringham, Tom Bonner and Lee Burns. At home Dartford have lost just once in in their last eleven (W8, D2) on 1 October and that was back in 1974. Whilst 28 years ago, the Darts played their first ever match in the F.A Vase against Steyning Town and won 3-1.

Dartford v Eastbourne Borough

September 27, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford can make it three league wins in a row when they host Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday night.

The Darts have made an inconsistent start, but after a consecutive league victory on the weekend they are in eighth place, just a point outside the playoffs. Their opponents on Tuesday night have started to climb the table and are just two points behind Dowson’s men.

Dartford racked up ten goals against Eastbourne Borough last term winning the corresponding fixture last season 3-1 with Jake Robinson opening his account with a brace. The striker’s first after seven minutes was a predatory finish and after excellent build up play leading to a penalty, Robinson netted another. The Sports hit back immediately after the break when Greg Luer scored, but Ade Azeez was brought on as a substitute and his well-placed header secured victory.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dartford v Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford emphatically completed a double over the Sussex club when they last played in May. With both sides already booking playoff places, the Darts strolled to a 7-2 away win. Dan Roberts opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute, whilst Marcus Dinanga and Kalvin Kalala both netted a brace. Kory Roberts and Jordan Greenidge also found the back of the net.

Over the last four years the honours have been even between these two sides with four wins apiece and two draws. Previously Dartford had dominated this fixture racking up an unbeaten run of 12, which included eight victories.

Last week, Dowson had a busy time in the loan market ahead of the Hampton and Richmond Borough game. The Dartford boss brought in Jack Smith from Stevenage for a month, who made his debut on the weekend. Smith has played 29 times for Stevenage’s first team having come through the youth system, he has also had time on loan at Braintree Town and Kettering Town. Going the other way, after signing from Slough Town in the summer of 2020, Dan Roberts has gone back to his previous club on a month loan. The forward has made 37 appearances since joining Dartford, 26 of them have been as a substitute. Meanwhile, Kwaku Frimpong has returned to AFC Wimbledon after just two substitute appearances, the midfielder’s red card in the F.A Cup exit would have seen him suspended until the end of his loan spell. Likewise, Adam Lovatt was recalled by his parent club Sutton United, the midfielder played five times during his short stay.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview – Martin Tyler speaks to Dartford FC TV after a win against his former club

Dartford were forced to make a few changes to the side that beat Hampton and Richmond Borough on Saturday. Luke Coulson, Dan Wilks and Sam Odaudu were all out injured, however Luke Allen returned to the starting eleven after missing the win at Dover Athletic and defeat against Beckenham Town. Marvin Herschel was given his first ever league start and made it one to remember, whilst loan signing Smith made his first appearance too. Davide Rodari and Kristian Campbell were also back in the side.

Once again, Charlie Sheringham made an impact scoring within a matter of minutes of coming on as a substitute, his second in as many games to continue Dartford’s run of scoring in every game this season. The striker’s opening goal was much needed for a Dartford side who suffered a shock F.A Cup exit and were desperate to avoid their fourth straight home defeat, for the first time in six and half years. Sheringham was involved again setting up Herschel for his first goal for the club on his league debut. With three minutes remaining Dartford’s hopes of keeping a first clean sheet at home this term were dashed when Jake Gray’s deflected effort set up a nervy finish. Samir Carruthers picked up a fifth caution of the season, the midfielder will serve a match suspension in Dartford’s next game.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dartford v Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Eastbourne Borough are showing signs of recovery after a poor start to the campaign, perhaps a hangover from last season. The Sports lost their last four league fixtures last term and were defeated in the playoff eliminator. The Sussex club tasted three consecutive losses at the start of this campaign conceding nine in those games. Since then Danny Bloor’s team have lost just one of their last six competitive matches to climb up to twelfth place in the National South standings.

On the weekend, Eastbourne Borough recorded their first away win of the season in a 4-2 victory at Concord Rangers. The Sports were two up by the interval with goals from Jacob Hutchinson and Shiloh Remy. Concord Rangers got their first of the afternoon through Danny Green, but the two goal lead was restored by Jayden Perez. With eight minutes to go Green gave the Beachboys some hope, however Greg Luer scored a fourth for the visitors to seal the three points. Featuring in Eastbourne Borough’s side was Kai Innocent, who made eight appearances with the Darts last season.

The win over Concord Rangers followed a F.A Cup victory over Uxbridge which set up a Sussex derby with Worthing in the next round. Consecutive triumphs is a good response to a side that were beaten 1-0 by Welling United a fortnight ago. Prior that loss, the Sports picked up maximums at home to Dulwich Hamlet and Dover Athletic and sandwiched between a draw against unbeaten Worthing.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 14 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 8 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (LLWLWW)			Eastbourne Borough (LWDWLW)
Hampton & Richmond	H	2-1	Concord Rangers	A	4-2
Dover Athletic	A	3-1	Welling United	H	0-1
Chippenham Town	A	1-2	Dover Athletic	H	3-1
Hemel Hempstead Town	A	2-0	Worthing	A	1-1
Worthing	H	1-2	Dulwich Hamlet	H	2-1
Taunton Town	A	1-2	Hungerford Town	A	0-2

Last Six Meetings

Eastbourne Borough 2 – 7 Dartford (07/05/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 –1 Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (09/02/2021 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 3 – 1 Dartford (05/12/2020 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (22/02/2020 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 0 – 2 Dartford (02/11/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford completed a league double over Eastbourne Borough last season. Out of eleven seasons in which the two sides have been in the same division there has been nine doubles (Dartford 6 v Eastbourne Borough 3).
Dartford have won seven of the last ten at home against Eastbourne Borough (D1, L2), but have also lost two of the last four (W2) at Princes Park against the Sports.
The Darts have conceded in each of their last seven home games against Eastbourne Borough.
Seven of Dartford’s nine league games have ended 2-1 (W2, L5)

On This Day

Dartford came from behind to claim a National League victory away at Nuneaton Borough on this day in 2014. Two goals in the final 12 minutes earned the win after Borough took the lead through Craig Curran. A penalty dispatched by Elliot Bradbrook levelled the match and Danny Harris headed home the winner two minutes later. The last home game on 27 September saw the Darts knocked out of the F.A Cup at the second qualifying round stage. Dartford, then of the Isthmian Premier League were drawn against Hampton and Richmond Borough, a division above. The Beavers had Dean Wells sent off in the first half but managed to win after Barrie Matthews nodded the only goal of the game. That defeat is just one of three at home on 27 September, Dartford have won eight and drawn two on their own patch on this day.

Dartford v Hampton and Richmond Borough

September 23, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford welcome one of Alan Dowson’s former clubs this weekend when they host Hampton and Richmond Borough in the National South.

The Darts boss oversaw the Beavers for four years and won the Isthmian Premier League title with the Middlesex club. Now Dowson is hoping to keep up his record of winning promotion with every club he has managed, this time with Dartford. The 52-year-old faced Dartford four times in his spell with Hampton and Richmond Borough winning one, drawing one and losing two. The last time he was up against the Darts as the Beavers manager was the Good Friday mud bath game in 2018, which saw Alfie Pavey score a last-minute winner.

After a middle of the road start with four wins and four defeats in the National South, the Darts will be determined to pick up the pace especially after their shock F.A Cup exit to Beckenham Town on the weekend. Only one change was made to the side that beat Dover Athletic on Tuesday with Charlie Sheringham making his 100th start for the club meaning Davide Rodari took his place on the bench. Alongside the rest of the substitutes, new signing Daniel Jinadu provided back up for goalkeeper Joe Young. At the start of the season Daniel Wilks was the first choice goalkeeper, but he is recovering from an ankle injury. Whilst Sam Odaudu has been out after having surgery on his mouth.

Beckenham Town led twice with Harvey Brand finishing after taking advantage of a corner conceded by the Darts. Then after Charlie Sheringham scored his first goal since returning to Dartford, Rob Carter won it late on for the visitors. Dowson’s tactical changes proved costly in unlucky circumstances, the Darts boss introduced Kristian Campbell at half time for Jordan Wynter and ten minutes into the second-half Rodari replaced Adam Lovatt to provide a greater attacking threat. Once Sheringham equalised, Dowson withdrew striker Pierre Fonkeu and gave midfielder Kwaku Frimpong his home debut. By the end of the tie Dartford were forced to take off the injured Luke Coulson with no substitutes left to use, conceded a goal and had Frimpong harshly sent off.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview – Alan Dowson speaks to Dartford FC TV after the Darts exited the F.A Cup

Despite the F.A Cup loss the Darts did manage a win in their last league outing. A fine first-half display in the Kent derby a fortnight ago had Dartford 3-1 up before the interval at rivals Dover Athletic. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers scored the first of three goals in an 18-minute spell to put the Darts in command. Coulson assisted Carruthers for the first goal and found the back of the net to double Dartford’s lead and to add further misery to the hosts Maxwell Statham made it three. A lapse of concentration just before half-time let Dover Athletic back in the game, but a controlled second half saw the score unchanged.

Dartford are four points ahead of Hampton and Richmond Borough and last hosted the Middlesex club in January when Connor Essam and Jake Robinson combined for both goals. Essam set up Robinson twice and, on each occasion, put the Darts ahead. However, the Beavers hit back firstly through Sam Deadfield then Jack McKnight’s penalty. The reverse meeting six months ago featured a debut for Carruthers, the 29-year-old has scored three in his last two league appearances. Campbell also made his first start in a Dartford shirt that day, but it was Marcus Dinanga who settled the match with the only goal of the game.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights – Dartford v Hampton and Richmond Borough (22/01/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On the weekend, Hampton and Richmond Borough negotiated their way into the F.A Cup third qualifying round after beating Bognor Regis Town 2-0. An early strike from Ade Shokunbi settled any nerves of a cup upset and with four minutes remaining an own goal made sure the Beavers went through to the next round. Gary McCann’s side have now recorded consecutive victories after they won in their last league match at home to Chippenham Town, Tommy Block’s spot kick enough to end a run of three straight losses. Former Dartford goalkeeper, Mark Smith has now kept two clean sheets in a row last conceding in the 2-1 reverse at Slough Town, a game which saw the Beavers let a one goal lead slip in the final ten minutes.

Smith is one of two former Darts competing for the number one jersey. Signed by Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle for the 2019/2020 campaign, the 26-year-old made 29 appearances for Dartford after signing from Eastbourne Borough. Whilst Alan Julian won Dartford’s 2013/2014 Supporters Player of the Year making 45 appearances in that season. Since his spell at Princes Park, Julian has played for Sutton United, Bromley, Billericay Town and is now with Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (LLLWLW)			Hampton & Richmond Borough (DWLLLW)
Dover Athletic	A	3-1	Chippenham Town	H	1-0
Chippenham Town	A	1-2	Slough Town	A	1-2
Hemel Hempstead Town	A	2-0	Oxford City	A	0-2
Worthing	H	1-2	Havant and Waterlooville	H	2-3
Taunton Town	A	1-2	Tonbridge Angels	A	4-1
Havant and Waterlooville	H	1-2	Bath City	H	1-1

Last Six Meetings

Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (26/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (22/01/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (08/02/2020 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 – 2 Dartford (05/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (23/03/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last ten against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W5, D4)
The Darts have failed to win their last three home games against the Beavers (D2, L1)
Dartford have lost their last three home games for the first time since September/October 2019. The Darts have not lost four in a row at home since February/March 2006 in the Southern League Division One East.

On This Day

Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Danny Harris scored on this day in 2016 to help the Darts beat Concord Rangers 2-1 at Princes Park. Victory sealed a third consecutive home triumph on 24 September after a 3-1 win over Tonbridge Angels in 2011 in which Harris scored again, Elliot Bradbrook and Charlie Sheringham netted either side of the winger’s strike. In 1983, the Darts beat Witney Town 4-1 in the Southern Premier League. Between 1983 and 2011, Dartford played six times on this day on the road including the 5-1 hammering of Darenth Heathside in 1994.

Author: Stuart Maidment (Page 26 of 35)

Dartford v Welling United

Dartford v Weymouth

Slough Town v Dartford

St Albans City v Dartford

Dartford v Tooting and Mitcham United

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels

Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford

Dartford v Hungerford Town

Dartford v Eastbourne Borough

Dartford v Hampton and Richmond Borough

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories