Author: Stuart Maidment (Page 3 of 34)

Season Preview 2025/2026

August 1, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Lewes

In the early 2000’s Lewes moved up through the Isthmian Leagues to the National South. By the end of the decade, they reached the National League. That success was the tipping point as the cost was too much. As a result the Rooks were relegated from the National League after one season. Afterwards they became a community club and since 2011 have remained in the Isthmian Leagues.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 13th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Danny Bassett (20 goals)

Five consecutive wins from the start of the campaign had Lewes top of the table. Surprise leaders by mid-October, the Sussex side were unable to maintain their early season form. Their first defeat was a 5-0 reverse at Potters Bar Town. Then the Rooks went on to win just three over the next 23 league outings. Although the slide was steadied from February, Lewes finished thirteenth despite such a promising start.

Manager – Bradley Pritchard

A former player at the Dripping Pan, Pritchard played for the club between 2021 and 2024.. As a player he gained football league experience with Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient. After leaving the O’s, aside from his spell with the Rooks he played for Greenwich Borough and Cray Wanderers. Pritchard had player coach roles at Beckenham Town and most recently Phoenix Sports.

Summer Transfers

A trio of former Cray Valley Paper Mills players joined Lewes over the summer. Antigua and Barbuda international, Dan Bowry and Clement Asiedu were two of them. Hassan Ibrahiym moves from Dulwich Hamlet, but had a previous spell with the Millers.

Staying in Sussex, Finlay Chadwick makes the switch from Worthing having recently been on loan at Steyning Town. Perri Iandolo has had his fair share of moves over the last year and he makes another one by joining Lewes. Devonte West makes the step up from Hollands and Blair. Ryan Bernal will be donning the red shirt after joining from Hertford Town.

Relegated with Hastings United last term, Louis Rogers will be in goal for Lewes after making 44 appearances in 2024/2025. In front of Rogers helping the defence will be experienced defender Ian Gayle, who joins from Folkestone invicta. Another moving further south from Kent to Sussex is Jack Burchell, the defender was at Welling United. Jordan Maguire-Drew and Billie Clark don’t need to travel far to get to their new club having arrived from Whitehawk. Kaan Bennett came through Colchester United’s academy and joins have gained experience at Needham Market as well as Maldon and Tiptree. After a successful trial, Arezki Hamouchene is a Rook.

Lewes will start the campaign without last season’s top scorer and captain, Danny Bassett. The striker was given an eight month ban for breaching the FA’s betting rules towards the end of last term.

Departures include Jack Meeres to Whitehawk. Josh Spinks returns to newly promoted Burgess Hill Town for a second spell with the club. Goalkeeper, Toby Bull joins Dulwich Hamlet.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Lewes wins: 1 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Lewes 3 – 1 Dartford (08/03/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Lewes (23/11/2024– Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 0 Lewes (26/03/2011 – National South)
Lewes 1 – 1 Dartford (30/10/2010 – National South)
Lewes 0 – 2 Dartford (15/01/1983 – F.A Trophy)

Next Meetings

Lewes v Dartford – Saturday 6th December 2025
Dartford v Lewes – Saturday 21st March 2026

Statistics

Dartford’s unbeaten run against Lewes came to an end in March (W3, D1)
The Darts have won both home fixtures against the Rooks without conceding a goal
Dartford have scored in all five games against Lewes

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2025/2026

July 31, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Hashtag United

The youngest team in the division at just over nine years old. Hashtag United were founded by YouTuber, Spencer Carmichael-Brown. Exhibition games were filmed and a large social media following gained momentum. Publicity led to more investment and rising through the non-league pyramid. The Tags have won two league titles, most recently the Isthmian Division One North just over two years ago. For a second season in a row, the Tags looked comfortable in the Isthmian Premier.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 8th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
League Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Scorer: Misha Djemaili (17 goals)

Last season’s third best attack almost fired the Tags into the playoffs, but they fell away with four games to go. It took a while for the Essex side to find their stride. By mid-November they actually occupied the final relegation spot. Then Hashtag United clicked and put a seven-game unbeaten run together, lost to Billericay Town and replied with a four-game winning streak. The downfall for the Tags was their defence, but at least there was always entertainment. In total, matches involving Hashtag United saw the highest number of goals, 153 to be precise at 3.64 per game.

Manager – Jay Devereux

In a playing career that was cut short due to injury, Jay Devereux has plenty of non-league experience. He has coached and played at county level through to the National League. After moving into coaching with Barking he managed reserve teams at Dagenham and Redbridge as well as Redbridge. As an assistant manager he spent seven seasons with East Thurrock United helping them reach the National South. Seven years at the helm of Hashtag United, Devereux has two league titles under his belt.

Summer Transfers

Captain for Cray Valley Paper Mills last term, Jason Ring joins the Tags after 151 appearances with the Millers. Evans Kouassi scored four goals in his last three games against the Tags. The Essex club have decided to sign the winger from Folkestone Invicta. Bradley Sachs helped Canvey Island to the Essex Senior Cup with his goals in the final, the striker becomes a new recruit.

Hashtag United have also kept their award winners from last season. Former Dart and Player’s Player of the Season, Max Cornhill remains with the Tags. Cornhill had two seasons with Dartford scoring nine goals in 66 appearances. Manager’s Player of the Season, Matt Wooldridge and Fan’s Player of the Season, Misha Djemaili stay.

Frenchman, Emmanuel Robe moves from Merstham. St Lucian international Kegan Caull arrives with experiences in Europe. The forward has played for NK Tolmin in Slovenia and Europa Point in Gibralter. Coming up from the Essex Senior League, Praise Ogbebor has signed from Romford.

Former Darts, Mert Apat and Alfie Cue depart the Tags this summer. Apat was part of Dartford’s squad last season making five appearances under Pennock before heading to Essex. Cue came through the Dartford academy in 2017 and made 11 senior appearances. Pedro Carvalho leaves after three years with the Tags.

Head to Head

Dartford wins 1 / Hashtag United wins 0 / Draws 1

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Hashtag United (08/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Hashtag United 3 – 3 Dartford (12/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Next Meetings

Hashtag United v Dartford – Saturday 10th January 2026
Dartford v Hashtag United – Saturday 28th March 2026

Statistics

Dartford’s win against Hashtag United in February was the last of a tem game winning streak in the league for the Darts
Out of the current teams in the Isthmian Premier, Dartford have faced Hashtag United the fewest times joint with Chichester City (2)
The Darts scored five goals in their two games versus the Tags last season. Only Bognor Regis Town conceded more in the two league games against Dartford (6).

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Match Highlights courtesy of Hashtag United

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2025/2026

July 30, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Folkestone Invicta

An Isthmian League side since non-league was restructured 21 years ago. Folkestone Invicta have spent the last nine campaigns in the Premier division. Invicta became the only club in the town in 1990 and didn’t take long to get out of the Kent League. From the Southern League they switched to the Isthmian. The Kent side suffered defeat in consecutive playoff finals. However, they won the Division One South by some distance in 2016. Invicta have been mainstays in the Premier ever since.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 12th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 1st Round
Top League Scorer: Daniel Smith (15 goals)

A patchy season for Invicta saw them pretty much mid-table across the board. Inconsistent form up until November meant the Kent side never recorded back-to-back league results for the first three months of the season. Then a couple of runs for good and bad evened form out. Four straight wins in November were followed by four consecutive defeats. From Boxing Day, Folkestone Invicta hit their peak with one loss in eight games, then inconsistent service resumed.

Manager – Jay Saunders

Jay Saunders gets to reshape Invicta’s squad in his first summer at the club. He left Tonbridge Angels in the National South at the tail end of last season. In management he took Maidstone United from the Isthmian Division One South to the National League within four years. Saunders won the Isthmian Premier League title between two playoff triumphs to get the Stones to the top flight of non-league. His shock departure from the Gallagher Stadium benefited Margate. He reached the League Cup Final with the Gate. Then moved to Tonbridge Angels and now Folkestone Invicta.

Summer Transfers

The new boss didn’t hang around in talking to his players and the club published the retained list three days after the campaign ended. The list included former Darts, Jack Jebb and Ade Yusuff who remain at the club. Jebb represented Dartford 67 times and scored nine goals. Yussuff was with the Darts last term scoring once in six appearances.

The first summer signing became a statement of intent for Saunders when he persuaded Kevin Lokko to reunite with him. Arriving from Maidenhead United, the central defender worked with Invicta’s boss at Maidstone United before moving to League Two Stevenage in 2016. Lokk also has National League experience with Dagenham and Redbridge and Aldershot Town.

Mikey Berry and Jeremy Santos have also worked with the Invicta boss, both join from Tonbridge Angels. Youth product, Brad Walledge is now part of the senior team, although he has made eight appearances previously. Ollie Black arrives from Worthing and spent some of last season on loan at Hastings United. Jake Hutchinson also makes the step down a division from National South side Enfield Town.

As a 16-year-old, Liam Smith was part of a Tonbridge Angels side that won promotion to the National South in 2019. Last season he came close to another promotion with Sittingbourne. Now 25, Smith gets another move up a division by joining Invicta. Narrowly missing out on the Isthmian Premier title with Billericay Town, Montel McKenzie will provide an option at full back.

Back to where he played his youth football, Josh Strouts impressed in pre-season and signs from Loughborough Students. Ben Mason is a new arrival from Dulwich Hamlet. Midfielder, Donell Thomas moves from Cheshunt. Ronnie Dolan left Invicta two years ago. He returns to Cheriton Road from Lydd Town to add to his previous nine years of service at Folkestone Invicta.

Invicta will have to replace the goals of their top scorer and Supporters Player of the Year, Dan Smith. The striker became Dartford’s first new arrival of the summer. Following the striker to Princes Park is goalkeeper Jon Henly. Another keeper to depart is Dan Kennedy, who moves to Hythe Town. Eventually Invicta found a shot-stopper in Ted Collins from Chelmsford City.

Meanwhile, two ex Darts, Sam Blackman and Nathan Green were released Blackman suffered an injury hit time at Dartford making just one appearance in January 2020. Green was at Princes Park on loan during the 2014/2015 season, made 15 appearances and scored twice.

Last season’s Young Player of the Year, Frankie Morgan has joined Cray Wanderers. Player’s Player of the season Amadou Kassarate has departed to join Dulwich Hamlet. Defender, Ian Gayle is another to depart moving further south to join Lewes. Winger Evans Kouassi leaves for Hashtag United.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Folkestone Invicta wins: 10 / Draws: 5

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (05/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Folkestone Invicta 0 – 1 Dartford (21/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 6 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (17/05/2022 – Kent Senior Cup Final)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Folkestone Invicta (25/02/2020 – Kent Senior Cup)
Folkestone Invicta 1 – 4 Dartford (07/12/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dartford 2 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (12/09/2006 – Isthmian League Cup)**
* played at Chatham Town
** Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Next Meetings

Dartford v Folkestone Invicta – Saturday 13th December 2025
Folkestone Invicta v Dartford – Saturday 14th March 2026

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in their last six against Folkestone Invicta in all competitions (W4, D2).
A victory for the Darts in December ended a run of five straight league defeats versus Invicta stretching back to 1998
In the league Dartford are winless in the last four at home against Folkestone Invicta (D1, L3).

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Match Highlights courtesy of Invicta TV

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2025/2026

July 29, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dulwich Hamlet

A club with healthy crowds, Dulwich Hamlet are four times Isthmian champions. However you need to go back 76 years for the last Premier Division title. Hamlet did win the Division One South championship just over a decade ago though. The London based club have also won the F.A Amateur Cup four times and have lifted the Surrey Senior Cup a record 16 times.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 18th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
County Cup: Semi-Final
League Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Luke Wanadio (19 goals)

When Dulwich Hamlet beat future champions Horsham 5-2 in September they moved into fourth place. That’s really when it peaked for Hamlet because a couple of months later, they went on a wretched run. One win in 14 league outings, including a six-game losing streak saw them slide down the table. Dulwich Hamlet steadied themselves in February and early March to give a little breathing space. Although the London side almost got sucked back into a relegation battle, safety was secured with two games to spare.

Manager – Mark Dacey

Dulwich Hamlet had been keeping tabs on Mark Dacey. He previously worked under former manager Gavin Rose and his assistant Junior Kadi. Dacey moved away from Champion Hill to seek further opportunity and had spells at Sevenoaks Town and SE Dons. He impressed during his time at Rayners Lane by winning two thirds of his league games, averaging three goals a game and won the Middlesex F.A Cup.

Summer Transfers

New manager, Mark Dacey was appointed at Champion Hill over the summer and he made sure to secure the services of former Dartford winger, Luke Wanadio. The ex-Dart was awarded the Player’s Player and Supporters’ Player Of The Year last term. Wanadio had three spells with the Darts totalling 99 appearances and 18 goals. Jordan Wynter is another former Dartford player who has agreed to remain at Champion Hill. The versatile defender/midfielder played 147 times for the Darts scoring two goals. The third former Dart staying is Danny Mills who scored seven times in 26 games for Dartford.

Nyren Clunis makes a return to SE22 having previously played almost 500 games for Hamlet in his first spell scoring 117 goals. Another signing returning to Hamlet is Anthony Cook, who played for the club in the 2018/2019 campaign. The 35-year-old has gained plenty of experience with the likes of Chelmsford City, Ebbsfleet United and Bromley in the past. In between the sticks will be young goalkeeper, Toby Bull who was at Lewes last season.

Arriving from Cray Valley Paper Mills, Tom Chambers is another addition to the squad as well as Giovanni Palmer from Isthmian South Central champions Farnham Town. New signing Geoffrey Okonkwo experienced promotion with Bowers and Pitsea a couple of years back. The defender then moved to Chelmsford City and finished last season at Whitehawk.

After a season at Folkestone Invicta, Amadou Kassarate switches to Hamlet. Experienced midfielder, Alfie Payne tasted promotion with Braintree Town a couple of years ago before suffering relegation with St Albans City last season. He becomes another new addition at Champion Hill. Stepping up a division will be defender Joseph Adewunmi from Heybridge Swifts. At AFC Whyteleafe last season, Gaspar Mico enjoyed promotion and reached the F.A Vase final. Former Whitehawk midfielder Mannie Mensah cleared up the annual awards, they both join Hamlet.

After impressing during pre-season Lonit Talla and Sol Baugh have earned a deal. Talla arrives from Hendon and Baugh worked with Dacey before at Sevenoaks, but has joined from Cheshunt.

Midfielder, Ralf Hand has departed Champion Hill to make a move to Chatham Town. Max Hudson has moved to newly promoted Brentwood Town. Ben Mason has joined Folkstone Invicta. Jerome Binnom-Williams has moved to newly promoted Ramsgate.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Dulwich Hamlet wins: 4 / Draws: 5

Previous Six Meetings

Dulwich Hamlet 0 – 2 Dartford (29/03/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Dulwich Hamlet (14/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (05/10/2024 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 3 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (01/04/2023 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 1 – 2 Dartford (08/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (08/01/2022 – National South)

Next Meetings

Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford – Saturday 9th August 2025
Dartford v Dulwich Hamlet – Saturday 29th November 2025

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in eight league games against Dulwich Hamlet (W5, D3)
The Darts are unbeaten at home in the league versus Hamlet (W3, D3)
Dartford have won the last three league games at Champion Hill and are unbeaten in the last four

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Faversham Town v Dartford

July 29, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford visit Southern Counties East champions Faversham Town on Tuesday night in their last away friendly ahead of the new campaign.

The Darts have prepared for the new Isthmian Premier season with a win against Eastbourne Borough, a draw at Herne Bay and defeat versus higher league opponents Charlton Athletic and Gillingham.

However, results are not important for Adrian Pennock and his staff. Focus remains on increasing the squad’s fitness levels ahead of the season opener on 9 August.

So far most Dartford players have been involved in each pre-season friendly. Sam Okoye has not been ready to participate yet and Dean Nayler picked up an injury against Eastbourne Borough. In addition to the players available , Pennock is still looking at triallists which include former Dartford players Ronnie Vint and Nathan Green.

Under the guidance of Tommy Warrilow, Faversham Town are getting ready for their return to the Isthmian Division One South East after a couple of years away. Warrilow who played six games for the Darts in the 1997/1998 season organised a tough schedule for his current team this summer. The Kent side have taken on Dover Athletic, Folkestone Invicta, Chatham Town and Billericay Town as well as Greenwich Borough and Punjab United.

Dartford have an almost perfect record against Faversham Town since the Lillywhites reformed in 1947. The Darts recorded an 11-1 victory in the Kent Senior Cup first round almost 60 years ago. Dartford went on to win a further six in the eight meetings since and drawn twice.

The most recent game between the two sides was in the county cup back in 2012. A Nathan Collier brace was enough to secure a 2-1 triumph for the Darts. In the early to mid-nineties Dartford and Faversham Town faced each other in the Kent League and over the three seasons the Darts were unbeaten winning four out of six.

Faversham Town approach the new campaign off the back of a sensational title winning season. The Lillywhites only tasted defeat twice in the league, recorded the most wins, the most goals and also conceded the fewest.

The Lilywhites begin their season in the F.A Cup Extra Preliminary round this weekend against Balham.

Season Preview 2025/2026

July 28, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford

A rebuilt squad last season ended in the playoff final after taking the title race down to the final day. Dartford have bounced back previously, after a 13-year nomadic existence a return home in 2006 proved to be the catalyst. The Darts won two Isthmian titles and a National South playoff to reach the top of non-league. The Kent side recorded an eighth place finish in the National League. Relegation back to the National South came soon after. Several playoff misses proceeded another drop, but the club are aiming for upward progression once more.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 3rd
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
Kent Senior Cup: 2nd Round
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Callum Jones (13 goals)

It’s three months into the season and despite winning four of the opening five games, Dartford slipped down to 15th. A winless spell of seven included hammerings against Billericay Town and Dover Athletic. The tide began to turn when The Darts started to pick up draws and then victories. A longest unbeaten run in the division equalled a club record of 21 games. In that sequence they won ten in a row and were now involved in a title race. The Darts fell short on the final day and despite home advantage lost the playoff final. Perhaps an away final would have been better as the Kent side had the joint best record on the road.

Manager – Adrian Pennock

At the start of his first full season as Dartford boss, Adrian Pennock had to build a squad from scratch. His valuable experience gained at Welling United, Forest Green Rovers, Gillingham and Barrow certainly helped the former Gills defender. He also had a spell out in the Far East with Brunei DPMM culminating in winning the 2019 Singapore Premier League. Pennock gave the Darts a chance of the title going into the final day of last season but had to settle for third place. Although the campaign ended in a playoff final defeat, Pennock has built strong foundations for 2025/2026.

Summer Transfers

The majority of the squad have been retained. Seven of those graduated through the academy including Young Player of the Year, Olly Box. The Darts can also call upon last season’s top scorer and Player of the Year, Callum Jones. Influential and experienced midfielder Samir Carruthers is also staying.

Pennock has boosted his squad at both ends of the pitch. Dan Smith will provide another option up front and Jon Henly replaces the departed Jacob Marsden in goal. The pair sign from Folkestone Invicta where Smith won Supporters Player of the Year. Full back, Ben Frempah has joined from Wingate and Finchley. In midfield the Darts welcome Sammie McLeoad from Sevenoaks Town and Ikechi Eze from Potters Bar Town. An impressive pre-season on trial for Sam Smith means he will be a Dart. Smith joins from Maidstone United, but was another at Folkestone Invicta last season as he was on loan.

Last season’s captain Josh Hill has retired and so the new skipper will be Michael Olarewaju. Other departures include Tyler Christian-Law now at Herne Bay and Ashdon Day now of Whitstable Town. Marsden has signed for Concord Rangers whilst Duane Ofori Achemapong, Blu Husthwaite and Josh Atkinson have also left.

Season Preview 2025/2026

July 27, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Cray Wanderers

One of the oldest football clubs in the world, Cray Wanderers were formed in 1860. The Wands won consecutive Kent League titles before promotion 21 years ago. Since then they have had two spells in both the Isthmian Division One and Premier. Cray Wanderers won the Isthmian South East in the last full season before covid. Two years ago, they missed out on a National South spot after a semi-final playoff defeat.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 10th
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
Kent Senior Cup: 2nd Round
London Senior Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Nyren Clunis (11 goals)

It was all about the new Flamingo Park and Cray Wanderers’ first competitive game in their new ground. Unfortunately, the Wands lost their home opener. It took until 2 November to see a first league win on their own patch. After ten matches the Wands were bottom. However, Cray Wanderers really started making progress from Decemeber. The Kent side lost once in the league in ten and that was versus an in-form Dartford. As they found more consistency, the Wands hovered around the top ten for the rest of the campaign.

Manager – Tim O’Shea

Over the last seven Isthmian Premier League matches of the 2024/2025 campaign, Tim O’Shea impressed enough to turn an interim role into a permanent job. He was assistant to the previous manager Neil Smith, so is familiar to the current squad. As a player he made a few appearances for Tottenham Hotspur before playing for Leyton Orient and then Gillingham. He represented both Farnborough Town and Welling United in non-league prior going into management. Tim O’Shea managed Grays Athletic, Croydon Athletic and Lewes before having a long break as a first team boss.

Summer Transfers

Midfielder, Luke Allen had five years at Dartford and made 123 appearances for the club. After a spell at Aveley he joins the Cray Wanderers. Former academy left back with the Wands, Frankie Morgan is back after signing from Folkestone Invicta. Striker, Alex Hernandez will be hoping to impress at his new club. He scored 21 goals in 38 appearances for Tilbury last season.

Tyrese Briscoe signs from Welling United having represented Wingate and Finchley as well as Hastings United last term. Goalkeeper, Harry Seaden comes in from Concord Rangers. Known as ‘Bobo’, Nodirbek Bobonurodov is familiar with non-league football having played for Worthing, Kingstonian, Chatham Town, Littlehampton Town and Three Bridges. The Uzbek now adds the Wands to his career path. Part of the Billericay Town side that came within a whisker of the title, Ashley Nzala also joins the Wands. After impressing on trial Prosper Keto has joined from Potters Bar Town. Management Player of the Season Remi Sutton is retained.

After three seasons, two supporter’s Player of the Year and almost 150 games, Shaun Peart-Rowley swaps one Cray for another by joining Cray Valley Paper Mills. Charlie Edwards departs for newly promoted Brentwood Town. Top scorer, Nyren Clunis has decided to return to Dulwich Hamlet. Jack Leahy will join his brother at Welling United. Player’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, Darion Dowrich has earned a move to Hemel Hempstead Town. Ike Orji has joined Billericay Town.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 37 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Cray Wanderers 2 – 2 Dartford (21/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cray Wanderers (26/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (16/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 3 Dartford (18/12/2021 – F.A Trophy)
Cray Wanderers 4 – 2 Dartford (20/09/2017 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (05/10/2016 – Kent Senior Cup)

Next Meetings

Cray Wanderers v Dartford – Saturday 25th October 2025
Dartford v Cray Wanderers – Saturday 21st February 2026

Statistics

In the league Dartford have lost just once against Cray Wanderers in the last 21 outings (W15, D5)
The Darts have lost just once in the last 18 at home versus the Wands in all competitions (W12, D5)
The Darts have won 18 of the last 23 away matches against Cray Wanderers in all competitions (D2, L3)

Season Preview 2025/2026

July 26, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Cray Valley Paper Mills

Champions of the Isthmian Division One South East in 2023/2024. Cray Valley Paper Mills have been on a fantastic ride these last seven years. Winning the Southern Counties East and reaching the F.A Vase final at Wembley in 2019 is no longer their pinnacle. Three years ago, they reached the F.A Cup first round for the first time and then did it again. The Millers more than enjoyed their debut in the Isthmian Premier by reaching the playoffs.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 4th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Freddie Parker (19 goals)

Another surprise package of 2024/2025, Cray Valley Paper Mills entered the playoff places on 19 October and never looked back. The Millers stayed in the top five for the rest of the season, impressive for a debut at this level. A top five attack and the third best home record, the Kent side also put together a 15-match unbeaten run. A spell of six without a win starting from February damaged any chance of back-to-back titles. Yet they finished strongly before losing a dramatic playoff semi-final against Dartford.

Manager – Steve McKimm

A decade ago, Steve McKimm was appointed manager of Tonbridge Angels. He took the Kent club to the National South by winning the 2019 playoff final. Two years later the Angels reached the F.A Cup first round and in the following season made it to the F.A Trophy fifth round for the first time. McKimm left Longmead for Carshalton Athletic prior his arrival at Cray Valley Paper Mill. His first campaign for the Millers ended in a league title and his second a playoff place.

Summer Transfers

Among those staying at the Badgers Sports Ground is Supporters Player of the Year Tom Beere. The experienced Denzel Gayle has also been retained after racking up over 300 games for the club. Former Darts, Funmaya Shomotun and Marcel Barrington are staying too. Both had short spells with Dartford, Shomotun played 19 times and scored two goals, whilst Barrington made two substitute appearances. They will be joined by Ibby Akanbi who was registered with Aveley but dual signed with AFC Croydon Athletic last season. The forward scored one goal in five appearances for the Darts.

After three seasons, two supporter’s Player of the Year and almost 150 games at Cray Wanderers, goalkeeper Shaun Peart-Rowley makes a short trip to his new club. The Millers have signed defender Jerry Puemo who started last term with Lewes before making appearances for Raynes Park Vale. Relegated with Aveley last season, Luke Holness will be part of the forward line for the Millers. Part of the Horsham squad that won the Isthmian Premier, Daniel Ajakaiye has joined the Kent side. Most recently Alex Kpakpe has been added to the squad from Aveley.

Cray Valley Paper Mills will miss the goals from top scorer Freddie Parker. The striker has taken a break from football to focus on other interests. Mal Turner will gain experience on loan with Erith Town in the Isthmian South East. Former Dartford player, Andre Coker has been released by the Millers. The winger represented the Darts 30 times during 2018/2019 scoring three times. Former captain, Manager’s Player and Player’s Player of the Year, Kiki Oshilaja has left. Others to follow are Adam Coombes and Michael Ademiluyi. The pair of Clement Asiedu and Daniel Bowry moved to Lewes. Tom Chambers is now at Dulwich Hamlet and Danny Waldren announced his retirement. Off the field club chairman Frank May has stepped down having been in the role since January 2013.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Cray Valley Paper Mills wins: 0 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Dartford 4 – 3 Cray Valley Paper Mills (30/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier Playoff)
Dartford 0 – 0 Cray Valley Paper Mills (02/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Valley Paper Mills 1 – 2 Dartford (10/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Next Meetings

Cray Valley Paper Mills v Dartford – Saturday 22nd November 2025
Dartford v Cray Valley Paper Mills – Saturday 25th April 2026

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten against Cray Valley Paper Mills (W2, D1)
The Darts first and last win of the 2024/2025 season came against the Millers
Dartford’s 21 match unbeaten league run last term started with the 0-0 draw against Cray Valley Paper Mills

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2025/2026

July 25, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Chichester City

Only 25 years old, Chichester City won their first promotion into the Isthmian Premier having had previous spells in the Sussex County and Southern Combination Leagues. The Lillywhites have won two county titles under different names, first as Chichester City United in 2004 and then in their current guise in 2019. That second title elevated the Sussex side to the Isthmian Division One South East where they won the playoff final before last season’s fine showing in their debut Isthmian Premier campaign.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 6th
F.A Cup: 2ndQualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Jimmy Wild (25 goals)

On the final day of last season Chichester City knew that if they beat their opponents Dover Athletic, they would have qualified for the playoffs. That would have given the Sussex side a shot at double promotion, but it wasn’t to be. By mid-December the Lillywhites were 21 points behind league leaders Dover Athletic, but all that changed. Chichester City won seven in a row amidst an unbeaten run of 11 matches. In fact, they only lost once in three months up to mid-March. The final run-in saw them claw back the deficit taking the last playoff place down to the last day. In the end they ended three points short, but what a great debut.

Manager – Miles Rutherford

A decade ago Chichester City began their transformation when they appointed Miles Rutherford. The former Moneyfields boss with Daniel Potter and late Graeme Gee saw results improve for the Sussex side. Later Darin Killpartrick joined the management team. Records have been set in the league, F.A Cup and F.A Vase and still the club is progressing. Rutherford has been part of a Southern Combination title, a playoff promotion and a F.A Cup second round appearance.

Summer Transfers

Once again Chichester City have managed to keep the majority of their squad together. One problem they will need to solve is a temporary replacement for Jimmy Wild. The striker top scored in 2024/2025 and injury means he will miss the start of this season. The Sussex club have been trying out Billy Vigar in recent friendlies. Vigar is a former Arsenal youngster and has played for Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United. Jack Farrier returns to Chichester City, the defender signs from Petersfield Town. Rob Hutchings has been named captain.

One confirmed departure is Charlie Bennett, who joins Three Bridges. Another is Curtis Da Costa, who is looking for more game time.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Chichester City wins: 0 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Chichester City 0 – 0 Dartford (26/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Chichester City (11/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Chichester City – Saturday 15th November 2025
Chichester City v Dartford – Saturday 18th April 2026

Statistics

Both sides are looking for their first win in this fixture
Out of the current teams in the Isthmian Premier, Dartford have faced Chichester City the fewest times joint with Hashtag United (2)
There has yet to been a goal in this fixture at Oaklands Park

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford v Gillingham

July 25, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford’s penultimate home friendly will bring familiarity to warming up for competitive football when they host Gillingham this weekend.

With the Isthmian Premier season a fortnight away manager Ady Pennock will continue to prepare the Darts, this time against his former club. The Dartford boss made almost 200 appearances between 1996 and 2003 for the Gills and managed the club in 2017.

The Darts have spread the minutes around the squad over the three friendlies so far. Twice they have played higher league opposition losing 3-2 against Charlton Athletic, then beating Eastbourne Borough 1-0. On Tuesday night the Darts travelled to Herne Bay and drew 2-2. Striker Dan Smith scored for the first time in a Dartford shirt and Olly Box netted a penalty.

Gillingham are getting ready for their League Two season opener at Accrington Stanley next weekend. So the Darts should expect a tough test as the Gills fine tune themselves.

Gareth Ainsworth’s side have won one of their pre-season fixtures and that was the first game against Dover Athletic. The Gills beat the National South side 1-0 with a goal from Robbie McKenzie.

Three friendlies followed against higher league opposition. Gillingham drew 0-0 with Reading, then tested their fitness on the south coast. Two matches behind closed doors versus Southampton were split into 60-minute games. Cameron Archer scored the only goal of the game in the first run out as the Saints won 1-0. In the following match Ross Stewart and Tyler Dibling netted for Will Still’s side to put Saints two up. The Gills pulled a goal back through a Jack Nolan penalty, but Kuryu Matsuki made it 3-1.

Most recently, the Gills played Ebbsfleet United and lost 2-1 to the Fleet. Gillingham’s Joe Gbode struck late on, but that was a consolation. Earlier, Lennon Peake opened the scoring from the spot and former Gillingham striker Dominic Samuel put Fleet two ahead.

Since the opening of Princes Park, Gillingham have visited DA1 eleven times in pre-season and have won the lot. In a more competitive environment Dartford did beat the Gills 2-1 in the Kent Senior Cup second round almost ten years ago. Last July, the Darts were beaten 4-0 by the Gills in a friendly and the previous year it was 5-0.

Gillingham finished last term in seventeenth place with only relegated Morecambe scoring fewer goals. However, defensively they were sound with only two teams in League Two conceding less than the Kent club.

The Gills had a bright start and topped the table after nine matches, but from October they began to slide. Mark Bonner was sacked in January to be replaced by the experienced John Coleman. However, Coleman didn’t last long and Gillingham made another change. With nine games remaining and without the threat of relegation or a chance of promotion, Ainsworth took over. The former Wycombe Wanderers boss used the rest of the campaign to assess his squad.

Author: Stuart Maidment (Page 3 of 34)

Season Preview 2025/2026

Season Preview 2025/2026

Season Preview 2025/2026

Season Preview 2025/2026

Faversham Town v Dartford

Season Preview 2025/2026

Season Preview 2025/2026

Season Preview 2025/2026

Season Preview 2025/2026

Dartford v Gillingham

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