Draw specialists last season, Chelmsford City picked up single points more times than any other team in the National South. The Clarets were one of only two teams to record less than ten victories, the other was relegated Billericay Town. Yet the Essex club were mainly looking over the shoulder as they consistently picked up positive results against those around them. In fairness they were only dragged into the relegation conversation after seven straight losses in February and March, before that they went twelve games with only one defeat. Turning a few draws into wins will see them easily make mid-table.
2021/2022 Season National South: 19th F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round F.A Trophy: 2nd Round County Cup: 4th Round Top League Scorer: Simeon Jackson (11 goals)
Manager – Robbie Simpson
Five months after joining Chelmsford City as a free agent from Milton Keynes Dons, Simpson became the interim boss. Impressing as a player manager in January and February 2020, the Clarets appointed Simpson as the permanent successor to Rod Stringer the following month. Last season was his first full campaign at the helm and if he can turn some of those draws into victories then he will have Chelmsford City finishing higher this time. As a player, Simpson won promotion with Milton Keynes Dons and can draw on a wealth of Football League experience during his seventeen years as a professional.
Dartford 2 – 1 Chelmsford City (15/03/2022 – National South) Chelmsford City 0 – 0 Dartford (25/10/2021 – National South) Dartford 1 – 0 Chelmsford City (06/10/2020 – National South) Dartford 3 – 0 Chelmsford City (14/03/2020 – National South) Chelmsford City 4 – 0 Dartford (12/08/2019 – National South) Chelmsford City 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2019 – National South)
Next Meetings
Chelmsford City v Dartford – 03/12/2022 Dartford v Chelmsford City – 25/03/2023
Statistics
Dartford are on their best unbeaten run (W3, D1) against Chelmsford City since the six between 2011 and 2016
The Darts have won their last four versus the Clarets at home, a fifth win at Princes Park will set a record
Dartford are winless in their last five trips to Chelmsford (D2, L3) and have only won twice in their last 13 away games against the Clarets (D4, L7)
The Iron found themselves in a relegation scrap for the majority of last season but came good when required. It wasn’t until the new year that results started to improve, helping them recover from a seven-game losing streak in September and October. Being the lowest scorers in the division was one of the main reasons Braintree Town struggled last term, after all they made the top ten defences. Since relegation from the National League in 2018/2019, the Iron have found it difficult to get back to grips with the National South finishing second from bottom two years ago.
2021/2022 Season National South: 17th F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round F.A Trophy: 3rd Round County Cup: Winners Top League Scorer: Luke Holness (9 goals)
Manager – Angelo Harrop
A new manager to the National South, Braintree Town opted to appoint Harrop this summer following the departure of Ryan Maxwell. The 35-year-old will be familiar to Dartford fans as he was the boss who caused the F.A Cup upset in the fourth qualifying round. Harrop took AFC Sudbury to seventh in the Isthmian Division One North and the first round of the F.A Cup last season, where they lost to Colchester United, a side he was at during his playing days. Harrop has also been involved in the management and coaching of Stanway Rovers in the Essex League and Brightlingsea Regent.
Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (02/05/2022 – National South) Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (28/12/2021 – National South) Braintree Town 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2021 – National South) Dartford 2 – 1 Braintree Town (24/08/2019 – National South) Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (06/05/2018 – National South Playoff) Dartford 1 – 1 Braintree Town (23/12/2017 – National South)
Next Meetings
Dartford v Braintree Town (08/11/2022) Braintree Town v Dartford (18/02/2023)
Statistics
Dartford have won just once in their last 12 games against Braintree Town (D4, L7)
The Darts have gone 13 games without a clean sheet against the Iron
Dartford are five without victory at Cressing Road, last winning ten years ago (D2, L3)
The strong end to last season has given the Romans cause to be optimistic. Despite recording their lowest finish in seven years, Bath City’s average attendances were up and their best since the 1977/78 campaign. The squad and management team learnt lessons from a slow start and a poor February, players began to return from injuries and in the final two months they pulled together to eventually end the campaign five games unbeaten. Considering Bath City made the playoffs in consecutive seasons in 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 they have the potential to challenge a top seven place once more.
2021/2022 Season National South: 8th F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round F.A Trophy: 2nd Round County Cup: Runners Up Top League Scorer: Alex Fletcher (17 goals)
Manager – Jerry Gill
A former Bath City defender in his playing days, Gill was appointed boss of the Romans in October 2017. He arrived with experience working in academies at Bristol Rovers, Kidderminster Harriers, Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Yet his managerial career started seven years before he took the Bath City post. At Weymouth, Gill only lasted 44 days hampered by the club’s financial issues, but that never deterred the former Birmingham City player, a club he helped reach the League Cup final and Premier League. Gill has guided Bath City to two top ten finishes and two playoff campaigns prior to last season.
Silverware is up for grabs for Dartford when they aim to retain the Kent Senior Cup against Folkestone Invicta on Tuesday night in Chatham.
On the way to winning the last edition of the competition the Darts beat Folkestone Invicta in the quarter-final. Steve King will be hoping for history to repeat itself and help Dartford lift the cup for the thirteenth time. Folkestone Invicta are in their sixth Kent Senior Cup final, but have yet to get their hands on the trophy.
For a second consecutive county cup campaign the Darts will be facing Invicta. In a last eight meeting just over two years ago, Dartford scored two goals in each half on their way to a 4-0 victory. Liam Nash set the Darts on their way with a goal just past the half hour mark. Tyrique Hyde, one of three in the current squad who started in the last game against Invicta, doubled the lead. Billy Crook and Elliot Romain extended Dartford’s advantage to send them into the final four where they beat Phoenix Sports 5-1. In the final played this season back in November, Jake Robinson scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory over Whitstable Town.
Highlight’s of the Darts beating Invicta on the way to reaching the 2020 final – Dartford FC TV
Dartford will want to end their season in style after playoff heartbreak on Thursday night. King made just the one change to the side that thrashed Eastbourne Borough 7-2 on the last day of the regular season. Jernade Meade was back in the starting eleven replacing Jordan Wynter. The Darts were unable to find their scoring boots for a second home game in a row drawing another blank, this time against Chippenham Town in the National South playoff eliminator. Dan Roberts had the best opportunity early in the tie, but Dartford created little else at Princes Park. The visitors hit the woodwork and missed the rebound late on in normal time as it finished 0-0. Extra time followed and with both sides still unable to score it went down to penalties. Despite a pair of saves from goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook in the shoot-out, the Darts lost 3-2 and will be playing National South football next season.
The Darts finished fourth in the league and having been knocked out of the playoffs it allows King to select a strong side for the Kent Senior Cup final. After a blistering start to the campaign the Darts lost touch with the front runners dropping too many points in October, November and January. A run of five straight victories in February put Dartford in with a chance, but disappointing defeats on the road and a spell of more draws left too much to do in the end. At Princes Park, King led his side to a 17-game unbeaten home run in the league, the best from the start of a campaign for 96 years. More recently on the road, Dartford have scored 13 in their last two outings beating Slough Town 6-0 before the emphatic victory at Eastbourne Borough.
Folkestone Invicta also had an outstanding start in their Isthmian Premier campaign and at one stage it looked like promotion was a possibility. Neil Cugley guided Invicta to a 12-game unbeaten run from the start of the season picking up 26 points early doors. However, just two wins in eight slowed Folkestone Invicta’s progress. Whilst results became consistently good again, the final run-in saw Invicta drop out of the playoff places after one triumph in their last nine outings, their last fixture an entertaining 4-4 draw with Haringey Borough. In the end they finished their Isthmian Premier League campaign in sixth, missing out on a playoff place.
Helping Folkestone Invicta to their second sixth place finish in a full season in a row, Luke Wanadio permanently signed for the club in February. The winger made 15 appearances and scored five goals since joining from Dartford initially on loan. Wanadio had three spells with the Darts making a total of 99 appearances and scoring 18 times. Defender Ryan Johnson also once donned a Dartford shirt back in the 2009/2010 Isthmian Premier winning campaign appearing 17 times for the club and scoring one goal. This season Johnson made 36 appearances to reach half a century for Invicta.
Story so far
Second Round Dartford 2-1 Dover Athletic Jordan Greenidge scored twice on debut to start Dartford’s defence of the Kent Senior Cup. The striker opened his account after eighteen minutes and added a second with fifteen minutes to go. Dover Athletic pulled a goal back, but the Darts went through to the last eight of the competition.
Folkestone Invicta 0-0 VCD Athletic (Folkestone Invicta won 3-2 on penalties) Neither side could make the important breakthrough in a goalless draw after 90 minutes. So the tie went straight to penalties with Invicta making it into the last eight. Out of the four missed penalties all of them missed the target, VCD Athletic failing to score three of them. Invicta were more clinical from 12 yards securing a 3-2 shoot-out victory.
Quarter Final Margate 2-4 Dartford Luke Allen opened the scoring after just six minutes to get Dartford on the way, but Margate equalised six minutes later through James Bessey-Saldanha. The Darts pulled away in the second half with goals from Kalvin Kalala, Ade Azeez and Ody Alfa before Vance Bola pulled one back for the hosts.
Folkestone Invicta 3-1 Ebbsfleet United Two first-half goals in the space of five minutes changed this tie in Folkestone Invicta’s favour. Club record goalscorer, Ian Draycott added to his career tally putting the hosts ahead, then Invicta went two goals up after David Smith scored one of his 34 netted this term. Rakish Bingham gave Invicta something to think about by getting one back for Fleet, but the tie was settled when Simo Mbonkwi scored on debut
Semi Final Welling United 2-2 Dartford (Dartford won 5-3 on penalties) The Darts had one hand removed from the cup they are defending when Welling United went two up. A brace from Henry Burnett had the Wings in control, but Jordan Greenidge got the Darts back in the tie. The returning Dan Roberts won a stoppage time penalty, up stepped Jake Robinson to force a penalty shoot-out. Dartford scored all five and Reice Charles-Cook made a save to see the Darts through to the final.
Hythe Town 0-2 Folkestone Invicta Two first half strikes from Ade Yusuff and David Smith put Invicta in command, the pair ended up with 62 goals between them this season in all competitions. Over a thousand turned up to watch the semi-final as the kick off was delayed due to crowd congestion. Yussuf scored with a low drilled shot and Smith finished a well taken goal, which was enough to settle this semi-final.
NSPO = National South Playoff / KSC = Kent Senior Cup * lost 3-2 on penalties ** won 5-3 on penalties
Previous Meetings (last six)
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)* Dartford 1 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (18/01/2005 – Kent Senior Cup) Folkestone Invicta 0 – 1 Dartford (13/03/2004 – Southern League Division One) Dartford 1 – 6 Folkestone Invicta (24/02/2004 – Southern League Division One) *Dartford won 5-3 on penalties
Stats
Dartford have played five times against Folkestone Invicta in the Kent Senior Cup (W2, L3)
The Darts are three games unbeaten against Invicta (W2, D1) having lost the previous eight in a row between 1998 and 2005
The last four meetings have been cup ties and Dartford have won the last three
On This Day
Dartford have only played twice on this day with a record of one win and one defeat. The 1946/1947 Southern League campaign went on until mid-June, so even after the 1-0 loss at Hereford, the Darts still had six more games to go. Dartford ended the season in 11th place, a month earlier they won the Kent Senior Cup for the fifth time. Thirty years later, Dartford played their final home game of the 1976/1977 season beating Atherstone United 2-1, three days later they completed the Southern Premier League in 18th place. Silverware was also picked up that season when they beat Yeovil Town in the Southern League Cup in April.
Dartford start their National South playoff campaign with home advantage against Chippenham Town on Thursday night.
The Darts signed off the regular season in style to bag a home tie in the eliminator round. A resounding 7-2 win on Saturday against an Eastbourne Borough side, who have also made the playoffs will give Steve King’s team confidence in their push for promotion to the National League. Finishing fourth means Dartford are up against Chippenham Town, who sneaked into the playoffs on the final day of the season.
Dartford ended the campaign strongly on the road scoring an incredible 13 goals in their final two away matches. The Darts beat Slough Town 6-0 and followed that up with a handsome win at Eastbourne Borough. Yet in between those victories they lost only their second match at home versus Braintree Town, a second defeat at Princes Park in three games after going an impressive 17 unbeaten on their own patch.
King made another six changes for the final game of the season in a campaign which has seen the Darts use 45 players in all competitions. Dan Roberts retuned to the starting eleven for the first time since November and first league appearance since he came on as a substitute against Ebbsfleet United in February, the forward has been on loan at Carshalton Athletic. Jordan Wynter also returned from injury, whilst Samir Carruthers, Kalvin Kalala, Kristian Campbell and Marcus Dinanga were also selected. Three of those managed to get on the scoresheet justifying King’s rotation policy on the weekend. Dan Roberts opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute, whilst Dinanga and Kalala both netted a brace. Kory Roberts and Jordan Greenidge also found the back of the Eastbourne Borough net on a fantastic afternoon for the Darts.
Dartford sign off the National South campaign in style at Eastbourne Borough – Dartford FC TV
Dinanga approaches the playoffs in red hot form, the striker only joined Dartford in February on loan from Altrincham. In that time the 24-year-old has scored 13 goals in 15 appearances and ended up as Dartford’s top goalscorer in the league. Greenidge is another loanee after arriving from Weymouth, he has taken his opportunities when presented with them scoring six in eight appearances including three in his last two outings. King can also call upon Ade Azeez and Jake Robinson, the pair have scored 33 between them in all competitions since joining in the summer. Defensively, the Darts have managed 18 clean sheets and, in the league, boasted the second-best defensive record. Captain, Tom Bonner has marshalled the back line and since Conor Essam’s injury in March has struck up a good partnership with on loan defender Kory Roberts. Meanwhile, player of the season Dan Wilks has been out injured, but goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook has been more than an adequate replacement in the final four games.
King, who has lost playoff finals with Dartford, Welling United and Whitehawk now has the dilemma of whether to stick with the players involved in the last two away wins or use his squad with the thought of a potential semi-final on Sunday. Although planning too far ahead would be foolish with Chippenham Town on the horizon. The Bluebirds have taken four points off the Darts this term.
Chippenham Town sneaked into the playoffs after some good form. The Bluebirds beat Havant and Waterlooville on the final day to take the last spot from their opponents. The Wiltshire club will be a tough prospect for the Darts having taken four points off them this term
The sides played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at Princes Park during the last meeting at Dartford’s home in November. The Darts came from behind to lead at the break, then twice gave up their advantage. Dan Griffiths put the visitors in front, but his goal was cancelled out by Ade Azeez. The now departed Noor Husin put Dartford in front before the interval and in the second-half Ricky Aguiar equalised again for the visitors. Azeez looked like he’d won the match for the Darts with thirteen to go, but in the final minute Luke Russe rescued a point for the Wiltshire club.
The Darts last home meeting against Chippenham Town back in November – Dartford FC TV
In the return fixture Dartford needed victory to keep the pressure on at the top and keep their title aspirations alive. Having just beaten league leaders Dorking Wanderers a win for Steve King’s side would have put his side in with a really good shout for top spot. However, the Darts were stunned in a 4-2 defeat which saw Keiran Murtagh sent off. The midfielder is likely to miss the playoffs after picking up an injury at Slough Town.
Jordan Greenidge scored to give Dartford a seven minute lead, his first league strike for the club. Four minutes after Kieran Murtagh was cautioned, the hosts equalised through Jordan Young, then before the interval Murtagh received a second yellow card and was sent off. Chippenham Town made the man advantage count in the second period. First, Young put the Bluebirds ahead, then Alefe Santos D’Abadia stretched the hosts lead. Ade Azeez gave Dartford hope, however Chippenham Town secured maximum points with a fourth scored by Joe Hanks.
The Darts last meeting against Chippenham Town in March – Dartford FC TV
Chippenham Town finished 15 points behind the Darts and made it into the playoffs in a pressure game at Havant and Waterlooville. The Bluebirds needed to win at Westleigh Park to fly past the Hawks and into the final playoff place. Heading into the clash, Gary Horgan’s side were four unbeaten with three wins and a draw. The interim manager has only been in charge for five weeks taking over from Mike Cook. Although Horgan lost his first match in charge against runners up Dorking Wanderers, he has improved Chippenham Town’s form at the right time taking the club from eleventh to seventh.
The unbeaten run was extended on the final day with the decisive 2-0 triumph over Havant and Waterlooville. A Jordan Young double was enough to not only secure a top seven finish but also record the club’s highest ever finish in the National South. Young finished top scorer in the league for the Bluebirds with nine goals. Since defeat at Dorking Wanderers, the Wiltshire club kept back-to-back clean sheets in victories over playoff contenders Oxford City and mid-table side Dulwich Hamlet. The Bluebirds took a crucial point against Ebbsfleet United, the side waiting for the winner of this eliminator tie and were disappointed not to have won after squandering the lead twice. A last-minute winner from Noah Coppin against Hungerford Town in their penultimate match set up the final day drama in Hampshire.
The Bluebirds have not only found form at the perfect moment they also have a respectable record against the teams that have made the playoffs. They have lost the fewest against their competitors and have beaten Dorking Wanderers, Dartford and Oxford City. However, those victories came at Hardenhuish Park and on their travels they have yet to beat a side finishing between second and sixth picking up four draws out of five.
Chippenham Town 4 – 2 Dartford (12/03/2022 – National South) Dartford 3 – 3 Chippenham Town (06/11/2021 – National South) Chippenham Town 1 – 2 Dartford (27/10/2020 – National South) Chippenham Town 1 – 5 Dartford (01/02/2020 – National South) Dartford 1 – 1 Chippenham Town (26/10/2019 – National South) Dartford 0 – 1 Chippenham Town (13/04/2019 – National South) Chippenham Town 1 – 2 Dartford (13/10/2018 – National South) Chippenham Town 2 – 2 Dartford (20/01/2018 – National South) Dartford 3 – 0 Chippenham Town (09/09/2017 – National South)
Stats
The last four meetings between Dartford and Chippenham Town has seen 21 goals (5.25 goals per game)
Dartford have lost two of their last three at home after going 17 unbeaten at Princes Park in the league
The Darts are unbeaten at home against sides that have reached the playoffs (W3, D2)
Chippenham Town have not won on the road against the other teams in the playoffs (D4, L1)
Dartford have the joint best home defence conceding 18. Chippenham Town have the joint best away defence conceding just 20.
Season Comparison
Dartford Won 21 Drawn 11 Lost 8 For 75 Against 42 Points 74 Goal Difference +33 (Home record W10, D8, L2, F32, A18, Pts 38, GD +14)
Chippenham Town Won 16 Drawn 11 Lost 13 For 61 Against 50 Points 59 Goal Difference +11 (Away record W6, D8, L6, F22, A20, Pts 26, GD +2)
Dartford’s final game of the National South season against Eastbourne Borough will decide who both sides will face in the playoffs.
These two sides could easily be going head-to-head again as early as mid-week depending on this weekend’s results. If the Darts finish lower than third, they will be taking on the team that finishes sixth or potentially seventh in the playoff eliminator round.
Dartford are currently fourth and to avoid the eliminator round they must beat Eastbourne Borough and hope Ebbsfleet United drop points at home to Chelmsford City. Any other outcome will see the Darts start their playoff campaign on Wednesday 11 May, if they finish fifth or Thursday 12 May, if they stay in fourth. The Darts can only finish fifth if they lose to Eastbourne Borough and Oxford City beat Bath City at Twerton Park, there also needs to be a three-goal swing.
Eastbourne Borough are likely to finish sixth and can only be caught by seventh place Havant and Waterlooville. For that to happen, the Hawks will need to win their clash for the last playoff spot against eighth place Chippenham Town. Danny Bloor’s side have a six-goal advantage over Havant and Waterlooville.
Playoff fixtures Wednesday 11 May 2022 – Eliminator Match A (5th v 6th) Thursday 12 May 2022 – Eliminator Match B (4th v 7th) Saturday 14 May 2022* – Semi Final (2nd v Eliminator Winner Match A) Sunday 15 May 2022 – Semi Final (3rd v Eliminator Winner Match B) Saturday 21 May 2022 – Promotion Final *Subject to change to Sunday 15 May if both clubs are in agreement
Third place was in Dartford’s hands after an impressive 6-0 away win at Slough Town last weekend. With a Bank Holiday fixture also scheduled, Steve King chose to make six changes in the final home game of the regular season and saw his side come undone in a poor display against lowly Braintree Town. The Dartford boss was without Player of the Season Dan Wilks, so Reice Charles-Cook continued in goal. Keiran Murtagh, who managed to score three times in his last two games looks likely to be out for the playoffs after injury at Slough Town. Jordan Wynter is also struggling with injury, whilst Jernade Meade is being carefully reintroduced after a period on the sidelines, he started in the 1-0 defeat on Monday. In form striker Marcus Dinanga made a substitute appearance against Braintree Town, suggesting King is being cautious about his fitness ahead of the playoffs. Dinanga has scored 11 goals in his 14 appearances for the Darts and could be key to their success.
Highlight’s of Dartford’s last game against Eastbourne Borough – Dartford FC TV
The reverse fixture took place on August Bank Holiday and in only his second start for the club Jake Robinson opened his account with a brace. The first after seven minutes was a predatory finish and the second came from the penalty spot, after some sublime build up play led to a handball. The Sports hit back immediately after the break when Greg Luer made the most of a lack of concentration to cut Dartford’s lead in half. Ade Azeez was brought on and his well-placed header secured victory for the Darts.
Victory over Eastbourne Borough came six months after losing to the Sussex side at Princes Park. The winning goal for the Sports came from Chris Whelpdale. Nine days later the National South 2020/2021 campaign was declared null and void. In fact, Eastbourne Borough were one of the very few teams the Darts played twice that season. Dartford’s last visit to Priory Lane in December 2020 resulted in a 3-1 loss. Charley Kendall, Whelpdale and Joe Rollinson all scored for the hosts, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong netted a consolation.
Eastbourne Borough have had a very good season under Danny Bloor and in the club’s last three full campaigns they had finished eighteenth. The Sports manager joined the Sussex side around the same time King started his Dartford journey, so it’s also his first full season in charge at Priory Lane. Perhaps with the knowledge of almost certainly making the playoffs, their form has dipped since the start of April. Currently on a run of three straight defeats after a pair of draws, the Sports are winless in five league outings, but they had already done enough to guarantee a top seven place.
Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Eastbourne Borough first lost in what was an important game at the time for Billericay Town. The Sports fell to their first home loss since early February and only their fifth on their own patch this term in the National South. Two early goals gave the visitors hope of staying in the division, although that hope was ended two days later. Eastbourne Borough pulled a goal back through Charlie Walker, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat to the team bottom of the table. Then on Monday they lost 2-0 at Tonbridge Angels to leave them in sixth place but guaranteed their highest finish since returning to the National South in 2011.
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) Eastbourne Borough 6 – 0 Dartford (20/04/2019 – National South)
Stats
After going 12 games unbeaten against the Sports, Dartford have won three of the last seven meetings (D0, L4)
Dartford have won just two of their last eight final matches of the season (D2, L4) both on the South coast (Poole Town and Bognor Regis Town)
On This Day
Dartford were beaten in the National South playoff semi-final against Chelmsford City five years ago. Two goals in the final twenty minutes put the Clarets 2-0 up on aggregate, Duane Ofori-Acheampong scored a last minute consolation. That defeat is one of only two on this day, the Darts also lost 1-0 to Bath City in 1977. Dartford have won six and drawn two in the ten outings on 7 May. The last victory came in 1983 when Dartford won on the road at Enderby Town in the Southern Premier League. Between 1927 and 1955, the Darts won all five on this day including a 7-0 Southern League East victory over Bournemouth and Boscombe Reserves in 1932. Dartford are unbeaten when away from home on this day, winning three and drawing the other.
Dartford prepare for the National South playoffs in their last home league game of the season against Braintree Town this Bank Holiday.
The Darts secured a place in the playoffs after their Good Friday victory. Since then they have been jockeying for a league position to get as much home advantage as possible for the end of season finale. Braintree Town managed to turn their fortunes around this season after looking like they were in serious relegation trouble.
A convincing win on Saturday at Slough Town will give Steve King’s side plenty of confidence ahead of this Bank Holiday fixture. Two changes were made to the last league outing which the Darts won 3-1 against St Albans City. After his goal in the Kent Senior Cup semi-final, Jordan Greenidge started as well as Olumide Durojaiye. In form striker, Marcus Dinanga took barely any time at all to open the scoring and the advantage doubled when Keiran Murtagh flicked in Jack Jebb’s corner. Murtagh waited until his 39th appearance for his first goals for the club last weekend, now he has three in his last two. However, the midfielder’s afternoon was cut short when he went off injured. By half-time the Darts were three up through Dinanga, his 11th goal in only 13 appearances. Kalvin Kalala got in on the act with his second league goal for the Darts. Greenidge justified his selection in the starting line up with Dartford’s fifth, since arriving from Weymouth the striker has scored five in seven games. To wrap things up, Durojaiye scored his first goal for the Darts, to make it 6-0.
Back in December, Dartford visited Cressing Road to take on Braintree Town who were second from bottom. The Darts who were joint top at the time came away with a point but only just. Perhaps that gave Braintree Town the belief they needed to improve results over the next three months. Kalvin Kalala made his Dartford debut and his new side had to wait until the last kick of the game to snatch a point. A stunning stoppage time free-kick from Jack Jebb completed a two goal comeback after a Jake Robinson penalty halved the deficit. The visitors went two goals up through Gabriel Piorkowski and Gio Crichlow.
Highlight’s of Dartford taking on Braintree Town in December – Dartford FC TV
Over the years Dartford have found victories rare against Braintree Town with only three in 15 attempts. In fact the Essex side went eight unbeaten against the Darts, until the last time they visited Princes Park in August 2019. On that day, a late Norman Wabo goal was decisive in a 2-1 win for the Darts. Former Dartford academy player, Femi Akinwande put the Iron in front before Luke Wanadio missed a penalty. However, the hosts recovered with goals from former Braintree Town midfielder Luke Allen and Wabo’s winner. Tony Burman was in charge in the only other home win against the Essex side back in 2011, Elliot Bradbrook netting the only goal of the game.
Highlight’s of Dartford’s last win over Braintree Town – Dartford FC TV
The 2-2 draw at the end of last year was the start of four draws in five for the Darts, a period that saw them lose ground at the top. Although King’s side made up ground with five straight victories, away defeats at Hungerford Town and Chippenham Town dented their title aspirations. The Darts were hanging in the title race until a pair of draws early last month and since Good Friday’s win over Billericay Town they have also reached a second Kent Senior Cup final in a row.
During that same period Braintree Town tightened up at the back going through a spell of eight clean sheets in eleven games. Between mid January through to mid March, the Iron only lost twice picking up six wins and five draws including a victory over Ebbsfleet United, their only victory against a top six side this season. That’s not to say they have fared badly against the teams at the top because they have drawn five against those teams.
In April, the Iron could have easily been dragged back in to the relegation battle after three straight defeats without scoring. However four points in their last two outings, a draw with Oxford City followed by Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Hemel Hempstead Town guarantee National South football next season.
Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (28/12/2021 – National South) Braintree Town 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2021 – National South) Dartford 2 – 1 Braintree Town (24/08/2019 – National South) Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (06/05/2018 – National South Playoff) Dartford 1 – 1 Braintree Town (23/12/2017 – National South) Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (08/08/2017 – National South)
Stats
Dartford are yet to lose to a team in the bottom six (W8, D3)
The Darts have lost just once at home in the league this season (W10, D8, L1). The last time they lost one at home in the league was in the 1995/96 Kent League First Division campaign (W16, D2, L1)
Dartford have scored in their last three games against Braintree Town. The Darts have never scored in four consecutive matches against the Iron.
On This Day
Dartford are unbeaten in their last ten games on this day recording eight victories in that time, including a Kent Senior Cup final win and a National South semi-final playoff victory. The Darts won promotion to the National League ten years ago and the 1-0 playoff semi-final win at Basingstoke Town helped set them on their way. Lee Noble scored an important winner in the first leg, but not quite as important as the winner he scored 11 days later in the final. A year before saw Dartford lift the county cup for the first time in 23 years by beating Bromley 4-1 in the final. Elliot Bradbrook, Ryan Hayes, Danny Harris and an own goal ensured the Darts picked up some silverware. Heartbreakingly, it was 26 years ago that Dartford lost the Kent League First Division title on goal difference in tense and dramatic circumstances. Needing to beat league leaders Furness on the final day of the season, the Darts only managed a 1-1 draw after Sean Bristow equalised.
Dartford aim to build momentum ahead of the playoffs and next up is an away trip to Slough Town on the weekend.
A runner up spot is out of reach for the Darts and so their attention turns to moving into third and receiving a bye into the semi-finals of the playoffs. Although mathematically they can still draw level on points with second place Dorking Wanderers, the Darts will need a massive goal swing. After victory in their last league outing, Steve King’s side are sitting in fourth just a point behind rivals Ebbsfleet United and level on goal difference.
Slough Town can still make the playoff places but were hindered by Tuesday night’s result at Concord Rangers. The Rebels are four points from a top seven finish with two games remaining. The Berkshire club enter this weekend’s game unbeaten in their last five league matches drawing their last two.
The Darts can go into Saturday’s fixture with confidence after beating St Albans City last weekend and then reaching a second Kent Senior Cup final in a row. In their penultimate home game of the regular National South season, Steve King’s side put their derby day defeat against Maidstone United behind them. Four changes were made to the starting eleven with goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook making his third appearance. Kristian Campbell, Ade Azeez and Keiran Murtagh all returned to the line-up with Murtagh making an important contribution to the game. The midfielder scored twice and set up Marcus Dinanga in a 3-1 victory which saw the Darts pass 100 goals in all competitions since the start of the campaign. Dinanga will be hoping to maintain his scoring streak having scored in five of his last six appearance, taking his tally to nine in 12 appearances for the season.
Dartford make it into the Kent Senior Cup Final – Dartford FC TV
A further eight changes were made in the Kent Senior Cup semi-final against Welling United on Tuesday night in a tie that went to penalties. Former Slough Town forward, Dan Roberts returned to the squad on the bench and made an impact in a dramatic twist at the end of the game. The Darts found themselves two goals down by half-time when Henry Burnett scored twice. Dartford rallied in the second-half and Jordan Greenidge scored his 4th for the club in seven appearances to provide hope. Deep into stoppage time, Dan Roberts won a penalty, up stepped Jake Robinson to net his 17th of the campaign. Dartford scored all five penalties and Charles-Cook made a crucial save to secure a 5-3 shoot-out victory.
The reverse fixture against Slough Town in August ended with Dartford earning a comfortable 3-0 triumph. In the first competitive game in front of home fans since March 2020, Noor Husin gave a masterclass in midfield and his man of the match performance was rewarded with a goal. Against his old club, Dan Roberts impressed with a key pass for the opening goal and a couple of assists, whilst Ade Azeez and George Porter netted the other two goals.
Dartford’s win against Slough Town earlier in the season – Dartford FC TV
Dartford’s last visit to Arbour Park came in December 2020 when they drew Slough Town in the F.A Trophy second round. Like Tuesday night’s county cup win, Dartford came from two goals down to take the game to penalties. Josh Jackson and Warren Harris put the hosts in command, but goals from Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong and Moussa Bakayoko within three minutes of each other forced spot-kicks, Dartford won 6-5 in the shoot-out. That was the third time the two sides met in that campaign over a two-month period. The Rebels won a F.A Cup tie 1-0 at Princes Park and in the league, Dartford triumphed at home with both goals from Chris Dickson.
The Darts last visited the Rebels in a National South fixture back in January 2020. On the scoresheet that day for Slough Town was Dan Roberts, he also netted in the reverse fixture that season as his former club completed a league double. However, the two sides were to meet again in the playoffs and this time the Darts won 3-0 thanks to Charlie Sheringham’s brace and Luke Wanadio’s strike.
Dartford’s last visit to Arbour Park courtesy of Slough Town FC
Slough Town have put a positive run together to try and gatecrash the playoffs, however in their current sequence of five without defeat they have drawn three and those dropped points could be decisive. On Tuesday night they went to Concord Rangers knowing victory will give them a better chance of a top seven finish. It looked good for the Rebels just past the hour mark when Ben Harris scored, but the Beachboys were level when Mamadou Jobe netted in the 1-1 draw. The result was a repeat of their weekend game against Chelmsford City in which Slough Town threw away a lead, this time whilst the Clarets were down to ten men. Prior the two draws, the Rebels put back-to-back wins together beating Tonbridge Angels 1-0 and Hemel Hempstead Town 2-0.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 6 / Slough Town wins: 3 / Draws: 3
Current League Form
Dartford (WDDWLW)
Slough Town (LLDWWD)
St Albans City
H
3-1
Chelmsford City
A
1-1
Maidstone United
H
0-1
Hemel Hempstead Town
H
2-0
Billericay Town
A
2-0
Tonbridge Angels
A
1-0
Hemel Hempstead Town
H
1-1
Eastbourne Borough
H
2-2
Oxford City
A
1-1
Dorking Wanderers
A
0-5
Hampton & Richmond
A
1-0
Braintree Town
H
0-2
Previous Meetings (last six)
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) Slough Town 1 – 0 Dartford (18/01/2020 – National South)
Stats
Dartford are unbeaten in their last three matches against Slough Town (W2, D1)
Five of the six visits to Arbour Park have ended with three or more goals scored, the Darts have won 3, drawn 2 and lost 1. The defeat being the only game with less than three goals scored.
The Darts have kept three clean sheets in their last five games against the Rebels having previously gone seven consecutive fixtures without keeping a clean sheet when playing the Berkshire club.
On This Day
The last four games played on this day were all end of season fixtures, the most recent ended in a dismal 4-0 defeat at St Albans City six years ago. However, five years earlier the Darts enjoyed an entertaining 3-2 win at Maidenhead United with goals from Charlie Sheringham, Jack Pallen and Ryan Hayes. Barton Rovers were beaten 2-0 on their own patch to close out the 2005/2006 Southern League Division One Eastern campaign and 12 months earlier Dartford lost their last home game on this day 3-0 against East Thurrock United in the same division. In 1988, Dartford kept their Southern Premier League title hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over VS Rugby. However, the season ended in heartbreak the following week as they lost on goal difference to Aylesbury United by just four goals. Two years earlier, Dartford said goodbye to the top tier of non-league as they were relegated from the Alliance Premier League. The Darts lost 5-0 at Runcorn and had to wait 26 years to return to the non-league top flight.
Dartford will reach the Kent Senior Cup final for a second time in a row if they can overcome Welling United in the semi-final on Tuesday night.
Unbeaten in the county cup for over three years, the Darts are aiming to earn their 13th Kent Senior title. The current holders have already secured a playoff place in the National South and will be seen as favourites to claim some silverware. Welling United are in a relegation battle hoping to avoid the drop into the Isthmian Premier League, the Wings have three titles to their name last making the final five years ago.
It’s possible both sides will make plenty of changes to their starting eleven with Dartford still trying to achieve a higher finish in the league before the playoffs. Understandably, National South survival will be paramount for Welling United who have three games to keep in front of bottom side Billericay Town.
Dartford boss, Steve King has an excellent record against his former club. Since joining the Darts in October 2019 he has guided them to four wins and a draw, scoring 19 and conceding just four. Welling United have to go back to just over three years for their only triumph in the last ten versus Dartford. However, it was the Wings who came out on top the last time these two sides met in the Kent Senior Cup.
Dartford highlight’s of their last trip to Park View Road – Dartford FC TV
Like this season, the Darts went into that tie in 2016 as cup holders. After a 2-2 draw they went out on penalties. Under the guidance of former Dartford midfielder Jamie Day, the Wings took the lead through another former Darts player, Harry Crawford. Winger, Ryan Hayes scored from the spot to level and Keaton Wood put the Darts in front, but a late equaliser from Matt Fish took the tie to penalties, which Welling United won 4-1.
The result will be familiar to Welling United fans this term, they have drawn both their Kent Senior Cup matches this season 2-2, also with late goals and ended up progressing on penalties. Dartford on the other hand have had a smoother passage to the semi-final with a 2-1 win over relegated National League side Dover Athletic and a 4-2 victory against Isthmian Premier League team Margate.
Dartford have dominated this fixture in the 2021/2022 campaign winning 6-0 at Park View Road in September. Ade Azeez and Luke Allen both netted a brace, but it was Noor Husin who opened the scoring, whilst Danny Leonard grabbed the other. At Princes Park the Darts weren’t as commanding, Welling United went ahead twice before falling to defeat. Afolabi Akinyemi twice put the Wings in front, but Dartford hit back, firstly when Marcus Dinanga scored his first for the club and secondly, when Danny Leonard equalised. Goals from Allen and a second from Dinanga made sure the Darts won 4-2 to complete a league double over Welling United.
Dartford win at Princes Park in their last meeting against Welling United – Dartford FC TV
The Darts warmed up to the semi-final tie with another 3-1 victory over St Albans City in the National South on the weekend. A repeat of the score on the opening day of the season saw Keiran Murtagh score his first goals for the Darts on his 39th appearance. The midfielder netted a brace before Dinanga scored his ninth in just 12 appearances. Dartford also passed 100 goals in all competitions since the beginning of the season.
Welling United were also in action and earned an important point to give them a slender cushion at the bottom. Yet it could have been so much better as the Wings led 2-1 going into injury time at the end of the match. James Roberts gave Havant and Waterlooville the lead, but Warren Feeney’s side turned the game around after Akinyemi and Ade Shokunbi scored. In the final stages, Jake Andrews equalised for the Hawks in the 95th minute. Feeney will be Welling United’s third manager to take on the Darts this season after Mark Goldberg took temporary charge following Steve Lovell’s sacking in September, and former Dartford boss Peter Taylor was in the dugout back in February.
The winner of this semi-final tie will face either Folkestone Invicta or Hythe Town in the final.
Story so far
Second Round Dartford 2-1 Dover Athletic Jordan Greenidge scored twice on debut to start the defence of the Kent Senior Cup. The striker opened his account after eighteen minutes and added a second with fifteen minutes to go. Dover Athletic pulled a goal back, but the Darts went through to the last eight of the competition.
Herne Bay 2-2 Welling United (Welling United won 5-4 on penalties) A stoppage time equaliser from Bradley Pearce took this tie to penalties, which Welling United won. The Wings took the lead in the first-half when Kristan Campbell set up Matty Hew. Herne Bay’s Dan Johnson scored twice to set up an upset, but up popped Pearce to save the tie for the Wings. The visitors prevailed in spot-kicks with D’Sean Theobalds scoring one of the five for Welling United.
Quarter Final Margate 2-4 Dartford Luke Allen opened the scoring after just six minutes to get Dartford on the way, but Margate equalised six minutes later through James Bessey-Saldanha. The Darts pulled away in the second half with goals from Kalvin Kalala, Ade Azeez and Ody Alfa before Vance Bola pulled one back for the hosts.
Welling United 2-2 Tonbridge Angels (Welling United won 4-3 on penalties) Another late goal and another game of penalties sent Welling United into the last four. The Angels went ahead as early as the ninth minute when Jake Embury scored for the visitors, but Mason Saunders-Henry levelled before the interval. The Wings missed a penalty and Tonbridge Angels took advantage with a goal from Ibrahim Olutade. With time running out Welling United were awarded another spot kick which scored, then the hosts went on to win the shoot-out.
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 1 – 0 Welling United (01/01/2019 – National South)
Stats
Dartford have played 13 times against Welling United in the Kent Senior Cup (W8, D2*, L3) * – lost one on penalties
The Darts have only drawn the Wings once in the Kent Senior Cup semi-final winning 2-0 in 1988. Dartford went on to lift the county cup.
Dartford have lost just once in normal time in their last 16 matches against Welling United (W10, D5, L1). The Darts have won five of the last six, drawing the other.
The Darts have won by an aggregate score of 10-2 against Welling United this season eclipsing the previous best of 7-0 in the 2019/2020 campaign.
On This Day
Dartford lifted the Kent Senior Cup in 2016 beating Charlton Athletic in the final at Princes Park. Having beaten Welling United, Gillingham, Herne Bay and Greenwich Borough on the way, the Darts took on the Addicks and won 3-1. Elliot Bradbrook opened the scoring before Charlton Athletic levelled nine minutes later. Ronnie Vint then Ben Francis scored in the second-half to claim the cup. In 1988, Dartford staged a superb second leg comeback to win the Southern League Cup. Finding themselves 3-1 down from the first leg, the Darts won 3-0 at Watling Street to win the cup 4-3 on aggregate thanks to goals from Gary Britnell,, Kurt Davidson and Colin Johnson. in 2008, Brendon Cass scored the winner against Wingate and Finchley on the final day of the season to help continue the Isthmian Division One North title celebrations. The Darts wrapped up the title early and lifted the trophy at Princes Park on this day.