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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Dartford’s penultimate home friendly will bring familiarity to warming up for competitive football when they host Gillinghamthis 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 KuryuMatsuki 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.
Three years ago, Cheshunt reached their highest level of football after promotions either side of the abandoned covid campaigns. Twice up through the playoffs, the Ambers won the Isthmian Division One South Central final then the Isthmian Premier final. The Hertfordshire side spent just one season in the National South before relegation and almost suffered the same fate the campaign afterwards. Luckily, they avoided a drop to division one and improved on their previous finish last time out.
2024/2025 Season Isthmian Premier: 15th F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round County Cup: Semi-Final League Cup: 4th Round Top League Scorer: Vas Vasiliou (16 goals)
A slow start with one win in eight may have worried Ambers fans as they occupied a place in the bottom four. The worry was eased when they beat three other strugglers, Hastings United, Whitehawk and Bognor Regis Town in October and November. At the halfway stage it was still touch and go, but Cheshunt improved from Boxing Day gradually pulling away from a relegation battle. In the end they could afford to lose five of the last six and stay up with ten points to spare.
Manager – Mel Gwinnett
A first full season as Cheshunt boss approaches Mel Gwinnett having been appointed in October 2024. Previously of Hampton and Richmond Borough, Gwinnett did well for the Middlesex side. He left in May 2024 after a ninth place finish, but achieved a club record unbeaten run and a F.A Trophy quarter-final appearance. Prior management, the Ambers boss picked up experience as a coach at Barnet, Exeter City, Milton Keynes Dons and Stevenage. He also had a spell as football operations manager at Bristol Rovers.
Summer Transfers
Gwinnett’s first summer at Isthmian Premier level has seen the Cheshunt boss bring in a familiar face. Connor Kurran-Browne played under the Ambers boss at Hampton and Richmond Borough, the forward joins the Hertfordshire club.
Jesse Effa will provide width to the attack, the winger has signed from Southern League Division One Central side Hadley. Defenders, Bradley Roberts and Jack Turner were at Cheshunt last season. Both players have made a permanent move to the Hertfordshire club from Hemel Hempstead Town and Chelmsford City respectively.
Arthur Iontton is now an Amber after leaving Wingate and Finchley this summer. Striker, Stefan Vukoje netted in the Isthmian South East playoff final to help Burgess Hill Town win promotion, he is a new addition to the Cheshunt squad. Midfielder, Gucci Soulya-Osekanongo started last season with Bedford Town andjoins from Ware. George Nunn had a previous loan spell for the Ambers and is back after arriving from Cobh Ramblers.
Leaving Cheshunt over the summer, Callum Morris joins Canvey Island. Kenny Coker moves to promoted Dover Athletic. Jack Munns, Nathaniel Orafu and Fin Titchmarsh join Potters Bar Town. MJ Muyembe is now at Leighton Town. Tobias Braney, Donell Thomas, R’avan Constable have all departed as well. Club captain, Jack Thomas has moved to for Royston Town. Midfielder, Donell Thomas moves to Folkestone Invicta. Rob Hall retires for a coaching role at Oxford United. Sol Baugh stays in the Isthmian Premier with Dulwich Hamlet.
Ten times Kent League champions, Chatham Town have significantly progressed over the last four years. Now playing at their highest ever level, the Kent side got to the Isthmian Premier with consecutive promotions. In 2022, the Chats racked up 100 points and 122 goals, finished second and went up. In the league above they went one better claiming the Isthmian Division One South East title. Two years ago they finished runners up in the Premier.
2024/2025 Season Isthmian Premier: 9th F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round F.A Trophy: 2nd Round County Cup: 1st Round League Cup: Runner Up Top League Scorer: Freddie Sears (21goals)
Heading to the halfway stage of the season Chatham Town were in a comfortable position. They had just gone 11 games unbeaten including a 5-0 win over Whitehawk and a 7-1 away victory at Bognor Regis Town in consecutive weekends. The Chats were fourth and looking likely to repeat their previous season’s challenge for promotion. In the New Year form took a turn and that’s what cost the Kent side in the end. Chatham Town lost six out of seven to begin 2025. The Chats did recover well and put another impressive unbeaten run together. They picked up 23 points from 27 available over a productive March.
Manager – Kevin Hake
Winner of the Isthmian Premier League Manager of the Season award in 2024, Kevin Hake led the Chats to the playoff final. He took over as Chairman eight years ago after Vhatham Town were relegated to the Southern Counties East. Gradually Hake has built the club up again by increasing attendances. When football resumed after Covid, Hake became manager. He won consecutive promotions and came close to a third in a row before last season’s top ten finish.
Summer Transfer
Former Dart, Ben Allen has joined from Margate. The forward made ten appearances for Dartford last season and scored twice. Sam Sene-Richardson has committed his future to the club by signing his first contract. Last season he scooped the Young Player of the Season and Player of the Season Awards. Alex Giles had a brief spell with the Chats in 2023/2024 and was on loan at Aveley last season, the central defender joins from Gillingham.
Tope Fadahunsi was relegated with Hendon last season, so the forward can start afresh with the Chats this term. Chatham Town’s third addition was Harvey Walker from Welling United, he’d previously played for Queen of the South. Relegated from the National South with Aveley last season, Adam Leathers will be wearing the red of Chatham Town.
Midfielder, Ralf Hand has made the switch from Dulwich Hamlet. Young central defender Elliott Wenham joins from Maidstone United after graduating from their academy. Sam Folarin will provide an attacking option having arrived from Northwood.
At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Josh Fowler comes in from Snodland Town. He will have competition with Henry Molyneux, who finished last season on loan from Championship side Sheffield United.
Another addition is right back Oliver Evans, who featured in 23 games for Millwall under 21’s last term. Relegated with Hasting United, Kian Moynes came through the U’s academy and will remain in the Isthmian Premier with Chatham Town. Reece Butler was not only retained, but was also named as the new captain.
Another former Dart, John Ufuah has signed for Welling United. Ex Premier League striker Freddie Sears reached a mutual agreement to leave. Jabari Christmas had limited game time with the Chats and has joined Lewes. After some confusion Jack Evans left the Chats to join Billericay Town.
Elected as founder members of the Isthmian League Division Two 54 years ago, Carshalton Athletic have spent just two seasons outside the Isthmian Leagues. The Robins were part of the first two years of the National South’s existence in 2004 before returning. Despite relegation to Division One South in 2018, Carshalton Athletic were back four years later with a title and promotion. A runner up place was followed up by mid-table finishes.
2024/2025 Season Isthmian Premier: 7th F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round County Cup: Semi-Final League Cup: 4th Round Top League Scorer: David Smith (18 goals)
In the final few months of last season Carshalton Athletic always had an outside chance of reaching the playoffs. In the end they finished a couple of wins short thanks to a strong finish. The Robins put an eight-game unbeaten run together in November and December and after four straight defeats, went another seven without a loss. The Surrey side won their final three games scoring 12 goals and conceding just three. At home, they went unbeaten against the sides who finished below them in the table. On the road they beat half of the top six.
Manager – Peter Adeniyi
Former midfielder, Peter Adeniyi joined Carshalton Athletic as a player coach nine years ago and later became Director of Football. Whilst in that role he took on the manager’s job of Merstham in June 2022. So at one stage in his career he represented two clubs at the same time. A couple of years ago, Adeniyi returned to the managerial hotseat at Colston Avenue. Now he is full focussed on the Robins.
Summer Transfers
The Robins have been concentrating on keeping those from last season’s squad. Top scorer David Smith as well as the Players and Fans Player of the Year, Fabio Saraiva have committed to new one-year deals with the club. Joint Young Players of the Year, Brayn Ifeanyi and Mason Suanders-Henry have also agreed to stay on.
Former Dartford loanee, Kwaku Frimpong has agreed to join National South side Worthing. The midfielder spent September 2022 on loan at Princes Park making two substitute appearances. Having enjoyed 14 years at Carshalton Athletic, former captain Paris Hamilton-Downes has joined Merstham.
A summer trip to the north Kent coast to play Herne Bay will continue preparations for Dartford on Tuesday night.
The Darts look forward to their first away fixture having played two at home so far. At Princes Park, Adrian Pennock oversaw a narrow defeat versus Charlton Athletic and a win against Eastbourne Borough on the weekend.
Dartford fielded a strong team on Saturday and made ten changes with an hour played. Samir Carruthers scored the only goal after 15 minutes, but manager Pennock isn’t too bothered about the results during pre-season. He spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It was a good run out, a lot of players had an hour. We’re just getting the minutes under our belt. I’m pleased with the fitness levels. I promise you now I’m not really worried about results”.
Herne Bay began their pre-season early starting on the first day of July. Tuesday night will be the Bay’s sixth friendly. Under new head coach Liam Friend, the Bay have won all but one of their friendlies. Kennington were beaten 3-1 before Hollands and Blair were defeated 5-0. Herne Bay lost their next fixture 2-0 against Phoenix Sports. Over the last week the Kent side recorded a 2-0 victory over Chipstead and a 7-2 win versus Hythe Town. The Darts should provide a tougher test as Bay’s opponents so far have all come from a lower division.
Tyler Christian-Law won’t have to wait too long to see his old teammates again. The midfielder has signed for Herne Bay after making 42 appearances for the Darts last season.
It was back in the nineties when Dartford came up against Herne Bay during the Kent League days. The Darts began their journey back up the footballing pyramid after reforming in the early part of that decade.
At the time of applying for promotion to the Southern League, Herne Bay won the Kent League in 1993/94. Despite becoming champions the Bay stayed in the division. It was during this period when the Darts faced Herne Bay six times in the league. Goals were at a premium though as half of those matches finished 0-0.
It took until Dartford’s promotion season to record a first league win over the coastal club. However, the Darts have won the last three meetings all in different competitions. The most recent victory was a Kent Senior Cup tie in February 2016.
Whilst for Herne Bay, after finishing runners up in consecutive seasons they finally won promotion via the playoffs in 2012. They had one campaign in the Isthmian Premier before returning to step four a couple of years ago.
The Bay spent the second part of last season hovering around where they finished in 16th spot. Although the Isthmian Division One South East side enjoyed some big wins towards the tail end of the season. One of those victories was a 9-1 mauling against last place Lancing.
