Author: Stuart Maidment (Page 6 of 34)

Dartford v Folkestone Invicta

April 3, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Title ambitions continue for Dartford when they host Folkestone Invicta in the Isthmian Premier this weekend.

Leading the table by a single point, the Darts have five games to hold their nerve as they bid for a return to the National South at the first attempt. Although a draw will secure a playoff place on Saturday, Adrian Pennock’s side know realistically a victory will move Dartford one step closer to their target.

Folkestone Invicta will be the first of three Kent derbies remaining for the Darts in the regular season. Invicta are mid-table and set for a tenth consecutive campaign in the Isthmian Premier when August comes around again, by which time they will have Jay Saunders in charge.

The Darts recorded another away win last time out when they beat Dulwich Hamlet 3-0 in front of a full house. George Whitefield returned to the starting lineup replacing Luther Williams, who along with Louis Dunne wasn’t in the matchday squad. Dunne has now missed the last two games with a strain. Although it took a while to settle into the match, Dartford ran out comfortable winners and were set on their way when Hayden Bullas opened the scoring. Callum Jones doubled the lead before the interval and the striker netted another to seal the victory. Since defeat at Lewes, the Darts have taken maximum points in their last three fixtures taking pole position.

Assistant manager, Roland Edge called last weekend’s result ‘a fantastic victory’, and was pleased with his team’s display, he told Dartford FC TV: “You know when you come to Dulwich, if you don’t perform you go away with nothing. I thought as a team performance it was one of the best of the year so far, which means loads as well because pressure is coming. We know where we are in the league, and we know what we’ve got to do”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

For the final promotion Dartford’s management team are sticking to the same message for their squad, Edge commented: “You’ve got to go out there and believe first and foremost. They have done well; they are top of the league for a reason. If they can maintain what they have done for the majority of the season, then they will end there”.

Despite the pressure a title race can bring the assistant boss urged his players to ‘go and enjoy’ the run in and work hard, he added: “In the next five games they’ve just got to roll their sleeves up and fight. Everyone is tired, everyone in the league is tired, mentally and physically now. We’ve just got to work as hard as we can and see where we end up”.

Dartford won the reverse fixture against Folkestone Invicta just before the Christmas period. The Darts had started to find their groove, approaching the match unbeaten in ten, but were made to scrap it out at Cheriton Road and take a 1-0 away victory. In an even contest it took until almost ten minutes from time for Jones to break the deadlock. Invicta struggled to clear their lines, Michael Olarewaju kept the ball alive to find Jones, who scored the winner from close range.

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Match Highlights courtesy of Invicta TV

It’s been just over 21 years since Dartford last hosted a league game against Folkestone Invicta and that didn’t end well at all. In the days when the Darts played their home games at Stonebridge Road, Invicta ran out 6-1 winners during the 2003/2004 Southern League Division One East campaign. Just over a fortnight later Dartford lost the return match 1-0.

Sandwiched between those fixtures and this season’s win, the Darts have met Invicta in cup competitions. Most notably the Kent Senior Cup Final in May 2022 when Dartford lifted silverware after a 6-2 triumph. Samir Carruthers was part of that side with second-half goals coming from Luke Allen, Ali Mansaray, Connor Essam, a brace from Ade Azeez and Danny Leonard.

In the early part of March and with Folkestone Invicta still hoping for a playoff push, the club parted company with Andy Drury. The former boss was at Cheriton Road since November 2023 and steered Invicta away from relegation last term. Since Drury’s departure, former Folkestone Invicta player Tim Dixon has been in charge. This week the club announced former Tonbridge Angels boss, Jay Saunders as the new manager on a four year deal. Originally due to take charge in August, the Angels have since let Saunders leave early. At the time of writing it has yet to be confirmed if he will be in the away dugout this weekend.

In the time Dixon has been interim manager he has guided his team to a single victory in four matches at the helm. Dixon’s first match finished in a 3-1 defeat at home to Chichester City, in which former Dartford midfielder Jack Jebb came off injured and has not featured since. Jebb made 67 appearances for the Darts scoring nine goals during his time at Princes Park. At the same venue Invicta beat Whitehawk four days later with Daniel Smith scoring the only goal of the game.

Since their last victory Folkestone Invicta have lost two in a row. They were beaten 1-0 on the road by Cheshunt and last weekend they lost against Chatham Town. In a squad that featured former Darts, Ade Yusuff and Luke Allen, Invicta went down 3-1 with Amadou Kassarate netting for Invicta. Yusuff was with Dartford this season and scored one goal in six appearances, whilst Allen departed in the summer after playing 123 games for the Darts and scoring 15 times.

Current League Table (Top 5)

Team	Played	Points	GD
DARTFORD	37	76	+28
Billericay Town	37	75	+34
Horsham	37	72	+29
Cray Valley (PM)	37	68	+17
Dover Athletic	37	66	+32

Current League Form

Dartford (LWLWWW)			Folkestone Invicta (DWLWLL)
Dulwich Hamlet	A	3-0	Chatham Town	H	1-3
Bognor Regis Town	A	2-0	Cheshunt	A	0-1
Hastings United	H	2-0	Whitehawk	H	1-0
Lewes	A	1-3	Chichester City	H	1-3
Horsham	H	2-1	Bognor Regis Town	A	2-1
Cheshunt	A	0-3	Potters Bar Town	H	1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Folkestone Invicta wins: 10 / Draws: 4

Previous Six Meetings

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)**
Dartford 1 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (18/01/2005 – Kent Senior Cup)
* played at Chatham Town
** Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won their last four games against Folkestone Invicta in all competitions
The Darts beat Invicta in December for the first time in the league since 1998, ending a run of five straight league losses against their opponents
Callum Jones was the first Dartford player to score more than once in a game since Boxing Day, when Olly Box bagged a brace against Cray Wanderers.
The Darts have kept three clean sheets in a row for first time since October 2020. Last time Dartford kept four in a row was in April 2018.

On This Day

Charlie Sheringham and Ryan Hayes helped Dartford into the Kent Senior Cup Final on this day in 2011. Sheringham scored twice against Ramsgate before Hayes added a third. The Darts went on to lift the county cup a month later.

Three years ago in the same competition, Dartford defeated Margate 4-2 in the quarter final. Luke Allen opened the scoring, but that was cancelled out by Margate’s James Bessey-Saldanha. In the second-half, Kalvin Kalala put Dartford back in front, Ade Azeez added a third and Ody Alfa a fourth. There was still time for Vance Bola to pull one back for Margate. Once again the Darts went on to win the Kent Senior Cup.

Dartford’s last home game on this day was back in 2010 when they beat Canvey Island in the Isthmian Premier. Danny Harris and Elliot Bradbrook both scored to move the Darts within three points of claiming the title.

Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford

March 27, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford lead the way in the Isthmian Premier heading in to the final six games and next up is an away trip to Dulwich Hamlet this weekend.

The Darts returned to the top of the table last time out after winning at Bognor Regis Town. Victory on the Sussex coast ended a two game losing streak on the road and with Billericay Town falling to defeat it moved Adrian Pennock’s side back to the summit. Despite Dulwich Hamlet’s lowly position in the league, Dartford have yet to beat them this season after a draw in December and a F.A Trophy loss in October. Hamlet have lost their previous two matches and although they are nine points clear of the relegation places, they are not completely out of the woods just yet.

Pennock made just the one change to the starting lineup for the journey to Nyewood Lane on Saturday. Louis Dunne was suffering from a strain and made way for Hayden Bullas in midfield. Jez Pinder was missing from the matchday squad through illness. The Darts recorded a consecutive 2-0 triumph against a Sussex side after beating Hastings United a week earlier at Princes Park.

This time an early goal settled any nerves, and a late clincher wrapped up what the Dartford boss described as an ‘ugly win’. In the sixth minute, a well worked free-kick saw Sam Odaudu run over the dead ball before a pass down the side by Samir Carruthers put the full back through on goal to finish. The Darts defence was rarely threatened all afternoon and with five minutes to go, Callum Jones swivelled in the box to fire in his 12th goal of the season in all competitions.

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Match highlights courtesy of Rocks TV

Dartford are now the frontrunners for the title holding a one point advantage over Billericay Town and just four points ahead of third place Horsham. Whilst that brings its own pressure to the side, Pennock is not getting carried away, he told Dartford FC TV: “We’ve got some hard games, so we’re not counting our chickens yet. It’s going to be difficult, but it’s just nice that we’re in this position because we are punching above our weight. With everybody connected to the football club we’re going in the right direction”. With Dulwich Hamlet next on the horizon, the Darts boss in concentrating on what his players can achieve on the weekend, he commented: “It’s all about us, we’ve got to turn up. We have played very well against Dulwich this year, but they are still a very good side”.

Dartford will have to watch out for former player Luke Wanadio, who has netted in both fixtures against the Darts this term. The forward made 99 appearances and netted 18 goals whist at Princes Park and was Hamlet’s match winner back in October’s F.A Trophy tie. However, the reverse fixture in the league finished 2-2 and saw the Darts take control, lose a lead then salvage a point. Jones opened the scoring, but on the stroke of half-time Wanadio levelled. Ralfi Hand put Hamlet ahead in the second-half until Olly Box equalised.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

This fixture has often seen former players returning to face their old club. Back in December, Josh Hill captained the Darts against his old side. Meanwhile, as well as Wanadio, Dulwich Hamlet also had Jordan Wynter, Danny Mills and George Porter in the matchday squad.

It’s been six years since Dartford lost to Dulwich Hamlet in league competition, a run of eight matches. The last visit to Champion Hill ended in a 2-1 victory in October 2022. The hosts went in front after six minutes when Nana Owusu scored. Just before the interval, Marvin Herschel was brought down for a penalty which Samir Carruthers converted. With six minutes remaining, the Darts made the most of a corner delivered into the box by Carruthers. Charlie Sheringham was there to meet the ball, and his header earned the visitors maximum points.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dulwich Hamlet have some breathing space for now with Hendon occupying the last relegation spot nine points adrift of the London side. However, Bradley Quinton’s side take on Cray Valley Paper Mills after the Darts in a tough couple of weeks. After that Hamlet face Bognor Regis Town, who are in the relegation zone, then Canvey Island, who are point behind them in the division before their final two fixtures.

At Champion Hill, Hamlet have been a lot better than results on the road. This season they have won half of their home matches in the Isthmian Premier compared with just two away victories. Their last three outings have all ended 1-0 with only one of those going Hamlet’s way. A rare victory on their travels against Potters Bar Town was followed with consecutive defeats to Cheshunt and Dover Athletic.

Current League Table (Top 5)

Team	Played	Points	GD
DARTFORD	36	73	+25
Billericay Town	36	72	+30
Horsham	36	69	+28
Cray Valley (PM)	36	65	+15
Dover Athletic	36	63	+31

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWLWW)			Dulwich Hamlet (DLDWLL)
Bognor Regis Town	A	2-0	Dover Athletic	A	0-1
Hastings United	H	2-0	Cheshunt	H	0-1
Lewes	A	1-3	Potters Bar Town	A	1-0
Horsham	H	2-1	Hashtag United	A	3-3
Cheshunt	A	0-3	Lewes	H	1-3
Hendon	A	3-2	Hastings United	A	0-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Dulwich Hamlet wins: 4 / Draws: 5

Previous Six Meetings

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)
Dulwich Hamlet 0 – 2 Dartford (28/08/2021 – National South

Statistics

Dartford have won the last two league games at Champion Hill and are unbeaten in the last three visits
The Darts have kept 15 clean sheets in the league this season, the joint highest with Horsham
Dartford have won all their away games against teams currently in the bottom five. If they beat Dulwich Hamlet that record will extend to the bottom six.

On This Day

Danny Harris and Max Cornhill were the goalscorers 11 years ago when the Darts beat Macclesfield Town 2-1 in the National League. The visitors took the lead at Princes Park when Paul Turnball volleyed from long range. Harris nodded home Lee Noble’s corner and Cornhill scored from close range. That was just Dartford’s second win on this day in the last 13 outings. Surprisingly, Dartford have never won an away match on 29 March in 18 attempts, they have managed five draws in that time.

Bognor Regis Town v Dartford

March 21, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return to Sussex when they take on Bognor Regis Town in the Isthmian Premier this weekend.

Just like last Saturday the Darts need the points as much as their opponents. Adrian Pennock’s side are chasing down Billericay Town at the top and hoping to put their title rivals under pressure. Bognor Regis Town are at the other end of the table trying to dig themselves out of the bottom four and avoid relegation.

It’s the fourth game in a row in which Dartford have faced a side from Sussex and their last visit to the county ended in a second consecutive away defeat. A fortnight ago, the Darts were beaten 3-1 by Lewes at the Dripping Pan, but fortunately they didn’t lose ground as the top three all lost as well. However, Dartford remain in the hunt for automatic promotion thanks to recent home form where they have taken maximum points against Horsham and Hastings United.

The Darts showed astonishing character in the 2-1 home victory over third place Horsham to start the month. A goal down with three minutes remaining, Dartford turned the match around with goals from George Whitefield and substitute Eddie Dsane. Previously at Princes Park, the Darts didn’t need to leave it late and pretty much wrapped up the points a lot earlier.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Last weekend, Pennock made a couple of changes to the side that were beaten by Lewes. Louis Dunne replaced Hayden Bullas in the midfield, whilst Luther Williams was chosen ahead of George Whitefield at the back. Dartford were two up against Hastings United before the interval and that’s how the score stayed. Just before the half hour mark, Samir Carruthers’ curling effort was heading just wide, but former Hastings United full back Sam Okoye headed the opener in at the far post. The defender’s first goal for the club came in his 36^th appearance. Ten minutes before half-time the hosts won a penalty, which Carruthers confidently chipped down the middle.

Dartford were comfortable throughout but couldn’t add more goals in the second half, yet the team took joy in keeping a 14th clean sheet in the league this season. Roland Edge spoke to Dartford FC TV after the win and said: “We controlled the game well. Possibly we should have been a bit more clinical in the final third. Regardless of winning 2-0, a clean sheet was what they were cheering about, which is nice to see, a bit of pride at the back”.

Victory stretched an unbeaten run at home to 12 and in that time the Darts have picked up an impressive ten victories at Princes Park. With seven games to go, Dartford are only two points behind the league leaders and a dozen clear of sixth place. Edge explained that at some point they will need to call on the depth of the squad, he commented: “We are a good squad; we’ve maintained that all the way through the year. The boys that do go onto the bench, they still focus completely on coming on and making a difference”.

The assistant manager added: “It’s never nice to be left out, but those boys that come in on Tuesday and Thursday will work hard and hopefully get back into the team. With seven games to go, it may sound daft, but people start to get leggy and tired and luckily for us we’ve got quality on the bench to change things up”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

So as second place Dartford take on second from bottom Bognor Regis Town, Edge is not expecting the hosts this weekend to be easy, he exclaimed: “You analyse everyone when you’re in management and Bognor have been on some pretty good form. They’ve taken points off some good sides, they are not going to roll over, they are fighting to stay in this league, they’ve got a good manager, it’ll be a tough test”.

Loanees, Dunne and Bullas made their home debuts in the last meeting with Bognor Regis Town. Back in December, the Darts dominated the Rocks with a convincing first half display. Racking up their biggest half time lead in three years, Dartford scored four times. Denzelle Olopade pounced on a rebound, Olly Box doubled the advantage, Whitefield made it three and Josh Hill netted his first since returning to the club.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Final day drama and mixed emotions are evoked when the Darts visit Nyewood Lane. Once again Dartford travel to Bognor Regis during a title race, only Saturday won’t be the ultimate decider. It was heartbreaking on the final day of the 2017/2018 season when Tony Burman’s side needed to better Havant and Waterlooville’s result to become National South champions. Danny Mills and Ronnie Vint scored for the Darts and Ollie Pearce pulled one back for the hosts. With Havant and Waterlooville drawing going into the last minute, former Dartford striker Jason Prior scored a last gasp winner for the Hawks to snatch the title away from Burman’s side.

Happier memories were made eight years earlier when the pressure was off. Already crowned Isthmian Premier champions, Dartford celebrated on the coast during the last game of the 2009/2010 campaign. Jamie Coyle scored the Darts’ 100^th league goal of the season and Lee Noble sealed a 2-0 triumph.

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Match Highlights courtesy of the late sonytino

Bognor Regis Town are up against the odds as they approach their remaining seven fixtures. The Rocks need to make up 12 points to stay in the Isthmian Premier or they will be back at step four for the first time since 2012. With just six league wins all season, the Sussex club has the leakiest defence in the division. If they are going to get themselves out of the trouble then they will be hoping Tommy-Lee Higgs can continue scoring goals, he has 22 of them this term.

A heavy 7-1 defeat to Chatham Town at the end of November spelt the end for former manager Robbie Blake. The ex-Burnley striker departed with the Rocks at the bottom with just three wins and three draws. By mid-December, Jamie Howell and Michael Birmingham were announced joint managers. Last weekend was a marker of the improvement the pair have made when they drew 1-1 with Chatham Town, meaning the Rocks have lost just one of their last five. Over the same number of games as their predecessor, Howell and Birmingham have picked up two more points with eight of those coming in the last five outings.

It was Higgs’ equaliser that earned Bognor Regis Town a draw against the Chats a week ago having fallen behind through a Freddie Sears goal. Captain, Calvin Davies picked up a caution that will rule him out of the next three games. For the Rocks, Dartford will be the third Kent side they have faced in a row having lost to Folkestone Invicta 2-1 a fortnight ago. Former Dart, Jack Jebb put Invicta ahead and Matthias Fanimo made it two. Jasper Mather pulled one back for the hosts in their last home match.

Leading up to the previous two fixtures, Bognor Regis Town went three unbeaten claiming vital victories against fellow strugglers Canvey Island as well as Bowers and Pitsea. The Islanders were swept aside by the Rocks who scored four without reply. Whilst Pitsea were beaten by a single goal netted by Higgs from the spot. The most entertaining game came after those triumphs though. A 4-4 draw with Carshalton Athletic saw Bognor Regis Town squander a three-goal lead built up in the opening 18 minutes to go behind. Four minutes into second half stoppage time Higgs levelled to earn a point.

Current League Table (Top 5)

Team	Played	Points	GD
Billericay Town	35	72	+32
DARTFORD	35	70	+23
Horsham	35	66	+27
Cray Valley (PM)	35	65	+18
Dover Athletic	35	60	+30

Current League Form

Dartford (DWLWLW)			Bognor Regis Town (LWWDLD)
Hastings United	H	2-0	Chatham Town	A	1-1
Lewes	A	1-3	Folkestone Invicta	H	1-2
Horsham	H	2-1	Carshalton Athletic	A	4-4
Cheshunt	A	0-3	Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-0
Hendon	A	3-2	Canvey Island	A	4-0
Chichester City	H	0-0	Billericay Town	H	0-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Bognor Regis Town wins: 1 / Draws: 4

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 4 – 0 Bognor Regis Town (07/12/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Bognor Regis Town 1 – 2 Dartford (28/04/2018 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (07/10/2017 – National South)
Bognor Regis Town 0 – 2 Dartford (24/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 3 Bognor Regis Town (07/11/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (02/05/1981 – Southern League South)

Statistics

Dartford are currently on a seven-game unbeaten run against Bognor Regis Town stretching back almost 45 years (W4, D3)
The Darts have won their last four against the Rocks with an aggregate score of 11-2
Dartford have won in their last two visits at Bognor Regis Town, both on the final day of the season
The Darts have kept 14 clean sheets in the league this season, the joint highest with Horsham

On This Day

Two is the magic number on the 22 March. In Dartford’s last three matches on this day a player has scored twice in a game. Alex Wall scored a brace against Hyde in the National League 11 years ago. The striker headed his first just after half-time and added another against the already relegated side. In 2011, Charlie Sheringham netted two against St Albans City in a 2-2 draw, Ryan Hayes missed a last-minute penalty to win the match. However, it was Hayes who scored twice three years earlier in a 2-1 victory over Ware in the Isthmian Division One North title winning campaign.

Dartford v Hastings United

March 13, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Title chasing Dartford host relegation threatened Hastings United in the Isthmian Premier this weekend.

Both sides have their eyes on maximum points for different reasons. The Darts aim to catch leaders Billericay Town. Dartford not only missed an opportunity to go top last weekend, but they were also fortunate not to lose ground after the top three in the division all lost. Meanwhile, Hastings United claimed a vital victory in their ‘six pointer’ last Saturday, but fell to defeat in midweek. The U’s need wins in their quest for survival.

Adrian Pennock’s side were beaten for a second time in three games last weekend. Samir Carruthers had to take his place on the bench in the 2-1 victory over Horsham because he was caught up in traffic. The midfielder was back in the starting lineup for Dartford’s trip to Lewes in the only change to the side, Louis Dunne moved to the bench.

Once again the Darts went behind and this time it was a deflected Danny Bassett shot which beat Jacob Marsden in the Dartford goal. However the visitors were back level early in the second half when Hayden Bullas took a shot that broke for defender Michael Olarewaju for his first Dartford goal. With ten minutes remaining Marcus Sablier put away a second for the hosts. The same player wrapped things up for the Rooks in injury time as the Darts pushed for an equaliser and were caught out.

During their long unbeaten run Dartford were close to equalling the club record of consecutive away wins. Now they have lost two in a row on their travels for the first time since October.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Sam Okoye came off injured just moments before Lewes went back in front and was replaced by Tyler Christian-Law. It remains to be seen if the pair will face their former club this weekend.

Dunne made his debut in the reverse fixture against Hastings United and the midfielder tasted a 3-0 win. Olly Box earned a penalty, which Carruthers scored. The midfielder was replaced by Jez Pinder just past the hour mark. The substitute made an impact ten minutes later slotting home a pass from Box. Eddie Dsane was introduced and then he added a third.

It’s been 15 years since Princes Park hosted this fixture and last time it was a seven goal thriller. Ryan Hayes scored directly from a corner to get Dartford’s 100th competitive goal of the 2009/2010 season. Ade Olorunda equalised, but Danny Harris nodded the hosts back in front. In the second half, Hastings United went in front when Liam Bellamy and Olorunda scored. Tony Burman’s side fought back after Harris made it all square again. Then late on Elliot Bradbrook grabbed a dramatic winner. The Darts went on to claim the Isthmian Premier League title.

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Match Highlights courtesy of the late sonytino

In October Hastings United parted with manager Danny Bloor and two months later appointed former Braintree Town, Aldershot Town and Ebbsfleet United manager, Danny Searle. Fortunes have yet to turn around as the U’s have not beaten anyone outside of the bottom four since early December. That victory against Chichester City came a week after the defeat to Dartford. Since then the U’s have only managed to win at Bognor Regis Town at the end of December and last weekend against Hendon.

In a crucial fixture between two sides down in the relegation zone, Hastings United came out on top with a 2-0 triumph over Hendon. Former Dartford forward, Davide Rodari scored eleven minutes into the game. The 25 year old made 21 appearances for the Darts in 2022/2023 scoring three times. Just before the hour Reece Grant put more daylight between the two and sealed victory. Maximum points meant the U’s capitalised on results elsewhere as seven of the bottom nine lost last weekend, the Sussex side were the only team to win.

On Tuesday night Hastings United tried to close the gap and make one of their games in hand count. Seven points adrift of safety and three behind Hendon, the U’s hosted Wingate and Finchley. Searle made no changes to the side that beat Hendon in their Tuesday night fixture against Wingate and Finchley. Captained by former Dartford loanee, Adam Lovatt who played just five times for the Darts, the U’s found themselves one down at the interval after Zack Newton’s goal half way through the first half. It took until the last minute for Ore Bello to seal the deal for the Blues condemning Hastings United to defeat.

Hastings United still have a chance to stay up with nine games remaining. The Sussex club are three points behind Hendon with a game and hand and seven behind Canvey Island, who are above the relegation places. The U’s face the Essex side twice in the final stretch.

Current League Table (Top 5)

Team	Played	Points	GD
Billericay Town	34	69	+29
DARTFORD	34	67	+21
Horsham	34	63	+26
Cray Valley (PM)	34	62	+17
Dover Athletic	33	60	+32

Current League Form

Dartford (WDWLWL)			Hastings United (LDDLWL)
Lewes	A	1-3	Wingate & Finchley	H	0-2
Horsham	H	2-1	Hendon	H	2-0
Cheshunt	A	0-3	Chatham Town	A	0-2
Hendon	A	3-2	Cray Valley (PM)	A	1-1
Chichester City	H	0-0	Dulwich Hamlet	H	0-0
Hashtag United	H	2-0	Cheshunt	A	1-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 39 / Hastings United wins: 29 / Draws: 20

Previous Meetings

Hastings United 0 – 3 Dartford (30/11/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 4 – 3 Hastings United (27/03/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Hastings United 1 – 3 Dartford (22/08/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Hastings United 0 – 0 Dartford (03/03/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 2 Hastings United (13/09/2008 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 0 – 2 Hastings United (23/08/2008 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

Dartford have won four of the last five games against Hastings United in all competitions (D1)
The Darts have won the last two at home against Hastings United. Those two matches have produced an average of six goals per game
Dartford have conceded the first goal in each of the last four matches

On This Day

Jack Jebb was involved in both goals as the Darts beat Chelmsford City 2-1 on this day in 2022. The midfielder scored direct from a free kick, then set up Danny Leonard from another set piece. The Clarets pulled one back through Tom Blackwell. Dartford reached the Kent Senior Cup Final on this day in 1988 with a 2-0 semi-final win over Welling United. The Darts went on to lift the county cup to defend their title. Eleven years earlier the Darts won another semi-final in the Southern League Cup to reach the final of the competition for the first time. With the tie against Kettering Town evenly poised from the first leg, Dartford went on to win 4-2 to secure a 5-3 aggregate victory. The Darts won the final against Yeovil Town.

Lewes v Dartford

March 6, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are heading to the Dripping Pan to take on Lewes in the Isthmian Premier this weekend.

The Darts travel to Sussex after getting back to winning ways last time out. Now they will be determined to pick up maximum points and put their previous away day defeat behind them. Lewes set the early pace this season but have since dropped to mid-table. The Rooks look set for another campaign in the Isthmian Premier barring an incredible late surge into the playoffs.

Dartford’s main aim is to keep pressure on table toppers Billericay Town. Victory at the Dripping Pan will return Adrian Pennock’s side back to the summit should the leaders fall to defeat at home against Chichester City.

Pennock’s decisions paid off big time last weekend in the dramatic late win at Princes Park. The Dartford boss described the game as “a great advert for the league” when speaking to Dartford FC TV after the victory. Looking to bounce back from the loss at Cheshunt, the Darts hosted third place Horsham with both sides challenging for the league title. The tough fixture was a test for a Dartford side who had seen their tremendous 21 league game unbeaten run ended a week earlier.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In defence, the reliable Luther Williams was named as a substitute and in came George Whitefield against fellow title challengers Horsham. Whilst, Samir Carruthers made way for Louis Dunne in midfield. Former Hornet, Eddie Dsane had to be patient and wait his turn to be introduced later in the match.

Dartford faced adversity in the first half with the visitors the better side. Jake Elliott deservedly put Horsham in front before Jacob Marsden and his crossbar kept the Darts in the game. Dartford’s Callum Jones had his penalty save, but the hosts were off the pace.

In the second half Pennock brought on Carruthers and Jez Pinder to gain some midfield control as well as Eddie Dsane to help push for a leveller. Those changes were significant as explained by Pennock: “Our fitness levels told; we kept knocking on the door and our second half performance was excellent. I think the first half we were just going a little bit too long, we needed to get that extra pass in”. The introduction of Carruthers aided Dartford’s passing game. The twist came three minutes from time. A low cross by Sam Odaudu found Whitefield to tap in at the far post for the equaliser. Two minutes later, Carruthers sent in a free kick and Dsane was there to score the winner. The Darts are now unbeaten at Princes Park since October spanning 11 games.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Despite defeat on the road a fortnight ago, the Darts had been on a brilliant run of eight consecutive away victories in the Isthmian Premier. Pennock and company will be hoping to start another winning streak on Saturday, but to do that Dartford will need all the help they can get, Pennock commented: “Lewes is a very tough place to go to, but we want our supporters to be backing us because they were excellent again (last weekend).”

A home win against Lewes in November turned out to be the fifth match unbeaten in Dartford’s long undefeated spell. A dominant display against the Rooks ended in a 2-0 triumph. After a number of squandered chances by the Darts, Olly Box opened the scoring in the first half. Just before an hour was played Whitefield put daylight between the hosts and the visitors, scrambling in the second. Lewes were later reduced to ten men after Ethan Kaiser received a second yellow card.

Dartford last visited the Dripping Pan over 14 years ago in a match that ended all square. Tony Burman’s side had to leave it late to rescue a point after Paul Olima put Lewes in front. Tom Bonner hit a low drive to level in injury time. The only other visit was back in January 1983 when Dartford won a F.A Trophy first round tie 2-0. The Darts went on to reach the last eight without conceding a goal.

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Highlights courtesy of the late sonytino

Lewes won their opening six games and seven of their first nine to start the campaign as the pacesetters. Sitting top of the table with 20 points from a possible 24 gave the Rooks optimism. However, since then they tasted victory just three times in the league over the next 23 games, picking up ten draws on the way.

The Rooks finally won back-to-back Isthmian Premier games again to end February and begin March. In their last home fixture Lewes beat Hendon 1-0. Captain, Danny Bassett scored an early goal to earn the hosts maximum points. Last weekend they went to Dulwich Hamlet and claimed a 3-1 win after coming from behind. Hamlet led through Amaru Kaunda, but three second half goals made sure Lewes came away with another three points. Ollie Starkey and a late brace from Bassett sent the Sussex club home happy.

Current League Table (Top 5)

Team	Played	Points	GD
Billericay Town	33	69	+30
DARTFORD	33	67	+23
Horsham	32	63	+27
Cray Valley (PM)	33	59	+15
Dover Athletic	32	57	+30

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWDWL)			Lewes (WDLLWW)
Horsham	H	2-1	Dulwich Hamler	A	3-1
Cheshunt	A	0-3	Hendon	H	1-0
Hendon	A	3-2	Billericay Town	A	2-4
Chichester City	H	0-0	Potters Bar Town	H	2-3
Hashtag United	H	2-0	Cray Valley (PM)	A	0-0
Bowers and Pitsea	A	3-1	Hastings United	A	1-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Lewes wins: 0 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

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)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten against Lewes in four games (W3, D1)
Substitutes have contributed to 15 goals for Dartford this season and seven of those have come in the last ten games
The Darts have gained 17 points from losing positions, six of those have come in their last two victories.

On This Day

Dartford have won their last three on this day all in the Kent Senior Cup and in each season went on to lift the county cup. A Jordan Greenidge brace saw off Dover Athletic 2-1 three years ago. Ronnie Vint and George Sykes scored in another 2-1 win, this time against Greenwich Borough in 2016. Whilst in 2011, the Darts swept aside Whitstable Town 6-1 with goals from Danny Harris, Jon Main, two from Adam Burchell, Tom Bonner and Charlie Sheringham. Dartford’s last road trip in the league was in 2009 when Brendon Cass netted in a 1-1 draw with Bury Ton in the Isthmian Division One North title winning campaign. In all competitions, Dartford are unbeaten in their last 12 games on this day winning nine and drawing three. The last defeat was in 1969 and that is only the third loss in 27 games on the 8 March.

Dartford v Horsham

February 28, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford hope to return to winning ways in a crucial clash against Horsham at Princes Park this weekend.

The Darts were surprisingly toppled last time out ending an incredible unbeaten run of 21 matches, equalling a club record for games without defeat in the league. Defeat allowed Saturday’s opponents, Horsham to close the gap on the Darts to a single point. With the top three separated by just three points, this weekend’s fixture will have an impact on the title race.

Both sides have been able to put strong runs together putting them into the mix for promotion to the National South. Last time they met back in December, the Darts were about to start a record equalling ten game winning streak. Despite being beaten by Adrian Pennock’s side, Horsham bounced back with eight straight victories of their own.

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Match highlights courtesy of Hornets TV

The Hornets went in front that day when Charlie Hester-Cook hit a powerful long-range effort over Dartford goalkeeper, Jacob Marsden. The Darts were level when Samir Carruthers found space in the home side’s box and calmly finished. In the second-half, the midfielder sent Olly Box through on goal, who composed himself before giving the Darts the lead. Three points were wrapped up with eight minutes remaining, Denzelle Olopade fired a low shot through a crowd of players.

Dartford have won their previous four against Horsham, the last four all away from home. Darren McQueen and Luke Allen netted in the 2-0 F.A Cup win six years ago. An Elliot Bradbrook brace and a third from Allan Tait secured a 3-1 victory in March 2010. Princes Park last hosted the Hornets that same season on the opening day of the Isthmian Premier League campaign. The visitors scored first when Russell Eldridge’s free-kick beat Andrew Young. Then an 11 minute second-half spell changed the game. Bradbrook scored on his debut, then shortly afterwards won a penalty which Adam Flanagan dispatched. Bradbrook added his second of the afternoon before Pat Harding pulled one back for Horsham.

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Match Highlights courtesy of the late sonytino

Having taken maximum points in the last eight away games, the Darts were hoping to match their winning run on the road from 15 years ago when they visited Cheshunt last Saturday. Pennock brought Carruthers back into the side, the midfielder’s first start since the 4-0 win over Billericay Town last month. Box also returned to the starting lineup after his substitute appearance in the 3-2 victory against Hendon. Jez Pinder and Eddie Dsane dropped to the bench.

It looked as though the Darts were going to go into the interval all square until Cheshunt’s Donell Thomas broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time. The ambers doubled their advantage when Kenny Coker scored and a third followed from a penalty courtesy of Vas Vasiliou.

Dartford manager Pennock called the defeat in Hertfordshire ‘a bad day at the office’ and felt Cheshunt were worth their win, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the 3-0 loss and said: “I thought they deserved it. I thought that in both boxes they were very good. First half we asked a lot of questions, but they were defending for their lives. You’ve got to give them credit they were, in both boxes, better than us”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Pennock doesn’t want his team to get downhearted after such a fantastic run coming to a halt, but now he must prepare the Darts for a challenging fixture this weekend, he commented: “It’s going to be a cracker because they (Horsham) are flying as well. If we can get a good crowd behind us, like we have done recently…hopefully we will get back on the horse”.

Since defeat at home to the Darts, Horsham have lost just once in their last 14 games, dropping just four points. In that run they have defeated both title contenders Dover Athletic and Billericay Town. The Hornets added another victim to their list of challengers last weekend by overcoming Cray Valley Paper Mills.

Former Dart, Chris Dickson was in the lineup against Cray Valley Paper Mills. The striker played eight games for Dartford scoring three goals during the 2020/2021 season. The 40-year-old was the only change to the side that drew with Chatham Town a week earlier replacing Greg Luer. Meanwhile, Jack Brivio was out with a long-term knee injury and Lee Harding is recovering from an ankle wound that needed stitches. A goal from Reece Meekums and a penalty by James Hammond helped the Hornets to a 2-1 victory. Former Horsham player, Tom Beere reduced the deficit towards the end of the game.

The home win was the Hornets sixth in seven games. On the road, the Sussex club have lost just one of their last seven and that was in their previous trip to Kent. Horsham were beaten 3-0 by Folkestone Invicta just over a month ago, but they did claim maximum points in their only other away fixture since defeating Whitehawk.

Current League Table (Top 5)

Team	Played	Points	GD
Billericay Town	32	66	+27
DARTFORD	32	64	+22
Horsham	31	63	+28
Cray Valley (PM)	31	57	+15
Dover Athletic	31	56	+30

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWDWL)			Horsham (LWWWDW)
Cheshunt	A	0-3	Cray Valley (PM)	H	2-1
Hendon	A	3-2	Chatham Town	H	1-1
Chichester City	H	0-0	Whitehawk	A	2-1
Hashtag United	H	2-0	Hastings United	H	1-0
Bowers and Pitsea	A	3-1	Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-0
Billericay Town	H	4-0	Folkestone Invicta	A	0-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Horsham wins: 2 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Horsham 1 – 3 Dartford (17/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Horsham 0 – 2 Dartford (21/09/2019 – F.A Cup)
Horsham 1 – 3 Dartford (18/03/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 2 Horsham (15/08/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Horsham 3 – 2 Dartford (18/02/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)
Horsham 0 – 3 Dartford (24/01/2009 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

Dartford have won six of the last seven games against Horsham in all competitions (L1)
The Darts are unbeaten in all four home matches versus Horsham (D1)
Dartford are ten matches unbeaten at home (D3). Their longest run without a league defeat at Princes Park since the 2022/2023 season

On This Day

Dartford have never lost a league match at home on this day winning six out of seven. An fortunate own goal handed the Darts a 1-0 win against Basingstoke Town in 2011. Lee Noble hit a shot from 25 yards, which was tipped onto the crossbar by visiting goalkeeper, Chay Morris. The ball dropped onto retreating defender Callum Reynolds, rolled down his chest and over the line.

Dartford left it late three years earlier in the race for the Isthmian Division One North title. On the verge of dropping crucial points, the Darts won a penalty against Waltham Forest during injury time. Jamie Coyle kept his cool to score the only goal of the game and bag all three points for the hosts.

The only side to visit Dartford and come away with anything in the league was Waterlooville in 1997. The Hampshire club drew 2-2 in the Southern League South. The Darts are winless in their last three games on this day. Brentford B won a London Senior Cup quarter-final tie 2-0 at Princes Park three years ago. Dartford drew 2-2 at Hayes and Yeading United in the National South back in 2016 and lost 3-0 at Southport two years earlier in the National League.

Cheshunt v Dartford

February 21, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford have another opportunity to create history when they visit Cheshunt on the weekend.

The Darts will set a new club record of unbeaten league games if they avoid defeat on Saturday and extend their current sequence to 22 matches. Last time out Dartford were made to work for their eighth away win in a row when they took maximum points to stay top of the Isthmian Premier. Another victory on the road will also set a joint best winning away streak in league competition for the Darts.

Dartford came from behind last Saturday in their 3-2 win at Hendon. The Darts have been in such fine form that they’ve rarely needed to claim points after conceding the first goal. In fact, the last time Adrian Pennock’s side had to turn an Isthmian Premier match around was on Boxing Day, in the Kent derby victory over Cray Wanderers, nine league fixtures ago.

There was plenty going on during last weekend’s game. The Darts dropped from first to third and back again, all before a hectic seven-minute period in the second half at the Silver Jubilee Stadium. Pennock made three changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Chichester City bringing in Eddie Dsane, Jez Pinder and Sam Okoye for Olly Box, Louis Dunne and George Whitefield. Creative midfielder, Samir Carruthers was back in the squad after being out with a hamstring injury and made a big impact.

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Match Highlights courtesy of HendonFCOfficial

Even though the pack had been shuffled following three games in a week, the Darts still managed to negotiate their way to victory, but it was far from simple. Battling against relegation, Hendon deservedly led at the break after Nikolai Krokhin scored for the hosts. The twist and turns of the second half started within five minutes of the restart. Denzelle Olopade equalised, then on loan Hayden Bullas netted his first for the Darts. Hendon drew level again through Leo Sery, but on 57 minutes Carruthers converted from the penalty spot for the decisive goal.

A record Dartford will want to maintain this weekend is their perfect one against Cheshunt. The Darts have come out on top in the previous three meetings winning the reverse fixture back in November. A dominating first half display saw the Darts lead at half-time thanks to a Carruthers penalty. In an even second half, the visitors equalised through Tommy Wood. Then 19-year-old, George Whitefield scored a stunner from long range to secure a 2-1 triumph.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Both sides met in the National South during the 2022/2023 season with the Darts winning 2-1 at Princes Park. Pierre Fonkeu scored a brace that made all the difference. Former Dartford academy graduate, Dajon Golding scored a late consolation for the visitors. In the return match, the Darts were helped by a former player when Rowan Liburd scored an own goal. Luke Coulson and Tom Bonner extended the lead before a consolation from the Ambers.

Cheshunt have had mixed results this term, but form has improved since Boxing Day to pull them eight points clear of the relegation zone. In October, long serving manager Craig Edwards departed after defeat against Potters Bar Town. The loss left the Ambers second from bottom with five points from their opening eight games. A fortnight later former Hampton and Richmond Borough boss, Mel Gwinnett was appointed, and he has since moved the Hertfordshire side up to 15th in the table, eight points clear of safety. The new manager will want to improve form at home, where the Ambers have only beaten sides currently in the bottom three.

Gwinnett made eleven changes prior the Hertfordshire Senior Cup semi-final defeat over a week ago. Three of those players, Darion Furlong, Magloire Muyembe and Christian Scott were the only trio retained for last weekend’s fixture against Cray Wanderers. It was all looking good for the visitors when former Wand, Kenny Coker put the Ambers ahead. However, the hosts turned fortunes around with two goals from Nyren Clunis then Soul Kader.

In their last home game, Cheshunt ended a run of four without victory at Theobalds Lane. A last-minute effort from Coker got the Ambers back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory. The home side had to come from behind after former Dartford forward, Davide Rodari gave relegation threatened Hasting United a first-half advantage. Jack Munns levelled for Cheshunt just past the hour mark, then Coker decided the game in injury time.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWDW)			Cheshunt (WWLDWL)
Hendon	A	3-2	Cray Wanderers	A	1-2
Chichester City	H	0-0	Hastings United	H	2-1
Hashtag United	H	2-0	Hendon	H	2-2
Bowers and Pitsea	A	3-1	Hashtag United	A	0-1
Billericay Town	H	4-0	Canvey Island	A	1-0
Wingate & Finchley	A	2-1	Potters Bar Town	A	2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Cheshunt wins: 0 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (09/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cheshunt 1 – 3 Dartford (07/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in 21 league games, their joint best run since the 2007/2008 Isthmian Division One North title winning season.
The club record for unbeaten matches in all competitions stands at 23 set in 1995/1996
The Darts have won eight away games in a row first time since 2016/2017, but that was in all competitions. Last time Dartford won eight in a row in the league was in 2009/2010, when they went a record nine matches.

On This Day

Danny Harris and Lee Noble were on target as the Darts defeated Dorchester down in Dorset in 2011. The National South fixture finished 2-0 to the visitors and is Dartford’s last away win on this day.

Three years later, former Football League side Hereford United visited Princes Park in the National League and were beaten by goals from Alex Wall and Noble.

Five years ago, the Darts won against Eastbourne Borough back in the National South. Jack Jebb’s opener was cancelled out by Greg Luer, but Darren McQueen netted a penalty in a 2-1 victory.

Dartford’s last game on this day ended in an away loss at Hungerford Town in which manager, Steve King and Junior Tiensia were sent off. Jake Robinson scored a late consolation for the Darts.

Hendon v Dartford

February 13, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are on the road for the rest of the month starting with a trip to relegation battlers Hendon this weekend.

The Darts equalled a club record last time out, but extended their unbeaten league run to an astounding 20 games. Coming up to four months since they were last defeated in the Isthmian Premier, Adrian Pannock’s side have climbed to the top of the table where they lead by a point. After a run of 13 league matches without victory, Hendon have slid down the standings and are now in the bottom four. The Greens are five points adrift of safety with a game in hand.

Dartford’s incredible winning streak of ten in a row came to an end on Tuesday night when they hosted an in-form Chichester City, who themselves had won their previous seven. Pennock named an unchanged side for a third consecutive game hoping his side would record 11 victories on the spin for the first time in the club’s 137-year history. With the excellent form both teams were in, it was no surprise the mid-week fixture finished level.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The well-earned point was enough to put the Darts top of the league with goalkeeper, Jacob Marsden keeping a third consecutive clean sheet at Princes Park. Although the Darts fell short of breaking their record, Pennock was pleased with the draw praising his experienced players after two tough fixtures in three days.

On their travels, Dartford have won their last seven for the first time since they recorded nine consecutive away victories in the 2009/2010 Isthmian Premier title winning season. Prior the winning away streak, the Darts had drawn three in a row, so they are now ten unbeaten on the road in the league.

The reverse fixture against Hendon in mid-October displayed the character and endeavour now expected of the players. The Darts had to dig in to get a 0-0 draw against the Greens after Jez Pinder was controversially sent off. The hosts played almost the whole second-half a man down but held out for a draw. The stalemate left Dartford down in ninth and a week later they dropped four more places. Meanwhile, Hendon were looking upwards towards the playoff spots. Since the last meeting between the two sides, the tables have turned dramatically.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Despite a heavy defeat to Dartford’s last conquerors Wingate and Finchley, Hendon hit their purple patch in a series of home matches in November. The Greens picked up ten points from 12 without conceding, which included a 9-0 thumping of Hasting United. A 3-0 win followed three days later over Whitehawk, a team they drew 2-2 with on Tuesday night. Defeat at Billericay Town on 30 November turned out to be Lee Allinson’s last league match in charge, it also turned out to be the start of a terrible run.

The Greens went on to lose another eight in a row, a sequence which included a spell of seven consecutive league games without scoring. At home they are still on a barren run having lost their last six without a single goal to show for their efforts.

A month ago, the club appointed Ben Bukowski as the new manager, and he has helped Hendon to three draws in their last four outings. The latest stalemate came in mid-week with a 2-2 draw in a relegation six pointer at Whitehawk. After on loan debutant Freddie Stanley was sent off inside two minutes, the odds were stacked against the Hendon. The hosts went in front twice through Harry Bridle, but Stefan Illic and Niko Muir pegged back the Hawks.

Dartford’s last trip to Silver Jubilee Park saw them get knocked out of the London Senior Cup almost ten months ago. The semi final tie finished with a young Darts side losing 6-3 to the Greens. During Dartford’s previous two year stay in the Isthmian Premier, the two teams met four times with the Darts losing the first clash 3-0 on the opening day of the 2008/2009 campaign. Brian Haule, James Bent and Chris Bangura all scored for Hendon. The reverse fixture four months later saw a rare Tommy Osborne goal to win the game for the Darts.

The following campaign witnessed Dartford take the Isthmian Premier title. Tony Burman’s side completed a double over Hendon winning at home 5-0 in September 2009. Rob Haworth opened the scoring and Lee Burns doubled the lead. Jay May grabbed a second half brace and in the final minute Lee Noble completed the rout. The penultimate game of that campaign was a closer affair. Danny Harris scored both goals in a 2-1 victory.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWD)			Hendon (WWWWWW)
Chichester City	H	0-0	Whitehawk	A	2-2
Hashtag United	H	2-0	Cheshunt	A	2-2
Bowers and Pitsea	A	3-1	Folkestone Invicta	H	0-2
Billericay Town	H	4-0	Wingate & Finchley	A	3-3
Wingate & Finchley	A	2-1	Carshalton Athletic	H	0-3
Whitehawk	H	4-1	Horsham	H	0-4

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Hendon wins: 3 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Dartford 0 – 0 Hendon (12/10/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Hendon 6 – 3 Dartford (23/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Hendon 1 – 2 Dartford (22/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 5 – 0 Hendon (05/09/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 0 Hendon (06/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Hendon 3 – 0 Dartford (16/08/2008 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in 20 league games. If the Darts avoid defeat this weekend they will equal the 21 without defeat during the 2007/2008 Isthmian Division One North title winning season.
Josh Hill could make is 100th Dartford appearance this weekend. The captain has stared 91 games, made eight substitute appearances and has scored nine goals
Dartford’s 0-0 draw on Tuesday night ended a run of scoring in 18 straight league games, their best run in a season since the start of the 2022/2023 campaign

On This Day

A late Ryan Hayes free-kick rescued a point in the Kent derby with Welling United 14 years ago. The Wings led after Jack Parkinson headed the away side in front. Hayes was introduced to the action and his set piece found its way beyond goalkeeper Tom Lovelock. Dartford last tasted victory on this day back in 1992 when they beat Trowbridge Town 2-0 in the Southern Premier. Since then, the Darts have been beaten 2-1 away at Weymouth in 1997 and 4-1 in another Kent derby at Erith and Belvedere in 2003. The last win on the road on this day was in 1965 when they defeated Margate 1-0 in a Kent Floodlight League tie.

Dartford v Chichester City

February 11, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Isthmian Premier League leaders Dartford aim to create history when they host Chichester City on Tuesday night.

An eleventh win in row will set a club record for one season for the Darts and in the process will extend their unbeaten run to an incredible 20 league games. Adrian Pennock’s side recorded a tenth consecutive victory on the weekend beating Hashtag United. Chichester City are second in the form table behind Dartford. Over the last nine fixtures, the two sides have claimed a combined 52 points out of 54 available.

Pennock selected an unchanged team to take on Hashtag United on the weekend, having led the Darts to victory a week earlier versus Bowers and Pitsea. On Saturday, the lead at the summit changed even though Dartford went in front against the Tags through Callum Jones’ penalty. The striker netted his third in as many matches and fourth in fifth to take his tally to 11 in all competitions. With Billericay Town moving into pole position during the afternoon on goal difference, Olly Box’s eleventh league strike of the season wrestled top spot back from the Essex side.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A fourth consecutive victory at Princes Park means the Darts have gone nine without defeat at home. A consecutive home clean sheet for goalkeeper Jacob Marsden also means Dartford now have the second best defence in the division. Five points now separate the top five, so the Darts will need to make home advantage count considering they host five of the current top nine between now and the end of the season.

Pennock welcomed ‘a big three points’ on the weekend and is looking forward to the mid-week fixture, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “We go again on Tuesday against another good team. We drew 2-2 at their place and they have got some very good footballers. We’re going in the right direction…but it’s another big game for us on Tuesday”. The Dartford boss thanked the fans and urged them to continue their excellent support for the remainder of the season.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford let slip a two goal lead in November’s reverse fixture at Oaklands Park. Despite holding the advantage and only coming away with a point, Pennock felt a draw at the time was a good result. Box scored for a third game in a row to put Dartford ahead, then an own goal from Ben Pashley doubled their lead. In the second half the hosts fought back to earn a 2-2 draw. First, Ethan Prichard pulled one back, then Isaac Bello equalised leaving the spoils shared.

In the context of this season, Dartford had just come out of a period of seven without a league win and had begun to put an unbeaten run together. The stalemate in Sussex stretched the sequence to six matches without defeat, a sequence the Darts keep extending. Chichester City lost three in a row after that comeback, but since then they have climbed the table and are aiming for the playoff places.

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Highlights courtesy of Chichester City FC

The Lillywhites are currently unbeaten in nine league outings and have won the last seven. On the road the Sussex club have won four in a row. On the weekend their game against Folkestone Invicta was postponed, so now they have games in hand over teams above them. Chichester City will want to make those fixtures count as they are currently nine points adrift of the final playoff place.

The Sussex side will approach Tuesday night’s match having had extra rest. Chichester City’s last outing ended in a successive 2-1 victory. The Lillywhites beat Wingate and Finchley at home with all the goals coming in the fist half. Top scorer, Jimmy Wild added his 21st league goal of the season with the opener. The visitors hit back a few minutes later through Ogo Obi, but a penalty in first half injury time by Curtis Da Costa turned out to be the decider. A week earlier, Lloyd Rowlatt netted a 97th winner at Dulwich Hamlet.

Over the last nine games only Whitehawk have managed to take points from Chichester City. On the way to recording seven straight victories, the Lillywhites have also beaten Hendon, Carshalton Athletic, Bognor Regis Town, Chatham Town and Bowers and Pitsea. The last side to defeat the Sussex club was Cray Wanderers back in early December.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWW)			Chichester City (WWWWWW)
Hashtag United	H	2-0	Wingate & Finchley	H	2-1
Bowers and Pitsea	A	3-1	Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1
Billericay Town	H	4-0	Bowers and Pitsea	H	1-0
Wingate & Finchley	A	2-1	Chatham Town	H	2-0
Whitehawk	H	4-1	Bognor Regis Town	A	4-1
Chatham Town	A	2-0	Carshalton Athletic	A	2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Chichester City wins: 0 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

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

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in 19 league games. Another two unbeaten matches will equal the 21 without defeat during the 2007/2008 Isthmian Division One North title winning season.
The Darts could keep a third consecutive home clean sheet in the league for the first time in two years
Dartford have scored in 18 straight league games, their best run in a season since the start of the 2022/2023 campaign

On This Day

On this day Gosport Borough striker, Rowan Vine ended up in goal for seventy minutes as Dartford cruised to a 4-0 victory in Hampshire. Mark Childs was making his Borough debut before getting injured. The experienced Vine, who made plenty of Championship appearances in his playing days donned the gloves as there was no goalkeeper named on the bench. The Darts took full advantage with goals from Andy Pugh, Luke Wanadio, Keaton Wood and Kaka Dembele helping Dartford to their 2017 National South title charge. Two years ago the Darts beat Chippenham Town 2-0 with goals from midfield pair Jack Smith and Luke Allen. Dartford have won five of their last seven on this day, drawing one and losing the other.

Dartford v Hashtag United

February 7, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

New Isthmian Premier leaders Dartford hope to continue their remarkable unbeaten run when they host Hashtag United this weekend.

The Darts are now 18 games without defeat and have risen from thirteenth to the summit in that time. Manager of the Month for December and January, Adrian Pennock has guided his side to nine straight wins in the league and haven’t lost at Princes Park since mid-October.

Hashtag United have also climbed the standings since early November. The Essex club were second from bottom on Guy Fawkes night, now they are sixth after Tuesday’s draw at Bognor Regis Town. The Tags have won five of their last seven in the league to take them within nine points of the playoff places.

Dartford had the opportunity to move to the top of the table last Saturday and took it with a 3-1 win at Bowers and Pitsea. Results elsewhere helped the Darts climb from third to first and lead the division by a single goal with a game in hand.

After extending his loan until the end of season, Louis Dunne started for the injured Samir Carruthers (hamstring) in the only change to the side that impressively beat Billericay Town a week earlier. Carruthers was unable to complete a full half in the previous two games, so Pennock decided not to risk the influential midfielder on an artificial surface. Gabe Campbell also made a cameo appearance as a substitute in the final moments, his first appearance since late November after returning from a loan spell at Ashford United last week.

Dartford took an early lead on 12 minutes when central defender Luther Williams received a short throw in, put in a cross for Denzelle Olopade to nod home his sixth of the season in all competitions. The advantage was doubled with half hour played, Olly Box was composed enough to square the ball to Callum Jones, who netted his third goal in four games.

Late on, January’s goalkeeper of the Month, Jacob Marsden was denied a second clean sheet in a row. Former Dart, Alfie Evans scored twice in the reverse fixture and he netted again with seven minutes to go. But the potential comeback by the hosts was short lived when Jez Pinder made it 3-1 after coming off the bench. Yet again a substitute found his name on the scoresheet, the tenth this season and fifth in as many matches. In doing so, Pinder also scored Dartford’s 24th goal by an academy graduate in all competitions this term.

Marsden saved the day last time Dartford faced Hashtag United in an enthralling 3-3 draw. The reverse fixture in Essex went back and forth, but both sides had to settle for a point in the end. Sam Odaudu provided the Darts with a first-half lead. Then Pennock’s side had to show character after falling behind twice in a hectic final 25 minutes. The Tags equalised through Toby Aromolaran and went in front after Joshua Rusoke scored. Three minutes later Olopade drew Dartford level before Ayo Olukoga put the hosts 3-2 up in the 87th minute. In the final moments Box made it all square again and there was still time for last ditch heroics when Marsden made an incredible save onto the crossbar.

Looking ahead to the next two games, against Hashtag United and the game in hand versus Chichester City, assistant manager Roland Edge is expecting a tough challenge from both opposition. When speaking to Dartford FC TV, he said: “Hashtag are a decent side, we drew with them 3-3 at their place, Jacob (Marsden) made a fantastic save last kick of the game and Chichester was a tough game away as well. So we know what’s coming up. Now is about training hard in the week and to get ready for them to come to us”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Searching for a fourth consecutive win at home, the Darts have scored four in their last two home outings. Dartford closed out January with a 4-0 victory against then league leaders Billericay Town. They also comfortably beat Whitehawk 4-1 at the start of last month. Dulwich Hamlet remain the only away side to take points off the Darts in the last seven matches at Princes Park.

Hashtag United’s slow start to the campaign is a thing of the past. The Tags have shown more consistency since the last time they played Dartford and have gained ground on the playoff places. Captained by former Dartford midfielder Max Cornhill, who played 66 times for Darts scoring nine goals, the Essex club have been one of the form sides in the division behind Dartford, Chichester City and Horsham.

On Tuesday night, Hashtag United showed plenty of character trailing late in the game against Bognor Regis Town. Harvey Rew gave the Rooks an early lead and with 15 minutes remaining Chad Field made it two. It looked as though the Tags were going to fall to defeat versus the side at the bottom, but Misha Djemaili halved the deficit with three minutes left on the clock. Then a couple of minutes later former Dart, Mert Apat equalised. The defender signed for Dartford in the summer and made five appearances before leaving Princes Park. Apat was also on the scoresheet for both sides in the 3-2 League Cup quarter final defeat to Chatham Town recently.

Last weekend, Thomas Anderson scored the only goal of the game to help Hashtag United take maximum points at home to Cheshunt, his 16^th career goal in a Tags shirt. Whilst Josh Osude could be one to watch having picked up back-to-back Player of the Month awards for the club. Victory over the Ambers was their third consecutive home win in the league having previously beaten bottom side Bognor Regis Town and Dover Athletic, who were top of the standings at the time.

On the road, Hashtag United suffered their first defeat in seven when they lost 1-0 at Carshalton Athletic last month. Prior that loss they had impressive wins in Kent at Chatham Town and at title challengers Cray Valley Paper Mills, who they beat 5-1. By contrast they also drew with strugglers Whitehawk as well as Bowers and Pitsea in the two away games leading up to those triumphs.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWW)			Hashtag United (WWWLWD)
Bowers and Pitsea	A	3-1	Bognor Regis Town	A	2-2
Billericay Town	H	4-0	Cheshunt	H	1-0
Wingate & Finchley	A	2-1	Carshalton Athletic	A	0-1
Whitehawk	H	4-1	Bognor Regis Town	H	4-2
Chatham Town	A	2-0	Dover Athletic	H	2-1
Canvey Island	A	1-0	Chatham Town	A	1-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Hashtag United wins: 0 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Hashtag United 3 – 3 Dartford (12/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

Dartford have won nine league games in a row for the first time since March/April 2018, when they won the final nine games of the season
The Darts are 18 matches unbeaten, their best run since 2007/2008 when they went 21 matches without defeat.
Dartford have won their last three home matches and are unbeaten in eight. Their longest unbeaten home run in the league for two years, when they went ten games without defeat between September 2022 to New Year’s Day 2023

On This Day

Max Cornhill was in the side that helped the Darts record a famous victory on this day 11 years ago. Dartford travelled to the Racecourse Ground to take on Wrexham in the National League. Now their worlds are miles apart making the triumph in 2014 even more special. Having lost the reverse fixture 5-1 in November, Dartford were also at the wrong end of the table needing points. Once again, the Darts could rely on their captain Elliot Bradbrook to come up with the goods. It was Andy Pugh who opened the scoring, but Joe Clarke levelled for the Welsh side. Bradbrook scored the winner on the stroke of half-time to secure a memorable away win.

Author: Stuart Maidment (Page 6 of 34)

Dartford v Folkestone Invicta

Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford

Bognor Regis Town v Dartford

Dartford v Hastings United

Lewes v Dartford

Dartford v Horsham

Cheshunt v Dartford

Hendon v Dartford

Dartford v Chichester City

Dartford v Hashtag United

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