Category: Match Preview (Page 1 of 18)

Dartford v Leatherhead

September 12, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford hope to continue their run in the F.A Cup by overcoming Leatherhead at Princes Park this Saturday.

The Darts will be determined to avoid an upset against the Isthmian South Central side and put their heavy derby defeat behind them. Leatherhead are on their fifth cup game already. Having started in the F.A Cup preliminary round, the Tanners also began their F.A Trophy campaign last weekend.

Adrian Pennock named an unchanged side for a fourth consecutive match against rivals Dover Athletic last time out. The Dartford boss could make some changes to the starting eleven after his side fell to a 5-1 away defeat. Costly mistakes helped the hosts race into a half-time lead and after the break they went four goals up. Jeremiah Pinder’s fine strike was merely a consolation, but it was the academy graduate’s maiden goal for the first team. There was still time for Dover Athletic to net a fifth on a disappointing afternoon for the Darts. With the run of four consecutive wins coming to an end, Dartford dropped to fifth in the league.

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Post match interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Luther Williams has started every game for the Darts since joining from Leatherhead in the summer. The defender could face his old side, so could striker Eddie Dsane who played for the Tanners during the 2019/2020 season. Meanwhile, Duane Ofori-Acheampong is still recovering from his pre-season injury and yet to feature since rejoining Dartford.

Brendon Cass scored twice last time the Darts played Leatherhead 17 years ago. After shifting from the Isthmian Division One South to the North, Dartford hosted the Tanners in the F.A Cup preliminary round as equals. Tom Bradbrook also found the back of the net in the 3-0 victory. Tony Burman’s side went two more rounds before going out to higher non-league opponents Bromley.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

A season earlier Dartford and Leatherhead were in the same division and it remains the only time the pair have met in the league. On both occasions the away team brought home maximum points. Leatherhead were the last side to play the Darts in a league fixture before the Princes Park homecoming and the Tanners won 2-1, Cass scoring for the hosts. The reverse match almost a month later saw Dartford win 1-0, this time Jay May netted the winner.

In this season’s F.A Cup, a convincing 6-2 win over Marlow eased the Darts into the second qualifying round. Scoring in his third consecutive appearance, Dsane put Dartford in front at Princes Park. Just before the break Oliver Box got off the mark for the campaign by doubling the lead moments later. Then early in the second half Box added another. Marlow pulled a goal back from the spot before Ben Allen scored his first goals for the Darts either side of the away side’s second. Wrapping up the victory, Callum Jones grabbed his second in as many games.

Leatherhead have negotiated through two rounds this term under the guidance of former F.A Cup winner Ian Selley. The ex Arsenal midfielder lifted the cup in 1993 when the Gunners beat Sheffield Wednesday in a replay. It was his current club who needed a replay a fortnight ago after the Tanners drew 2-2 at Dulwich Hamlet. Leatherhead came from behind with goals from Seb Karczewski, but a late leveller forced the two sides to battle it out again days later. The F.A Cup upset was completed in the rematch when Tom Kavanagh converted from the spot with five minutes remaining.

In the preliminary round Leatherhead were drawn against Isthmian South East side Sevenoaks Town. Two well taken strikes from Deondre Date and Marco Haigh were enough to see the Surrey side through. Date was also the match winner last weekend for the Tanners in their 1-0 F.A Trophy triumph over Hayes and Yeading United.

Cup runs have meant little action in the league for the Tanners. Prior to their scheduled trip to Guernsey on Wednesday, Leatherhead had picked up just one point from their opening three Isthmian South Central games. An opening day draw at Southall was followed up with defeats at home to Hartley Wintney and on the road at Selley’s former club Westfield.

The trip to the Channel Island of Guernsey was well worth it. Level on points with their opponents, the Tanners took a two goal half time lead with goals from Karczewski and Date. In the final minute Kwesi Ntim added a third to wrap up a fine evening for the Surrey side, who have now gone three consecutive matches without conceding.

Current Form

Dartford (LWWWWL)			Leatherhead (LLDWWW)
Dover Athletic	A	1-5	Guernsey	A	3-0
Marlow Town (FAC)	H	6-2	Hayes & Yeading (FAT)	A	1-0
Chatham Town	H	3-1	Dulwich Hamlet (FAC)	H	1-0
Carshalton Athletic	A	1-0	Dulwich Hamlet (FAC)	A	2-2
Canvey Island	H	2-0	Westfield	A	1-3
Potters Bar Town	H	0-1	Hartley Wintney	H	2-3
(FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Leatherhead wins: 2 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 0 Leatherhead (01/09/2007 – F.A Cup)
Leatherhead 0 – 1 Dartford (21/11/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Leatherhead (30/10/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 5 – 2 Leatherhead (09/10/2004 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 2 – 1 Leatherhead (25/01/1982 – F.A Trophy)
Leatherhead 5 – 1 Dartford (09/02/1978 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

Dartford have won all three home cup ties against Leatherhead (1982, 2004 and 2007)
In all competitions, the Darts have won the last two games against the Tanners
Dartford have exited the F.A Cup at the second qualifying round stage in three of the last fours seasons
Leatherhead have reached this stage for the first time in three years and it’s been six years since the Tanners made it past the second qualifying round

On This Day

Dartford progressed in the F.A Cup on this day in 2003 by beating Peacehaven and Telscombe. The Darts were two divisions higher than their Sussex County Division Two opponents and won 3-0. Five years ago and early Charlie Sheringham goal set Dartford on their way to a 2-0 league victory over Concord Rangers, Alex Flisher scored the other. Dartford have won six out of nine home games on 14 September. The first ever fixture on this day back in 1895 saw the Darts win a friendly 10-0 against Pickwicks.

Dover Athletic v Dartford

September 6, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Third place Dartford take on high scoring Kent rivals Dover Athletic in the Isthmian Premier on the weekend.

The two relegated sides from the National South meet at The Crabble with the Darts looking for a seventh straight victory against the Whites. Both teams have responded well to the disappointment of dropping a division. Dartford have won five of their opening six fixtures in all competitions. Dover Athletic are the league’s top scorers and just two points behind in fourth.

Princes Park is seeing the feel good factor return and it was Dartford’s turn to bag plenty of goals last weekend in the F.A Cup. A convincing 6-2 win over Marlow eased the Darts into the second qualifying round. Scoring in his third consecutive appearance, Eddie Dsane put the hosts in front. Just before the break Oliver Box got off the mark for the campaign by doubling the lead moments later. Then early in the second half Box added another. Marlow pulled a goal back from the spot before Ben Allen scored his first goals for the Darts either side of the away side’s second. Wrapping up the victory, Callum Jones grabbed his second in as many games.

Once again Adrian Pennock was able to name an unchanged team for a third game in a row and for the first time he used all five substitutes giving Gabe Campbell his debut. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers continued to build up his fitness since returning from injury and made his 50th Dartford appearance by coming off the bench. Striker, Duane Ofori-Acheampong is still recovering from his injury picked up in pre-season.

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Post match interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Meanwhile Dover Athletic thought they had escaped an upset against Isthmian South East side Sittingbourne with the help of goalkeeper Mitch Walker and a couple of injury time goals. The Whites were two down after 25 minutes at Woodstock Park. Henry Sinai and Ryan Kingsford put the hosts in command and they held out until the 93rd minute. The cup drama began when Walker’s deep free kick was sent towards the box and astonishingly found its way in the Sittingbourne net. Two minutes later Alfie Matthew’s saved Dover Athletic’s blushes temporarily in the 2-2 draw. Three days later Jake Leberl’s side were knocked out in the replay losing 1-0.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford completed the double over Dover Athletic last season winning 2-1 in the previous match at the Crabble. Marking his first league start for the Darts, Box scored his first league goal for the club. Destiny Oladipo equalised in the second half, but Luke Coulson netted a decisive penalty in a 2-1 triumph. The reverse fixture took place during last season’s August Bank Holiday. James Golding and Lewis Manor scored their first goals for Dartford and it could have been better had Coulson put away a penalty.

The two victories last term claimed a second double against Dover Athletic in a row. In the previous campaign Dartford won 3-1 at the Crabble scoring three first half goals. Carruthers, Coulson and Maxwell Statham put the visitors in control. Dover Athletic grabbed a consolation through Luke Baptiste. At Princes Park, Harvey Bradbury gave Dartford an early advantage that was cancelled out by Jordan Higgs prior the interval. Luke Allen settled the match inside the final ten minutes with a well taken finish.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford have taken maximum points in their two Kent derbies this term. The Darts beat newcomers Cray Valley Paper Mills on the opening day 2-1. On Bank Holiday Monday they hosted Chatham Town and won 3-1 after going a goal down.

Dover Athletic started the season with a phenomenal result thrashing Potters Bar Town 8-0, equalling the record win for the club. George Nikaj, who was ruled out of Tuesday’s defeat through injury, took home the match ball with a hat-trick and is already on eight goals for the season in just five matches. However, the Whites followed up the rout with a Kent derby defeat in their opening home game against Folkestone Invicta and a draw on the road at Billericay Town.

Since dropping points Dover Athletic picked up maximum points over the Bank Holiday weekend taking their goal tally to 19, nine more than anyone else. This time Ruben Soares-Junior scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 victory over newly promoted Chichester City. Then two days later the Whites went to Horsham and claimed a 3-1 triumph.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWWW)			Dover Athletic (WLDWW)
Chatham Town	H	3-1	Horsham	A	3-1
Carshalton Athletic	A	1-0	Chichester City	H	5-2
Canvey Island	H	2-0	Billericay Town	A	1-1
Potters Bar Town	H	0-1	Folkestone Invicta	H	2-3
Cray Valley Paper Mills	A	2-1	Potters Bar Town	A	8-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 18 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (17/02/2024 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Dover Athletic (28/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National South)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (13/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

Dartford have won their last six matches against Dover Athletic in all competitions
The Darts have won the last two league games at the Crabble having won just twice in the previous nine league visits (D4, L3)
Dartford have lost just one of the last ten in the league against the Whites (D1, L1)
The Darts have conceded the fewest goals in the league (3). Dover Athletic are the top scorers (19)

On This Day

Reigning Southern Premier League champions and F.A Trophy runners up, Dartford played the previous incarnation of Dover fifty years ago on this day. In the season after reaching Wembley and winning the league title the Darts drew 1-1 with Dover in 1974. Dartford have failed to win their last three on this day last tasting victory on 9 September in 1997 versus Clevedon Town, 3-1 in the Southern League South. Two goalless draws followed in a Southern League Division One East fixture at Fleet Town in 2002 and a National League match at Chester in 2013. In 2019, Dartford were involved in a seven goal thriller at Princes Park losing out to Dorking Wanderers 4-3.

Dartford v Marlow

August 30, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford begin their F.A Cup campaign with a first qualifying round tie against Southern Premier League South side Marlow this weekend.

The Darts enter at this stage for the first time in 15 years and are hoping for a first F.A Cup victory since October 2021. Under previous manager Alan Dowson, Dartford failed to win in the F.A Cup. Current boss, Adrian Pennock will be desperate to avoid going out at the first hurdle. The last time that happened to the Darts in three consecutive seasons was in the fifties between 1951 and 1953.

Marlow reached the second qualifying round last season going out to Horsham in a replay. The Blues started the previous campaign at the preliminary stage beating Wallingford and Crowmarsh then AFC Croydon Athletic. The Blues did once reach the semi-final back in 1882 losing 5-0 to eventual winners Old Etonians at the Kennington Oval.

Pennock has had to wait six months for his first attempt at the F.A Cup with the Darts. His side approach the tie having picked up 12 points in their opening five Isthmian Premier League games. Dartford’s double delight over the Bank Holiday saw them climb up to third in the table showing different sides to their game against Carshalton Athletic, then in the Kent derby versus last season’s Isthmian Premier runners up Chatham Town.

Pleased with his side’s performance at Carshalton Athletic, Pennock stuck to the same starting eleven two days later. If the away victory in Surrey displayed Dartford’s grit and determination to hold on to a 1-0 lead, the home win on Monday proved his team has the character to come from behind and cause an attacking threat.

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Although Chatham Town went in front, the Darts won in the league for a third time in a row, the first time since December 2022 to January 2023. Jamie Vila put the visitors ahead and almost doubled the lead before the interval, only for goalkeeper Matt Kerbey to prevent the striker.

Sam Odaudu has been in excellent form and his 25 yard drive put Dartford on level terms early in the second half. The full back has now scored two in his last three appearances having found the net just once in 60 games previously. With six minutes to go Callum Jones fired a shot off the underside of the crossbar to put the Darts ahead. The deal was sealed in stoppage time when Eddie Dsane was fouled in the Chatham Town box. The striker took his chance from the spot to secure a 3-1 win. Dartford’s trio of goalscorers all move onto two goals for the season.

Isthmian Division One South Central runners up Marlow won promotion last term via the playoffs. Before promotion to step three, the Buckinghamshire side had been knocking on the door. The Blues lost in the playoff semi-final in 2019 and 2023, the fifth time they had missed out on a place in a playoff final in the club’s history. Finally, they made it by beating Westfield 3-2, then Leatherhead 3-1 in the final. A deserved reward for the Blues after amassing 89 points and netting 106 goals, the most scored in their division last term.

This season they are finding their feet after moving across to the Southern League. Marlow are sitting bottom with just a single point from their five outings. That draw came on the opening day against Winchester City. Since then they have fell to four consecutive defeats, the first two of those on the road at Waltham and Hersham, then Sholing.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Marlow found the back of the net for only the second time. David Tarpey scored against Poole Town, but it wasn’t enough in a 2-1 loss. The forward scored a wonder goal against the Darts, which went viral, back in December 2016 whilst playing for Maidenhead United. On Monday, the Blues registered another blank losing 2-0 to Hanwell Town.

Dartford have faced Marlow once previously in 1990. The Darts beat the Buckinghamshire side 3-1 in the Premier Inter League Cup first round. At the time a competition between the Southern, Isthmian and Northern Premier League teams.

Current Form

Dartford (WLWWW)			Marlow (DLLLL)
Chatham Town	H	3-1	Hanwell Town	A	0-2
Carshalton Athletic	A	1-0	Poole Town	H	1-2
Canvey Island	H	2-0	Sholing	A	0-1
Potters Bar Town	H	0-1	Waltham and Hersham	A	0-3
Cray Valley Paper Mills	A	2-1	Winchester City	H	1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Marlow wins: 0 / Draws: 0

Previous Meeting

Marlow 1 – 3 Dartford (09/10/1990 – Premier Inter League Cup) 

Cup Statistics

Dartford have lost seven of their last nine home F.A Cup ties. Victories came against Barking (2017) and Hythe Town (2021)
The Darts have won their last three F.A Cup first qualifying matches beating Sittingbourne in a replay (5-1 in 2007), Hastings United (3-2 in 2008) and Chipstead (6-1 in 2009)
Hastings United were the last side to knock Dartford out at the first qualifying round stage back in 2006

On This Day

Dartford’s only F.A Cup tie on this day was in 2003 when they beat Bashley 1-0 at home in the preliminary round. The Darts have won just one more cup game on 31 August, a 2-0 Southern League Cup victory over rivals Gravesend and Northfleet in 1982. In the same competition, Dartford drew 2-2 with Chelmsford City in 1965 and 1-1 against Margate the year before. Hastings United defeated the Darts 5-2 in the league cup in 1960, the two sides had also drawn 1-1 five years earlier. The last win on this day was back in 2009 when Lee Burns and Elliot Bradbrook scored in a 2-0 victory over Hornchurch. Most recently in 2019, Norman Wabo rescued a point versus Hemel Hempstead Town.

Dartford v Chatham Town

August 25, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford host their first Kent derby of the season when they face last season’s runners up Chatham Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

The two sides meet for the first time in 17 years and are are both expected to be challenging for promotion this term. The Darts are looking for a way back to the National South at the first attempt, despite making wholesale changes over the summer. The Chats missed out last time losing the playoff final.

A victory on Saturday saw Dartford move above their opponents Carshalton Athletic and into fourth. Adrian Pennock has now guided the Darts to three wins in their opening four matches, their best start in three years. Chatham Town also took maximum points on the weekend and sit two points and four places further back.

The Darts have already tasted triumph in a Kent derby beating newly promoted Cray Valley Paper Mills on the opening day. Although Pennock’s side fell to defeat in their first home game against Potters Bar Town, they bounced back with a 2-0 Princes Park win over Canvey Island.

On Saturday, Dartford travelled to unbeaten Carshalton Athletic and Eddie Dsane’s first goal for the club was enough to bring home all three points. Tyler Christian-Law was back in the side after his strike against Canvey Island replacing defender Mert Apat. Meanwhile, returning from injury Samir Carruthers was named on the bench and was introduced with just over ten minutes to go.

Duane Ofori-Acheampong remained an absentee, whilst young defender George Whitefield missed out on selection. Former West Ham United academy full back, Samuel Caiger joined the Darts after impressing on trial. The 22 year-old has returned from a long term injury and will now spend a month on loan at Southern League Premier Central side Hitchin Town.

Dsane opened his account in the first half netting a maiden goal since his move from Kingstonian in the summer. Good work from Denzelle Olopade set up the striker to give Dartford a lead inside the first twenty minutes. The Darts held off Carshalton Athletic late on with spirited defending and a good goalkeeping performance by Matt Kerbey. For the first time in a year Dartford have now kept back to back clean sheets in the league.

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Post match interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Brendon Cass was Dartford’s scorer last time this fixture was played in April 2007. However, it was to no avail as the hosts went down 3-1 in the Isthmian Division One South. The reverse fixture four months earlier went better for Tony Burman’s side as they won 3-2 thanks to goals from Ryan Hayes, Jay May and Lew Watts.

At the end of that season Dartford switched to the Isthmian Division One North and won the title at the first attempt. A couple of years later the Darts were Isthmian Premier champions. After two more campaigns they were up from the National South to the National League via the playoffs. In that same period Chatham Town remained in Isthmian Division One bouncing between the South and North divisions until relegation to the South Counties East in 2017.

Fortunes have changed with Dartford now back in step three joining Chatham Town. The catalyst for the Chats seems to be chairman and now manager Kevin Hake, who took over the club seven years ago following the drop to step five. Hake became manager after the Covid years and won consecutive promotions before almost making it three in a row last term.

Labelled as one of the favourites for the title prior to the start of the season, Chatham Town lost their opening day fixture at Lewes. At a goal down, Jamie Yila missed a late penalty for the Chats before the Rooks went on to score another. Their first home match of the season ended in a draw with another side expecting to be challenging for promotion in Billericay Town. With Chatham Town a goal down two minutes into second-half stoppage time, a point was rescued when Kofi Anokye-Boadi equalised.

Four days later two former Dartford players found the back of the net as the Chats recorded their first win of the season. Jack Evans and Rowan Liburd scored in a 2-0 victory over Bowers and Pitsea. Evans made 16 appearances for the Darts in the 2012/2013 season scoring twice. Liburd featured just three times whilst on loan in 2019/2020.

On the weekend Chatham Town hosted Dulwich Hamlet and secured a second win in a row. Yila scored his first of the season to make sure the home side went into the interval with an advantage. Three minutes into the second half former Dartford winger Luke Wanadio levelled, but the hosts restored their lead through former West Ham United striker Freddie Sears. A two goal cushion was assured when Sam Sene Richardson added a third. Maxwell Statham made his Chatham Town debut on loan from Hemel Hempstead Town and could face his former side. The ex-Dart left this summer after making 78 appearances for the club.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWW)			Chatham Town (LDWW)
Carshalton Athletic	A	1-0	Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-1
Canvey Island	H	2-0	Bowers and Pitsea	A	2-0
Potters Bar Town	H	0-1	Billericay Town	H	1-1
Cray Valley Paper Mills	A	2-1	Lewes	A	0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 30 / Chatham Town wins: 40 / Draws: 11

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 3 Chatham Town (09/04/2007 – Isthmian Division One South) Chatham Town 2 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2006 – Isthmian Division One South) Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (15/04/2006 – Southern League Div One East) Chatham Town 1 – 0 Dartford (27/09/2005 – Southern League Cup)
Chatham Town 1 – 0 Dartford (20/09/2005 – Southern League Div One East) Chatham Town 1 – 1 Dartford (16/11/2004 – Southern League Div One East)

Statistics

Dartford have won just two of the last 10 league meetings against Chatham Town (D2, L6)
The Darts have won one of their last five in the league at home versus the Chats (D1, L3)
An average of 4.33 goals per game have been scored in the last three meetings with the winning side scoring three on each occasion (W2, L1)

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last five games on 26 August winning four of them. Last season, Harvey Bradbury’s injury time winner against Aveley earned the Darts their first victory of the campaign. Hungerford Town are the only side to take points from Dartford in the unbeaten sequence. The Darts let a 2-1 lead slip with two minutes to go after Darren McQueen and Luke Wanadio both scored in the first-half at Bulpit Lane. Two Elliot Bradbrook penalties helped Dartford beat Hemel Hempstead Town 3-0 on the road in 2019, Alfie Pavey chipped in with the third. In the National League 11 years ago, Danny Harris and Kenny Clark scored in a 2-0 away win at Tamworth. In 2006, Jay May scored the only goal in a home win over Kingstonian in the Isthmian Division One South.

Carshalton Athletic v Dartford

August 23, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are on the road this weekend with a trip to unbeaten Carshalton Athletic in the Isthmian Premier.

The Darts won their opening away match, whilst the Robins were triumphant in their only home game of the season so far. Something will have to give on Saturday as the pair go head to head at Colston Avenue.

Adrian Pennock secured a second win of the campaign last time out when his side beat Canvey Island at Princes Park. The Dartford boss made two changes to the team that lost the previous home fixture 1-0 against Potters Bar Town. Defender and new signing Mert Apat made his debut, whilst Eddie Dsane started for the first time. The duo replaced George Whitefield and Tyler Christian-Law, the latter making an impact from off the bench.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A switch in formation gave the Darts impetus as they struggled to create in the first half. Moving to a more attacking 4-3-3, Pennock’s plan B worked a treat. Sam Odaudu put in a man of the match performance and scored his first ever goal at Princes Park. The full back stabbed home a volley in the second half to put Dartford ahead. Christian-Law wrapped up the points and did well to stay on his feet to take advantage of some poor defending and slot away the clincher.

After the win Odaudu spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “The good thing is that we bounced back and got the win”. Odaudu’s only other goal for the Darts was back in April 2023 at Concord Rangers, so the academy graduate was delighted with getting on the scoresheet, he added: “I don’t get many to be fair, my last one was probably about two years ago, so its always good to score”.

A first clean sheet of the season and first at home since the 3-0 victory over Torquay United in November was welcomed, he commented: “If we always get clean sheets then we’re going to draw the game at least, so that’s a good building block. With the talent we’ve got going forward we’re bound to score. As long as we stay solid then that puts us in a good position to win the game”.

Samir Carruthers is still waiting to get involved in a matchday squad. Injury has prevented the midfielder from making an appearance since returning to the club this summer. Likewise, Duane Ofori-Acheampong has been on the treatment table and has yet to make a competitive appearance since coming back to Princes Park. Goalkeeper, Jacob Marsden is waiting for his debut and after returning from injury was named as a substitute last weekend.

Dartford are unbeaten in their four previous trips to Carshalton Athletic, winning in their last three visits there. During the Isthmian Premier title winning season, the Darts convincingly won 4-0 in September 2009 with goals from Lee Burns, Jamie Day, Rob Haworth and Jamie Coyle, who also scored in 1-1 draw four months later at Princes Park.

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Highlights courtesy of sonytino

The previous season saw Dartford avenge a 3-2 home defeat in September 2008 with a 2-0 away win in December the same year. Tommy Osbourne scored a penalty before the prolific Cody McDonald put the game out of reach.

The first meetings between the two sides came in the F.A Trophy in 1991. in the days before penalty shootouts decided the winner, it took two replays for Dartford to progress to round two after drawing 0-0 away, then 1-1 at Watling Street. A return to Surrey for the third attempt saw the black and white hooped Darts win 3-2 thanks to a last minute Gary Aldous winner.

Carshalton Athletic have made an unbeaten start to their campaign, but they won’t get too carried away if they have learnt lessons from twelve months ago. The Robins went seven without defeat to begin last term with five victories and two draws. The Surrey club finished in twelfth place.

This time Peter Adeniyi’s side are hoping to maintain their promising beginnings and continue to challenge at the top end of the Isthmian Premier. Last weekend, Carshalton Athletic recorded their second win in a row, a 3-1 triumph over newly promoted Chichester City. A goal on debut by Steve Gody inside half an hour was cancelled out by Mo Jammeh’s penalty. The Robins regained the lead through Tommy Stagg who then added another to secure all three points.

Victory in Sussex followed up their maiden win of 2024/2025 at home against Wingate and Finchley. This time it was Dominic Vose who netted a brace to add to his opening day goal in the 1-1 draw with Folkestone Invicta. Vose put the Robins ahead early on and before the interval put his side two up. Although Carshalton Athletic let the lead slip, the match winner turned out to be the man who replaced Vose in the second half. Paris Hamilton-Downes followed up a rebound to make it 3-2 to the Robins.

Peter Adeniyi will be without long term absentee Kwaku Frimpong, who had a loan spell with the Darts two years ago. The midfielder made two substitute appearances and was sent off in the shock F.A Cup defeat against Beckenham Town.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLW)			Carshalton Athletic (DWW)
Canvey Island	H	2-0	Chichester City	A	3-1
Potters Bar Town	H	0-1	Wingate and Finchley	H	3-2
Cray Valley Paper Mills	A	2-1	Folkestone Invicta	A	1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Carshalton Athletic wins: 1 / Draws: 3

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Carshalton Athletic (23/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 4 Dartford (19/09/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 2 Dartford (20/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 3 Carshalton Athletic (02/09/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 2– 3 Dartford (21/01/1991 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 1 – 1 Carshalton Athletic (15/01/1991 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

Dartford lost their first ever league meeting against Carshalton Athletic but have since gone three unbeaten (W2, D1)
The home side has never won this fixture in seven attempts.
Dartford are unbeaten in all four away games versus Carshalton Athletic and have won their last three

On This Day

Norman Wabo’s late winner handed Dartford all three points on this day five years ago. The Darts came from behind against Braintree Town after former Dartford player Femi Akinwande gave the Iron the lead. Luke Allen levelled before half-time and the game swung Dartford’s way once Adam Mills was sent off for the visitors. Dartford made the extra man count and with three minutes to go Wabo made it 2-1. Exactly six years earlier, Braintree Town were victorious beating the Darts 2-0 in the National League.

On the road, Dartford are currently four unbeaten on 24 August. They secured a 2-1 win at Sittingbourne 20 years ago, a 1-1 draw with Corby Town in 2002 and two more victories against Bashley (4-1 in 1996) and Sheppey United (3-0 in 1993). Dartford have lost just four out of 22 games on this day, winning 12 and drawing six.

Dartford v Canvey Island

August 15, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford search for their first home win of the season against Canvey Island in the Isthmian Premier on the weekend.

The Darts opened their home campaign with a defeat on Tuesday night. After winning the opening fixture at Cray Valley Paper Mills, the Darts failed to add more early points to their tally against a side who lost 8-0 on matchday one. Canvey Island are still waiting to get off the mark, suffering two defeats in a row.

Prior to kick-off on Tuesday night against Potters Bar Town, Eddie Dsane was announced as a new signing. The striker has had recent experience in the Isthmian Premier with Margate, Horsham and Kingstonian. Adrian Pennock named an unchanged starting lineup, but was still without Duane Ofori-Acheampong, midfielder Samir Carruthers and goalkeeper Jacob Marsden.

The Darts were unable to produce any clear chances in the first half, which helped the visitors grow in confidence. Just before conceding, Dartford had a warning when summer signing Ore Bello raced through on goal only to miss. Two minutes later Potters Bar Town went ahead when Steve Cawley netted their first of the season.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In the second half, the Darts began to create some chances after the hour mark including one from Dsane, who had come on as a substitute to make his debut. However the hosts drew a blank in front of goal falling to their first loss of the season.

Canvey Island are next up at Princes Park and the last time Dartford hosted the Gulls it turned out to be an epic encounter back in October 2010. Drawn in the F.A Cup third qualifying round, the two sides had already drawn 2-2 just three days earlier. The replay finished 3-3 after extra time going all the way to penalties. Frank Everett put Canvey Island in front, but the Darts raced ahead with goals from Danny Harris, Carl Rook and Paul Goodacre. The visitors fought back with an Alex Rhodes brace. The penalty shoot out finished 9-8 to the Darts.

Dartford had won all six meetings between the two sides before the F.A Cup tie. The last league fixture between the pair was in April 2010 at Princes Park. Once again Canvey Island went in front before Harris and Elliot Bradbrook turned the game around.

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Highlights courtesy of sonytino

The reverse fixture four months earlier ended up 5-2 to the Darts. Lee Burns scored twice, Jamie Coyle, Rob Haworth and Harris added to the tally.

Canvey Island lost to Isthmian Division One South East playoff winners Chichester City on the opening day. Manager, Brad Wellman handed out full debuts to six of his squad, but was without new signings Chris Harris and Harry Hope. Jimmy Wallace and Mason Hall were also absent from the matchday squad.

The Gulls took the lead in Sussex after eight minutes. Although Conor Hubble missed his penalty the midfielder stuck away the rebound. In the second half Jimmy Wild levelled for the hosts and Joe Moore netted the winner for Chichester City.

On Tuesday night, Canvey Island were in action again in an Essex derby with Hashtag United. This time Harris was available and made his debut and Kane Gilbert made his first start since returning to the Gulls from Halstead Town. Making way for the duo were Emmanuel Adebiyi and Finlay Dorrell.

The Tags led at the break through their captain and former Dartford midfielder Max Cornhill. The Gulls went two down just past the hour when Ayo Olukoga scored his first goal for Hashtag United. In the final few minutes Canvey Island set up a nervy finish for their opponents after Gilbert scored a consolation.

Last season was Canvey Island’s second campaign back in the Isthmian Premier. The Gulls reached third-place but were defeated in the playoffs. The Essex club were unable to replicate that success last term finishing fourteenth. Inconsistent form and a leaky defence, the second worst out of non-relegated sides, prevented Canvey Island from a better showing. Yet they ended the campaign strongly with just two losses in their last eight.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Canvey Island wins: 0 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 3 Canvey Island (12/10/2010 – F.A Cup)*
Canvey Island 2 – 2 Dartford (09/10/2010 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 2 – 1 Canvey Island (05/04/2010 – National South)
Canvey Island 2 – 5 Dartford (29/12/2009 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 0 Canvey Island (13/04/2009 – National South)
Canvey Island 2 – 3 Dartford (27/12/2008 – National South)
* – Dartford won 9-8 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won all six league fixtures against Canvey Island with an aggregate score of 21-6
The Darts have won three and drawn one at Princes Park versus the Gulls in all competitions
Dartford have scored in every game against Canvey Island averaging 3.25 goals a game

On This Day

Dartford’s last home match on this day was 20 years ago in the Southern League Division One East. The Darts drew 3-3 with Great Wakering Rovers , the third consecutive home game on 17 August in which they had scored three. In 2002, Dartford beat King’s Lynn 3-0 and in 1994, Greenwich Borough were beaten 3-1 in the Kent League. Dartford’s last two matches on this day have ended in a loss on the road. Most recently Weymouth won 3-1 five years ago in the National South and in 2010, Hampton and Richmond secured a 1-0 victory.

Dartford v Potters Bar Town

August 12, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are back at Princes Park on Tuesday night in their Isthmian Premier home opener against Potters Bar Town.

The Darts got off to a winning start on the weekend in a local derby at Cray Valley Paper Mills. Adrian Pennock handed out eight debuts to new signings and academy graduates as his new look side beat the Isthmian Division One South East champions.

Injury to goalkeeper Jacob Marsden in the final pre-season match meant late loan signing from Sutton United, Matt Kerbey made his first appearance. Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Samir Carruthers will be unavailable on Tuesday night, but Oliver Box made a return on Saturday and an impact.

Box linked up well with new striker Callum Jones in the first half and the pair combined for Dartford’s first goal of the season. The away side went in at the break ahead, but it could have been more than 1-0. Early in the second-half Cray Valley Paper Mills had Hassan Ibrahiym sent off, however the Millers still managed to equalise controversially through Tom Chambers. Then a moment of magic by Denzelle Olopade won Dartford the game when he curled home a shot from 30 yards.

Pennock couldn’t have wished for a better start, especially the first half an hour of the match, he spoke to kentonline after the victory and commented: “We’ve got a good mix of youth and experience. I thought the first 25-30 minutes was excellent and we should have been 4-0 up by half-time”. The Dartford boss added: “We’ve got to be very pleased with the three points. You always want to start with a win. If we were standing here and it was 1-1 after playing against ten men for so long, we’d be disappointed”.

Potters Bar Town had a disastrous start to their campaign losing 8-0 at home to Dover Athletic. After half an hour the match was all square until the Scholars collapsed and went in at half-time 4-0 down. Goalkeeper Seb Stacey was signed on loan from Milton Keynes Dons just 24 hours before kick-off. Dover Athletic’s George Nikaj helped himself to a hat-trick, whilst Luke Baptiste, Ruben Soares-Junior, Harrison Pont, Joe Tennent and Jaiden Drakes-Thomas all got in on the act.

Manager Max Mitchell apologised to the fans who travelled to Kings Langley to watch the home defeat. He said: “It was a performance that left me a little bit shell-shocked, in all honesty, to go from a team competing last Saturday against St Albans to today was two completely different sides”.

It’s been 17 years since the Darts hosted the Scholars in what became a title winning season under Tony Burman. Dartford went on to lift the Isthmian Division One North and in that campaign they beat Potters Bar Town 4-0 at home.

Junior Kadi, Ryan Hayes and Brendon Cass combined to set up Jay May for the opener. Cass doubled the lead and Kadi added a third from a tight angle. Elliot Bradbrook rounded up the scoring by netting the fourth. The previous ‘home’ match against the Scholars ended in a 2-1 defeat pre-Princes Park in 2006.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Since then the Darts have climbed to the top of non-league before relegation returned them back to the Isthmian Premier last season. Meanwhile Potters Bar Town were runners up of the Isthmian Division One North in 2018. A reorganisation of step three meant the Scholars didn’t need to participate in the playoffs that season. Instead, they won promotion and for the first time reached the Isthmian Premier. The Scholars have recently spent four full campaigns in the Premier finishing between thirteenth and sixteenth in each season.

After one month of last season it looked like the Hertfordshire club were in for a long campaign. Six straight defeats from the opening day left the Scholars joint bottom, but they finally got off the mark against eventual runners up Chatham Town mid-September. Potters Bar Town went on to lose just four from the next 26 fixtures. However, early season form returned as they finished the campaign with one win and nine defeats.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Potters Bar Town wins: 1 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Potters Bar Town 2 – 2 Dartford (05/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 4 – 0 Potters Bar Town (27/10/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 1 – 2 Potters Bar Town (11/03/2006 – Southern League Div One East)
Potters Bar Town 1 – 4 Dartford (08/10/2005 – Southern League Div One East)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in the last two matches against Potters Bar Town (W1, D1)
The Darts kept the only clean sheet in this fixture the last time they hosted the Scholars at Princes Park
Dartford have won one of their last 11 home league games and that was on the final day of last season (D4, L6)

On This Day

Pierre Fonkeu was at the double two years ago on this day when the Darts beat Cheshunt 2-1 at Princes Park. Dartford have won both their home games on 13 August and recorded the same score in 1968, the Darts beat Guildford City in the Southern League First Division. In between those victories Dartford have been on the road winning three all on the opening day. Whitstable Town were defeated 3-1 in 1994 and Arlesley Town 1-0 in 2005. Six years later, Elliot Bradbrook, Tom Bonner and a Charlie Sheringham brace sealed a 4-0 triumph at Weston-super-Mare. Aldershot Town were victorious in 2013 and the Darts claimed a 1-1 draw at Chelmsford City in 2016, Luke Wanadio scoring for Dartford.

Cray Valley Paper Mills v Dartford

August 9, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford begin life back in the Isthmian Premier with a visit to Division One South East champions Cray Valley Paper Mills this weekend.

Separated by two divisions last term and around ten miles geographically, Adrian Pennock’s overhauled squad start their campaign with a first ever local derby against the Millers. Just three players stayed on following relegation four months ago, all of which came through Dartford’s academy.

In contrast to Pennock’s rebuilding, Cray Valley Paper Mills carry momentum and confidence into the new season. Steve McKimm’s side are creating history after securing a league title and finishing in their highest ever position. The Millers will be making their debut in the Isthmian Premier on Saturday.

The new look Dartford provides a blend of youth and experience, familiar faces and new names. Oliver Box, George Whitefield and Sam Odaudu were the trio retained who had graduated through the academy. Joining the triumvirate via the same route are Ashdon Day, Joseph Kpaka, Dean Nayler and Jeremiah Pinder, whilst Gabe Campbell is another youngster spotted elsewhere.

Returning to the club, Josh Hill will be marshalling the defence and has been named captain, Duane Ofori-Acheampong will provide a target up front and Samir Carruthers creativity in midfield. Carruthers is one of three joining this summer from Chelmsford City along with goalkeeper Jacob Marsden and Callum Jones, the striker has had a productive pre-season with three goals in six appearances.

Marsden will have to wait for his competitive debut after picking up an injury in the final pre-season game against Boreham Wood. In his place is loan signing Matt Kerbey from Sutton United. Another two fresh faces arrived this week with right back Sam Okoye joining from Hasting United and Mert Apat from Concord Rangers. Both impressed on trial during friendlies this summer.

Completing the squad Tyler Christian-Law arrives from Isthmian Premier champions AFC Hornchurch, Ben Allen from Haringey Borough, Denzelle Olopade from Erith and Belvedere and Luther Williams, who was last at Leatherhead.

Dartford’s pre-season ended with a late 2-0 defeat to National South side Boreham Wood, but warm up performances have been pleasing as the newly assembled squad looks to gel together. Box and Ofori-Acheampong were rested after minor injuries earlier in Dartford’s preparations. Carruthers will have to wait for his first competitive match since returning and is expected to be back in a couple of weeks.

The Darts beat National League side Sutton United and picked up a draw and a victory against Isthmian Division One South East sides Margate and Ashford United respectively. The two defeats came against Football League sides Charlton Athletic and Gillingham.

Former Darts, Lyle Della-Verde and Marcell Barrington were on the scoresheet in Cray Valley Paper Mills’ first friendly, which they won 6-1 against Southern Counties East side Corinthian. Barrington only made two substitute appearances for Dartford in the 2019/2020 campaign. Della-Verde was part of the 2017/2018 squad starting 22 times and making 12 substitute appearances, he also found the back of the net in the 5-0 victory over Sevenoaks Town in pre-season.

Freddie Parker led the pre-season scoring charts for the Millers and although he only scored in three friendlies, he racked up six goals, including one on the weekend in the 3-2 defeat to Southern Premier South side Chertsey Town. Parker also scored a hat-trick in the victory over his former team Sevenoaks Town.

Also finding the net in the last pre-season outing was Andre Coker, another former Dart now with the Millers after his move from Folkestone Invicta this summer. The attacker appeared in Dartford’s 2018/2019 season scoring three goals in 30 appearances, 17 as substitute. Both Parker and Coker will be hoping to fill the void left by the departure of last season’s top scorer Kyrell Lisbie, who joined Braintree Town.

Manager Steve McKimm guided Cray Valley Paper Mills to the Isthmian Division One South East title last term and reached the F.A Cup first round. In that cup tie the Millers drew with League One Charlton Athletic at the Valley before losing the replay 6-1. The Kent side won the league by six points, losing just once and scoring 103 goals. They also won 16 straight league matches on the road dropping just two points to remain unbeaten on their travels for the season.

On This Day

Dartford have opened their season twice on 10 August with the first time dating back to 1968, the Darts travelled up to Corby Town and won 5-1. Debutant Adam Birchall scored the only goal to ensure Dartford got their 2013/2014 National League season off to a winning start in a 1-0 victory against Alfreton Town at Princes Park. With league schedules beginning earlier, the Darts were beaten 1-0 at Whitehawk in 2016 in the second game of the season. Three years later a 1-1 draw saw a rare Adam Cunnington goal versus Havant and Waterlooville, three matches into the 2019/2020 campaign.

Hendon v Dartford

April 22, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford can concentrate on reaching a county cup final for the third time in five seasons when they take on Hendon in the London Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

Thirteen times winners of the Kent Senior Cup, Dartford won consecutive titles in 2021 and 2022 and now the Darts will be eyeing a place in the final of the London Senior Cup for the first time. Hendon are six times winners last lifting the trophy four years ago and are hoping to secure a top ten finish in the Southern League Premier South.

When Dartford and Hendon last played at the same level it was in the Isthmian Premier League. Princes Park was still in its infancy and Hendon’s Claremont Road era was coming to an end. After storming to the Isthmian Division One North title and winning promotion, Dartford’s opener the following season was on the road against the Greens. The Darts were humbled 3-0 with Brian Haule, James Bent and Chris Bangura scoring for the hosts. Dartford finished the game with ten men when defender Jon Guest was sent off. The reverse fixture in December 2008 went Dartford’s way when an unlikely source became the match winner. Tommy Osbourne scored a penalty, the defender ended up with 258 appearances and all three of his goals were from the spot.

In the only other campaign together, Dartford won the Isthmian Premier League title. That season the Darts were early pacesetters and won 5-0 at Princes Park, a sixth victory in the opening seven games opened up a five point cushion at the top. It could have been worse for Hendon, but James Reading saved an early penalty. It took until just before the break for the Darts to get the goals flowing when Rob Haworth scored the opener. In the second-half, Lee Burns doubled the lead before Jay May grabbed a brace. In the final minute Lee Noble completed the rout. The penultimate game of the season almost fourteen years to the day was a closer affair. Danny Harris scored both goals in a 2-1 victory.

Dartford have gone full circle since those days climbing up to the top of non-league before their return to the Isthmian Premier next season. Hendon are just about to complete a 45^th consecutive year at the same level, but at least they have had a change of scenery switching from the Isthmian League to the Southern League in 2018.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In the final game of the National South season at home to Truro City on the weekend, Adrian Pennock made eight changes to the side that won the quarter final tie a week ago. Sam Odaudu made his first start since mid-February and Oliver Bray who last featured against Truro City a month ago made a substitute appearance against his former side. Odaudu was one of two alterations from the side that lost at Yeovil Town with Taylor Maloney in for Harrison Sodje.

The Darts signed off with a 2-1 victory, their first win in the league since November, a run of eleven games. Joash Nembhard powered home a header midway through the first half from a Luke Coulson corner. Rhys Byrne kept Truro City at bay in an excellent performance, which included a triple save in the second half. The hosts went two ahead after Oliver Bray put in a low cross that was deflected and wrong footed goalkeeper, James Halman for an own goal. Byrne’s performance deserved a clean sheet, but in the final minute Tyler Harvey’s long range drive nestled into his bottom corner. Dartford finished the season fourth from bottom.

Hendon have yet to win this month or even lose. The Greens have drawn all five in April. On Saturday they recorded their sixteenth draw, more than anyone else in the Southern League Premier South and now they occupy eleventh spot with a game to go.

Their latest stalemate was goalless at home to Gosport Borough. A week ago Hendon let a two goal lead slip against Sholing with all four goals coming in a nine minute spell either side of the break. Billy Leonard and Shaun Lucien scored two in a minute on the stroke of half-time, but Sholing pulled one back before the whistle went for the interval. The Hampshire side equalised in the second-half to leave the score at 2-2. A pair of 1-1 draws against Merthyr Town and Walton and Hersham followed the 0-0 at Hayes and Yeading.

London Senior Cup – story so far

Round One
Dartford 1 – 0 Harrow Borough
An own goal sent the Darts on their way in the London Senior Cup, but the narrow scoreline didn’t tell the whole story. The hosts could have been more clinical in front of goal during a dominant display. Henry Lukombo failed to clear Baris Altintop’s cross and the ball ended up in his own net.

Hendon 6 – 1 Glebe
A near post Ethan Light header from a corner opened the scoring against Glebe. Adam Laaref added a second to double the lead before half-time. In the second-half a swift counter attack was finished of by Florian Envoudou-Ada, Kai Brosnan calmly stroked home a fourth and an own goal added another. The Southern Counties Premier East opponents pulled one back prior Laaref’s second of the night.

Round Two
Dartford 1 – 1 Queens Park Rangers Development Team (5-4 on penalties)
Oliver Box was player of the match scoring the winning penalty as this tie went all the way. The young Hoops took the lead with half hour played, Henry Hawkins bundled the ball over the line. The hosts fought back and levelled through a clean Luke Coulson strike. After normal time the match went into penalties and the Darts won 5-4.

Hendon 1 – 0 Wingate and Finchley
The Greens were given a tough second round tie against Isthmian Premier playoff chasers Wingate and Finchley. Hendon came through thanks to a Shaun Lucien winner to send them into the last eight.

Quarter-Final
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford
A last minute own goal sent Dartford into the final four after coming from behind. Nyren Clunis put Cray Wanderers ahead after just two minutes. Just before the half hour mark Jordan Greenidge restored parity with a confident finish. With the quarter-final heading for spot kicks, the visitors won it right at the end.

Hendon 2 – 1 Sporting Bengal United
Two goals in injury time turned this quarter-final on its head. An upset was on the cards when Sporting Bengal United took the lead with twenty minutes to play. A high bounce was hit first time by Joe Gregory to give the Essex Senior League side the lead. Hendon fought back and equalised in the 91st minute through Brosnan. Three minutes later Billy Leonard followed up a rebound to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford (LWLLWW)			Hendon (LDDDDD)
Truro City	H	2-1	Gosport Borough	H	0-0
Cray Wanderers (LSC)	A	2-1	Sholing	A	2-2
Yeovil Town	A	1-3	Merthyr Town	A	1-1
Worthing	H	1-2	Walton and Hersham	H	1-1
Havant & Waterlooville	A	2-1	Hayes and Yeading	A	0-0
Eastbourne Borough	H	0-2	Beaconsfield Town	H	4-5

LSC = London Senior Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Hendon wins: 2 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

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)
Dartford 0 – 3 Hendon (08/11/1952 – F.A Cup)

Statistics

Dartford have won their last two matches, last achieved back in November. Their best run all season is three consecutive wins in September.
The Darts have won their last three against Hendon scoring eight and conceding one.
Own goals are the top scorer in the London Senior Cup for the Darts. There have been two own goals, whilst Luke Coulson and Jordan Greenidge have netted the other two in the competition.

On This Day

Dartford have lost just two of their last ten on St George’s Day and last time out they beat St Albans City. Keiran Murtagh scored twice and set up Marcus Dinanga in a 3-1 victory at Princes Park. Elliot Bradbrook helped the Darts come from behind twice at home to Oxford City in 2016. The captain equalised twice including a late minute penalty to rescue a point.

Between defeats against Fisher Athletic in 2005 and Margate in 1997, the Darts beat Langley Sports (now Eastbourne Borough) 2-1 in 2001. Dartford also won four in a row on this day with a 3-0 win versus Dagenham in the National League back in 1985 and a 1-0 triumph at home to Leicester United in the 1988 Southern Premier League. A year later, the Darts went to Bromsgrove Rovers and won 2-0 and in 1994 they recorded the same score versus Beckenham Town in the Kent League.

Dartford v Truro City

April 19, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford’s spell in the National South comes to an end on Saturday in their final league game of the season against Truro City.

The Darts were relegated to the Isthmian Premier last weekend and return to the division for the first time in 14 years. During a difficult campaign the Kent side have only managed two league victories this calendar year and those were against the bottom two. The White Tigers will be playing in the National South next term after Tuesday night’s triumph versus Dover Athletic guaranteed survival.

At the third time of asking the reverse fixture eventually took place in March. Originally due to be played in Plymouth, the game moved to Taunton before ending up in Gloucester. With Dartford desperate for points and Truro City facing the daunting task of 12 games in 25 days at the time it felt like a six-pointer. Neither side could break the deadlock in a 0-0 draw, Dartford’s only clean sheet since Boxing Day.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Only Jordan Wynter and Charlie Sheringham out of the current squad featured the last time Dartford hosted Truro City just over five years ago. The visitors took the lead after half an hour when a deep cross was headed goalwards and kept out by Bailey Vose, but Nick Grimes followed up to score the rebound. Just past the hour mark Dartford equalised and this time it was Elliot Bradbrook who pounced from Ryan Hayes’ saved shot. The 1-1 draw extended the Darts unbeaten home run against the White Tigers after claiming a 4-1 triumph in February 2018 and an entertaining 5-3 win in March 2017.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford will be pleased to see the end of this campaign and after defeat against champions Yeovil Town they had the chance to progress in the London Senior Cup on Tuesday night. Drawn against former landlords, Cray Wanderers in the quarter final Adrian Pennock made seven changes to the starting lineup. Academy graduates Tom Wray, George Whitefield, Jayden Boulton and Finley Sillince took to the field. Fumnaya Shomotun and Jordan Greenidge were also picked to start.

Pennock’s side left it late to come from behind and set up a last four meeting with Hendon. Early pressure from the Wands was rewarded as early as the second minute. Former Dart, Ellis Brown scored to put the hosts ahead at Hayes Lane. Greenidge used his strength to create an opportunity with half hour played and he took full advantage to level. As the tie approached the prospect of penalties, Dartford managed to force the ball home for the winner.

At the beginning of the year Dartford and Truro City were level on points in mid-table. As much as 2023 has been poor for the Darts, their opponents on the final day have not been able to recreate the form that saw them win six out of seven from late November to early January. The White Tigers went through a spell of picking up just one point in seven attempts at the turn of the year. However, victories against Taunton Town, St Albans City, Slough Town and Maidstone United as well as several draws have kept the points ticking over enough.

Truro City may have been flirting with the bottom four, but with a vast number of postponements they have been playing catch up. This weekend’s fixture will end a run of eight straight ‘home’ matches for the White Tigers. On Tuesday night victory over already relegated Dover Athletic secured the Cornwall club’s National South status. Tyler Harvey netted his 13th of the campaign in the first-half to put them nine points clear of safety with two games remaining. On Thursday night Truro City drew 0-0 with Weymouth

Current League Form

Dartford (DLLWLL)			Truro City (LDLWWD)
Yeovil Town	A	1-3	Weymouth	H	0-0
Worthing	H	1-2	Dover Athletic	H	1-0
Havant & Waterlooville	A	2-1	Maidstone United	H	3-1
Eastbourne Borough	H	0-2	Yeovil Town	H	0-2
Chelmsford City	A	1-4	Eastbourne Borough	H	0-0
Truro City	A	0-0	Torquay United	H	1-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Truro City wins: 5 / Draws: 3

Last Six Meetings

Truro City 0 – 0 Dartford (26/03/2024 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Truro City (30/03/2019 – National South)
Truro City 3 – 1 Dartford (27/10/2018 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 1 Truro City (24/02/2018 – National South)
Truro City 3 – 1 Dartford (11/11/2017 – National South)
Dartford 5 – 3 Truro City (18/03/2017 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in their last three home games against the White Tigers (W2, D1)
The Darts have given up 30 points from winning positions this season
Captain, Luke Coulson made his 50th appearance of the season on Tuesday night and is set to win this Dartford’s golden boot this season. The winger is on 11 goals in all competitions, five ahead of Oliver Box.

On This Day

Dartford left themselves a lot to do in the Southern League Cup Final on this day in 1988. Peter Taylor missed a penalty in a 3-1 defeat at Bromsgrove Rovers. History suggested Dartford’s chances of winning were slim, only two sides had ever overturned a two-goal first leg deficit in the Southern League Cup Final. When the Darts missed another penalty in the second leg six days later, it looked as if the cup had slipped away. Yet with the Watling Street crowd providing full support, goals from Gary Britnell, Kurt Davidson and Colin Johnson completed a memorable comeback.

Category: Match Preview (Page 1 of 18)

Dartford v Leatherhead

Dover Athletic v Dartford

Dartford v Marlow

Dartford v Chatham Town

Carshalton Athletic v Dartford

Dartford v Canvey Island

Dartford v Potters Bar Town

Cray Valley Paper Mills v Dartford

Hendon v Dartford

Dartford v Truro City

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