Category: Match Preview (Page 15 of 26)

Dartford v Farnborough

August 18, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford hope to claim their first win of the season when they host Farnborough this weekend.

The Darts have drawn both of their home games so far picking up just two points from the opening three fixtures. Whilst Farnborough recorded their first victory of the campaign on Tuesday night.

Last season’s fixture at Princes Park saw Harvey Bradbury score on his debut in a 3-1 win back in March. Maxwell Statham got Dartford off to a great start by poking the ball over the line for the opener. The defender almost added a second later on, however his effort was ruled out for offside. Coulson started to run the show and in the second-half doubled the lead. After Bradbury was introduced as a substitute, the striker added a third. Farnborough managed a consolation when Harry Parsons pulled a goal back.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts were involved in an entertaining six goal thriller on the opening day. Squandering the lead twice against Bath City left Alan Dowson disappointed with just a point, but pleased with his side’s attacking intent. However, defensively the Dartford boss has been unhappy with individual errors. That led to a 3-3 draw and goalkeeper Mitch Beeney being dropped for new loan signing Jack McIntyre. Central defence was also strenghtened with James Golding arriving from Oxford United. Although goals were at a premium against Weymouth, the Darts still fell to a 1-0 defeat, another mistake proving costly.

On Tuesday night Bradbury found the back of the net again. His goal wasn’t enough as a late Hampton and Richmond Borough equaliser denied the Darts maximum points. Dowson made one change to the starting lineup bringing back Baris Altintop. Jordan Wynter dropped to the bench, but it wasn’t long before he made his 150th appearance for the club. Sam Odaudu was substituted with an injury in the first half and replaced by Wynter. Despite the setback the hosts were ahead after Tommy Block’s cross was headed home by Bradbury. The striker has now scored seven goals in 13 appearances for the club. With eight minutes remaining Dean Inman levelled for the Beavers. Dartford were reduced to ten men when former Hampton and Richmond Borough winger Brandon Barzey was sent off.

Summer signing Paul Rooney has yet to make his debut after serving a three match ban. The former Havant and Waterlooville man picked up a suspension after an incident at his former club. He was shown a red card in Dartford’s first pre-season friendly against Charlton Athletic. Dowson will have to assess the extent of Odaudu’s injury ahead of this weekend’s fixture.

Farnborough finished in a respectable 12th place last term after winning promotion back to the National South. Although they have lost last season’s top scorer Mason Bloomfield they signed former Dart, Alfie Pavey. Boro’s new striker scored the club’s first of the campaign when he nodded in the opener against Eastbourne Borough. Pavey’s goal was cancelled out by Stefan Vukoje in a 1-1 draw. Spencer Day’s side earned their first point after losing 1-0 on the opening day versus Chelmsford City. Pavey scored 29 times in 58 appearances for the Darts winning the golden boot in 2017/2018.

On Tuesday night Pavey scored another making it two for the season. He gave Boro the lead against Hemel Hempstead Town. The hosts were pegged back before the interval after Arnit Krasniqi scored from long range. Manager Spencer Day decided to start with Connor Cullen. His selection was justified when the forward won the game with a header.

Current Form

Dartford (DLD)			Farnborough (LDW)
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	2-1
Weymouth	A	0-1	Eastbourne Borough	H	1-1
Bath City	H	3-3	Chelmsford City	A	0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Farnborough wins: 5 / Draws: 2

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 Farnborough (11/03/2023 – National South)
Farnborough 3 – 1 Dartford (12/11/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Farnborough (10/03/2012 – National South)
Farnborough 1 – 2 Dartford (17/09/2011 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 1 Farnborough (22/01/2011 – National South)
Farnborough 2 – 1 Dartford (21/08/2010 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won four of the last five league games against Farnborough. Last season’s away defeat their only loss in that time.
The Darts are on a three match winning streak at Princes Park in the league versus Borough
Jordan Wynter has made 150 appearances for the Darts (140 starts + 10 sub)
Charlie Sheringham could make his 150th appearance if selected (116 starts + 33 sub)

On This Day

Warren Mfula scored a second-half hat-trick in a 7-1 victory over Oxford City on this day. The striker netted three times in a 19 minute spell after the Darts had already bagged four. Richard Sho-Silva, Lyle Della-Verde, Alfie Pavey and Lee Noble were the other goalscorers. Dartford opened their 2006/2007 season in style on 19 August with a 6-1 win. An away trip to Burgess Hill Town posed no problems as Brendon Cass claimed the match ball with a hat-trick. Jon Farley and a Jay May brace also featured in the convincing triumph. The Darts have won six of their last nine on this day. Other notable results include the 5-2 Southern League Cup first round win over Corinthian in 1981 and a 6-2 victory 20 years earlier against Trowbridge Town in the Southern League First Division.

Dartford v Hampton and Richmond Borough

August 15, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are hoping to record their first win of the season when they host Hampton and Richmond Borough on Tuesday night.

The Darts failed to win a pre-season game in the build up to the new campaign and have taken just one point from their opening two outings. The Beavers got off the mark on Saturday with a draw having lost their opening fixture.

Last season Alan Dowson got the better of his former club when the Darts won 2-1 at Princes Park. Marvin Herschel had a day to remember making his first ever start in a Dartford shirt and scoring the winner. However, it was Charlie Sheringham who made an impact scoring within a matter of minutes of coming on as a substitute. The striker was involved again setting up Herschel for his first Dartford goal. With three minutes remaining Jake Gray’s deflected effort set up a nervy finish.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dowson handed eight debuts out on the opening day and added another two to that list down in Weymouth. After a shaky defensive display in the 3-3 draw at home to Bath City, the Dartford boss made two loan signings to strengthen the backline. Goalkeeper, Jack McIntyre went straight into the starting eleven to begin his one month loan from Accrington Stanley and James Golding made his fist appearance after arriving from Oxford United. Mitchell Beeney and Baris Altintop made way and were named on the bench. Paul Rooney served the second match of his three game suspension.

The game was decided by a moment of indecisiveness from McIntyre. The loanee looked to have Joel Rollinson’s deep cross covered, but fumbled the ball into the net. Tyrell Miller-Rodney, who recorded his first goal on his debut versus Bath City tested Weymouth’s goalkeeper in the first half. Luke Coulson, who netted an opening day double also came close. Making his first appearance of 2023/2024, as a substitute, Maxwell Statham had an opportunity with ten minutes to go. McIntyre’s double save kept the score at 1-0 later on. After showing attacking intent by scoring three against Bath City on the opening day, the Darts drew a blank.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

One of the stand out performers in Dartford’s last home match was Brandon Barzey. The winger will face his former club Hampton and Richmond Borough after making the switch this summer. Barzey isn’t the only former Beaver, Tommy Block signed for the Darts last season from the Middlesex club. Tyrell Miller-Rodney also had a spell at the Beveree. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Alan Julian is a former Dart, however new signing from Cheshunt Adam Desbois has started between the sticks for Hampton and Richmond Borough’s first two games.

Mel Gwinnett’s team were narrowly beaten by Eastbourne Borough just over a week ago. Billy Vigar’s header was the difference between the two sides. However, the Beavers recorded their first point on the weekend picking up a 1-1 draw at Chelmsford City. Despite falling behind to a Callum Jones strike, it took just a couple of minutes to pull level when Ruaridh Donaldson scored from close range. The Beavers boss felt his side were more competitive against the Clarets despite having to reshape his starting lineup.

Last season Hampton and Richmond Borough were heading for a relegation battle, which led to the departure of Gary McCann and the appointment of Gwinnett in February. A successful spell in March and victories in crucial six pointers saw them win eight of their last eleven to stay up with plenty of time to spare. Over the summer the Middlesex club signed Mason Bloomfield from Farnborough, who managed 11 league goals last term. From the National League, Robert Hall and Jordan Cheadle arrived from Barnet and Dorking Wanderers respectively. George Hunt made his switch from Slough Town to remain in the National South. Alex Solomon and Ben Seymour have made the step up from Kingstonian and Plymouth Parkway. Georgian, Teimouraz Vasagkasvilli also joined the club.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 5

Last Six Meetings

Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (29/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (26/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (22/01/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (08/02/2020 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last 12 league games against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W6, D5) and are unbeaten in the last five (W2, D3)
The Darts have lost just once in their last seven home league games against the Beavers (W4, D2)
Dartford have scored in each of their last seven home games against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W4, D2, L1)
The Darts last failed to win their opening three league games in the 2019/2020 season

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten on this day winning three out of five. In 2017, the Darts defeated Concord Rangers 2-0 at Princes Park when Elliot Bradbrook scored in the first half and Lyle Della-Verde netted in the second half. Bradbrook’s brother Tom scored twice two years earlier in a 2-2 draw with Sutton United. An exciting opening day encounter against Horsham in 2009 ended 3-2 to the Darts with Elliot Bradbrook grabbing a brace and Adam Flanagan getting on the scoresheet. In the National League, Dartford comfortably won 3-0 at Stafford Rangers back in 1981 and in 1970 the Darts drew 1-1 with Gloucester City in the Southern Premier League.

Weymouth v Dartford

August 11, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford embark on their first away trip of the season this weekend when they make their way down to the Jurassic Coast to face Weymouth.

The Darts will be searching for a first victory at the Bob Lucas Stadium in 33 years, a ground where they have only won once since it opened in 1987. Four league defeats in a row at Weymouth and a penalty shoot-out loss in the playoff final should give Alan Dowson’s side the determination to put an end to such a barren spell.

In March, an inconsistent Dartford side were beaten 3-1 against a Weymouth team battling to avoid the drop. The hosts went in front when Akheem Rose was fouled in the box, then stepped up to take the penalty to score. Just before half-time, the now departed Pierre Fonkeu netted his tenth in all competitions to level for the Darts. The second forty-five belonged to the Terras and goals from top scorer Bradley Ash and a free kick by Tom Blair sealed the points. This time Bobby Wilkinson’s side will be without Ash and Blair, the pair left in the summer for Torquay United and Havant and Waterlooville respectively.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s season opener last weekend provided plenty of entertainment as they drew 3-3 against Bath City at Princes Park. Dowson handed competitive starts to six players, whilst another two came on as substitutes. Brandon Barzey was the pick of the debutants causing Bath City problems with his directness and pace, but it was Tyrell Miller-Rodney who grabbed Dartford’s first goal of the season. The former Havant and Waterlooville midfielder smashed home a rebound in first half stoppage time after Barzey’s shot was cleared off the line. Luke Coulson was handed the captain’s armband and led by example with a man of the match performance, the winger doubled Dartford’s lead with an excellent first time shot from the edge of the box.

At 2-0 up the Darts defensive frailties began to show and in the space of three second-half minutes Bath City were level. First Ewan Clark took advantage of some poor defending, then substitute and last season’s top scorer Scott Wilson was allowed to swivel and shoot to equalise. The Darts continued to show quality going forward and when Coulson converted Luke Allen’s cross it looked as though three points had been wrapped up, especially after Bath City’s Jack Batten was sent off for a second caution. The visitors had one more trick up their sleeve, Jordan Thomas cut inside unleashed an effort from outside the box and beyond debut goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney. It was a tough afternoon for Tommy Block, Baris Altintop and Joash Nembhard in their first games for the Darts, whilst substitutes Lewis Manor and Joe Rabbetts had little time to make an impact.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Alan Dowson was pleased with his side’s attacking play, but acknowledges work needs to be done defensively, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the match and said: “Going forward we looked alright, but defensively we were awful. I’m working very hard on the defence between my keeper and the back four. We’ve had chances and we look exciting going forward”. The Dartford boss is confident Maxwell Statham will return this weekend and is hoping to bring in another defender and a goalkeeper to challenge Beeney. Paul Rooney will have to wait longer for his debut after joining from Havant and Waterlooville in the summer, he serves the second of his three-game suspension.

Weymouth opened their campaign with a defeat at last season’s playoff runners up St Albans City. Manager, Bobby Wilkinson steered the Terras to safety on the final day last term and over the summer has rehauled his squad. Six new players started at Clarence Park plus the return of Brandon Goodship who enjoyed a prolific first spell in Dorset. The striker is back for a third time and his assist on Saturday turned out to be merely a consolation. Former Dartford man, Dan Roberts was given his first start after leaving Princes Park over the summer. The forward made 37 appearances for the Darts of which 26 were as a substitute and scored six goals. Another ex-player, Norman Wabo also came on for his debut, he played 18 times for Dartford making just six starts and scored four times during the 2019/2020 season.

St Albans City scored either side of the break to lead 2-0 with goals from Dylan Fage and Giorgio Rasulo. Terras goalkeeper, Gerard Benfield initially saved a penalty before Rasulo put away the rebound. Weymouth’s Tom Bearwish halved the deficit and Wilkinson’s side had the chance to level from the spot, only for Bearwish to have his penalty saved.

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Highlights courtesy of St Albans City FC

Wilkinson was delighted with his team’s response at going two down and the overall performance, he told Terras TV after the loss: “I’ve never seen such a one-sided domination in the second-half. We kept our shape well in the first half, but I wasn’t happy with goal. I’m so pleased as that is the standard we have to set in the second-half as we were against a good side and dominated”. Looking ahead to Weymouth’s first home game of the season against the Darts he added: “It’s another tough challenge against a team that were in the playoffs, but I’m loving that, my boys are ready for it”. Max Hemmings was taken off injured at Clarence Park, the Weymouth boss will assess the midfielder’s fitness.

A superior goal difference kept Weymouth up last term avoiding a return to the Southern Premier South, which they won four years ago. After climbing to the National League, the Terras just about avoided consecutive relegations in April, beating Dover Athletic to stay up despite starting the final day in the drop zone.

There has been plenty of comings and goings at Weymouth during the summer and they will have to replace the goals scored by Ash. Calvin Brooks is one of three who have made the move from Salisbury, whilst Chris McQueen made his way down from north of the border having played for Stenhousemuir. Charlie Rowan won promotion with Oxford City last season and moved to the south coast. Anthony Cheshire arrived from Bracknell Town, Tyrique Clarke from Kings Langley, Leo Hamblin from Carshalton Athletic and Tom Stagg from Grays Athletic. Most recently Josh McQuoid has returned to the club from Aldershot Town.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 19 / Weymouth wins: 36 / Draws: 16

Last Six Meetings

Weymouth 3 – 1 Dartford (04/03/2023 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Weymouth (29/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Weymouth (15/01/2022 – F.A Trophy)
Weymouth 0 – 0 Dartford (01/08/2020 – National South Playoff Final)*
Weymouth 3 – 1 Dartford (17/08/2019 – National South)
Weymouth 2 – 0 Dartford (27/12/1997 – Southern League South)
*Weymouth won 3-0 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won just one of the last eight league games against Weymouth (D1, L6)
The Darts have won just six away games out of 37 against Weymouth (D7, L24)
Dartford have won their last two first away games of the season beating Bath City last season and St Albans City in 2021.
The Darts last won three away openers in a row back in 2005, 2006 and 2007 against Arlesley Town, Burgess Hill Town and Wivenhoe Town respectively

On This Day

Dartford have yet to win a competitive match on this day drawing three of their five matches, all away from home. Jordan Wynter was sent off against Chelmsford City four years ago in a heavy 4-0 defeat. Chris Whelpdale gave the Clarets the lead in the second-half and after Wynter’s dismissal the Darts collapsed. Sam Higgins and Jonny Giles netted for the hosts before Josh Hill scored an own goal. In 2017, Dartford drew 0-0 at Havant and Waterlooville and three years earlier gained a point at Woking in a match that ended 1-1, Rory McAuley put Dartford ahead in the National League fixture only for Giuseppe Sole to level in second-half injury time. Dartford played out a goalless draw at Herne Bay in 1995 during their Kent League days and lost 1-0 at Bedford Town in 1972.

Dartford v Bath City

August 4, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford kick start their National South season against Bath City at Princes Park on Saturday.

It’s the third time the Darts meet the Romans on the opening day in five years. On the previous two occasions Dartford won at Twerton Park, this weekend Alan Dowson will be hoping his reshaped squad will bag maximum points at home.

Almost a year to the day, Dartford went to Twerton Park to begin the 2022/2023 season and Pierre Fonkeu’s double brought back all three points. It took until 65 minutes to open his account capitalising on goalkeeper, Dan Wilks’ long ball. Five minutes later the striker made it two from close range after applying pressure on Bath City’s defence.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Five years earlier, Dartford came from behind on the opening day. The Romans took the lead in the tenth minute when Adam Mann scored on debut, then Bradbrook levelled in first-half stoppage time. A late Delano Sam-Yorke penalty decided the match after Elliot Bradbrook missed his spot-kick minutes earlier.

Last season’s fixture at Princes Park ended 0-0 as a well organised Bath City side prevented the Darts claiming a seventh consecutive home win over their opponents. Malachai Napa was handed a debut in a match with very few chances. In the second-half both sides had the ball in the net, but Charlie Sheringham’s effort was ruled out for a foul and Bath City’s Callum Ebanks goal was deemed offside.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s pre-season has been about getting players fit and Dowson’s new look squad to gel. Results have been disappointing as the Darts finished without a victory, but with the retirement of captain Tom Bonner, the departure of fellow centre back Connor Essam, both goalkeepers Wilks and Ben Dudzinksi leaving as well as full backs Jernade Meade and Kristian Campbell, virtually the whole back line has been rebuilt. In the first half of last season the creativity of Samir Carruthers was influential, however the midfielder made his switch to Chelmsford City over the summer and the hardworking Fonkeu has been signed by National South playoff winners Oxford City.

It is likely a number of new signings will make their Dartford debuts, although Paul Rooney starts the campaign suspended after an incident at his former club Havant and Waterlooville. Following Rooney from the Hawks, the Darts secured the services of Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Joash Nembhard as well. Brandon Barzey has impressed in friendlies and his arrival from Hampton and Richmond Borough will provide width, Baris Altintop will hope to make at least the playoffs again after joining from Braintree Town and Joe Rabbetts will be trying to stand out on loan from Dorking Wanderers. Lewis Manor and goalkeeper Mitch Beeney were both relegated with Concord Rangers last term, the duo will get another chance in the National South. Harvey Bradbury has already tasted life with the Darts and has made his move permanent from Dorchester Town, the striker scored six goals in ten games for Dartford towards the end of last season.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Bath City will commence their twelfth successive National South campaign this weekend and last time out they finished eleventh, although manager Jerry Gill did guide the Romans to a county cup triumph. Up front Cody Cooke formed a decent partnership with Scott Wilson, the pair are back for another season. Luke Russe has been added to the squad from Chippenham Town along with Ben Morgan from Gloucester City and Jordan Thomas from Southern Division One Central side North Leigh. Goalkeeper, Ollie Wright and Ewan Clark both join for season long loans from Southampton and Bristol City respectively.

Pre-season has gone well for the Romans finishing their warm-up with consecutive victories. Cooke scored twice last weekend in a 2-0 win over Yate Town and Gloucester City were beaten by the same score four days earlier. Those wins followed three draws in a row against Exeter City, Tiverton Town and Westbury United. The only defeat came versus a Bristol City under 23 side, however prior that loss Bath City drew with Shaftesbury and defeated Frome Town.

Pre Season Results

Dartford (LDLLLDLL)			Bath City (DWLDDDWW)
Leatherhead	A	1-3	Yate Town	A	2-0
Billericay Town	A	0-1	Gloucester City	H	2-0
Phoenix Sports	A	2-2	Westbury United	A	1-1
Bromley	A	1-2	Tiverton Town	A	2-2
Gillingham	H	0-5	Exeter City	H	0-0
Margate	A	0-2	Bristol City U23	H	1-2
Dunston UTS	A	2-2	Frome Town	A	2-0
Charlton Athletic	H	1-2	Shaftesbury	A	0-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 37 / Bath City wins: 40 / Draws: 21

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 0 Bath City (10/12/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 2 Dartford (06/08/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Bath City (19/02/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 0 Dartford (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won their last three season openers and four of their last five (W4, L1)
The Darts have lost just once in their last 14 league games against the Romans (W11, D2)
Dartford have kept four consecutive clean sheets in all competitions against Bath City
Dartford dropped points at home against Bath City for the first time since 1990 in December. The Darts had won six in a row before the 0-0 draw.
The Darts have won seven of the last nine home games in all competitions against the Romans (D1, L1)

On This Day

Only twice have Dartford played a competitive match on 5 August and both times the Darts kept a clean sheet. The most recent was a 0-0 draw on the opening day of the 2017/2018 season at home to Hungerford Town. Whilst that match took place at Princes Park, the other fixture on this day was at Watling Street in 1980. The Darts won 2-0 in their belated Eastern Floodlit Cup semi-final versus Barking. A day later Dartford went on to lift the cup beating rivals Maidstone United 1-0 in the final.

Dartford v St Albans City

May 5, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are two wins away from a return to the National League as they begin their playoff campaign against St Albans City at Princes Park on Sunday.

The two sides met just a fortnight ago and it was Dartford who claimed maximum points to secure second place and home advantage in the playoffs. This time the stakes are higher with a place in the final up for grabs and a shot at promotion.

Last time at Princes Park, the Darts got off to a quick start against the Saints going in front after just three minutes. Richard Chin had an excellent afternoon and the loanee set up Samir Carruthers for his tenth goal of the season. It took until the 72nd minute for St Albans City to equalise with Shaun Jeffers acrobatically striking the ball beyond Ben Dudzinski for yet another goal against the Darts, his third in as many appearances. Luke Coulson and Fonkeu may have started from the substitute’s bench, but the pair made an impact five minutes after St Albans City equalised. Coulson’s free-kick was saved by Dylan Berry and Fonkeu pounced to net the winner, his tenth league goal of the campaign.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (22/04/2023) – Dartford FC TV

The reverse fixture back in October ended with honours even. Jack Smith scored his first goal in a Dartford shirt and although it was an easy tap in, the Darts worked the ball forwards swiftly after gaining possession on the halfway line. St Albans City equalised after catching Dartford out with a quick throw in and when the ball fell to Jeffers, he took an air shot before drilling his second attempt beyond Joe Young.

Hosting the playoff semi-final could benefit Dartford who picked up 50 points at Princes Park this season, the second best in the division. However, the Kent side have lost their last three playoff matches at Princes Park. One of those defeats was against Chelmsford City in 2017, who the Saints defeated on Tuesday night. Manager, David Noble made one change to the side that beat Farnborough 2-0 last weekend bringing in Chay Cooper for Kyran Wiltshire. Once again the prolific Jeffers, who has scored 28 times in the National South this season was named on the bench. After ninety minutes neither side could break the deadlock forcing the tie to go into extra time. Finally it was Jeffers once again who prodded the ball into the Chelmsford City net to decide the tie in the 95th minute. The striker has now scored in each of his last three appearances after coming on as a substitute.

Both sides have experience of making it to playoff finals and Dartford will want to draw on the positive outcome back in 2012 when they beat local rivals Welling United, Lee Noble’s early strike sent Tony Burman’s side up to the National League. Whilst under Steve King, the Darts reached the final two years ago and lost on penalties. St Albans City have won the playoffs three times as far back as when the non-league pyramid was restructured in 2004. That year they were involved in two epic playoff encounters to earn entry into the new National South league, a 4-3 victory against Heybridge Swifts followed by a 5-4 triumph over Bedford Town. Two years later they won promotion to the National League with a win versus Histon and in 2014, the Saints made their way back to the National South by defeating Chesham United.

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Match Highlights – St Albans City v Dartford (22/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Since the turn of the year Dartford have been inconsistent and will need to win back to back matches for the first time since the festive period if they want to go up. On the final day of the season, Alan Dowson decided to rest nine players with only Richard Chin and Jernade Meade retaining their place in the starting eleven. That gave minutes to Charlie Sheringham who made his return from a long term injury just over two weeks ago. The striker, who had a successful spell with Chelmsford City, has scored seven times this season and is behind fellow forward Alex Wall, midfielder Samir Carruthers and Pierre Fonkeu all of which have hit double figures in all competitions. Dowse can also look towards Harvey Bradbury as an option, his short time at Dartford has yielded five goals in nine appearances. At the back Tom Bonner and Connor Essam have forged a strong partnership and it looks as though Ben Dudzinski is the preferred choice in goal. The trio were rested last weekend and with Dan Wilks in between the sticks, academy graduate George Whitefield and Emmanuel Adebowale making their National South debuts for the club, the Darts kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with Hampton and Richmond Borough.

St Albans City finished their campaign strongly with a home win against Farnborough. That made sure David Noble’s side finished the season in sixth spot. Difficult to beat in the first couple of months of the season, St Albans City were too inconsistent and by the end of October they were in twelfth. However, the Hertfordshire side saw out the rest of 2022 with seven wins from nine, including a 6-0 away trouncing of Hampton and Richmond Borough and moved into fifth. A mediocre start to the New Year and a difficult February meant the Saints dipped below the dotted line, but they would rise again. The Saints have tasted defeat just twice in their last eleven outings winning seven of those.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 12 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 6

Current Form

Dartford (WLWLWD)			St Albans City (LWWLWW)
Hampton & Richmond	A	0-0	Chelmsford City*	A	1-0^
St Albans City	H	2-1	Farnborough	H	2-0
Concord Rangers	A	2-3	Dartford	A	1-2
Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0	Welling United	H	3-0
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Concord Rangers	A	2-1
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Braintree Town	A	0-2
* Playoff eliminator round / ^ After extra time

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 St Albans City (22/04/2023 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 1 Dartford (22/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 St Albans City (23/04/2022 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 3 Dartford (14/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 St Albans City (17/11/2020 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 2 Dartford (07/03/2020 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have not recorded consecutive win, draws or losses in their last 17 games
The Darts have the best defence at home conceding the fewest in the division (19)
Dartford scored in 87% of their games (40 out of 46), the second best in the National South
Dartford finished with the third best defence in the league (50)
St Albans City picked up the second most points away from home in the division (40)
Against fellow playoff contenders St Albans City have the worst record (W2, D2, L6)

On This Day

A year ago, Dartford cruised to a 7-2 final day win down on the Sussex coast. The Darts brushed aside Eastbourne Borough in a dazzling display, and it all started when Dan Roberts opened the scoring. The Sports levelled through Charley Kendall, but with half an hour played Marcus Dinanga put Dartford in front, then six minutes later Kory Roberts extended the advantage. In the second-half Dartford netted three goals in a five-minute spell, Dinanga scored his second and Kalvin Kalala grabbed a quickfire brace. A seventh was added by Jordan Greenidge before Chris Whelpdale managed a consolation goal for the hosts. Six years ago, Dartford lost 2-1 against Chelmsford City in the playoff semi-final second leg. Louie Theophanous and Chris Dickson put Chelmsford City in command and there was only enough time for Duane Ofori-Acheampong to claim a consolation for the Darts.

Hampton and Richmond Borough v Dartford

April 27, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Pressure is off for Dartford for one weekend only as they take on Hampton and Richmond Borough in the final league game of the season.

The Darts secured the runners up spot crowning their final home game of the regular season with a win. Victory earned Alan Dowson’s side home advantage in the playoffs and a bye into the semi-finals which starts next weekend. The Dartford boss used to manage Hampton and Richmond Borough and his success there will see him welcomed back to the Beveree. The Middlesex club can finish as high as sixteenth in the division with all three points.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Marvin Herschel scored on his debut in the reverse fixture back in September and it turned out to be the match winner. However, it was Charlie Sheringham that made an impact by scoring and assisting after coming on as a substitute. After Carruthers and Luke Allen combined, Sheringham was sent through and slotted home the opener. The striker then set up Herschel nine minutes later to see Dartford go two up with 18 minutes to play. Searching for a first home clean sheet of the season, the Darts were unable to hold out when Jake Gray fired past Joe Young. Last time at the Beveree, Carruthers made his Dartford debut last season and found himself on the winning the side. Marcus Dinanga scored the only goal of the game just over a year ago.

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Match Highlights – Hampton & Richmond Borough v Dartford (26/03/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Dowson will need to decide on whether to rest players or maintain the side that beat St Albans City at Princes Park last Saturday. The Darts suffered a disappointing defeat on the road just two days earlier against relegation threatened Concord Rangers but bounced back with a hard fought 2-1 win against the Saints. Four changes were made to the side with Jordan Wynter, Richard Chin, Luke Allen and Samir Carruthers returning to the starting eleven, the latter returning from injury and making an early impact against St Albans City. Striker Alex Wall who returned from injury against Concord Rangers as a substitute only to be substituted in the same game was out on the weekend as well as former Hampton and Richmond Borough defender Tommy Block.

Saturday’s win was a good test for what is to come in a weeks’ time as the Darts could be facing last weekends opponents again. Chin had an excellent afternoon and the loanee set up Carruthers for his tenth goal of the season. The Darts had an advantage after just three minutes and had to hold firm as the first-half progressed. It took until the 72nd minute for St Albans City to equalise with one of the best goals scored at Princes Park from an opposing side. Shaun Jeffers acrobatically struck the ball beyond Ben Dudzinski for yet another goal against the Darts. Luke Coulson and Pierre Fonkeu started from the substitute’s bench and the pair made an impact five minutes after St Albans City equalised. Coulson’s free-kick was saved by Dylan Berry and Fonkeu pounced to net the winner, his tenth league goal of the campaign.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (22/04/2023) – Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s form has been sketchy to say the least as they approach the playoffs, they have alternated between wins and losses for the last nine games. Whilst they have suffered late defeats to Chelmsford City, Taunton Town and Concord Rangers as well as the reverse at Eastbourne Borough, the Darts also beat Farnborough, Dulwich Hamlet, recorded their sixth and seventh Kent derby wins of the season against Dover Athletic and Tonbridge Angels respectively and overcame St Albans City.

Hampton and Richmond Borough were heading for a relegation battle in February compounded by a heavy defeat to Ebbsfleet United. A month earlier Gary McCann departed and Mel Gwinnett was appointed as boss. The new man couldn’t buy a win in his first six games in charge, but the Beavers rallied and swam to safety showing excellent form throughout March in particular. After the 6-2 reverse against the Fleet, Hampton and Richmond Borough won eight of their next eleven fixtures beating the sides down at the bottom such as Dulwich Hamlet, Cheshunt, Dover Athletic and Hungerford Town. Keeping their cool during those six pointers lifted the Middlesex club away from the battle at the wrong end of the table with plenty of time to spare.

On Tuesday night, with the shackles off they were beaten for a third away game in a row having been beaten by Chippenham Town and Concord Rangers, although they did win their last home match in between versus Weymouth. A 3-0 reverse at Welling United means the Beavers have now lost three in four, but all the hard work has already been done.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (LWLWLW)			Hampton & Richmond (WWLWLL)
St Albans City	H	2-1	Welling United	A	0-3
Concord Rangers	A	2-3	Concord Rangers	A	0-2
Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0	Weymouth	H	2-1
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Chippenham Town	A	1-2
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Hungerford Town	H	2-0
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	Taunton Town	H	3-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (26/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (22/01/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (08/02/2020 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 – 2 Dartford (05/11/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last 11 against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W6, D4)
The Darts are unbeaten in their last five visits to the Beveree (W3, D2)
Dartford have kept three clean sheets in their last four visits to Hampton and Richmond Borough

On This Day

A dramatic late win down in Poole helped Dartford secure a third-place finish and a bye in the playoffs. Needing to beat Chelmsford City’s result at Hungerford Town, the Darts came from behind to leapfrog the Clarets on the final day. Andy Pugh gave Dartford a lead which was extinguished when Poole Town scored twice through Marvin Brooks and Steve Devlin. Two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game Tom Murphy equalised and with virtually the last kick Lee Noble completed the comeback. The Darts have won their last two on this day and both games were on the road, Tonbridge Angels were beaten 4-2 in the Southern League South back in 2000. Ricky Bennett scored four in a 6-0 win over Faversham Town in 1995. Dartford’s opponents were forced to field a young side after several players had walked out of the club. In a subsequent match, Faversham Town lost 13-0 against Folkestone Invicta.

Dartford v St Albans City

April 21, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford have a tough final home game of the regular season when they host playoff hopefuls St Albans City this weekend.

The Darts will be hoping for another two home matches, but that depends if they can secure second place and make it through to the playoff final next month. A runners up finish will mean a home tie in the semi-final against the side who finishes in either fifth or sixth, that side could be St Albans City. The Saints have a four-point cushion over eighth place with two games remaining.

Victory will bring up 50 points at Princes Park for Dartford this term, who have the second-best home record in the league. St Alban City have fared better on their travels accumulating the second most points on the road. Little separates the two teams and that was the case back in October when they played out a 1-1 draw at Clarence Park. Jack Smith scored his first goal in a Dartford shirt and although it was an easy tap in, the Darts worked the ball forwards swiftly after gaining possession on the halfway line. St Albans City equalised after catching Dartford out with a quick throw in and when the ball fell to Shaun Jeffers, he took an air shot before drilling his second attempt beyond Joe Young. The Darts will have to keep an eye on St Albans City’s top scorer, Jeffers has managed 25 league goals this term and top scored last season with 27.

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Match Highlights – St Albans City v Dartford (22/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

The prospect of facing St Albans City since Dartford returned to the National South used to be daunting for the Darts, the Saints won five out of six with an aggregate score of 14-2. However, the tide has turned in recent years as Dartford have lost just once in the last seven meetings, winning four of those. The last time the Hertfordshire club came to visit Princes Park was a day shy of a year. Dartford surpassed a century of goals for the season in all competitions and Keiran Murtagh scored his first two for the club. The midfielder’s glancing header from Jack Jebb’s corner set the host on their way, but Jeffers levelled for the Saints. Murtagh put the Darts back ahead when his volley beat goalkeeper, Michael Johnson at the near post. Marcus Dinanga slotted in a third to complete a double over St Albans City after the reverse fixture on the opening day also ended 3-1.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (23/04/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Up until the festive season the Darts were well within a chance of challenging for the National South title. After victories against Havant and Waterlooville then completing a double against local rivals Ebbsfleet United, Dartford were top of the table on New Years Day. Rising to the summit was helped by a run of ten victories and a draw in eleven matches from September to early November. After the fantastic spell over Christmas and New Year, the Darts beat Cheshunt to make it four wins on the bounce, but form has not been that good since. Now the National South title has been sewn up, Dowson’s side are left scrapping for second with Oxford City and Chelmsford City.

On Thursday night the Darts missed an opportunity to go five points clear of the chasers losing 3-2 at Concord Rangers. Only one change was made to the starting eleven after the 1-0 away win at Tonbridge. Luke Allen made way for Pierre Fonkeu. Alex Wall and Charlie Sheringham were named on the bench. Wall had been out with a calf strain picked up against Eastbourne Borough on Good Friday. Although the striker made a ten minute appearance on Thursday he was taken off and may have returned from injury too soon. Sheringham’s injury kept the striker out for over two months and he was introduced later on in the game. Samir Carruthers didn’t feature in the matchday squad and has been recovering since the Easter period, although Dowson did state the midfielder is back training.

Dartford suffered a disappointing defeat in Essex against a Concord Rangers side hoping to pull of a great escape. In a topsy turvy game the hosts went ahead when Lewis Manor scored. Within six minutes the Darts were level and it was Harvey Bradbury yet again with his fifth goal in eight games since joining last month. Dartford edged in front when Sam Odaudu scored his first for the club on his 26th appearance. The Beachboys fought back in the second half, Ben Steward equalised then with two minutes left Manor scored a vital winner for Rob Small’s side.

A second place finish is still in Dartford’s hands but they will most likely need points against St Albans City this weekend. Dowson’s side are two points ahead of their closest challengers Oxford City and Chelmsford City and can still be caught by Worthing.

Dartford (79pts)	Oxford City (77)	Chelmsford (77)	Worthing (72)
St Albans (H)	Havant & W (H)	Hemel (A)	Taunton (A)
			Cheshunt (A)
Hampton & R (A)	Bath (A)	Taunton (H)	Hemel (H)

St Albans City have hit form at the right time to get into the top seven and they hope to stay put. If the Saints can make the playoffs it will be the first time in this division since they won promotion to the National League in 2006. Difficult to beat in the first couple of months of the season, St Albans City were too inconsistent and by the end of October they were in twelfth. However, the Hertfordshire side saw out the rest of 2022 with seven wins from nine, including a 6-0 away trouncing of Hampton and Richmond Borough and into fifth. A mediocre start to the New Year and a difficult February meant the Saints dipped below the dotted line, but they would rise again. Currently David Noble’s side have tasted defeat just once in their last eight outings winning five of those and their last two matches. A 3-0 triumph over Welling United last weekend followed up a 2-1 win at bottom club Concord Rangers and now St Albans City are hoping to stay above that dotted line.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 11 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 6

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWLWL)			St Albans City (WWDLWW)
Concord Rangers	A	2-3	Welling United	H	3-0
Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0	Concord Rangers	A	2-1
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Braintree Town	H	0-2
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Chippenham Town	A	1-1
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	Havant & Waterlooville	H	2-0
Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-0	Dover Athletic	H	1-0

Last Six Meetings

St Albans City 1 – 1 Dartford (22/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 St Albans City (23/04/2022 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 3 Dartford (14/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 St Albans City (17/11/2020 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 2 Dartford (07/03/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (06/08/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won 50% of their home games against St Albans City in all competitions (W6, D4, L2)
The Darts have gone 13 games without a clean sheet against the Saints stretching back to a 2-0 win in February 2016
Dartford have alternated between wins and losses for their last eight games

On This Day

Two late goals from substitute Tom Murphy turned the final home game of the 2018/2019 season around for the Darts. After finding themselves a goal down at home to Billericay Town, Murphy was introduced and scored in the 88th and 90th minutes to win it for Dartford. Two years earlier, the Darts cruised to a 4-0 triumph over Bishop’s Stortford in the last home league fixture of the 2016/2017 campaign before the playoffs. Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook gave the Darts a commanding 2-0 lead before the break. Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Alfie Pavey added another two in the second-half. Bromley beat the Darts 4-1 at Hayes Lane in 2011 on this day and Danny Harris netted a brace a year earlier in a 2-1 victory over Hendon with the Isthmian Premier League title already secured. Dartford claimed a fourth Kent Senior Cup in five seasons with a 3-2 win over Folkestone back in 1935.

Concord Rangers v Dartford

April 19, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to make their game in hand count against bottom side Concord Rangers on Thursday night as they push to secure second place.

The Darts can extend their lead over Oxford City and Chelmsford City to five points going into the final two games of the season with a consecutive away victory. Dartford put their away day troubles behind them on a weekend that saw the chasing sides pile on the pressure with victories of their own. Dowson’s men have failed to win back to back fixtures on the road since the purple patch in December and into January when they beat Havant and Waterlooville, champions Ebbsfleet United and Cheshunt. Concord Rangers will be on their third game of the week and after Tuesday night’s result have given themselves a glimmer of hope.

Dartford are guaranteed a playoff spot after ending their run of six away games without a win in the league by beating Tonbridge Angels on the weekend. The Darts have now gone unbeaten in Kent derbies after inflicting doubles over champions Ebbsfleet United, Dover Athletic and now Tonbridge Angels, picking up an astonishing 22 points from a maximum of 24, only Welling United managed to take anything from the Darts in the league. However, inconsistent form has seen Dartford alternate between winning and losing for the last seven matches and since the start of February they have not recorded consecutive wins, draws or losses. Heading towards the playoffs now is the time for Dowson and company to find consistency and build momentum.

Malachai Napa was given his first league start in nearly a month and rewarded Alan Dowson’s decision with the only goal of the game. The winger was one of four changes from the side that lost to Taunton Town a week ago. With four games in eight days, the Dartford boss shuffled his side by bringing in Napa, Sam Odaudu, Keiran Murtagh and Jack Smith for Jernade Meade, who has now served his one match suspension, Jordan Wynter, Bobby Dunn and Marvin Herschel.

Tonbridge Angels enjoyed most of the possession throughout the Kent derby, but resolute Dartford defending restricted the hosts. The decisive moment came in the 24th minute when goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski sent a long ball forward which fell to Napa. Breaking through the Angels backline the 23-year- old made sure the Darts took an important lead. Keeping out Tonbridge Angels secured three points and earned Dartford their first away clean sheet since August, a third on the road this season and first in 19 matches in all competitions.

Christian Jolley spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and commented: “I thought the boys were outstanding, to a man they were brilliant, it was a real squad performance. After the week we’ve had and the miles we’ve covered in regard to pitch action we thought it was a really important game to try and get a result. We had to do it differently by being patient and using our energy reserves wisely”.

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Match Highlights – Concord Rangers v Dartford (02/11/2021) – Dartford FC TV

Last time Dartford travelled across the River Thames to take on the Beachboys they lost 1-0 on a cold November evening. Lemar Reynolds scored the decisive goal to separate the two teams. It was just as tight two months later when a goalless draw was played out at Princes Park.

However, the Darts got the better of Concord Rangers earlier this season thanks to the influential Samir Carruthers. The midfielder stood out and opened the scoring in the first half with a deflected effort, but Mo Bettamer levelled the score from the spot just before the break. A neat move in the second-half saw Pierre Fonkeu swivel and shoot beyond goalkeeper Mitch Beeney to regain Dartford’s lead. Maximum points were secured when Dan Wilks’ drop kick found its way to the edge of the Concord Rangers box. A lack of communication between Beeney and Aron Pollock led to the defender passing the ball into his own goal.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Concord Rangers (26/11/2022) – Dartford FC TV

If fit Alex Wall could face his former club, a team he helped reached the F.A Trophy final in May 2021 scoring the winner in the semi-final. The striker had two spells with the Beachboys scoring 32 goals in 53 games. Wall has been back training this week and so has well as Charlie Sheringham, so they could play a part against Concord Rangers. Dowson is also confident midfielder Samir Carruthers can make a return, whilst Jernade Meade returns from suspension. Former Dart, Ricky Modeste could feature for Concord Rangers, the winger only made three appearances for Dartford in the 2020/2021 campaign.

Concord Rangers have lost every game against sides in the top six and have picked up just one point from those in the current top ten. However on Tuesday night they faced a struggling Dover Athletic side a grabbed a crucial three points. Nana Kyei’s cross was finished by Lewis Manor in the only goal of the game leaving the Beachboys nine points from safety with five matches to go.

The heavy end of season schedule could play a huge part in whether the Essex club remain in the division. Last weekend they were comprehensively beaten away at Bath City losing 4-0. That defeat came after a relegation scrap with Hungerford Town in which Concord Rangers won 1-0, and victory over Dover Athletic was just their second in nine outings. The Beachboys need to cram in their final fixtures over the nine days remaining of the season and by the time they take on Dulwich Hamlet it could be a vital six pointer.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Concord Rangers wins: 4 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (LWLWLW)			Concord Rangers (LLLWLW)
Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0	Dover Athletic	H	1-0
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Bath City	A	0-4
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Hungerford Town	H	1-0
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	St Albans City	H	1-2
Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-0	Worthing	A	0-7
Chelmsford City	H	1-2	Taunton Town	A	0-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 Concord Rangers (26/11/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Concord Rangers (25/01/2022 – National South)
Concord Rangers 1 – 0 Dartford (02/11/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Concord Rangers (21/12/2019 – National South)
Concord Rangers 0 – 2 Dartford (14/09/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Concord Rangers (26/01/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won just one of their last five trips to Concord Rangers (D2, L2).
The Darts have scored once in each of their last five away games.
Tom Bonner made his 450th start for Dartford in the win at Tonbridge Angels on Saturday.

On This Day

Dartford were defeated in the first leg of the Southern League Cup final on this day in 1988. The reliable Peter Taylor missed a penalty as Bromsgrove Rovers won 3-1 giving the Darts a mammoth task, only two teams had ever overturned a two goal deficit in the Southern League Cup final before. Six days later and despite another miss from the spot, Dartford won 3-0 in the second leg with goals from Garry Britnell, Kurt Davidson and Colin Johnson handing the cup to the Darts. It wasn’t so glorious in Dartford’s last away trip on 20 April, they lost 6-0 down in Eastbourne four years ago.

Tonbridge Angels v Dartford

April 14, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are back on the road this weekend when they make the short trip to Tonbridge Angels in their final Kent derby of the season.

The Darts are just one win away from securing a playoff place which they failed to do on Thursday night after a home loss against Taunton Town. A third defeat in five leaves Dartford just short of their target and under pressure to maintain their position in second place. Alan Dowson’s side could end up taking on Tonbridge Angels if their opponents make the top seven, they are currently just three points adrift and unbeaten in their last three home matches.

Kent derbies have yielded an impressive 19 points from a possible 21 for the Darts this season with only Welling United taking anything from the Darts. Earlier in the campaign goals from Samir Carruthers and Pierre Fonkeu earned Dartford a 2-0 home win over the Angels. Carruthers has been pivotal this term with his creativity, but the midfielder’s injury against Eastbourne Borough on Good Friday looks to have put him out for the rest of the campaign. The 30-year-old scored direct from a corner in the reverse fixture back in October at Princes Park and was involved in the second goal as well. Flicking on a header for Charlie Sheringham, who had his shot saved only to see Fonkeu scramble the ball over the line.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Tonbridge Angels (15/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Sheringham is another on the treatment table after his rib injury picked up against Chippenham Town in February, Tommy Block is not likely to feature this term and Jernade Meade will be suspended. Alex Wall was rested on Easter Monday after picking up a calf strain, the striker was left out again on Thursday night. Captain, Tom Bonner could make his 450th start for the club this weekend.

Dowson made three changes on Thursday night against Taunton Town to the side that beat Dover Athletic with a late Luke Allen strike on Easter Monday. The midfielder was rewarded by being selected, Bobby Dunn made his first start since joining the Darts and Marvin Herschel made his first league appearance since October. Dropping to the bench, Richard Chin, Jack Smith and Fonkeu were on standby. The visitors started the better and saw Ollie Chamberlain strike the woodwork before Nat Jarvis tapped in the rebound only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The Darts responded when they hit the post after Allen’s teasing cross and later in the first-half his shot came off the crossbar. Very little happened in the second forty five until Taunton Town’s Cameron Evans netted a winner with three minutes to go.

Home advantage in the playoffs could be crucial for the Darts, especially having failed to win away from home since the beginning of January, a run of six league games. Dartford let a lead slip against Eastbourne Borough and picked up just one point out of the two games versus Hungerford Town and Weymouth, both sides in the relegation zone. The point at Braintree Town in February was creditable considering the Iron were in form at the time and the Darts showed character to comeback twice at Welling United. A poor performance at Worthing started the barren spell on the road, which Dowson and company will be keen to end on Saturday.

Tonbridge Angels have only lost once at home against teams above them in the table, but Dartford’s last visit to Longmead finished in an entertaining 3-2 victory. Danny Leonard set the Darts on their way scoring a brace in the opening twenty minutes. However, Tommy Wood halved the deficit and after the Darts restored a two-goal cushion through Jack Jebb, the Angels added a consolation through Ibrahim Olutade.

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Match Highlights – Tonbridge Angels v Dartford (29/01/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Manager, Jay Saunders has turned Tonbridge Angels into a team challenging for the playoffs after the club finished 16th last season. The postponement of the Farnborough game on Easter Monday means the Angels last played on Good Friday when they drew 1-1 with Hemel Hempstead Town. Former Dartford striker, Jordan Greenidge wasn’t allowed to play against his parent club, but he will be available on Saturday.

At this level Greenidge is a goal threat having netted six in eight games for the Darts last season. This term the striker has scored 16 times in 23 appearances for Tonbridge Angels and four in 15 with Hemel Hempstead Town. The Darts could do with Meade’s knowledge of the striker having spent time with the Tudors earlier this term, he will also know all about Craig Braham-Barrett as he linked up with the defender on international duty for Montserrat last month. Braham-Barrett is another former Dart who spent two seasons at Princes Park making 29 appearances.

Since the New Year’s Day defeat at Welling United, the Angels have shown solid form in 2023. They have only lost three of their last 17 league fixtures and two of were away against Chelmsford City and Oxford City, the two sides chasing the Darts for that second place finish. In that time they picked up their fourth point versus champions Ebbsfleet United with a 1-1 draw racked up eight victories. Over the past month if they could have turned a few draws into wins then they would be in that top seven.

On Good Friday, Joe Turner opened the scoring with a decent finish past ex Dartford goalkeeper Craig King in the Hemel Hempstead Town goal. However, the lead lasted less than ten minutes when Josh Castiglione equalised as the spoils were shared. It was Tonbridge Angels’ third draw in five having earned a point at home to Ebbsfleet United and another away at Havant and Waterlooville. Prior their match over Easter, the Angels were involved in plenty of goals clinging on to beat Hungerford Town 4-3 before being on the wrong end of a 4-0 defeat at Oxford City.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 71 / Tonbridge Angels wins: 38 / Draws: 25

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWLWL)			Tonbridge Angels (WDDWLD)
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	1-1
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Oxford City	A	0-4
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	Hungerford Town	H	4-3
Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-0	Havant & Waterlooville	A	1-1
Chelmsford City	H	1-2	Ebbsfleet United	H	1-1
Farnborough	H	3-1	Eastbourne Borough	A	2-1

Previous Meeting

Dartford 2 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (15/10/2022 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 2 – 3 Dartford (29/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Tonbridge Angels (11/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (05/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (28/12/2019 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 3 – 2 Dartford (03/09/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last 15 games against Tonbridge Angels (W12, D2)
The Darts have won five of the last six away matches against the Angels (W5, L1)
Dartford are winless in seven consecutive away matches in all competitions (D3, L4). The last time they went eight games without an away win in a single season was in 2013/2014 (D4, L11)

On This Day

Dartford have won their last three on this day including the 2-0 win at Billericay Town a year ago. Second-half strikes from Jebb and Marcus Dinanga was enough to beat the side who ended up relegated at the end of the season. That was also one of three consecutive away clean sheets on 15 April. In 2010, the Darts romped to a 4-0 victory at Waltham Abbey. Goals by James White, Lee Noble, Carl Rook and Lee Burns helped Dartford add another three points in their Isthmian Division One North title winning campaign. A 0-0 draw at Tunbridge Wells in a 1995 Kent League fixture was the other clean sheet on the road. Dartford last conceded on the road on this day in 1989 against Macclesfield Town and they managed it four times in the F.A Trophy semi-final second leg. The reverse fixture ended 0-0 at Watling Street, but the Silkmen stopped Peter Taylor’s side heading to Wembley winning 4-1 on aggregate. However, Dartford did lift some silverware on 15 April back in 1939 when they beat Northfleet United 4-0 in the Kent Senior Shield final.

Dartford v Taunton Town

April 12, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford can secure a playoff place with a win in their penultimate home game of the regular season against Taunton Town on Thursday night.

With a top seven spot all but guaranteed, the Darts are aiming to finish second to earn them home advantage in the playoffs and a bye into the semi-final. A third home win in four on Easter Monday in the Kent derby against Dover Athletic edged Alan Dowson’s side closer to their target. Taunton Town have hit good form winning three on the bounce to virtually make sure they will be playing National South football next season.

Dartford are two points ahead of closest rivals Oxford City with two games in hand and five to play. Three more wins will make sure the Darts claim second and keep the rest of the playoff contenders at bay. So Dowson’s men will be eager to avoid double defeat against Taunton Town who won the reverse fixture back in August.

Eight months ago, Davide Rodari scored the opener at Wordsworth Drive even though he looked second best when he chasing down Sam Odaudu’s long ball, but a mix up at the back between goalkeeper Jack Bycroft and centre half Dan Ball allowed Rodari to get between the pair, round the keeper and slot into an empty net. Another long ball caused problems with 15 minutes to go, this time for the Darts. Tom Bonner was caught out and substitute Dave Sims-Burgess took advantage to equalise. Then four minutes later another sub won it for the Peacocks, Ross Stearn poked home from close range.

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Highlights – Taunton Town v Dartford (20/08/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On Monday, Dowson made one change following the 2-1 Good Friday defeat at Eastbourne Borough. Striker, Alex Wall picked up a calf strain during the loss in Sussex meaning Pierre Fonkeu was selected in the Kent derby against Dover Athletic. Wall joined an injury list which already included Charlie Sheringham, Samir Carruthers and Tommy Block. Despite Jernade Meade’s red card at Eastbourne, the full back will not start his suspension until Saturday against Tonbridge Angels.

Harvey Bradbury helped Dartford on their way to a sixth Kent derby win in the National League after just five minutes. The striker capitalised on a defensive mix up to score for the second game in a row, his fourth in five appearances since joining the club. Bradbury had the ball in the back of the net again, but his effort was ruled out for offiside. From that moment Dover Athletic gained control and before the first-half was out Jordan Higgs equalised. The Darts got to grips with proceedings in the second-half and with seven minutes to go substitute Luke Allen finished superbly to win it for the hosts.

Taunton Town have been playing catch up after a series of postponements throughout the season. The Peacocks now have a heavy fixture list and their trip to Princes Park will be their fifth game in April out of ten scheduled. At the beginning of the month a modest points total had the Somerset side looking like they would be involved in a relegation battle, however realistically having played fewer matches they were really in a false league position. Five wins in seven has seen Rob Dray’s team on the verge of securing National South football for only their second ever season. Taunton Town need just four points from their remaining six fixtures.

Over Easter, one of the tightest defences in the division kept a consecutive clean sheet on Good Friday. Following a 1-0 win against bottom side Concord Rangers in which Lee Lucas netted the winner, the Peacocks kept out Bath City in a 2-0 victory. It took the Somerset club 76 minutes to break the deadlock when Cameron Evans scored from close range. Victory was secured with eight minutes on the clock, Dylan Morgan finishing from just inside the penalty box.

Dray was forced to make two changes for the Easter Monday clash with Slough Town. Suspensions to Lucas and Nat Jarvis meant Nick McCootie and Morgan were handed starts. Jarvis will be available to return against the Darts, but Lucas still has two games to serve. A last minute winner was enough for the Peacocks to claim a 2-1 victory. The hosts took the lead from a corner headed in by Jake Wannell. Slough Town hit back on the stroke of half-time when Matt Lench levelled. Then during second-half injury Morgan grabbed a winner for Taunton Town.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Taunton Town wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Current League Form

Dartford (DWLWLW)			Taunton Town (WLLWWW)
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Slough Town	H	2-1
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	Bath City	A	2-0
Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-0	Concord Rangers	H	1-0
Chelmsford City	H	1-2	Ebbsfleet United	H	0-1
Farnborough	H	3-1	Hampton & Richmond	A	1-3
Hungerford Town	A	1-1	Braintree Town	A	2-0

Previous Meeting

Taunton Town 2 – 1 Dartford (20/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

The Darts have won all ten home games against sides currently 14th and below in the league, Taunton Town are 15th.
Dartford have conceded one fewer than the best defence in the league. Taunton Town have conceded the fewest goals (44) in the division, joint with champions Ebbsfleet United.
The Darts have not gone three unbeaten at home in the league since their eight game winning streak from 24 September 2022 to 26 November 2022

On This Day

Paul Sawyer lifted the Kent Senior Trophy on this day in 1996 after the Darts beat Chatham Town 3-0 in the final. Dean Bowey, Ricky Bennett and Sean Bristow all scored at Park View Road to give Tony Burman’s black and white army some deserved silverware. Dartford’s last outing on 13 April was four years ago and ended in defeat at Princes Park. Nat Jarvis and Nick McCootie, now of Taunton Town were in the Chippenham Town side that won 1-0. Defeat in 2019 ended a three game winning streak on this day without conceding a goal. In 2009, Lee Noble, Adam Flanagan, Rob Haworth and Ryan Hayes all scored in a 4-0 win over Canvey Island in the Isthmian Premier League. A year later in the same division Allan Tait scored the only goal of the game against Harrow Borough and in 2013, Charlie Sheringham netted the winner as the Darts beat Stockport County 1-0 in the National League.

Category: Match Preview (Page 15 of 26)

Dartford v Farnborough

Dartford v Hampton and Richmond Borough

Weymouth v Dartford

Dartford v Bath City

Dartford v St Albans City

Hampton and Richmond Borough v Dartford

Dartford v St Albans City

Concord Rangers v Dartford

Tonbridge Angels v Dartford

Dartford v Taunton Town

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