Category: Match Preview (Page 2 of 24)

Dartford v Cheshunt

September 26, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford look to maintain their unbeaten home run in the league when they host Cheshunt this weekend.

The Darts have recorded just one win all season and that was over a month ago. Adrian Pennock’s side have drawn three consecutive games in the Isthmian Premier and a much needed victory will see Dartford move in the right direction.

Since relegation from the National South, Cheshunt survived another drop and finished in the lower half last term. The Ambers have made a better start this time around with just one defeat in their opening eight league fixtures.

County Cup Exits

Both sides were involved in their respective county cups on Tuesday night. Dartford were up against Isthmian South East side Erith Town and went out on penalties. With the amount of injuries in the squad Pennock used the Kent Senior Cup tie as an opportunity to hand some of the younger and academy players their debuts.

Crowning his first start for the Darts, Albie O’Mara-Knapp scored his first senior goal in just his third appearance to give Dartford a lead going into the break. Erith Town were level shortly after the restart when Aaron Jeffrey headed the equaliser. With no extra time the tie went to penalties with the Dockers progressing into the next round.

Cheshunt were involved in the Hertfordshire Senior Cup and were away at Hadley, Dartford’s opponents in the F.A Trophy next Saturday. Mel Gwinnett’s side went a goal down in first half injury time after conceding a penalty. Isaac Stones scored the spot kick for the hosts. The Ambers were unable to find a leveller and so it was Hadley who progressed to the semi-final.

Whitefield’s Wonderstrike

George Whitefield scored a brilliant winner in the corresponding fixture last season. With the match all level, the defender unleashed a shot from long range to hand Dartford three points. Earlier, Samir Carruthers had converted his penalty before Tommy Wood equalised for Cheshunt.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Ambers Spoil the Party

The story was different in the reverse match seven months ago. The Darts were on the verge of creating history after equalling a club record 21 league games unbeaten. Cheshunt had other ideas though and humbled the visitors 3-0, denting Dartford’s title ambitions in the process. Donell Thomas scored in first half injury time, Kenny Coker doubled the lead and Vas Vasiliou added a third from the spot.

Draw Specialists

Dartford have specialised in drawing lately with the most recent against Aveley. Unlike the previous two outings, in which the Darts had to come from behind, this time they let a goal lead slip. Callum Jones scored his first of the season, but with four minutes remaining Jayden Gipson equalised for the Millers. Both sides were reduced to ten men earlier in the clash with Aveley’s Albie Armin being sent off for a reckless tackle and Ikechi Eze for retaliating.

Like Dartford, the Ambers have also drawn their last three league games slowing down their early season progress. The Hertfordshire side, yet to be beaten at home, picked up a point on their own patch against Burgess Hill Town, then when they hosted Billericay Town and in their last league outing versus Dulwich Hamlet.

Early Pacesetters

Cheshunt were setting the pace after the opening two games and scoring plenty of goals. The Ambers defeated Welling United 4-2 and went to Canvey Island and won 4-1. Only Chatham Town have managed to get the better of Gwinnett’s team in the Isthmian Premier, but Cheshunt bounced back with a couple of victories. Hashtag United were beaten 3-1 and St Albans City lost 2-1 before the run of draws.

Manager’s View

Pennock took the decision to rest the majority of the first team squad in midweek to protect the players he has available for this weekend. The Dartford manager is hoping for some members of the team to return to action, he spoke to www.dartford.com and confirmed: “I’m hoping we have a few back, but I will know more after Thursday’s training session”.

Although injuries and suspensions have played a part in Dartford’s campaign so far, Pennock still believes he can start picking up victories, he added: “I’m confident we can change these draws into wins and I would like that to happen as soon as possible, especially with a full, fit squad to choose from”.

Team News

Sam Odaudu, Michael Olarewaju, Dan Smith, Sammie McLeod and Dean Nayler have all been on the injury list. Sam Okoye has served his suspension, but Ikechi Eze will start his ban for the red card recieved last weekend.

Current Form

Dartford (DDLDDD)			Cheshunt (WLDDDL)
Erith Town (CC)	A	1-1*	Hadley (CC)	A	0-1
Aveley	A	1-1	Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-1
Canvey Island	H	2-2	Billericay Town	H	2-2
Bracknell Town (FAC)	H	0-2	Burgess Hill Town	H	1-1
Bracknell Town (FAC)	A	2-2	Leiston (FAC)	H	1-2
Ramsgate	A	4-4	St Albans City	A	2-1

(FAC – F.A Cup / CC – County Cup / * – lost 3-4 on penalties)

Head to Head

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

Previous Meeting

Cheshunt 3 – 0 Dartford (22/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (09/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cheshunt 1 – 3 Dartford (07/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have a perfect home record against Cheshunt in the two meetings so far
The Darts have yet to keep a clean sheet versus the Ambers
In the four matches played both teams scored averaging 3.25 goals per game
Dartford have drawn three league games in a row for the first time since January 2022. The last time Dartford drew four consecutive league matches was in April 1992.

On This Day

Samir Carruthers and Luke Allen hit the target on this day in 2022. A goal down at home to Eastbourne Borough, the Darts came back to win 2-1 in the National South. Eight years earlier the same pattern of scoring happened away at Nuneaton Town. The Darts were a goal down in the National Premier before Elliot Bradbrook scored a penalty with 12 minutes remaining and Danny Harris grabbed the winner a couple of minutes later.

Erith Town v Dartford

September 22, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford start their Kent Senior Cup campaign with a local derby against Erith Town on Tuesday night.

The Darts enter at the first round stage for the first time in eight years and are 13 times winners of the competition. Erith Town went out at this stage last season and are a division below in the Isthmian Division One South East.

Drawn Again

Just under a year ago the two sides drew each other in the Isthmian League Cup. The third round tie was the first meeting between the two sides and Adrian Pennock’s side came out on top. Samir Carruthers scored the only goal of the game with a free-kick on his 50th start for the club. That victory came after a seven match winless streak, the Darts went on an incredible 21 game unbeaten run in the league. Dartford will be hoping history repeats itself to spark this season into life after winning just one of their opening eight fixtures in the Isthmian Premier.

Another Stalemate, Another Red

Joe Tennent made his debut on the weekend in the 1-1 draw at Aveley. The central defender replaced Ben Frempah at the back. Pennock also selected Ikechi Eze in the starting eleven with Samir Carruthers dropping to the bench.

The selection of Eze turned out to be significant for the wrong reasons as he became the fifth Dartford player to get sent off this season. Fortunately, the dismissal wasn’t a disadvantage for the Darts as Aveley were reduced to ten men as well. That means Pennock’s side have yet to finish a league game on the road with eleven players on the pitch this season.

Dartford have made a habit of starting slowly and falling behind, but for just the second time in 12 matches the Darts took the lead on Saturday. Callum Jones scored his first of the campaign finally opening his account for 2024/2025 on his ninth appearance. However, Dartford were unable to hold on to all three points when Aveley’s Jayden Gipson equalised four minutes from time. The Darts have now drawn three league games in a row.

Dockers Winless at Home

Erith Town are looking for a first victory at Bayliss Avenue this term having drawn two from four on their own patch in the league. In cup competitions they have been forced into two replays after having home advantage and were knocked out in the F.A Trophy.

The Dockers picked up a creditable draw on Saturday when they drew 0-0 against unbeaten Faversham Town. Last Tuesday they claimed their first league win of the campaign breezing past Sheppey United 4-1 on the road.

Cup Form

Erith Town have already played six cup games this season. They needed a second attempt to get past Sporting Bengal United and Southall in the early qualifying rounds of the F.A Cup. The Dockers were held to a goalless draw before beating Sporting Bengal United 4-2 in the replay. In the next round they drew 1-1, then hit another four past Southall. The run came to an end in the first qualifying round, going out to Farnham Town.

A week later, the Dockers started in the F.A Trophy and a penalty shoot-out defeat versus Deal Town ended any chances of a run. Erith Town have drawn out Deal Town again in the Isthmian League Cup.

Manager’s View

Pennock agreed with the red card decision on Saturday and has already spoken to Eze about the incident as the Darts could have had a man advantage. The Dartford boss spoke to www.kentonline.co.uk after the match and said: “The referee was going to do his job anyway and we would have played against 10 men for a lot of the game because that was a horrendous tackle on Eddie (Dsane)”.

It may have felt like Dartford dropped points conceding late in the game, but Pennock was not too disheartened, he commented: “Overall, I’m just pleased with the performance. It’s a very hard place to come but I thought the performance was excellent”, he added: “We had to adjust and so did they when it went to 10 men but I’m just a little bit disappointed because we should have won the game”.

Team News

Sam Okoye has now served his suspension for the red card received against Ramsgate. Despite extra recovery time Sam Odaudu, Michael Olarewaju, Dan Smith were all out injured on the weekend. Pre-season injuries to Sammie McLeod and Dean Nayler means the pair have yet to feature this season. Ikechi Eze will start his suspension against Cheshunt on Saturday.

Current Form

Dartford (WDDLDD)			Erith Town (LLDDWD)
Aveley	A	1-1	Faversham Town	H	0-0
Canvey Island	H	2-2	Sheppey United	A	4-1
Bracknell Town (FAC)	H	0-2	Merstham	H	2-2
Bracknell Town (FAC)	A	2-2	Deal Town (FAT)	H	1-1*
Ramsgate	A	4-4	Farnham Town (FAC)	H	0-3
Carshalton Athletic	H	4-1	VCD Athletic	A	1-2

(FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy / * – lost 3-4 on penalties)

Head to Head

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

Previous Meeting

Dartford 1 – 0 Erith Town (29/10/2024 – Isthmian League Cup)

Statistics

In all competitions Dartford have lost just one in six games. However, they have also one victory in that time.
Dartford have lost two of their last three Kent Senior Cup ties on the road. The Darts drew the other, but progressed on penalties
The Darts last went out at the first round stage in 2017 when they were beaten by Cray Wanderers

On This Day

Paul Rooney scored the only goal of the game as the Darts won their Kent derby against Tonbridge Angels in 2023. In another Kent derby 15 years earlier, Dartford defeated rivals Maidstone United in the Isthmian Premier League. Steve Butterworth and Rob Howarth both scored in a 2-1 win.

Aveley v Dartford

September 19, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are back in action this weekend and are determined to claim a first away win of the season when they visit Aveley.

The Darts have yet to hit top gear and have picked up just one point on the road. The Millers were relegated from the National South last term and are waiting for their first league victory at home this campaign.

Slow Out of the Blocks

Adrian Pennock’s side are just a place above the relegation zone and one of the constant themes this season is the need for the Darts to come from behind. Dartford have conceded first in all but one of their eight fixtures so far. Although they turned the game around at home to Carshalton Athletic, they fought back against Ramsgate, Bracknell Town and most recently Canvey Island to rescue draws.

Youngsters Step Up

A dreadful opening six minutes saw Dartford two down at home to Canvey Island a fortnight ago. Defensive frailties were punished by a side looking for their first points. Jonny Henly failed to hold on to a shot for Canvey’s Charlie Stimson to score. Then the goalkeeper was lobbed by Max Fiddes.

A number of injuries in the squad meant Pennock had to trust his young side. In the end, two academy graduates saved the day. First, George Whitefield nodded in Olly Box’s cross on 67 minutes Then Box hit a low strike to equalise two minutes later.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Tennent Moves In

Dartford’s defence has been hit hard this season with a number of injuries and suspensions. It’s an obvious concern for Pennock who has signed the experienced Joe Tennent to help shore up the back.

The central defender arrives from Dover Athletic and played a pivotal role in beating the Darts in last season’s playoff final. The 27-year old made 36 appearances for the Whites in 2024/2025 and could make his debut this weekend.

Late Winner at Parkside

It took until the fifth National South game in August 2023 for Dartford to claim their first win in that campaign. That victory was in their last visit to Parkside against Aveley. Maximum points were snatched in the fifth minute of injury time when Harvey Bradbury headed the decisive goal. Whitefield and Box were the only current players involved in that matchday squad and they were unused substitutes.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Millers Return to the Isthmian

After a two year stay in the National South, Aveley were relegated last season. Danny Scopes stepped down and Brett Munyard is now manager of the Essex club. Over the summer Munyard was busy in the transfer market bringing in plenty of new faces. One of those is former Dartford loanee, Rowan Liburd from Chatham Town. The striker made three appearances for the Darts during the 2019/2020 campaign.

Late Cup Victory

Whilst Dartford had a rest last weekend, Aveley travelled to Suffolk to take on Southern Premier Central side AFC Sudbury. A late Alejandro Machado winner sent the Millers into the F.A Cup third qualifying round where they will visit Grimsby Borough. Earlier in the tie Jaden Brissett equalised for the Essex side after the hosts had led through Kyran Clements’ goal.

Back Down to Earth

Monday night proved to be even tougher for Munyard’s side. Approaching their home fixture with one defeat in their opening six league games, Aveley hosted Folkestone Invicta. The Millers led through Jayden Robinson, but found themselves 4-1 down halfway into the second half. Jayden Gipson pulled a goal back before Invicta added a fifth.

Assistant Manager’s View

Heading into this weekend’s fixture Roland Edge knows his players have what it takes to save a match if required, but they need to “find out what makes them tick from minute one” in future games. The assistant manager spoke to Dartford FC TV after the draw with Canvey Island and said: “We don’t doubt their character, they will always fight until the end. They won’t give up, they are honest boys”.

Although going behind in matches allows the Darts to showcase their team spirit, the assistant manager would rather a smoother ride, he commenetd: “To be honest we shouldn’t be fighting back. Too often we are letting teams get into the position where they should be seeing the game out”, he continued: “It’s only down to endevaour, hardwork and some of the skills we have got within the team that we are getting back. We get back into games, but we’re not that happy with it”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

An early F.A Cup exit means the Darts have had a week off and extra recovery time for some of the squad. Sam Odaudu and Sam Okoye were both substituted in the cup replay versus Bracknell Town. The defenders weren’t fit to be included in the matchday squad four days later against Canvey Island. Four others are recovering from injury as well. Captain, Michael Olarewaju has been out for a month. Dan Smith pulled up with a hamstring issue at the end of August. Pre-season injuries to Sammie McLeod and Dean Nayler means the pair have yet to feature this season, Nayler will be a long term absentee.

Current Form

Dartford (LWDDLD)			Aveley (LWWDWL)
Canvey Island	H	2-2	Folkestone Invicta	H	2-5
Bracknell Town (FAC)	H	0-2	AFC Sudbury (FAC)	A	2-1
Bracknell Town (FAC)	A	2-2	St Albans City	H	1-1
Ramsgate	A	4-4	Hashtag United (FAC)	H	3-0
Carshalton Athletic	H	4-1	Canvey Island	A	2-1
St Albans City	A	0-2	Chatham Town	H	0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Aveley wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Aveley (27/02/2024 – National South)
Aveley 0 – 1 Dartford (26/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Aveley (17/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier League)
Dartford 4 – 5 Aveley (15/12/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)
Aveley 1 – 4 Dartford (24/10/2009 – Isthmian Premier League)
Aveley 2 – 2 Dartford (29/12/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in their last four trips to Aveley (W3, L1)
This fixture has averaged 4.08 goals a game in the 12 previous meetings. Dartford have scored 31 to Aveley’s 18
The Darts have conceded first in ten of their last 11 games
In the 15 games since the start of April, the Darts have faced a two or more goal deficit in ten matches. Dartford have won one and drawn four of those ten games.
The Darts have gained five of their six points this season from losing positions

On This Day

Dartford’s last away win on this day was back in 2003 when they beat Hastings United 3-0 in the Southern League Eastern Division. Since then the Darts have been beaten on the road by Chatham Town, losing 1-0 in 2005 and by Cray Wanderers in a 2017 Kent Senior Cup tie that ended 4-2 to the Wands.

Way back in 1890 Dartford racked up 16 goals without reply in a friendly against Star Rovers, Belvedere. Three players claimed a hat-trick that day Sales and Harry Exeter scored five each and Madden netted three.

Brendon Cass started and finished the scoring in a 4-0 home win against Horsham in 2008, Lee Noble netted a brace in between. Three years later a Ryan Hayes penalty and a Tom Champion goal helped the Darts to a 2-1 Princes Park triumph over Staines Town. Dartford’s last league fixture on this day ended with a 2-1 home loss against Forest Green Rovers in 2014, Max Cornhill scored a last minute consolation.

Dartford v Canvey Island

September 4, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

A Dartford legend returns in the opposing dugout when the Darts host bottom of the table Canvey Island this weekend.

Adrian Pennock will be aiming to maintain Dartford’s unbeaten record against the Gulls. In his way will be former player manager, Peter Taylor who will be determined to help Canvey Island gain their first points of the season.

Perfect League Record

Dartford have won every league encounter against the Essex club averaging three goals a game. Last season the trend continued and although the Darts score quite so many they kept a clean sheet in both matches.

Sam Odaudu put in a man of the match performance scoring his first ever goal at Princes Park in this fixture last term. The full back stabbed home a volley in the second half. Tyler Christian-Law wrapped up the points with eight minutes to go.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In December, the Darts kept up the 100% league record versus Canvey Island by winning 1-0 at Park Lane. Eddie Dsane scored the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time.

F.A Cup Exit

The Darts went out at the first hurdle against Bracknell Town in their F.A Cup replay on Tuesday night. Samir Carruthers made his first start of the season after being out with a groin injury, but was unable to complete the full ninety. Ben Frempah wasn’t involved in the squad on Saturday, but he returned to the starting eleven. Both Olly Box and Ikechi Eze were also selected after coming off the bench on Saturday. Dan Smith was out injured, Jez Pinder was named as a substitute, Sam Smith and Sam Okoye were suspended for the replay. The hosts finished the tie with six academy graduates on the field. Richie Atkins was introduced late in the game to make his senior debut.

The habit of falling behind continued despite the Darts creating enough opportunities to be ahead. Approaching the interval and against the run of play Teddy Tarbotton put Bracknell Town in front. The pattern of play carried on in the second half, but once again Dartford went two down when Joe Grant scored his third against the Darts in three days. This time Pennock’s side was unable to claw back the deficit and went out at the F.A Cup first qualifying round for the first time since 2006.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A Legend Returns

Peter Taylor returned to management this summer at the age of 72 and is certainly the most experienced manager in the Isthmian Premier. At Dartford he managed for four seasons between 1986 and 1990, came Southern League runners up in consecutive seasons, won back to back Southern League Cups and lifted the Kent Senior Cup twice. He also led the Darts to two F.A Trophy semi-finals as well as the F.A Cup first round on three occasions. As a player manager he also made it into the club’s top ten scorers of all-time with 94 goals in 253 games.

Struggling Gulls

Canvey Island are at the foot of the table and out of the F.A Cup. However, the Darts will not take the Gulls lightly as almost a year ago they lost to another side from Essex at the bottom, Bowers and Pitsea. Taylor has recently said that managing the Gulls could be the toughest job of all in his many past challenges as a player and manager.

Six games into the season and the Gulls have yet to avoid defeat. On the weekend they were beaten by one of Taylor’s former teams Maldon and Tiptree in the cup. Over the Bank Holiday period they lost to then league leaders Dulwich Hamlet and two days later were second best in their derby at home to Aveley.

The lowest scorers in the division with just two goals, it is clear where immediate improvements are needed. Aside from the four conceded against Cheshunt, the Essex side have let in two goals in all the other matches so far.

Team News

Sam Smith and Okoye return from their one match suspension. Dan Smith, Dean Nayler, Michael Olarewaju and Sammie McLeod were on the injury list on Tuesday. Odaudu was taken off with an injury against Bracknell Town. Dsane could make his 50th appearance for the Darts if he features on Saturday. The striker has scored four in his last three appearances.

Current Form

Dartford (DLWDDL)			Canvey Island (LLLLLL)
Bracknell Town (FAC)	H	0-2	Maldon & Tiptree (FAC)	A	0-2
Bracknell Town (FAC)	A	2-2	Aveley	H	2-2
Ramsgate	A	4-4	Basingstoke Town	H	3-2
Carshalton Athletic	H	4-1	Weymouth	A	1-1
St Albans City	A	0-2	Poole Town	H	3-4
Billericay Town	H	1-1	Uxbridge	H	1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Canvey Island wins: 0 / Draws: 2

Previous Six Meetings

Canvey Island 0 – 1 Dartford (28/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Canvey Island (17/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
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 – Isthmian Premier)
Canvey Island 2 – 5 Dartford (29/12/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
* – Dartford won 9-8 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won all eight league matches against Canvey Island with an aggregate score of 24-6
The Darts have won four and drawn one versus the Gulls at Princes Park. The draw ended up in a F.A Cup penalty shootout, which Dartford won 9-8
Dartford have conceded first in nine of their last ten games
The Darts have gone 12 games without a clean sheet and eight without a clean sheet at home
Dartford have won one of their last eight since their playoff semi-final win last season

On This Day

Dartford claimed bragging rights in their Kent derby with Welling United on this day nine years ago. The National South fixture finished 2-1 to the Darts at Princes Park. Elliot Bradbrook missed a penalty only for Alex Brown to score the rebound. Adam Coombes netted a free-kick for the Wings, but Bradbrook grabbed the winner. That is the only win for the Darts in the last six matches on 6 September.

Dartford v Bracknell Town

September 1, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford have to go again in the F.A Cup first qualifying round against Bracknell Town on Tuesday night.

On Saturday, the Darts left it late in Berkshire to force a replay back at Princes Park. Once again Adrian Pennock’s side had to battle back to rescue a draw.

Eddie Dsane was rewarded with his second start of the season after being the hat-trick hero on Bank Holiday Monday. The forward replaced Olly Box, who dropped to the bench. Luther Williams returned to the starting lineup in place of Ben Frempah, who wasn’t named in the matchday squad.

Two Down But Not Out

Despite a promising opening quarter of an hour, the Darts found themselves two down before the break. Joe Grant’s double put Bracknell Town in the driving seat as they controlled most of the first half.

After the interval the Darts improved and with five minutes remaining Denzelle Olopade hooked the ball in off the crossbar. With Dartford on the verge of crashing out of the F.A Cup, Dsane was felled in the penalty box in injury time. He calmly stepped up to the spot and slotted the ball home to equalise.

Dwindling Defensive Options

A number of injuries and suspensions leaves the Darts with few options at the back on Tuesday night. Out of the players named in the senior squad, Sam Odaudu, George Whitefield and Luther Williams are all available. When Dartford were reduced to nine men at Ramsgate, Pennock had to use striker Callum Jones at full back. The Dartford boss will be hoping he can call on some reserves before putting players in their unnatural positions. Pennock confirmed that the red card given to Sam Okoye on Bank Holiday Monday was being appealed by the club, so he may be available depending if the appeal is successful.

Manager’s View

Pennock called his side’s first half performance as ‘naive’, the second half as ‘magic’ and felt the Darts deserved to stay in the competition. He spoke to Dartford FC TV after the 2-2 draw and said: “The second half was great, we know we’re fit and stronger than a lot of other teams, but the way we played the second half was chalk and cheese from the first half”.

According to Pennock that naivety comes with having a young squad, but he is sticking by his players, he added: “We’re a very young side and the players are learning their trade, unfortunately we’re learning the hard way at the moment, but I do believe in what we’re doing”, he continued: “We’ve just got to keep faith in our youngsters because they are our future”.

Determined to go on a cup run, Pennock is hoping the supporters can play their part as well. He commented: “It’s a really big game for us and we need the Dartford supporters behind us, like they have been home and away this season. Obviously since I’ve been here they have been fantastic. We need them to turn up in their numbers and really get behind the boys. It’s going to be a tough game”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Samir Carruthers returned on Saturday after a few weeks out with a groin injury. The midfielder made a substitute appearance and got through the final 25 minutes. Striker, Dan Smith pulled with a hamstring injury during the first half at Bracknell Town. Michael Olarewaju was still out injured as well as Sammie McLeod and Dean Nayler. Defender, Ben Frempah was missing from the squad on Saturday. Due to the replay being needed, Sam Smith and Sam Okoye (depending on the outcome of his appeal) will serve a one match suspension on Tuesday evening.

Current Form

Dartford (LDLWDD)			Bracknell Town (LDLDWD)
Bracknell Town	A	2-2	Dartford	H	2-2
Ramsgate	A	4-4	Basingstoke Town	H	3-2
Carshalton Athletic	H	4-1	Weymouth	A	1-1
St Albans City	A	0-2	Poole Town	H	3-4
Billericay Town	H	1-1	Uxbridge	H	1-1
Dulwich Hamlet	A	0-4	Berkhamsted	A	0-1

Statistics

Dartford have progressed or started beyond the first qualifying round stage for the last 18 years. Hastings United were the last side to beat the Darts at this stage of the competition in 2006.
The Darts had won their last four first qualifying round ties before Saturday’s draw. They needed a replay in 2007 against Sittingbourne and beat Hastings United (2008), Chipstead (2009) and Marlow (2024)
Dartford’s last F.A Cup replay was against rivals Ebbsfleet United in 2013. Elliot Bradbrook scored a match winning penalty in a 1-0 victory.
In the 13 games since the start of April, the Darts have faced a two or more goal deficit in eight matches. Dartford have won one and drawn three of those eight games.
Luther Williams will make his 50th Dartford appearance if he features on Tuesday night

On This Day

Dartford last won on this day in 2006 and that was in the F.A Cup preliminary round. Drawn against Tunbridge Wells, the Darts cruised through with a 5-0 victory. In 2017, Dartford came from two down against Hampton and Richmond Borough in the National South. Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook completed the comeback at the Beveree. Either side of that draw, the Darts were beaten 3-2 at home by Carshalton Athletic. Jamie Day and John Guest netted for the Darts in the Isthmian Premier fixture. Most recently, Dartford lost 1-0 at Taunton Town in the National South two years ago.

Bracknell Town v Dartford

August 29, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford take a break from league football and start their F.A Cup campaign at Bracknell Town this weekend.

The Saturday 6.30pm kick off will see the Darts travel to Sandhurst to take on the Southern Premier South side for the first time ever.

Adrian Pennock’s side have had a tough start to their season, especially on the road. Five points in as many games mean the Darts are down in fifteenth. Bracknell Town have had an identical beginning to their campaign and occupy the same position in their division. Winless in their opening four, the Robins then managed a first victory in their previous outing. Bracknell Town will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last season’s F.A Cup performance when they went out at the first qualifying round.

Bank Holiday Monday Madness

Eight goals, three red cards, a hat-trick and late drama made for an entertaining game at Ramsgate last time out for the Darts.

Super sub, Eddie Dsane scored a hat-trick, and defensive pair Sam Smith and Sam Okoye were both dismissed as the Darts came back to draw 4-4 at the Southwood Stadium.

Straight from kick-off Dartford were already on the back foot when Mitch May put the Rams ahead after just 15 seconds. Although Dan Smith got the Darts level with six minutes played, the hosts added another two before the interval. First, Tijan Jadama scored, then Ryan Kingsford made it three.

Five minutes into the second half Sam Smith received his marching orders for a second caution. Despite a numerical disadvantage, Eddie Dsane netted his first of the season to give the Darts hope. However, a hill turned into a mountain after Okoye was given a red card. The referee didn’t stop there though when he sent off Ramsgate’s Harry Webster shortly after. Dartford continued to climb and were rewarded when Dsane equalised. Then minutes later the Rams hit back when former Dart, Tom Clifford regained the lead for the hosts. In stoppage time, the Darts won a penalty which Dsane dispatched.

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Highlights courtesy of Ramsgate FC

Slow Starts and Fightbacks

The Darts have formed a habit of conceding first and in the last two games they have shown character to gain four points from losing positions. Against Carshalton Athletic, Olly Box scored a brilliant brace either side of goals from Dan Smith and Jez Pinder to secure a first win of the season.

It appears the attack is starting to click with eight goals in two games. However, the Darts will need to improve their discipline in defence to give themselves the best chance of progressing.

Maiden Win for Bracknell

Dartford weren’t the only side to fall behind early on Monday. Bracknell Town were a goal down after 15 seconds as well conceding against Basingstoke Town. The Robins rallied back with goals from Joe Grant, Seb Bowerman and former Dartford golden boot winner Alfie Pavey. The striker scored 27 goals in the 2017/2018 campaign with the Darts.

Bracknell Town opened their campaign in defeat against Berkhamsted and in between two 1-1 draws, in which Bowerman scored in both games, the Berkshire side lost 4-3 at home to Poole Town. So, the victory over Basingstoke Town was much needed for Jordan Ive’s team.

Robins Rise

Bracknell Town were in the Hellenic League seven years ago and lost the title by two goals. Thatcham Town were champions on goal difference in 2018, but the Robins were promoted to the Isthmian Division One South Central. The Berkshire club finished runners up again the following season but took the title three years later. Their first season in the Southern Premier South saw the club finish runners up again, but since then they have lost a playoff final before finishing down in eighteenth last term.

Manager’s View

Pennock was far from pleased with his side’s defensive errors on Monday, he spoke to Dartford FV TV after the draw and said: “The goals we conceded were an absolute joke”. The Dartford boss feels the issues at the back are fixable and that his team is “close to being a good side”. In the other direction Pennock has confidence in the attack, he added: “We will score goals, football isn’t rocket science, if we keep clean sheets, we will win games”.

An away tie won’t be easy for the Darts and the team will need to be fully focussed on the day, Pennock commented: “It’s another astroturf, it’s another away game, it’s a very tough place to go. If we give them four goals, then we’re not going to be in the F.A Cup”.

Looking ahead to the first qualifying round on the weekend, Pennock highlights the importance of the cup, he said: “The F.A Cup is my favourite competition ever, it’s the best competition in the world. I want to have a really good cup run if we can, for the people at this football club, for the people behind the scenes and obviously for all the supporters because they deserve it as well”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Michael Olarewaju missed the last game through injury, as he had served his suspension for the red card he received against St Albans City. Both Sam Smith and Sam Okoye will serve their one match bans in the league match versus Canvey Island. Pennock told the local press that Dsane is ‘going to start’. Sammie McLeod, Samir Carruthers and Dean Nayler are on the injury list.

Current Form

Dartford (LDLWD)			Bracknell Town (LDLDW)
Ramsgate	A	4-4	Basingstoke Town	H	3-2
Carshalton Athletic	H	4-1	Weymouth	A	1-1
St Albans City	A	0-2	Poole Town	H	3-4
Billericay Town	H	1-1	Uxbridge	H	1-1
Dulwich Hamlet	A	0-4	Berkhamsted	A	0-1

Statistics

Dartford have progressed or started beyond the first qualifying round stage for the last 18 years. Hastings United were the last side to beat the Darts at this stage of the competition in 2006.
The Darts have won their last four first qualifying round ties. They needed a replay in 2007 against Sittingbourne and beat Hastings United (2008), Chipstead (2009) and Marlow (2024)
Dartford have won their last two first qualifying round games scoring 12 goals. They defeated Chipstead 6-1 and Marlow 6-2.
Bracknell Town reached the F.A Cup first round in consecutive seasons in 2023 and 2024, losing to Ipswich Town and Cambridge United, equalling their best performance set in 2001 when they went out against Lincoln City.

On This Day

Dartford were up against Horsham YMCA in the F.A Cup preliminary round in 1997. The Darts went through with a 4-2 win during a difficult period for the club. Already homeless after the loss of Watling Street, Dartford were sharing with Erith and Belvedere at Park View. A fire at the ground meant the Darts were forced to find another temporary home, not ideal preparations for the away tie in Sussex and the league campaign ahead.

That cup win was Dartford’s fifth in a row on this day, and they went on to extend that sequence to seven. The only defeat in the last 12 matches on 30 August was at Chelmsford City in 2010. That was the last away fixture on this day and since then the Darts have won two in a row, both at home.

In 2014, Dartford fell behind against AFC Telford United in the National League. Goals from Luke Daley and Andy Pugh in the second half claimed the hosts first win of the season. Seven years later, Jake Robinson scored twice, and Ade Azeez added another in a 3-1 National South win against Eastbourne Borough.

Ramsgate v Dartford

August 24, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will make the coastal trip to Ramsgate on Bank Holiday Monday attempting to record a first away win of the season.

Fresh off the back of claiming their maiden victory of 2025/2026 on Saturday, the Darts will be hoping to climb further up the league table. However, Adrian Pennock’s side are pointless and goalless on the road after defeats at Dulwich Hamlet and St Albans City. In both away games Dartford were reduced to ten men.

Isthmian Division One South East champions, Ramsgate started with an opening day win. Back in the Isthmian Premier for the first time in 16 years, the Rams have failed to add to their tally since.

Darts off the Mark with a Quickfire Treble

On Saturday, Sam Okoye made his first start of the season after returning from injury. The full back gave away a penalty, which was scored by Carshalton’s Tommy Bradford. Another defensive change saw Ben Frempah back from his one match ban. Luther Williams dropped to the bench and Michael Olarewaju served his one game suspension. The Darts finished the first-half strongly. In stoppage time, Olly Box levelled from the edge of the box and moments later Callum Jones had his effort disallowed for offside.

Dartford started the second half how they finished the first. Three goals in a 12 minute spell put the hosts in control. Dan Smith headed home his first for the club to put the hosts in front. Jez Pinder opened his account for the season with a free kick that went straight through former Dartford goalkeeper Matt Kerbey. Box then made it four with a superb curler from outside the box into the top corner. Academy graduates Hugo Taylor and Albie O’Mara-Knapp both came on to make their debuts.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Welcome to the Premier

The momentum of winning the Isthmian Division One South East with 109 points continued into the new season for Ramsgate, for one game at least. The Rams beat Whitehawk on the opening day 3-2. An injury time winner from the spot by Alfie Paxman gave Ben Smith’s team maximum points.

Yet the step up a division without prolific scorer Joe Taylor, who left in the summer, has seen Ramsgate lose three consecutive matches. Paxman was at the double in defeat at Chatham Town. His brace wasn’t enough as the Rams were beaten 4-2. Four days later former Dart, Luke Wanadio scored twice to condemn the newly promoted side to defeat at home to Dulwich Hamlet.

On Saturday, the Rams conceded another four handing Cray Valley Paper Mills their first win of the season. Another former Dartford player, Marcell Barrington scored followed by Dan Ajakaiye and Tom Beere. From a penalty again, Paxman netted his fourth of the season in the last minute. There was still time for another ex Dart, Ibby Akanbi to get on the scoresheet.

Long Time No See

Dartford last faced Ramsgate in the league when the Rams were previously in the Isthmian Premier. Under the guidance of Tony Burman, the Darts completed a league double over their opponents during the 2008/2009 campaign. Ramsgate exited the Isthmian Premier that year after finishing bottom.

Jamie Day scored the only goal of the game in the away match back in December 2008. The reverse fixture at Princes Park four months later saw Rob Haworth grab a brace and goals from Ryan Hayes and Lee Noble.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

The two sides have met in cup competitions since with Dartford progressing in the Isthmian League Cup and Kent Senior Cup. A 2-2 draw in November 2009 ended with the Darts winning 5-4 on penalties. Two years later, Charlie Sheringham scored twice and Hayes in a 3-0 victory that sent Dartford to the county cup final, which they lifted after beating Bromley, now a League Two club.

Manager’s view

Pennock was ‘delighted all round’ at the 4-1 win against the Robins. The Dartford boss spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and felt his side “just needed that little bit of belief in the first twenty minutes, but it came. I just thought we grew in confidence and we scored some really good goals”.

The Darts manager admitted that a strong first half finish and some half time adjustments helped the side go on to claim maximum points. Pennock was also pleased with the character of his players after going a goal down against a tough side, he commented: “That was a really good team effort, squad effort and overall it’s just nice to get three points for everybody involved in the football club”.

Looking ahead to Dartford’s first Kent derby of the campaign against Ramsgate, Pennock said: “We know it’s going to be tough, we respect them a lot. They had a fantastic season last year and they’ve got a very good side there”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Olarewaju will be available after completing his one match ban for the red card against St Albans City. Samir Carruthers is out with a groin injury. Sammie McLeod and Dean Nayler are out injured. Denzelle Olopade is likely to face his former side. If selected, George Whitefield will make his 50th start for the Darts.

Current Form

Dartford (LDLW)			Ramsgate (WLLL)
Carshalton Athletic	H	4-1	Cray Valley Paper Mills	A	1-4
St Albans City	A	0-2	Dulwich Hamlet	H	0-2
Billericay Town	H	1-1	Chatham Town	A	2-4
Dulwich Hamlet	A	0-4	Whitehawk	H	3-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 12 / Ramsgate wins: 7 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

Ramsgate 0 – 3 Dartford (05/04/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 2 Dartford (10/11/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Ramsgate (18/04/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 0 – 1 Dartford (30/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 2 – 1 Dartford (31/02/2006 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 1 Dartford (21/08/1999 – F.A Cup)
* Dartford won 5-4 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in their last four matches against Ramsgate (W3, D1)
The Darts are unbeaten in three away matches versus the Rams (W2, D1)
Dartford have failed to score in their opening two away games for the first time since 2019
Olly Box’s two goals on Saturday moved him to 23 Dartford goals. He has now gone ahead of Samir Carruthers as the highest scorer currently at the club.

On This Day

Dartford secured their first win back in the National League on this day in 2012. Having lost their opening three matches, the Darts hosted Kidderminster Harriers with Lee Burns scoring the only goal of the game. Three years earlier, Dartford made a massive statement in the Isthmian Premier when they thrashed Kingstonian 5-0 at Princes Park. Burns netted a hat-trick that day with goals from Elliot Bradbrook and Ryan Hayes in front of K’s boss and future Dartford manager Alan Dowson.

In 2009, the Darts recorded their last away win on this day beating Harlow Town 2-1, Haworth and another future Dartford boss, Jamie Coyle scoring. That was the last time the Darts won on the road on 25 August. Since then, they have lost twice away from home. In 2014, the Darts lost 4-0 at Barnet in the National League and in 2018 they were beaten 1-0 at Hungerford Town in the National South.

Dartford v Carshalton Athletic

August 21, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford begin the Bank Holiday weekend at home to Carshalton Athletic still searching for a first win of the season.

The Darts have picked up just one point in their opening three games, their worst start in 13 years. However, that point was earned in their previous home fixture against last season’s runners up. The Robins have so far taken six points from nine available. A good start if they are aiming to improve on their seventh place finish last term.

Carshalton Spoil the Party

A tough fixture list doesn’t get any easier for Dartford. They have already played league leaders Dulwich Hamlet and the two pre-season favourites Billericay Town and St Albans City. Next up they face a Carshalton Athletic side who enjoyed their last visit to Princes Park just four months ago.

On the final day of last season, Adrian Pennock’s side were aiming for the league title only to lose 4-1 to the Robins and miss out.

Kola Salami was given time and space to put the visitors ahead. Then just before the interval Sharon Ifeanyi made it two. George Whitefield pulled a goal back for the Darts. Then Nabeel Ghannam struck twice for the Surrey side.

The reverse fixture almost a year ago finished 1-0 to Dartford. Eddie Dsane scored his first for the club.

Disciplinary Concerns

Red cards have cost Dartford in both away matches this term. On the opening day Ben Frempah was sent off in a 4-0 defeat at Dulwich Hamlet. Last Saturday, Michael Olarewaju was dismissed in a 2-0 loss at St Albans City.

Ironically it was Frempah’s suspension that saw Olarewaju return to the starting lineup. That was the only change from the deserved 1-1 draw in Dartford’s last home game versus Billericay Town.

With a full team on the field, the Darts were in control at Clarence Park. Then with 42 minutes gone Olarewaju stopped a goalscoring opportunity reducing Dartford to ten men. Zane Benton netted the resulting penalty to put St Albans City ahead. The game was beyond the visitors early in the second half when Jasper Mather added another.

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Highlights courtesy of St Albans City

Resilient Robins

Carshalton Athletic won on the opening day beating Cray Valley Paper Mills. Goals from Ifeanyi and Tommy Bradford earned the Robins all three points.

An early goal had the Surrey club behind in their first away game. Lewes took the lead in the second minute as Devonte West put past former Dartford loanee, Matt Kerbey. The goalkeeper started last season as the Darts number one and played eight games. Ifeanyi equalised midway through the first half, but Jack Burchell won it for Lewes in the second half.

A number of injuries picked up in Sussex and manager Peter Adeniyi serving a touchline ban made for a tough fixture last weekend. However, the Robins battled through and overcame Billericay Town. The only goal of the game came from Kola Salami, but it was Kerbey’s performance that stood out.

Manager’s view

Having effectively played a full game with ten men this season, manager Adrian Pennock is worried about the impact of his side picking up red and yellow cards. He spoke to Dartford FC TV after the loss at St Albans City and said: “The discipline really, it’s killing us. It’s the second red card in three games. At the moment we’re shooting ourselves in the foot”.

Prior to the dismissal of Olarewaju, the Darts boss was happy with his team’s performance, he commented: “We caused them so many problems. We should have been three up, arguably 4-0 up”.

Unsurprisingly, Pennock saw the red card as a turning point and believes the result would have been different had his side kept 11 players on the field. He was pleased with the response of his players and their never give up attitude, he added: “I have to say after going down to ten men, we had to work very hard and I’ve got to be very proud of them”.

Keeping a full team on the field for the Darts to stand a chance of grabbing their first win, he explained: “They are a very good side, I like Carshalton. It’ll be a tough game again. We’ve got to get back, put another good performance in and hopefully have 11 players at the end of the 95 minutes”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Michael Olarewaju will start his suspension, but Ben Frempah will be available. Sam Okoye progressed with his recovery by making a substitute appearance last weekend. Samir Carruthers will be an absentee due to a groin injury. Pennock expects the midfielder to be out for approximately three weeks. Sammie McLeod is waiting on a scan to his injury suffered in pre-season and Dean Nayler is unavailable for the long term.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Carshalton Athletic wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 4 Carshalton Athletic (26/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 1 Dartford (24/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
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)

Statistics

Dartford have lost the first and last league meetings against Carshalton Athletic, but went four games unbeaten in between (W3, D1)
The home side has never won this fixture in nine attempts. The Darts have yet to beat the Robins on home soil (D2, L2)
Last time one point after three games was in 2014, but this season’s inferior goal difference makes it the worst start since losing the opening three in 2012.
After three games, Dartford have played 91 minutes with ten men

On This Day

Elliott Bradbrook missed a penalty on this day in 2014 as the Darts were held to a 0-0 draw with Torquay United in the National League. However, the former captain was on the scoresheet in the Kent derby with Dover Athletic three years earlier. Dartford drew 2-2 at the Crabble in the National South, Charlie Sheringham opened the scoring that day. The only Isthmian Premier match the Darts have played on this day ended ina 2-0 home defeat to Hastings United in 2008. Dartford’s last home victory on 23 August was in 1995 when they beat Chatham Town 1-0 in the Kent League.

St Albans City v Dartford

August 14, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford go in search of their first win of the season when they take on St Albans City on the weekend.

The Darts travel to Clarence Park this Saturday after a loss on the opening day and a draw on Tuesday night. The Saints are also looking for a first victory since relegation to the Isthmian Premier.

High Expectations

Both sides are among the bookies favourites to take the Isthmian Premier title. The Darts and the Saints were sitting just behind Billericay Town in the pre-season odds. Whilst Adrian Pennock’s team are hoping to go one better than last season, St Albans City are aiming for an immediate return to the National South.

Playoff Heartbreak to Isthmian Premier

It wasn’t long ago both sides were vying for a place in the National League via the playoffs. A semi-final meeting at Princes Park was decided in penalty drama with St Albans City holding their nerve. The Saints went on to lose the final, meaning the Darts and the Saints missed out on promotion.

Last time Dartford visited Clarence Park they lost 1-0 with Mitchell Weiss scoring the winner. The Darts were unlucky not to score with Lewis Manor and Harvey Bradbury on two occasions both striking the crossbar.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

St Albans City dished out a heavier defeat in the reverse fixture three months later. The Hertfordshire side scored twice in four second-half minutes through Shaun Jeffers and Michael Clark. A late Harun Hamid goal made the score convincing for the visitors.

The Darts went on to suffer relegation at the end of that season and St Albans City would follow a year later. Although the Saints took survival to the final day last term, they were unable to beat National South champions Truro City to stay up.

A Better Display

After a terrible opening day for the Darts, in which they lost 4-0 at Dulwich Hamlet, Pennock’s side got off the mark with a well earned point against Billericay Town.

The Dartford boss made three changes with Michael Olarewaju not involved. Goalkeeper, Jonny Henly took the captain’s armband for the opening match at Princes Park. Dan Smith, Luther Williams and Jez Pinder started with Ikechi Eze and Eddie Dsane dropping to the bench.

Halfway through the first half Sam Odaudu put in a long throw which Billericay Town failed to clear. The ball fell to Olly Box at the far post who opened his and Dartford’s account for the season in his 50th start for the club. At the break the hosts deserved to be ahead and could have had a bigger lead after missed opportunities.

At half time the Blues made a triple change bringing on three former Darts, Femi Akinwande, Liam Nash and Tyrell Miller-Rodney. Billericay Town put the Darts under pressure for most of the second half. With half an hour to play Nash made a breakthrough for the visitors to level at 1-1. In the end Dartford were left clinging on and their hard work earned their first point of the campaign.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Slow Start for Saints

St Albans City’s 0-0 home draw with Chatham Town was the only game without a goal on the opening weekend of the Isthmian Premier season. Alex Wall featured for the Saints after signing for his 13th different club in March. The former Dartford striker had three spells at Princes Park scoring 23 goals in 74 appearances. Manager, Ian Culverhouse introduced nine new signings last Saturday with a further three debutantes coming off the bench.

On Tuesday night, the Saints gave up the lead twice to lose against newly promoted Brentwood Town. The evening in Essex got off to a good start when Sam Smart nodded the visitors in front. Louie Johnson equalised for the hosts, but St Albans City were back ahead when Zane Banton scored a penalty. Two second half goals from the Blues turned the game around. First, Benas Vaivada netted, then Johnson grabbed his second of the night.

Manager’s view

Pennock was delighted for his team after a difficult opening day. The Dartford manager believes the draw and performance against Billericay Town has set the standard. The Darts boss spoke to Dartford FC TV after the Tuesday night fixture and said: “I loved the game from start to finish. I think, arguably, we could have gone in two or three nil up. We had some really good chances and it was very deserved”.

He commented: “I’m very proud because it wasn’t a good day on Saturday, we were very poor. That was more of us tonight”, he added: “It makes me more angry now because why didn’t we do that Saturday, but that’s gone now and we’ve got to look forward. We showed a lot of character tonight”.

Billericay Town took control in the second-half with a trio of substitutes at half time. Pennock responded to stop the attacking threat posed by the visitors, he explained: “I had to make a change because when they were on top I wanted to get an extra midfield player on and we nullified them in the end”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

St Albans City manager, Ian Culverhouse was disappointed with his side’s performance against newly promoted Brentwood Town. After the loss on Tuesday he told St Albans City FC youtube channel: “I think we were particularly poor, we lost to a side that wanted it more than us. That hurts me to say because we didn’t show enough desire.”

The Saints boss feels his team shouldn’t take anything for granted even though they are now playing in a lower league, he commented: “I expect better. We need to work harder, we’ve no right, no entitlement to anything, you have to earn everything”.

Defeat to Brentwood Town, who were two divisions below St Albans City last season, is an example of how competitive opponents are in the Isthmian Premier. Culverhouse believes his players need to heed the warning, he said: “It’s about the players standing up, we’ve got to smell the coffee now”.

Team News

Ben Frempah is suspended for his red card at Dulwich Hamlet. Dean Nayler is a long term absentee. Sam Okoye and Sammie McLeod have been working on regaining their fitness after being out with injuries.

If Denzelle Olopade and Callum Jones are selected in the starting eleven, the pair will both reach 50 starts for the Darts.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 12 / St Albans City wins: 8 / Draws: 7

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 3 St Albans City (23/12/2023 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 0 Dartford (09/09/2023 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (07/05/2023 – National South Playoffs)*
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 won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford are winless in their last three matches against St Albans City (D1*, L2) * – lost on penalties
The Darts have lost just one of their last four league games at Clarence Park (W2, D1)
Dartford have failed to score in their last two matches against St Albans City. The last time they went three in a row without a goal versus the Saints was from April 2016 to March 2017
The Darts have gone 17 matches without a clean sheet against the Hertfordshire club stretching back to February 2016 (W6, D3, L8)

On This Day

Dartford last won on 16 August when they beat Eastbourne Borough in the first home match of the 2011/2012 season. Charlie Sheringham and Adam Green scored in a 2-1 victory. Since then the Darts lost 1-0 at Kidderminster Harriers 11 years ago in the National League. In the National South they drew 0-0 at home to Gosport Borough in 2016 and six years later lost 2-1 to Havant and Waterlooville at Princes Park.

The Darts also played their first ever Isthmian Premier match on this day 17 years ago. Tony Burman’s side were given an early lesson losing 3-0 at Hendon not helped by Paul Guest receiving a red card. On the road, Dartford have yet to score on 16 August in four attempts.

Dartford v Billericay Town

August 11, 2025 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford host Isthmian Premier League favourites Billericay Town under the Princes Park lights on Tuesday night.

A mouthwatering contest early in the fixture list pits two of last season’s title challengers against each other. The Darts finished a place and three points behind Ricay in April after a dramatic final day.

Unfinished Business

Dartford and Billericay Town feel they have unfinished business in trying to return to the National South.

The league title went right down to the wire four months ago. The Darts and the Blues led the table between them for 12 weeks heading into the last game. With both sides level with Horsham the Isthmian Premier was still up for grabs. Whilst the Darts lost, Billericay Town won. However, three points wasn’t enough for the Essex side. Horsham climbed to the top for the first time all season, outscoring the Blues by a single goal.

Getting Over the Blues

When Adrian Pennock’s side were beaten 4-0 by Billericay Town ten months ago they could have easily felt sorry for themselves. The Kent side had just lost three league games in a row and slipped down to tenth. Last October, goals from former Dart, Tom Bender, Frankie Merrifield, Moses Emmanuel and Matt Johnson pushed Dartford down to tenth.

The Darts later recovered with a 21 match unbeaten run. So by the time the reverse fixture at Princes Park came around Pennock’s side were the form team.

In one of Dartford’s best performances of last season they returned the favour beating Billericay Town by the same 4-0 scoreline. The result demonstrated how far the rebuilt squad had come.

Olly Box put the hosts ahead after just six minutes and George Whitefield doubled the lead. The Darts added to their tally with goals from former Billericay striker Callum Jones and Eddie Dsane. That afternoon Dartford recorded an eighth consecutive league victory. The run would extend to ten in a row in the weeks that followed.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Opening Day Defeat

The Darts suffered their first and heaviest opening day defeat in six years on the weekend. Former player, Luke Wanadio once againg haunted his old side, this time with a hat-trick.

Pennock handed debuts to Jonny Henly in goal, Sam Smith and Ben Frempah in defence and Ikechi Eze in midfield. Michael Olarewaju started his first game as captain.

Dartford’s campaign got off to a poor start falling behind on 12 minutes and it didn’t get any better. Hamlet led when new signing Lonit Talla scored and five minutes later Wanadio scored his first of the afternoon.

Two minutes into the second half Frempah was sent off on debut. From the resulting free-kick Wanadio caught out Henly. The Hamlet forward added another to his list of goals against Dartford when he made it 4-0, his fifth in four matches against the Darts.

Former Darts Shine

Billericay Town manager, Gary McCann could thank two former Dartford players on the weekend. An opening day 2-1 win over Wingate and Finchley got the Essex club off to a good start.

It took just six minutes for new signing Jack Evans to open his account. Evans had a short spell with the Darts in 2012/2013. Late in the second-half substitute, Tyrell Miller-Rodney scored from the edge of the box. The ex-Dartford midfielder was part of the 2023/2024 squad relegated from the National South. The Blues were unable to hold on to a clean sheet after Ada Okorogheye netted a very late consolation.

Five other Blues were given their first starts for the club. Ryan Scott, Ryan Blackman, Ike Orji, Tyrese Owen and Troy Howard al making their debuts. Whilst former Dartford academy player Jay Porter made the starting lineup. On the bench another pair of ex-Darts were named, Femi Akinwande and Liam Nash. Not included in the squad was Jazzi Barnum-Bobb.

Manager’s view

Pennock is looking forward to Tuesday’s game as it gives his side an opportunity to put things right. The Dartford boss was less than impressed with how the opening day went. He spoke to Dartford FC TV after the defeat and said: “Everything that could go wrong, went wrong. I thought, especially the first half, we just did the opposite of everything we were telling them to do”.

He continued: “As a team we wasn’t good enough. When you go down to ten men just after the second half kicks off it makes it even harder. We showed a lot of character in the last twenty minutes, but it was too late”.

Pennock is determined to put Saturday’s result behind them. He commented: “We’ve got an opportunity to bounce back on Tuesday”, he added: “We’ve got to prepare properly. We’re hurting, but we’ve got to take it on the chin and move on”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In contrast, Blues manager Gary McCann was pleased his side claimed their first win. He told Billericay Town TV: “It wasn’t an easy game on a hot day, on a sticky pitch. I think both teams struggled, it wasn’t the best sepctacle”, he continued: “Of course we want to put on a display, of course we want ot perform to the highest order, but the most important thing is the win and we’ve managed to achieve that”.

Team News

Samir Carruthers and new signing Dan Smith started on the bench against Dulwich Hamlet. The pair have been recovering from pre-season injuries. Carruthers is managing a groin issue, whilst Smith suffered concusion. Sam Okoye
is still waiting to get involved after missing pre-season. Dean Nayler is a long term absentee. Ben Frempah is available until his supension starts on the weekend.

Denzelle Olopade made his 50th appearance for Dartford on Saturday. He will be joined by Jez Pinder and Callum Jones if they feature on Tuesday night. If selected in the starting eleven, Olly Box will make his 50th start for the club.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Billericay Town wins: 3 / Draws: 1

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 4 – 0 Billericay Town (25/01/2025 – National South)
Billericay Town 4 – 0 Dartford (08/10/2024 – National South)
Billericay Town 0 – 2 Dartford (15/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Billericay Town (04/12/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Billericay Town (12/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Billericay Town (14/12/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won four of their last five games against Billericay Town keeping clean sheets in each victory
The Darts are currently on a run of five consecutive home victories against Ricay
Both sides set a record winning margin in this fixture last season (4-0)
In their first home league games of the season, Dartford were nine unbeaten before last year’s defeat against Potters Bar Town (W5, D4)

On This Day

Dartford have never won on 12 August and have only scored once in the six previous matches on this day. Each of those fixtures have also been away from home.

In the National South, two years ago the Darts lost at Weymouth and four years earlier they were beaten at Chelmsford City. In 2017, Dartford earned a goalless draw against Havant and Waterlooville.

You have to go back 11 years for Dartford’s only goal. It came in the National League when Rory McAuley put the Darts in front at Woking, only for Giuseppe Sole to level in second-half injury time. Thirty years ago, Dartford drew 0-0 on the opening day of the Kent League season at Herne Bay. In 1972 they lost 1-0 in a Southern League Premier opener at Bedford Town.