Dartford FC Previews

Category: Match Preview (Page 3 of 25)

St Albans City v Dartford

August 14, 2025 / / 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 / / 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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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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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.

Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford

August 8, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford begin their Isthmian Premier campaign with an away trip to Dulwich Hamlet this weekend.

The Darts will be determined to go one better this season after defeat in the playoff final three months ago. A third place finish last time out puts Adrian Pennock’s side among one of the favourites to return to the National South.

Dulwich Hamlet will be the first competitive test for the Darts this term. Extra interest in this fixture not only comes from the fact the two clubs are just 16 miles apart, but Hamlet have a number of former Dartford players within their ranks.

Last Season’s Trilogy

Luke Wanadio is one of those players. The winger was the difference maker when Hamlet knocked the Darts out of the F.A Trophy last season. He has top scored for the London side in the previous two campaigns. Last year Wanadio won the Players and Supporters Player of the Year awards. In his three spells with the Darts he made 99 appearances and scored 18 goals.

Dartford’s last visit to Champion Hill was comfortable in the end. It took until halfway through the first half for the Darts to break the deadlock. Hayden Bullas opened the scoring with a clean strike. Callum Jones doubled the lead before the interval and the striker netted another early in the second half to seal the victory. 

The sides met three times during 2024/2025 and the spoils were shared across those games. At Princes Park, the Isthmian Premier fixture finished 2-2. Jones and Wanadio were on the scoresheet again. Hamlet took the lead through the now departed Ralfi Hand. Olly Box made sure the Darts did enough to save a point.

Pre-Season

Over the last month the Darts have tested themselves against higher league opposition. Although they lost to Football League sides, Charlton Athletic and Gillingham, they did beat Eastbourne Borough and drew with rivals Ebbsfleet United. Dartford also finished level in games against Herne Bay and Faversham Town.

Dulwich Hamlet beat Basingstoke Town in pre-season and former Darts, Wanadio and Jordan Wynter scored. During his time with Dartford, Wynter played 147 games scoring twice. Hamlet also travelled out to Germany to take on Altona 93 and won on penalties. The Londoners did manage to beat Sevenoaks Town as well as Bracknell Town. However, they were also beaten by Farnham Town, Margate and Eastbourne Borough. Another former Dart, Danny Mills netted in the loss against the Sports. The forward scored seven goals in 26 appearances in his spell at Princes Park.

Manager’s view

Adrian Pennock is pleased with this summer’s preparations, but there is nothing like competitive football. He spoke to Dartford FC TV after the Ebbsfleet United draw and said: “Overall, collectively as a squad, everyone has done really well. There has been some really good performances”.

The Dartford boss addded: “It’s a long season, a really long, long season and of course we want to get off to a really good start. But it’s never going to be easy, every game will be difficult. I can’t wait”.

Pennock is relishing the challenges ahead and the visit to Champion Hill, he commented: “We know it’s a very difficult place to go, it’s an away game and then matches are coming thick and fast, which I’m really looking forward to because that’s our bread and butter”.

Hamlet manager, Mark Dacey echoes those comments from the Dartford manager. Dacey spoke to Dulwich Hamlet TV after their win over Bracknell Town and said: “I’m excited because pre-season is great and it’s an opportunity to try different things out, but ultimately win, lose or draw you’re only really looking at performance because you don’t lose sleep over the result”, he added: “The beauty of it now comes from every team that plays competitvely, it means something. Now all of a sudden there is a table to look at”.

The Hamlet boss is confident his side will be up for the season’s opener, he commented: “We’ve got a very hard first game, but we’re not hiding from anybody and we will take the game to Dartford as fully as I’m expecting them to bring it to us”.

Team News

Pennock will hand out some debuts this weekend after signing six new players. Jonny Henly is likely to start in goal having arrived from Folkestone Invicta. In defence new arrivals include Ben Frempah and Sam Smith. Whilst in midfield Ikechi Eze and Sammie McLeod bolster the numbers. Dan Smith suffered concussion against Herne Bay, but should be ready to face his former side. The striker played for Hamlet during the 2022/2023 season.

Academy graduate, Dean Nayler will be a long term absentee. The defender suffered a knee injury versus Eastbourne Borough and needed an operation. Sam Okoye will be building up his fitness having missed all of pre-season. Samir Carruthers limped off in the final friendly with a groin strain.

Dulwich Hamlet’s new man in the dugout, Mark Dacey has overhauled Hamlet’s squad over the summer. Nyren Clunis and Anthony Cook have returned to the club. Amadou Kassarate will know all about Dartford’s Henly and the two Smith’s. All four played for Folkestone Invicta last term.

Toby Bull and Geoffrey Okonkwo have moved up from Sussex. Bull was at Lewes and Okonkwo at Whitehawk. Tom Chambers, Giovanni Palmer and Alfie Payne are also new arrivals. As well as Joseph Adewunmi, Gaspar Mico and Mannie Mensah. After impressing during pre-season Lonit Talla and Sol Baugh complete the new signings.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Dulwich Hamlet wins: 4 / Draws: 5

Previous Six Meetings

Dulwich Hamlet 0 – 2 Dartford (29/03/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Dulwich Hamlet (14/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (05/10/2024 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 3 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (01/04/2023 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 1 – 2 Dartford (08/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (08/01/2022 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in eight league games against Dulwich Hamlet (W5, D3)
  • The Darts have won the last three league games at Champion Hill and are unbeaten in the last four
  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last five opening day fixtures (W4, D1)
  • The Darts only opening day defeat in the last nine was in 2019 (W5, D3)
  • When opening the season on the road, Dartford have won their last three

On This Day

Dartford have only started their season twice on this day both against Welsh clubs. The Darts beat Merthyr Tydfil 1-0 in 1969 to begin the Southern League campaign. In 2014, Dartford lost 2-1 at home against Wrexham with Tom Bradbrook scoring for the hosts. The only other fixture on this day was an Eastern Floodlit Cup semi-final. The Darts drew 0-0 with Hastings United before winning the second leg 2-1 on the way to winning the competition.

Dartford v Ebbsfleet United

August 2, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The Darts play their final pre-season friendly at Princes Park this weekend against local rivals Ebbsfleet United.

Adrian Pennock has already watched his squad take on higher league opposition losing to Charlton Athletic and Gillingham, but beating Eastbourne Borough. The Darts boss has also prepared his side with further matches versus Herne Bay and Faversham Town picking up draws in both away games.

Ebbsfleet United are preparing for life back in the National South and have so far picked up wins against a West Ham United under 21 side and Gillingham. The Fleet drew with Aveley and King’s Lynn Town and have been beaten by Punjab United and Leyton Orient. On Wednesday they visited St Albans City and were beaten by the Hertfordshire side.

Suprisingly, since Princes Park opened this will be just the third friendly between the two rivals. On both previous occasions the match has ended in a 1-1 draw in 2013, then six years later. In competitive action there has been plenty of history in with this fixture being played over 150 times.

In recent times Dartford enjoyed a festive double over the Fleet winning 4-1 at Stonebridge Road on Boxing Day in 2022. The Darts began the following year even better with an impressive 4-0 triumph at Princes Park. Although Dartford claimed the local bragging rights, Ebbsfleet United went on to win the National South title. Since then both sides have suffered relegation, Dartford the following season and Ebbsfleet United almost four months.

The Darts begin their Isthmian Premier campaign next weekend away at Dulwich Hamlet. On the same day, Ebbsfleet United start their National South season at fellow relegated side Dagenham and Redbridge.

Faversham Town v Dartford

July 29, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford visit Southern Counties East champions Faversham Town on Tuesday night in their last away friendly ahead of the new campaign.

The Darts have prepared for the new Isthmian Premier season with a win against Eastbourne Borough, a draw at Herne Bay and defeat versus higher league opponents Charlton Athletic and Gillingham.

However, results are not important for Adrian Pennock and his staff. Focus remains on increasing the squad’s fitness levels ahead of the season opener on 9 August.

So far most Dartford players have been involved in each pre-season friendly. Sam Okoye has not been ready to participate yet and Dean Nayler picked up an injury against Eastbourne Borough. In addition to the players available , Pennock is still looking at triallists which include former Dartford players Ronnie Vint and Nathan Green.

Under the guidance of Tommy Warrilow, Faversham Town are getting ready for their return to the Isthmian Division One South East after a couple of years away. Warrilow who played six games for the Darts in the 1997/1998 season organised a tough schedule for his current team this summer. The Kent side have taken on Dover Athletic, Folkestone Invicta, Chatham Town and Billericay Town as well as Greenwich Borough and Punjab United.

Dartford have an almost perfect record against Faversham Town since the Lillywhites reformed in 1947. The Darts recorded an 11-1 victory in the Kent Senior Cup first round almost 60 years ago. Dartford went on to win a further six in the eight meetings since and drawn twice.

The most recent game between the two sides was in the county cup back in 2012. A Nathan Collier brace was enough to secure a 2-1 triumph for the Darts. In the early to mid-nineties Dartford and Faversham Town faced each other in the Kent League and over the three seasons the Darts were unbeaten winning four out of six.

Faversham Town approach the new campaign off the back of a sensational title winning season. The Lillywhites only tasted defeat twice in the league, recorded the most wins, the most goals and also conceded the fewest.

The Lilywhites begin their season in the F.A Cup Extra Preliminary round this weekend against Balham.

Dartford v Gillingham

July 25, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford’s penultimate home friendly will bring familiarity to warming up for competitive football when they host Gillingham this weekend.

With the Isthmian Premier season a fortnight away manager Ady Pennock will continue to prepare the Darts, this time against his former club. The Dartford boss made almost 200 appearances between 1996 and 2003 for the Gills and managed the club in 2017.

The Darts have spread the minutes around the squad over the three friendlies so far. Twice they have played higher league opposition losing 3-2 against Charlton Athletic, then beating Eastbourne Borough 1-0. On Tuesday night the Darts travelled to Herne Bay and drew 2-2. Striker Dan Smith scored for the first time in a Dartford shirt and Olly Box netted a penalty.

Gillingham are getting ready for their League Two season opener at Accrington Stanley next weekend. So the Darts should expect a tough test as the Gills fine tune themselves.

Gareth Ainsworth’s side have won one of their pre-season fixtures and that was the first game against Dover Athletic. The Gills beat the National South side 1-0 with a goal from Robbie McKenzie.

Three friendlies followed against higher league opposition. Gillingham drew 0-0 with Reading, then tested their fitness on the south coast. Two matches behind closed doors versus Southampton were split into 60-minute games. Cameron Archer scored the only goal of the game in the first run out as the Saints won 1-0. In the following match Ross Stewart and Tyler Dibling netted for Will Still’s side to put Saints two up. The Gills pulled a goal back through a Jack Nolan penalty, but Kuryu Matsuki made it 3-1.

Most recently, the Gills played Ebbsfleet United and lost 2-1 to the Fleet. Gillingham’s Joe Gbode struck late on, but that was a consolation. Earlier, Lennon Peake opened the scoring from the spot and former Gillingham striker Dominic Samuel put Fleet two ahead.

Since the opening of Princes Park, Gillingham have visited DA1 eleven times in pre-season and have won the lot. In a more competitive environment Dartford did beat the Gills 2-1 in the Kent Senior Cup second round almost ten years ago. Last July, the Darts were beaten 4-0 by the Gills in a friendly and the previous year it was 5-0.

Gillingham finished last term in seventeenth place with only relegated Morecambe scoring fewer goals. However, defensively they were sound with only two teams in League Two conceding less than the Kent club.

The Gills had a bright start and topped the table after nine matches, but from October they began to slide. Mark Bonner was sacked in January to be replaced by the experienced John Coleman. However, Coleman didn’t last long and Gillingham made another change. With nine games remaining and without the threat of relegation or a chance of promotion, Ainsworth took over. The former Wycombe Wanderers boss used the rest of the campaign to assess his squad.

Herne Bay v Dartford

July 21, 2025 / / 0 Comments

A summer trip to the north Kent coast to play Herne Bay will continue preparations for Dartford on Tuesday night.

The Darts look forward to their first away fixture having played two at home so far. At Princes Park, Adrian Pennock oversaw a narrow defeat versus Charlton Athletic and a win against Eastbourne Borough on the weekend.

Dartford fielded a strong team on Saturday and made ten changes with an hour played. Samir Carruthers scored the only goal after 15 minutes, but manager Pennock isn’t too bothered about the results during pre-season. He spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It was a good run out, a lot of players had an hour. We’re just getting the minutes under our belt. I’m pleased with the fitness levels. I promise you now I’m not really worried about results”.

Herne Bay began their pre-season early starting on the first day of July. Tuesday night will be the Bay’s sixth friendly. Under new head coach Liam Friend, the Bay have won all but one of their friendlies. Kennington were beaten 3-1 before Hollands and Blair were defeated 5-0. Herne Bay lost their next fixture 2-0 against Phoenix Sports. Over the last week the Kent side recorded a 2-0 victory over Chipstead and a 7-2 win versus Hythe Town. The Darts should provide a tougher test as Bay’s opponents so far have all come from a lower division.

Tyler Christian-Law won’t have to wait too long to see his old teammates again. The midfielder has signed for Herne Bay after making 42 appearances for the Darts last season.

It was back in the nineties when Dartford came up against Herne Bay during the Kent League days. The Darts began their journey back up the footballing pyramid after reforming in the early part of that decade.

At the time of applying for promotion to the Southern League, Herne Bay won the Kent League in 1993/94. Despite becoming champions the Bay stayed in the division. It was during this period when the Darts faced Herne Bay six times in the league. Goals were at a premium though as half of those matches finished 0-0.

It took until Dartford’s promotion season to record a first league win over the coastal club. However, the Darts have won the last three meetings all in different competitions. The most recent victory was a Kent Senior Cup tie in February 2016.

Whilst for Herne Bay, after finishing runners up in consecutive seasons they finally won promotion via the playoffs in 2012. They had one campaign in the Isthmian Premier before returning to step four a couple of years ago.

The Bay spent the second part of last season hovering around where they finished in 16th spot. Although the Isthmian Division One South East side enjoyed some big wins towards the tail end of the season. One of those victories was a 9-1 mauling against last place Lancing.

Dartford v Eastbourne Borough

July 16, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford continue their pre-season with another home friendly this weekend against National South side Eastbourne Borough.

The Darts began preparations for the 2025/2026 campaign last Saturday in an entertaining game against a strong Charlton Athletic team. Although the Darts lost 3-2, Pennock changed each outfield player at half-time as the squad continued to build up their fitness levels.

New signings were given a chance to impress for the fist time. Ben Frempah was part of the defence having signed from Wingate and Finchley. Midfielder, Sammie McLeod started after his move from Sevenoaks Town. Goalkeeper, Jonny Henly was at Folkestone Invicta last term and he was replaced late in the second half.

At the break the scores were level with Dartford equalising twice. Last season’s Player of the Year and top scorer, Callum Jones put home a rebound from close range. Then Samir Carruthers calmly chipped in a penalty.

For the second half, Pennock gave supporters a glimpse at latest signing Ikechi Eze. Signed from Potters Bar Town, the midfielder is brother of Crystal Palace’s F.A Cup winner and England international, Eberechi. Dan Smith also came on, the striker top scored for Folkestone Invicta last season. After signing a new contract this summer Michael Olarewaju also featured. The defender could have a part to play against his old club this weekend.

Eastbourne Borough kickstarted their build up to the new season with an away trip to Farnham Town. Their opponents hosted the Sports after winning back to back titles to reach the Southern Premier South.

The Sports fielded former Dart, Kai Innocent who made eight appearances for Dartford in 2022. A goal down at the break, the Sussex side introduced George Alexander as one of many changes and he equalised. The striker is another former player and scored two goals in ten games for the Darts during the 2023/2024 campaign. However, Farnham Town went on to add two unanswered goals to win 3-1.

The footballing worlds of Dartford and Eastbourne Borough collided 14 years ago. Moving in the right direction, the Darts made their way up to the National South. Whilst the Sports dropped down a division, culminating in many meetings between the two sides.

Between August 2011 and November 2018, the Darts enjoyed an unbeaten run of 12 games in all competitions against the Sussex side. However, over the following dozen matches the spoils have been shared with five victories each. In that time both sides have claimed notable wins. The Sports won 6-0 in April 2019 and the Darts won 7-2 three years later.

Like the Darts, Borough took the league title to the final day last season, but were incredibly one of five teams to have missed out. In the end the Sports finished third on goal difference a point behind eventual winners Truro City. The Sussex club were beaten in their first playoff match losing to Maidstone United.

Still, it was a positive campaign for Eastbourne Borough who recorded their highest finish since relegation from the National League in 2011. Former manager, Adam Murray left this summer to move nearer his family in the Midlands. Now Matt Gray is at the helm. Four years ago he guided Sutton United to the National League title and into the Football League.

Dartford v Charlton Athletic

July 10, 2025 / / 0 Comments

League One playoff winners Charlton Athletic visit Princes Park this weekend for a fourth year in a row to begin Dartford’s preparations for the new season.

The Addicks have been a regular feature in Dartford’s pre-season recently with the two sides meeting six times in friendlies since Princes Park opened in 2006. The Darts have lost the lot and the previous two have ended with the London side winning 6-1.

In compeititve matches, the Darts have faced this weekend’s opponents in the Kent Senior Cup three times. Dartford have been victorious on each occasion, including the 2016 final.

Adrian Pennock has already seen his squad put in some hard yards during training sessions for the new campaign. The early stages of pre-season will continue the good work whilst giving new players time to gel with those retained over the summer.

New additions include striker Dan Smith and goalkeeper Jon Henly both from Folkstone Invicta. In defence, Ben Frempah has joined from Wingate and Finchley and in midfield Sammie McLeoad from Sevenoaks Town. Over the next few weeks Pennock will also get the chance to look at some of the academy team and triallists.

Charlton Athletic are also starting their pre-season fixtures and will be flying out to Slovenia for next weekend’s game against HNK Gorica. The Addicks will be getting ready for life back in the Championship after a five year absence.

Macaulay Gillesphey’s first-half free-kick was enough for the Addicks to beat Leyton Orient at Wembley in May’s playoff final to win promotion. Manager, Nathan Jones guided the London side to fourth place after a strong second half to last season. Striker, Matthew Godden top scored for the Addicks and he could return to Princes Park after a loan spell with the Darts in 2013, where he scored five goals in nine appearances.

Dartford begin their season on Saturday 9 August, fixtures to be announced next week. On the same day, Charlton Athletic commence their Championship campaign at home to Watford.

Dartford v Dover Athletic

May 3, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford target promotion to the National South in a big Kent derby playoff final against rivals Dover Athletic on Bank Holiday Monday.

A return to the National South at the first attempt awaits the winners in what will be Josh Hill’s final game. The Dartford skipper will want to hang up his boots in style by captaining the Darts to victory. Dover Athletic will arrive at Princes Park wanting to spoil the party after claiming the final playoff place on the final day.

Dartford were seconds from bowing out on Wednesday and seeing their season come to an end. Set pieces were the Darts downfall with two identical corners by Cray Valley Paper Mills in each half. Danny Waldren got on the end of both to give the visitors a 2-0 lead and leave Pennock’s side on the brink.

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The hosts were handed a lifeline with 20 minutes to go when Cray Valley’s Crossley Lema was red carded for an off the ball incident in the penalty area. The match official awarded the hosts a penalty, which Samir Carruthers stuck away. In post match interviews, Dartford assistant manager, Roland Edge and Cray Valley boss Steve McKimm both acknowledged the dismissal as the turning point in the game. After hitting the woodwork and throwing everything at the Millers, a free kick was given for one final chance. Sam Odaudu went for goal with the last kick and his shot deflected into the net.

The turnaround was complete in extra time when Hayden Bullas swept home a third. Then it got better with George Whitefield netting his tenth of the season. However, the ten men of Cray Valley threatened another twist when Adam Coombes pulled a goal back.

Pennock made three changes to the starting lineup. Luther Williams replaced the suspended Michael Olarewaju. At full back Sam Okoye returned, whilst Jez Pinder came in for Samir Carruthers, who has been struggling to play a full ninety minutes due to injury. Carruthers was later substituted in extra time.

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Dover Athletic also needed an additional half hour in their win over league runners up Billericay Town. Striker, Alfie Matthews was the hero scoring an extra time brace. Manager, Jake Leberl named the same team that clinched the playoff place with a win against Chichester City. After a goalless ninety minutes, the Whites came from behind to reach the final and set up a Kent derby. Billericay Town took the lead early in extra time when former Dart, Femi Akinwande scored. The visitors fought back immediately when Matthews equalised. Then with the match heading to penalties, Matthews netted the winner late in the second period.

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Home advantage counted in the two league meetings between Dartford and Dover Athletic this season. At the Crabble, the Darts were made to pay for defensive errors by their rival’s potent strike force. George Nikaj, Ruben Soares-Junior and Luke Baptiste have all scored over 20 goals this season totalling 69 between them. Soares-Junior grabbed a brace in the 5-1 win over the Darts by starting and finishing the scoring. George Wilkinson and Baptiste had the hosts three up before half-time and Matthews added another five minutes into the second half. Pinder pulled one back for Dartford, but Matthews wrapped things up.

The Good Friday reverse match over a fortnight ago went Dartford’s way, demonstrating how far the side has progressed this season. Chasing the league title, any derby day nerves for the Darts were settled on quarter of an hour when Carruthers brilliantly curled in a free kick. The lead was doubled when Denzelle Olopade pounced on a flicked header. In the second half a third arrived with Hill heading home at the far post after great work from Olly Box to get in the cross. Dover Athletic managed to get one back through Soares-Junior.

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For both teams this is their seventh playoff campaign, and the two clubs have experienced plenty of heartbreak in the past. Although the Darts won the 2012 National South final in another Kent derby at home against Welling United, they have lost three penalty shootouts including the final versus Weymouth five years ago.

The Darts have looked down and out a couple of times this season. Most notably back in October when they were in 15th spot. A club record equalling 21 matches unbeaten put Dartford in the title race, but they fell short on the final day.

Defensively the Darts have generally been solid. Only champions Horsham kept more clean sheets this term and Dartford conceded the fourth fewest. However, they have conceded nine in their last three outings. Attacking wise the goals have been shared out with five players hitting double figures in all competitions.

Dover Athletic’s solitary playoff winning campaign also resulted in a Kent derby triumph when they beat Ebbsfleet United 4-2 to reach the National League in 2014. Like the Darts they have also had five failed attempts, including one chance to make it to the Football League nine years ago. The Whites have been losing finalists on two occasions. In 2006 they were beaten by Tonbridge Angels in the Isthmian Division One South and in 2013 by Salisbury City in the National South.

The Whites grabbed the final playoff spot with a winner takes all showdown against Chichester City on the last game. Failure to cement a playoff spot would have been disastrous for Dover considering they were the early front runners to win the league. The Whites were top from October to the New Year then they lost form for a couple of months. The Whites had a strong enough finish to the campaign to hold on to fifth place.

Current Form

Dartford (WDWWLW) Dover Athletic (WWLDWW)
Cray Valley PM H 4-3 Billericay Town A 2-1
Carshalton Athletic H 1-4 Chichester City A 2-1
Cray Wanderers A 2-2 Hastings United H 1-1
Dover Athletic H 3-1 Dartford A 1-2
Whitehawk A 1-0 Hendon H 4-2
Folkestone Invicta H 2-2 Cheshunt H 2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 19 / Dover Athletic wins: 12 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 Dover Athletic (18/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dover Athletic 5 – 1 Dartford (07/09/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (17/02/2024 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Dover Athletic (28/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National South)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of their last 16 home matches (W11, D4)
  • In all competitions the Darts have won their last four home games against the Whites and are unbeaten in six (D1)
  • Dover Athletic have won six of their last eight matches
  • The Whites have won three of their last four on the road
  • Dartford are the only side to have beaten the Whites in the last eight fixtures

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