Category: Match Preview (Page 6 of 24)

Dartford v Lewes

November 21, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to extend their unbeaten run in the Isthmian Premier to five when they host Lewes this weekend.

The Darts need to start turning draws into victories if they want to climb the table and move closer to the playoff places. Adrian Pennock’s side have drawn three of the last four league games and are currently seven points from the top five. Although results have improved this month, the Darts have won just once in their last nine league fixtures. Lewes were this season’s early pace setters until a run of five without a victory. However they ended that sequence in their last match in the Isthmian Premier by taking maximum points.

Dartford won their previous home game which featured six academy graduates against Cheshunt. Yet is was experienced midfielder Samir Carruthers who opened the scoring from the spot. The Ambers levelled in the second-half, but George Whitefield’s goal of the season contender earned the Darts a 2-1 triumph.

Only three former academy players featured in the 3-3 draw at Hashtag United, but this time two of them scored. Pennock introduced Ade Yusuff for the suspended Duane Ofori-Acheampong in the only change to the starting eleven. Sam Odaudu netted his third of the campaign to give the Darts a first-half lead. Then Pennock’s side had to show character after falling behind twice in a hectic final 25 minutes. The Tags equalised through Toby Aromolaran and went in front after Joshua Rusoke scored. Three minutes later Denzelle Olopade drew Dartford level before the hosts went 3-2 up in the 87th minute when Ayo Olukoga looked to have won it for the Essex side. In the final moments Oliver Box made it all square again and there was still time for last ditch heroics when Jacob Marsden made an incredible save onto the crossbar.

After picking up an injury in the draw at Potters Bar Town, Sam Okoye made a substitute appearance in that draw against the Tags. Pennock is hoping that last weekend’s break in the schedule can aid the recovery to injured players Michael Olarewaju, Eddie Dsane and Samir Carruthers.

Dartford last hosted Lewes in March 2011 and Charlie Sheringham’s brace secured a 3-0 victory. Danny Harris opened the scoring smashing a looping volley inside Connor Gough’s post to put Darts one up. The crucial second goal arrived on 20 minutes when a corner on the right found Sheringham by the far post and he headed in off the bar. In the final minute a swift three-man move started by Ryan Hayes ended with a third goal, Sheringham hooked his shot home from inside the six-yard box.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Five months earlier the Darts drew 1-1 at the Dripping Pan thanks to a late Tom Bonner equaliser. After Paul Olima had put Lewes in front, a quick free kick made its way to Bonner who fired his shot beyond the goalkeeper to salvage a point. The only other previous meeting between the two sides was back in January 1983. Dartford progressed in the F.A Trophy with a 2-0 away win.

The team occupying the final playoff spot in the Isthmian Premier is this weekend’s opponents Lewes. The Sussex side ended last season as one of the form teams and started this term where they left off. The Rooks won their final five fixtures in April. Helped by the 14 league goals from former Dart, Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala, who has now departed, the Sussex club finished eighth. In August they won their first five extending the winning streak to ten. It took until the end of September for Craig Nelson’s side to lose their first Isthmian Premier contest. Prior the heavy loss to Potters Bar Town, the Rooks had opened up a six-point lead to become the early pace setters.

In the Rooks last league game they were trying to put an end to a five-game winless run in the league, which began at Potters Bar Town. Although Lewes picked up draws against Billericay Town, Chatham Town and Hendon they were beaten for just the second time when they visited Horsham in mid-October. So, a Sussex derby under the Dripping Pan lights against bottom side Bognor Regis Town was just the tonic.

Lewes may have scored early against their local rivals, but they left it very late to secure maximum points. The Rooks completed a double over Bognor Regis Town having beaten the basement boys by a single goal in August. New signing, Gianluca Botti scored 31 goals for Chertsey Town in the Isthmian South Central last term. The forward scored a minute into his home debut to open his goalscoring account. The visitors equalised through Jasper Maher leaving the hosts having to dig deep. In the final three minutes the floodgates eventually opened with goals from Matt Warren, and injury time strikes for Botti and Danny Bassett.

Nelson’s side did suffer defeat on the weekend in the F.A Trophy going out to Southern Premier South side AFC Totton. Former Premier League striker Charlie Austin is back in non-league with the Hampshire side and opened the scoring. In the last minute Tony Lee completed the 2-0 win for the visitors.

Current League Form

Dartford (DLDDWD)			Lewes (LDLDDW)
Hashtag United	A	3-3	Bognor Regis Town	H	4-1
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Hendon	A	0-0
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Chatham Town	A	1-1
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Horsham	A	0-2
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Billericay Town	H	2-2
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Potters Bar Town	A	0-5

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Lewes wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 0 Lewes (26/03/2011 – National South)
Lewes 1 – 1 Dartford (30/10/2010 – National South)
Lewes 0 – 2 Dartford (15/01/1983 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

The Darts are five games unbeaten in all competitions (W2, D3). Their longest unbeaten run since Adrian Pennock took charge
Dartford are also on their longest unbeaten run since December 2022/January 2023 when they won four and drew one in the National South
The Darts are unbeaten in the three matches played against Lewes (W2, D1)

On This Day

Dartford are looking for a first win on this day since 1991. The Darts last victory on 23 November was a 1-0 triumph against Burton Albion, now of League One. Since then they have lost four and drawn two. The last outing on this day was a F.A Trophy Kent derby at rivals Maidstone United. The third qualifying round finished 2-2. In 1974, the Darts were so close to pulling off a F.A Cup first round shock. Facing high flying Plymouth Argyle, who ended up winning promotion that season to the old Division Two (now Championship), Dartford were 2-1 up with five minutes to play. Argyle finished strongly to come from behind and win 3-2.

Hashtag United v Dartford

November 11, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford visit a familiar ground to face their newest opponents when they take on Hashtag United on Tuesday night.

A hop over the Thames to Aveley’s Parkside will be the shortest journey in the league this season for the Darts. Facing a side formed just eight years ago, Dartford take on the Tags who are in their second campaign at this level having placed mid-table last term. Both sides are looking for a consecutive victory in the Isthmian Premier to climb the table.

Adrian Pennock’s side increased their unbeaten run in all competitions to four on the weekend with a first league triumph since the end of August. The 2-1 home win against Cheshunt involved six academy graduates with George Whitefield the match winner. The defender made his eighth start of the season replacing Michael Olarewaju. The only other change to the side that drew 0-0 at Potters Bar Town was Tyler Christian-Law coming in to face his former side. Sam Okoye missed his first league game of the campaign after hobbling of earlier in the week. Olarewaju and Eddie Dsane were out with minor injuries, whilst Ade Yusuff has been featuring for his parent club Hornchurch.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Similar to the Potters Bar Town game, the Darts created plenty of chances on Saturday. Arguably Dartford could have come away with maximum points despite being reduced to ten men against the Scholars, instead they had to settle for a draw. On the weekend, once again missed opportunities could have been costly. However, Pennock’s side did enough to take maximum points and keep up a perfect record against Cheshunt. Assistant manager, Roland Edge would now like his side to improve in the ‘art of killing off a game’.

A dominating first half display saw the Darts deservedly lead at half-time. Cheshunt’s goalkeeper, R’Avan Constable was in excellent form and close to saving a Samir Carruthers penalty, the midfielder’s third goal in four and second from the spot. In an even second half, the visitors equalised through Tommy Wood. Then 19-year-old, George Whitefield scored a stunner from long range, his second goal in his last four appearances. Defensively, Jacob Marsden and Luther Williams made important contributions, but man of the match Whitefield made the biggest contribution of all with a crucial block in stoppage time.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Assistant manager Roland Edge felt the Darts were worth the victory and commented: “I’m very, very happy and I think it’s been coming to be honest. I mean even on Tuesday night I thought we had ample chances to win the game and possibly didn’t take them. I think our performances have got better recently and we’ve deserved to win, but deserved doesn’t get you a win. Today it took a hell of a strike to win it, but we deserved it overall”.

By the end of the afternoon six academy graduates featured for the Darts. Todd Brand came on to make his league debut. In addition to the six who played, Jeremiah Pinder has also made 19 appearances this term. Edge praised the set up at the club, he exclaimed: “It’s fantastic for the club and it’s fantastic for the youth system. Today they have got to take a bow I think, they’ve all come in and done their part and there is more quality in there. They have more than held their own and they are getting better week by week”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Whilst delighted with scoring the winner, Whitefield urged his team to remain focussed, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “The vibe in the changing room is now unbelievable. I’m just hoping we are able to do it again next week. Hashtag is going to be a tough game; we just need to make sure we don’t get too ahead of ourselves”.

The Darts will be without the suspended Duane Ofori-Acheampong after his red card against Potters Bar Town. The striker, who made his 50th start for the club on Saturday serves his second ban of the season after a previous dismissal.

Hashtag United climbed out of the relegation zone with a 4-0 away win at newly promoted Chichester City. The Tags turned it on in the second half with a goal from Misha Djemaili, a brace by Sakariya Hassan and a fourth was added through Toby Aromolaran. Captained by former Dart, Max Cornhill, Hashtag United moved up to eighteenth with their first league win in five. Cornhill made 66 appearances for the Darts between 2013 and 2015 scoring nine times.

This will only be Hashtag United’s fifth home game in the Isthmian Premier this term. The Essex club have won just once in the league at Parkside and that was a 4-0 win against struggling Hastings United. Although they have picked up three wins on the road, the Tags have earned themselves just 13 points and are ahead of county rivals Bowers and Pitsea on goal difference.

Jay Devereux’s side have fared better in cup competitions recently progressing in the F.A Trophy, League Cup and Essex Senior Cup. Next weekend the Tags have their second round F.A Trophy tie at home to Brackley Town.

The youngest club in the division, Hashtag United gained a large social media following and momentum to aid their rise through the non-league pyramid. The Tags have won two league titles, most recently the Isthmian Division One North. Last season was their debut in the Premier and a mid-table finish was more than respectable.

Current League Form

Dartford (LDLDDW)			Hashtag United (WLDLLW)
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Chichester City	A	4-0
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Cray Wanderers	A	0-3
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Dover Athletic	A	2-4
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Folkestone Invicta	A	1-1
Hendon	H	0-0	Carshalton Athletic	H	0-1
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Cheshunt	A	4-3

Statistics

The Darts are four games unbeaten in all competitions (W2, D2) matching Pennock’s previous best unbeaten run as Dartford boss in August (W4, D0)
Only three of the bottom four have scored fewer goals than Dartford in the Isthmian Premier this season (Dartford – 15 goals, Bowers and Pitsea – 14, Cray Wanderers – 12 and Whitehawk – 11)
The Darts are looking for a first away league win since 24 August (L2, D1)

On This Day

Duane Ofori-Acheampong was in the Dartford side that won 2-0 on this day in 2016. The Darts hosted Hemel Hempstead Town and goals from Danny Harris and Luke Wanadio secured victory. Dartford have lost the last two on the road on 12 November. A trip to Farnborough in 2022 ended in a 3-1 defeat. Kristian Campbell scored for the Darts, whilst Samir Carruthers and Sam Odaudu featured. In 2013, Max Cornhill, now of Hashtag United was in the Dartford team that lost 3-0 at Woking.

Dartford v Cheshunt

November 7, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are back at Princes Park when they host Cheshunt on Saturday in the Isthmian Premier.

After a packed mid-week league schedule, the Darts are fifteenth in the league following consecutive draws, first at home against Cray Valley Paper Mills and then on the road at Potters Bar Town on Tuesday night. Whilst Dartford were in action, Cheshunt had a rest following their impressive win on the weekend over bottom side Bognor Regis Town.

Ahead of Dartford’s clash with Potters Bar Town, the Darts were level on points with Cheshunt. The gap increased by one by full-time thanks to a hard earned 1-1 draw. Adrian Pennock made two changes to the side that picked up a point versus Cray Valley Paper Mills just three days earlier. The Dartford boss selected the same defence that kept a clean sheet against the Millers. In came Jeremiah Pinder for Oliver Box and Duane Ofori-Acheampong for Ade Yusuff.

The Darts were left to rue missed chances in the first-half, especially after being reduced to ten men early in the second-half. Ofori-Acheampong, Josh Hill and Denzelle Olopade all had opportunities before the interval, but the sides were level at the break. After a caution for kicking the ball away in the first half, Ofori-Acheampong was shown a second yellow for a late tackle. The striker now faces another suspension following one he has already served for his red card against Bowers and Pitsea just over six weeks ago.

That dismissal stifled Dartford’s attacking threat, however four minutes later Callum Jones won a penalty and Samir Carruthers scored it, his second goal in three games. Shortly afterwards Olopade saw his effort go inches wide. Potters Bar Town applied plenty of pressure taking advantage of the extra man. The hosts were rewarded with an equaliser with 20 minutes to go through Brandon Adams. Dartford were made to dig in for the rest of the match with the hosts hitting the post. Sam Okoye limped off during the game and Olopade had time for one more effort.

The Darts have a perfect record over Cheshunt and will be desperate to keep things that way. In the only season the two sides have met, Cheshunt were the new boys of the National South during 2022/2023. The Ambers made their debut in step two lasting one campaign before relegation sent the Hertfordshire club back to the Isthmian Premier.

At Princes Park, Dartford began their home campaign with a 2-1 win over the Ambers in August 2022. Maxwell Statham made his first appearance for the Darts, but it was Pierre Fonkeu’s brace that made all the difference. In the first half, the striker curled a shot from the edge of the box into the Cheshunt net and benefited from Luke Coulson’s and Samir Carruthers excellent interplay in the second half. Former Dartford graduate Dajon Golding scored a late consolation for the visitors.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts had a little help from a former player in the reverse fixture in January 2023. Rowan Liburd gave the Darts a half-time lead putting in his own net. Coulson was the influential figure providing the cross for the opener before scoring, then he assisted Tom Bonner in the second-half to put Dartford in control. Once again, the Ambers managed a consolation as the Darts ran out 3-1 winners.

Cheshunt had to rely on a late surge last season to avoid another drop. In the end, under the management of Craig Edwards they secured Isthmian Premier safety on the final day at Margate’s expense. This term, the Ambers beat Bognor Regis on the opening day, but then went seven without a league victory, picking up just two points. That led to the departure of Edwards after seven years of service to the club and over 300 appearances in the dugout.

Cheshunt won their two league outings under interim management giving new boss Mel Gwinnett a platform to build on. The former Hampton and Richmond Borough manager was appointed towards the end of last month. Gwinnett had previously guided the Beavers to a club record unbeaten run, an F.A Trophy quarter-final and to within a point of the National South playoffs.

Whilst Gwinnett’s first two Isthmian Premier games ended in a pair of 1-0 defeats, first against Cray Wanderers then Canvey Island, his side bounced back with help from striker Vas Vasiliou. Last weekend Vasiliou netted a hat-trick in the 4-0 triumph over Bognor Regis Town.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLDLDD)			Cheshunt (LWWLLW)
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Bognor Regis Town	A	4-0
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Canvey Island	H	0-1
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Cray Wanderers	H	0-1
Hendon	H	0-0	Whitehawk	A	2-0
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Hastings United	A	3-2
Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-2	Potters Bar Town	H	0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Cheshunt wins: 0 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Cheshunt 1 – 3 Dartford (07/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have a perfect record against Cheshunt in the two meetings so far
In the two matches played both teams scored averaging 3.5 goals per game
Samir Carruthers is the only player left in the current Dartford squad to have featured in both games against Cheshunt in 2022/2023

On This Day

Ryan Hayes and Ollie Berquez secured a 2-0 win over rivals Dover Athletic in the National South 14 years ago. Three days after almost causing a F.A Cup shock against Port Vale, the Darts travelled to the Crabble and earned their first away victory of the 2010/2011 league campaign.

Dartford’s last outing on this day was in the F.A Cup away at Salisbury City in the first round. Goals from Lee Burns and Max Cornhill weren’t enough in a 4-2 defeat back in 2013.

The last home match on 9 November for Dartford was a 1-1 draw with Tooting and Mitcham United. The 1996 F.A Trophy tie went to a replay, which the Darts won 3-2. At home Dartford are currently five unbeaten on this day alternating between draws and wins. Whilst their biggest victory on 9 November came in a friendly 135 years ago. The Darts won 12-1 against Horticultural College Hextable.

Potters Bar Town v Dartford

November 4, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford go again on Tuesday night with a trip to Kings Langley to face Potters Bar Town in the Isthmian Premier.

The Darts will be hoping to build on the League Cup win over Erith Town and Saturday’s draw with Cray Valley Paper Mills. However, they currently sit bottom of the form guide having picked up just two points in the last six league matches. Tuesday’s reverse fixture against Potters Bar Town will provide an opportunity for Adrian Pennock’s side to avenge defeat to the Scholars back in August. Meanwhile, Max Mitchell’s team have recovered well from an opening day humbling to climb up to seventh in the table, five points ahead of Dartford.

Just under three months ago, the Darts were beaten in their home opener against Potters Bar Town, who had just been thrashed 8-0 on matchday one against Dover Athletic. At Princes Park, Dartford were unable to produce any clear chances in the first half, which helped the visitors grow in confidence. Just before conceding, the Darts had a warning when Ore Bello raced through on goal only to miss. Two minutes later Potters Bar Town went ahead through Steve Cawley for the only goal of the game. Although Eddie Dsane came close in the second half it was the visitors who took home all three points.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On the road, Dartford are unbeaten versus the Scholars in their two visits. Alex O’Brien inspired a comeback last time the Darts travelled to Potters Bar Town. The Isthmian Division One North title run-in was heating up in April 2008 and every point was crucial. The hosts were ahead after a couple of minutes when Sam Adejoken tapped in. In the second half Junior Dadson scored to heap pressure on the Darts. After a few positive substitutions, Jay May halved the deficit to give Tony Burman’s side hope. Then late on Adam Flanagan nodded the ball down to O’Brien to make it 2-2. A fortnight later Dartford were crowned champions.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Match highlights courtesy of Sonytino

On the weekend, Dartford’s winless league run continued stretching to six matches with the 0-0 draw at home to Cray Valley Paper Mills. Once again, the Darts drew a blank in front of goal whilst keeping a clean sheet, their second goalless draw in three league matches. Jacob Marsden returned in goal replacing David Aziaya, who kept a clean sheet in Dartford’s previous game against Erith Town in the League Cup. Adrian Pennock made eight changes to the side that progressed in the cup, but just four alterations to the team selected for the last league outing. As well as swapping the goalkeepers, in came Luther Williams, Oliver Box and Ade Yusuff. Midfielder, Tyler Christian-Law featured as a substitute on Saturday and he could face Potters Bar Town, one of his former clubs.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts had to dig in defensively and did well to hold onto a point against Cray Valley Paper Mills. Assistant Manager, Roland Edge was pleased with the draw and spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game, he said: “You know what you’re going to get when Cray turn up. They are a very strong, physical, and well organised side, so we knew we was in with a tough day. The real pleasing thing, and I know everybody wants to score a goal, is that we kept another clean sheet. They threw everything at us, and I think we dealt with it really well”.

Edge believes going two unbeaten in all competitions lays a foundation for short term form to improve, he added: “We said to the boys ‘this is a platform’ and we’ve got to build from it. We’ve got to go to Potters Bar and get three points”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Potters Bar Town had an attempt to put their heavy opening day defeat at home to Dover Athletic behind them on the weekend. This time the league leaders won by a three-goal margin without reply. Ruben Soares-Junior, Alfie Matthews and Francis Mampolo kept the league leaders on top, whilst the Scholars are now a point shy of the playoff places. In all competitions Max Mitchell’s side are winless in four having exited the F.A Trophy to Biggleswade Town and the League Cup on penalties against Cheshunt. In October, Potters Bar Town drew at Chatham Town and beat Cheshunt in the league.

Although recent form has been inconsistent, the Scholars put a run of positive results together starting with their Princes Park win in August. Potters Bar Town went on to win six of their next eight in the Isthmian Premier, including a 5-0 thrashing of early pace setters Lewes. Cawley, who netted the winner at Dartford has scored in five of the six league matches in which the Scholars have won.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLLDLD)			Potters Bar Town (WLWWDL)
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Dover Athletic	A	0-3
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Chatham Town	A	2-2
Hendon	H	0-0	Cheshunt	A	1-0
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Lewes	H	5-0
Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-2	Whitehawk	A	0-2
Dover Athletic	A	1-5	Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-0

Head to Head

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

Previous Meetings

Dartford 0 – 1 Potters Bar Town (13/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Potters Bar Town 2 – 2 Dartford (05/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 4 – 0 Potters Bar Town (27/10/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 1 – 2 Potters Bar Town (11/03/2006 – Southern League Div One East)
Potters Bar Town 1 – 4 Dartford (08/10/2005 – Southern League Div One East)

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in their two visits to Potters Bar Town (W1, D1)
The Darts have kept four clean sheets in their last nine league games. The same number of clean sheets than their previous 36 league outings.
Dartford have failed to score in three of the last four Isthmian Premier matches

On This Day

Dartford have won their last four league matches on Guy Fawkes. Two years ago they put on a fine display at Princes Park beating Braintree Town 4-1 with ten men. Charlie Sheringham’s penalty was the difference before Tom Bonner was sent off just past the hour. Luke Coulson scored a screamer, then the Iron pulled a goal back. The Darts need not worry though as Samir Carruthers scored twice in stoppage time.

Three years earlier, Dartford beat Hampton and Richmond Borough 2-1 on the road. Ky Marsh-Brown and Elliott Romain netted either side of the host’s equaliser. Jon Wallis and Jacob Erskine helped the Darts come from behind at Salisbury City in 2011. Whilst 19 years ago, Dartford defeated Aveley 5-1 in the Southern League Division One East.

Also on this day, Dartford faced higher league opposition in consecutive seasons. Both F.A Cup first round ties ended in a home loss. Swindon Town won 5-1 in 2017 and a year earlier Sutton United were 6-3 winners.

Dartford v Cray Valley Paper Mills

November 1, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford search for their first league win in over two months when they host Cray Valley Paper Mills in Saturday’s Kent derby.

Since the opening day victory over this weekend’s opponents, the Darts have dropped to fourteenth in the Isthmian Premier. Meanwhile, the Millers have made a promising start in their debut campaign at this level. Adrian Pennock’s side can potentially complete a double over Cray Valley Paper Mills, but it’s Steve McKimm’s team who are in the better form occupying fifth place in the standings.

All of Dartford’s league triumphs came in August and the first one was on the road in the reverse fixture. Callum Jones scored on debut in the first half as the Darts began the season brightly. Dartford were handed an advantage after the break when Hassan Ibrahiym was sent off. Yet the hosts still managed to equalise through Tom Chambers. Then a moment of magic by Denzelle Olopade won Dartford the game when he curled home a shot from 30 yards.

The Darts are desperate to end a run of five league games without a win and start climbing the table. The last setback was a fortnight ago when they fell three behind in no time at all against Wingate and Finchley. Pennock’s side did manage to get two goals, but were unable to complete a comeback.

On Tuesday night Dartford finally put an end to a winless streak of seven without victory in all competitions. Returning to the Isthmian League Cup for the first time in 14 years they beat Erith Town by a solitary goal. Samir Carruthers scored on his 50th start for the club from a free-kick after eight minutes. The first free-kick scored by the Darts since the midfielder netted one in August 2022 against Hemel Hempstead Town. Seven changes were made to the eleven that started in the last league game, including a debut for Nelson Ajayi, who has signed on a non-contract basis.

Cray Valley Paper Mills gave a good account of themselves on the opening day of the season despite defeat and that didn’t deter McKimm’s side. The Millers won their remaining games in August taking the accolades in the Cray derby, defeating Cheshunt 4-2, then picking up a pair of 1-0 victories against Folkestone Invicta and Carshalton Athletic. The Kent club closed out the opening month with progression in the F.A Cup.

Although the Millers failed to win any of their three league games in September and exited the F.A Cup, they returned to form in October. Last month goals at either end were abundant. After getting past Ramsgate in the F.A Trophy, Cray Valley Paper Mills drew 4-4 with Canvey Island and beat Chichester City 2-1 at home. The next three fixtures in all competitions yielded 18 goals with the Millers beating Bognor Regis Town 3-2 in the league, Sevenoaks Town 4-2 in the League Cup before getting knocked out in the F.A Trophy against Brentwood Town, losing 4-3.

On Tuesday night, McKimm’s men were in Kent Senior Cup action. Drawn against Isthmian Premier leaders Dover Athletic, the Millers exited the competition with a 3-1 loss that featured former Darts, Lyle Della-Verde, Andre Coker and Fumnaya Shomotun. Another former Dartford player, Marcel Barrington didn’t feature.

Shomotun originally joined the Millers on loan from Tonbridge Angels, now that deal has become permanent. He has already scored three in his nine appearances for the Millers. As a Dart he scored twice in 19 appearances last term. Della-Verde started 22 games for Dartford in 2017/2018 and made 12 appearances from the bench. Coker featured the season afterwards scoring three in 13 starts and 17 substitute appearances. Barrington only made two substitute appearances for the Darts in the 2019/2020 campaign.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLLLDL)			Cray Valley PM (LDLDWW)
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Bognor Regis Town	A	3-2
Hendon	H	0-0	Chichester City	H	2-1
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Canvey Island	A	4-4
Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-2	Hendon	A	0-1
Dover Athletic	A	1-5	Billericay Town	H	1-1
Chatham Town	H	3-1	Whitehawk	A	0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Cray Valley Paper Mills wins: 0 / Draws: 0

Previous Meeting

Cray Valley Paper Mills 1 – 2 Dartford (10/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

The Darts are four games without a win at home in all competitions
This will be Dartford’s sixth Kent derby this season (W3, L2)
Dartford have won just three of their last 17 home games in the league going back to November 2023 (D5, L9)

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in all four home matches played on 2 November. The last home match on this day was a 3-1 win against Gloucester City in 1966. Since then the Darts have played eight straight away matches on this day losing the previous one 1-0 at Concord Rangers three years ago in the National South. The last victory on 2 November came in 2019 when Norman Wabo and Elliott Romain scored at Eastbourne Borough.

Erith Town v Dartford

October 29, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are back in the Isthmian League Cup for the first time in 15 years on Tuesday night with a local derby against Erith Town.

The Darts make the nine-mile trip to Bayliss Avenue in Thamesmead on their quest to challenge for the Alan Turvey trophy. Adrian Pennock’s side will take on the Dockers, who were promoted via the playoffs last season and are now in the Isthmian South East. Having exited three cup competitions in the last month, the Darts are hoping to progress into the last sixteen.

It will be the first time these two sides have met in a competitive game. A decade ago, Dartford and Erith Town were five divisions apart. The Darts have dropped from the National League, whilst the Dockers have worked their way up a step from the Southern Counties East. Both sides have little experience in this competition with Dartford entering for only the fifth time and Erith Town making their debut.

In previous editions, the Darts have never gone beyond the fourth round. If their last fixture in the League Cup is anything to go by, then it should be entertaining under the floodlights at Bayliss Avenue. Dartford lost a nine-goal thriller in the third round at home to Aveley. Adam Burchell scored a brace in the 5-4 defeat that saw Danny Harris and Allan Tait also finding the back of the net. In the eleven ties the Darts have been involved in, there has been three or more goals scored in every game.

Pennock’s side return to action after a ten day break and will be desperate to end a run of seven games without a win. Last time out Dartford were blown away inside the opening 21 minutes against Wingate and Finchley. The Princes Park crowd were stunned when the visitors went 3-0 up with less than a quarter of the match gone. The Darts battled back with a goal from Oliver Box and another from Ade Yusuff, his first for the club.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A week earlier Dartford picked up a draw at home to Hendon which controversially saw two goals ruled out for offside and Jeremiah Pinder sent off. The club successfully appealed against Pinder’s dismissal, so the midfielder was able to play just over a week ago. Meanwhile, defender Mert Apat has left the club after making just four starts and a substitute appearance since joining in the summer.

Although Tuesday night will be the first time the Darts take on Erith Town, paths almost crossed in 1996. The year Dartford won promotion out of the Kent League, Woolwich Town transferred from the Spartan League in time for the following season. After one campaign the Dockers changed their name to Erith Town after moving to their new home, the Erith Stadium. Since then the club has never really settled in one place having shared grounds with numerous teams including Greenwich Borough, Thamesmead Town, Cray Valley Paper Mills and VCD Athletic.

The two times Kent Senior Trophy winners are now playing at their highest ever level after last season’s playoff success. The Dockers beat Glebe 2-1 in the semi-final before defeating Corinthian on penalties. This term Erith Town sit seventh in the Isthmian South East after Saturday’s win at home to Broadbridge Heath. An early Ollie Milton goal settled the game handing the Dockers all three points.

During October, Adam Woodward’s side have alternated between results, winning, drawing and losing two each. Erith Town were beaten at Eastbourne Town to begin the month, picked up a point against Merstham and won at home versus Deal Town. Another away draw followed with Sevenoaks Town before defeat at Ben Greenhalgh’s Margate, but that disappointment was put behind them on the weekend.

In Erith Town’s debut match in the League Cup, they beat Sittingbourne in round two coming from behind to win 4-1. The Brickies led at half-time by a goal from debutant Antony Martin. The Dockers overcame their youthful opponents in the second-half with goals from Hayden Bullas, Thomas Ash, James Dyer and Rahman Kareem. Sittingbourne’s Harvey Earle also saved a penalty to keep the score down for the visitors.

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford (LLLDLL)			Erith Town (LDWDLW)
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Broadbridge Heath	A	1-0
Bromley (KSC)	A	1-3	Margate	H	1-3
Hendon	H	0-0	Sevenoaks Town	A	0-0
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Deal Town	H	2-1
Dulwich Hamlet (FAT)	H	0-1	Merstham Town	A	1-1
Worthing (FAC)	A	1-3	Eastbourne Town	A	1-2
FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy / KSC – Kent Senior Cup

Statistics

In normal time, Dartford have won 5, drawn 2 and lost 4 in the Isthmian League Cup
The Darts have won two out of five away ties in normal time and progressed once in a penalty shoot out on the road in the Isthmian League Cup
Dartford have progressed in this competition each time they have played a Kent side (W3, D2)

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook was the hero in the North West Kent F.A Cup derby 13 years ago. The midfielder’s match winning penalty against Ebbsfleet United sent Dartford’s rivals out in the fourth qualifying round replay. In the previous three cup games on this day, prior beating Fleet, the Darts went out against Bromley in the F.A Cup (2011), Crawley Town in the Southern League Cup (1996) and Deal Town in the F.A Vase (1996). Leading up to that losing streak Dartford had only lost one in eight cup matches on 29 October. The Darts qualified for the F.A Cup first round with wins over Tooting and Mitcham United (1983), Slough Town (1988) and Dagenham and Redbridge (1989). In 1970, Dartford lifted the Kent Senior Shield securing victory with a 2-2 second leg draw against Bexley United, winning 4-3 on aggregate.

Dartford v Wingate and Finchley

October 17, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford hope to build on last weekend’s draw with a positive result at home to Wingate and Finchley on Saturday in the Isthmian Premier.

Last time out in the league, the Darts ended a run of four straight defeats in all competitions against Hendon. However, on Tuesday night they were knocked out of the Kent Senior Cup at League Two side Bromley. Wingate and Finchley reached the playoffs last term and are currently eighth in the Isthmian Premier, a point in front of the Darts in eleventh.

Dartford lifted the Isthmian Division One North trophy last time they played Wingate and Finchley. A week earlier, the Darts were beaten at Edgware Town, but title challengers AFC Sudbury failed to get the required result too. With the title and promotion secured, Tony Burman’s side could enjoy the final day of the 2007/2008 season. The celebrations were made all the sweeter when a Steve Norman free-kick was fumbled only for Brendon Cass to score the winner from close range. Cass came second in the league scoring charts and won the club’s golden boot with 37 goals in all competitions. That completed a double over the Blues as the reverse fixture finished 2-0 in November 2007, Cass and Jay May the scorers.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Match highlights courtesy of sonytino

Dartford had gone three games without a goal approaching the Kent Senior Cup tie on Tuesday night. Adrian Pennock shuffled the pack giving minutes to a mixture of senior and youth team players. The Dartford boss changed the whole side and gave debuts to Todd Brand and Joseph Kpaka. New signing Marc-Anthony Okoye retired from non-league football in November 2019 at 27 years-old with a knee injury. Almost five years on the centre half is back on a non contract basis, he made his debut against his former club. Gabe Campbell, Dean Nayler, Ade Yusuff all made their first starts for the Darts. Former Wingate and Finchley player Mert Apat featured. Whilst another ex-Blue, Duane Ofori-Acheampong was rested.

Dartford were caught out by set pieces a week ago in their 4-0 defeat at Billericay Town. The opening three goals at Hayes Lane all came from corners. Bromley were two up inside 13 minutes, but George Whitefield halved the deficit six minutes later, the defender’s first senior goal. There was still time for another before the interval and that went the way of the Ravens, who ran out 3-1 winners. Academy players Blu Husthwaite and Luke Mandry made their debuts for the Darts coming on as substitutes.

Wingate and Finchley were consistent enough to record their highest league position in seven years last season. Hanging around just outside the top five, the Blues really pushed on from February losing only two games until the end of the campaign. In that time Wingate and Finchley picked up nine victories and five draws to cement a place in the playoffs where they lost to eventual winners Enfield Town.

This season the Blues were involved in plenty of goals at both ends of the pitch over the opening four matches. In between the 3-2 wins against Dulwich Hamlet and Canvey Island they lost 3-2 at Carshalton Athletic and drew 3-3 with Folkestone Invicta. Ogo Obi netted two braces in those games and leads the scoring charts for Ahmet Rifat’s side with ten in all competitions. The Blues suffered consecutive 2-1 defeats against Potters Bar Town and Bognor Regis Town, then picked up a point at home to Chichester City. Ending the run of three without a league win, the Blues closed out September with a 2-1 victory at Dover Athletic.

On Tuesday night, Wingate and Finchley returned to action after ten days. Having lost 1-0 in the F.A Trophy to Chatham Town, the Blues bounced back/lost again versus Bowers and Pitsea. Rifat made three changes including the introduction of Ryan Lowe and Loic Hernandez to the starting lineup. The pair have just recovered from injury and had been building up their fitness with appearances from off the bench in recent games.

Lowe made a good start to the season prior his injury scoring twice. The midfielder opened the scoring four minutes into the match, continuing the Blue’s streak of netting in every game this season. Bowers and Pitsea were level before the break through Jacob Bland. With 20 minutes remaining, Obi put Wingate and Finchley ahead and late on Tyrese Briscoe secured maximum points. The Blues are now three unbeaten and have won their last two in the league.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWLLLD)			Wingate & Finchley (WLLDWW)
Hendon	H	0-0	Bowers & Pitsea	H	3-1
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Dover Athletic	A	2-1
Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-2	Chichester City	H	1-1
Dover Athletic	A	1-5	Bognor Regis Town	A	1-2
Chatham Town	H	3-1	Potters Bar Town	H	1-2
Carshalton Town	A	1-0	Canvey Island	A	3-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Wingate and Finchley wins: 2 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 0 Wingate and Finchley (26/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 0 – 2 Dartford (03/11/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 3 – 2 Dartford (18/03/2006 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Dartford 2 – 1 Wingate and Finchley (17/12/2005 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Wingate and Finchley 2 – 2 Dartford (28/03/2005 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Dartford 2 – 2 Wingate and Finchley (27/12/2004 – Southern League Div 1 East)

Statistics

Dartford have won three of their last four games against Wingate and Finchley (L1)
The Darts are unbeaten in the three home matches against the Blues (W2, D1)
Dartford are winless in four league games (D1, L3) and have failed to score in the last two

On This Day

Matthew Godden’s hat-trick against Hyde helped Dartford to an entertaining 4-3 victory over Hyde on this day. The National League fixture in 2013 went back and forth at Princes Park and was decided by a late winner. The visitors came from two down to go 3-2 up, but George Monger equalised in the 83^rd minute. Four minutes later Godden scored the winner and took home the match ball. Josh Hill was an unused substitute that day.

Steve King took charge of his first game as Dartford boss on this day five years ago. Leading the team out in the F.A Cup fourth qualifying round tie against Kingstonian, the Darts lost 3-2 with Andy Pugh and Darren McQueen the scorers. Prior that defeat Dartford went seven unbeaten on 19 October which included a 3-1 Kent Senior Cup win over Welling United in 2015. George Sykes, Callum McNaughton and Dajon Golding all getting on the scoresheet.

Bromley v Dartford

October 15, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford begin their Kent Senior Cup campaign with a visit to Football League side Bromley on Tuesday night.

A repeat of the second round fixture from last season, the Darts will be hoping to progress again. This time both sides are in new divisions with an even wider gap between them. Dartford’s relegation to the Isthmian Premier and Bromley’s promotion to League Two means they are currently separated by 61 places.

The county cup is generally a chance for fringe and academy players to get game time. Although the Darts may be the underdogs, the outcome is often affected by the strength of the starting lineup. Last season Dartford’s experienced side defeated a young Bromley team, then made it to the semi-final. Adrian Pennock has already hinted to Dartford FC TV that he’ll make changes, he said: “It won’t be the team that started this afternoon (against Hendon). I will play the subs, involve the squad and I would like to see some youth players as well”.

It was all level at the break just under a year ago, but the Darts turned it on in the second-half to run out 5-1 winners. Charlie Sheringham scored from the spot before Kido Taylor-Hart equalised. Luke Allen put Dartford back in front, Sheringham netted another and Brandon Barzey added a brace.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford have won the last two Kent Senior Cup ties against the Ravens having beaten them in the 2011 final as well. Under Tony Burman the Darts won 4-1 with goals from Elliot Bradbrook, Ryan Hayes, an own goal and Danny Harris. Since then the Darts have lifted the trophy three more times taking their tally to 13 county cup triumphs, second in the all-time list. Bromley are six time winners last lifting the cup in 2007.

Six of the last seven meetings have gone Dartford’s way with both teams scoring in this fixture over the last ten matches. Bromley’s only win in that time was the F.A Cup fourth qualifying round victory in 2011. Since then, the Darts have won four in a row all in different competitions. Dartford triumphed in consecutive years between 2012 and 2014 in the National South, F.A Trophy and F.A Cup before last season’s victory in the Kent Senior Cup.

The Darts are five games without a win in all competitions, however they broke their losing streak on the weekend. Goalkeeper, David Aziaya made his debut and whether he plays on Tuesday depends on the terms of his loan spell from Bromley. Aziaya kept a clean sheet despite Dartford playing almost all of the second half with ten men. The 20 year old became the 13th goalkeeper used by the Darts since April 2022, when Dan Wilks lost his regular spot as the number one.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Duane Ofori-Acheampong returned from suspension in the 0-0 draw with Hendon making his first start since rejoining the club. Whilst Oliver Box made a substitute appearance after recovering from injury. New signing, Michael Olarewaju was also selected for his first start as Adrian Pennock made three changes. The Darts were the better side, but yet again couldn’t find the vital breakthrough even after Jeremiah Pinder’s red card. The draw leaves Dartford in ninth position in the Isthmian Premier League.

Pennock thought it was a ‘good’ 0-0 against Hendon, who were in fifth place before kick-off. The Dartford boss was delighted with his team, he commented: “I thought it was an excellent performance. Going down to ten men after five minutes of the second half, the lads were absolutely unbelievable”. Despite a barren spell of results and in front of goal, he is confident results will improve, he added: “This is our ninth game of the season, arguably we’ve had two poor performances, Dover was obviously poor and Tuesday night I wasn’t happy with either (Billericay Town). Other than that, we’ve been in games where we’ve outplayed our opponents but have not had the rub of the green, that will change”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Looking towards the EFL Trophy could give Dartford an indication of the sort of side Bromley manager Andy Woodman will select. The Ravens have fielded a mixture of squad players and youngsters in their two group games in the competition. Bromley earned two points in the 3-3 draw with Cambridge United as they won 4-3 on penalties. The Ravens followed that up with a 3-2 loss against Chelsea’s under 21 side.

In their debut Football League campaign Bromley are currently in 20th. The newly promoted side got off to a great start in League Two with a pair of 2-0 wins over Harrogate Town and AFC Wimbledon. Sandwiched between those victories, the Ravens were knocked out in their debut League Cup match against the Dons. Since then, Woodman’s side have failed to win in ninety minutes, a run of ten games. However, the last three outings have all been draws versus Milton Keynes Dons, Chesterfield and Fleetwood Town.

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford (WLLLLD)			Bromley (LLLDDD)
Hendon	H	0-0	Fleetwood Town	A	0-0
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Chesterfield	H	2-2
Dulwich Hamlet (FAT)	H	0-1	Milton Keynes Dons	H	1-1
Worthing (FAC)	A	1-3	Chelsea U21 (EFT)	H	2-3
Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-2	Grimsby Town	A	0-1
Leatherhead (FAC)	H	2-0	Notts County	H	2-4
FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy / EFT – EFL Trophy

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 26 / Bromley wins: 28 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 5 – 1 Bromley (28/11/2023 – Kent Senior Cup)
Bromley 3 – 4 Dartford (08/11/2014 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 4 – 2 Bromley ( 12/01/2013– F.A Trophy)
Bromley 1 – 2 Dartford (09/04/2012 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Bromley (29/10/2011 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 3 – 1 Bromley (29/08/2011 – National South)

Statistics

The Darts have won 11, lost 10 and drawn 5 against Bromley in the Kent Senior Cup
Dartford have won the last two Kent Senior Cup ties against Bromley, which includes the final in May 2011
The last three meetings between the two sides have seen 19 goals (6.33 per game). The last seven Kent Senior Cup games have seen 34 goals (4.85 per match)

On This Day

Dartford have won their last two games on 15 October both against Tonbridge Angels. Two years ago Sam Odaudu and Samir Carruthers featured in a 2-0 win at Princes Park. Carruthers scored directly from a corner and Pierre Fonkeu wrapped up victory. In 2016, the Darts defeated the Angels in the fourth qualifying round of the F.A Cup. Alex Brown, Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook all netted in the 3-0 win. In another F.A Cup tie five years earlier the Darts won 2-1 at Cray Wanderers with Ryan Hayes and Danny Harris scoring. In 1969, Dartford ran out 3-1 winners against Bromley in the Kent Floodlight League.

Dartford v Hendon

October 11, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will search for their first win in almost a month when they host Hendon this Saturday.

The Darts started well this season, but victories have ran dry recently and they are on a run of four straight defeats. Adrian Pennock will be hoping to stop the downward trend after his side returned to the Isthmian Premier in the summer. The Greens also returned to the division after spending six years in the Southern Premier South. The Middlesex club have settled in well sitting in fifth place, but are waiting for a first away win in the league.

On Tuesday night, for a second game in a row a former Dartford player came back to haunt his old team. Two minutes into the game Tom Bender headed Billericay Town in front from a corner. The unbeaten Blues scored again before the interval, another corner was nodded in by Frankie Merrifield. Things didn’t improve in the second half as the hosts doubled the score. Moses Emmanuel netted just past the hour and a Matt Johnson in the final ten minutes. The Darts have now conceded 12 in last three away games, nine in the last two league matches on the road.

Matt Kerbey returned in goal for his last game for the club replacing Jacob Marsden, Pennock’s only change to the starting line up. Kerbey will go back to his parent club Sutton United. Oliver Box was recovering from a groin injury, but is hopeful of a return this weekend. Duane Ofori-Acheampong served the last of his three match ban and will be available again. Other departures this week include Ben Allen, who made just ten substitute appearances since joining in the summer and Sam Caiger.

New signings Ade Yusuff and Michael Olarewaju were named on the bench on Tuesday night and made their debuts. Forward, Yusuff has enjoyed successful spells with last season’s Isthmian Premier champions Hornchurch and with Folkestone Invicta in the past. Defender, Olarewaju was at Dover Athletic and Eastbourne Borough last term.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

It was only six months ago when the two sides met in the London Senior Cup semi-final. Pennock named a predominately academy squad, which included George Whitefield, Box and Jeremiah Pinder. Hendon’s Joe White stood out with a four goal haul as the Greens went on to win 6-3. Daniel Matsuzaka and Kai Brosnan scored the other goals for the hosts. Louie Atkins, Finley Sillince and Box netted for the Darts.

Princes Park first hosted this fixture when it was still in its infancy. Two years after Dartford’s homecoming the two sides met in December 2008. The Isthmian Premier League fixture was decided by an unlikely source. Tommy Osbourne scored three times in 258 appearances for the Darts and one of those goals was in the 1-0 victory against Hendon. Dartford approached the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season as Isthmian Division One North champions. The Darts were humbled 3-0 with Brian Haule, James Bent and Chris Bangura scoring for the Greens.

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

Apart for 14 years, the two sides reconvene this weekend. Dartford have gone full circle climbing up to the top of non-league before slipping back into step three. Hendon are in their 46th consecutive season at the same level. As for Mert Apat the wait to meet up with the Middlesex club again is not quite as long. The defender could face his former side having played eight games for the Greens last season.

Last term Hendon recorded their highest finish in the Southern Premier South during their six-season tenure. Drawing the most games in the division, the greens had to settle for tenth place. However, they had success in the F.A Trophy reaching the last 16 for the first time in 25 years. On the weekend they started a new journey in the competition hoping to repeat that achievement. Top scorer Brosnan netted a first half hat-trick in the third qualifying round against Bedford Town. The forward took his tally to eight in all competitions helping the Greens to a 5-1 win. Billie Busari and Niko Muir also got on the scoresheet guiding Hendon into the first round.

In the league, Brosnan scored a goal in each of the opening five fixtures. Hendon started the season with a 2-1 win over newly promoted Bowers and Pitsea. Their first game on the road ended in defeat at Dulwich Hamlet. Leading up to a F.A Cup victory over Whitehawk, the Greens beat Cray Wanderers, drew with Bognor Regis Town and secured three points versus Cheshunt. September saw Hendon exit both the F.A Cup and London Senior Cup. Whilst in the league they picked up a draw at Chatham Town, lost to Folkestone Invicta and won against Cray Valley Paper Mills.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWLLL)			Hendon (WDWDLW)
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Cray Valley (PM)	H	1-0
Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-2	Folkestone Invicta	A	0-2
Dover Athletic	A	1-5	Chatham Town	A	2-2
Chatham Town	H	3-1	Cheshunt	H	2-0
Carshalton Town	A	1-0	Bognor Regis Town	A	2-2
Canvey Island	H	2-0	Cray Wanderers	H	3-1

Head to Head

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

Previous Meetings

Hendon 6 – 3 Dartford (23/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Hendon 1 – 2 Dartford (22/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 5 – 0 Hendon (05/09/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 0 Hendon (06/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Hendon 3 – 0 Dartford (16/08/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 3 Hendon (08/11/1952 – F.A Cup)

Statistics

Dartford’s defeat in last season’s London Senior Cup semi-final ended a run of three consecutive victories against Hendon
The Darts have won both fixtures at Princes Park scoring six without reply
Dartford are hoping to avoid a third consecutive home defeat in all competitions for the first time since November 2023.

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last seven games on 12 October. Tony Burman was the interim manager in 2019 after the departures of Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle in early September. In his last game before Steve King took charge, Burman led the Darts to a 1-0 away win over Oxford City, Ben Greenhalgh scoring the only goal of the game. In 2013, Dartford left it late on the road to draw 2-2 with Hereford in the National League. Lee Noble converted Matt Godden’s cross in the first half. The Bulls hit back with strikes from Kevin Krans and Ross Dyer. A point was rescued when Uche Ibemere headed in a Ryan Hayes cross.

An F.A Cup epic was played out on this day in 2010. The third qualifying round replay with Canvey Island went all the way under the Princes Park lights. Danny Harris, Carl Rook and Paul Goodacre scored for the Darts in a 3-3 draw. The seemingly never ending penalty shoot out finally came to a conclusion with Dartford running out 9-8 winners.

Billericay Town v Dartford

October 7, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return to Isthmian Premier action on Tuesday night when they visit unbeaten Billericay Town.

The Darts have lost their last two league games, most recently a fortnight ago. Since then they have exited both the F.A Cup and F.A Trophy. Billericay Town have had a solid start and are second, four points behind the leaders. Yet it is Dartford who have come out on top in this fixture winning the previous five.

Two second half goals earned the Darts maximum points at the New Lodge in April 2022. A slick move ended with former Blue, Jake Robinson crossing for Jack Jebb to finish from close range. A calmly taken side footed volley from Marcus Dinanga doubled the lead in the 2-0 win. The reverse fixture four months earlier was decided by Robinson’s goal after ten minutes.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts are going through a tricky spell. After winning four of their opening five matches they fell to consecutive league defeats. A heavy loss versus Dover Athletic was followed by a poor result against Bowers and Pitsea. At least between those games the Darts beat Leatherhead in the cup, but that’s their only win in the last five.

Despite losing 3-1 in the F.A Cup to Worthing, Adrian Pennock was pleased with the performance against higher league opponents. Therefore the Dartford boss stuck to the same starting eleven on Saturday against Dulwich Hamlet in the F.A Trophy. Oliver Box was unavailable with a groin injury and Duane Ofori-Acheampong with a suspension. The striker will serve the last of his three match ban on Tuesday night.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Always display content from YouTube

Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts were undone by a former player when Luke Wanadio scored the only goal of the game. Pennock’s side looked dominant in the first half but were wasteful in front of goal. Unable to find a way through they were punished on 53 minutes by Wanadio. Dartford drew a blank and went out at the first hurdle in the F.A Trophy for a third year in a row. With that result, Callum Jones’ run of scoring in four consecutive home games came to an end. The striker will be hoping to get back on the scoresheet against his former club on Tuesday night.

New signing Ade Yusuff will be available after joining on dual registration from Isthmian Premier champions Hornchurch. The striker had 33 goal involvements in 49 games with the Essex club. The 30 year old also hit 95 goals in 183 appearances for Folkestone Invicta over two spells.

Hoping they won’t be haunted by former players again, the Darts will have to be on their guard. Midfielder, Tyrell Miller-Rodney spent last season at Princes Park making 35 appearances and scoring three goals. Tom Bender has previously netted against Dartford whilst at St Albans City. The defender spent the 2014/2015 season with the Darts appearing 20 times. Jay Porter came through the academy at Princes Park and he played four times for the first team over ten years ago. Whilst Ade Azeez is returning from a long term injury. The striker scored 18 goals during the 2021/2022 for Dartford.

On the weekend, Gary McCann’s side were also knocked out of the F.A Trophy. Drawn away to Southern Premier South’s Chertsey Town, the Blues were taken to spot kicks. Ashley Nzala opened the scoring for Billericay Town, but his goal was cancelled out by William Montague. The hosts went through with a 6-5 penalty shoot out victory.

Last season Billericay Town narrowly missed out on the playoffs falling three points shy of fifth place. A late run of six consecutive victories wasn’t quite enough, but the Blues ended up with the third best defence in the division. The Essex club have continued where they left off and now boast the best defence.

Three consecutive clean sheets in the league has earned goalkeeper Sam Donkin the Golden Glove award for September. Billericay Town’s defence have conceded just five in the Isthmian Premier this term. One of this season’s favourites to be challenging for promotion, the Blues won their opening game before three consecutive draws. In their last four league outings only Cray Valley Paper Mills have taken any points from them. Victories over Hashtag United, Folkestone Invicta and Bognor Regis Town leave the Blues in a healthy position.

Current League Form

Dartford (LWWWLL)			Billericay Town (DDWWDW)
Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-2	Bognor Regis Town	H	4-0
Dover Athletic	A	1-5	Cray Valley (PM)	A	0-0
Chatham Town	H	3-1	Folkestone Invicta	A	3-0
Carshalton Town	A	1-0	Hashtag United	H	2-1
Canvey Island	H	2-0	Cheshunt	A	1-1
Potters Bar Town	H	0-1	Dover Athletic	H	1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Billericay Town wins: 2 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

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)
Dartford 2 – 1 Billericay Town (22/04/2019 – National South)
Billericay Town 1 – 1 Dartford (15/09/2018 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won their last five games against Billericay Town keeping clean sheets in the last three
The Darts have won twice at New Lodge in their first and last visits (D1, L1)
Adrian Pennock has made just seven changes to the starting eleven this season. Seven players have started every game for Dartford this term in all competitions.

On This Day

Duane Ofori-Acheampong found the back of the net twice on a glorious afternoon in Cornwall eight years ago. The Darts came away with a rare away victory at Truro City and did it in some style. Keaton Wood set the tone on three minutes and Andy Pugh added a second. Ofori-Acheampong scored either side of the interval and Alex Brown made it 5-0. Dartford’s last fixture on this day was two years when they beat Dulwich Hamlet 2-1. Samir Carruthers netted a penalty and Charlie Sheringham grabbed the winner.

Category: Match Preview (Page 6 of 24)

Dartford v Lewes

Hashtag United v Dartford

Dartford v Cheshunt

Potters Bar Town v Dartford

Dartford v Cray Valley Paper Mills

Erith Town v Dartford

Dartford v Wingate and Finchley

Bromley v Dartford

Dartford v Hendon

Billericay Town v Dartford

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories