Category: Match Preview (Page 9 of 25)

Carshalton Athletic v Dartford

August 23, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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

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

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

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

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

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

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

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

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

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Highlights courtesy of sonytino

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

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

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

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

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

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

Current League Form

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

Head to Head

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

Previous Meetings

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

Statistics

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

On This Day

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

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

Dartford v Canvey Island

August 15, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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

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

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

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

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

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

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

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

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Highlights courtesy of sonytino

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

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

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

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

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

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

Head to Head

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

Previous Meetings

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

Statistics

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

On This Day

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

Dartford v Potters Bar Town

August 12, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

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

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

Head to Head

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

Previous Meetings

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

Statistics

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

On This Day

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

Cray Valley Paper Mills v Dartford

August 9, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On This Day

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

Hendon v Dartford

April 22, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

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

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

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

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

London Senior Cup – story so far

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

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

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

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

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

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

Current Form (all competitions)

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

LSC = London Senior Cup

Head to Head

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

Previous Meetings

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

Statistics

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

On This Day

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

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

Dartford v Truro City

April 19, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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

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

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

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

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

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

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

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

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

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

Current League Form

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

Head to Head

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

Last Six Meetings

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

Statistics

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

On This Day

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

Cray Wanderers v Dartford

April 15, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will need to pick themselves up against Cray Wanderers in the London Senior Cup quarter-final on Tuesday night.

Relegation back to the Isthmian Premier League was confirmed at the weekend with a loss at newly crowned National South champions Yeovil Town. The Darts will be meeting the Wands next season as they return to the third tier of non-league for the first time in 14 years.

Needing at least a point to potentially take their campaign to the last day, Adrian Pennock stuck to the same side that beat Havant and Waterlooville, but lost to Worthing. In the end nothing more than a victory was required as their closest rivals claimed three points on Saturday. All that was immaterial though because the Darts finished their travels in the league with a 3-1 defeat.

Yet Dartford did have the smallest glimmer of hope when they took a shock lead through top scorer Luke Coulson. The captain netted his eleventh in all competitions in the fifth minute. Yeovil Town we’re back on level terms just three minutes later through Sam Pearson and before half-time Dylan Morgan put the champions ahead. In the second-half, Rhys Byrne saved Frank Nouble’s penalty and Alex Fisher added a third for the Glovers.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts have negotiated their way through two rounds of the London Senior Cup so far starting out in September. Drawn against Harrow Borough of the Isthmian Premier League, Dartford won 1-0. Despite the low scoreline the Darts were dominant, but still had to rely on an own goal by Borough’s Henry Lukombo. In the second round the tie went all the way to penalties against Queens Park Rangers U23’s. Oliver Box scored the equaliser that forced spot-kicks and then netted the winner in the shootout.

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Dartford’s last four meetings against Cray Wanderers have been in cup competition and on three occasions the Darts have progressed to the next round. The most recent of those ties came in December 2021 in the F.A Trophy third round. A Jake Robinson brace and a Danny Leonard goal in the space of five first-half minutes earned a 3-1 victory. Cray Wanderers came out on top in the previous county cup clash though. In the Kent Senior Cup the Wands won 4-2 in round one back in September 2017. At the same stage a year earlier Andy Pugh and Duane Ofori-Acheampong helped Dartford to a 2-1 triumph. The same score in the 2011 F.A Cup third qualifying clash saw the Darts progress with goals from Ryan Hayes and Danny Harris.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Former Dartford captain Tom Bonner could feature for the Wands. The defender come out of retirement and after a spell with Havant and Waterlooville, he signed for Cray Wanderers in November. Bonner made 456 appearances for the Darts and won two Kent Senior Cups and the National South playoffs whilst at Princes Park. David Ijaha and Ellis Brown are also part of the Wands squad, Ijaha played 12 games for Dartford and Brown started just six and made 15 appearances from the bench.

Neil Smith’s team have secured a sixth season in the Isthmian Premier league and are currently in 16th place. The Wands had a slow start to their campaign losing their opening five whilst scoring just once. Then they went to promotion contenders Chatham Town and won 5-1. Inconsistency and a glut of draws from November to January left the Wands’ season in the balance. A positive period in February saw Smith’s side take 17 points from 21 available making life more comfortable. Since then form has taken a dip and they have won just one league fixture in their last nine outings.

Cray Wanderers’ London Senior Cup journey began in November at home against Tooting and Mitcham United. The Wands beat the Combined Counties Premier South side 4-2. Yahya Bamba, who scored twice against the Darts for Eastbourne Borough just over a fortnight ago bagged a brace, while Gary Lockyer and Nyren Clunis added a third and fourth. In round two Cray Wanderers defeated Fisher 3-0 to move into the last eight. Tayo Oyebola, Alfie Evans and Anthony Cook all scored to overcome their Southern Counties East Division opponents.

Some silverware for Dartford will provide a small amount of consolation and victory on Tuesday night will set up a semi-final against Hendon of the Southern Premier League South.

Current Form

Dartford (DLLWLL)			Cray Wanderers (LDDLLL)
Yeovil Town	A	1-3	Horsham	A	0-2
Worthing	H	1-2	AFC Hornchurch	A	0-2
Havant & Waterlooville	A	2-1	Hashtag United	H	1-3
Eastbourne Borough	H	0-2	Margate	A	1-1
Chelmsford City	A	1-4	Chatham Town	H	2-2
Truro City	A	0-0	Folkestone Invicta	H	0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 35 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 11

Last Six Meetings

Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (18/12/2021– F.A Trophy)
Cray Wanderers 4 – 2 Dartford (20/09/2017 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (05/10/2016 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (15/10/2011 – F.A Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (02/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Cray Wanderers (026/12/2009 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

Dartford have won 17 of their last 22 away games against Cray Wanderers (D2, L3)
In county cups (all Kent Senior) the Darts have progressed on eight occasions when drawn against the Wands (W8, D3, L2)
Dartford have a 72.5% win rate versus Cray Wanderers over the last 40 meetings in all competitions (W29, D6, L5)

On This Day

On the penultimate game of the 2012/2013 National League campaign the Darts enjoyed a 3-2 win against Forest Green Rovers on this day. Victory lifted Dartford into seventh place with goals from Danny Harris and a brace from Elliot Bradbrook. Although Tony Burman’s side dropped one place on the final day they were crowned the best part-time team in the country. After a mediocre season in the Southern Division One East, Dartford recorded a 6-2 triumph over basement boys Tilbury in 2005. The last fixture on this day for the Darts ended 0-0 versus Basingstoke Town in the National South eight years ago.

Yeovil Town v Dartford

April 12, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford realistically need to defeat new National South champions Yeovil Town on Saturday to be in with a chance of a dramatic last day survival next weekend.

The Darts are two points from safety with just two matches remaining and need results to go their way to avoid relegation. Last season’s runners up have taken a mighty fall this term and a loss against the Glovers could see them return to the Isthmian Premier League for the first time in 14 years. Yeovil Town have handled their relegation setback in the best way possible by bouncing straight back up to the National League at the first attempt and wrapped up the title on Thursday night.

When Dartford hosted Mark Cooper’s side in November it looked as though the Darts were about to turn the corner. Under Alan Dowson, the 2-2 draw at Princes Park came shortly after victories at Worthing and Torquay United and left them four points shy of a playoff place in twelfth. Since then, the Darts have won just three times in the league in 23 attempts and replaced Dowson with Adrian Pennock.

In the opening ten minutes of the reverse fixture Dartford were almost blown away, but Ryan Sandford’s Player of the Match performance kept the hosts in the game. Yeovil Town took the lead from the spot through Rhys Murphy but could have already scored a few times by then. Somehow Dartford went in at the break level when Luke Allen set up George Alexander. In the second half the hosts improved, and Richard Chin gave the Darts a shock lead with twenty minutes remaining. However, the Glovers showed why they have topped the table for most of the season when Jordan Young equalised to leave the score all square.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

This will be Dartford’s first visit to Huish Park, which opened in 1990. When the two sides last met, in the 1984/1985 Alliance Premier League season it was played at Yeovil Town’s former home, the Huish Athletic Ground. The Darts felt as though they had dropped points that day drawing 2-2 against a Yeovil Town side who were reduced to ten men. Dartford went on to finish third that season, their highest ever position. The Glovers ended the campaign bottom and were relegated to the Isthmian League, at the time the equivalent of the National South today.

Dartford’s hopes of surviving the drop were given a boost last weekend in their 2-1 victory away at Havant and Waterlooville. After falling behind, the Darts levelled through Joash Nembhard and shortly afterwards Oliver Box netted the winner. The academy graduate impressed once again, and local reports continue to suggest there is interest for the youngster from Premier League clubs. With Eastbourne Borough also winning on Saturday that meant a victory against Worthing on Tuesday night was pretty much a must win game for the Darts.

Adrian Pennock named an unchanged side and when Luke Coulson scored from the penalty spot there was hope for the hosts. Unfortunately, that hope was extinguished in the second-half as Worthing fought back to secure a playoff place. Bradley Dologhan miss-hot a cross that sailed over goalkeeper Rhys Byrne. Then Nembhard’s misjudgement at the back put in Kane Wills to score the winner.

Yeovil Town clinched the National South title on Thursday night in Gloucester. The Glovers claimed an away win over Truro City, who are yet to confirm their status in the division for next season. Rhys Murphy and Alex Fisher got the celebrations underway with a goal in each half to secure a 2-0 win. The Somerset club are now nine points clear and unsurpassable.

Starting the campaign as one of the favourites brings its own pressure and Yeovil Town have handled that well. After a shock defeat on the opening day to Hemel Hempstead Town, the Glovers took the first month to get familiar with their surroundings. By the start of September, they had won three out of seven and lost to now relegated Havant and Waterlooville. Then a ten-game winning streak propelled Cooper’s side to the top with a comfortable lead. In all competitions they set a club record of 14 consecutive victories. Although they have had minor blips in form on a couple occasions this term, Yeovil Town’s ability of putting winning runs together and their consistency has deservedly kept them at the top of the pile through most of the campaign.

Current League Standings

Team	Played	Pts	GD
Hemel Hempstead	44	49	-15
Truro City	42	48	-11
Torquay United	43	47	-8
Eastbourne Borough	43	45	-25
DARTFORD	44	43	-18
Taunton Town	42	42	-26
Havant & Waterlooville	44	37	-34
Dover Athletic	43	27	-33

Current League Form

Dartford (DDLLWL)			Yeovil Town (LDWWLW)
Worthing	H	1-2	Truro City	A	2-0
Havant & Waterlooville	A	2-1	Worthing	H	1-3
Eastbourne Borough	H	0-2	Torquay United	H	3-0
Chelmsford City	A	1-4	Braintree Town	A	1-0
Truro City	A	0-0	Slough Town	A	0-0
Hemel Hempstead	H	1-1	Chippenham Town	H	1-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 23 / Yeovil Town wins: 30 / Draws: 33

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 2 Yeovil Town (09/12/2023 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Yeovil Town (13/01/1990 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 1 – 1 Yeovil Town (23/02/1985 – National League)
Yeovil Town 2 – 2 Dartford (22/12/1984 – National League)
Yeovil Town 0 – 1 Dartford (12/09/1984 – Bob Lord Trophy)
Dartford 1 – 3 Yeovil Town (04/09/1984 – Bob Lord Trophy)

Statistics

Dartford’s only two league victories in 2024 have came on the road (D2, L7)
The Darts last away win in the league against Yeovil Town was 60 years ago, a 2-0 Southern Premier League victory in 1963, a run of 13 winless away matches in the league versus the Glovers (D5, L8)
The Glovers have won 51 points at home in the division, more than any other side. However, they have won one in their last four at Huish Park (D0, L3)

On This Day

Dartford lifted the Kent Senior Trophy for the first and only time on this day in 1996. Facing Chatham Town at Park View Road, the Darts overcame a nervy start eventually winning 3-0 with goals from Dean Bowey, Ricky Bennett and Sean Bristow. In the last five Dartford matches on 13 April the winning side has managed to keep a clean sheet, the last two for the opposition. Taunton Town beat the Darts 1-0 last season at Princes Park and at the same venue four years earlier Chippenham Town recorded the same score. The previous three outings before those defeats went Dartford’s way. Charlie Sheringham scored the only goal of the game against Stockport County in 2013 and Allan Tait was the match winner at Harrow Borough in 2010. In the season before the Darts bagged four without replay versus Canvey Island. Lee Noble, Adam Flanagan, Rob Haworth and Ryan Hayes all finding the back of the net.

Dartford v Worthing

April 9, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford host their penultimate home game of the season against promotion hopefuls Worthing on Tuesday night.

Adrian Pennock’s side remain in the bottom four, but victory on the weekend has given the Darts hope they can survive the drop. Worthing also claimed maximum points in their last outing defeating table toppers Yeovil Town and all but securing a playoff place.

When the original fixture was due to be played Pennock had just been appointed Dartford boss and Worthing’s manager, Adam Hinshelwood left for York City. Now Aarran Racine will be in the visitor’s dugout and both managers have it all to play for as the season heads down the finishing straight. The Darts need victories to have a chance of holding on to their National South status. The Rebels will be determined to keep momentum going and earn home advantage for the playoffs.

On Saturday, Dartford travelled to Hampshire in a relegation six pointer against Havant and Waterlooville. Pennock made three changes to the side that lost 2-0 at home to Eastbourne Borough on Easter Monday. Injuries to Tommy Block and Brandon Barzey meant Jack Smith and Olly Box were introduced to the starting eleven. Alex Wall was brought in to replace Jordan Greenidge. Tyrell Miller-Rodney was named on the bench and made a late appearance after recovering from tonsillitis. Manny Adebowale, Oliver Bray, Tom Wray and Sam Odaudu were on the injury list.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Joash Nembhard returned to his former side with a goal and Oliver Box became the match winner as the Darts claimed their first league win in 11 attempts. In the first half Dartford were unfortunate not to be ahead with Alex Wall and Box coming close. Havant and Waterlooville tested Rhys Byrne occasionally, but the Darts goalkeeper was equal to the task. Despite being the better side, Dartford went a goal behind in the second half. Harrison Sodje was down injured when the hosts took advantage through an excellent strike from James Roberts. Yet the Darts showed great character and when Nembhard headed over the line, his fourth goal of the season and third against his former side, the visitors were on level terms. Just four minutes later Luke Coulson set up Box to smash the ball into the roof of the net. A couple of good saves from Byrne at the end made sure the score remained 2-1 to the Darts.

Results elsewhere leaves Dartford a point below Eastbourne Borough. In order to remain in the division it looks as though the Darts will have to stop a winless run of nine at home stretching back to November. Pennock will have two opportunities starting with Worthing and ending the campaign against Truro City. In between those two fixtures Dartford travel to champions elect Yeovil Town.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The reverse fixture against Worthing this season was a topsy-turvy affair. The Darts came from behind, let a lead slip, but ended up winning. Worthing went in front when Danny Cashman scored. Then in the space of 15 minutes at the end of the first-half Dartford were 3-1 to the good. Wall capitalised on some poor defending, captain Coulson netted from the edge of the box and Jordan Wynter then grabbed a rare goal. The Rebels fought back with a superb strike from Ricky Aguiar before Ollie Pearce levelled the score. There was one more twist with six minutes to go, Miller-Rodney put away the winner.

Worthing completed the double over the Darts last season winning 2-1 at Princes Park. In a story akin to this season Dartford let a one goal lead slip after going in front through Connor Essam. The Rebels equalised in the second-half when Callum Kealy scored and in the last minute Joel Cobran netted the decisive goal. Five months later Worthing won 3-0 in a game that saw Wall sent off and Maxwell Statham score an own goal. The prolific Pearce and former Dart, Davide Rodari scored the other two goals.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Three consecutive defeats and a draw threatened to derail Worthing, however a playoff place is pretty much guaranteed, barring a drastic goal difference swing and poor run of form. The Rebels bounced back with three victories on the spin. The latest triumph came on the weekend against Yeovil Town.

Pearce grabbed a brace and is on course to reach the 40 mark for the season and Brad Dolaghan also scored in a 3-1 win. In front of a home crowd, Yeovil Town had the chance to wrap up the National South title, but the Rebels denied the Glovers. Pearce won a penalty in the first half and the league’s top scorer added another to his tally to put the visitors ahead. On the stroke of half-time Joe Felix pounced on a defensive error to set up Dolaghan to make it 2-0. Alex Fisher headed a goal back for the Glovers with six minute to play, but Pearce sealed the deal seven minutes into injury time.

Over the Easter period Racine’s side claimed maximum points scoring seven and conceding one. On Good Friday they breezed past Havant and Waterlooville with a 5-1 triumph and on the Monday defeated Hampton and Richmond 2-0. Pearce grabbed a brace against the Hawks whilst Dolaghan repeated the feat versus the Beavers.

The Sussex side are top scorers in the division with 94 goals and England C international Ollie Pearce has 38 of them. Last term they were the second highest scorers and despite conceding plenty over the last two years their attacking philosophy has paid dividends. Having missed out in the playoffs almost twelve months ago Worthing will be aiming to go one better and reach the National League for the first time in their history.

Current League Standings

Team	Played	Pts	GD
Hemel Hempstead	44	49	-15
Torquay United	43	48	-8
Truro City	40	47	-9
Eastbourne Borough	42	44	-25
DARTFORD	43	43	-17
Taunton Town	40	41	-22
Havant & Waterlooville	43	36	-34
Dover Athletic	43	27	-33

Current League Form

Dartford (LDDLLW)			Worthing (LLDWWW)
Havant & Waterlooville	A	2-1	Yeovil Town	A	3-1
Eastbourne Borough	H	0-2	Hampton & Richmond	H	2-0
Chelmsford City	A	1-4	Havant & Waterlooville	A	5-1
Truro City	A	0-0	Bath City	H	2-2
Hemel Hempstead	H	1-1	Chippenham Town	A	1-3
Maidstone United	H	0-2	Farnborough	H	2-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Worthing wins: 3 / Draws: 1

Last Six Meetings

Worthing 3 – 4 Dartford (14/11/2023 – National South)
Worthing 3 – 0 Dartford (28/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Worthing (27/08/2022 – National South)
Worthing 1 – 2 Dartford (26/09/2009 – F.A Cup)
Worthing 2 – 1 Dartford (20/11/1982 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 3 – 0 Worthing (12/11/1927 – F.A Cup)

Statistics

Dartford are on their longest winless run at home in the league since 2014/2015 when they went 11 games without a home win between November 2014 and April 2015 in the National League.
The Darts have recorded just two league wins in 2024 in 18 attempts (D4, L12)
The last victory for the Darts at home against Worthing was 97 years ago in a F.A Cup tie (W2, L1)
Oliver Box is already Dartford’s second highest scorer this season in all competitions with six goals in 15 appearances

On This Day

Dartford won the Southern League Cup for the first time on this day back in 1977. The Darts drew 1-1 against Yeovil Town in the first leg in Somerset and shocked the then four times winners early in the second leg at Watling Street. Keith Robinson scored a 15th minute penalty to put the Darts in front. Then six minutes later Vic Akers caught out Yeovil’s goalkeeper with a strike from 35 yards. Dartford won 2-0 on the day and 3-1 on aggregate to lift the cup. Dartford’s last outing on this day was two years ago when they drew 1-1 at home against Hemel Hempstead Town, Marcus Dinanga rescued a point in the last minute. Eight years ago, Lee Burns ended up in goal as Dartford won at the Gallagher Stadium to claim a Kent derby victory over Maidstone United. Elliot Bradbrook scored a tenth minute penalty, Keaton Wood scored an own goal and Nathan Ferguson scored the winner.

Havant and Waterlooville v Dartford

April 4, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford have four games to save their National South status and face another six pointer at Havant and Waterlooville this weekend.

The Darts slipped into the bottom four over Easter with a pair of defeats. On Good Friday they were beaten by promotion chasing Chelmsford City and three days later lost a crucial match versus Eastbourne Borough. With no victories in their last ten league outings and Adrian Pennock desperate for his maiden win as Dartford boss the pressure is on. Havant and Waterlooville looked set on filling one of the other relegation spots at the end of February, but the Hawks have since gained eleven points to give themselves a glimmer of hope.

Pennock’s side took a major blow on Easter Monday as they fell to a 2-0 home loss to Eastbourne Borough. The disappointment was compounded by the fact that the Sports climbed above the Darts in the standings swapping safety for a relegation place. Dartford are now a point behind the Sussex club having played an extra game. Meanwhile, Havant and Waterlooville may have suffered a heavy reverse on Good Friday, but a late Ryan Seagar winner at Aveley on Monday put the Hampshire club within five points of Eastbourne Borough.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In their quest for survival Dartford could all but confirm Havant and Waterlooville’s relegation from the National South. A rare victory for the Darts and a win for Eastbourne Borough against Weymouth will leave the Hawks needing to win all three of their remaining fixtures. However, Dartford also need the Sussex side to drop points to be in with a chance of climbing out of the drop zone.

Three changes were made to the starting eleven that lost 4-1 at Chelmsford City on Good Friday. Pennock selected Harrison Sodje, Luke Allen and Tommy Block against Eastbourne Borough. Oliver Bray was out with a hamstring strain and will be assessed ahead of this weekend’s trip to Hampshire and Manny Adebowale is also on the treatment table. Sam Odaudu is not yet available but has been working on his recovery.

An early groin injury to Block was a sign of things to come as he lasted just ten minutes. Then a goalkeeping error by Rhys Byrne gifted Yahya Bamba a tap in to put the visitors in command. Late in the first-half Eastbourne Borough struck the post twice either side of Brandon Barzey leaving the pitch with a hamstring injury. The Darts were fortunate to be just a goal down at the break. The second-half continued in much the same way when the Sports hit the post for a third time. Although Luke Coulson had one cleared off the line, Bamba struck his second to make it worse for Pennock’s side. Oliver Box did crash a late effort of the crossbar, but the Darts fell to their twelfth defeat in sixteen and drew a blank for the thirteenth time this season.

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Dartford’s Joash Nembhard, Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Paul Rooney all featured against their former club Havant and Waterlooville earlier in the season, whilst Alex Wall wasn’t involved. The Darts got one over a former manager in Steve King, on his return to Princes Park and Nembhard made sure. The defender scored a brace in a 2-0 victory opening the scoring by following up Baris Altintop’s free-kick just eight minutes in. Another set-piece led to the second goal when Luke Coulson’s delivery finally found Nembhard who volleyed home.

Last season’s visit to Westleigh Park also featured a former Hawk notching a brace and this time it was Wall. The midfield duo of Luke Allen and Samir Carruthers combined for the first goal setting up Wall for his first of the evening. Allen netted the winner at Havant and Waterlooville in February 2022 and he was involved again for the second. The Hawks halved the deficit when Jake McCarthy scored, but Wall put the game beyond doubt two minutes later.

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Havant and Waterlooville bounced back from two heavy defeats with an Easter Monday victory over playoff chasing Aveley. The previous two outings ended in a 4-1 loss at Weymouth and a 5-1 reverse to Worthing. Needing to secure maximum points to keep their hopes of survival alive, the Hawks led five minutes after the break courtesy of Joe McNerney. However, the Essex side took were level seven minutes later when Razzaq Coleman De-Graft equalised. A draw was turned into a much needed win after Ryan Seager grabbed the winner with just three minutes on the clock. The triumph on the road featured former Darts, Jack Jebb who made 67 appearances and Kai Innocent who featured eight times for Dartford.

Interim manager, Cliff De Gordon has guided his side to within five points of safety after improved results last month. As well as the win at Aveley to kick start April, the Hawks beat Hemel Hempstead Town 2-0 in Hertfordshire and defeated Slough Town 2-1 at home. Draws against Tonbridge Angels and Dover Athletic have kept the points ticking over in their bid to remain in the National South. Another win on Saturday will put the Hampshire side a point behind the Darts with three games to go.

Current League Standings

Team	Played	Pts	GD
Hemel Hempstead	43	48	-15
Welling United	42	48	-16
Truro City	37	46	-6
Torquay United	41	45	-8
Eastbourne Borough	41	41	-26
DARTFORD	42	40	-18
Taunton Town	39	40	-22
Havant & Waterlooville	42	36	-33
Dover Athletic	42	26	-33

Current League Form

Dartford (LLDDLL)			Havant & Waterlooville (DWDLLW)
Eastbourne Borough	H	0-2	Aveley	A	2-1
Chelmsford City	A	1-4	Worthing	H	1-5
Truro City	A	0-0	Weymouth	A	1-4
Hemel Hempstead	H	1-1	Dover Athletic	A	0-0
Maidstone United	H	0-2	Slough Town	H	2-1
Braintree Town	A	0-2	Tonbridge Angels	H	2-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Havant and Waterlooville wins: 5 / Draws: 5

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Havant and Waterlooville (21/10/2023 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 1 – 3 Dartford (14/12/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Havant and Waterlooville (16/08/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (19/03/2022 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 0 – 1 Dartford (09/02/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (31/10/2020 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won their last two away games in the league at Westleigh Park and last three including the playoff win in July 2020
The Darts have won just one in their last 18 league games (D5, L12)
Dartford have picked up just one point in their last five away games in the National South.

On This Day

Dartford reached Wembley with a 0-0 F.A Trophy semi-final second leg draw against Macclesfield Town on this day. After taking a 2-1 lead from the first leg, Ernie Morgan’s side held on at Watling Street for 90 nail biting minutes to set up a final with Morecambe. The Darts also officially secured another National League season on this day in 2013 with a 2-0 away win against AFC Telford United. The Darts travelled to the New Bucks Head Stadium and goals from Jason Prior and Charlie Sheringham earned Tony Burman’s maximum points. Dartford went on to finish eighth and become the best part-time team in the country. That was the last time the Darts tasted victory on this day. Since then, Dartford have been defeated 1-0 at home to Barnet in 2015 and 3-1 away versus Weston-super-Mare in 2019, Ryan Hayes with a consolation goal. In 1931, Dartford took a step towards lifting their first ever Kent Senior Cup with a 2-2 draw against Folkestone. The replay took place two days later which the Darts won 5-2.

Category: Match Preview (Page 9 of 25)

Carshalton Athletic v Dartford

Dartford v Canvey Island

Dartford v Potters Bar Town

Cray Valley Paper Mills v Dartford

Hendon v Dartford

Dartford v Truro City

Cray Wanderers v Dartford

Yeovil Town v Dartford

Dartford v Worthing

Havant and Waterlooville v Dartford

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