Dartford FC Previews

Category: Season Preview (Page 2 of 8)

Season Preview 2024/2025

August 2, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Dover Athletic

In terms of time in the top flight of non-league, Dover Athletic top the table of teams currently in the Isthmian Premier. The Kent side won the Southern League in the nineties and spent nine years in the National League. In the space of four seasons, the Whites found themselves dropping to the Isthmian Division One South. Then a familiar story began to unfold again. Up they climbed reaching the National League a decade ago only to fall once more.

2023/2024 Season
National South: 24th
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Zidan Sutherland (5 goals)

In 2021, Dover Athletic failed to fulfil their fixtures and a hefty points deduction for the next season saw them finish on one point. Back in the National South they survived on the final day. Hoping the rot was stopped, the Kent club won just four league games in 2023/2024 finishing rock bottom. The Whites suffered a seven-game losing streak early this year and are currently on a 22 game winless away run.

Manager – Jake Leberl

Having watched the club from the terraces and having been part of the youth side and first team, Jake Leberl knows Dover Athletic extremely well. Now in his fifth spell with the club on and off the field, he was assistant manager under Mitch Brundle before stepping up last season. The Whites have been in the doldrums lately and Leberl will be keen to stop the slide further down non-league, so Dover Athletic can look forward again.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 18 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (17/02/2024 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Dover Athletic (28/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National South)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (13/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)

Next Meetings

Dover Athletic v Dartford – Saturday 7th September 2024
Dartford v Dover Athletic – Saturday 19th April 2025

Statistics

  • Dartford have won their last six matches against Dover Athletic
  • The Darts have lost just once at home in the league versus the Whites (W6, D4) and have won the last five
  • Dartford have won the last two league games at the Crabble

Match Highlights 2023/2024

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2024/2025

August 2, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Dartford

Returning to the Isthmian Premier after 14 years in the National Leagues, the Darts were relegated from the National South last season. After a 13-year nomadic existence, a return home in 2006 proved to be the catalyst. The Darts won two Isthmian titles and a National South playoff to reach the top of non-league and earn an eighth-place finish. Relegation back to the South and several playoff misses proceeded last season’s drop.

2023/2024 Season
National South: 21st
F.A Cup: 1st Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Qualifying Round
Kent Senior Cup: Semi-Final
London Senior Cup: Semi-Final
Top League Scorer: Luke Coulson (10 goals)

Having finished runners up in the campaign before few would have expected last term to end in relegation. Although performances weren’t great, up until the New Year the Darts were mid-table and closer to the top seven than the bottom four in terms of points. Due to poor displays on the pitch, two weeks later Alan Dowson departed. Losing streaks developed and one win in eighteen saw Dartford slump into the bottom four and they couldn’t get out.

Manager – Adrian Pennock

The Darts were a sinking ship when Adrian Pennock arrived and although the former Gillingham and AFC Bournemouth defender couldn’t save them from relegation, he gets a chance to rebuild the squad in the Isthmian Premier. His experience could be valuable for the Darts having managed Welling United, Forest Green Rovers, Gillingham and Barrow. A spell out in the Far East with Brunei DPMM culminated in winning the 2019 Singapore Premier League.

Season Preview 2024/2025

August 1, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Cray Wanderers

One of the oldest football clubs in the world, Cray Wanderers were formed in 1860 and entered the Isthmian League in 2004. The Wands won consecutive Kent League titles before promotion 20 years ago and have since had two spells in both the Isthmian Division One and Premier. Cray Wanderers won the Isthmian South East in the last full season before covid and missed out on a National South spot after a semi-final playoff a year ago.

2023/2024 Season
Isthmian Premier: 17th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
Kent Senior Cup: 2nd Round
London Senior Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Scorer: Gary Lockyer (11 goals)

A dreadful start to last season had Cray Wanderers on the back foot from the off. The Wands lost their opening five games with just one goal to show. Then they hit five against title challengers Chatham Town to get off the mark. Points were picked up in the middle third of the football calendar with February being the most productive period. Despite a late slump in form, Cray Wanderers finished on a high with a 6-2 win.

Manager – Neil Smith

It was a proud moment when Neil Smith led his Bromley side out at Wembley in the F.A Trophy six years ago. Although it ended with a runner up medal, his time with the Ravens as assistant, then manager, saw the club promoted and become a solid National League team. In March 2022, Smith switched to Cray Wanderers and led them to a playoff campaign. Now the former Gillingham midfielder is at the helm for the Wands homecoming to Flamingo Park.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 36 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 11

Previous Six Meetings

Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (16/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 3 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)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Cray Wanderers – Thursday 26th December 2024
Cray Wanderers v Dartford – Monday 21st April 2025

Statistics

  • In the league Dartford have lost just once against Cray Wanderers in the last 19 outings (W14, D4)
  • Dartford last hosted Cray Wanderers in a 1-1 on Boxing Day 2009. The Darts have lost just once in the last 17 at home versus the Wands in all competitions (W11, D5)
  • The Darts have won 18 of the last 22 away matches against Cray Wanderers in all competitions (D1, L3)

Match Highlights 2021/2022

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Season Preview 2024/2025

August 1, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Cray Valley Paper Mills

Champions of the Isthmian Division One South East, Cray Valley Paper Mills have been on a fantastic ride these last six years. Winning the Southern Counties East and reaching the F.A Vase final at Wembley in 2019 is no longer their pinnacle. Three years ago, they reached the F.A Cup first round for the first time and repeated that achievement last season. In an almost unbeaten campaign last time out, the Millers will enjoy a debut in the Isthmian Premier.

2023/2024 Season
Isthmian Division One South East: 1st
F.A Cup: 1st Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
Kent Senior Cup: 2nd Round
London Senior Cup: 1st Round
Top League Scorer: Kyrell Lisbie (29 goals)

Grabbing headlines in the F.A Cup by earning a replay against Charlton Athletic in a local derby, the Millers had an astonishing league campaign too. Champions by six points, 103 goals scored and just one defeat. Cray Valley Paper Mills dropped just two points on the road winning their first 16 away matches, only runners up Ramsgate stopped them from a perfect away record. With the title still going down to the final game, the Millers made no mistake.

Manager – Steve McKimm

A decade ago, Steve McKimm was appointed manager of Tonbridge Angels. He took the Kent club to the National South by winning the 2019 playoff final. Two years later the Angels reached the F.A Cup first round and in the following season made it to the F.A Trophy fifth round for the first time. McKimm left Longmead for Carshalton Athletic prior his arrival at Cray Valley Paper Mills and his first campaign went rather well.

Next Meetings

Cray Valley Paper Mills v Dartford – Saturday 10th August 2024
Dartford v Cray Valley Paper Mills – Saturday 2nd November 2024

Season Preview 2024/2025

July 31, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Chichester City

Only 24 years old, Chichester City won their first promotion into the Isthmian Premier having had previous spells in the Sussex County and Southern Combination Leagues. The Lillywhites have won two county titles under different names, first as Chichester City United in 2004 and then in their current guise in 2019. That second title elevated the Sussex side to the Isthmian Division One South East where they won last season’s playoff final.

2023/2024 Season
Isthmian Division One South East: 5th
F.A Cup: Extra Preliminary Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Qualifying Round
County Cup: 1st Round
Top League Scorer: Jimmy Wild (17 goals)

Chichester City put their foot down from February to secure the last playoff spot. One defeat in their final 15 league games included a 7-1 victory, eight clean sheets in a row and a 6-1 win. Only runners up Ramsgate took maximum points from the Lillywhites in that period. But Chichester City had the final word beating the Rams in the playoff semi-final before destroying Three Bridges 5-0 in the final.

Manager – Daniel Potter

A Senior Lecturer in Football Coaching and Performance, Daniel Potter has been first team coach at Chichester City since 2015. He also has playing experience having spent three seasons in the National League. Under Potter, Chichester City have transformed going from the Southern Combination League to progressing to the Isthmian Premier. In 2019, the Sussex club reached the second round of the F.A Cup after six rounds of qualifying under their current boss.

Next Meetings

Chichester City v Dartford – Saturday 26th October 2024
Dartford v Chichester City – Saturday 11th January 2025

Season Preview 2024/2025

July 31, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Cheshunt

Two years ago, Cheshunt reached their highest level of football after promotions either side of the abandoned covid campaigns. Twice up through the playoffs, the Ambers won the Isthmian Division One South Central final then the Isthmian Premier final. The Hertfordshire side spent just one season in the National South before relegation and almost suffered the same fate last term. Luckily, they avoided a drop to division one, where they have historically spent many a year.

2023/2024 Season
Isthmian Premier: 18th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Scorer: Nnamadi Nwachuku (17 goals)

A late surge from Margate put Cheshunt under pressure going into the final two weeks of the season. At the same time the Ambers lost to the Gate during a poor spell leaving them just three points clear with two to play. On the penultimate weekend both sides faced playoff chasers and claimed maximum points. Mathematically not safe but with a far superior goal difference, Cheshunt picked up the solitary point needed to survive and escape a consecutive relegation.

Manager – Craig Edwards

Cheshunt were bottom of the Isthmian Division One North in January 2018 and looked towards Craig Edwards to turn fortunes around. In his first full season, Edwards won promotion from the Isthmian Division One South Central via the playoffs in a remarkable turnaround. That experience proved useful again two years ago as the former Grays Athletic, Billericay Town and Kingstonian boss took the Ambers up through another playoff, but they lasted one season in the National South.

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)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Cheshunt – Saturday 9th November 2024
Cheshunt v Dartford – Wednesday 22nd February 2025

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

Match Highlights 2022/2023

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2024/2025

July 30, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Chatham Town

Ten times Kent League champions, Chatham Town have significantly progressed over the last three years. Now playing at their highest ever level, the Kent side got to the Isthmian Premier with increased attendances and consecutive promotions. In 2022, the Chats racked up 100 points and 122 goals, finished second and went up. In the league above they went one better claiming the Isthmian Division One South East title and last term they finished runners up in the Premier.

2023/2024 Season
Isthmian Premier: 2nd
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
County Cup: Semi-Final
Top League Scorer: Jamie Yila (16 goals)

Chatham Town will feel they didn’t do themselves justice in the playoff final as they went down 3-0 to Enfield Town. However, they should be among the favourites this season following consecutive promotions and a second-place finish. Strangely the Chats best streak came when they won their opening five matches. After that they only managed three straight victories at best on three occasions in the league, but they continued to rack up points consistently.

Manager – Kevin Hake

Current Isthmian Premier League Manager of the Season, Kevin Hake led his boyhood club to the playoff final last season. He took over as Chairman seven years ago after the Chats were relegated to the Southern Counties East. Bit by bit Hake has built the club with the community at its heart, which has led to increased attendances and success on the pitch. When football resumed after Covid, Hake became manager, won consecutive promotions, and came close to a third in a row.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 30 / Chatham Town wins: 40 / Draws: 11

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 3 Chatham Town (09/04/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)
Chatham Town 2 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (15/04/2006 – Southern League Div One East)
Chatham Town 1 – 0 Dartford (27/09/2005 – Southern League Cup)
Chatham Town 1 – 0 Dartford (20/09/2005 – Southern League Div One East)
Chatham Town 1 – 1 Dartford (16/11/2004 – Southern League Div One East)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Chatham Town – Monday 26th August 2024
Chatham Town v Dartford – Wednesday 1st January 2025

Statistics

  • Dartford have won just two of the last 10 league meetings against Chatham Town (D2, L6)
  • The Darts have won one of their last five in the league at home versus the Chats (D1, L3)
  • Dartford have won four of their last seven league matches at Chatham Town (D1, L2)

Season Preview 2024/2025

July 30, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Carshalton Athletic

Elected as founder members of the Isthmian League Division Two 53 years ago, Carshalton Athletic have spent just two seasons outside the Isthmian Leagues. The Robins were part of the first two years of the National South’s existence in 2004 before returning. Despite relegation to Division One South in 2018, Carshalton Athletic were back four years later with a title and promotion. A runner up place was followed up by mid-table finishes.

2023/2024 Season
Isthmian Premier: 12th
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Oluwabunmi Babajide (19 goals)

Seven games in and Carshalton Athletic were among the leading pack last season. Five victories and two draws gave the Robins a positive outlook. Then their form took a turn with just a solitary win in their next eleven outings. From December, the Surrey based club regained their form losing just three times until early April. Running out of steam in the final month, the Robins finished in the middle pack.

Manager – Peter Adeniyi

Former midfielder, Peter Adeniyi joined Carshalton Athletic as a player coach eight years ago and later became Director of Football. Whilst in that role he took on the manager’s job of Merstham in June 2022, another of his former sides in his playing days meaning he represented two clubs at the same time. A year ago, Adeniyi returned to the managerial hotseat at Colston Avenue so he can now fully focus on the Robins.

Head to Head

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

Previous Six 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)

Next Meetings

Carshalton Athletic v Dartford – Saturday 24th August 2024
Dartford v Carshalton Athletic – Saturday 26th April 2025

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. The Darts have yet to beat the Robins on home soil (D2, L1)
  • Dartford are unbeaten in all four away games versus Carshalton Athletic and have won their last three

Match Highlights – 2009/2010

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Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Season Preview 2024/2025

July 29, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Canvey Island

Rising through the non-league pyramid during the nineties, Canvey Island found glory at the beginning of the millennium winning the F.A Trophy in 2001. The Jeff King era peaked when the Gulls reached the National League three years later, where they stayed for two years. Eventually voluntary relegation saw the Essex club drop to the Isthmian Division One North. Two spells in that division since, both ended in playoff wins, the last coming two years ago.  

2023/2024 Season
Isthmian Premier: 14th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Bradley Sach (12 goals)

Canvey Island’s first campaign back in the Isthmian Premier ended in a third-place finish and defeat in the playoffs. Last season the Gulls were unable to replicate that success and finished 11 places lower. Inconsistent form and a leaky defence, the second worst out of non-relegated sides, prevented the Essex club from a better showing. Yet they ended the campaign strongly with just two losses in their last eight.

Manager – Brad Wellman

Over a decade ago Brad Wellman ended his 16-year coaching stint with Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire. He took up a position with Canvey Island in the summer of 2013 and four years later was promoted to assistant manager. Another four years passed, and Wellman became manager of the Gulls. In his first season he came second in the Isthmian Division One North and won promotion via the playoffs, then guided Canvey Island to third in the Isthmian Premier.

Head to Head

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

Previous Six 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

Next Meetings

Dartford v Canvey Island – Saturday 17th August 2024
Canvey Island v Dartford – Saturday 28th December 2024

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 also won three and drawn one at Canvey Island in all competitions

Match Highlights – 2009/2010

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Season Preview 2024/2025

July 29, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Bowers and Pitsea

The Isthmian Division One North playoff winners bounced back to the Isthmian Premier at the first time of asking. A tense final against Brentwood Town finished 3-2 on penalties putting relegation a year ago behind them. Three times Essex League champions, twice as Bowers United, they previously won promotion to the Isthmian Premier League in 2016, the same year Bowers were within a game of reaching Wembley in the F.A Vase.

2023/2024 Season
Isthmian Division One North: 4th
F.A Cup: Preliminary Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Matt Price (16 goals)

A nine-game winning streak entering the final stretch of the season set Bowers and Pitsea up for the playoffs. From Boxing Day, the Essex club really clicked into gear tasting just one league defeat in 18 outings, dropping just nine points in the process. With a top five place secure Bowers lost their last two league matches but went on to win both playoff contests on penalties.

Manager – James Collins

James Collins turned fortunes around at Lordswood and Cray Valley Paper Mills. He won the London Senior Cup, making the Millers the first side from step five to lift the trophy. At Chatham Town, he won the Kent Senior Cup and a League Cup before quitting with the Chats top of the table. After time at Faversham Town, Collins took over at Bowers and Pitsea and has already experienced a relegation and promotion in his two seasons in charge.

Next Meetings

Dartford v Bowers and Pitsea – Saturday 21st September 2024
Bowers and Pitsea v Dartford – Saturday 1st February 2025

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