Category: Season Preview (Page 7 of 10)

Season Preview 2023/2024

July 27, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Farnborough

Promotion to the National South was secured when Farnborough won the Southern Premier League South playoffs just over a year ago. Last season was their first time back in the second tier of non-league since 2015 and it was a positive campaign for the Hampshire club. Despite a disappointing April, involving one win and six defeats, Boro were playing catch up after excellent cup runs to the F.A Cup second round and F.A Trophy third round. Quietly in the playoff picture and perhaps overlooked because of their games in hand meant Boro’s points tally never put them in the top seven. A run of one defeat in seventeen from October showed Farnborough’s potential but playing half of their league season in the final three months caught up with them.

2022/2023 Season
National South: 12th
F.A Cup: 2nd Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Mason Bloomfield (11 goals)

Manager – Spencer Day

It’s been a bumpy road for Day to get where he is now. Early decisions as a businessman made life difficult for the former Chertsey Town owner and manager. In the dugout he won promotion from the Combined Counties Premier League to the Southern League Division One Central with the Surrey side. After four years he moved to Farnborough where he has been ever since. Two relegations and administration left Boro in trouble. However, Day has since brought stability to the Hampshire side. After two playoff promotions, Boro enjoyed a successful season back in the National South last time out.

Summer Transfers

Former Dartford golden boot winner, Alfie Pavey will be at Cherrywood Road next season after signing from Braintree Town. Making the short journey from Aldershot Town will be Joe Partington and from rivals Woking, Sid Nelson. Adam Mekki joins from National League side Dorking Wanderers and Jaden Perez from Eastbourne Borough. Ryan Upward arrives from Maidenhead United with Kevin Lokko going the other way. Top scorer Mason Bloomfield is now at Hampton and Richmond Borough and former Dart, Michael Fernandes takes a step down to the Southern Premier League South with relegated Hungerford Town. Michael Folivi and Taylor Maloney have been added to the squad from Chelmsford City and Welling United respectively.

Transfers In	Transfers Out
Sid Nelson (Woking)	Mason Bloomfield (Hampton & Richmond Borough)
Adam Mekki (Dorking Wanderers)	Kevin Lokko (Maidenhead United)
Ryan Upward (Maidenhead United)	Freddie Grant (Chippenham Town)
Alfie Pavey (Braintree Town)	Michael Fernandes (Hungerford Town)
Joe Partington (Aldershot Town)	Omar Rowe (Hayes and Yeading United)
Jaden Perez (Eastbourne Borough)	Chike Kandi
Micahel Folivi (Chelmsford City)	Zaid Al Hussaini
Taylor Maloney (Welling United)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Farnborough wins: 5 / Draws: 2

Previous Matches

Dartford 3 – 1 Farnborough (11/03/2023 – National South)
Farnborough 3 – 1 Dartford (12/11/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Farnborough (10/03/2012 – National South)
Farnborough 1 – 2 Dartford (17/09/2011 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 1 Farnborough (22/01/2011 – National South)
Farnborough 2 – 1 Dartford (21/08/2010 – National South)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Farnborough – Saturday 19^th August 2023
Farnborough v Dartford – Saturday 3rd February 2024

Statistics

Dartford have won four of the last five league games against Farnborough. Last season’s away defeat their only loss in that time.
The Darts are on a three match winning streak at Princes Park in the league versus Borough
Dartford’s only away league win against Farnborough came in 2011 (D1, L2)

Match Highlights – 2022/2023

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2023/2024

July 26, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Eastbourne Borough

A new era begins for the Sports who have been taken over by majority shareholder and entrepreneur, Simon Leslie. Co-founder of a world leading travel media company, Leslie set out a vision to include a data driven approach to aspects of performance and recruitment. Under former boss Danny Bloor, Eastbourne Borough have been playoff contenders over the last two years, successfully qualifying in 2022 where they lost in the eliminator round. Last time out they were just three points from a top seven place. The Sports hit a purple patch in November and December losing just one in ten and they gained momentum during the final stretch. A vital six pointer on the penultimate game against Braintree Town saw the Iron clinch the last playoff place at Eastbourne Borough’s expense.

2022/2023 Season
National South: 8th
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Shiloh Remy (13 goals)

Manager – Mark Beard

Football League experience as a player in the nineties, Beard started out at Millwall and went on to play for Sheffield United and Southend United. At the turn of the millennium, he picked up plenty of non-league knowledge and won the F.A Trophy with Stevenage and Isthmian Premier playoffs at AFC Wimbledon. The former midfielder has had managerial roles at Haywards Heath Town, Tooting and Mitcham United and Loxwood as well as various coaching jobs in between. After the takeover at Eastbourne Borough this summer, Beard was chosen as the new Sports boss leaving his coaching post at Dorking Wanderers.

Summer Transfers

Ben Dudzinksi had a short spell with Dartford towards the end of last season, the goalkeeper has moved to Eastbourne Borough. Whilst former Darts, Norman Wabo has left for Weymouth and Kai Innocent for Havant and Waterlooville. New boss, Mark Beard has outlined his intentions with the signing of two National South winners from last season, Alex Finney who was set to join Tonbridge Angels and Jack Paxman have arrived from Ebbsfleet United. Jack Clarke has been enticed from National League playoff finalists Chesterfield. Beard has also looked towards a younger look to the side bringing in bright prospects from Football League clubs. Following the new manager from Dorking Wanderers is Archie Proctor. Billy Vigar joins from Arsenal and Stefan Vukoje from Serbian side Sloboda Uzice.

Transfers In	Transfers Out
Alex Finney (Ebbsfleet United)	Lee Worgan (Welling United)
Jack Paxman (Ebbsfleet United)	Mitchell Dickenson (Welling United)
Jack Clarke (Chesterfield)	James Vaughan (Welling United)
Ben Dudzinski (Dartford)	Greg Luer (Worthing)
Decarrey Sheriff (Kettering Town)	Jaden Perez (Farnborough)
Daniel Quick (Crystal Palace)	Charlie Walker (Whitehawk)
Freddie Carter (Gillingham)	James Hammond (Horsham)
Harrison Foulkes (Derby County)	Norman Wabo (Weymouth)
Imran Uche (Billericay Town)	Kai Innocent (Havant and Waterlooville)
Archie Proctor (Dorking Wanderers)	Jack Burchell (Welling United)
Alfie Bridgman (Portsmouth)	Chris Whelpdale (Lewes)
Billy Vigar (Arsenal)	Miquel Scarlett
Scott Leslie (St Albans City)	Alex Wynter
Yaser Kasim (Margate)	Jamie Yila
Stefan Vukoje (Sloboda Uzice)
Fletcher Holman (academy)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 15 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 9 / Draws: 4

Previous Matches

Eastbourne Borough 2 – 1 Dartford (07/04/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (27/09/2022 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 2 – 7 Dartford (07/05/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (09/02/2021 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 3 – 1 Dartford (05/12/2020 – National South)

Next Meetings

Eastbourne Borough v Dartford – Tuesday 24^th October 2023
Dartford v Eastbourne Borough – Monday 1^st April 2024

Statistics

Eastbourne Borough’s win in April ended a run of three consecutive league victories for the Darts in this fixture
At home, Dartford have lost just once in the league in their last nine games against the Sports (W7, D1)
In the last six league trips to Priory Lane the winning side has alternated with Eastbourne Borough triumphant last time out

Match Highlights – 2022/2023

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2023/2024

July 26, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dover Athletic

Perilously close to consecutive relegations Dover Athletic survived on the final day by just two goals. Staying up was in their hands approaching the last game, a winner takes all showdown with Weymouth. The Kent side lost, but a superior goal difference over Dulwich Hamlet relegated the London club instead, as all three sides finished level on points. The Whites were comfortably mid-table by March and thirteen points clear of the drop, but only a win and a draw from their last eleven fixtures saw them slide towards the Isthmian Premier only to be saved by the bell. Dover Athletic were the lowest scorers in the division averaging less than a goal a game. Former Dartford winger Luke Wanadio top scored with ten, almost a quarter of the club’s total.

2022/2023 Season
National South: 20th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Luke Wanadio (10 goals)

Manager – Mitch Brundle

When an eighteen-month contract was signed by Brundle to take the Dover Athletic job, he became the youngest active manager in the United Kingdom. Now only 28 years-old, the former midfielder returned to the Crabble as a player, when the club were relegated from the National League, and five months later he took his first managerial role. He played over 100 games for the Whites during his two spells and represented several non-league clubs such as Braintree Town, Gateshead, Dagenham and Redbridge, Barnet, and Farnborough, where he helped the Hampshire club to promotion to the National South. A first full season awaits.

Summer Transfers

Mitch Brundle has had a tough time in his first summer transfer window. Although he has managed to secure the services of Peter Ojemen from Margate and Imran Kayani from Slough Town, the Dover Athletic boss thought he had signed Ade Shokunbi, Ricky Holmes and Myles Judd, will lose the goals from former Dartford winger Luke Wanadio and has seen another former Dart, Tyrone Sterling depart. Brundle has bolstered the squad though by adding Joshua Anifowose from Oxford United, Ifeanyi Allen from Carshalton Athletic, Nick Dembele from Aveley and Michael Olarewaju from Wingate and Finchley as well as a few academy graduates. James Dunne and Fuad Sesay have also recently signed from Welling United and Sheffield Wednesday respectively. Goalkeeper, Billy Terrell moves from AFC Bournemouth on loan.

Transfers In	Transfers Out
Peter Ojemen (Margate)	Alfie Paxman (Ramsgate)
Imran Kayani (Slough Town)	Jordan Higgs (Tonbridge Angels)
Joshua Anifowose (Oxford United)	Luke Wanadio (Dulwich Hamlet)
Michael Olarewaju (Wingate and Finchley)	Lee Martin (Ramsgate)
Ifeanyi Allen (Carshalton Athletic)	Myles Judd (Hemel Hempstead Town)
Nick Dembele (Aveley)	Jake Goodman (Folkestone Invicta)
James Dunne (Welling United)	Tyrone Sterling (Margate)
Fuad Sesay (Sheffield Wednesday)	Joshua Ajayi (Erith and Belvedere)
Billy Terrell (AFC Bournemouth)	Stuart Nelson (Cirencester Town)
Archie Hatcher (academy)
Henry Young (academy)
Matt Holness (academy)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 16 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Previous Matches

Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National League)
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)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dover Athletic 6 – 1 Dartford (17/01/2015 – National League)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Dover Athletic – Monday 28^th August 2023
Dover Athletic v Dartford – Saturday 17^th February 2024

Statistics

Dartford have won six of the last eight league games against Dover Athletic (D1, L1). They have also won the last four matches in all competitions, a record run against the Whites.
The Darts have won the last four league meetings at Princes Park with an aggregate score of 11-3
The Darts have won just three times in the league at the Crabble in 10 attempts (D4, L3)

Match Highlights – 2022/2023

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2023/2024

July 26, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford

Title challengers up until the festive season, the Darts drifted out of the picture like everyone else during an inconsistent 2023. Hopes were raised to the maximum when they completed an emphatic double against eventual champions and local rivals Ebbsfleet United over Christmas and the New Year. The Darts showed their potential in an outstanding three months between September and November dropping just two points over an eleven-game spell. From February onwards the Darts failed to record consecutive wins, draws or losses and in the end had to settle for a runner up spot and a fourth playoff campaign in five. In 2018, the Darts lost out on promotion on goal difference and the last three playoff appearances have finished in penalty shoot-out heartbreak, reaching the final three years ago.

2022/2023 Season
National South: 2nd
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Alex Wall (11 goals)

Manager – Alan Dowson

A proven manager at this level, Dowson’s last major success was taking Woking up to the National League. Finishing runners up four years ago, he won the promotional final, had the Cards flirting with the National League playoffs and recorded Woking’s best F.A Cup run in almost two decades. At Hampton and Richmond Borough, he led the Beavers to the Isthmian Premier League title, then reached consecutive playoff campaigns. Dowson also spent seven years at Kingstonian where he won the Isthmian Division One South. Already he has a runner up medal in his first campaign with the Darts last term.

Summer Transfers

Replacing the centre back pairing of the retired Tom Bonner and Faversham Town bound Connor Essam was key this summer. Dowson has signed former Havant and Waterlooville trio Paul Rooney, Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Joash Nembhard, the promising Baris Altintop from Braintree Town and Joe Rabbetts on loan from Dorking Wanderers. Harvey Bradbury had a successful spell towards the end of last season with the Darts, the striker has signed a permanent deal. Lewis Manor and Mitchell Beeney arrive from Concord Rangers and Brandon Barzey from Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Transfers In	Transfers Out
Lewis Manor (Concord Rangers)	Dan Wilks (Billericay Town)
Mitchell Beeney (Concord Rangers)	Kristian Campbell (Chatham Town)
Paul Rooney (Havant & Waterlooville)	Bobby Dunn (St Albans City)
Joash Nembhard (Havant & Waterlooville)	Keiran Murtagh (Lewes)
Tyrell Miller-Rodney (Havant & Waterlooville)	Dan Roberts (Weymouth)
Brandon Barzey (Hampton & Richmond Borough)	Cameron Brodie (Chatham Town)
Harvey Bradbury (Dorchester Town)	Jernade Meade (Tonbridge Angels)
Baris Altintop (Braintree Town)	Connor Essam (Faversham Town)
Joe Rabbetts (Dorking Wanderers)	Samir Carruthers (Chelmsford City)
Jay Boulton (academy)	Ben Dudzinski (Eastbourne Borough)
Ashton Day (academy)	Ali Mansaray (Cheshunt)
George Whitefield (academy)	Pierre Fonkeu (Oxford City)
Olly Box (academy)	Tom Bonner (retired)

Season Preview 2023/2024

July 26, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Chippenham Town

Since promotion to the National South, Chippenham Town have posted consistent mid-table finishes except for one playoff campaign two years ago. Once again, the Bluebirds finished thirteenth for the third time in five seasons and although that was lower than their seventh-place playoff finish, the Wiltshire side were bang on par. After defeat away at Dartford in February, Chippenham Town were in a false position down in the bottom three knowing they had a bountiful of home games to play. Being a tough side to crack at Hardenhuish Park helped them go fifteen matches unbeaten and taste defeat just once in their final twenty fixtures. Adding a dab of gloss to their season, the Bluebirds set club records by reaching the F.A Cup second round and F.A Trophy third round.

2022/2023 Season
National South: 13th
F.A Cup: 2nd Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Round
County Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Scorer: Joe Parker (7 goals)

Manager – Gary Horgan

Two spells as a player with Chippenham Town, Horgan started his managerial career with the Bluebirds in style. When he joined from Hungerford Town in September 2016 it was only a season later when Horgan became part of the coaching team. Towards the end of the 2021/2022 campaign with six games to go he was appointed boss and took the Bluebirds from eleventh to the playoffs where they lost in the semi-final. Last season Horgan took Chippenham Town on a F.A Cup run to the second round and posted a typical finish for the Wiltshire club in the league.

Summer Transfers

Top scorer, Joe Parker will be playing National North football this season after his summer move further West. The Bluebirds have virtually traded with Bath City as Luke Spokes arrives from the Romans and Luke Russe goes the other way. Chippenham Town have also snapped up Tyreke Johnson from Woking, Luke Haines from Hereford, Tom Owen-Evans from Kidderminster Harriers and Freddie Grant from Farnborough. The Bluebirds have also snapped up Aaron Amadi-Holloway from Hereford and promoted four graduates from their academy.

Transfers In	Transfers Out
Jake Evans (Hungerford Town)	Alefe Santos (Poole Town)
Tyreke Johnson (Woking)	Joe Parker (Gloucester City)
Luke Haines (Hereford)	Spencer Hamilton (Gloucester City)
Tom Owen-Evans (Kidderminster Harriers)	Luke Russe (Bath City)
Luke Spokes (Bath City)	Dan Griffiths (Penybont)
Freddie Grant (Farnborough)	Aaron Simpson (Salisbury)
Aaron Amadi-Holloway (Hereford)	James Walker (Hungerford Town)
Marcel Lewis (academy)	Tom Mehew (Havant & Waterlooville)
Otis Lewis (academy)
Joel Manning (academy)
Mal Nicholls (academy)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Chippenham Town wins: 3 / Draws: 4

Previous Matches

Dartford 2 – 0 Chippenham Town (11/02/2023 – National South)
Chippenham Town 2 – 1 Dartford (03/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Chippenham Town (12/05/2022 – National South Playoff)*
Chippenham Town 4 – 2 Dartford (12/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 3 Chippenham Town (06/11/2021 – National South)
Chippenham Town 1 – 2 Dartford (27/10/2020 – National South)
* Chippenham Town won 3-2 on penalties

Next Meetings

Chippenham Town v Dartford – Saturday 7^th October 2023
Dartford v Chippenham Town – Saturday 13^th January 2024

Statistics

Dartford’s clean sheet in the home fixture last season was their first against Chippenham Town since the first meeting in September 2017
Dartford are unbeaten in three home league matches against the Bluebirds (W1, D2) and have only lost once in the league at Princes Park against the Wiltshire side (W2, D2)
The Darts have lost their last two visits to Chippenham Town, but were unbeaten in the previous four (W3, D1)

Match Highlights – 2022/2023

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2023/2024

July 25, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Chelmsford City

The Clarets make up a trio of Essex teams in the National South this season and were another to reach the playoffs last time out. It was seventh time unlucky as they bowed out in the eliminator round against St Albans City. Having finished way down the standings in the previous campaign, Chelmsford City can be pleased with their progress by finishing in the top seven, but disappointed to miss out on third by goal difference. The Clarets were the best of the rest when it came to defence conceding just two more than champions Ebbsfleet United. At the start of November, they were real title contenders then they slipped out of the race over the next three months. Chelmsford City’s form improved towards the end, yet they just fell short.

2022/2023 Season
National South: 5th
F.A Cup: 1st Round
F.A Trophy: 4th Round
County Cup: Semi-Final
Top League Scorer: Tom Blackwell (9 goals)

Manager – Robbie Simpson

Five months after joining Chelmsford City as a free agent from Milton Keynes Dons, Simpson became the interim boss. Impressing as a player manager in January and February 2020, the Clarets appointed Simpson as the permanent successor to Rod Stringer the following month. Last season was his second full campaign at the helm, and he guided Chelmsford City to the playoffs finishing fourteen places higher than the season before. As a player, Simpson won promotion with Milton Keynes Dons and can draw on a wealth of Football League experience during his seventeen years as a professional.

Summer Transfers

Robbie Simpson has always admired the creativity of Samir Carruthers and now he has got his man from the Darts. Adding experience to the squad is former Colchester United midfielder Anthony Wordsworth from Enfield Town. Mohammad Dabre arrives from League Two side Swindon Town, Mohamed Battamer from Hayes and Yeading United, Eze Ebuzoeme and Adam Mills make the step up and Charlie Ruff switches from Havant and Waterlooville. Josh Castiglione comes in from Hemel Hempstead Town. After impressing on trial, Luke Jenkins earned a deal from AFC Wimbledon and Callum Watts from Grays Athletic.

Transfers In	Transfers Out
Adam Mills (Leiston)	James Blanchfield (Billericay Town)
Eze Ebuzoeme (Billericay Town)	Arjanit Krasniqi (Hemel Hempstead Town)
Samir Carruthers (Dartford)	Michael Folivi (Farnborough)
Anthony Wordsworth (Enfield Town)	Ade Oluwo (Barnet)
Charlie Ruff (Havant and Waterlooville)	Harry Lodovica (Aveley)
Mohamed Bettamer (Hayes and Yeading United)	TJ Bramble (Welling United)
Mohammad Dabre (Swindon Town)	Samba Badjana (Forres)
Luke Jenkins (AFC Wimbledon)	Guy Norton
Josh Castiglione (Hemel Hempstead Town)	Tom Blackwell
Callum Watts (Grays Athletic)	Liam Trotter (retired)
	Simeon Jackson (retired)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 41 / Chelmsford City wins: 57 / Draws: 23

Previous Matches

Dartford 1 – 2 Chelmsford City (25/03/2023 – National South)
Chelmsford City 1 – 0 Dartford (03/12/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Chelmsford City (15/03/2022 – National South)
Chelmsford City 0 – 0 Dartford (25/10/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Chelmsford City (06/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Chelmsford City (14/03/2020 – National South)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Chelmsford City – Tuesday 7^th November 2023
Chelmsford City v Dartford – Friday 29^th March 2024

Statistics

Chelmsford City were one of three teams to complete a double over the Darts last season
Dartford have won four of the last five league meetings at Princes Park (D0, L1)
The Darts are winless in six league trips to Chelmsford City last winning there in December 2015 (D2, L4). That victory is the only away win in the league against the Clarets in 12 attempts (D3, L8)

Match Highlights – 2022/2023

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2023/2024

July 25, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Braintree Town

Flirting with relegation since dropping back into the National South four years ago led to a change of the guard. Angelo Harrop was appointed to lead the team into the 2022/2023 season, and he guided the Iron to the playoffs. The Essex club may have fell short in the end, but they made the top seven thanks to exceptional home form. Braintree Town went unbeaten in the opening nineteen league matches at Cressing Road and only lost twice on their own patch all season. They also went thirteen without defeat after the New Year and at the end of that run were challenging for a third-place finish. However, momentum shifted in the closing stages and losing home advantage in the playoffs on the final day proved costly.

2022/2023 Season
National South: 7th
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 4th Round
County Cup: Winners
Top League Scorer: Aaron Blair (11 goals)

Manager – Angelo Harrop

A new manager to the National South, Braintree Town opted to appoint Harrop last summer following the departure of Ryan Maxwell. The 35-year-old will be familiar to Dartford fans as he was the boss who caused the F.A Cup upset in the fourth qualifying round two years ago. Harrop took AFC Sudbury to seventh in the Isthmian Division One North and the first round of the F.A Cup in his last season there. His first campaign with the Iron ended in a playoff appearance and this summer Harrop agreed to stay on with the aim to remain in the division.

Summer Transfers

Dartford have benefited from the departure of Baris Altintop by signing the defender this summer. Whilst former Dart, Alfie Pavey also leaves Cressing Road opting to join Farnborough. Replacing the goals of top scorer Aaron Blair, who returned to his parent club Dagenham and Redbridge and Alfie Matthews, who will be trying to impress at Hemel Hempstead Town was top of Angelo Harrop’s list. The Iron boss raided his former club with the signing of Nnamdi Nwachuku, the striker recorded 49 goals last season and has been in great pre-season form. Joe Grimwood and Reggie Lambe also arrive from AFC Sudbury. Will Davies found the net regularly at Leiston last term and he will be hoping to continue his form in the National South, whilst George Quantrell follows Davies to Cressing Road. Arriving on loan from Luton Town will be Ben Tomkins.

Transfers In	Transfers Out
Toby Stevenson (Billericay Town)	Damian Niemczycki (Margate)
Josh Dawodu (Hendon)	Lamar Reynolds (Maidstone United)
Will Davies (Leiston)	Baris Altintop (Dartford)
George Quantrell (Leiston)	Alfie Matthews (Hemel Hempstead Town)
Joe Grimwood (AFC Sudbury)	Matt Rush (Aveley)
Reggie Lambe (AFC Sudbury)	Billy Johnson (Kettering Town)
Nnamdi Nwachuku (AFC Sudbury)	Alfie Pavey (Farnborough)
Ben Tomkins (Luton Town)	Willie Clemons
	Chris Regis
	Kyron Farrell
	Joe Muscatt

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Braintree Town wins: 8 / Draws: 6

Previous Matches

Braintree Town 1 – 1 Dartford (18/02/2023 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 1 Braintree Town (05/11/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (02/05/2022 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (28/12/2021 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Braintree Town (24/08/2019 – National South)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Braintree Town – Tuesday 21^st November 2023
Braintree Town v Dartford – Tuesday 12^th March 2024

Statistics

The Darts have recorded just two victories in the last 14 matches against Braintree Town (D5, L7)
Dartford’s 4-1 win in November was their biggest victory against the Iron and the first time they scored more than twice in a game versus the Essex club
The Darts are winless in their last six trips to Cressing Road (D3, L3) and their only victory there was in September 2012

Match Highlights – 2022/2023

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2023/2024

July 25, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Bath City

An eleventh successive National South campaign was an emotional one for Bath City ending in silverware and a mid-table finish. One event put football in perspective when Alex Fletcher suffered a life-threatening injury in November. Under the circumstances the club and non-league pulled together during a difficult time. Up to that point the Romans had started brightly finishing October in the playoff places. Striker Cody Cooke formed a decent partnership with Fletcher and when the pair were out injured the goals dried up over a tricky winter. Up stepped Scott Wilson, getting Bath City firing again with a final flourish to the season, which was rewarded with a Somerset Premier Cup triumph. Hopefully we will see Alex Fletcher back on a football pitch when he’s given the green light.

2022/2023 Season
National South: 11th
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 4th Round
County Cup: Winners
Top League Scorer: Scott Wilson (18 goals)

Manager – Jerry Gill

A former Bath City defender in his playing days, Gill was appointed boss of the Romans in October 2017. He arrived with experience working in academies at Bristol Rovers, Kidderminster Harriers, Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Yet his managerial career started seven years before he took the Bath City post. At Weymouth, Gill only lasted forty-four days hampered by the club’s financial issues, but that never deterred the former Birmingham City player. Gill has guided Bath City to two top ten and two top five finishes since his appointment, the last playoff appearance was three years ago.

Summer Transfers

Keeping hold of Cody Cooke was a positive over the summer and joining him will be Luke Russe from Chippenham Town. Going the other way, moving to the Bluebirds is Luke Spokes. Ben Morgan arrives from Gloucester City and Jordan Thomas from Southern Division One Central side North Leigh. Goalkeeper, Ollie Wright joins for a season long loan from Southampton replacing Hungerford Town bound Ryan Clarke. The Romans have also secured Ewan Clark on a season long loan from Bristol City.

Transfers In	Transfers Out
Jordan Thomas (North Leigh)	Ryan Clarke (Hungerford Town)
Luke Russe (Chippenham Town)	Luke Spokes (Chippenham Town)
Ollie Wright (Southampton)	Rex Mannings (Weston-super-Mare)
Ben Morgan (Gloucester City)
Ewan Clark (Bristol City)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 37 / Bath City wins: 40 / Draws: 21

Previous Matches

Dartford 0 – 0 Bath City (10/12/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 2 Dartford (06/08/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Bath City (19/02/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 0 Dartford (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Next Meetings

Dartford v Bath City – Saturday 5^th August 2023
Bath City v Dartford – Saturday 20^th January 2024

Statistics

The Darts have lost just once in their last 14 league games against the Romans (W11, D2) and kept four consecutive clean sheets in all competitions
Dartford dropped points at home against Bath City for the first time since 1990 in December. The Darts had won six in a row before the 0-0 draw.
The Darts have lost just one of their last eight at Twerton Park (W5, D2) and have won in five of their last six visits there.

Match Highlights – 2022/2023

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2023/2024

July 25, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Aveley

Rewind nine years and it’s incredible to think Aveley will be testing themselves against former Football League sides. The Millers were down in the Isthmian Division One North, whilst Yeovil Town were in the Championship. Yet here they are and fully merited after back-to-back promotions. Last season, the Essex club negotiated the playoffs, beating third place Canvey Island and league runners up AFC Hornchurch. In their previous campaign they clinched the Isthmian Division One North title. Five wins in their opening six set the tone last term and after a twelve-match unbeaten run around the turn of the year, it set the Millers up for their successful promotion push. Former Dartford striker George Sykes top scored for the club, but he won’t be donning Aveley colours this season.

2022/2023 Season
Isthmian Premier: 4th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: George Sykes (15 goals)

Manager – Danny Scopes

Four years ago Danny Scopes was appointed as a manager for the first time, but he never had a full campaign with Concord Rangers due to two Covid hit seasons. Still he managed to guide the Beachboys to Wembley losing the F.A Trophy final against Harrogate Town. Shortly after that final defeat, Scopes resigned in May 2021. Six months later Aveley took the opportunity to take on the man who helped the Cowley brothers take Concord Rangers up the non-league pyramid. Already Scopes has made an impression at Aveley by winning the Isthmian Division One North, then last season’s Isthmian Premier playoffs.

Summer Transfers

Danny Scopes has bought in Lionel Ainsworth to be his player/assistant manager. The 35-year-old has plenty of Football League experience and also had a three year stay at Motherwell. Alex Hernandez and Nana Kyei remain in the National South after relegation with Concord Rangers, Harry Lodovica switches from Chelmsford City, Tommy Davis and Jon Benton arrive from Southend United, Jalen Jones from Cray Wanderers, Charlee Hughes from Hemel Hempstead Town and Matt Rush from Braintree Town. Former Dartford striker and top scorer George Sykes leaves, but Garrett Kelly, Aveley’s Player of the Season stays.

Transfers In	Transfers Out
Alex Hernandez (Concord Rangers)	George Sykes (Bishop’s Stortford)
Nana Kyei (Concord Rangers)	Brendan Shabani (Wingate and Finchley)
Lionel Ainsworth (AFC Sudbury)	Ryan Scott (Hornchurch)
Tommy Davis (Southend United)	Nick Dembele (Dover Athletic)
Jon Benton (Southend United)	Benas Vaivada
Matt Rush (Braintree Town)	Jamie Dicks
Jalen Jones (Cray Wanderers)
Charlee Hughes (Hemel Hempstead Town)
Harry Lodovica (Chelmsford City)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Aveley wins: 2 / Draws: 3

Previous Matches

Dartford 2 – 2 Aveley (17/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier League)
Dartford 4 – 5 Aveley (15/12/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)
Aveley 1 – 4 Dartford (24/10/2009 – Isthmian Premier League)
Aveley 2 – 2 Dartford (29/12/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 3 – 0 Aveley (13/11/2007 – Isthmian League Cup)
Dartford 4 – 0 Aveley (27/08/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)

Next Meetings

Aveley v Dartford – Saturday 26^th August 2023
Dartford v Aveley – Saturday 10^th February 2024

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in the league at home against the Millers (W2, D2)
The Darts are unbeaten in their last three trips to Aveley (W2, L1)
In the ten previous meetings, an astonishing 4.5 goals a game have been scored in this fixture

Match Highlights – 2009/2010

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Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Season Preview 2022/2023

August 3, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Worthing

Champions of the Isthmian Premier League means Worthing will be playing at their highest ever level and they were worthy winners. The Sussex club won the title by ten points, scored a century of goals, and almost reached the 100-point mark. After two defeats in their opening four matches the tone was set in September through to the end of November when the Reds collected 31 points from 33 available. A similar run saw them drop just four points over the same number of fixtures from mid-January to mid-March. Worthing were comfortable winners, sealing the title with three games remaining.

2021/2022 Season
Isthmian Premier: 1st
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: Runner-Up
Top League Scorer: Ollie Pearce (35 goals)

Manager – Adam Hinshelwood

In his second spell as manager, Hinshelwood claimed the Isthmian Premier League title and reached the Sussex Senior Cup final. He is son of former Dartford defender Paul Hinshelwood and racked up 100 appearances for Brighton and Hove Albion, where he also had a spell as assistant manager after his first spell at Worthing. He took the step into management with Selsey before joining the Rebels the first time, but was enticed by the Seagulls as a number two. Hinshelwood returned to Woodside Road five years ago and in that time, he has improved results on the pitch eventually leading to their highest ever finish.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In	Transfers Out
Kane Wills (Dorking Wanderers)	Dajon Golding (Cheshunt)
Callum Kealy (Dorking Wanderers)	Will Seager (Cheshunt)
Lewis White (Carshalton Athletic)	Jasper Pattenden (Wycombe Wanderers)
Adam El-Abd (Whitehawk)	David Ajiboye (Peterborough United)
Jake Robinson (Dartford)	Dean Cox
Nodirbek Bobomurodov (Hungerford Town)
Charlie Towning (Eastbourne Borough)

Head to Head

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

Previous Matches

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)
Dartford 1 – 0 Worthing (12/10/1921 – F.A Cup)
Worthing 0 – 0 Dartford (08/10/1921 – F.A Cup)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Worthing – 27/08/2022
Worthing v Dartford – 28/01/2023

Statistics

Dartford have won both games played at home against Worthing
The Darts have not played the Rebels for 12 years and have never met in a league fixture
Dartford have only ever played Worthing in F.A Cup matches. The pair have been drawn out together four times, the Darts progressed in the competition on three occasions to Worthing’s one.

Category: Season Preview (Page 7 of 10)

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