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Dartford bid to stay above the relegation zone this Easter facing a difficult trip to Chelmsford City on Good Friday.

The Darts climbed out of the bottom four on Tuesday night by the slimmest of margins and now they are seeking a first league win at the Melbourne Community Stadium in just over eight years. Adrian Pennock is still hoping to claim his maiden victory as Dartford boss at the sixth attempt. Chelmsford City are in second place and can still catch league leaders Yeovil Town. The Clarets are seven points adrift from the front runners with just five games to play.

Since Pennock arrived, he has managed to stop a losing streak of four matches with consecutive draws. Both of those points have helped the Darts move above the dotted line on goal difference and have been against teams also fighting for survival. On Saturday, Paul Rooney rescued a point for Dartford in a 1-1 draw with Hemel Hempstead Town.

Three days later the Darts travelled to Gloucester to take on Truro City, two points above them in the table. Jack Smith and Luke Allen were introduced to the side with Alex Wall and Taylor Maloney dropping to the bench. Oliver Box was still missing from the squad with an ankle injury, Sam Odaudu has been a long-term absence and Jordan Greenidge served the last of his two-game suspension. Both defences held firm in the 0-0 draw, which saw Dartford claim their first clean sheet since Boxing Day.

Dartford have suffered in this fixture recently from late goals, comebacks and former players making an impact. The last visit to the Melbourne Community Stadium wasn’t the prettiest encounter, but the hosts didn’t mind when Louis Dunne scored a minute from time with an inswinging cross which skimmed the head of Tom Bonner and into the far corner. Victory for the hosts extended their unbeaten home run against the Darts to six stretching back to 2016, when a Tony Burman side progressed in a F.A Cup tie.

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Just over a year ago the Clarets did another number on the Darts at Princes Park. Neat interplay between Samir Carruthers and Jack Smith set up Luke Coulson to give the hosts a half-time lead. In the second-half Coulson hit the post and Dartford looked good with seven minutes to go, until former player Ody Alfa scored with an unstoppable strike. There was time for another ex-Dart to find the back of the net in injury time, Giovanni McGregor curled home the winner.

That summer Carruthers switched allegiances and earlier this season it was the midfielder’s turn to score against the Darts. Once again, the Darts went in front on home soil when this time Maxwell Statham opened the scoring. With the break approaching Joash Nembhard conceded a penalty and up stepped Carruthers to make it all square. Ten minutes into the second-half Charlie Ruff put the visitors ahead to give Chelmsford City a third consecutive win over the Darts.

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Robbie Simpson’s side have made huge strides this season and are aiming for promotion to the National League for the first time. The Clarets have played a game more than league leaders Yeovil Town and need to make up a seven-point deficit over the next five matches. The odds are against the Essex club to snatch the title, but they are comfortably in second for now, eight points clear of county rivals Braintree Town.

On the weekend Chelmsford City showed plenty of character and did a favour for the Darts. Clarets top scorer Charlie Ruff scored to injury time goals to see his side come from 2-1 down at Taunton Town to win 3-2. Former Dart, Jazzi Barnum-Bobb captained the team, the defender played 18 times for Dartford in the 2020/2021 campaign. George Alexander came off the bench, the striker was on loan at Princes Park this term scoring twice in ten matches. Victory was their second in consecutive weekends against a Somerset side as the Clarets also beat Bath City 3-1 at home, a game that featured Ody Alfa. Since the Christmas period Chelmsford City have gone from seventh to second and have tasted defeat just three times.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLLLDD)			Chelmsford City (WWWLWW)
Truro City	A	0-0	Taunton Town	A	3-2
Hemel Hempstead	H	1-1	Bath City	H	3-1
Maidstone United	H	0-2	Maidstone United	A	0-2
Braintree Town	A	0-2	Truro City	A	4-1
Torquay United	A	1-4	Worthing	H	1-0
Aveley	H	1-2	Aveley	A	2-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 41 / Chelmsford City wins: 58 / Draws: 23

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Chelmsford City (07/11/2023 – National South)
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)

Statistics

• Chelmsford City were one of three teams to complete a double over the Darts last season.
• 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)
• In all competitions Dartford have won just twice in their last 14 visits to the Melbourne Community Stadium (D4, L8)

On This Day

Dartford’s last outing on this day is their only win in the last six. Struggling at the wrong end of the National League table, the Darts claimed a 2-1 win over Macclesfield Town to provide hope of staying up. The Silkmen led through Paul Turnbull’s volley. However, the hosts fought back when Danny Harris scored before half-time and Max Cornhill claimed the winner with nine minutes remaining. A future Dartford legend showed his capabilities 16 years ago when Brentwood Town visited Princes Park. Lee Noble was in the side that beat the Darts 1-0 on this day in 2008. The midfielder went on to sign for Dartford in May 2008 and spent 12 years as a Dart making over 450 appearances.

The Darts begin their Kent Senior Cup campaign on Tuesday night hosting National League side Bromley.

Dartford have won two of the last three editions of the county competition. After defending their title successfully they relinquished the crown last season. Now they will start their quest to reclaim the silverware against the side they beat in the final twelve years ago.

This will be the first meeting between the two sides in the competition since the 2011 final. Tony Burman led the Darts to a 4-1 victory with Elliot Bradbrook opening the scoring in the first-half. After the break Ryan Hayes doubled the advantage. Goalkeeper, Craig Holloway fumbled into his own net for the third. Then Hayes set up Danny Harris to put Dartford out of sight. Bromley’s Warren McBean scored a consolation for the visitors.

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The following year Dartford won promotion to the National League where they stayed for three years. Bromley remained in the National South until reaching the top flight of non league in 2015. So paths have rarely crossed with only five meetings since.

Dartford have won five of the last six against Bromley, which has included a National South double, an F.A Trophy win and a F.A Cup victory. Bromley’s only win in that time came in the F.A Cup. Yet it was the very same competition in which they last met nine years ago.

Drawn in the first round, the Darts set up a tie with Bradford City after beating Bromley 4-3 at Hayes Lane. Louis Dennis put the hosts ahead inside a minute before Harris levelled. Then Dartford went in front twice through Hayes and Bradbrook. However, the Ravens equalised on each occasion after Moses Ademola and then Danny Waldren scored. A Tom Bradbrook header nine minutes from time made sure the Darts progressed into round two for the first time in 30 years.

Now it is Bromley who are in the National League and Dartford in the division below. The Darts may have come close to joining their opponents but playoff heartbreak has denied them. This season Alan Dowson’s side have yet to get going, however on the weekend they entered the top ten.

Taking on Torquay United, Dowson made five changes to the side that lost to Braintree Town. The Dartford boss gave George Alexander his debut after joining on loan from Bromley. The striker has scored seven times for the Ravens in 44 appearances. In the National South the 22-year-old has found goalscoring a bit easier. In his loan spells at Welling United and Slough Town he has managed 15 goals in 33 league games. Richard Chin made his first start for the Darts since the playoff semi-final defeat to St Albans City. On loan for a second time from Charlton Athletic he has now made nine appearances for Dartford. Tyrell Miller-Rodney was back in action after recovering from a slight injury. Harvey Bradbury started up front and Jordan Wynter in midfield after the pair finished serving their suspensions.

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A 12 minute spell at the end of the first half put the Darts in control. Three players opened their goalscoring account for the club. The new loan signings grabbing the headlines. Chin’s return went perfectly well and he put the hosts in front with a curling shot into the top corner. Alexander scored on debut with a delightful turn and shot. Finally, Moussa Diarra volleyed his side further ahead in a 3-0 win. A first ever victory over Torquay United and a first clean sheet for over a month helped Dartford move up to tenth.

Alexander isn’t the only Dartford player who has played for Bromley. The most notable is Luke Coulson, who made 135 appearances for the Ravens. Part of the F.A Trophy winning side, the winger joined the Darts in the summer of 2022. Paul Rooney, who was sent off against Braintree Town had six games on loan at Hayes Lane. Jordan Wynter made 14 appearances and Alex Wall played 19 times for the Ravens.

Bromley are now in their ninth season in the National League. Under Andy Woodman they won the F.A Trophy in 2021 beating Wrexham. In May, they were defeated in the playoff semi-finals. Before Woodman arrived, the Ravens also lost a F.A Trophy final to Brackley Town in 2018 and had previously reached the playoffs as well.

Progress has continued under Woodman during this campaign. Second in the National League they are 11 points behind leaders Chesterfield, who beat them in the playoffs six months ago. The Ravens gave a good account of themselves in front of the television cameras earlier this month losing 2-0 to League One side Blackpool.

On Saturday, they faced a long journey to the North East to take on Hartlepool United. The visitors got off to a great start when Michael Cheek put the visitors ahead after four minutes. He scored again to record his tenth of the season just before half-time. The Pools halved the deficit before Ben Krauhaus and Olufela Olomola secured a 4-1 victory.

After Dartford’s homecoming in 2006, the Darts have added four Kent Senior Cup triumphs taking them to 13 in total. Six times winners Bromley last won the tournament in 2007.

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford (WLWLLW)			Bromley (WLDWLW)
Torquay United	H	3-0	Hartlepool United	A	4-1
Braintree Town	H	0-2	Aldershot Town	H	2-3
Maidstone United (FAT)	H	0-1	AFC Fylde	H	1-0
Worthing	A	4-3	Boreham Wood	A	1-1
Chelmsford City	H	1-2	Blackpool (FAC)	H	0-2
Weston-super-Mare	H	4-2	Redbridge (LSC)	H	4-2

FAT – F.A Trophy / FAC – F.A Cup / LSC – London Senior Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 25 / Bromley wins: 28 / Draws: 12

Previous Meetings

Bromley 3 – 4 Dartford (08/11/2014 – F.A Cup 1st Round)
Dartford 4 – 2 Bromley (12/01/2013 – F.A Trophy 3rd Round)
Bromley 1 – 2 Dartford (09/04/2012 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Bromley (29/10/2011 – F.A Cup 4th Qualifying Round)
Dartford 3 – 1 Bromley (29/08/2011 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 1 Bromley (02/05/2011 – Kent Senior Cup Final)

Statistics

• The head to head in the Kent Senior Cup is all level. The Darts have won 10, lost 10 and drawn 5 against Bromley
• Dartford’s only win in the last five against the Ravens in this competition was the cup final in 2011
• The Darts have won the last three in the county cup when drawn at home to Bromley
• Dartford have lost just one of the last ten in all competitions versus the Ravens (W7, D2)

On This Day

Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong’s brace completed a comeback against Hungerford Town on this day three years ago. Ryan Seager put the Crusaders in the lead. Then two goals 13 second-half minutes from Berkeley-Agyepong earned all three points.

Eight years ago plenty of future Dartford connections and former players were on display. Losing 2-1 in the F.A Trophy at home Whitehawk, the Darts were up against Steve King, Craig Braham-Barrett, Paul Lorraine, Jake Robinson, Danny Mills and Dave Martin. On the substitutes bench that day was also David Ijaha.

The only previous Kent Senior Cup tie played by Dartford on the 28 November was a 5-2 win over Sittingbourne in 1978.

8 July 2023 – Charlton Athletic (home)
Alan Dowson kick started his first pre-season as Dartford boss against the Addicks last July. The League One side ran out 6-1 winners in front of 2775 supporters. It took half an hour for Charlton Athletic to break the deadlock through Charlie Kirk, but a Jayden Stockley own goal cancelled out their lead. Numerous changes took place at the break and with the superior technique and fitness, the Addicks scored five without reply. Miles Leaburn grabbed a brace, Sean Clare netted from the spot, Stockley made amends and Deji Elerewe finished off the rout.

14 July 2023 – Dunston (away)
A summer getaway to Dowson’s homeland aims to build up team spirit and integrate new signings. The long journey to the North East of England to Gateshead to take on Dunston will provide an opportunity for the team to bond. The Northern Division One East side finished three points away from the playoffs last time out. When Lee Noble scored the winner for the Darts in the 2012 National South playoffs, Dunston had success of their own that season winning the F.A Vase at Wembley.

18 July 2023 – Margate (away)
Dartford may showcase some of their academy talents in front of Ben Greenhalgh, who has been working with Dowson to produce a pathway for the youngsters. Greenhalgh also plays for Margate in the Isthmian Premier League and is their assistant manager. The Gate also have former Darts, Tyrone Sterling and Sam Blackman in their squad managed by new boss Reece Prestedge. The two sides last met in April 2022 in the Kent Senior Cup quarter-final. Dartford won 4-2 with goals from Luke Allen, Kalvin Kalala, Ade Azeez and Ody Alfa, the Darts went on to lift the county cup, which Margate won last season.

22 July 2023 – Gillingham (home)
It’s been four years since Dartford faced Gillingham and in that time the Gills have dropped into League Two. In 2019, the Darts were beaten 2-1 at Princes Park with Norman Wabo scoring for the hosts. Last season Gillingham looked set for back to back relegation and falling out of the Football League, but a takeover and an injection of cash saw them ease to safety. The Gills will now be among the favourites to challenge for promotion for the upcoming campaign. The Darts last beat Kent’s only Football League side in 2015 when they went on to lift the county cup. Tom Wynter and Jack Simmons scored in the 2-1 Kent Senior Cup second round victory.

25 July 2023 – Bromley (away)
The Darts visited Bromley as part of their pre-season last year and came away with a 0-0 draw against the F.A Trophy winners. The Ravens had beaten Wrexham 1-0 at Wembley and Dartford’s Luke Coulson was in that Bromley side that triumphed. The Ravens went out at the first hurdle last term, but they did reach the playoff semi-finals and ran Chesterfield close in an epic tie. It’s been over ten years since Dartford have been on an even footing with Bromley, with the two sides passing each other in 2015.

28 July 2023 – Phoenix Sports (away)
A last minute penalty from former Dartford legend Ryan Hayes won Phoenix Sports promotion back to the Isthmian South East in their last competitive game. Just three and half miles separate the two clubs and also on Phoenix’s books last season was Andy Pugh. The Darts breezed past the Sports in March 2020 on the way to lifting the delayed Kent Senior Cup. Jordan Wynter, a brace from Liam Nash, Elliott Romain and Amrit Bansal-McNulty all scored in a 5-1 semi-final victory.

29 July 2023 – Billericay Town (away)
Dartford make the trip over the river to take on a Billericay Town side hoping to get back to the National South. Helping Ricay to achieve their goal will be former Dartford players aplenty. Ade Azeez, Dan Wilks, Malachai Napa, Tom Bender and Jay Porter have all been recruited in the summer by former Hampton and Richmond Borough boss Gary McCann. The Darts have won their last five against Billericay Town whilst they were in the National South without conceding in the last three meetings, the last of which was a 2-0 victory in April 2022 at the New Lodge.

1 August 2023 – Leatherhead (away)
The final warm up game is a trip clockwise round the M25 to visit Isthmian Division One South side Leatherhead. The Darts played out an entertaining friendly at Fetcham Grove just four years ago. Lee Noble, Andy Pugh, the now retired Tom Bonner and Darren McQueen had Dartford 4-0 up before the Tanners hit three in a seven goal thriller. Four of the six competitive meetings between the two sides have been in cup competitions. The only time the Darts faced Leatherhead in the league was in the 2006/2007 season when both sides won a game each.