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.
