Dartford search for their first win of the season when they travel to newly promoted Aveley to start the Bank Holiday weekend.
The Darts have made a slow start in Dowson’s second campaign in charge having drawn three of the opening four games. Now they face an Aveley side full of confidence and second in the National South. In their debut season at this level the Millers have gained momentum from back to back promotions and have a perfect record at home.
If true to form in this fixture, Dartford’s first visit to Aveley in nearly 14 years could provide goals. During the Isthmian Premier League title winning season, the Darts won 4-1 despite playing the majority of the game a man down. Elliot Bradbrook guided the away side into the lead directing a low cross into the net. The Millers equalised through Ryan Edgar’s long range drive which deceived Andrew Young in the Dartford goal. Adam Flanagan was then dismissed for an off the ball incident just before half-time, however that didn’t faze Tony Burman’s side in the second-half.
Jamie Coyle nodded in at the far post from a deep corner to regain Dartford’s lead and from there on the Darts pulled away. After a goalmouth scramble Jay May ensured the ball crossed the line and in injury time Ryan Hayes exquisitely volleyed his own rebound over the stranded goalkeeper. In the same season the reverse fixture finished 2-2 at Princes Park and a league cup clash ended 5-4 to Aveley.
Frustratingly for Dartford they are currently six points behind the front runners, the same number of points they have dropped from winning positions. Although their only away fixture ended in a 1-0 defeat down in Weymouth, the Darts led twice versus Bath City to draw 3-3 and conceded equalisers in the 1-1 stalemates against Hampton and Richmond Borough, then Farnborough.
Impressive in his first two games for Dartford, Brandon Barzey has been in the thick of the action in his previous two outings. The winger was red carded against his former club Hampton and Richmond Borough and will start his suspension this weekend. Unfortunately, he also gave away a needless last minute penalty resulting in Farnborough’s equaliser. However, summer signing Paul Rooney is now available after he made his debut last weekend. Meanwhile, Jack McIntyre and Joe Rabbetts have returned to their parent clubs after being recalled.
Impressive in his first two games for Dartford, Brandon Barzey has been in the thick of the action in his previous two outings. The winger was red carded against his former club Hampton and Richmond Borough and will start his suspension this weekend. Unfortunately, he also gave away a needless last minute penalty resulting in Farnborough’s equaliser. However, summer signing Paul Rooney is now available after he made his debut last weekend. Meanwhile, Jack McIntyre and Joe Rabbetts have returned to their parent clubs after being recalled.
Aveley began their maiden season in the National South with a 1-0 away defeat at Chippenham Town. The Millers were undone by a Tyreke Johnson cross that sailed over goalkeeper Jonathan North. Manager, Danny Scopes handed out six debuts in an historic game for the Millers and since the loss they have adapted quickly to their new surroundings. Three consecutive victories has put Aveley in second place, a run which also halted Worthing’s perfect start.
At Parkside the Millers have won two out of two, starting with the 4-1 thumping of Taunton Town. Siju Odelusi’s hat-trick rounded off a memorable afternoon and e opened the scoring from the penalty spot. Malachi Linton levelled for the Peacocks, but Odelusi had Aveley back in front before the break. Charlee Hughes extended the Millers lead and in the last minute Odelusi secured the matchball. Full timers, Eastbourne Borough were next to visit and were beaten 2-0 by a Jon Benton strike and Matt Rush goal.
Last weekend Aveley’s first away victory followed when they defeated Worthing, who had won their opening three. Benton scored for a second game in a row and Eduino Vaz made it two before half-time. Worthing pulled a goal back, but it was merely a consolation for the Rebels.
Current Form
| Dartford (DLDD) | Aveley (LWWW) | ||||
| Farnborough | H | 1-1 | Worthing | A | 2-1 |
| Hampton & Richmond Borough | H | 1-1 | Eastbourne Borough | H | 2-0 |
| Weymouth | A | 0-1 | Taunton Town | H | 4-1 |
| Bath City | H | 3-3 | Chippenham Town | A | 0-1 |
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 5 / Aveley wins: 2 / Draws: 3
Last Six Meetings
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)
Statistics
- 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
- Charlie Sheringham could make his 150th appearance if selected (116 starts + 33 sub)
On This Day
Dartford are unbeaten in their last four on this day drawing 2-2 in their last match on 26 August. In 2019, the Darts battled back from a goal down to lead 2-1 thanks to goals from Darren McQueen and Luke Wanadio, however an 88th minute equaliser denied Dartford a win at Hungerford Town. Two years earlier a Bradbrook brace and Alfie Pavey goal earned a 3-0 away victory over Hemel Hempstead Town and in 2013, Danny Harris and Kenny Clark scored in a 2-0 win at Tamworth.
Dartford’s last home game on this day resulted in 1-0 triumph over Kingstonian in 2006, Jay May netting the winner. The last away defeat on the 26 August was back in 1985, meaning the Darts have gone five without loss on their travels. The other two wins on the road include a 3-2 victory against Bromsgrove Rovers in 1989 and a 3-1 win over Egham Town in the F.A Cup preliminary round 28 years ago.