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Pre Season Preview 2023/2024

July 6, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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.

Dartford v St Albans City

May 5, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are two wins away from a return to the National League as they begin their playoff campaign against St Albans City at Princes Park on Sunday.

The two sides met just a fortnight ago and it was Dartford who claimed maximum points to secure second place and home advantage in the playoffs. This time the stakes are higher with a place in the final up for grabs and a shot at promotion.

Last time at Princes Park, the Darts got off to a quick start against the Saints going in front after just three minutes. Richard Chin had an excellent afternoon and the loanee set up Samir Carruthers for his tenth goal of the season. It took until the 72nd minute for St Albans City to equalise with Shaun Jeffers acrobatically striking the ball beyond Ben Dudzinski for yet another goal against the Darts, his third in as many appearances. Luke Coulson and Fonkeu may have started from the substitute’s bench, but the pair made an impact five minutes after St Albans City equalised. Coulson’s free-kick was saved by Dylan Berry and Fonkeu pounced to net the winner, his tenth league goal of the campaign.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (22/04/2023) – Dartford FC TV

The reverse fixture back in October ended with honours even. Jack Smith scored his first goal in a Dartford shirt and although it was an easy tap in, the Darts worked the ball forwards swiftly after gaining possession on the halfway line. St Albans City equalised after catching Dartford out with a quick throw in and when the ball fell to Jeffers, he took an air shot before drilling his second attempt beyond Joe Young.

Hosting the playoff semi-final could benefit Dartford who picked up 50 points at Princes Park this season, the second best in the division. However, the Kent side have lost their last three playoff matches at Princes Park. One of those defeats was against Chelmsford City in 2017, who the Saints defeated on Tuesday night. Manager, David Noble made one change to the side that beat Farnborough 2-0 last weekend bringing in Chay Cooper for Kyran Wiltshire. Once again the prolific Jeffers, who has scored 28 times in the National South this season was named on the bench. After ninety minutes neither side could break the deadlock forcing the tie to go into extra time. Finally it was Jeffers once again who prodded the ball into the Chelmsford City net to decide the tie in the 95th minute. The striker has now scored in each of his last three appearances after coming on as a substitute.

Both sides have experience of making it to playoff finals and Dartford will want to draw on the positive outcome back in 2012 when they beat local rivals Welling United, Lee Noble’s early strike sent Tony Burman’s side up to the National League. Whilst under Steve King, the Darts reached the final two years ago and lost on penalties. St Albans City have won the playoffs three times as far back as when the non-league pyramid was restructured in 2004. That year they were involved in two epic playoff encounters to earn entry into the new National South league, a 4-3 victory against Heybridge Swifts followed by a 5-4 triumph over Bedford Town. Two years later they won promotion to the National League with a win versus Histon and in 2014, the Saints made their way back to the National South by defeating Chesham United.

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Match Highlights – St Albans City v Dartford (22/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Since the turn of the year Dartford have been inconsistent and will need to win back to back matches for the first time since the festive period if they want to go up. On the final day of the season, Alan Dowson decided to rest nine players with only Richard Chin and Jernade Meade retaining their place in the starting eleven. That gave minutes to Charlie Sheringham who made his return from a long term injury just over two weeks ago. The striker, who had a successful spell with Chelmsford City, has scored seven times this season and is behind fellow forward Alex Wall, midfielder Samir Carruthers and Pierre Fonkeu all of which have hit double figures in all competitions. Dowse can also look towards Harvey Bradbury as an option, his short time at Dartford has yielded five goals in nine appearances. At the back Tom Bonner and Connor Essam have forged a strong partnership and it looks as though Ben Dudzinski is the preferred choice in goal. The trio were rested last weekend and with Dan Wilks in between the sticks, academy graduate George Whitefield and Emmanuel Adebowale making their National South debuts for the club, the Darts kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with Hampton and Richmond Borough.

St Albans City finished their campaign strongly with a home win against Farnborough. That made sure David Noble’s side finished the season in sixth spot. Difficult to beat in the first couple of months of the season, St Albans City were too inconsistent and by the end of October they were in twelfth. However, the Hertfordshire side saw out the rest of 2022 with seven wins from nine, including a 6-0 away trouncing of Hampton and Richmond Borough and moved into fifth. A mediocre start to the New Year and a difficult February meant the Saints dipped below the dotted line, but they would rise again. The Saints have tasted defeat just twice in their last eleven outings winning seven of those.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 12 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 6

Current Form

Dartford (WLWLWD)			St Albans City (LWWLWW)
Hampton & Richmond	A	0-0	Chelmsford City*	A	1-0^
St Albans City	H	2-1	Farnborough	H	2-0
Concord Rangers	A	2-3	Dartford	A	1-2
Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0	Welling United	H	3-0
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Concord Rangers	A	2-1
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Braintree Town	A	0-2
* Playoff eliminator round / ^ After extra time

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 St Albans City (22/04/2023 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 1 Dartford (22/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 St Albans City (23/04/2022 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 3 Dartford (14/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 St Albans City (17/11/2020 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 2 Dartford (07/03/2020 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have not recorded consecutive win, draws or losses in their last 17 games
The Darts have the best defence at home conceding the fewest in the division (19)
Dartford scored in 87% of their games (40 out of 46), the second best in the National South
Dartford finished with the third best defence in the league (50)
St Albans City picked up the second most points away from home in the division (40)
Against fellow playoff contenders St Albans City have the worst record (W2, D2, L6)

On This Day

A year ago, Dartford cruised to a 7-2 final day win down on the Sussex coast. The Darts brushed aside Eastbourne Borough in a dazzling display, and it all started when Dan Roberts opened the scoring. The Sports levelled through Charley Kendall, but with half an hour played Marcus Dinanga put Dartford in front, then six minutes later Kory Roberts extended the advantage. In the second-half Dartford netted three goals in a five-minute spell, Dinanga scored his second and Kalvin Kalala grabbed a quickfire brace. A seventh was added by Jordan Greenidge before Chris Whelpdale managed a consolation goal for the hosts. Six years ago, Dartford lost 2-1 against Chelmsford City in the playoff semi-final second leg. Louie Theophanous and Chris Dickson put Chelmsford City in command and there was only enough time for Duane Ofori-Acheampong to claim a consolation for the Darts.

National South Playoff Preview

May 1, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

The National South playoffs begin this week with the eliminator round taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday night. We take a look at the six sides who made the end of season finale and the potential opponents Dartford could face.

2nd – Dartford – 83 points
W25 D8 L13 F82 A50 GD+32

Securing second place for the Darts may be crucial because they hit the 50-point mark at Princes Park, the second-best home tally in the division and best out of the playoff teams. A strong period from September to November and a festive double over the champions set Alan Dowson’s side up for a title push. All that fell away in the second half of the season as inconsistency left Dartford battling for home advantage. In the end they secured a runners up spot with a game to spare by beating St Albans City, who they could face in the semi-final. A fifth playoff campaign in seven years, the Darts have previously lost to Chelmsford City in 2017 and Braintree Town a year later. Their last two attempts ended in penalty shoot-out defeats against Weymouth in the final and Chippenham Town 12 months ago. This squad will hope to take inspiration from the team that won the National South playoffs back in 2012, whilst Dowson has experience of winning promotion via the playoffs as boss of Woking six years later.

Record vs playoff contenders (W2 D4 L4)	Home	Away
Oxford City	0-0	1-1
Worthing	1-2	0-3
Chelmsford City	1-2	0-1
St Albans City	2-1	1-1
Braintree Town	4-1	1-1

Playoff route
Sunday 7 May (12:30) – home vs Chelmsford City or St Albans City
Sunday 14 May (12:30) – home vs Oxford City, Worthing or Braintree Town

3rd – Oxford City – 83 points
W21 D15 L10 F83 A56 GD+27

Whatever division Oxford City end up in next season they have managed to put long unbeaten runs together in 2022/2023. The Hoops have only lost three times in 2023 and come into the playoffs as one of the form teams. Within those undefeated streaks Oxford City have drawn the second most in the National South. On the road they have a defence difficult to breach, but lack goals at the other end. At home they have only lost three times which will provide them with a semi-final advantage. Ross Jenkins’s side make the playoffs for a second year in a row and will hope to repeat the final they won to get into the National South in 2012, rather than the semi-final loss last season. Against the teams who made the playoffs, Oxford City are unbeaten at home and on their travels results have been extremely close. Promotion will take them to the National League for the first time, but failure could see them remain in the South or move across to the North.

Record vs playoff contenders (W4 D4 L2)	Home	Away
Dartford	1-1	0-0
Worthing	3-0	0-1
Chelmsford City	3-1	0-1
St Albans City	2-1	1-0
Braintree Town	2-2	0-0

Playoff route
Sunday 7 May (15:30) – home vs Worthing or Braintree Town
Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford or home vs Chelmsford City or St Albans City

4th – Worthing – 78 points
W22 D12 L12 F92 A72 GD +20

The Isthmian Premier League champions could make it back-to-back promotions after an outstanding first season in the National South. They could follow in the footsteps of fellow south coast teams such as Weymouth and Havant and Waterlooville, who also made the move from step three to step one in consecutive campaigns. In Ollie Pearce they have a goalscorer and the second best attack in the division totalling 92 league goals, however at the back they have also conceded an astounding 72, the same as bottom club Hungerford Town. Approaching the playoffs in good form, the Rebels beat Concord Rangers 7-0 to start April and won six of their last seven games. The Sussex club have been consistent in that their home and away form is nearly identical and with the number of goals scored in each net they could be providing the playoffs with plenty of entertainment.

Record vs playoff contenders (W5 D0 L5)	Home	Away
Dartford	3-0	2-1
Oxford City	1-0	0-3
Chelmsford City	1-3	2-4
St Albans City	4-5	1-0
Braintree Town	2-1	1-2

Playoff route
Wednesday 3 May (19:45) – home vs Braintree Town
Sunday 7 May (15:30) – away vs Oxford City
Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford or home vs Chelmsford City or St Albans City

5th – Chelmsford City – 78 points
W23 D9 L14 F67 A49 GD +18

Robbie Simpson has done an excellent job to turn Chelmsford City’s fortunes around. A year ago, they finished down in 19^th avoiding relegation to the Isthmian Premier League. This time, the Essex club were tussling for second place and if it wasn’t for a sticky winter period, they may well have accrued enough points. The Clarets finished strongly with only Oxford City and Taunton Town beating them in their final nine games. At home, Chelmsford City have managed to perform when it comes to fixtures against those around them dropping just two points when up against fellow contenders. The Clarets are taking part in their seventh playoff campaign at this level since 2009 and only once have they reached the final, when they beat Dartford on the way.

Record vs playoff contenders (W6 D2 L2)	Home	Away
Dartford	1-0	2-1
Oxford City	1-0	1-3
Worthing	4-2	3-1
St Albans City	1-1	0-3
Braintree Town	2-0	2-2

Playoff route
Tuesday 2 May (19:45) – home vs St Albans City
Sunday 7 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford
Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Oxford City or Worthing or home vs Braintree Town

6th – St Albans City – 75 points
W22 D9 L15 F71 A51 GD +20

Three times playoff winners, St Albans City won in 2004 to enter the National South when the non-league pyramid was restructured. Two years later they triumphed against Histon to reach the National League where they stayed for a season only. After another relegation they returned to the National South in 2014 when they beat Chesham United in the final. This season they head into the mini-competition with the best away record out of the contenders and a top striker in Shaun Jeffers. Just two defeats in their final ten outings, one of which against Dartford, who they could play in the semi-final, saw the Hertfordshire club finish just as strong as Worthing and Chelmsford City. On the other hand the Saints have the worst record against fellow playoff sides, but they won’t be put off by being on the road.

Record vs playoff contenders (W2 D2 L6)	Home	Away
Dartford	1-1	1-2
Oxford City	0-1	1-2
Worthing	0-1	5-4
Chelmsford City	3-0	1-1
Braintree Town	0-2	0-1

Playoff route
Tuesday 2 May (19:45) – away vs Chelmsford City
Sunday 7 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford
Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Oxford City or Worthing or home vs Braintree Town

7th – Braintree Town – 74 points
W20 D14 L12 F66 A55 GD +11

Slipping down to seventh on the final day of the season meant the Iron lost any chance of home advantage at all. This could be a deciding factor to a successful playoff campaign as Braintree Town only lost two at Cressing Road all season, going 19 unbeaten in the league before their first home reverse. Form really picked up at the turn of the year when the Essex club went undefeated in the National South for three months over 13 matches. They finished by losing half of their last eight games, but did manage to beat champions Ebbsfleet United. Braintree Town made their playoff debut in 2016 when they played for a place in the Football League, however they lost to Grimsby Town in the semi-final. Their last appearance was triumphant in 2018 winning on penalties against Hemel Hempstead Town, beating Dartford with a Billy Crook goal then they defeated Hampton and Richmond Borough on spot kicks to return to the National League.

Record vs playoff contenders (W3 D4 L3)	Home	Away
Dartford	1-1	1-4
Oxford City	0-0	2-2
Worthing	2-1	1-2
Chelmsford City	2-2	0-2
St Albans City	1-0	2-0

Playoff route
Wednesday 3 May (19:45) – away vs Worthing
Sunday 7 May (15:30) – away vs Oxford City
Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford, Chelmsford City or St Albans City

Hampton and Richmond Borough v Dartford

April 27, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Pressure is off for Dartford for one weekend only as they take on Hampton and Richmond Borough in the final league game of the season.

The Darts secured the runners up spot crowning their final home game of the regular season with a win. Victory earned Alan Dowson’s side home advantage in the playoffs and a bye into the semi-finals which starts next weekend. The Dartford boss used to manage Hampton and Richmond Borough and his success there will see him welcomed back to the Beveree. The Middlesex club can finish as high as sixteenth in the division with all three points.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Marvin Herschel scored on his debut in the reverse fixture back in September and it turned out to be the match winner. However, it was Charlie Sheringham that made an impact by scoring and assisting after coming on as a substitute. After Carruthers and Luke Allen combined, Sheringham was sent through and slotted home the opener. The striker then set up Herschel nine minutes later to see Dartford go two up with 18 minutes to play. Searching for a first home clean sheet of the season, the Darts were unable to hold out when Jake Gray fired past Joe Young. Last time at the Beveree, Carruthers made his Dartford debut last season and found himself on the winning the side. Marcus Dinanga scored the only goal of the game just over a year ago.

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Match Highlights – Hampton & Richmond Borough v Dartford (26/03/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Dowson will need to decide on whether to rest players or maintain the side that beat St Albans City at Princes Park last Saturday. The Darts suffered a disappointing defeat on the road just two days earlier against relegation threatened Concord Rangers but bounced back with a hard fought 2-1 win against the Saints. Four changes were made to the side with Jordan Wynter, Richard Chin, Luke Allen and Samir Carruthers returning to the starting eleven, the latter returning from injury and making an early impact against St Albans City. Striker Alex Wall who returned from injury against Concord Rangers as a substitute only to be substituted in the same game was out on the weekend as well as former Hampton and Richmond Borough defender Tommy Block.

Saturday’s win was a good test for what is to come in a weeks’ time as the Darts could be facing last weekends opponents again. Chin had an excellent afternoon and the loanee set up Carruthers for his tenth goal of the season. The Darts had an advantage after just three minutes and had to hold firm as the first-half progressed. It took until the 72nd minute for St Albans City to equalise with one of the best goals scored at Princes Park from an opposing side. Shaun Jeffers acrobatically struck the ball beyond Ben Dudzinski for yet another goal against the Darts. Luke Coulson and Pierre Fonkeu started from the substitute’s bench and the pair made an impact five minutes after St Albans City equalised. Coulson’s free-kick was saved by Dylan Berry and Fonkeu pounced to net the winner, his tenth league goal of the campaign.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (22/04/2023) – Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s form has been sketchy to say the least as they approach the playoffs, they have alternated between wins and losses for the last nine games. Whilst they have suffered late defeats to Chelmsford City, Taunton Town and Concord Rangers as well as the reverse at Eastbourne Borough, the Darts also beat Farnborough, Dulwich Hamlet, recorded their sixth and seventh Kent derby wins of the season against Dover Athletic and Tonbridge Angels respectively and overcame St Albans City.

Hampton and Richmond Borough were heading for a relegation battle in February compounded by a heavy defeat to Ebbsfleet United. A month earlier Gary McCann departed and Mel Gwinnett was appointed as boss. The new man couldn’t buy a win in his first six games in charge, but the Beavers rallied and swam to safety showing excellent form throughout March in particular. After the 6-2 reverse against the Fleet, Hampton and Richmond Borough won eight of their next eleven fixtures beating the sides down at the bottom such as Dulwich Hamlet, Cheshunt, Dover Athletic and Hungerford Town. Keeping their cool during those six pointers lifted the Middlesex club away from the battle at the wrong end of the table with plenty of time to spare.

On Tuesday night, with the shackles off they were beaten for a third away game in a row having been beaten by Chippenham Town and Concord Rangers, although they did win their last home match in between versus Weymouth. A 3-0 reverse at Welling United means the Beavers have now lost three in four, but all the hard work has already been done.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (LWLWLW)			Hampton & Richmond (WWLWLL)
St Albans City	H	2-1	Welling United	A	0-3
Concord Rangers	A	2-3	Concord Rangers	A	0-2
Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0	Weymouth	H	2-1
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Chippenham Town	A	1-2
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Hungerford Town	H	2-0
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	Taunton Town	H	3-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (26/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (22/01/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (08/02/2020 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 – 2 Dartford (05/11/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last 11 against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W6, D4)
The Darts are unbeaten in their last five visits to the Beveree (W3, D2)
Dartford have kept three clean sheets in their last four visits to Hampton and Richmond Borough

On This Day

A dramatic late win down in Poole helped Dartford secure a third-place finish and a bye in the playoffs. Needing to beat Chelmsford City’s result at Hungerford Town, the Darts came from behind to leapfrog the Clarets on the final day. Andy Pugh gave Dartford a lead which was extinguished when Poole Town scored twice through Marvin Brooks and Steve Devlin. Two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game Tom Murphy equalised and with virtually the last kick Lee Noble completed the comeback. The Darts have won their last two on this day and both games were on the road, Tonbridge Angels were beaten 4-2 in the Southern League South back in 2000. Ricky Bennett scored four in a 6-0 win over Faversham Town in 1995. Dartford’s opponents were forced to field a young side after several players had walked out of the club. In a subsequent match, Faversham Town lost 13-0 against Folkestone Invicta.

Dartford v St Albans City

April 21, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford have a tough final home game of the regular season when they host playoff hopefuls St Albans City this weekend.

The Darts will be hoping for another two home matches, but that depends if they can secure second place and make it through to the playoff final next month. A runners up finish will mean a home tie in the semi-final against the side who finishes in either fifth or sixth, that side could be St Albans City. The Saints have a four-point cushion over eighth place with two games remaining.

Victory will bring up 50 points at Princes Park for Dartford this term, who have the second-best home record in the league. St Alban City have fared better on their travels accumulating the second most points on the road. Little separates the two teams and that was the case back in October when they played out a 1-1 draw at Clarence Park. Jack Smith scored his first goal in a Dartford shirt and although it was an easy tap in, the Darts worked the ball forwards swiftly after gaining possession on the halfway line. St Albans City equalised after catching Dartford out with a quick throw in and when the ball fell to Shaun Jeffers, he took an air shot before drilling his second attempt beyond Joe Young. The Darts will have to keep an eye on St Albans City’s top scorer, Jeffers has managed 25 league goals this term and top scored last season with 27.

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Match Highlights – St Albans City v Dartford (22/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

The prospect of facing St Albans City since Dartford returned to the National South used to be daunting for the Darts, the Saints won five out of six with an aggregate score of 14-2. However, the tide has turned in recent years as Dartford have lost just once in the last seven meetings, winning four of those. The last time the Hertfordshire club came to visit Princes Park was a day shy of a year. Dartford surpassed a century of goals for the season in all competitions and Keiran Murtagh scored his first two for the club. The midfielder’s glancing header from Jack Jebb’s corner set the host on their way, but Jeffers levelled for the Saints. Murtagh put the Darts back ahead when his volley beat goalkeeper, Michael Johnson at the near post. Marcus Dinanga slotted in a third to complete a double over St Albans City after the reverse fixture on the opening day also ended 3-1.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (23/04/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Up until the festive season the Darts were well within a chance of challenging for the National South title. After victories against Havant and Waterlooville then completing a double against local rivals Ebbsfleet United, Dartford were top of the table on New Years Day. Rising to the summit was helped by a run of ten victories and a draw in eleven matches from September to early November. After the fantastic spell over Christmas and New Year, the Darts beat Cheshunt to make it four wins on the bounce, but form has not been that good since. Now the National South title has been sewn up, Dowson’s side are left scrapping for second with Oxford City and Chelmsford City.

On Thursday night the Darts missed an opportunity to go five points clear of the chasers losing 3-2 at Concord Rangers. Only one change was made to the starting eleven after the 1-0 away win at Tonbridge. Luke Allen made way for Pierre Fonkeu. Alex Wall and Charlie Sheringham were named on the bench. Wall had been out with a calf strain picked up against Eastbourne Borough on Good Friday. Although the striker made a ten minute appearance on Thursday he was taken off and may have returned from injury too soon. Sheringham’s injury kept the striker out for over two months and he was introduced later on in the game. Samir Carruthers didn’t feature in the matchday squad and has been recovering since the Easter period, although Dowson did state the midfielder is back training.

Dartford suffered a disappointing defeat in Essex against a Concord Rangers side hoping to pull of a great escape. In a topsy turvy game the hosts went ahead when Lewis Manor scored. Within six minutes the Darts were level and it was Harvey Bradbury yet again with his fifth goal in eight games since joining last month. Dartford edged in front when Sam Odaudu scored his first for the club on his 26th appearance. The Beachboys fought back in the second half, Ben Steward equalised then with two minutes left Manor scored a vital winner for Rob Small’s side.

A second place finish is still in Dartford’s hands but they will most likely need points against St Albans City this weekend. Dowson’s side are two points ahead of their closest challengers Oxford City and Chelmsford City and can still be caught by Worthing.

Dartford (79pts)	Oxford City (77)	Chelmsford (77)	Worthing (72)
St Albans (H)	Havant & W (H)	Hemel (A)	Taunton (A)
			Cheshunt (A)
Hampton & R (A)	Bath (A)	Taunton (H)	Hemel (H)

St Albans City have hit form at the right time to get into the top seven and they hope to stay put. If the Saints can make the playoffs it will be the first time in this division since they won promotion to the National League in 2006. Difficult to beat in the first couple of months of the season, St Albans City were too inconsistent and by the end of October they were in twelfth. However, the Hertfordshire side saw out the rest of 2022 with seven wins from nine, including a 6-0 away trouncing of Hampton and Richmond Borough and into fifth. A mediocre start to the New Year and a difficult February meant the Saints dipped below the dotted line, but they would rise again. Currently David Noble’s side have tasted defeat just once in their last eight outings winning five of those and their last two matches. A 3-0 triumph over Welling United last weekend followed up a 2-1 win at bottom club Concord Rangers and now St Albans City are hoping to stay above that dotted line.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 11 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 6

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWLWL)			St Albans City (WWDLWW)
Concord Rangers	A	2-3	Welling United	H	3-0
Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0	Concord Rangers	A	2-1
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Braintree Town	H	0-2
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Chippenham Town	A	1-1
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	Havant & Waterlooville	H	2-0
Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-0	Dover Athletic	H	1-0

Last Six Meetings

St Albans City 1 – 1 Dartford (22/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 St Albans City (23/04/2022 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 3 Dartford (14/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 St Albans City (17/11/2020 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 2 Dartford (07/03/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (06/08/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won 50% of their home games against St Albans City in all competitions (W6, D4, L2)
The Darts have gone 13 games without a clean sheet against the Saints stretching back to a 2-0 win in February 2016
Dartford have alternated between wins and losses for their last eight games

On This Day

Two late goals from substitute Tom Murphy turned the final home game of the 2018/2019 season around for the Darts. After finding themselves a goal down at home to Billericay Town, Murphy was introduced and scored in the 88th and 90th minutes to win it for Dartford. Two years earlier, the Darts cruised to a 4-0 triumph over Bishop’s Stortford in the last home league fixture of the 2016/2017 campaign before the playoffs. Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook gave the Darts a commanding 2-0 lead before the break. Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Alfie Pavey added another two in the second-half. Bromley beat the Darts 4-1 at Hayes Lane in 2011 on this day and Danny Harris netted a brace a year earlier in a 2-1 victory over Hendon with the Isthmian Premier League title already secured. Dartford claimed a fourth Kent Senior Cup in five seasons with a 3-2 win over Folkestone back in 1935.

Concord Rangers v Dartford

April 19, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to make their game in hand count against bottom side Concord Rangers on Thursday night as they push to secure second place.

The Darts can extend their lead over Oxford City and Chelmsford City to five points going into the final two games of the season with a consecutive away victory. Dartford put their away day troubles behind them on a weekend that saw the chasing sides pile on the pressure with victories of their own. Dowson’s men have failed to win back to back fixtures on the road since the purple patch in December and into January when they beat Havant and Waterlooville, champions Ebbsfleet United and Cheshunt. Concord Rangers will be on their third game of the week and after Tuesday night’s result have given themselves a glimmer of hope.

Dartford are guaranteed a playoff spot after ending their run of six away games without a win in the league by beating Tonbridge Angels on the weekend. The Darts have now gone unbeaten in Kent derbies after inflicting doubles over champions Ebbsfleet United, Dover Athletic and now Tonbridge Angels, picking up an astonishing 22 points from a maximum of 24, only Welling United managed to take anything from the Darts in the league. However, inconsistent form has seen Dartford alternate between winning and losing for the last seven matches and since the start of February they have not recorded consecutive wins, draws or losses. Heading towards the playoffs now is the time for Dowson and company to find consistency and build momentum.

Malachai Napa was given his first league start in nearly a month and rewarded Alan Dowson’s decision with the only goal of the game. The winger was one of four changes from the side that lost to Taunton Town a week ago. With four games in eight days, the Dartford boss shuffled his side by bringing in Napa, Sam Odaudu, Keiran Murtagh and Jack Smith for Jernade Meade, who has now served his one match suspension, Jordan Wynter, Bobby Dunn and Marvin Herschel.

Tonbridge Angels enjoyed most of the possession throughout the Kent derby, but resolute Dartford defending restricted the hosts. The decisive moment came in the 24th minute when goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski sent a long ball forward which fell to Napa. Breaking through the Angels backline the 23-year- old made sure the Darts took an important lead. Keeping out Tonbridge Angels secured three points and earned Dartford their first away clean sheet since August, a third on the road this season and first in 19 matches in all competitions.

Christian Jolley spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and commented: “I thought the boys were outstanding, to a man they were brilliant, it was a real squad performance. After the week we’ve had and the miles we’ve covered in regard to pitch action we thought it was a really important game to try and get a result. We had to do it differently by being patient and using our energy reserves wisely”.

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Match Highlights – Concord Rangers v Dartford (02/11/2021) – Dartford FC TV

Last time Dartford travelled across the River Thames to take on the Beachboys they lost 1-0 on a cold November evening. Lemar Reynolds scored the decisive goal to separate the two teams. It was just as tight two months later when a goalless draw was played out at Princes Park.

However, the Darts got the better of Concord Rangers earlier this season thanks to the influential Samir Carruthers. The midfielder stood out and opened the scoring in the first half with a deflected effort, but Mo Bettamer levelled the score from the spot just before the break. A neat move in the second-half saw Pierre Fonkeu swivel and shoot beyond goalkeeper Mitch Beeney to regain Dartford’s lead. Maximum points were secured when Dan Wilks’ drop kick found its way to the edge of the Concord Rangers box. A lack of communication between Beeney and Aron Pollock led to the defender passing the ball into his own goal.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Concord Rangers (26/11/2022) – Dartford FC TV

If fit Alex Wall could face his former club, a team he helped reached the F.A Trophy final in May 2021 scoring the winner in the semi-final. The striker had two spells with the Beachboys scoring 32 goals in 53 games. Wall has been back training this week and so has well as Charlie Sheringham, so they could play a part against Concord Rangers. Dowson is also confident midfielder Samir Carruthers can make a return, whilst Jernade Meade returns from suspension. Former Dart, Ricky Modeste could feature for Concord Rangers, the winger only made three appearances for Dartford in the 2020/2021 campaign.

Concord Rangers have lost every game against sides in the top six and have picked up just one point from those in the current top ten. However on Tuesday night they faced a struggling Dover Athletic side a grabbed a crucial three points. Nana Kyei’s cross was finished by Lewis Manor in the only goal of the game leaving the Beachboys nine points from safety with five matches to go.

The heavy end of season schedule could play a huge part in whether the Essex club remain in the division. Last weekend they were comprehensively beaten away at Bath City losing 4-0. That defeat came after a relegation scrap with Hungerford Town in which Concord Rangers won 1-0, and victory over Dover Athletic was just their second in nine outings. The Beachboys need to cram in their final fixtures over the nine days remaining of the season and by the time they take on Dulwich Hamlet it could be a vital six pointer.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Concord Rangers wins: 4 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (LWLWLW)			Concord Rangers (LLLWLW)
Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0	Dover Athletic	H	1-0
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Bath City	A	0-4
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Hungerford Town	H	1-0
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	St Albans City	H	1-2
Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-0	Worthing	A	0-7
Chelmsford City	H	1-2	Taunton Town	A	0-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 Concord Rangers (26/11/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Concord Rangers (25/01/2022 – National South)
Concord Rangers 1 – 0 Dartford (02/11/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Concord Rangers (21/12/2019 – National South)
Concord Rangers 0 – 2 Dartford (14/09/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Concord Rangers (26/01/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won just one of their last five trips to Concord Rangers (D2, L2).
The Darts have scored once in each of their last five away games.
Tom Bonner made his 450th start for Dartford in the win at Tonbridge Angels on Saturday.

On This Day

Dartford were defeated in the first leg of the Southern League Cup final on this day in 1988. The reliable Peter Taylor missed a penalty as Bromsgrove Rovers won 3-1 giving the Darts a mammoth task, only two teams had ever overturned a two goal deficit in the Southern League Cup final before. Six days later and despite another miss from the spot, Dartford won 3-0 in the second leg with goals from Garry Britnell, Kurt Davidson and Colin Johnson handing the cup to the Darts. It wasn’t so glorious in Dartford’s last away trip on 20 April, they lost 6-0 down in Eastbourne four years ago.

Tonbridge Angels v Dartford

April 14, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are back on the road this weekend when they make the short trip to Tonbridge Angels in their final Kent derby of the season.

The Darts are just one win away from securing a playoff place which they failed to do on Thursday night after a home loss against Taunton Town. A third defeat in five leaves Dartford just short of their target and under pressure to maintain their position in second place. Alan Dowson’s side could end up taking on Tonbridge Angels if their opponents make the top seven, they are currently just three points adrift and unbeaten in their last three home matches.

Kent derbies have yielded an impressive 19 points from a possible 21 for the Darts this season with only Welling United taking anything from the Darts. Earlier in the campaign goals from Samir Carruthers and Pierre Fonkeu earned Dartford a 2-0 home win over the Angels. Carruthers has been pivotal this term with his creativity, but the midfielder’s injury against Eastbourne Borough on Good Friday looks to have put him out for the rest of the campaign. The 30-year-old scored direct from a corner in the reverse fixture back in October at Princes Park and was involved in the second goal as well. Flicking on a header for Charlie Sheringham, who had his shot saved only to see Fonkeu scramble the ball over the line.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Tonbridge Angels (15/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Sheringham is another on the treatment table after his rib injury picked up against Chippenham Town in February, Tommy Block is not likely to feature this term and Jernade Meade will be suspended. Alex Wall was rested on Easter Monday after picking up a calf strain, the striker was left out again on Thursday night. Captain, Tom Bonner could make his 450th start for the club this weekend.

Dowson made three changes on Thursday night against Taunton Town to the side that beat Dover Athletic with a late Luke Allen strike on Easter Monday. The midfielder was rewarded by being selected, Bobby Dunn made his first start since joining the Darts and Marvin Herschel made his first league appearance since October. Dropping to the bench, Richard Chin, Jack Smith and Fonkeu were on standby. The visitors started the better and saw Ollie Chamberlain strike the woodwork before Nat Jarvis tapped in the rebound only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The Darts responded when they hit the post after Allen’s teasing cross and later in the first-half his shot came off the crossbar. Very little happened in the second forty five until Taunton Town’s Cameron Evans netted a winner with three minutes to go.

Home advantage in the playoffs could be crucial for the Darts, especially having failed to win away from home since the beginning of January, a run of six league games. Dartford let a lead slip against Eastbourne Borough and picked up just one point out of the two games versus Hungerford Town and Weymouth, both sides in the relegation zone. The point at Braintree Town in February was creditable considering the Iron were in form at the time and the Darts showed character to comeback twice at Welling United. A poor performance at Worthing started the barren spell on the road, which Dowson and company will be keen to end on Saturday.

Tonbridge Angels have only lost once at home against teams above them in the table, but Dartford’s last visit to Longmead finished in an entertaining 3-2 victory. Danny Leonard set the Darts on their way scoring a brace in the opening twenty minutes. However, Tommy Wood halved the deficit and after the Darts restored a two-goal cushion through Jack Jebb, the Angels added a consolation through Ibrahim Olutade.

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Match Highlights – Tonbridge Angels v Dartford (29/01/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Manager, Jay Saunders has turned Tonbridge Angels into a team challenging for the playoffs after the club finished 16th last season. The postponement of the Farnborough game on Easter Monday means the Angels last played on Good Friday when they drew 1-1 with Hemel Hempstead Town. Former Dartford striker, Jordan Greenidge wasn’t allowed to play against his parent club, but he will be available on Saturday.

At this level Greenidge is a goal threat having netted six in eight games for the Darts last season. This term the striker has scored 16 times in 23 appearances for Tonbridge Angels and four in 15 with Hemel Hempstead Town. The Darts could do with Meade’s knowledge of the striker having spent time with the Tudors earlier this term, he will also know all about Craig Braham-Barrett as he linked up with the defender on international duty for Montserrat last month. Braham-Barrett is another former Dart who spent two seasons at Princes Park making 29 appearances.

Since the New Year’s Day defeat at Welling United, the Angels have shown solid form in 2023. They have only lost three of their last 17 league fixtures and two of were away against Chelmsford City and Oxford City, the two sides chasing the Darts for that second place finish. In that time they picked up their fourth point versus champions Ebbsfleet United with a 1-1 draw racked up eight victories. Over the past month if they could have turned a few draws into wins then they would be in that top seven.

On Good Friday, Joe Turner opened the scoring with a decent finish past ex Dartford goalkeeper Craig King in the Hemel Hempstead Town goal. However, the lead lasted less than ten minutes when Josh Castiglione equalised as the spoils were shared. It was Tonbridge Angels’ third draw in five having earned a point at home to Ebbsfleet United and another away at Havant and Waterlooville. Prior their match over Easter, the Angels were involved in plenty of goals clinging on to beat Hungerford Town 4-3 before being on the wrong end of a 4-0 defeat at Oxford City.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 71 / Tonbridge Angels wins: 38 / Draws: 25

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWLWL)			Tonbridge Angels (WDDWLD)
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	1-1
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Oxford City	A	0-4
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	Hungerford Town	H	4-3
Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-0	Havant & Waterlooville	A	1-1
Chelmsford City	H	1-2	Ebbsfleet United	H	1-1
Farnborough	H	3-1	Eastbourne Borough	A	2-1

Previous Meeting

Dartford 2 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (15/10/2022 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 2 – 3 Dartford (29/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Tonbridge Angels (11/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (05/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (28/12/2019 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 3 – 2 Dartford (03/09/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last 15 games against Tonbridge Angels (W12, D2)
The Darts have won five of the last six away matches against the Angels (W5, L1)
Dartford are winless in seven consecutive away matches in all competitions (D3, L4). The last time they went eight games without an away win in a single season was in 2013/2014 (D4, L11)

On This Day

Dartford have won their last three on this day including the 2-0 win at Billericay Town a year ago. Second-half strikes from Jebb and Marcus Dinanga was enough to beat the side who ended up relegated at the end of the season. That was also one of three consecutive away clean sheets on 15 April. In 2010, the Darts romped to a 4-0 victory at Waltham Abbey. Goals by James White, Lee Noble, Carl Rook and Lee Burns helped Dartford add another three points in their Isthmian Division One North title winning campaign. A 0-0 draw at Tunbridge Wells in a 1995 Kent League fixture was the other clean sheet on the road. Dartford last conceded on the road on this day in 1989 against Macclesfield Town and they managed it four times in the F.A Trophy semi-final second leg. The reverse fixture ended 0-0 at Watling Street, but the Silkmen stopped Peter Taylor’s side heading to Wembley winning 4-1 on aggregate. However, Dartford did lift some silverware on 15 April back in 1939 when they beat Northfleet United 4-0 in the Kent Senior Shield final.

Dartford v Taunton Town

April 12, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford can secure a playoff place with a win in their penultimate home game of the regular season against Taunton Town on Thursday night.

With a top seven spot all but guaranteed, the Darts are aiming to finish second to earn them home advantage in the playoffs and a bye into the semi-final. A third home win in four on Easter Monday in the Kent derby against Dover Athletic edged Alan Dowson’s side closer to their target. Taunton Town have hit good form winning three on the bounce to virtually make sure they will be playing National South football next season.

Dartford are two points ahead of closest rivals Oxford City with two games in hand and five to play. Three more wins will make sure the Darts claim second and keep the rest of the playoff contenders at bay. So Dowson’s men will be eager to avoid double defeat against Taunton Town who won the reverse fixture back in August.

Eight months ago, Davide Rodari scored the opener at Wordsworth Drive even though he looked second best when he chasing down Sam Odaudu’s long ball, but a mix up at the back between goalkeeper Jack Bycroft and centre half Dan Ball allowed Rodari to get between the pair, round the keeper and slot into an empty net. Another long ball caused problems with 15 minutes to go, this time for the Darts. Tom Bonner was caught out and substitute Dave Sims-Burgess took advantage to equalise. Then four minutes later another sub won it for the Peacocks, Ross Stearn poked home from close range.

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Highlights – Taunton Town v Dartford (20/08/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On Monday, Dowson made one change following the 2-1 Good Friday defeat at Eastbourne Borough. Striker, Alex Wall picked up a calf strain during the loss in Sussex meaning Pierre Fonkeu was selected in the Kent derby against Dover Athletic. Wall joined an injury list which already included Charlie Sheringham, Samir Carruthers and Tommy Block. Despite Jernade Meade’s red card at Eastbourne, the full back will not start his suspension until Saturday against Tonbridge Angels.

Harvey Bradbury helped Dartford on their way to a sixth Kent derby win in the National League after just five minutes. The striker capitalised on a defensive mix up to score for the second game in a row, his fourth in five appearances since joining the club. Bradbury had the ball in the back of the net again, but his effort was ruled out for offiside. From that moment Dover Athletic gained control and before the first-half was out Jordan Higgs equalised. The Darts got to grips with proceedings in the second-half and with seven minutes to go substitute Luke Allen finished superbly to win it for the hosts.

Taunton Town have been playing catch up after a series of postponements throughout the season. The Peacocks now have a heavy fixture list and their trip to Princes Park will be their fifth game in April out of ten scheduled. At the beginning of the month a modest points total had the Somerset side looking like they would be involved in a relegation battle, however realistically having played fewer matches they were really in a false league position. Five wins in seven has seen Rob Dray’s team on the verge of securing National South football for only their second ever season. Taunton Town need just four points from their remaining six fixtures.

Over Easter, one of the tightest defences in the division kept a consecutive clean sheet on Good Friday. Following a 1-0 win against bottom side Concord Rangers in which Lee Lucas netted the winner, the Peacocks kept out Bath City in a 2-0 victory. It took the Somerset club 76 minutes to break the deadlock when Cameron Evans scored from close range. Victory was secured with eight minutes on the clock, Dylan Morgan finishing from just inside the penalty box.

Dray was forced to make two changes for the Easter Monday clash with Slough Town. Suspensions to Lucas and Nat Jarvis meant Nick McCootie and Morgan were handed starts. Jarvis will be available to return against the Darts, but Lucas still has two games to serve. A last minute winner was enough for the Peacocks to claim a 2-1 victory. The hosts took the lead from a corner headed in by Jake Wannell. Slough Town hit back on the stroke of half-time when Matt Lench levelled. Then during second-half injury Morgan grabbed a winner for Taunton Town.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Taunton Town wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Current League Form

Dartford (DWLWLW)			Taunton Town (WLLWWW)
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Slough Town	H	2-1
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	Bath City	A	2-0
Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-0	Concord Rangers	H	1-0
Chelmsford City	H	1-2	Ebbsfleet United	H	0-1
Farnborough	H	3-1	Hampton & Richmond	A	1-3
Hungerford Town	A	1-1	Braintree Town	A	2-0

Previous Meeting

Taunton Town 2 – 1 Dartford (20/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

The Darts have won all ten home games against sides currently 14th and below in the league, Taunton Town are 15th.
Dartford have conceded one fewer than the best defence in the league. Taunton Town have conceded the fewest goals (44) in the division, joint with champions Ebbsfleet United.
The Darts have not gone three unbeaten at home in the league since their eight game winning streak from 24 September 2022 to 26 November 2022

On This Day

Paul Sawyer lifted the Kent Senior Trophy on this day in 1996 after the Darts beat Chatham Town 3-0 in the final. Dean Bowey, Ricky Bennett and Sean Bristow all scored at Park View Road to give Tony Burman’s black and white army some deserved silverware. Dartford’s last outing on 13 April was four years ago and ended in defeat at Princes Park. Nat Jarvis and Nick McCootie, now of Taunton Town were in the Chippenham Town side that won 1-0. Defeat in 2019 ended a three game winning streak on this day without conceding a goal. In 2009, Lee Noble, Adam Flanagan, Rob Haworth and Ryan Hayes all scored in a 4-0 win over Canvey Island in the Isthmian Premier League. A year later in the same division Allan Tait scored the only goal of the game against Harrow Borough and in 2013, Charlie Sheringham netted the winner as the Darts beat Stockport County 1-0 in the National League.

Dartford v Dover Athletic

April 9, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford’s quest for securing a runner up spot continues this Easter Monday in their final home Kent derby of the season against rivals Dover Athletic.

In league competition, the Darts have fared extremely well in local derbies this term dropping just two points from their six so far and winning all three at Princes Park. In their last home game, Dartford bounced back from defeat with a resounding 4-0 victory over Dulwich Hamlet before travelling away to Eastbourne Borough on Good Friday. Dover Athletic look set to be playing National South football again next season, their last away trip saw the Whites end a four game losing streak before hosting Welling United.

Down in Sussex, the Darts fell to another away defeat in the league stretching their winless streak on the road to six. Yet it all looked good at by the end of the first half when Harvey Bradbury gave the Darts a 1-0 lead. The striker headed in his third goal for the club in four appearances. However the afternoon soon unravelled early in the second half when Eastbourne Borough scored twice in as many minutes. First Leone Gravata pounced to level, then Luke Pearce put the hosts ahead. The task was hard enough to mount a comeback after hat-trick hero from the Dulwich Hamlet win, Alex Wall was taken off in the first-half and things were to get worse at 2-1 down. Jernade Meade was already on a caution before another incident saw the defender pick up another resulting in his dismissals. To compound matters after Dowson had used up all his substitutes, Samir Carruthers was injured leaving the Darts with nine men. Early player news is that Wall has a calf strain, whilst Carruthers could be out for the rest of the season.

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Match Highlights – Eastbourne Borough v Dartford (07/04/2023) – Dartford FC TV

Meanwhile, Dover Athletic kept a clean sheet on Good Friday but were unable to breach Welling United’s defence in a goalless Kent derby at the Crabble. The hosts enjoyed the better chances in a fairly even fixture which failed to produce any clear cut opportunities for either side. Although the draw followed up an excellent 3-1 away win at Braintree Town, the Whites have now failed to score in their last four home outings.

Back in September, the Darts won their first Kent derby of the campaign winning 3-1 at the Crabble. All the goals came before the break with the returning Samir Carruthers scoring a well-crafted opener. Luke Coulson was also back in the starting eleven on that Tuesday night and his selection was justified when he chipped in a second, the winger had already set up Carruthers for the first. A productive 18-minute spell ended when Maxwell Statham put Dartford out of sight. However, the hosts managed to pull one back through Luke Baptiste.

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Match Highlights – Dover Athletic v Dartford (13/09/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Dartford have now won their last three against their opponents stretching back to December 2016. That game came in the first round of the F.A Trophy and after a 1-1 draw at Princes Park, in which Ronnie Vint equalised, the two sides faced each other again in a replay. Vint was at it again three days later at the Crabble scoring the leveller after Jim Stevenson had the hosts in front. This time the Darts managed to find a winner when Luke Wanadio curled home a low shot, the winger who had three spells with the Darts is now at Dover Athletic. Wanadio came close to reaching 100 Dartford appearances needing just one more game before leaving and scored 18 times for the club.

Last season, the Darts began their defence of the Kent Senior Cup against the Whites winning a second round tie in March 2022. Jordan Greenidge scored twice on his debut to send Dartford on their way and like this season Baptiste scored a consolation goal. Princes Park last hosted a league game versus Dover Athletic during the 2014/2015 National League campaign. Lining up against the Darts in September 2014 was central defensive pairing Connor Essam and Tom Bonner, whilst Tyrone Sterling was also in the starting eleven for the Whites.

Essam had three loan and two permanent spells with Dover Athletic making 151 appearances for the club in total, chipping in with nine goals. Bonner was on loan at the Crabble between August 2014 and January 2015 and played 22 times for the Whites. Sterling is currently in his third spell at Dover Athletic and during the 2013/2014 campaign made 36 appearances in the National League for the Darts. To complete the list of former players Emmanuel Adebowale played just three times over a two-year period between 2017 and 2019 for Dover Athletic.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 15 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Current League Form

Dartford (LDWLWL)			Dover Athletic (LLLLWD)
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	Welling United	H	0-0
Dulwich Hamlet	H	4-0	Braintree Town	A	3-1
Chelmsford City	H	1-2	St Albans City	A	0-1
Farnborough	H	3-1	Hampton & Richmond	H	0-3
Hungerford Town	A	1-1	Chippenham Town	A	1-3
Weymouth	A	1-3	Cheshunt	H	0-3

Last Six Meetings

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)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (16/09/2014 – National League)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just once in the league at home versus Dover Athletic (W4, D4)
The Darts have won the last three league games at home against the Whites with an aggregate score of 9-2
Tom Bonner has now made 450 Dartford appearances (447 starts, 3 substitute appearances and 19 goals)
Dartford have gained the most points in Kent derbies this season, Dover Athletic have picked up the fewest

	Pld	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Dartford	6	5	1	0	20	5	16
Tonbridge	7	3	1	3	10	8	10
Welling	7	2	4	1	8	10	10
Ebbsfleet	7	2	2	3	9	13	8
Dover	7	0	2	5	4	15	2

On This Day

Dartford clinched the Isthmian Premier League title to return to the second tier of non-league football on this day in 2010. Travelling across to Surrey to take on second place Kingstonian, the Darts were in jubilant mood after a memorable 6-2 win. A team goal had Dartford in front when Adam Gross, Ryan Hayes, Billy Burgess linked up before his cross was finished by Elliot Bradbrook. Eight minutes later Hayes rifled home an effort from 25 yards before Kingstonian’s Simon Huckle halved the deficit. The Darts went into the break with a 3-1 lead once Danny Harris headed in another. The goals kept coming and Bradbrook scored into an empty net for his second, then once more the K’s pulled one back courtesy of the eventual golden boot winner Bobby Traynor. The soon to be champions added further gloss to a perfect afternoon when Hayes completed his brace and Dartford’s top scorer Lee Burns made it 6-2. The Darts have won their last four games on this day, defeating King’s Lynn 1-0 in 2004 before the title clincher at Kingsmeadow. At Princes Park in 2014, Dartford beat Grimsby Town with Max Cornhill scoring the only goal of the game. Another four years later, Dartford repeated the same score at Gloucester City, this time Alfie Pavey netting the winner.

Eastbourne Borough v Dartford

March 31, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are on the road this Good Friday when they take on an Eastbourne Borough side aiming for the playoffs.

The Darts remain front runners to finish second with seven games remaining and a two point cushion on third. Bouncing back from defeat at home to Chelmsford City, Alan Dowson’s men put in a fine performance against relegation threatened Dulwich Hamlet last time out. However, Dartford have failed to win their last five away games in the National South. Unbeaten in four, Eastbourne Borough have pulled themselves into the playoff mix sitting in tenth and within a victory of moving above the dotted line.

Alex Wall was the star of the show on Saturday becoming the 15th player to net a Princes Park hat-trick in a Dartford shirt. Each goal reached a milestone and the first settled any early nerves against the leakiest defence in the division. After just seven minutes Wall scored his tenth in all competitions to give the hosts a 1-0 half-time lead over Dulwich Hamlet. Within a three minute second-half spell, the 32-year-old reached double figures in the league then claimed his 100th career goal and first ever league treble. Harvey Bradbury had time to score his second for the club in three appearances to round off a resounding 4-0 win, the striker showing why he was chosen in the starting lineup for the first time since joining the Darts.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Dulwich Hamlet (01/04/2023) – Dartford FC TV

Dowson handed Richard Chin his debut, whilst goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski and Jordan Wynter made their first starts since the loss at Weymouth just over a month ago, the latter had been out through injury. Meanwhile, Jernade Meade was back in the lineup after returning from international duty with Montserrat. The Dartford boss opted for more bite in midfield with Sam Odaudu and Wynter replacing the creative Samir Carruthers and Jack Smith. With the game secure there was even time to see the first glimpse of new signing Bobby Dunn.

Dartford could complete a double over Eastbourne Borough this season after winning the reverse fixture 2-1 at Princes Park. The Darts came from behind to triumph under the floodlights after conceding a goal scored by Leone Gravata. The hosts were soon level when Charlie Sheringham assisted Samir Carruthers for the equaliser. Carruthers was involved again for the winner, providing the ball to the now departed Kristian Campbell who set up Luke Allen.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Eastbourne Borough (27/09/2022) – Dartford FC TV

At Priory Lane in recent campaigns both sides have recorded big victories. On the final day of last season, the Darts warmed up for the playoffs with an outstanding 7-2 win. Dan Roberts, who is currently out on loan with Hungerford Town opened the scoring after just four minutes only for Charley Kendall to level. With half an hour played, Marcus Dinanga got on the end of a long ball to give the Darts a lead and Kory Roberts extended the advantage six minutes later. In the second-half Dartford netted three goals in a five-minute spell, Dinanga scored his second and Kalvin Kalala grabbed a quickfire brace. A seventh was added by Jordan Greenidge before Chris Whelpdale managed a consolation goal for the Sports. The convincing win for the Darts put the 6-0 humbling at the same venue three years earlier well behind them. In between those huge results the spoils have been almost shared with Dartford winning three and Eastbourne Borough claiming two victories.

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Match Highlights – Eastbourne Borough v Dartford (07/05/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Yet to make an appearance, Dartford’s deadline day signing Emmanuel Adebowale had a loan spell at Priory Lane back in 2018 and joined permanently the following season. In total the defender made 38 appearances for Eastbourne Borough before moving to Crawley Town and spending more time out on loan at Havant and Waterlooville. The Sports have two former Darts in their squad, forward Norman Wabo played 19 times in the 2019/2020 campaign scoring four goals. Kai Innocent made eight appearances last season for Dartford and has recently been out injured since coming off in the St Albans City game almost four weeks ago. The full back returned on the weekend in the 1-0 win at Weymouth, the winning goal coming from Ryan Bartley.

Under Danny Bloor, Eastbourne Borough have gone from surviving in the National South to challenging for promotion. When he took over in November 2019 his aim was to keep the Sports in the division, which he achieved. The following campaign saw the Sussex club finish 18^th for a third consecutive season. Last term, Eastbourne Borough made the playoffs losing at the same stage as the Darts in the elimination round. Now the Sports are one of a number of teams chasing the top seven. A fantastic November and December saw Bloor’s side lose just once in ten outings picking up 23 points to lift the club into sixth by Boxing Day.

Since the New Year inconsistent results have seen Eastbourne Borough slip out of the playoff places. However, the Sports are showing signs of recovery and a late push for the top seven cannot be ruled out after closing the gap on Saturday.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 15 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 8 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (DLDWLW)			Eastbourne Borough (DLWWDW)
Dulwich Hamlet	H	4-0	Weymouth	A	1-0
Chelmsford City	H	1-2	Chippenham Town	A	1-1
Farnborough	H	3-1	Slough Town	H	2-0
Hungerford Town	A	1-1	St Albans City	A	3-2
Weymouth	A	1-3	Tonbridge Angels	H	1-2
Oxford City	H	0-0	Chelmsford City	H	2-2

Last Six Meetings

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)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (22/02/2020 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford are five without an away win in the league for the first time since 2019 (D3, L2)
A league double has been claimed by either side in the past three seasons. Dartford beat the Sports twice in 2019/2020 and 2021/2022 and Eastbourne Borough defeated the Darts in both games during the 2020/2021 campaign
Out of eleven seasons in which the two sides have been in the same division there has been nine doubles (Dartford 6 v Eastbourne Borough 3)

On This Day

Alan Dowson’s Kingstonian side hosted the Darts on this day in 2007. The Isthmian Division One South fixture ended in a 1-1 draw with Eddie McClements scoring for Dartford. Five years later no goals were scored in the draw at home to Chelmsford City. Most recently in 2018, Dartford stayed hot on the heels of Havant and Waterlooville in a closely contested title race. The Darts hosted Weston-super-Mare and won 3-1 with goals from Alex Brown, captain Elliot Bradbrook and leading scorer Alfie Pavey. The win moved the Darts within three points of the top with a game in hand. Dartford lost out on the National South title on goal difference four weeks later.

Dartford FC Previews

Page 22 of 35

Pre Season Preview 2023/2024

Dartford v St Albans City

National South Playoff Preview

Hampton and Richmond Borough v Dartford

Dartford v St Albans City

Concord Rangers v Dartford

Tonbridge Angels v Dartford

Dartford v Taunton Town

Dartford v Dover Athletic

Eastbourne Borough v Dartford

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