Dartford FC Previews

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Season Preview 2025/2026

August 3, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Ramsgate

Isthmian Division One South East champions Ramsgate had been getting closer and closer to promotion and finally got over the line. The Rams were twice runners up only to lose two playoff semi-finals in the two campaigns before last season’s triumph. The Kent side return to the Isthmian Premier for the first time since 2008/2009 and claimed their first league title in 19 years, when they went back-to-back as Kent League, then Isthmian Division One champions. It will be some feat if the Rams were to achieve successive titles again.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian South East: 1st
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 1st Round
League Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Joe Taylor (40 goals)

Worthy champions with 109 points, the most goals, the biggest goal and an almost unbeaten home record. The Rams won their opening eight league matches and were finally beaten on matchday 18. In that time the Kent club had just dropped two points. Another 14 without defeat and Ramsgate were well on their way, they just needed to shake off Sittingbourne. The consistency was incredible, so much so that even their closest rival passed a century of point and goals. The Rams scored four or more goals in 18 league games. The only minor blip was the one home defeat, their last home game of the season against rivals Margate.

Manager – Ben Smith

The Isthmian Division One South East winning manager, Ben Smith was originally the Rams boss two years ago. He lasted 12 months before leaving by mutual consent, but when Tony Russell quit after just 25 days, Smith was put back in charge.

Previously he had success at Canterbury City, where he was a former player and youth team boss. He guided them to the F.A Vase semi-final in 2019. At the end of that season, Smith was controversially sacked with a game to go. Canterbury City’s loss was Herne Bay’s gain. He led the Bay to the 2022 Isthmian Division One playoff final and won. Back at Ramsgate he achieved the club’s record points haul last term and helped the Rams reach the F.A Cup second round for the first time ever.

Summer Transfers

The Isthmian South East champions were competing with three of their new signings last term. Full back, Donvieve Jones, striker Mitch May and forward Ryan Kingsford were part of the Sittingbourne side that pushed the Rams all the way. The trio make their switch to Ramsgate to test themselves in the Isthmian Premier.

With goalkeeper Tom Hadler facing a period on the sidelines through injury, the Rams have brought in Aidan Prall from Sheppey United. Former, Maidstone United defender Raphe Brown left the Stones after five years and will bring his experience to Ben Smith’s team. TJ Jadama will become the new captain after signing a new contract. Relegated to the Isthmian Premier with Welling United last season, Anthony Grant joins a team going in the other direction. The midfielder has over 500 Football League appearances to his name and six caps for Jamaica. Jerome Binnom-Williams was captain at Dulwich Hamlet last season. The former Maidstone United man also has plenty of Football League experience. Harry Webster has agreed a loan deal from Gillingham.

All time top scorer for the club, Joe Taylor scored 103 goals in two seasons for the Rams and he joined Hornchurch this summer. Lee Martin takes his first managerial role at Welling United and Joe Ellul has signed for Ashford United.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 12 / Ramsgate wins: 7 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

Ramsgate 0 – 3 Dartford (05/04/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 2 Dartford (10/11/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Ramsgate (18/04/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 0 – 1 Dartford (30/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 2 – 1 Dartford (31/02/2006 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 1 Dartford (21/08/1999 – F.A Cup)
* Dartford won 5-4 on penalties

Next Meetings

Ramsgate v Dartford – Monday 25th August 2025
Dartford v Ramsgate – Saturday 3rd January 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last four matches against Ramsgate (W3, D1)
  • The Darts have never lost a home game against the Rams (W7, D2)
  • Dartford are unbeaten in three away matches versus Ramsgate (W2, D1)

Match Highlights 2008/2009

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Season Preview 2025/2026

August 2, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Potters Bar Town

Runners up of the Isthmian Division One North in 2018 earned Potters Bar Town promotion to the Isthmian Premier for the first time. A year earlier the Scholars switched from the Southern League to begin a second spell in the Isthmian. The Herfordshire club have spent five full campaigns in the Premier finishing between thirteenth and sixteenth in each season.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 14th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
County Cup: Runners Up
League Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Brandon Adams and Steve Cawley (12 goals)

The season couldn’t have got off to a worse start for Potters Bar Town. At first the Scholars played their home games at King’s Langley until the new 3G pitch was laid. Their first outing there ended in an 8-0 thrashing to Dover Athletic. Yet the Hertfordshire club bounced back beating Dartford and winning five of their next seven. The rest of the campaign was inconsistent. They suffered some heavy losses to Horsham and Hashtag United. They also handed out some beatings, putting five past Lewes and Hendon.

Manager – Max Mitchell

Last season was Max Mitchell’s second full campaign in charge at Potters Bar Town. He joined the club in December 2022 on an interim basis from Welwyn City Garden. After a successful spell with the Citizens his position was made permanent in April 2023. Mitchell previously managed Walthamstow and St Margaretsbury in the Essex Senior League. He also had a spell in the Southern League with Hertford Town.

Summer Transfers

It took until the early part of July for the Scholars to announce their first summer signing. Then more followed well into pre-season. The first of the new arrivals were Ryan Doherty and Jack Berman from Biggleswade Town. Berman will have competition in goal with the returning Fred Burbidge, who sigend from Ware. On dual registration last term, Dylan Adjei-Hersey is now a Scholar having been at Enfield Town. Reece Beckles-Richards has taken the same route as Adjei-Hersey.

Mitchell has look towards Cheshunt for a trio of new signings. An award winner with the Ambers a couple of season’s ago, Nathaniel Orafu moves to Potters Bar Town. Fin Titchmarsh won Player of the Year for the Scholars in 2022/2023 and returns. Jack Munns is the third former Cheshunt player to sign.

Scorer of 77 goals for the Scholars, Josh Hutchinson is another to return and is fourth on the club’s all-time scoring list. In defence Bobby Webb signs from Wingate and Finchley. Winger, Lindell Stewart scored ten goals last term for Dover Athletic and Tilbury and is now a Scholar. Isaac Pedro comes in from one of Mitchell’s former clubs Hertford Town. Young striker, Reiss Webber joins from Wormley Rovers. Coming through the club’s summer talent identification camp, Richesse Mvioki impressed and used to play for Chipstead and Fisher. Matas Skarna has three Lithuania under 17 caps and arrives from Grays Athletic.

One Supporter Player of the Year is staying, and the other is going. At 41-years-old, Ronnie Henry remains with the Scholars this season. Meanwhile, Prosper Keto who shared the award is departing the club for Cray Wanderers. Players’ Player of the Year, Joe Re will remain a Scholar as will Young Player of the Season, Harry Brant. Joint top scorer, Brandon Adams has also committed to the club. Former assistant manager, Leigh Rose has stepped down from his role to aid his recovery from injury. Rose is intending to make a recovery and return to the first team squad. Defender, Rickie Hayles has retired after two seasons with the club.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Potters Bar Town wins: 2 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Potters Bar Town 1 – 1 Dartford (05/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 1 Potters Bar Town (13/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Potters Bar Town 2 – 2 Dartford (05/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 4 – 0 Potters Bar Town (27/10/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 1 – 2 Potters Bar Town (11/03/2006 – Southern League Div One East)
Potters Bar Town 1 – 4 Dartford (08/10/2005 – Southern League Div One East)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Potters Bar Town – Saturday 18th October 2025
Potters Bar Town v Dartford – Saturday 14th February 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford are winless in three games against Potters Bar Town (D2, L1)
  • The Darts hae won one of the three home games versus the Scholars (L2)
  • Dartford are unbeaten in their three visits to Potters Bar Town (W1, D2)

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Dartford v Ebbsfleet United

August 2, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The Darts play their final pre-season friendly at Princes Park this weekend against local rivals Ebbsfleet United.

Adrian Pennock has already watched his squad take on higher league opposition losing to Charlton Athletic and Gillingham, but beating Eastbourne Borough. The Darts boss has also prepared his side with further matches versus Herne Bay and Faversham Town picking up draws in both away games.

Ebbsfleet United are preparing for life back in the National South and have so far picked up wins against a West Ham United under 21 side and Gillingham. The Fleet drew with Aveley and King’s Lynn Town and have been beaten by Punjab United and Leyton Orient. On Wednesday they visited St Albans City and were beaten by the Hertfordshire side.

Suprisingly, since Princes Park opened this will be just the third friendly between the two rivals. On both previous occasions the match has ended in a 1-1 draw in 2013, then six years later. In competitive action there has been plenty of history in with this fixture being played over 150 times.

In recent times Dartford enjoyed a festive double over the Fleet winning 4-1 at Stonebridge Road on Boxing Day in 2022. The Darts began the following year even better with an impressive 4-0 triumph at Princes Park. Although Dartford claimed the local bragging rights, Ebbsfleet United went on to win the National South title. Since then both sides have suffered relegation, Dartford the following season and Ebbsfleet United almost four months.

The Darts begin their Isthmian Premier campaign next weekend away at Dulwich Hamlet. On the same day, Ebbsfleet United start their National South season at fellow relegated side Dagenham and Redbridge.

Season Preview 2025/2026

August 1, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Lewes

In the early 2000’s Lewes moved up through the Isthmian Leagues to the National South. By the end of the decade, they reached the National League. That success was the tipping point as the cost was too much. As a result the Rooks were relegated from the National League after one season. Afterwards they became a community club and since 2011 have remained in the Isthmian Leagues.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 13th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Danny Bassett (20 goals)

Five consecutive wins from the start of the campaign had Lewes top of the table. Surprise leaders by mid-October, the Sussex side were unable to maintain their early season form. Their first defeat was a 5-0 reverse at Potters Bar Town. Then the Rooks went on to win just three over the next 23 league outings. Although the slide was steadied from February, Lewes finished thirteenth despite such a promising start.

Manager – Bradley Pritchard

A former player at the Dripping Pan, Pritchard played for the club between 2021 and 2024.. As a player he gained football league experience with Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient. After leaving the O’s, aside from his spell with the Rooks he played for Greenwich Borough and Cray Wanderers. Pritchard had player coach roles at Beckenham Town and most recently Phoenix Sports.

Summer Transfers

A trio of former Cray Valley Paper Mills players joined Lewes over the summer. Antigua and Barbuda international, Dan Bowry and Clement Asiedu were two of them. Hassan Ibrahiym moves from Dulwich Hamlet, but had a previous spell with the Millers. 

Staying in Sussex, Finlay Chadwick makes the switch from Worthing having recently been on loan at Steyning Town. Perri Iandolo has had his fair share of moves over the last year and he makes another one by joining Lewes. Devonte West makes the step up from Hollands and Blair. Ryan Bernal will be donning the red shirt after joining from Hertford Town.

Relegated with Hastings United last term, Louis Rogers will be in goal for Lewes after making 44 appearances in 2024/2025. In front of Rogers helping the defence will be experienced defender Ian Gayle, who joins from Folkestone invicta. Another moving further south from Kent to Sussex is Jack Burchell, the defender was at Welling United. Jordan Maguire-Drew and Billie Clark don’t need to travel far to get to their new club having arrived from Whitehawk. Kaan Bennett came through Colchester United’s academy and joins have gained experience at Needham Market as well as Maldon and Tiptree. After a successful trial, Arezki Hamouchene is a Rook.

Lewes will start the campaign without last season’s top scorer and captain, Danny Bassett. The striker was given an eight month ban for breaching the FA’s betting rules towards the end of last term.

Departures include Jack Meeres to Whitehawk. Josh Spinks returns to newly promoted Burgess Hill Town for a second spell with the club. Goalkeeper, Toby Bull joins Dulwich Hamlet.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Lewes wins: 1 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Lewes 3 – 1 Dartford (08/03/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Lewes (23/11/2024– Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 0 Lewes (26/03/2011 – National South)
Lewes 1 – 1 Dartford (30/10/2010 – National South)
Lewes 0 – 2 Dartford (15/01/1983 – F.A Trophy)

Next Meetings

Lewes v Dartford – Saturday 6th December 2025
Dartford v Lewes – Saturday 21st March 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford’s unbeaten run against Lewes came to an end in March (W3, D1)
  • The Darts have won both home fixtures against the Rooks without conceding a goal
  • Dartford have scored in all five games against Lewes

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Season Preview 2025/2026

July 31, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Hashtag United

The youngest team in the division at just over nine years old. Hashtag United were founded by YouTuber, Spencer Carmichael-Brown. Exhibition games were filmed and a large social media following gained momentum. Publicity led to more investment and rising through the non-league pyramid. The Tags have won two league titles, most recently the Isthmian Division One North just over two years ago. For a second season in a row, the Tags looked comfortable in the Isthmian Premier.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 8th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
League Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Scorer: Misha Djemaili (17 goals)

Last season’s third best attack almost fired the Tags into the playoffs, but they fell away with four games to go. It took a while for the Essex side to find their stride. By mid-November they actually occupied the final relegation spot. Then Hashtag United clicked and put a seven-game unbeaten run together, lost to Billericay Town and replied with a four-game winning streak. The downfall for the Tags was their defence, but at least there was always entertainment. In total, matches involving Hashtag United saw the highest number of goals, 153 to be precise at 3.64 per game.

Manager –  Jay Devereux

In a playing career that was cut short due to injury, Jay Devereux has plenty of non-league experience. He has coached and played at county level through to the National League. After moving into coaching with Barking he managed reserve teams at Dagenham and Redbridge as well as Redbridge. As an assistant manager he spent seven seasons with East Thurrock United helping them reach the National South. Seven years at the helm of Hashtag United, Devereux has two league titles under his belt.

Summer Transfers

Captain for Cray Valley Paper Mills last term, Jason Ring joins the Tags after 151 appearances with the Millers. Evans Kouassi scored four goals in his last three games against the Tags. The Essex club have decided to sign the winger from Folkestone Invicta. Bradley Sachs helped Canvey Island to the Essex Senior Cup with his goals in the final, the striker becomes a new recruit.

Hashtag United have also kept their award winners from last season. Former Dart and Player’s Player of the Season, Max Cornhill remains with the Tags. Cornhill had two seasons with Dartford scoring nine goals in 66 appearances. Manager’s Player of the Season, Matt Wooldridge and Fan’s Player of the Season, Misha Djemaili stay.

Frenchman, Emmanuel Robe moves from Merstham. St Lucian international Kegan Caull arrives with experiences in Europe. The forward has played for NK Tolmin in Slovenia and Europa Point in Gibralter. Coming up from the Essex Senior League, Praise Ogbebor has signed from Romford.

Former Darts, Mert Apat and Alfie Cue depart the Tags this summer. Apat was part of Dartford’s squad last season making five appearances under Pennock before heading to Essex. Cue came through the Dartford academy in 2017 and made 11 senior appearances. Pedro Carvalho leaves after three years with the Tags.

Head to Head

Dartford wins 1 / Hashtag United wins 0 / Draws 1

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Hashtag United (08/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Hashtag United 3 – 3 Dartford (12/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Next Meetings

Hashtag United v Dartford – Saturday 10th January 2026
Dartford v Hashtag United – Saturday 28th March 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford’s win against Hashtag United in February was the last of a tem game winning streak in the league for the Darts
  • Out of the current teams in the Isthmian Premier, Dartford have faced Hashtag United the fewest times joint with Chichester City (2)
  • The Darts scored five goals in their two games versus the Tags last season. Only Bognor Regis Town conceded more in the two league games against Dartford (6).

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Match Highlights courtesy of Hashtag United

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Season Preview 2025/2026

July 30, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Folkestone Invicta

An Isthmian League side since non-league was restructured 21 years ago. Folkestone Invicta have spent the last nine campaigns in the Premier division. Invicta became the only club in the town in 1990 and didn’t take long to get out of the Kent League. From the Southern League they switched to the Isthmian. The Kent side suffered defeat in consecutive playoff finals. However, they won the Division One South by some distance in 2016. Invicta have been mainstays in the Premier ever since.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 12th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 1st Round
Top League Scorer: Daniel Smith (15 goals)

A patchy season for Invicta saw them pretty much mid-table across the board. Inconsistent form up until November meant the Kent side never recorded back-to-back league results for the first three months of the season. Then a couple of runs for good and bad evened form out. Four straight wins in November were followed by four consecutive defeats. From Boxing Day, Folkestone Invicta hit their peak with one loss in eight games, then inconsistent service resumed.

Manager – Jay Saunders

Jay Saunders gets to reshape Invicta’s squad in his first summer at the club. He left Tonbridge Angels in the National South at the tail end of last season. In management he took Maidstone United from the Isthmian Division One South to the National League within four years. Saunders won the Isthmian Premier League title between two playoff triumphs to get the Stones to the top flight of non-league. His shock departure from the Gallagher Stadium benefited Margate. He reached the League Cup Final with the Gate. Then moved to Tonbridge Angels and now Folkestone Invicta.

Summer Transfers

The new boss didn’t hang around in talking to his players and the club published the retained list three days after the campaign ended. The list included former Darts, Jack Jebb and Ade Yusuff who remain at the club. Jebb represented Dartford 67 times and scored nine goals. Yussuff was with the Darts last term scoring once in six appearances.

The first summer signing became a statement of intent for Saunders when he persuaded Kevin Lokko to reunite with him. Arriving from Maidenhead United, the central defender worked with Invicta’s boss at Maidstone United before moving to League Two Stevenage in 2016. Lokk also has National League experience with Dagenham and Redbridge and Aldershot Town. 

Mikey Berry and Jeremy Santos have also worked with the Invicta boss, both join from Tonbridge Angels. Youth product, Brad Walledge is now part of the senior team, although he has made eight appearances previously. Ollie Black arrives from Worthing and spent some of last season on loan at Hastings United. Jake Hutchinson also makes the step down a division from National South side Enfield Town.

As a 16-year-old, Liam Smith was part of a Tonbridge Angels side that won promotion to the National South in 2019. Last season he came close to another promotion with Sittingbourne. Now 25, Smith gets another move up a division by joining Invicta. Narrowly missing out on the Isthmian Premier title with Billericay Town, Montel McKenzie will provide an option at full back.

Back to where he played his youth football, Josh Strouts impressed in pre-season and signs from Loughborough Students. Ben Mason is a new arrival from Dulwich Hamlet. Midfielder, Donell Thomas moves from Cheshunt. Ronnie Dolan left Invicta two years ago. He returns to Cheriton Road from Lydd Town to add to his previous nine years of service at Folkestone Invicta.

Invicta will have to replace the goals of their top scorer and Supporters Player of the Year, Dan Smith. The striker became Dartford’s first new arrival of the summer. Following the striker to Princes Park is goalkeeper Jon Henly. Another keeper to depart is Dan Kennedy, who moves to Hythe Town. Eventually Invicta found a shot-stopper in Ted Collins from Chelmsford City.

Meanwhile, two ex Darts, Sam Blackman and Nathan Green were released Blackman suffered an injury hit time at Dartford making just one appearance in January 2020. Green was at Princes Park on loan during the 2014/2015 season, made 15 appearances and scored twice.

Last season’s Young Player of the Year, Frankie Morgan has joined Cray Wanderers. Player’s Player of the season Amadou Kassarate has departed to join Dulwich Hamlet. Defender, Ian Gayle is another to depart moving further south to join Lewes. Winger Evans Kouassi leaves for Hashtag United.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Folkestone Invicta wins: 10 / Draws: 5

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (05/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Folkestone Invicta 0 – 1 Dartford (21/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 6 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (17/05/2022 – Kent Senior Cup Final)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Folkestone Invicta (25/02/2020 – Kent Senior Cup)
Folkestone Invicta 1 – 4 Dartford (07/12/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dartford 2 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (12/09/2006 – Isthmian League Cup)**
* played at Chatham Town
** Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Next Meetings

Dartford v Folkestone Invicta – Saturday 13th December 2025
Folkestone Invicta v Dartford – Saturday 14th March 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last six against Folkestone Invicta in all competitions (W4, D2).
  • A victory for the Darts in December ended a run of five straight league defeats versus Invicta stretching back to 1998
  • In the league Dartford are winless in the last four at home against Folkestone Invicta (D1, L3).

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Season Preview 2025/2026

July 29, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dulwich Hamlet

A club with healthy crowds, Dulwich Hamlet are four times Isthmian champions. However you need to go back 76 years for the last Premier Division title. Hamlet did win the Division One South championship just over a decade ago though. The London based club have also won the F.A Amateur Cup four times and have lifted the Surrey Senior Cup a record 16 times.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 18th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
County Cup: Semi-Final
League Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Luke Wanadio (19 goals)

When Dulwich Hamlet beat future champions Horsham 5-2 in September they moved into fourth place. That’s really when it peaked for Hamlet because a couple of months later, they went on a wretched run. One win in 14 league outings, including a six-game losing streak saw them slide down the table. Dulwich Hamlet steadied themselves in February and early March to give a little breathing space. Although the London side almost got sucked back into a relegation battle, safety was secured with two games to spare.

Manager – Mark Dacey

Dulwich Hamlet had been keeping tabs on Mark Dacey. He previously worked under former manager Gavin Rose and his assistant Junior Kadi. Dacey moved away from Champion Hill to seek further opportunity and had spells at Sevenoaks Town and SE Dons. He impressed during his time at Rayners Lane by winning two thirds of his league games, averaging three goals a game and won the Middlesex F.A Cup.

Summer Transfers

New manager, Mark Dacey was appointed at Champion Hill over the summer and he made sure to secure the services of former Dartford winger, Luke Wanadio. The ex-Dart was awarded the Player’s Player and Supporters’ Player Of The Year last term. Wanadio had three spells with the Darts totalling 99 appearances and 18 goals. Jordan Wynter is another former Dartford player who has agreed to remain at Champion Hill. The versatile defender/midfielder played 147 times for the Darts scoring two goals. The third former Dart staying is Danny Mills who scored seven times in 26 games for Dartford. 

Nyren Clunis makes a return to SE22 having previously played almost 500 games for Hamlet in his first spell scoring 117 goals. Another signing returning to Hamlet is Anthony Cook, who played for the club in the 2018/2019 campaign. The 35-year-old has gained plenty of experience with the likes of Chelmsford City, Ebbsfleet United and Bromley in the past. In between the sticks will be young goalkeeper, Toby Bull who was at Lewes last season.

Arriving from Cray Valley Paper Mills, Tom Chambers is another addition to the squad as well as Giovanni Palmer from Isthmian South Central champions Farnham Town. New signing Geoffrey Okonkwo experienced promotion with Bowers and Pitsea a couple of years back. The defender then moved to Chelmsford City and finished last season at Whitehawk.

After a season at Folkestone Invicta, Amadou Kassarate switches to Hamlet. Experienced midfielder, Alfie Payne tasted promotion with Braintree Town a couple of years ago before suffering relegation with St Albans City last season. He becomes another new addition at Champion Hill. Stepping up a division will be defender Joseph Adewunmi from Heybridge Swifts. At AFC Whyteleafe last season, Gaspar Mico enjoyed promotion and reached the F.A Vase final. Former Whitehawk midfielder Mannie Mensah cleared up the annual awards, they both join Hamlet.

After impressing during pre-season Lonit Talla and Sol Baugh have earned a deal. Talla arrives from Hendon and Baugh worked with Dacey before at Sevenoaks, but has joined from Cheshunt.

Midfielder, Ralf Hand has departed Champion Hill to make a move to Chatham Town. Max Hudson has moved to newly promoted Brentwood Town. Ben Mason has joined Folkstone Invicta. Jerome Binnom-Williams has moved to newly promoted Ramsgate.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Dulwich Hamlet wins: 4 / Draws: 5

Previous Six Meetings

Dulwich Hamlet 0 – 2 Dartford (29/03/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Dulwich Hamlet (14/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (05/10/2024 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 3 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (01/04/2023 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 1 – 2 Dartford (08/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (08/01/2022 – National South)

Next Meetings

Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford – Saturday 9th August 2025
Dartford v Dulwich Hamlet – Saturday 29th November 2025

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in eight league games against Dulwich Hamlet (W5, D3)
  • The Darts are unbeaten at home in the league versus Hamlet (W3, D3)
  • Dartford have won the last three league games at Champion Hill and are unbeaten in the last four

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Faversham Town v Dartford

July 29, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford visit Southern Counties East champions Faversham Town on Tuesday night in their last away friendly ahead of the new campaign.

The Darts have prepared for the new Isthmian Premier season with a win against Eastbourne Borough, a draw at Herne Bay and defeat versus higher league opponents Charlton Athletic and Gillingham.

However, results are not important for Adrian Pennock and his staff. Focus remains on increasing the squad’s fitness levels ahead of the season opener on 9 August.

So far most Dartford players have been involved in each pre-season friendly. Sam Okoye has not been ready to participate yet and Dean Nayler picked up an injury against Eastbourne Borough. In addition to the players available , Pennock is still looking at triallists which include former Dartford players Ronnie Vint and Nathan Green.

Under the guidance of Tommy Warrilow, Faversham Town are getting ready for their return to the Isthmian Division One South East after a couple of years away. Warrilow who played six games for the Darts in the 1997/1998 season organised a tough schedule for his current team this summer. The Kent side have taken on Dover Athletic, Folkestone Invicta, Chatham Town and Billericay Town as well as Greenwich Borough and Punjab United.

Dartford have an almost perfect record against Faversham Town since the Lillywhites reformed in 1947. The Darts recorded an 11-1 victory in the Kent Senior Cup first round almost 60 years ago. Dartford went on to win a further six in the eight meetings since and drawn twice.

The most recent game between the two sides was in the county cup back in 2012. A Nathan Collier brace was enough to secure a 2-1 triumph for the Darts. In the early to mid-nineties Dartford and Faversham Town faced each other in the Kent League and over the three seasons the Darts were unbeaten winning four out of six.

Faversham Town approach the new campaign off the back of a sensational title winning season. The Lillywhites only tasted defeat twice in the league, recorded the most wins, the most goals and also conceded the fewest.

The Lilywhites begin their season in the F.A Cup Extra Preliminary round this weekend against Balham.

Season Preview 2025/2026

July 28, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford

A rebuilt squad last season ended in the playoff final after taking the title race down to the final day. Dartford have bounced back previously, after a 13-year nomadic existence a return home in 2006 proved to be the catalyst. The Darts won two Isthmian titles and a National South playoff to reach the top of non-league. The Kent side recorded an eighth place finish in the National League. Relegation back to the National South came soon after. Several playoff misses proceeded another drop, but the club are aiming for upward progression once more.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 3rd
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
Kent Senior Cup: 2nd Round
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Callum Jones (13 goals)

It’s three months into the season and despite winning four of the opening five games, Dartford slipped down to 15th. A winless spell of seven included hammerings against Billericay Town and Dover Athletic. The tide began to turn when The Darts started to pick up draws and then victories. A longest unbeaten run in the division equalled a club record of 21 games. In that sequence they won ten in a row and were now involved in a title race. The Darts fell short on the final day and despite home advantage lost the playoff final. Perhaps an away final would have been better as the Kent side had the joint best record on the road.

Manager – Adrian Pennock

At the start of his first full season as Dartford boss, Adrian Pennock had to build a squad from scratch. His valuable experience gained at Welling United, Forest Green Rovers, Gillingham and Barrow certainly helped the former Gills defender. He also had a spell out in the Far East with Brunei DPMM culminating in winning the 2019 Singapore Premier League. Pennock gave the Darts a chance of the title going into the final day of last season but had to settle for third place. Although the campaign ended in a playoff final defeat, Pennock has built strong foundations for 2025/2026. 

Summer Transfers

The majority of the squad have been retained. Seven of those graduated through the academy including Young Player of the Year, Olly Box. The Darts can also call upon last season’s top scorer and Player of the Year, Callum Jones. Influential and experienced midfielder Samir Carruthers is also staying.

Pennock has boosted his squad at both ends of the pitch. Dan Smith will provide another option up front and Jon Henly replaces the departed Jacob Marsden in goal. The pair sign from Folkestone Invicta where Smith won Supporters Player of the Year. Full back, Ben Frempah has joined from Wingate and Finchley. In midfield the Darts welcome Sammie McLeoad from Sevenoaks Town and Ikechi Eze from Potters Bar Town. An impressive pre-season on trial for Sam Smith means he will be a Dart. Smith joins from Maidstone United, but was another at Folkestone Invicta last season as he was on loan.

Last season’s captain Josh Hill has retired and so the new skipper will be Michael Olarewaju. Other departures include Tyler Christian-Law now at Herne Bay and Ashdon Day now of Whitstable Town. Marsden has signed for Concord Rangers whilst Duane Ofori Achemapong, Blu Husthwaite and Josh Atkinson have also left.

Season Preview 2025/2026

July 27, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Cray Wanderers

One of the oldest football clubs in the world, Cray Wanderers were formed in 1860. The Wands won consecutive Kent League titles before promotion 21 years ago. Since then they have had two spells in both the Isthmian Division One and Premier. Cray Wanderers won the Isthmian South East in the last full season before covid. Two years ago, they missed out on a National South spot after a semi-final playoff defeat.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 10th
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
Kent Senior Cup: 2nd Round
London Senior Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Nyren Clunis (11 goals)

It was all about the new Flamingo Park and Cray Wanderers’ first competitive game in their new ground. Unfortunately, the Wands lost their home opener. It took until 2 November to see a first league win on their own patch. After ten matches the Wands were bottom. However, Cray Wanderers really started making progress from Decemeber. The Kent side lost once in the league in ten and that was versus an in-form Dartford. As they found more consistency, the Wands hovered around the top ten for the rest of the campaign. 

Manager – Tim O’Shea

Over the last seven Isthmian Premier League matches of the 2024/2025 campaign, Tim O’Shea impressed enough to turn an interim role into a permanent job. He was assistant to the previous manager Neil Smith, so is familiar to the current squad. As a player he made a few appearances for Tottenham Hotspur before playing for Leyton Orient and then Gillingham. He represented both Farnborough Town and Welling United in non-league prior going into management. Tim O’Shea managed Grays Athletic, Croydon Athletic and Lewes before having a long break as a first team boss.

Summer Transfers

Midfielder, Luke Allen had five years at Dartford and made 123 appearances for the club. After a spell at Aveley he joins the Cray Wanderers. Former academy left back with the Wands, Frankie Morgan is back after signing from Folkestone Invicta. Striker, Alex Hernandez will be hoping to impress at his new club. He scored 21 goals in 38 appearances for Tilbury last season. 

Tyrese Briscoe signs from Welling United having represented Wingate and Finchley as well as Hastings United last term. Goalkeeper, Harry Seaden comes in from Concord Rangers. Known as ‘Bobo’, Nodirbek Bobonurodov is familiar with non-league football having played for Worthing, Kingstonian, Chatham Town, Littlehampton Town and Three Bridges. The Uzbek now adds the Wands to his career path. Part of the Billericay Town side that came within a whisker of the title, Ashley Nzala also  joins the Wands. After impressing on trial Prosper Keto has joined from Potters Bar Town. Management Player of the Season Remi Sutton is retained.

After three seasons, two supporter’s Player of the Year and almost 150 games, Shaun Peart-Rowley swaps one Cray for another by joining Cray Valley Paper Mills. Charlie Edwards departs for newly promoted Brentwood Town. Top scorer, Nyren Clunis has decided to return to Dulwich Hamlet. Jack Leahy will join his brother at Welling United. Player’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, Darion Dowrich has earned a move to Hemel Hempstead Town. Ike Orji has joined Billericay Town.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 37 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Cray Wanderers 2 – 2 Dartford (21/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cray Wanderers (26/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (16/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 3 Dartford (18/12/2021 – F.A Trophy)
Cray Wanderers 4 – 2 Dartford (20/09/2017 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (05/10/2016 – Kent Senior Cup)

Next Meetings

Cray Wanderers v Dartford – Saturday 25th October 2025
Dartford v Cray Wanderers – Saturday 21st February 2026

Statistics

  • In the league Dartford have lost just once against Cray Wanderers in the last 21 outings (W15, D5)
  • The Darts have lost just once in the last 18 at home versus the Wands in all competitions (W12, D5)
  • The Darts have won 18 of the last 23 away matches against Cray Wanderers in all competitions (D2, L3)
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