Dartford FC Previews

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Season Preview 2025/2026

July 26, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Cray Valley Paper Mills

Champions of the Isthmian Division One South East in 2023/2024. Cray Valley Paper Mills have been on a fantastic ride these last seven years. Winning the Southern Counties East and reaching the F.A Vase final at Wembley in 2019 is no longer their pinnacle. Three years ago, they reached the F.A Cup first round for the first time and then did it again. The Millers more than enjoyed their debut in the Isthmian Premier by reaching the playoffs.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 4th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Freddie Parker (19 goals)

Another surprise package of 2024/2025, Cray Valley Paper Mills entered the playoff places on 19 October and never looked back. The Millers stayed in the top five for the rest of the season, impressive for a debut at this level. A top five attack and the third best home record, the Kent side also put together a 15-match unbeaten run. A spell of six without a win starting from February damaged any chance of back-to-back titles. Yet they finished strongly before losing a dramatic playoff semi-final against Dartford.

Manager – Steve McKimm

A decade ago, Steve McKimm was appointed manager of Tonbridge Angels. He took the Kent club to the National South by winning the 2019 playoff final. Two years later the Angels reached the F.A Cup first round and in the following season made it to the F.A Trophy fifth round for the first time. McKimm left Longmead for Carshalton Athletic prior his arrival at Cray Valley Paper Mill. His first campaign for the Millers ended in a league title and his second a playoff place.

Summer Transfers

Among those staying at the Badgers Sports Ground is Supporters Player of the Year Tom Beere. The experienced Denzel Gayle has also been retained after racking up over 300 games for the club. Former Darts, Funmaya Shomotun and Marcel Barrington are staying too. Both had short spells with Dartford, Shomotun played 19 times and scored two goals, whilst Barrington made two substitute appearances. They will be joined by Ibby Akanbi who was registered with Aveley but dual signed with AFC Croydon Athletic last season. The forward scored one goal in five appearances for the Darts.

After three seasons, two supporter’s Player of the Year and almost 150 games at Cray Wanderers, goalkeeper Shaun Peart-Rowley makes a short trip to his new club. The Millers have signed defender Jerry Puemo who started last term with Lewes before making appearances for Raynes Park Vale. Relegated with Aveley last season, Luke Holness will be part of the forward line for the Millers. Part of the Horsham squad that won the Isthmian Premier, Daniel Ajakaiye has joined the Kent side. Most recently Alex Kpakpe has been added to the squad from Aveley.

Cray Valley Paper Mills will miss the goals from top scorer Freddie Parker. The striker has taken a break from football to focus on other interests. Mal Turner will gain experience on loan with Erith Town in the Isthmian South East. Former Dartford player, Andre Coker has been released by the Millers. The winger represented the Darts 30 times during 2018/2019 scoring three times. Former captain, Manager’s Player and Player’s Player of the Year, Kiki Oshilaja has left. Others to follow are Adam Coombes and Michael Ademiluyi. The pair of Clement Asiedu and Daniel Bowry moved to Lewes. Tom Chambers is now at Dulwich Hamlet and Danny Waldren announced his retirement. Off the field club chairman Frank May has stepped down having been in the role since January 2013.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Cray Valley Paper Mills wins: 0 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Dartford 4 – 3 Cray Valley Paper Mills (30/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier Playoff)
Dartford 0 – 0 Cray Valley Paper Mills (02/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Valley Paper Mills 1 – 2 Dartford (10/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Next Meetings

Cray Valley Paper Mills v Dartford – Saturday 22nd November 2025
Dartford v Cray Valley Paper Mills – Saturday 25th April 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten against Cray Valley Paper Mills (W2, D1)
  • The Darts first and last win of the 2024/2025 season came against the Millers
  • Dartford’s 21 match unbeaten league run last term started with the 0-0 draw against Cray Valley Paper Mills

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Season Preview 2025/2026

July 25, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Chichester City

Only 25 years old, Chichester City won their first promotion into the Isthmian Premier having had previous spells in the Sussex County and Southern Combination Leagues. The Lillywhites have won two county titles under different names, first as Chichester City United in 2004 and then in their current guise in 2019. That second title elevated the Sussex side to the Isthmian Division One South East where they won the playoff final before last season’s fine showing in their debut Isthmian Premier campaign.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 6th
F.A Cup: 2ndQualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Jimmy Wild (25 goals)

On the final day of last season Chichester City knew that if they beat their opponents Dover Athletic, they would have qualified for the playoffs. That would have given the Sussex side a shot at double promotion, but it wasn’t to be. By mid-December the Lillywhites were 21 points behind league leaders Dover Athletic, but all that changed. Chichester City won seven in a row amidst an unbeaten run of 11 matches. In fact, they only lost once in three months up to mid-March. The final run-in saw them claw back the deficit taking the last playoff place down to the last day. In the end they ended three points short, but what a great debut.

Manager – Miles Rutherford

A decade ago Chichester City began their transformation when they appointed Miles Rutherford. The former Moneyfields boss with Daniel Potter and late Graeme Gee saw results improve for the Sussex side. Later Darin Killpartrick joined the management team. Records have been set in the league, F.A Cup and F.A Vase and still the club is progressing. Rutherford has been part of a Southern Combination title, a playoff promotion and a F.A Cup second round appearance.

Summer Transfers

Once again Chichester City have managed to keep the majority of their squad together. One problem they will need to solve is a temporary replacement for Jimmy Wild. The striker top scored in 2024/2025 and injury means he will miss the start of this season. The Sussex club have been trying out Billy Vigar in recent friendlies. Vigar is a former Arsenal youngster and has played for Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United. Jack Farrier returns to Chichester City, the defender signs from Petersfield Town. Rob Hutchings has been named captain.

One confirmed departure is Charlie Bennett, who joins Three Bridges. Another is Curtis Da Costa, who is looking for more game time.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Chichester City wins: 0 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Chichester City 0 – 0 Dartford (26/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Chichester City (11/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Chichester City – Saturday 15th November 2025
Chichester City v Dartford – Saturday 18th April 2026

Statistics

  • Both sides are looking for their first win in this fixture
  • Out of the current teams in the Isthmian Premier, Dartford have faced Chichester City the fewest times joint with Hashtag United (2)
  • There has yet to been a goal in this fixture at Oaklands Park

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Dartford v Gillingham

July 25, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford’s penultimate home friendly will bring familiarity to warming up for competitive football when they host Gillingham this weekend.

With the Isthmian Premier season a fortnight away manager Ady Pennock will continue to prepare the Darts, this time against his former club. The Dartford boss made almost 200 appearances between 1996 and 2003 for the Gills and managed the club in 2017.

The Darts have spread the minutes around the squad over the three friendlies so far. Twice they have played higher league opposition losing 3-2 against Charlton Athletic, then beating Eastbourne Borough 1-0. On Tuesday night the Darts travelled to Herne Bay and drew 2-2. Striker Dan Smith scored for the first time in a Dartford shirt and Olly Box netted a penalty.

Gillingham are getting ready for their League Two season opener at Accrington Stanley next weekend. So the Darts should expect a tough test as the Gills fine tune themselves.

Gareth Ainsworth’s side have won one of their pre-season fixtures and that was the first game against Dover Athletic. The Gills beat the National South side 1-0 with a goal from Robbie McKenzie.

Three friendlies followed against higher league opposition. Gillingham drew 0-0 with Reading, then tested their fitness on the south coast. Two matches behind closed doors versus Southampton were split into 60-minute games. Cameron Archer scored the only goal of the game in the first run out as the Saints won 1-0. In the following match Ross Stewart and Tyler Dibling netted for Will Still’s side to put Saints two up. The Gills pulled a goal back through a Jack Nolan penalty, but Kuryu Matsuki made it 3-1.

Most recently, the Gills played Ebbsfleet United and lost 2-1 to the Fleet. Gillingham’s Joe Gbode struck late on, but that was a consolation. Earlier, Lennon Peake opened the scoring from the spot and former Gillingham striker Dominic Samuel put Fleet two ahead.

Since the opening of Princes Park, Gillingham have visited DA1 eleven times in pre-season and have won the lot. In a more competitive environment Dartford did beat the Gills 2-1 in the Kent Senior Cup second round almost ten years ago. Last July, the Darts were beaten 4-0 by the Gills in a friendly and the previous year it was 5-0.

Gillingham finished last term in seventeenth place with only relegated Morecambe scoring fewer goals. However, defensively they were sound with only two teams in League Two conceding less than the Kent club.

The Gills had a bright start and topped the table after nine matches, but from October they began to slide. Mark Bonner was sacked in January to be replaced by the experienced John Coleman. However, Coleman didn’t last long and Gillingham made another change. With nine games remaining and without the threat of relegation or a chance of promotion, Ainsworth took over. The former Wycombe Wanderers boss used the rest of the campaign to assess his squad.

Season Preview 2025/2026

July 24, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Cheshunt

Three years ago, Cheshunt reached their highest level of football after promotions either side of the abandoned covid campaigns. Twice up through the playoffs, the Ambers won the Isthmian Division One South Central final then the Isthmian Premier final. The Hertfordshire side spent just one season in the National South before relegation and almost suffered the same fate the campaign afterwards. Luckily, they avoided a drop to division one and improved on their previous finish last time out.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 15th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: Semi-Final
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Vas Vasiliou (16 goals)

A slow start with one win in eight may have worried Ambers fans as they occupied a place in the bottom four. The worry was eased when they beat three other strugglers, Hastings United, Whitehawk and Bognor Regis Town in October and November. At the halfway stage it was still touch and go, but Cheshunt improved from Boxing Day gradually pulling away from a relegation battle. In the end they could afford to lose five of the last six and stay up with ten points to spare.

Manager – Mel Gwinnett

A first full season as Cheshunt boss approaches Mel Gwinnett having been appointed in October 2024. Previously of Hampton and Richmond Borough, Gwinnett did well for the Middlesex side. He left in May 2024 after a ninth place finish, but achieved a club record unbeaten run and a F.A Trophy quarter-final appearance. Prior management, the Ambers boss picked up experience as a coach at Barnet, Exeter City, Milton Keynes Dons and Stevenage. He also had a spell as football operations manager at Bristol Rovers.

Summer Transfers

Gwinnett’s first summer at Isthmian Premier level has seen the Cheshunt boss bring in a familiar face. Connor Kurran-Browne played under the Ambers boss at Hampton and Richmond Borough, the forward joins the Hertfordshire club. 

Jesse Effa will provide width to the attack, the winger has signed from Southern League Division One Central side Hadley. Defenders, Bradley Roberts and Jack Turner were at Cheshunt last season. Both players have made a permanent move to the Hertfordshire club from Hemel Hempstead Town and Chelmsford City respectively. 

Arthur Iontton is now an Amber after leaving Wingate and Finchley this summer. Striker, Stefan Vukoje netted in the Isthmian South East playoff final to help Burgess Hill Town win promotion, he is a new addition to the Cheshunt squad. Midfielder, Gucci Soulya-Osekanongo started last season with Bedford Town andjoins from Ware. George Nunn had a previous loan spell for the Ambers and is back after arriving from Cobh Ramblers.

Leaving Cheshunt over the summer, Callum Morris joins Canvey Island. Kenny Coker moves to promoted Dover Athletic. Jack Munns, Nathaniel Orafu and Fin Titchmarsh join Potters Bar Town. MJ Muyembe is now at Leighton Town. Tobias Braney, Donell Thomas, R’avan Constable have all departed as well. Club captain, Jack Thomas has moved to for Royston Town. Midfielder, Donell Thomas moves to Folkestone Invicta. Rob Hall retires for a coaching role at Oxford United. Sol Baugh stays in the Isthmian Premier with Dulwich Hamlet.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Cheshunt wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Cheshunt 3 – 0 Dartford (22/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (09/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cheshunt 1 – 3 Dartford (07/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Cheshunt – Saturday 27th September 2025
Cheshunt v Dartford – Saturday 7th February 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford have a perfect home record against Cheshunt in the two meetings so far
  • The Darts have yet to keep a clean sheet versus the Ambers
  • In the four matches played both teams scored averaging 3.25 goals per game

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Season Preview 2025/2026

July 23, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Chatham Town

Ten times Kent League champions, Chatham Town have significantly progressed over the last four years. Now playing at their highest ever level, the Kent side got to the Isthmian Premier with consecutive promotions. In 2022, the Chats racked up 100 points and 122 goals, finished second and went up. In the league above they went one better claiming the Isthmian Division One South East title. Two years ago they finished runners up in the Premier.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 9th
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 1st Round
League Cup: Runner Up
Top League Scorer: Freddie Sears (21goals)

Heading to the halfway stage of the season Chatham Town were in a comfortable position. They had just gone 11 games unbeaten including a 5-0 win over Whitehawk and a 7-1 away victory at Bognor Regis Town in consecutive weekends. The Chats were fourth and looking likely to repeat their previous season’s challenge for promotion. In the New Year form took a turn and that’s what cost the Kent side in the end. Chatham Town lost six out of seven to begin 2025. The Chats did recover well and put another impressive unbeaten run together. They picked up 23 points from 27 available over a productive March.

Manager – Kevin Hake

Winner of the Isthmian Premier League Manager of the Season award in 2024, Kevin Hake led the Chats to the playoff final. He took over as Chairman eight years ago after Vhatham Town were relegated to the Southern Counties East. Gradually Hake has built the club up again by increasing attendances. When football resumed after Covid, Hake became manager. He won consecutive promotions and came close to a third in a row before last season’s top ten finish.

Summer Transfer

Former Dart, Ben Allen has joined from Margate. The forward made ten appearances for Dartford last season and scored twice. Sam Sene-Richardson has committed his future to the club by signing his first contract. Last season he scooped the Young Player of the Season and Player of the Season Awards. Alex Giles had a brief spell with the Chats in 2023/2024 and was on loan at Aveley last season, the central defender joins from Gillingham. 

Tope Fadahunsi was relegated with Hendon last season, so the forward can start afresh with the Chats this term. Chatham Town’s third addition was Harvey Walker from Welling United, he’d previously played for Queen of the South. Relegated from the National South with Aveley last season, Adam Leathers will be wearing the red of Chatham Town.

Midfielder, Ralf Hand has made the switch from Dulwich Hamlet. Young central defender Elliott Wenham joins from Maidstone United after graduating from their academy. Sam Folarin will provide an attacking option having arrived from Northwood.

At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Josh Fowler comes in from Snodland Town. He will have competition with Henry Molyneux, who finished last season on loan from Championship side Sheffield United.

Another addition is right back Oliver Evans, who featured in 23 games for Millwall under 21’s last term. Relegated with Hasting United, Kian Moynes came through the U’s academy and will remain in the Isthmian Premier with Chatham Town. Reece Butler was not only retained, but was also named as the new captain.

Another former Dart, John Ufuah has signed for Welling United. Ex Premier League striker Freddie Sears reached a mutual agreement to leave. Jabari Christmas had limited game time with the Chats and has joined Lewes. After some confusion Jack Evans left the Chats to join Billericay Town.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 32 / Chatham Town wins: 40 / Draws: 11

Previous Six Meetings

Chatham Town 0 – 2 Dartford (01/01/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (26/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 3 Chatham Town (09/04/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)
Chatham Town 2 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (15/04/2006 – Southern League Div One East)
Chatham Town 1 – 0 Dartford (27/09/2005 – Southern League Cup)

Next Meetings

Chatham Town v Dartford – Saturday 27th December 2025
Dartford v Chatham Town – Monday 6th April 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford have won four of the last five league meetings against Chatham Town (L1)
  • The Darts have won two of their last three in the league at home versus the Chats (L1)
  • Dartford have won five of their last eight league matches at Chatham Town (D1, L2)

Match Highlights 2024/2025

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Season Preview 2025/2026

July 22, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Carshalton Athletic

Elected as founder members of the Isthmian League Division Two 54 years ago, Carshalton Athletic have spent just two seasons outside the Isthmian Leagues. The Robins were part of the first two years of the National South’s existence in 2004 before returning. Despite relegation to Division One South in 2018, Carshalton Athletic were back four years later with a title and promotion. A runner up place was followed up by mid-table finishes.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 7th
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: Semi-Final
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: David Smith (18 goals)

In the final few months of last season Carshalton Athletic always had an outside chance of reaching the playoffs. In the end they finished a couple of wins short thanks to a strong finish. The Robins put an eight-game unbeaten run together in November and December and after four straight defeats, went another seven without a loss. The Surrey side won their final three games scoring 12 goals and conceding just three. At home, they went unbeaten against the sides who finished below them in the table. On the road they beat half of the top six.

Manager – Peter Adeniyi

Former midfielder, Peter Adeniyi joined Carshalton Athletic as a player coach nine years ago and later became Director of Football. Whilst in that role he took on the manager’s job of Merstham in June 2022. So at one stage in his career he represented two clubs at the same time. A couple of years ago, Adeniyi returned to the managerial hotseat at Colston Avenue. Now he is full focussed on the Robins.

Summer Transfers

The Robins have been concentrating on keeping those from last season’s squad. Top scorer David Smith as well as the Players and Fans Player of the Year, Fabio Saraiva have committed to new one-year deals with the club. Joint Young Players of the Year, Brayn Ifeanyi and Mason Suanders-Henry have also agreed to stay on.

Former Dartford loanee, Kwaku Frimpong has agreed to join National South side Worthing. The midfielder spent September 2022 on loan at Princes Park making two substitute appearances. Having enjoyed 14 years at Carshalton Athletic, former captain Paris Hamilton-Downes has joined Merstham.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Carshalton Athletic wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 4 Carshalton Athletic (26/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 1 Dartford (24/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Carshalton Athletic (23/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 4 Dartford (19/09/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 2 Dartford (20/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 3 Carshalton Athletic (02/09/2008 – Isthmian Premier)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Carshalton Athletic – Saturday 23rd August 2025
Dartford v Carshalton Athletic – Saturday 4th April 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost the first and last league meetings against Carshalton Athletic, but went four games unbeaten in between (W3, D1)
  • The home side has never won this fixture in nine attempts. The Darts have yet to beat the Robins on home soil (D2, L2)
  • Dartford are unbeaten in all five away games versus Carshalton Athletic and have won their last four (W4, D1)

Herne Bay v Dartford

July 21, 2025 / / 0 Comments

A summer trip to the north Kent coast to play Herne Bay will continue preparations for Dartford on Tuesday night.

The Darts look forward to their first away fixture having played two at home so far. At Princes Park, Adrian Pennock oversaw a narrow defeat versus Charlton Athletic and a win against Eastbourne Borough on the weekend.

Dartford fielded a strong team on Saturday and made ten changes with an hour played. Samir Carruthers scored the only goal after 15 minutes, but manager Pennock isn’t too bothered about the results during pre-season. He spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It was a good run out, a lot of players had an hour. We’re just getting the minutes under our belt. I’m pleased with the fitness levels. I promise you now I’m not really worried about results”.

Herne Bay began their pre-season early starting on the first day of July. Tuesday night will be the Bay’s sixth friendly. Under new head coach Liam Friend, the Bay have won all but one of their friendlies. Kennington were beaten 3-1 before Hollands and Blair were defeated 5-0. Herne Bay lost their next fixture 2-0 against Phoenix Sports. Over the last week the Kent side recorded a 2-0 victory over Chipstead and a 7-2 win versus Hythe Town. The Darts should provide a tougher test as Bay’s opponents so far have all come from a lower division.

Tyler Christian-Law won’t have to wait too long to see his old teammates again. The midfielder has signed for Herne Bay after making 42 appearances for the Darts last season.

It was back in the nineties when Dartford came up against Herne Bay during the Kent League days. The Darts began their journey back up the footballing pyramid after reforming in the early part of that decade.

At the time of applying for promotion to the Southern League, Herne Bay won the Kent League in 1993/94. Despite becoming champions the Bay stayed in the division. It was during this period when the Darts faced Herne Bay six times in the league. Goals were at a premium though as half of those matches finished 0-0.

It took until Dartford’s promotion season to record a first league win over the coastal club. However, the Darts have won the last three meetings all in different competitions. The most recent victory was a Kent Senior Cup tie in February 2016.

Whilst for Herne Bay, after finishing runners up in consecutive seasons they finally won promotion via the playoffs in 2012. They had one campaign in the Isthmian Premier before returning to step four a couple of years ago.

The Bay spent the second part of last season hovering around where they finished in 16th spot. Although the Isthmian Division One South East side enjoyed some big wins towards the tail end of the season. One of those victories was a 9-1 mauling against last place Lancing.

Season Preview 2025/2026

July 21, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Canvey Island

Rising through the non-league pyramid during the nineties, Canvey Island found glory soon after. At the beginning of the millennium the Essex side won the F.A Trophy in 2001. The Jeff King era peaked when the Gulls reached the National League three years later lasting two seasons. Eventually voluntary relegation saw Canvey Island drop to the Isthmian Division One North. The two spells in that division since, both ended in playoff wins, the last coming three years ago.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 17th
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
County Cup: Winners
Top League Scorer: Chris Harris (11 goals)

It wasn’t a great start by the Gulls almost a year ago, Canvey Island lost their opening four games. The Islanders recovered and by the end of November were a point shy of a top five place. However, they started handing out gifts in late December and January. Canvey Island lost seven in a row and went on to win just four of their last 16. One of those wins was against struggling Hastings United, which all but guaranteed the Gulls survival and their opponents’ relegation. Under Brad Wellman, Canvey Island were the third lowest scorers in the division last term.

Manager – Peter Taylor

Former Dartford player manager, Peter Taylor returns to management at the age of 72. He will be the most experienced manager in the Isthmian Premier League. As a player he had success with Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur as well as representing England four times. Taylor went on to successfully manage the under 21 international team and one game as interim manager for the first team.

At Dartford he managed for four seasons. He guided the Darts to back-to-back Southern League Cup wins. Taylor won two Kent Senior Cups and reached the F.A Trophy semi-finals twice. Not only that, he also put his name in the club’s all-time top ten scorers list. Since the Darts offered him his first managerial job, Taylor has gone on to take charge of Southend United, Gillingham, Leicester City, Brighton and Hove Albion, Hull City and Crystal Palace and that just scratches the surface. Most recently Taylor rocked up at Welling United followed by Maldon and Tiptree.

Summer Transfers

After four years as manager of the Gulls, Brad Wellmen left the club in the summer. The former Canvey Island boss won promotion to Isthmian Premier and guided the club to the playoffs in their first campaign back. Last season he won the Essex Senior Cup. Now it’s Taylor’s turn to shape a new look squad.

Goalkeeper, Tom Middlehurst will be between the sticks after arriving from Isthmian North side Tilbury. Providing competition in goal will be Lewis Greene who arrives from Brihtlingsea Regent.

Charlie Stimson won the F.A Trophy with seventh tier Hornchurch in 2021. He joins the Gulls from Heybridge Swifts. Danny Nesbitt follows Stimson from the Essex side. Isthmian South East runner up, Codey Cosgrave makes his way from Sittingbourne. Supporters Player of the Season at Concord Rangers, Lewis Jaggs makes a very short journey to his new team.

Koby Yeboah won the Isthmian South East playoffs with Brentwood Town last term, the midfielder signs for Canvey Island. Alex Moss and Louie Remi make the step up a division having played for Grays Athletic. Callum Morris leaves Cheshunt behind to join up with Taylor’s squad. Jed Brown-Johnson arrives from Hertford Town and 19-year-old left back Olu Shobowale from Southend United. Capped by the British Virgin Islands, Tyler Forbes arrives from Poole Town. Full back, Joe Halsey played for two relegated sides last season. The defender joins Canve Island after spells with Hendon as well as Bowers and Pitsea.

Some of the notable players retained are Michael Finneran, who returns to the club in the role of player coach. The Manager’s Player of the Season, Elliott Ronto, who has been named captain.

Leaving the club is Supporters Player of the Season, Emmanuel Adebiyi and striker Bradley Sachs, who moves to Hashtag United. Oliver Parsons and Kane Gilbert both transfer to AFC Sudbury. Jaden Crowhurst and Jimmy Wallace have both departed the Gulls as well.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Canvey Island wins: 0 / Draws: 2

Previous Six Meetings

Canvey Island 0 – 1 Dartford (28/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Canvey Island (17/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 3 Canvey Island (12/10/2010 – F.A Cup)*
Canvey Island 2 – 2 Dartford (09/10/2010 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 2 – 1 Canvey Island (05/04/2010 – National South)
Canvey Island 2 – 5 Dartford (29/12/2009 – National South)
* Dartford won 9-8 on penalties

Next Meetings

Dartford v Canvey Island – Saturday 6th September 2025
Canvey Island v Dartford – Saturday 11th April 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford have won all eight league fixtures against Canvey Island with an aggregate score of 24-6
  • The Darts have won four and drawn one at Princes Park versus the Gulls in all competitions
  • Dartford have also won four and drawn one at Canvey Island in all competitions

Match Highlights – 2024/2025

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Season Preview 2025/2026

July 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Burgess Hill Town

Either side of the millennium, Burgess Hill Town were the team to beat in the Sussex League. The Hillians claimed five league titles in seven years, twice finishing runners up in that period. Eventually they got out of county level for a campaign in the Southern League, then moved over into the Isthmian. Ten years ago, they stormed to the Division One South title with over a century of points and goals. However, they struggled in the years leading up to Covid and were relegated to step four of non-league. It took them four more full campaigns to return to the Premier, winning last season’s Isthmian Division One South East playoff final.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian South East: 3rd
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Brannon O’Neill (14 goals)

The Hillians were left to let the top two fight it out for the Isthmian Division One South East title. Instead they were in their own battle for third with Margate last season. The Sussex club secured their playoff berth by early April picking up an impressive 90 points. Burgess Hill Town put together a 15-game unbeaten run at one stage and spent most of the campaign in the playoffs. In the playoff semi-final they beat Margate 2-0. Then upset runners up Sittingbourne who were unbeaten at home, winning on penalties.

Manager – Gary Mansell and Jay Lovett

Joint manager Gary Mansell was also given the role of Director of Football back in April. He already has experience in that role having previously worked for the Russell Martin Foundation. Mansell will continue his first team duties and be hoping to improve the pathway from youth team to first team.

Jay Lovett impressed as a player at Crawley Town in the late nineties earning a move to Brentford. The former midfielder later returned to non-league football making most of his appearances with Lewes and Eastbourne Borough. As a manager, Lovett started out at South Park and had a three-year spell with Burgess Hill Town. After a short stint at Haywards Heath Town, then a coaching role with Eastbourne Borough, he returned to the Hillians as joint manager last year.

Summer Transfers

The momentum of winning promotion means the Hillians have kept many of their squad. Some of those staying include Player of the Year Kieran Rowe, last season’s top appearance maker Hamish Morrison, longest serving player Reggie Ward and club captain Brannon O’Neill.

Returning to the club from Salisbury, Jaden Perez previously had a loan spell at Burgess Hill Town in 2021. Mansell had to make a move for a replacement goalkeeper this summer, he has signed Roco Rees from Sittingbourne. Another returnee is Josh Spinks, who made 106 appearances in his first spell with the club and joins from Lewes. Midfielder, Jabari Christmas had limited game time with Chatham Town so he will be hoping to impress in Sussex.

The Hillians made a triple signing days before the start of the season. Henry Curtis came from Ipswich Town’s academy and spent time on loan at Hendon last term. Geroge Voster drops down a couple of divisions on loan from Sutton United. Damien Theodore was part of Burgess Hill Town’s academy before joining Gillingham, he will also be on loan to the Sussex club.

Centre back Nathan Cooper leaves the Hillians making a move to Whitehawk. Dan Perry also departs having scored 74 goals in 178 appearances for the club. Part of last season’s title winning squad, Alex Malins has decided to move on. Supporters Player of the Year, Slav Huk was the penalty shoot-out hero in the playoff final. The goalkeeper has decided to move on from the Hillians to join Welling United. Another playoff hero Stefan Vukoje has departed and will be at Cheshunt.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Burgess Hill Town wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Six Meetings

Burgess Hill Town 0 – 1 Dartford (14/10/2017 – F.A Cup)
Burgess Hill Town 1 – 2 Dartford (10/01/2015 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 3 – 1 Burgess Hill Town (25/10/2014 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 7 – 2 Burgess Hill Town (13/01/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)
Burgess Hill Town 1 – 6 Dartford (19/08/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 0 – 3 Burgess Hill Town (28/10/2003 – Southern League Cup)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Burgess Hill Town – Saturday 13th September 2025
Burgess Hill Town v Dartford – Saturday 24th January 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford have won all four league matches against Burgess Hill Town
  • The Darts are on a five game winning streak versus the Hillians
  • Dartford have a 100% away record against the Sussex side with four victories

Match Highlights – 2006/2007

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Season Preview 2025/2026

July 19, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Brentwood Town

Isthmian Division One North champions Brentwood Town are back in the Premier for the first time since 2015/2016. The Blues entered the Isthmian Leagues 18 years ago after winning the Essex Senior League title. In that same season they completed the treble by claiming both League Cup competitions as well. Brentwood Town have been knocking on the Isthmian Premier door in recent years. The Essex club failed in the playoffs in 2022 and 2024 before lifting the title last season.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian North: 1st
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Daniel Ogunleye (36 goals)

The Blues wrapped up the title last season on the penultimate game. A record crowd saw top goal scorer, Daniel Ogunleye net all four goals in a 4-0 victory. It wasn’t until December that the Essex club truly got going . They started a 13-match unbeaten run picking up 35 points. No one scored as many goals as Brentwood Town or had a better goal difference. The Blues recorded the joint biggest win in the division, an 8-0 mauling of Ipswich Wanderers. On the 8 March with the Essex side in second place faced league leaders Felixstowe and Walton United. Brentwood Town won, swapped places and never relinquished top spot.

Manager – Keith Rowland

A former West Ham United defender, Keith Rowland also played in the Football League for the likes of AFC Bournemouth and Queens Park Rangers to name a few. Adding to his playing experience he won 19 international caps for Northern Ireland too. Rowland’s coaching career began at Braintree Town under Alan Devonshire, then Rod Stringer until he went into management with Wingate and Finchley in 2016, where he recorded the club’s highest finish on two occasions. Spells followed at Aveley and Tilbury before he’s current role at Brentwood Town started in October 2023.

Summer Transfers

Unsurprisingly many of the Isthmian Division One North League winning squad have extended their stay with the club including former Dartford legend and Brentwood Town’s Manager’s Player Of The Year, Lee Noble. The midfielder helped Dartford to promotion in 2012 scoring the winner in the playoff final against Welling United. Still going at 36-years-old, Noble represented the Darts for 12 years making  476 appearances and scoring 51 goals. 

Perhaps the best signing is the retention of Player’s Player Of The Year and Supporters’ Player Of The Year, Danny Ogunleye. Last season’s prolific scorer sparked interest from Colchester United in the summer.

Manny Ogunrinde and Charlee Hughes swap relegated Aveley for the promoted Blues. Ogunrinde enjoyed five years with the Millers winning consecutive promotions and Young Player of the Season in Aveley’s debut campaign in the National South. Hughes returns to Brentwood Town having previously won a golden boot with the club.

At Walthamstow last season, Louie Johnson had a great time scoring 18 goals and notching up ten assists helping him claim the club’s annual awards. Charlie Edwards arrives from Cray Wanderers. Defender, Aron Pollock joins the newly promoted club and was close to a league winners medal with Billericay Town last season. Max Hudson will be another new member of the Blues’ backline having signed from Dulwich Hamlet.

Former Dart, Lyle Della-Verde has departed the Essex side. The midfielder was at Dartford back in 2017/2018 scoring five goals in 34 games. Goalkeeper Connor Wheatley joins Basildon United. Taylor Curran has moved out to Portugal to play in their fourth division. Koby Yeboah has decided to make the switch to Canvey Island.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Brentwood Town wins: 2 / Draws: 2

Previous Six Meetings

Brentwood Town 1 – 2 Dartford (25/11/2017 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 0 – 1 Brentwood Town (29/03/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Brentwood Town 2 – 2 Dartford (05/02/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Brentwood Town 2 – 1 Dartford (08/03/1969 – Southern League First Division)
Dartford 1 – 1 Brentwood Town (15/02/1969 – Southern League First Division)
Dartford 2 – 0 Billericay Town (15/04/1968 – Southern League First Division)

Next Meetings

Brentwood Town v Dartford – Saturday 11th October 2025
Dartford v Brentwood Town – Saturday 31st January 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford are four games without a league win against Brentwood Town (D2, L2)
  • The Darts did win in the last meeting between the two sides, a F.A Trophy tie in November 2017
  • Neither side have scored more than two goals in this fixture

Match Highlights – 2007/2008

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