Dartford FC Previews

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Season Preview 2025/2026

July 18, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Billericay Town

Two time Isthmian Premier League winners Billericay Town almost added a third championship in April. Having came so close the Essex club are one of the favourites to return to the National South, the division they left three years ago. The Blues have non-league pedigree from their golden age in the seventies. They won three of the first five F.A Vase competitions to go with seven league titles and numerous cups.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian Premier: 2nd
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 4th Round
League Cup: Winners
Top League Scorer: Femi Akinwande (15 goals)

The Blues improved on the previous season and get the sense promotion is not far away. Billericay Town missed out on the playoffs two years ago and followed that by agonisingly missing out on the Isthmian Premier title by a single goal. The Essex club did not leave the top four from September, lost the fewest games and scored the most goals. They began the 2024/2025 season on a 13 game unbeaten run and finished on a four game winning streak.

Manager – Gary McCann

Joining the club in April 2023 on a three-year contract, Gary McCann took Hampton and Richmond Borough to the National South playoffs in consecutive seasons in his previous job. Five years ago, he was denied a hat-trick of playoff qualifications based on points per game. Prior his spell at the Beavers, McCann enjoyed 13 years at Hendon. He guided the Greens to the Isthmian Premier Promotional Final. Last season he picked up a runners up medal, but won a winners medal in the League Cup.

Summer Transfers

The Blues came so close to that league title in April. Being denied on goal difference may have persuaded them to make a statement signing in their forward line. Former Dart, Liam Nash has penned a two-year deal from Worthing. The 29-year-old played for Dartford five years ago scoring five times in just 11 appearances.

Over the summer there was confusion surrounding Jack Evans, who eventually joined for the Blues. The Essex side announced the signing of the former Dart, but had to retract their statement after the striker was still under contract at Chatham Town. The two sides finally made an agreement and after over 100 goals for the Chats, he is now a Blue.

The arrival of Jazzi Barnum-Bobb was also confirmed from Chelmsford City. The St Vincent and Grenadines international defender made 19 appearances for the Darts in 2020/2021.

Nash also had a part to play in getting Billericay Town to bring in Ryan Scott from AFC Hornchurch. Scott has represented the Blues previously, won consecutive promotions with Aveley before winning another title with the Urchins.

Another player starting a second spell with the Essex club is Alfie Cerulli who has signed permanently from Hemel Hempstead Town. Defensive midfielder, Ryan Blackman will also be staying in the county after his move from Chelmsford City. 

Troy Howard could have been playing in this division with Sittingbourne had they won promotion. The forward scored 13 goals and recoded 14 assists for the Brickies last term as they finished runners up in the Isthmian South East. Tyrese Owen was playing for Aveley last season in the National South, the midfielder remains in next season’s Isthmian Premier but with the Blues instead. More recently Ike Orji has signed up from Cray Wanderers.

Among those who are staying with the Blues are former Darts Jay Porter, Femi Akinwande and Tom Bender. Porter and Akinwande both came through the Dartford academy with Porter making four senior appearances. Akinwande left before making a loan return and featured 11 times for the Darts. The striker top scored for Billericay Town last term. Bender is in the recovery stage of his long-term knee injury and is being monitored and assisted in his recovery by the medical team. In 2014/2015, the defender played 20 games for Dartford.

Player of the Season Sam Donkin, Young Player of the Year Charlie Panton and captain Matthew Johnson have all be retained as well as many more from last season’s squad.

Former Dart, Ade Azeez has left the club signing for Hemel Hempstead Town. Azeez started his Dartford career brightly in 2021 and ended that season with 18 goals. Defender, Aron Pollock has made the short journey to Brentwood Town. Montel McKenzie has left Essex to join Kent side Folkestone Invicta. Ashley Nzala makes the switch to Cray Wanderers

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Billericay Town wins: 3 / Draws: 1

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 4 – 0 Billericay Town (25/01/2025 – National South)
Billericay Town 4 – 0 Dartford (08/10/2024 – National South)
Billericay Town 0 – 2 Dartford (15/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Billericay Town (04/12/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Billericay Town (12/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Billericay Town (14/12/2019 – National South)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Billericay Town – Tuesday 12th August 2025
Billericay Town v Dartford – Tuesday 11th November 2025

Statistics

  • Dartford have won four of their last five games against Billericay Town keeping clean sheets in each victory
  • The Darts are currently on a run of five consecutive home victories against Ricay
  • Both sides set their biggest wins against each other last season (4-0)

Match Highlights – 2024/2025

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Season Preview 2025/2026

July 17, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Aveley

This time two years ago Aveley were getting ready for their first foray in the National South. The Millers had been in the Isthmian Leagues since the seventies with the exception of two campaigns in the Southern League. The Essex club reached an all-time high with consecutive promotions under Danny Scopes. The Millers were the surprise package in their debut National South campaign by finishing seventh and reaching the playoff quarter-final. However, they couldn’t replicate that performance last season and ended bottom of the pile.

2025/2026 Season
National South: 24th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Round
County Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: David Kawa (10 goals)

Victories were scarce in 2024/2025 with the Millers winning just eight times in the league. It took until September to claim their first three point haul, they picked up just 11 points on the road and went 11 games without a win between February and April. A tough season saw the club relegated with five games to go and a return to the Isthmian Premier. At the end of the season Scopes left the club and after 23 years, Graham Gennings stepped down as Chairman.

Manager – Brett Munyard

Brett Munyard started off his managerial career at White Ensign. In his time with Ensign he guided them promotion from Step 7 to Step 5. He then moved to Brightlingsea Regent in November 2021 and managed to steer them to survival in the Isthmian Premier. Most recently Munyard moved from Regent to Maldon & Tiptree.

Summer Transfers

The Millers have been busy in the market with new boss Munyard aiming to mould his squad to his liking. Former Dartford loanee, Rowan Liburd has signed from Chatham Town. The striker made three appearances for the Darts back in the 2019/2020 season.

Munyard has also looked towards his former side Brightlingsea Regent by bringing in 18-year-old Jayden Robinson and left back Harry Critchley. Arriving from Grays Athletic is Spanish midfielder Alejandro Machado. Whilst Elliott Sartorius is a new arrival, who swept up the annual awards at Grays Athletic last term.

Fresh from winning the Essex Senior Cup with Canvey Island, Tobi Tinubu will provide an option as wing back. A double swoop was made for Ollie Peters and Ryan Henshaw from AFC Sudbury. The pair have also won the Isthmian Premier title with Bishop’s Stortford together. Another Isthmian Premier champion, George Saunders joins from AFC Hornchurch where he won the league title in 2024. 

Marvin Ekpiteta is an addition from Folkestone Invict. Jayden Gipson from Isthmian North side Cambridge City and Kymani Thomas from Waltham Abbey. Albie Armin has been signed for an undisclosed fee from Leiston.

Sittingbourne have had their players picked off this summer and one of those is Joseph Boachie who joins Aveley. Forward Ryan Charles swaps the Southern Premier for the Isthmian Premier by moving from Bishop’s Stortford. Joe Wright will be Aveley’s new goalkeeper having signed from Enfield Town. Suley Zuhdu has signed on from Walthamstow. Jaden Brissett joins from Basingstoke Town.

Some of Aveley’s notable departures include former Dart, Ibby Akanbi who played just five games for Dartford and is now at Cray Valley Paper Mills. Manny Ogunrinde leaves after five years with the club joining promoted Brentwood Town. He will team up with Charlee Hughes who has also made the same switch.

Captain for the Millers last term, Jason Ring has left after 151 appearances to play for Hashtag United. Tyrese Owen may have dropped down a division with Aveley, but the midfielder will still be playing in the Isthmian Premier with Billericay Town. Likewise, Adam Leathers has joined Chatham Town. Swapping one set of Millers for another, Luke Holness has also joined Cray Valley Paper Mills and so has Alex Kpakpe.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Aveley wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Aveley (27/02/2024 – National South)
Aveley 0 – 1 Dartford (26/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Aveley (17/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier League)
Dartford 4 – 5 Aveley (15/12/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)
Aveley 1 – 4 Dartford (24/10/2009 – Isthmian Premier League)
Aveley 2 – 2 Dartford (29/12/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)

Next Meetings

Aveley v Dartford – Saturday 20th September 2025
Dartford v Aveley – Saturday 17th January 2026

Statistics

  • Dartford lost at home in the league for the first time against the Millers last time Aveley visited Princes Park. The Darts were unbeaten in four (W2, D2)
  • The Darts are unbeaten in their last four trips to Aveley (W3, L1)
  • This fixture has averaged 4.08 goals a game in the 12 previous meetings. Dartford have scored 31 to Aveley’s 18.

Match Highlights – 2023/2024

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Dartford v Eastbourne Borough

July 16, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford continue their pre-season with another home friendly this weekend against National South side Eastbourne Borough.

The Darts began preparations for the 2025/2026 campaign last Saturday in an entertaining game against a strong Charlton Athletic team. Although the Darts lost 3-2, Pennock changed each outfield player at half-time as the squad continued to build up their fitness levels.

New signings were given a chance to impress for the fist time. Ben Frempah was part of the defence having signed from Wingate and Finchley. Midfielder, Sammie McLeod started after his move from Sevenoaks Town. Goalkeeper, Jonny Henly was at Folkestone Invicta last term and he was replaced late in the second half.

At the break the scores were level with Dartford equalising twice. Last season’s Player of the Year and top scorer, Callum Jones put home a rebound from close range. Then Samir Carruthers calmly chipped in a penalty.

For the second half, Pennock gave supporters a glimpse at latest signing Ikechi Eze. Signed from Potters Bar Town, the midfielder is brother of Crystal Palace’s F.A Cup winner and England international, Eberechi. Dan Smith also came on, the striker top scored for Folkestone Invicta last season. After signing a new contract this summer Michael Olarewaju also featured. The defender could have a part to play against his old club this weekend.

Eastbourne Borough kickstarted their build up to the new season with an away trip to Farnham Town. Their opponents hosted the Sports after winning back to back titles to reach the Southern Premier South.

The Sports fielded former Dart, Kai Innocent who made eight appearances for Dartford in 2022. A goal down at the break, the Sussex side introduced George Alexander as one of many changes and he equalised. The striker is another former player and scored two goals in ten games for the Darts during the 2023/2024 campaign. However, Farnham Town went on to add two unanswered goals to win 3-1.

The footballing worlds of Dartford and Eastbourne Borough collided 14 years ago. Moving in the right direction, the Darts made their way up to the National South. Whilst the Sports dropped down a division, culminating in many meetings between the two sides.

Between August 2011 and November 2018, the Darts enjoyed an unbeaten run of 12 games in all competitions against the Sussex side. However, over the following dozen matches the spoils have been shared with five victories each. In that time both sides have claimed notable wins. The Sports won 6-0 in April 2019 and the Darts won 7-2 three years later.

Like the Darts, Borough took the league title to the final day last season, but were incredibly one of five teams to have missed out. In the end the Sports finished third on goal difference a point behind eventual winners Truro City. The Sussex club were beaten in their first playoff match losing to Maidstone United.

Still, it was a positive campaign for Eastbourne Borough who recorded their highest finish since relegation from the National League in 2011. Former manager, Adam Murray left this summer to move nearer his family in the Midlands. Now Matt Gray is at the helm. Four years ago he guided Sutton United to the National League title and into the Football League.

Dartford v Charlton Athletic

July 10, 2025 / / 0 Comments

League One playoff winners Charlton Athletic visit Princes Park this weekend for a fourth year in a row to begin Dartford’s preparations for the new season.

The Addicks have been a regular feature in Dartford’s pre-season recently with the two sides meeting six times in friendlies since Princes Park opened in 2006. The Darts have lost the lot and the previous two have ended with the London side winning 6-1.

In compeititve matches, the Darts have faced this weekend’s opponents in the Kent Senior Cup three times. Dartford have been victorious on each occasion, including the 2016 final.

Adrian Pennock has already seen his squad put in some hard yards during training sessions for the new campaign. The early stages of pre-season will continue the good work whilst giving new players time to gel with those retained over the summer.

New additions include striker Dan Smith and goalkeeper Jon Henly both from Folkstone Invicta. In defence, Ben Frempah has joined from Wingate and Finchley and in midfield Sammie McLeoad from Sevenoaks Town. Over the next few weeks Pennock will also get the chance to look at some of the academy team and triallists.

Charlton Athletic are also starting their pre-season fixtures and will be flying out to Slovenia for next weekend’s game against HNK Gorica. The Addicks will be getting ready for life back in the Championship after a five year absence.

Macaulay Gillesphey’s first-half free-kick was enough for the Addicks to beat Leyton Orient at Wembley in May’s playoff final to win promotion. Manager, Nathan Jones guided the London side to fourth place after a strong second half to last season. Striker, Matthew Godden top scored for the Addicks and he could return to Princes Park after a loan spell with the Darts in 2013, where he scored five goals in nine appearances.

Dartford begin their season on Saturday 9 August, fixtures to be announced next week. On the same day, Charlton Athletic commence their Championship campaign at home to Watford.

Pre Season 2025/2026 schedule

May 29, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Saturday 12th July (3pm)
Charlton Athletic (H)

Saturday 19th July (3pm)
Eastbourne Borough (H)

Tuesday 22nd July (7.45pm)
Herne Bay (A)

Saturday 26th July (3pm)
Gillingham (H)

Tuesday 29th July (7.45pm)
Faversham Town (A)

Saturday 2nd August (3pm)
Ebbsfleet United (H)

Dartford v Dover Athletic

May 3, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford target promotion to the National South in a big Kent derby playoff final against rivals Dover Athletic on Bank Holiday Monday.

A return to the National South at the first attempt awaits the winners in what will be Josh Hill’s final game. The Dartford skipper will want to hang up his boots in style by captaining the Darts to victory. Dover Athletic will arrive at Princes Park wanting to spoil the party after claiming the final playoff place on the final day.

Dartford were seconds from bowing out on Wednesday and seeing their season come to an end. Set pieces were the Darts downfall with two identical corners by Cray Valley Paper Mills in each half. Danny Waldren got on the end of both to give the visitors a 2-0 lead and leave Pennock’s side on the brink.

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The hosts were handed a lifeline with 20 minutes to go when Cray Valley’s Crossley Lema was red carded for an off the ball incident in the penalty area. The match official awarded the hosts a penalty, which Samir Carruthers stuck away. In post match interviews, Dartford assistant manager, Roland Edge and Cray Valley boss Steve McKimm both acknowledged the dismissal as the turning point in the game. After hitting the woodwork and throwing everything at the Millers, a free kick was given for one final chance. Sam Odaudu went for goal with the last kick and his shot deflected into the net.

The turnaround was complete in extra time when Hayden Bullas swept home a third. Then it got better with George Whitefield netting his tenth of the season. However, the ten men of Cray Valley threatened another twist when Adam Coombes pulled a goal back.

Pennock made three changes to the starting lineup. Luther Williams replaced the suspended Michael Olarewaju. At full back Sam Okoye returned, whilst Jez Pinder came in for Samir Carruthers, who has been struggling to play a full ninety minutes due to injury. Carruthers was later substituted in extra time.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dover Athletic also needed an additional half hour in their win over league runners up Billericay Town. Striker, Alfie Matthews was the hero scoring an extra time brace. Manager, Jake Leberl named the same team that clinched the playoff place with a win against Chichester City. After a goalless ninety minutes, the Whites came from behind to reach the final and set up a Kent derby. Billericay Town took the lead early in extra time when former Dart, Femi Akinwande scored. The visitors fought back immediately when Matthews equalised. Then with the match heading to penalties, Matthews netted the winner late in the second period.

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Home advantage counted in the two league meetings between Dartford and Dover Athletic this season. At the Crabble, the Darts were made to pay for defensive errors by their rival’s potent strike force. George Nikaj, Ruben Soares-Junior and Luke Baptiste have all scored over 20 goals this season totalling 69 between them. Soares-Junior grabbed a brace in the 5-1 win over the Darts by starting and finishing the scoring. George Wilkinson and Baptiste had the hosts three up before half-time and Matthews added another five minutes into the second half. Pinder pulled one back for Dartford, but Matthews wrapped things up.

The Good Friday reverse match over a fortnight ago went Dartford’s way, demonstrating how far the side has progressed this season. Chasing the league title, any derby day nerves for the Darts were settled on quarter of an hour when Carruthers brilliantly curled in a free kick. The lead was doubled when Denzelle Olopade pounced on a flicked header. In the second half a third arrived with Hill heading home at the far post after great work from Olly Box to get in the cross. Dover Athletic managed to get one back through Soares-Junior.

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For both teams this is their seventh playoff campaign, and the two clubs have experienced plenty of heartbreak in the past. Although the Darts won the 2012 National South final in another Kent derby at home against Welling United, they have lost three penalty shootouts including the final versus Weymouth five years ago.

The Darts have looked down and out a couple of times this season. Most notably back in October when they were in 15th spot. A club record equalling 21 matches unbeaten put Dartford in the title race, but they fell short on the final day.

Defensively the Darts have generally been solid. Only champions Horsham kept more clean sheets this term and Dartford conceded the fourth fewest. However, they have conceded nine in their last three outings. Attacking wise the goals have been shared out with five players hitting double figures in all competitions.

Dover Athletic’s solitary playoff winning campaign also resulted in a Kent derby triumph when they beat Ebbsfleet United 4-2 to reach the National League in 2014. Like the Darts they have also had five failed attempts, including one chance to make it to the Football League nine years ago. The Whites have been losing finalists on two occasions. In 2006 they were beaten by Tonbridge Angels in the Isthmian Division One South and in 2013 by Salisbury City in the National South.

The Whites grabbed the final playoff spot with a winner takes all showdown against Chichester City on the last game. Failure to cement a playoff spot would have been disastrous for Dover considering they were the early front runners to win the league. The Whites were top from October to the New Year then they lost form for a couple of months. The Whites had a strong enough finish to the campaign to hold on to fifth place.

Current Form

Dartford (WDWWLW) Dover Athletic (WWLDWW)
Cray Valley PM H 4-3 Billericay Town A 2-1
Carshalton Athletic H 1-4 Chichester City A 2-1
Cray Wanderers A 2-2 Hastings United H 1-1
Dover Athletic H 3-1 Dartford A 1-2
Whitehawk A 1-0 Hendon H 4-2
Folkestone Invicta H 2-2 Cheshunt H 2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 19 / Dover Athletic wins: 12 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 Dover Athletic (18/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dover Athletic 5 – 1 Dartford (07/09/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (17/02/2024 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Dover Athletic (28/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National South)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of their last 16 home matches (W11, D4)
  • In all competitions the Darts have won their last four home games against the Whites and are unbeaten in six (D1)
  • Dover Athletic have won six of their last eight matches
  • The Whites have won three of their last four on the road
  • Dartford are the only side to have beaten the Whites in the last eight fixtures

Dartford v Cray Valley Paper Mills

April 29, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford have a second chance to win promotion back to the National South when they start their playoff campaign against Cray Valley Paper Mills on Wednesday.

The Darts came close to winning the Isthmian Premier title falling short in the final two games of the season. Whilst the Kent derby win over Dover Athletic on Good Friday extended their lead at the top, the Easter Monday draw at Cray Wanderers took title hopes out of their hands. Level on points with Billericay Town and Horsham going into the last match, the Darts needed to win against Carshalton Town and for the other two to slip up.

Whilst Horsham pipped Billericay Town to the championship, Adrian Pennock’s side were comfortably beaten on the weekend and now have to settle for their seventh playoff campaign.

Dartford’s 14 game unbeaten home run came to an emphatic end when Carshalton Athletic won 4-1 at Princes Park on Saturday. Pennock made one change bringing in Tyler Christian-Law at full back to replace Sam Okoye. The Darts were shell shocked on 11 minutes when Kola Salami was given time and space to put the Robins ahead. Then just before the interval the vistors went two up through Sharon Ifeanyi. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers was taken off at half-time after looking like he was struggling with injury. Defender, George Whitefield pulled a goal back in the second-half, his ninth of the season. Then Nabeel Ghannam struck twice for the Surrey side.

It’s now down to the management team to put defeat aside and lift the players ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final. Assistant manager, Roland Edge feels the Easter Monday draw had an impact on the players mentally, he explained to Dartford FC TV after the Carshalton Athletic loss: “It’s been a fantastic season. Yes, you want to win every game, but losses happen in football. I think our mind wasn’t quite at it today. We was a little bit down because we worked so hard all year, put in some great performances. Then you come to the final game of the season, your equal points, but the goal difference was never ever going to matched and I think our mind was half on that and a little bit deflated”.

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However, Edge is hoping the negative experience will spur the players on for one final promotion push, he added: “The pain of losing today will be with them until Wednesday. Sometimes that’s a good thing to kick you on again…a loss is part of football, it’s how you react after it”.

The build up will focus around getting everyone in the right frame of mind, the assistant boss commented: “Sometimes you can drop out of winning the league on the last day and you can end up going into a league by winning playoffs, me and Ade have been in that situation before, so we’re well aware of it. It’s about how we change our mindset ready for Wednesday, get ourselves prepared for a battle and another tough game”.

It remains to be seen if Pennock selects Carruthers to start as the midfielder has been struggling with injury in recent weeks. Michael Olarewaju will be suspended after his red card on Easter Monday against Cray Wanderers.

As shown in Dartford’s previous two matches against Cray Valley Paper Mills, Steve McKimm’s side are well organised and have had a fantastic season themselves. If successful in the playoffs the Millers will make it consecutive promotions.

On the opening day of the season, Cray Valley Paper Mills made their Isthmian Premier debut, but it was Dartford who took home all three points. Pennock handed out eight debuts of his own, made up of new signings and academy graduates. Preparations weren’t ideal when new goalkeeper Jacob Marsden was injured in the final pre-season friendly, Samir Carruthers and Duane Ofori-Acheampong were injured as well.

However, Olly Box linked up with new striker Callum Jones in the first half and the pair combined for Dartford’s first goal of the season. The away side went in at the break ahead, but it could have been more than 1-0. Early in the second-half Cray Valley Paper Mills had Hassan Ibrahiym sent off, however the Millers still managed to equalise through Tom Chambers. Then a moment of magic by Denzelle Olopade won Dartford the game when he curled home a shot from 30 yards.

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At Princes Park a 0-0 draw with the Millers extended Dartford’s winless run to six matches. Little did they know that the draw was the start of a record equalling 21 game unbeaten league run for the club, which included another joint best ten match winning streak. The stalemate came after a League Cup victory over Erith Town and Edge said at the time that the pair of results will lay a foundation for short term form to improve, it turned out to be for the long term instead.

Under McKimm, Cray Valley Paper Mills won the Isthmian Division One South East in his debut season. The former Tonbridge Angels boss also guided the Millers to the F.A Cup first round for the first time, taking Charlton Athletic to a replay. With the likes of Freddie Parker and Tom Beere scoring goals they also have a blend of experience in Adam Coombes and Danny Waldren. Former Darts, Andre Coker, Fumnaya Shomotun and Marcel Barrington are also part of the Millers squad.

Coker scored the last minute consolation on the weekend when Cray Valley Paper Mills lost on the final day. They were denied a sixth consecutive victory when Folkestone Invicta won 2-1 at the Badgers Sports Ground. McKimm decided to rest key players having already secured a playoff place.

The Millers have won their previous three away fixtures beating Wingate and Finchley with goals from Denzel Gayle and Waldren. Hashtag United were defeated 3-1, which included a Parker brace and one from Tom Beere. In their last match on the road they won 1-0 against Chatham Town, Dan Bowry scoring the only goal of the game.

Dartford will be hoping to channel the spirit of 2012 when they won the National South playoffs. Cray Valley Paper Mills are in the playoffs for just the second time in their history.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWDWWL) Cray Valley PM (WWWWWL)
Carshalton Athletic H 1-4 Folkestone Invicta H 1-2
Cray Wanderers A 2-2 Chatham Town A 1-0
Dover Athletic H 3-1 Whitehawk H 3-0
Whitehawk A 1-0 Hashtag United A 3-1
Folkestone Invicta H 2-2 Dulwich Hamlet H 3-1
Dulwich Hamlet A 3-0 Wingate & Finchley A 2-0

Head to Head

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

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 0 Cray Valley Paper Mills (02/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Valley Paper Mills 1 – 2 Dartford (10/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of their last 15 home matches (W10, D4)
  • Only champions Horsham kept more clean sheets (18) than the Darts (17) this season
  • Cray Valley Paper Mills were the only side to take a point from the Darts at Princes Park out of the playoff contenders
  • Sam Odaudu will make his 100th Dartford start if selected

On This Day

Dartford finished their away campaign of the 2021/2022 season strongly racking up 13 goals on their travels in the final two league matches on the road. On this day Slough Town were thrashed 6-0 in a dominant Dartford display. Marcus Dinanga opened the scoring with just two minutes on the clock. The striker netted a brace either side of Keiran Murtagh’s goal. In the second-half the Darts added more through Kalvin Kalala, Jordan Greenidge and Olumide Durojaiye.

Isthmian Premier Playoff Preview

April 28, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The Isthmian Premier League playoffs start this week with a place in the National South up for grabs. We look at the four teams who booked their place in the end of season showdown.

The contenders

Billericay Town have been the most consistent team throughout the season. The league runners up entered the top three in matchday seven and stayed there. Missing out on the title by a goal, the Blues are guaranteed home advantage in the playoffs.

Dartford made up the trio of teams with a chance of winning the division on the final day. A club equalling record of 21 games unbeaten which included ten victories in a row propelled the Darts up the table after languishing in 15th back in October. On Good Friday they increased their lead at the top to two points, but then saw the lead wiped out on Easter Monday.

Cray Valley Paper Mills recorded their highest ever league finish in their debut Isthmian Premier campaign. The best of the promoted teams, the Millers have occupied a playoff spot since mid-October and deserve a shot at could be an impressive second consecutive promotion.

Dover Athletic grabbed the final spot with a winner takes all showdown against Chichester City on the last game. Failure to cement a playoff spot would have been disastrous for Dover considering they were the early front runners to win the league. The Whites were top from October to the New Year then they lost form for a couple of months. The Whites had a strong enough finish to the campaign to hold on to the last playoff spot.

Who has hit form at the right time?

Whilst Billericay Town and Dartford have had their eyes on the prize of winning the league, Dover Athletic have been focussing on just booking a place in the playoffs. Cray Valley Paper Mills have had more time to prepare and could afford to rest players on the weekend.

Prior the the Millers losing on the final day, Steve McKimm’s side had won five on the bounce. Over the last six games they have acrrued the same number of points as runners up Billericay Town. Meanwhile, Dover Athletic regained their form towards the end of the campaign and are fourth over the final six games. The Darts lost a bit of momentum and are seventh. However, over the last eight fixtures only two points seperate the four playoff contenders.

 TeamWonDrawnLostPointsGD
Billericay Town60218+12
Cray Valley (PM)60218+7
Dartford52117+7
Dover Athletic51216+4

How have the playoff contenders fared against each other?

Billericay Town are guaranteed home advantage and have picked up seven points on their own patch by beating Dartford and Cray Valley Paper Mills. The only points dropped were against Dover Athletic.

The Darts host Cray Valley Paper Mills in the semi-final and both sides could end up playing home and away over the playoff campaign. Dartford also have seven home points drawing with the Millers, but picked up one win on the road having lost heavily to both Billericay Town and Dover Athletic.

Cray Valley Paper Mills lost their season’s opener at home against Dartford and picked up just one victory versus the playoff contenders. That was a home win over Dover Athletic, but they drew a total of three out of six matches against the playoff contenders.

Dover Athletic will have to travel in the semi-final and potentially the final. On the road, the Whites failed to beat any of the playoff sides picking up a point at Billericay Town.

Team Won Drawn Lost Points GD
Billericay Town 3 2 1 11 +2
Dartford 3 1 2 10 -1
Cray Valley (PM) 1 3 2 6 -1
Dover Athletic 1 2 3 5 0

Has any team had previous playoff success?

Lee Noble scored the only goal of the final in 2012 when the Darts beat local rivals Welling United in their first ever playoff campaign to gain promotion to the National League. Since then Dartford lost to Weymouth on penalties in 2020 to be denied a National League place too. The Darts went out in the semi final in 2017, 2018 and 2023 and the quarter final in 2022.

Dover Athletic’s solitary playoff winning campaign also resulted in a Kent derby win when they beat Ebbsfleet United 4-2 to reach the National League in 2014. Like the Darts they have also had five failed attempts, including one chance to make it to the Football League nine years ago. On that occasion they lost the semi final, which was also their fate in the 2007 Isthmian Division One South and 2010 National South. They have been twice losing finalists as well, in 2006 they were beaten by Tonbridge Angels in the Isthmian Division One South and in 2013 by Salisbury City in the National South.

Billericay Town have reached one final in their two playoff campaigns losing to Bromley on penalties in the 2007 Isthmian Premier final. Whilst Cray Valley Paper Mills have appeared once losing the Isthmian Division One South East semi final three years ago.

Does your final league position give you a better chance of winning?

It goes without saying that the better teams will finish higher in the league and therefore should have the better chance. One factor that helps is having good recent form, then there’s the player’s physical and mental states, manager’s decisions and even good fortune to consider. Historically there is less chance of winning if you finish fifth. Six league runners up have won the playoffs and the same number of third place teams have triumphed as well. Fourth is just one win behind, whilst Cheshunt are the only fifth place team to win promotion.

Position Winners
2nd 6
3rd  6
4th 5
5th 1

Does home advantage count?

In recent years the away side in the final has won promotion. The last four playoff campaigns has seen Enfield Town, Aveley, Cheshunt and Tonbridge Angels go up with the latter three playing the semi-final away as well. However that has only really become a recent trend. Overall, since the restructuring of non league and when playoffs were introduced, the Isthmian Premier has had 11 finals won by the home side versus seven away. In total half of the 18 winners played both playoff matches at home.

Season Position Team Semi final venue Final venue
23/24 3rd Enfield Town Home Away
22/23 4th Aveley Away Away
21/22 5th Cheshunt Away Away
18/19 4th Tonbridge Angels Away Away
17/18 2nd Dulwich Hamlet Home Home
16/17 2nd Bognor Regis Town Home Home
15/16 3rd East Thurrock United Home Home
14/15 3rd Margate Home Away
13/14 4th Lowestoft Town Away Home
12/13 4th Concord Rangers Away Away
11/12 2nd AFC Hornchurch Home Home
10/11 2nd Tonbridge Angels Home Home
09/10 4th Boreham Wood Away Home
08/09 2nd Staines Town Home Home
07/08 3rd AFC Wimbledon Home Away
06/07 2nd Bromley Home Home
05/06 3rd Fisher Athletic Home Home
04/05 3rd Eastleigh Home Home

Season Review 2024/2025

April 27, 2025 / / 0 Comments

A dejected dressing room knows there is plenty of work to be done. Dartford fans queue for half time refreshments and are left wondering if the season can get any worse. It’s October and Adrian Pennock is trying to rally the troops because his side is three down at half-time against Wingate and Finchley. There is still another forty-five minutes to get through.

We’re a dozen league games into the season and a sense of perspective is required. Fresh from relegation to the Isthmian Premier the Darts kept just three players from last season’s squad. The rebuild started in the summer, but how long will it take for the squad to gel? Should a club of Dartford’s stature be playing at this level? How will we turn around our fortunes? A little more patience and soon the answers began to reveal.

Despite a bright start in August with four league wins in the first five, plus a comprehensive 6-2 victory against Marlow in the F.A Cup, Dartford struggled through September and half of October. Heavy defeats to rivals Dover Athletic and Billericay Town compounded a run of seven league games without a win and by now the Darts were already out of the two major cup competitions. All the way down in 15th and 14 points from the top in November, maybe expectations needed lowering or maybe not…

Ade Yusuff is just inside the Wingate and Finchley penalty box, gets his feet in a muddle, falls over and instinctively with his back to goal sweeps the ball goalwards to make it 3-2. There is hope and a tiny spark waiting to be ignited.

What follows is incredible. It started burning slowly, then grew and grew as the players, the supporters, the club started to believe. A county cup win over Erith Town was merely a prelude. The Darts stopped the losing league rot with a battling 0-0 draw against an in-form Cray Valley Paper Mills, then followed that up with a 1-1 stalemate at Potters Bar Town. Not the most glamorous of results, but a foundation on which to build.

The ball works its way across the Princes Park pitch to George Whitefield 30 yards from the Cheshunt goal. The defender brings the ball under control and smashes it in the top corner. The roof and the season lifts off.

The Darts go on a record equalling 21-game unbeaten league run.

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Yet that run almost ended before it really got going. Dartford are 3-2 down in Essex with just three minutes remaining, the points are all Hashtag United’s. Then the boy wonder, Olly Box calmly volleys home a rebound in the last minute. He’s not the hero though. The Tags break at lightning speed, the goal is open and somehow Jacob Marsden makes the save of the season. It ends 3-3. Pennock has now got his squad refusing to be beaten, showing the character and tenacity to climb the table.

The Darts have just brushed aside Bognor Regis Town, it is their third clean sheet in four games. The defence has tightened up and the wins keep coming. The midfield is strengthened with the loan signings of Hayden Bullas and Louis Dunne, providing depth to the already creative partnership of the influential Samir Carruthers and Denzelle Olopade. The goals are shared out and striker Callum Jones is showing the work ethic that has earned him Player of the Year, everything is clicking into place.

What happens next was near record breaking, literally. A goal deficit at Horsham turned into a 3-1 win, Carruthers, Box and Olopade turning the game around. Folkestone Invicta were the next victims. Box delivers on Boxing Day with a quality brace and once again the Darts come from behind beating Cray Wanderers. Players are now stepping up when the team is down, and confidence is growing. Away clean sheets at Canvey Island and Chatham Town make it five consecutive wins.

The ball comes out to Josh Hill, the defender unleashes a long-range rocket and the goal of the season. The Darts breeze past Whitehawk, defeat Wingate and Finchley before a key home match against Billericay Town.

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The Essex club thrashed the Darts in October, but three months later Pennock’s side is a different beast and boy did it show. A fantastic performance blows away the league leaders. Box, Whitefield, Jones and now even the substitutes are making an impact. Eddie Dsane adds a fourth to banish the Blues and Dartford are serious title contenders. If there is a set of fixtures to showcase how far the Darts have progressed this season it’s the two matches against Billericay Town, but more was still to come.

Victories over Bowers and Pitsea and Hashtag United put the Darts on the verge of breaking the club record of consecutive league wins during one season. The 2-0 home triumph over the Tags equalled the previous best of ten, only Chichester City stood in the way now. Neither side could break the deadlock in a 0-0 draw bringing the incredible achievement to a close.

Carruthers puts home a penalty at Hendon to complete another comeback. The Darts win 3-2 and equal another club record of 21 league matches unbeaten. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and unusually Dartford come out second best in a 3-0 defeat to Cheshunt. So, what better way to bounce back then to face your title rivals next.

The scoreboard at Princes Park shows 87 minutes, Dartford 0 Horsham 1. Sam Odaudu sends in a low cross and George Whitefield stabs the ball in for an equaliser. In these circumstances rescuing a point will do, but not a Dartford team refusing to give in. Carruthers puts in a delightful free-kick, Whitefield gets something on the ball and falling kindly to Dsane the forward cannot miss at the far post. The most dramatic of victories keeps the title dream alive.

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There was even more reason to believe despite defeat at Lewes a week later. Billericay Town and Horsham also lost that weekend, was this a sign luck is on Dartford’s side? A fortnight later a day out in Bognor ends in a 2-0 away win and the fans chanting ‘we are top of the league’. Six more games to hold on.

Princes Park is silent for the home side have shipped in two goals in the first-half against Folkestone Invicta. We’ve been here before, two down at the break. Whitefield halves the deficit then late on in the game Olopade is fouled in the penalty area. The pressure is on Carruthers, but he rises to the occasion. It finishes 2-2. Two points dropped or one point gained? Somehow the draw was enough to extend Dartford’s lead by the end of the day. Another sign?

The Darts pick up a win at Whitehawk and then the Easter period has another twist waiting in store. Carruthers has already scored a worldy and Olopade added another before Hill put the third past Kent rivals Dover Athletic. The 3-1 win another measure of how far Pennock’s side have come since that heavy defeat at the Crabble in September.

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Then the twist…Easter Monday is not as good as Friday and the Darts draw 2-2 at Cray Wanderers setting up a final day showdown.

Dartford slip to third on goal difference level on points with Horsham and Billericay Town. Pennock’s side have to better what their title rivals do in the last game, the odds are against them, but whilst there is a chance and all that.

The final whistle has blown bringing an end to the league campaign. The players are devastated in the dressing room. Pennock has been here before, he needs to rally the troops. Got to get ready for the playoffs.

Dartford v Carshalton Athletic

April 25, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford will be hoping fortune is on their side for the final day title showdown against Carshalton Athletic this weekend.

The Isthmian Premier title race couldn’t be much tighter with the top three level on points. Yet the Darts have a far inferior goal difference meaning they will need league leaders Billericay Town and second place Horsham to slip up to stand a chance of becoming champions.

As it stands

Team

Played

Points

GD

Billericay Town

41

84

+39

Horsham

41

84

+38

DARTFORD

41

84

+31

Realistically the permutations are simple for Adrian Pennock’s side. A Dartford win will see them return to the National South, if Billericay Town and Horsham fail to get maximum points. If the Darts draw they will need the top two to lose.

With Billericay Town eight goals ahead of the Darts and Horsham seven, history isn’t on Dartford’s side when the title comes down to goal difference. On three previous occasions the Darts have narrowly lost out having been level on points. The most recent of times came in the 2017/2018 National South season. The club suffered the same fate in 1996 (Kent League) and 1988 (Southern Premier).

Final day fixtures

Billericay Town (1st) v Cheshunt (15th)
Dartford (3rd) v Carshalton Athletic (7th)
Horsham (2nd) v Hashtag United (8th)

At the start of Easter Monday, Dartford had the title in their own hands but the two point advantage was erased once they drew 2-2 at Cray Wanderers. In the space of ninety minutes the Darts went from top to third.

Pennock made one change to the side that beat Dover Athletic on Good Friday. Samir Carruthers was named on the bench after struggling with injury recently and in came Louis Dunne.

In an entertaining Kent derby it took until half hour for Dartford to lead in their first ever visit to Flamingo Park. Sam Odaudu’s long throw found its way to Callum Jones, who scored his 15th of the season. For eight minutes the Darts had one hand on the league trophy as the two other title challengers had yet to find a breakthrough. When Frankie Raymond converted a penalty for the hosts then it was back to square one and a final day decider.

Early in the second half, Cray Wanderers went in front through Lateef Adaja, but Dartford bounced back quickly when Denzelle Olopade scored his second goal over the Easter period. Michael Olarewaju was sent off with ten minutes remaining. However that didn’t deter the Darts, in the final moments of the game Eddie Dsane hit the crossbar and Jones had his effort cleared off the line. Dartford have now rescued 19 points from losing positions this season, whether those points are crucial come the final whistle on Saturday remains to be seen.

The Darts now know they will have to at least keep their unbeaten home run going to be in with a chance of winning the division. Dartford’s last league defeat came 15 games ago back in October, since then they have won ten and drawn four in the Isthmian Premier on their own patch.

If Pennock’s side add another victory on Saturday it will complete a double over Carshalton Athletic, who they beat in August. Dsane opened his account in the first half to score his first goal for the club. Good work from Olopade set up the striker to give Dartford a lead inside the first twenty minutes. The Darts held off Carshalton Athletic late on with spirited defending and a good goalkeeping performance by the on loan Matt Kerbey.

Dartford have only ever lost once to the Robins and are currently unbeaten in four against the Surrey side, but the Darts have failed to beat them at home in the three previous meetings. The F.A Trophy first round replay ended 1-1 in 1991 and needed a second replay, which Dartford won. In league matches, Carshalton Athletic were 3-2 winners in 2008, Jamie Day and John Guest scoring for the Darts. The following season the two teams drew 1-1 again. Richard Jolly put the Robins in front and Jamie Coyle equalised. Since the loss to the Surrey side at Princes Park, the Darts have recorded three away victories against Saturday’s opponents scoring a total of seven without reply.

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After an impressive 5-1 win against Dulwich Hamlet on Easter Monday, Carshalton Athletic will finish either seventh or eighth. A point on the weekend will keep them ahead of Hashtag United, but defeat on the final day and a win for the Tags will see the two teams swap places. The Darts will be hoping Hashtag United do them a favour when they visit Horsham.

There have plenty of goals during March and April when the Robins have been involved. On Monday they were three up by half time courtesy of Fabio Camacho-Saraiva and a David Smith brace. Dylan Pepe and Mason Saunders-Henry added two more before Dulwich Hamlet’s last minute consolation. Featuring in the Robins win was former Dart, Kalvin Kalala who made 26 appearances for Dartford and scored five goals during the 2021/2022 campaign. The games over Easter came too soon for the injured former loanee, Kwaku Frimpong. The midfielder was on loan for a month at Dartford in September 2022 and only managed two substitute appearances. His loan spell was cut short after picking up a red card and suspension before being recalled by AFC Wimbledon.

On Good Friday, Peter Adeniyi’s side made it a perfect Easter by beating Lewes 3-1 thanks to two injury time goals. The second half comeback was completed when Nabeel Ghannam equalised, Sharon Ifeany put the visitors ahead and Tommy Bradford made sure of maximum points.

Consecutive victories was just the tonic for the pair of 3-0 defeats, first at Chatham Town then on their own patch versus Horsham. At the end of March, the Robins thrashed Bowers and Pitsea 6-1 and at the beginning of last month they drew 4-4 with Bognor Regis Town. Carshalton Athletic came from three down to lead before conceding a last minute equaliser against the Rocks.

The Robins are guaranteed their highest finish since coming runners up in 2019 and next season will be their eighth consecutive year in the Isthmian Premier.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWDWW) Cray Wanderers (LWLLWW)
Cray Wanderers A 2-2 Dulwich Hamlet H 5-1
Dover Athletic H 3-1 Lewes A 3-1
Whitehawk A 1-0 Horsham H 0-3
Folkestone Invicta H 2-2 Chatham Town A 0-3
Dulwich Hamlet A 3-0 Bowers & Pitsea H 6-1
Bognor Regis Town A 2-0 Whitehawk A 0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Carshalton Athletic wins: 1 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

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)
Carshalton Athletic 2– 3 Dartford (21/01/1991 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

  • Dartford lost their first ever league meeting against Carshalton Athletic but have since gone four unbeaten (W3, D1)
  • The home side has never won this fixture in eight attempts (5 away wins and 2 draws)
  • Dartford are 14 unbeaten in the league at home. Their longest run without a league defeat at Princes Park since the 2021/2022 campaign (17 games)
  • The Darts have won one of their last five home games on the final day of the season (D1, L3)

On This Day

Trailing from the first leg of the 1988 Southern League Cup final against Bromsgrove Rovers, the Darts had to overturn a 3-1 deficit. The second leg on this day 37 years go didn’t start well when Dartford missed a penalty at Watling Street. Then Garry Britnell, Kurt Davidson and Colin Johnson scored to help Dartford lift the league cup.

Twenty years later it was party time at Princes Park when captain Alex O’Brien lifted the league trophy. Crowned Isthmian Division One North champions a week earlier, the Darts celebrated with a 1-0 win over Wingate and Finchley, Brendon Cass the goalscorer.

In 2016, the Darts added more silverware to the cabinet winning the Kent Senior Cup. Elliot Bradbrook opened the scoring against Charlton Athletic before the visitors equalised. Ronnie Vint and Ben Francis added two more for the Darts in the 3-1 victory.

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