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
Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV
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