Season Preview 2026/2027

Cray Wanderers

One of the oldest football clubs in the world, Cray Wanderers were formed in 1860. The Wands won consecutive Kent League titles before promotion 22 years ago. Since then, they have had two spells in both the Isthmian Division One and Premier. Cray Wanderers won the Isthmian South East in the last full season before covid. Three years ago, they missed out on a National South spot after a semi-final playoff defeat.

The draw specialists of the division, Cray Wanderers picked up a point in over a third of their games last season. On the road, the Wands were a top five side losing just three. At home they were average across the board. With the expansion of this season’s playoffs the Kent side would have done enough last time out. When they went on long unbeaten runs, many of those games ended all square. However, the Wands were a tough side to beat.

Manager – Tim O’Shea

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

Summer Transfers

Ade Yusuff had a brief spell with Dartford under Adrian Pennock scoring once in six appearances in 2024/2025. The forward moves to Cray Wanderers from Isthmian Premier champions Folkestone Invicta. The Wands have also taken Henry Molyneux from Chatham Town and Charlie Paye from Bromley. Alfie Payne left Dulwich Hamlet to make a switch to Cray Wanderers. From the lower divisions both Rob Strachan comes in from Erith and Belvedereand George Brooke from Erith Town. Mitch Chapman also joins the Wands from Chislehurst Glebe.

Defender, Adrian Gyamera will be donning a Dartford shirt next season. Remi Sutton (St Albans City) and Harry Seaden (Brentwood Town) stay in the Isthmian Premier. Jordy Mongoy moves down a division and will play for Sittingbourne this season

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 38 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 13

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Cray Wanderers (21/02/2026 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Wanderers 0 – 2 Dartford (25/10/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Wanderers 2 – 2 Dartford (21/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cray Wanderers (26/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (16/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 3 Dartford (18/12/2021 – F.A Trophy)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Cray Wanderers – Saturday 28th November 2026
Cray Wanderers v Dartford – Saturday 27th February 2027

Statistics

• In the league Dartford have lost just once against Cray Wanderers in the last 23 outings (W16, D6)
• The Darts have lost just once in the last 19 at home versus the Wands in all competitions (W12, D6)
• The Darts have won 19 of the last 24 away matches against Cray Wanderers in all competitions (D2, L3)

Match Highlights 2025/2026

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV