Dartford take on Isthmian South East playoff winners AFC Whyteleafe for the first time on the weekend at Flamingo Park.
The Darts have had a midweek break after a busy schedule and will be pleased to be travelling a shorter distance than the actual home side. Ben Greenhalgh’s side were back to winning ways last Saturday ending a two match losing streak.
AFC Whyteleafe have to cross a county border for their home matches this season. Their groundshare with Kent club Cray Wanderers is to help develop the club after a quick rise up the non-league pyramid. Formed just five years ago, the Leafe are debuting in the Isthmian Premier and are three points clear of the bottom four.
Atkins Arrives On Time
Louie Atkins scored the winner on the weekend, his first senior league goal for the club. The academy graduate was introduced late on in the game and after five minutes he netted the decisive goal. Earlier, player manager Greenhalgh gave Dartford the lead with a scrappy goal. In the previous two games the Darts lost from a goal up. Wingate and Finchley threatened to become the third team in a row to come from behind when they equalised through Anointed Chukwu. However, the hosts had other ideas and made sure a 2-1 victory was secured.
Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV
Keeping Pace
Last time Greenhalgh’s side lost consecutive games they then went on a nine match unbeaten run in all competitions, winning eight. That streak included seven straight victories. The Darts will be hoping Saturday’s triumph has ignited another positive run to keep pace at the summit of the Isthmian Premier. Midweek results elsewhere meant Greenhalgh’s side dropped to fourth and are now three points behind top spot.
New Signing’s Hat-Trick
AFC Whyteleafe hosted Whitehawk on Wednesday night and pulled further away from the relegation zone in style. Toby Aromolaran made his full debut on the weekend after joining from Aveley and four days later he bagged three against the Hawks.
It was sweet revenge for the Leafe having lost in the F.A Trophy to Whitehawk. This time Aromolaran stole the show from his team mate Paris Francis, who bagged a brace himself. AFC Whyteleafe led after five minutes through the new signing and his strike partner doubled the advantage. Aromolaran went on to complete a hat-trick before Francis added further gloss the the scoreline.
Finding Their Feet
It took the Leafe seven games to claim a maiden Isthmian Premier win after promotion via the playoffs last season. The Surrey side picked up a pair of 2-2 draws at home to Wingate and Finchley and Cheshunt in that time. After a heavy defeat at Ramsgate, Enzo Gonnella’s side claimed their first victory against fellow promoted side Stanway Rovers. Four second half goals from Nile Ranger, Dean Gunner, Helge Orome and Jedd Hobbs secured a much needed 4-0 victory
Triumphant Travels
One point in their next three outings left AFC Whyteleafe in the bottom four until last weekend when they picked up their first away triumph in the Isthmian Premier. Another win over a fellow promoted side eased some pressure on the side ahead of Wednesday’s fixture.
Substitute, Mannie Mensah made the difference scoring the winner against Maldon and Tiptree. Corey Holder gave the visitors the lead, but the Jammers were level in no time at all. Mensah was brought on and the midfielder was ready to get on the end of a cross to help his side to all three points.
Manager’s View
Ben Greenhalgh felt his side learnt from the defeat at home to Ramsgate by not letting frustration get the better of the team in the win over Wingate and Finchley. The player manager spoke to Dartford FC TV and explained that against Ramsgate: “We created our own frustration and we created frustration around the ground and that’s something we’ve got to do a little bit better at and we’ve got to control our emotions better”.
Compared to Saturday’s performance, he added: “To concede a goal in the manner that we did, when we were completely on top, I think that’s a great test to our character, that’s pushed us again. We didn’t see that frustration and it’s great to come out the other side of it and get the three points”.
Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV
Team News
Dartford are still without defenders Ben Swift and Joe Tennent, who continue their recovery from long term injury. Luke Exal is continuing to build up fitness after being out since pre-season.
Current League Form
| DARTFORD (WWWWLW) | AFC WHYTELEAFE (WDLLWW) | ||||
| Wingate and Finchley | H | 2-1 | Whitehawk | H | 5-0 |
| Ramsgate | H | 1-2 | Maldon and Tiptree | A | 2-1 |
| Whitehawk | H | 2-1 | Welling United | A | 0-1 |
| Enfield Town | A | 2-0 | Brentwood Town | H | 1-2 |
| Carshalton Athletic | A | 3-0 | Leatherhead | A | 0-0 |
| Chatham Town | H | 1-0 | Stanway Rovers | H | 4-0 |
Statistics
- Dartford have won their last four against newly promoted teams. Since returning to the Isthmian Premier, the Darts have won 5, drawn 6 and lost 2 versus promoted sides.
- The Darts have scored in 13 consecutive games in all competitions and have drawn just one blank in their last 30 outings stretching back to 14 February 2026
On This Day
Noor Husin scored the only goal of the game on this day in 2020. The midfielder’s low drive gave the Darts a 1-0 win against Bath City at Princes Park. A last minute Ryan Hayes equaliser saved a point at home versus Hemel Hempstead Town five years earlier. Dartford came from two down with Danny Harris starting the comeback. In 2009, Allan Tait was the matchwinner in the F.A Trophy when the Darts knocked out Sittingbourne in the first qualifying round.
Back in 1891, Dartford recorded an 18-0 victory against Old Wilkinson in a friendly. In 1970, the Darts put seven past Harrow Borough without conceding in the F.A Cup second qualifying round.
