Tag: Bath City

Bath City v Dartford

Dartford chase their first league win under interim manager Tony Burman this weekend when they visit playoff chasers Bath City in the National South.

The Darts have lost both league fixtures since Burman’s return to the dugout. His side were second best at home to Weymouth a fortnight ago. Last weekend an improved performance saw Dartford narrowly lose down at Farnborough. However, two county cup victories have given players plenty of opportunity to impress and regain some confidence.

Bath City have won their last two National South matches and occupy the final playoff spot. The Romans have games in hand over the teams above them and hope to put some distance between them and those below the dotted line.

Winless in five league outings, the first time since the start of the 2019/2020 campaign, Dartford have sunk to nineteenth and are just six points clear of the relegation zone. The squad has been hampered by the loss of strikers with Harvey Bradbury, Lewis Manor and George Alexander all leaving recently.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Yet the Kent Senior Cup may have been a welcome distraction and has offered Burman a silver lining. In the 3-2 home win over Sevenoaks Town, Fumnaya Shomotun was impressive for the Oaks, so much so that Burman signed the former Barnet winger. The 26-year-old received plaudits in his debut against Farnborough Town and was lively against Queens Park Rangers Development Team in the London Senior Cup.

Six changes were made to the side that lost 2-1 at Farnborough. Academy graduates, Ashton Day was given his senior debut and Olly Box made his second career start for the Darts. Tom Wray and Sam Odaudu made up five players who featured having come through the academy ranks, George Whitefield who made a substitute appearance. Box netted in the Kent Senior Cup game a week earlier and this time he scored the equaliser that took QPR’s youngsters to penalties. The Darts progressed winning 5-4 from the spot and set up a last eight tie with Cray Wanderers.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Whilst Dartford’s attack was potent last time they met Bath City, their defence was leaky in an entertaining 3-3 draw on the opening day at Princes Park. Former manager, Alan Dowson handed out eight debuts to a new look team. One of those debutants, Tyrell Miller-Rodney grabbed the first goal of the season. Captain, Luke Coulson led by example by putting the Darts two up. In the space of three second-half minutes Bath City were level through Ewan Clark and then Scott Wilson. Coulson netted again and despite the Romans being reduced to ten men they equalised once more courtesy of a stunning effort by Jordan Thomas.

Dartford’s previous visit to Twerton Park was more successful. Last season’s opening fixture ended with a 2-1 victory. Pierre Fonkeu’s double brought back all three points. However, it took until 65 minutes to open his account capitalising on goalkeeper, Dan Wilks’ long ball. Five minutes later the striker made it two from close range after applying pressure on Bath City’s defence. The reverse fixture at Princes Park finished 0-0.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Bath City were looking for their first win of 2024 when this fixture was due to take place last month. The Romans won on Boxing Day beating Chippenham Town on the road. The return fixture on New Year’s Day finished goalless and then they were beaten by Yeovil Town and Slough Town. The Romans were also knocked out in the fourth round of the F.A Trophy by Coalville Town.

Since then, Bath City have regained their stride with a pair of 1-0 victories. Cody Cooke scored his 12th league goal of the season in the away triumph over Weston-super-Mare. Four days later Clark was the match winner in the home win against Eastbourne Borough.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDDLLL) Bath City (WDLLWW)
Farnborough A 1-2 Eastbourne Borough H 1-0
Weymouth H 0-1 Weston-super-Mare A 1-0
Maidstone United A 1-2 Slough Town H 1-2
Weston-super-Mare A 2-2 Yeovil Town A 0-2
Welling United H 1-1 Chippenham Town H 0-0
Welling United A 1-0 Chippenham Town A 2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 37 / Bath City wins: 40 / Draws: 22

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 3 – 3 Bath City (05/08/2023) – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Bath City (10/12/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 2 Dartford (06/08/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Bath City (19/02/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 0 Dartford (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • The Darts have lost just once in their last 15 league games against the Romans (W11, D3)
  • In those 15 league games Dartford have kept ten clean sheets
  • In the league, the Darts have lost just one of their last eight at Twerton Park (W5, D2) and have won in five of their last six visits there.
  • Dartford have lost three consecutive league games, they have not lost four in a row in the National South since March 2016.

On This Day

Dartford have played 21 times on 10 February and have lost just three. The Darts have won 14 of their fixtures on this day with the last victory coming in 2007. Steve Hafner and Brad Potter scored as the Darts beat Sittingbourne in the Isthmian Division One South. Dartford’s last outing was a 2-1 reverse at the hands of Chelmsford City six years ago, Ryan Hayes scoring against the Clarets. On the road, Dartford have won six, drawn three and lost one on 10 February.

Dartford v Bath City

Dartford kick start their National South season against Bath City at Princes Park on Saturday.

It’s the third time the Darts meet the Romans on the opening day in five years. On the previous two occasions Dartford won at Twerton Park, this weekend Alan Dowson will be hoping his reshaped squad will bag maximum points at home.

Almost a year to the day, Dartford went to Twerton Park to begin the 2022/2023 season and Pierre Fonkeu’s double brought back all three points. It took until 65 minutes to open his account capitalising on goalkeeper, Dan Wilks’ long ball. Five minutes later the striker made it two from close range after applying pressure on Bath City’s defence.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Five years earlier, Dartford came from behind on the opening day. The Romans took the lead in the tenth minute when Adam Mann scored on debut, then Bradbrook levelled in first-half stoppage time. A late Delano Sam-Yorke penalty decided the match after Elliot Bradbrook missed his spot-kick minutes earlier.

Last season’s fixture at Princes Park ended 0-0 as a well organised Bath City side prevented the Darts claiming a seventh consecutive home win over their opponents. Malachai Napa was handed a debut in a match with very few chances. In the second-half both sides had the ball in the net, but Charlie Sheringham’s effort was ruled out for a foul and Bath City’s Callum Ebanks goal was deemed offside.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s pre-season has been about getting players fit and Dowson’s new look squad to gel. Results have been disappointing as the Darts finished without a victory, but with the retirement of captain Tom Bonner, the departure of fellow centre back Connor Essam, both goalkeepers Wilks and Ben Dudzinksi leaving as well as full backs Jernade Meade and Kristian Campbell, virtually the whole back line has been rebuilt. In the first half of last season the creativity of Samir Carruthers was influential, however the midfielder made his switch to Chelmsford City over the summer and the hardworking Fonkeu has been signed by National South playoff winners Oxford City.

It is likely a number of new signings will make their Dartford debuts, although Paul Rooney starts the campaign suspended after an incident at his former club Havant and Waterlooville. Following Rooney from the Hawks, the Darts secured the services of Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Joash Nembhard as well. Brandon Barzey has impressed in friendlies and his arrival from Hampton and Richmond Borough will provide width, Baris Altintop will hope to make at least the playoffs again after joining from Braintree Town and Joe Rabbetts will be trying to stand out on loan from Dorking Wanderers. Lewis Manor and goalkeeper Mitch Beeney were both relegated with Concord Rangers last term, the duo will get another chance in the National South. Harvey Bradbury has already tasted life with the Darts and has made his move permanent from Dorchester Town, the striker scored six goals in ten games for Dartford towards the end of last season.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Bath City will commence their twelfth successive National South campaign this weekend and last time out they finished eleventh, although manager Jerry Gill did guide the Romans to a county cup triumph. Up front Cody Cooke formed a decent partnership with Scott Wilson, the pair are back for another season. Luke Russe has been added to the squad from Chippenham Town along with Ben Morgan from Gloucester City and Jordan Thomas from Southern Division One Central side North Leigh. Goalkeeper, Ollie Wright and Ewan Clark both join for season long loans from Southampton and Bristol City respectively.

Pre-season has gone well for the Romans finishing their warm-up with consecutive victories. Cooke scored twice last weekend in a 2-0 win over Yate Town and Gloucester City were beaten by the same score four days earlier. Those wins followed three draws in a row against Exeter City, Tiverton Town and Westbury United. The only defeat came versus a Bristol City under 23 side, however prior that loss Bath City drew with Shaftesbury and defeated Frome Town.

Pre Season Results

Dartford (LDLLLDLL) Bath City (DWLDDDWW)
Leatherhead A 1-3 Yate Town A 2-0
Billericay Town A 0-1 Gloucester City H 2-0
Phoenix Sports A 2-2 Westbury United A 1-1
Bromley A 1-2 Tiverton Town A 2-2
Gillingham H 0-5 Exeter City H 0-0
Margate A 0-2 Bristol City U23 H 1-2
Dunston UTS A 2-2 Frome Town A 2-0
Charlton Athletic H 1-2 Shaftesbury A 0-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 37 / Bath City wins: 40 / Draws: 21

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 0 Bath City (10/12/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 2 Dartford (06/08/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Bath City (19/02/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 0 Dartford (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have won their last three season openers and four of their last five (W4, L1)
  • The Darts have lost just once in their last 14 league games against the Romans (W11, D2)
  • Dartford have kept four consecutive clean sheets in all competitions against Bath City
  • Dartford dropped points at home against Bath City for the first time since 1990 in December. The Darts had won six in a row before the 0-0 draw.
  • The Darts have won seven of the last nine home games in all competitions against the Romans (D1, L1)

On This Day

Only twice have Dartford played a competitive match on 5 August and both times the Darts kept a clean sheet. The most recent was a 0-0 draw on the opening day of the 2017/2018 season at home to Hungerford Town. Whilst that match took place at Princes Park, the other fixture on this day was at Watling Street in 1980. The Darts won 2-0 in their belated Eastern Floodlit Cup semi-final versus Barking. A day later Dartford went on to lift the cup beating rivals Maidstone United 1-0 in the final.

Season Preview 2023/2024

Bath City

An eleventh successive National South campaign was an emotional one for Bath City ending in silverware and a mid-table finish. One event put football in perspective when Alex Fletcher suffered a life-threatening injury in November. Under the circumstances the club and non-league pulled together during a difficult time. Up to that point the Romans had started brightly finishing October in the playoff places. Striker Cody Cooke formed a decent partnership with Fletcher and when the pair were out injured the goals dried up over a tricky winter. Up stepped Scott Wilson, getting Bath City firing again with a final flourish to the season, which was rewarded with a Somerset Premier Cup triumph. Hopefully we will see Alex Fletcher back on a football pitch when he’s given the green light.

2022/2023 Season
National South: 11th
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 4th Round
County Cup: Winners
Top League Scorer: Scott Wilson (18 goals)

Manager – Jerry Gill

A former Bath City defender in his playing days, Gill was appointed boss of the Romans in October 2017. He arrived with experience working in academies at Bristol Rovers, Kidderminster Harriers, Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Yet his managerial career started seven years before he took the Bath City post. At Weymouth, Gill only lasted forty-four days hampered by the club’s financial issues, but that never deterred the former Birmingham City player. Gill has guided Bath City to two top ten and two top five finishes since his appointment, the last playoff appearance was three years ago.

Summer Transfers

Keeping hold of Cody Cooke was a positive over the summer and joining him will be Luke Russe from Chippenham Town. Going the other way, moving to the Bluebirds is Luke Spokes. Ben Morgan arrives from Gloucester City and Jordan Thomas from Southern Division One Central side North Leigh. Goalkeeper, Ollie Wright joins for a season long loan from Southampton replacing Hungerford Town bound Ryan Clarke. The Romans have also secured Ewan Clark on a season long loan from Bristol City.

Transfers In Transfers Out
Jordan Thomas (North Leigh) Ryan Clarke (Hungerford Town)
Luke Russe (Chippenham Town) Luke Spokes (Chippenham Town)
Ollie Wright (Southampton) Rex Mannings (Weston-super-Mare)
Ben Morgan (Gloucester City)  
Ewan Clark (Bristol City)  

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 37 / Bath City wins: 40 / Draws: 21

Previous Matches

Dartford 0 – 0 Bath City (10/12/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 2 Dartford (06/08/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Bath City (19/02/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 0 Dartford (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Next Meetings

Dartford v Bath City – Saturday 5th August 2023
Bath City v Dartford – Saturday 20th January 2024

Statistics

  • The Darts have lost just once in their last 14 league games against the Romans (W11, D2) and kept four consecutive clean sheets in all competitions
  • Dartford dropped points at home against Bath City for the first time since 1990 in December. The Darts had won six in a row before the 0-0 draw.
  • The Darts have lost just one of their last eight at Twerton Park (W5, D2) and have won in five of their last six visits there.

Match Highlights – 2022/2023

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford v Bath City

Dartford can make it another double over Bath City this weekend when they host the Romans at Princes Park in another earlier kick-off.

The Darts slipped off the top of the table in their early kick off last weekend and a fifth straight league win over Bath City will maintain some pressure on league leaders Ebbsfleet United. The Romans have found the last couple of months tough, but a win for Jerry Gill’s side can help keep their playoff push going.

The two sides battled it out on the opening day back in August and in a tightly contested affair, the Darts ran out 2-0 winners. Striker, Pierre Fonkeu had a debut to remember striking twice in the second-half to earn Dartford all three points. Alan Dowson also gave first league starts to Davide Rodari and Sam Odaudu at Twerton Park. It was goalkeeper Dan Wilks who provided a wonderful assist for Fonkeu’s opener and his second came after a generous deflection off Bath City defender Zac Bell.

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Highlights – Bath City v Dartford (06/08/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Last season, former boss Steve King described the Darts performance against Bath City as ‘workman like’ in another 2-0 win. Kalvin Kalala netted his first goal for the club and towards the end, Danny Leonard won a penalty which Marcus Dinanga scored. The reverse fixture was won 3-1 in September 2021 with Jake Robinson scoring twice and George Porter netting Dartford’s third. Bath City’s Alex Fletcher scored in that match, the forward suffered a serious injury last month and needed emergency neurosurgery. We all wish Alex Fletcher well in his road to recovery.

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Highlights – Dartford v Bath City (19/02/2022) – Dartford FC TV

With the chance to remain top of the National South, Dartford fell to a late goal at Chelmsford City last weekend. Alan Dowson named an unchanged side for the third game running, but they were unable to breakdown the Clarets defence and for the first time this season Dartford failed to score in the league. Dowson spoke to Dartford FC TV after the games and commented: “I thought we were excellent, I thought we were the better side against a good team, I thought we were unlucky”. The Darts manager felt his side were defensively sound, but needed more from his strikers, he added: “We had some good possession and good chances in the area, but we’ve got to do better”.

After an 11-game unbeaten run in the league only dropping two points, Dartford have now just won once in their last four National South fixtures. That means they occupy second place but are now four points from the top having played three games more than league leaders. Chasing the Darts down are Havant and Waterlooville and Chelmsford City who have games in hand.

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Highlights – Chelmsford City v Dartford (03/12/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Although Bath City was beaten on the opening day, they began their campaign strongly going on to win four and drawing one of their next five league games. A defeat at Ebbsfleet United put an end to their early good form and since then the Somerset club have shown some inconsistencies. However, Bath City had only lost once on the road in the National South, now they have lost twice in a row on their travels. On Tuesday night, former Dartford striker Elliott Romain scored the only goal as the Romans fell to the Hemel Hempstead Town.

A consecutive away day without scoring, manager Gill doesn’t want drawing blanks to become a habit. Although he was pleased with his side’s display, he told Bath City FC TV: “I thought we deserved to win to be honest. We have to give credit them (Hemel Hempstead Town) for taking the three points because they hung in there”. The forward duo of Fletcher and Cody Cooke have found themselves on the scoresheet regularly, Cooke is top scorer for the Romans with 12 in all competitions this season.

It’s no surprise that with the pair currently out of action, the Romans have been lacking composure and that clinical edge in front of goal, Gill explained: “We do miss the two lads, of course we do, because that’s all our goals in our team. When you got someone like Cody Cooke and Alex Fletcher who stay so calm and just slot balls in in and around that 18-yard box it makes a huge difference”. The Bath City boss is hopeful that Jordan Dyer and Joe Raynes will return to action after missing the defeat in mid-week and the experienced Chris Lines recovers from a “few knocks”. Ahead of Saturday’s match against the Darts, Gill commented: “We’ve got to look forward to Dartford, which will be an extremely tough game. We’re going to have to defend against some real strong physical boys there and we’re going to have to, when you get your opportunities, take them”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 27 / Bath City wins: 46 / Draws: 20

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWWLDW)
    Bath City
(LLWLDL)
   
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Hemel Hempstead Town A 0-1
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Welling United H 1-1
Oxford City A 1-1 St Albans City A 0-3
Farnborough A 1-3 Tonbridge Angels A 2-1
Braintree Town H 4-1 Chelmsford City H 0-1
Welling United H 5-1 Dover Athletic H 0-1

Last Six Meetings

Bath City 0 – 2 Dartford (06/08/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 0 Dartford (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
Bath City 3 – 0 Dartford (30/11/2019 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just once in their last 14 games against Bath City (W11, D2)
  • In those 14 matches, the Darts have kept nine clean sheets and only once have the Romans scored more than one goal
  • Dartford have now lost four and drawn one to goals scored in the last ten minutes

On This Day

A Ronnie Vint equaliser in a F.A Trophy first round derby with rivals Dover Athletic took the tie into a replay on this day six years ago. The Darts went on to win at the Crabble three days later and Vint scored again in a 2-1 victory. Five years earlier Jacob Erskine scored a brace and Elliot Bradbrook netted from the spot as Dartford won 3-0 against Brackley Town, also in the F.A Trophy first round. Dartford’s last league outing on this day ended 4-2 versus Enfield in the Southern League Division One East. The last league defeat on 10 December was back in 1994 when Dartford lost 3-1 to Furness.

Bath City v Dartford

Dartford kick start their National South campaign at Bath City this weekend with Alan Dowson taking charge of his first competitive game for the club.

The Darts will be hoping to recreate the last time they visited Twerton Park on the opening day when they came home with a 2-1 victory four years ago. Last season Dartford completed a league double over the Romans and knocked their opponents out of the F.A Trophy on penalties, meaning the Kent side have lost just one of their last 13 outings against Bath City.

Dowson is confident his players will be ready when it matters on Saturday after his side’s final pre-season fixture. The Darts lost to Canvey Island, but despite defeat the new boss believes the current squad is the strongest he has worked with for a while and is glad his players’ poor performance is out of their system. Midfielder, Luke Allen completed a full match and new signing, Alex Wall managed some game time to help the striker get fit after injury.

Wall will start his third spell at Dartford, in his first he scored six goals in 11 appearances, but his second failed to materialise after he was moved on before the season began. Charlie Sheringham, back for a fourth time missed the Canvey Island defeat after re-joining the Darts. Injured in the draw at Chatham Town, the striker has previously scored 54 goals in 119 appearances for Dartford.

Latest signing Pierre Fonkeu arrives from Hemel Hempstead Town, the forward scored in the pre-season draw against Boreham Wood whilst on trial with the Darts. The 25-year-old will be one of several players integrating into the squad, which includes Davide Rodari, Maxwell Statham and Luke Coulson. Fonkeu linked up with Samir Carruthers last term for a small period in February and March, the pair can form a partnership again now Carruthers has made a permanent switch to Princes Park.

Prior the final warm-up game, Dowson spoke to Dartford FC TV and is pleased with how the squad is shaping up, he said: “The lads have been brilliant in training, they have been excellent to work with, they’ve worked very hard. We’re trying to get the standards as high as we possibly can on the training ground which leads to on the pitch”. The 52-year-old is also highlighting the pathway for the academy by adding Cameron Brodie, Sam Odaudu and Marvin Herschel to the squad.

As the new era begins, Dowson is looking forward to the opener against Bath City, he commented: “It’ll be fantastic getting everybody ready for the first game of the season, everybody is excited, I’m excited as well and I’m looking forward to a good season hopefully”.

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Highlights – Bath City v Dartford (04/09/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A trio of now departed players found the back of the net the last time Dartford visited Twerton Park in the National South just under a year ago. Ade Azeez, now with local rivals Welling United opened the scoring and Jake Robinson, now at newly promoted Worthing doubled the lead. Bath City’s Alex Fletcher pulled a goal back, but George Porter, now at Dulwich Hamlet made it 3-1. The return fixture at Princes Park in February finished 2-0 to the Darts with goals coming from Kalvin Kalala, who joins Porter and Josh Hill at Hamlet and Marcus Dinanga, who is back with his parent club Altrincham. Other players moving on this summer include Jack Jeeb to promoted Dorking Wanderers, Danny Leonard returning to Sheppey United, Jernade Meade joining Hemel Hempstead Town and Olumide Durojaiye switching to Hereford, whilst Tyrique Hyde links back up with Azeez at Welling United.

Bath City manager, Jerry Gill is also pleased with how preparations have turned out for the new campaign, he spoke to Bath City Radio last weekend and said: “We look ready, the one thing I wanted was to have peace of mind that we’re fit. We’re strong, the shape looks good and we’re ready to go”. The Romans have had a good pre-season winning their last two warm-up games against Bristol City’s under 23 side then Yate Town, but Gill acknowledges that results only really matter when the league begins.

Summer signings provide extra depth to the squad that was perhaps missing last term, when the Romans recorded their lowest finish for seven years. Gill has delved into the Football League by bringing in seven players from higher divisions including Chris Lines from Stevenage and Scott Wilson from Dagenham and Redbridge. Both Zac Ball and Tommy Blackwell arrive from Bristol City, Joe Wright from Millwall, Luke Spokes from Grimsby Town and Jordan Dyer from Exeter City. Providing plenty of experience of National South football, Kieran Parselle made the switch from Chippenham Town and teams up again with Danny Greenslade, whilst Rex Mannings and Dan Hayfield join from lower league sides Frome Town and Tiverton Town respectively.

The Bath City boss is relishing the opportunity to take on the Darts on the opening day with a home crowd in support, he commented: “Dartford will be one of the favourites in the league. Dowse has built a strong squad down there, knows the National League South inside out, so he knows what players to bring in and his recruited well, so it’ll be a tough challenge. You have to play these teams at any point, we’re really excited we’re playing at home”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 26 / Bath City wins: 46 / Draws: 20

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Bath City (19/02/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 0 Dartford (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
Bath City 3 – 0 Dartford (30/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Bath City (09/02/2019 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just once in their last 13 games against Bath City (W10, D2)
  • In those 13 matches, the Darts have kept eight clean sheets and only once have the Romans scored more than one goal
  • At Twerton Park, Dartford have only been defeated once in their last eight visits (W4, D3)

Season Preview 2022/2023

Bath City

The strong end to last season has given the Romans cause to be optimistic. Despite recording their lowest finish in seven years, Bath City’s average attendances were up and their best since the 1977/78 campaign. The squad and management team learnt lessons from a slow start and a poor February, players began to return from injuries and in the final two months they pulled together to eventually end the campaign five games unbeaten. Considering Bath City made the playoffs in consecutive seasons in 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 they have the potential to challenge a top seven place once more.

2021/2022 Season
National South: 8th
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: Runners Up
Top League Scorer: Alex Fletcher (17 goals)

Manager – Jerry Gill

A former Bath City defender in his playing days, Gill was appointed boss of the Romans in October 2017. He arrived with experience working in academies at Bristol Rovers, Kidderminster Harriers, Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Yet his managerial career started seven years before he took the Bath City post. At Weymouth, Gill only lasted 44 days hampered by the club’s financial issues, but that never deterred the former Birmingham City player, a club he helped reach the League Cup final and Premier League. Gill has guided Bath City to two top ten finishes and two playoff campaigns prior to last season.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
Kieran Parselle (Chippenham Town) Dan Ball (Taunton Town)
Rex Mannings (Frome Town) Dave Sims-Burgess (Taunton Town)
Jordan Dyer (Exeter City) Lloyd James  (Taunton Town)
Danny Greenslade (Chippenham Town) Will Fuller (Merthyr Town)
Dan Hayfield (Tiverton Town) Eddie Jones (Chippenham Town)
Chris Lines (Stevenage) Omar Holness 
Luke Spokes (Grimsby Town) Harley Wilkinson
Joe Wright (Millwall) Tom Richards  
Zac Ball (Bristol City)  
Tommy Blackwell (Bristol City)  
Scott Wilson (Dagenham & Redbridge)  

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 26 / Bath City wins: 46 / Draws: 20

Previous Matches (last six)

Dartford 2 – 0 Bath City (19/02/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 0 Dartford (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
Bath City 3 – 0 Dartford (30/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Bath City (09/02/2019 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Next Meetings

Bath City v Dartford (06/08/2022)
Dartford v Bath City (10/12/2022)

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just once in their last 13 games against Bath City (W10, D2)
  • The Darts have won their last six home games against the Romans keeping five clean sheets in a row
  • At Twerton Park, Dartford have only been defeated once in their last eight visits (W4, D3)

Match Highlights – 2021/2022

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Dartford v Bath City

Dartford can stretch their unbeaten home run in the National South when they host Bath City on the weekend.

The Darts have won six and drawn six in the league at Princes Park this term and after Tuesday night’s game at Hungerford Town was called off, the Darts remain seven points behind league leaders Dorking Wanderers with a game in hand. Bath City are currently in the bottom five, but as the two previous meetings this season suggest this Saturday’s encounter could be a close call.

In September the Darts claimed three points at Twerton Park and although the score was 3-1 Dartford were made to work hard for the victory. The first half belonged to the visitors and with striker Ade Azeez returning to the starting eleven he opened the scoring with a header. On the stroke of half time Jake Robinson doubled the lead, but Bath City’s Alex Fletcher cut the deficit in the second half. George Porter came on as a substitute and made an impact by putting the game out of Bath City’s reach.

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Watch Dartford’s last league win over Bath City earlier this season – Dartford FC TV

The Darts were also drawn against Bath City in the second round of the F.A Trophy in November. A second visit to Twerton Park ended with no goals and so the tie went to penalties, the Darts scored all five penalties meaning Dan Wilks’ save helped the visitors progress 5-3 in the shoot-out. Dartford have form over their opponents winning seven straight matches before Steve King experienced his first league defeat as boss two years ago. The Romans won 3-0 that day, but the Darts have triumphed in their previous two league meetings and won the last at Princes Park when Noor Husin scored the only goal of the game in October 2020.

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Highlights of the F.A Trophy tie in October – Dartford FC TV

Just as Dartford were getting into their groove, unbeaten in eight, they were knocked out of the F.A Trophy last weekend against Southern League Premier Central side Needham Market. A second cup upset suffered by the Darts this term and now they are left concentrating on the league, although they do remain in both county cups. King made three changes to the side that beat Havant and Waterlooville almost a week ago. Danny Leonard returned in place of Kalvin Kalala, Jake Robinson and Azeez were paired up front instead of Marcus Dinanga and Ody Alfa. However, it was Luke Ingram’s second half penalty that decided the tie sending Needham Market through to the last eight. Jack Jebb, who made his 50th appearance for the Darts was sent off after the final whistle and will start a two match suspension.

King has decided to strengthen the squad by signing Junior Tiensia from Millwall, the left back has impressed in the under 23 side and signed a professional contract with the Lions in 2019. Previously, the young defender has enjoyed loan spells at Havant and Waterlooville, Dover Athletic and Sutton United.

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Watch the last time Dartford hosted Bath City – Dartford FC TV

Dartford continue to chase down the front runners in the division and will need to keep pace as they approach their clash with league leaders Dorking early next month. After a tough spell of two wins in ten, following their shock F.A Cup exit in October, the Darts have clawed back some ground with three consecutive draws then four victories in a row in the National South. Dartford will want to avoid another tough run after a shock cup exit.

Bath City have won one league game in their last seven outings and have found goals hard to come by of late. Three blanks in their last four has resulted in one point from the last twelve available. Last weekend they could have done Dartford a favour by taking points off Dorking Wanderers, but like many before them they fell short losing 2-0. The away defeat at Meadowbank extended the Romans losing streak on the road to four.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 35 / Bath City wins: 40 / Draws: 20

Current League Form

Dartford
(DDWWWW)
    Bath City
(LWLDLL)
   
Havant and Waterlooville A 1-0 Dorking Wanderers H 0-2
Welling United H 4-2 Maidstone United A 1-2
Ebbsfleet United H 1-0 Braintree Town H 0-0
Tonbridge Angels A 3-2 Hampton and Richmond A 0-4
Concord Rangers H 0-0 Eastbourne Borough H 2-1
Hampton and Richmond H 2-2 Hemel Hempstead Town A 1-3

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 0 – 0 Bath City (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
Bath City 3 – 0 Dartford (30/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Bath City (09/02/2019 – National South)
Bath City 1 – 2 Dartford (04/08/2018 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Stats

  • Dartford have won their last five home games against Bath City
  • Bath City have failed to score at Princes Park in their last four visits
  • The Darts have kept nine clean sheets in their last 15 meetings against Bath City
  • The Romans have lost all seven games against the current top five

On This Day

Dartford’s last two games on this day ended 4-0 with a resounding victory in 2008 over Arlesey Town and a heavy defeat in 2011 against Hampton and Richmond Borough. Adam Flanagan, Junior Kadi, Brendon Cass and Eddie McClements all netted against Arlesey Town 14 years ago in the Isthmian Division One North. The Darts went on to lift the title by nine points and scored 107 goals in the process. The last home win on this day was a derby victory over rivals Dover Athletic in 1980, the Darts cruised to a 3-0 triumph in the Kent Senior Cup semi-final. Their last three home games on 19 February have ended in defeat versus Hampton and Richmond Borough, Newport Isle of Wight (2000) and Witney Town (1997).

Bath City v Dartford

Dartford were handed a tough F.A Trophy second round draw against Bath City which takes place on the weekend at Twerton Park.

For a fourth season in a row the Darts open their F.A Trophy campaign away to a National South side. This time they are hoping to start a run they haven’t enjoyed in the trophy for a few years. Dartford last went deep into the competition back in 2013 when they reached the semi-final, whilst Bath City got to the same stage back in 2015. Last term both sides were beaten by lower league opposition with the Darts crashing out to Haringey Borough and the Romans losing to Peterborough Sports.

The two sides last played each other in September with the Darts claiming three National South points at Saturday’s venue. The first half belonged to the visitors and with striker Ade Azeez returning to the starting eleven he opened the scoring with a header. On the stroke of half time Jake Robinson doubled the lead, but Bath City’s Alex Fletcher cut the deficit in the second half. George Porter came on as a substitute and made an impact by putting the game out of Bath City’s reach.

The Darts have form over their opponents winning seven straight matches before Steve King suffered his first league defeat as Dartford boss two years ago. The Romans won 3-0 that day, but have since lost their last two, a 1-0 defeat at Princes Park and this season’s reverse.

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You can catch highlights of Dartford’s games on Dartford FC TV

Steve King’s side warmed up with a convincing Kent Senior Cup final victory on Wednesday beating Whitstable Town 6-1, Dartford’s twelfth triumph in the competition. King put out a strong line up which featured a Robinson hat-trick and another impressive performance from midfielder Tyrique Hyde.

Dartford got off to a super start after just three minutes, Kieran Murtagh hit the crossbar and moments later Danny Leonard’s excellent strike opened the scoring. The Darts were controlling the game and when Hyde won a penalty, Robinson stepped up to make it two. The pair were involved again just past the half hour mark when Hyde’s effort was turned in by Robinson. The Darts continued relentlessly; Michael Kedman ran down the left wing delivered the ball to George Porter for his fourth of the season. Then just before the interval Hyde made it 5-0. In the second half, Robinson completed his hat-trick bending the ball beyond the goalkeeper after he was played in on goal by Hyde. Whitstable Town did find the back of the Dartford net, a Danny Walder free kick was a worthy consolation. Victory now means both Dartford men’s and women’s teams hold the county cup.

After the 9-0 trouncing of Cockfosters in the London Senior Cup in which Emmanuel Sonupe netted a hat-trick, the Darts were back to winning ways in the National South too. Recalled from his loan spell at Hemel Hempstead Town, Hyde’s first task back in league action for the Darts was to take on his old teammates. The midfielder scored twice in a 3-2 victory, which also saw Ade Azeez score his fourteenth of the season. Since returning from his loan spell, Hyde has scored twice on his first league game back against the Tudors, netted in the London Senior Cup versus Cockfosters and added another to his tally in the Kent Senior Cup final.

Bath City reached the National South playoffs in consecutive campaigns before last term was abandoned. This season the Romans have yet to draw in the league and their inconsistency leaves them occupying sixteenth place. But they do approach Saturday’s trophy tie off the back of a 2-1 victory against Concord Rangers, a late goal from their top scorer Cody Cooke sealed the triumph. Jerry Gill highlighted his side’s first half dominance in an interview with Bath City Radio, he commented: “I thought we should have come in four up in the first half…once we got into our flow, we were the dominant side”.

After a victory Gill is excited about the trophy tie coming up this weekend, he added: “Obviously now we really look forward to it, when you get a win everyone’s up for it”. The Bath City boss is optimistic, he added: “Dartford have had a little bit of a wobble, but they are still in a very strong position in the league. For us it’s a home game and on the weekend, it felt like fortress Twerton again. Second half against Dartford here, I remember us going down the hill and we absolutely dominated the game and bombarded them, but they caught us on the counter attack”. 

The only meetings between the two sides in the F.A Trophy came in 1980. Dartford drew 1-1 in the first round at Watling Street. The replay was a night to forget for the Darts as they were beaten 6-1 in the replay.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 35 / Bath City wins: 40 / Draws: 19

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford
(WWWDDL)
    Bath City
(WDWDLW)
   
Whitstable Town (KSC) H 6-1 Concord Rangers H 2-1
Hemel Hempstead Town A 3-2 Hampton & Richmond Borough H 1-3
Cockfosters (LSC) H 9-0 Dulwich Hamlet A 0-3
Oxford City H 0-0 Portishead Town (SPC) H 3-0
Chippenham Town H 3-3 Welling United H 2-1
Concord Rangers A 0-1 Slough Town A 0-2

(KSC – Kent Senior Cup / LSC – London Senior Cup / SPC – Somerset Premier Cup)

Previous Meetings

Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
Bath City 3 – 0 Dartford (30/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Bath City (09/02/2019 – National South)
Bath City 1 – 2 Dartford (04/08/2018 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Bath City (21/04/2018 – National South)

Stats

  • Dartford have won four of their last five trips to Twerton Park
  • The Darts have kept five clean sheets in their last ten meetings with Bath City
  • In that same period Dartford have only failed to score once versus the Romans
  • The Darts have scored 18 goals in their last three games and conceded just twice. Beating a run of 16 goals in three games from this season between 18 September and 28 September (5-1 v Hythe Town, 6-0 v Welling United, 5-2 v Athletic Newham)
  • Dartford have never scored five or more goals in four consecutive matches

On This Day

Dartford put on a masterclass on their way to becoming Isthmian Division One North champions in 2007. The Darts hit Witham Town for seven at Princes Park in a 7-2 victory. Brendon Cass and Eddie McClements both scored a brace, Jay May, Ryan Hayes, Jamie Coyle were the other scorers. The Darts last played on this day three years ago in the F.A Trophy going out in a replay against Eastbourne Borough. A former Dart came back to haunt his old club after Dartford almost staged a dramatic comeback from two down. Andre Coker then Taylor Fisher scored two goals in the final minute to level the tie. However, there was one last twist when Tom Gardiner won it for the Sports in injury time.

Bath City v Dartford

Dartford are the only side with a perfect record in the National South this season ahead of their trip to Bath City this weekend.

The Darts made it four straight victories by claiming all six points available over the Bank Holiday weekend and will approach Saturday’s game with confidence. Steve King has so far managed to keep a settled side making just six changes to the starting eleven so far this term. But the depth and quality of the squad has been called upon when needed, substitutes have chipped in with goals in each of the victories.

Four of those changes came in the Bank Holiday Monday win against Eastbourne Borough. Kieran Murtagh missed out through injury but should be okay to travel to Bath City and Danny Leonard was out through illness. George Porter started in the victory, but was substituted after picking up an injury.

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The Darts followed up the 2-0 away triumph over Dulwich Hamlet with a wonderful first half home display against Eastbourne Borough. In only his second start for the club Jake Robinson opened his account with a brace, the first after seven minutes was a predatory finish. The striker netted a second from the penalty spot after some sublime build up play led to a handball. Robinson spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “I’m delighted to get off the mark and get going. All the strikers are firing and that’s a good sign”. The Sports hit back immediately after the break when Greg Luer made the most of a lack of concentration to cut Dartford’s lead in half. Ade Azeez was brought on and his well-placed header secured his third goal of the campaign and another three points for the Darts.

After an excellent first half, King was left frustrated by his team’s second half performance, he told www.kentonline.co.uk: “The first half performance we played like Brazil, the second half we played like rag-arse rovers. It was chalk and cheese”. In his interview with Dartford FC TV the Darts boss gave a balanced appraisal.

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Results wise it has been a brilliant start to the season for the Darts, but they will need to prepare well for their next opponents. Bath City’s heavy reverse on the weekend means that the Romans will want to desperately bounce back. Jerry Gill is one of a few managers to have got the better of King since he was appointed as Dartford boss. The Bath City boss led the Romans to a 3-0 win at Twerton Park in November 2019 inflicting King’s first league defeat as Dartford manager. Last season, the sides only played each other once with the Darts winning at Princes Park thanks to a Noor Husin goal.

Bath City began their campaign with consecutive wins, beating Billericay Town and Tonbridge Angels without conceding a goal. New signing from Weymouth, Cody Cooke scored in each of the opening three games which ended with a defeat in their last home fixture against Chelmsford City. The Bank Holiday period ended with the heavy 5-1 loss at Oxford City, the cause not helped by the sending off of Eddie Jones.

Recently, the Romans have missed the trickery of forward Mo Touray who hobbled off early in the Chelmsford City defeat. On loan from Salford City, Touray had to sit out last weekend’s fixture at Oxford City. Other than that forced change, Gill has only made four changes in total to the starting eleven, since the opening the day, but will be without Jones when his suspension begins.

Gill spoke to www.bathcityfc.com after the Oxford City match, he stated: “We were very good for 35 minutes, we were the dominant side and we scored a fantastic goal”. The Bath City boss was unhappy with key decisions for Oxford City’s opening goals, he commented: “What I can’t defend is two horrendous decisions that lead to the first two goals”, but for Gill it was no excuse, he continued: “I’m not blaming the referee for the result because what happened after that is we folded”. The Romans boss welcomes the visit of Dartford on the Saturday and is determined for his side to put “their own personality on the game”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 34 / Bath City wins: 40 / Draws: 19

Current Form

Dartford
(WWWW)
Bath City
(WWLL)
Eastbourne BoroughH3-1Oxford CityA1-5
Dulwich HamletA2-0Chelmsford CityH1-2
Slough TownH3-0Tonbridge AngelsA1-0
St Albans CityA3-1Billericay TownH3-0

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
Bath City 3 – 0 Dartford (30/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Bath City (09/02/2019 – National South)
Bath City 1 – 2 Dartford (04/08/2018 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Bath City (21/04/2018 – National South)
Bath City 2 – 1 Dartford (24/10/2017 – National South)

Stats

  • Dartford have won eight of the last nine meetings against the Romans
  • Bath City’s win on 30 November 2019 ended a run of seven straight defeats against the Darts
  • Dartford have never won their opening five league games since reforming. The last time they achieved that feat was in the 1989/90 Southern League Premier season under Peter Taylor.

On This Day

Richard Rose’s injury time winner at Princes Park earned Dartford a 2-1 win over Newport County nine years ago. The Exiles were the pacesetters in the National League and went on to win promotion via the playoffs under the late Justin Edinburgh. Harry Crawford had given Dartford an early lead, but Newport County’s Aaron O’Conner levelled before Rose’s late goal.

Two years earlier the Darts were in the National South and Charlie Sheringham’s brace helped Dartford beat Weston-super-Mare 4-1. The striker opened and closed Dartford’s scoring with James White and an own goal sandwiched between.

The Darts have won their last three on this day all at home with this current run starting in 1999 when they beat Burnham 2-0 in the Southern League Cup. Out of the six away trips on 4 September, the Darts have won once in 1978 beating Tonbridge 3-2 in the Eastern Floodlit Cup. Dartford have never won an away match in the league on this day, the last being a 2-1 loss at Herne Bay in the Kent League.