Tag: Braintree Town

Dartford face a tough task in their relegation battle when they cross the Thames to take on Braintree Town on Tuesday night.

The Darts have won just one of their last twelve in the National South. The Iron are unbeaten in their last eleven and occupy a playoff place. Only once have Dartford came home with a victory from Cressing Road and that was twelve years ago.

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Braintree Town are six unbeaten in this fixture on home soil, yet Dartford have managed to pick up three draws in their previous four visits. Last season’s trip to Cressing Road saw the Darts pick up a creditable point. Under Angelo Harrop the Iron have an impressive record on their own patch. Blair found the back of the Dartford net again before Jernade Meade netted the equaliser.

Dartford lost the reverse fixture against Braintree Town in November when Aaron Blair hit a double for the Iron. Blair’s brace came in the second-half after Rooney had been sent off for the Darts in the first-half. Baris Altintop was in Dartford’s side four months ago, since then he has returned to the Iron. The 23 year-old made 24 appearances during his half a season with the Darts scoring once.

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Open “DARTFORD VS BRAINTREE TOWN | NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH | 21/11/2023” directly

Ady Pennock named his first lineup as Dartford boss on the weekend with Jordan Greenidge making his first start since rejoining the club from Tonbridge Angels. Joash Nembhard completed his suspension so returned to the side and Tommy Block was back from injury. Former Braintree Town midfielder Luke Allen was in action again after making a substitute appearance. Olly Box missed out from the matchday squad as did Paul Rooney who picked up an injury in Dartford’s last outing. Jordan Wynter was suspended and will serve his second game of his two match ban on Tuesday night. Sam Odaudu was still sidelined.

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A positive start and first half from the Darts included an Fumnaya Shomotun effort that struck the post just three minutes in. However the visitors were unable to take their opportunities in the opening forty five and were arguably the better side. Defensive mistakes led to Dartford unraveling during a four minute collapse in the second half. For a consecutive game the Darts conceded quickfire goals and fell to another defeat. At home to Aveley they let in two late goals in three minutes to give up a one goal lead. This time with the scores level Dartford shipped in three goals in five minutes in a 4-1 loss at Torquay United.

Aaron Jarvis scored a penalty, Arkell Jude-Boyd added a second and a goal by Bradley Ash saw the hosts race ahead. Ibby Akanbi pulled one back for the Darts to record his first goal for the club. To rub salt into the wound, former Dart, Duane Ofori-Acheampong added another to Torquay United’s haul.

With Welling United, Eastbourne Borough and Taunton Town all winning, the Darts are edging ever closer to the relegation zone and are just a point clear of the bottom four.

Team	Played	Points	GD
Welling United	37	40	-16
Truro City	32	38	-7
DARTFORD	36	38	-9
Taunton Town	32	37	-14
Eastbourne Borough	36	33	-26
Havant and Waterlooville	37	29	-28
Dover Athletic	37	21	-31

Braintree Town started the year with a Essex derby defeat to Chelmsford City. The Iron had a sense of deja vu as they suffered the same fate on Boxing Day by losing to the Clarets 3-0 in both festive fixtures. Since then Angelo Harrop’s side have gone unbeaten, are in fifth spot and are on course to reach the playoffs. The Iron currently have a three point cushion over eighth place.

On the weekend they were held to a 1-1 draw against fellow playoff chasers Slough Town. Blair scored in his fourth consecutive match to put the hosts in front. Then Slough Town substitute Trae Cook-Appiah was introduced and levelled for the visitors.

It was the second game running in which Braintree Town picked up a point. A week earlier they drew 2-2 at a rejuvenated Welling United. The Iron came from behind twice in the first-half. The Wings took a tenth minute lead through Jack Burchell. Late in the opening forty-five equalised through Blair Then it was a tale of two penalty kicks, Anthony Grant netted for Welling United and Shaq Coulthirst for the Iron.

Despite not being able to pick up maximum points in each of their last two outings, Braintree Town won seven in a row leading up to the pair of draws. To close February they went to Bath City and claimed a 2-1 victory, the four games before that all ended in 1-0 wins against Worthing, Tonbridge Angels, Torquay United and Chippenham Town. The start of last month began with a convincing 3-0 triumph at home to Dover Athletic and January finished with a 2-1 win versus Truro City.

Current League Form

Dartford (LWLDLL)			Braintree Town (WWWWDD)
Torquay United	A	1-4	Slough Town	H	1-1
Aveley	H	1-2	Welling United	A	2-2
Taunton Town	H	1-1	Bath City	A	2-1
Slough Town	A	2-3	Worthing	A	1-0
Dover Athletic	A	2-1	Tonbridge Angels	H	1-0
Chippenham Town	H	0-1	Torquay United	H	1-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Braintree Town wins: 9 / Draws: 6

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 2 Braintree Town (21/11/2023 – National South)
Braintree Town 1 – 1 Dartford (18/02/2023 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 1 Braintree Town (05/11/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (02/05/2022 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (28/12/2021 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2021 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford have recorded just two victories in the last 15 matches against Braintree Town (D5, L8)
• The Darts have gone 13 games without a clean sheet against the Iron. Their last clean sheet was in a 0-0 draw in 2013.
• Jack Smith could make his 50th Dartford appearance. The midfielder has made 41 starts, eight substitute appearances and scored four goals for the club
• The Iron have won 23, drawn 13 and lost just 4 at home in the National South since Angelo Harrop has been in charge

On This Day

Dartford won five in a row on this day between 1983 and 1997, but since then they have not won in just as many attempts. During the Kent League days, the Darts beat Slade Green twice in the nineties (1994 and 1996) on 12 March before a 1-0 win against Buckingham Town in the Southern League Southern Division in 1997. The only point picked up by Dartford in the last five outings on this day came in a 2-2 draw versus Basingstoke Town 13 years ago. Future Dart, Delano Sam-Yorke scored either side of goals from Ryan Hayes and Danny Harris. The Darts were humbled at home in a 6-1 loss to Barking and East Ham United in 2005. The last two matches on this day have ended in 4-2 defeats against Whitehawk in 2016 and Chippenham Town two years ago.

Dartford hope to get back to winning ways when they host Braintree Town at Princes Park on Tuesday night.

Alan Dowson’s side have been beaten in their last two home games in all competitions. Victory against the Iron will move the Darts ahead of their opponents in the National South. On the road Braintree Town have recorded just one triumph all season. The Iron have lost their last three on their travels in league and cup. Yet both sides are within a win of the playoff places, Dartford are three points adrift, Braintree Town are just one point away.

A break from National South action on Saturday ended in F.A Trophy defeats for the Darts and the Iron. Dartford fell to a last gasp goal to Kent rivals Maidstone United in the second round. Moussa Diarra came the closest for the Darts in the first half by hitting the woodwork. The hosts had opportunities in the second-half often missing the target. Both goalkeepers were not really troubled until a stoppage time winner from Maidstone United striker Levi Amantchi.

Dowson handed keeper Ryan Sandford his debut against his former club. The impressive Archie Wood kept his place in the side with Paul Rooney making way. Brandon Barzey was on international duty, Harvey Bradbury suspended and will miss the Braintree Town game and Tommy Block injured. Joash Nembhard returned from suspension. Ollie Box was named on the bench after his recall from a loan spell at Margate.

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Open “WORTHING VS DARTFORD | NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH | 14/11/2023” directly

Dartford did manage to claim all three points in their last league game, down at Worthing. Victory mid-week will make it back to back wins in the National South for the first time since the end of September and start of October. A topsy-turvy game in Sussex ended 4-3. A prolific spell at the end of the first-half turned a one goal deficit into a 3-1 lead. The Darts capitalised on poor defending from the hosts as Alex Wall, Luke Coulson and Jordan Wynter found the back of the net. The Rebels fought back to level the game, but Tyrell Miller-Rodney won it for Dowson’s side.

Dartford also scored four last time they played host to Braintree Town. Charlie Sheringham netted from the spot five minutes after the break before Tom Bonner was sent off. Coulson scored a stunning volley and after the Iron pulled a goal back, Samir Carruthers scored a late brace.

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The reverse fixture at Cressing Road, where Braintree Town have lost just three times in 33 league games under Angelo Harrop, the Darts picked up a creditable draw. The hosts took the lead in the first-half. Baris Altintop, now with the Darts set up Aaron Blair. Slick football led to the equaliser with Jernade Meade finishing off a neat team goal.

Altintop spent a season with the Iron after he signed for the Essex club from King’s Langley. The defender has since made 18 starts for Dartford this term. Another former Iron in the Darts ranks is Luke Allen. The midfielder spent two campaigns with Braintree Town scoring a playoff goal against Dartford. Allen will make his 105th appearance for the Darts if selected on Tuesday night

If Braintree Town could recreate their home form they would be challenging for the top places in the division. Instead their struggles on the road leave them outside the top seven. Their latest setback was in the F.A Trophy as they were beaten 3-0 by National North side Gloucester City.

The Iron had a slow start to their league campaign winning just once in August. Finishing the opening month two places above the drop zone, they have since climbed the table. A 4-0 win over Worthing provided confidence to begin September. Although the next four were drawn they went on to record back to back victories.

Braintree Town lost their first game in eight when they took on league favourites Yeovil Town. However, the Essex side bounced back at home with two convincing wins. First, Havant and Waterlooville were beaten 4-0, then St Albans City 4-1. Yet another away defeat held the Iron back after losing to Eastbourne Borough just under a fortnight ago.

Prior the F.A Trophy exit on the weekend, Harrop led his team to third consecutive home triumph scoring four times once more. This time it was against Welling United. Shaq Coulthirst, Blair and a Matt Ward brace earned another 4-1 win.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDLWLW)			Braintree Town (WLWWLW)
Worthing	A	4-3	Welling United	H	4-1
Chelmsford City	H	1-2	Eastbourne Borough	A	1-3
Weston-super-Mare	H	4-2	St Albans City	H	4-0
Hemel Hempstead	A	1-2	Havant & Waterlooville	H	4-1
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-1	Yeovil Town	A	0-2
Havant & Waterlooville	H	2-0	Hemel Hempstead	A	2-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Braintree Town wins: 8 / Draws: 6

Last Six League Meetings

Braintree Town 1 – 1 Dartford (18/02/2023 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 1 Braintree Town (05/11/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (02/05/2022 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (28/12/2021 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Braintree Town (24/08/2019 – National South)

Statistics

• The Darts have recorded just two victories in the last 14 matches against Braintree Town (D5, L7)
• Dartford’s 4-1 win last November was their biggest victory against the Iron and the first time they scored more than twice in a game versus the Essex club
• The Darts are unbeaten in two matches against the Iron (W1, D1), their best streak since four without defeat between 2011 and 2013 (W2, D2)
• Only Maidstone United and Chelmsford City (18) have conceded fewer goals than Braintree Town (19) this season
• Only Yeovil Town (37) and Bath City (35) have scored more goals than the Iron (31) this season

On This Day

Chris Dickson’s five minute brace early in the second half handed Dartford victory on this day. The Darts hosted Slough Town three years ago and won 2-0. Dickson scored a minute after the interval and moments later doubled the lead. The former Charlton Athletic striker played eight times for the Darts scoring three.

Three years earlier, Dartford were involved in a six goal thriller at home against Wealdstone. Alfie Pavey scored a pair of equalisers as the Darts fell behind twice. Andy Pugh put the hosts ahead for the first time, yet the Stones levelled from the spot with three minutes remaining. In stoppage time Lee Noble was sent off with the match tied at 3-3.

Dartford could be the first team to win at Cressing Road this season in a difficult fixture against Braintree Town on the weekend.

The Darts have not beaten the Iron away in ten and half years, but will be hoping to end that run and record consecutive victories to maintain some pressure at the top of the table. Recent dropped points left Dartford under pressure to keep hold of second spot in their last outing. So last weekend’s victory against Chippenham Town was much needed, especially when their opponents needed the points just as much at the other end of the table. Braintree Town finished last weekend in the playoff places and on Tuesday night extended their unbeaten league run at home to sixteen.

If the festive season put Dartford in the title race, the three subsequent matches has seen top spot seem further away. After beating Havant and Waterlooville, the Darts double over rivals Ebbsfleet United, then the win at Cheshunt all put Alan Dowson’s men within a shot of winning the league. However, consecutive defeats at home to Hemel Hempstead Town, away at Worthing and a draw on the road at Welling United has seen the Darts fall further behind. So, the 2-0 triumph over Chippenham Town was welcomed by Dowson, he told Dartford FC TV after the match: “Before the game, what I’ve sensed in the last couple of weeks is we’ve been on a bit of an indifferent run. So, I knew we needed three points and I also thought we needed a clean sheet just to give us belief, we got both”, he added: “When we played football in their half, we done it very well. We defended better, but it wasn’t about the performance it was about the result”.

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Open “DARTFORD VS CHIPPENHAM TOWN | NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH | 11/02/2023” directly

Dowson made two changes for the Chippenham Town game to the line-up that started the 2-2 draw with Welling United. Luke Allen made an impact by scoring his third of the campaign replacing Jamar Loza. Goalkeeper, Ben Dudzinski came in for Dan Wilks and celebrated his debut with a clean sheet, Dartford’s first since the 4-0 win over Ebbsfleet United on New Year’s Day. Connor Essam also had cause to celebrate reaching his 100^th appearance. The defender has started 95 times for the Darts and made five substitute appearances over three spells for the club. Midfielder, Jack Smith netted his second in a week with an early strike against the Bluebirds, his fourth of the season came in the second minute after yet another assist from Luke Coulson. The winger was also on hand to set up Luke Allen to double the advantage securing all three points.

Charlie Sheringham, who netted in the reverse fixture back in November will be out after picking up a rib injury against Chippenham Town. Tommy Block is waiting for his debut since joining from Hampton and Richmond Borough, Sam Odaudu has been side-lined since Boxing Day and Alex Wall serves his last of a three-match ban for his red card at Worthing. That may give a chance for Pierre Fonkeu to lead the line who has scored nine goals in 21 starts and 14 substitute appearances this term in all competitions. Defensively, the Darts have gone back in to the loan market and brought in Isaac Ogunbere from AFC Wimbledon on a months loan. The right back made his Dons debut in August and has played nine times for the League Two side. The 20-year-old has previously had loan spells with Leatherhead and Potters Bar Town.

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Dartford had often struggled against Braintree Town in the past, but this season they won 4-1 at Princes Park with an outstanding second-half display. Sheringham netted from the spot five minutes after the break and the game could have turned after Tom Bonner was sent off for a second caution. However, Dartford stretched their lead when Luke Coulson scored a goal of the season contender. Braintree Town pulled a goal back with just over ten minutes to play, the header from Kyran Clements testing Dartford’s resolve. Dowson introduced Samir Carruthers and Keiran Murtagh and the pair combined for a third in the last minute, Carruthers finishing off a fine move. Then there was time for Carruthers to score the second penalty of the afternoon.

The last visit to Cressing Road saw Dartford fight back from two goals down to nick a draw. A stunning free kick from Jack Jebb with the last kick of the game drew the Darts level as the game finished 2-2. Earlier, Gabriel Piorkowski scored from a fine long-distance effort and Gio Crichlow doubled the lead. Jake Robinson’s spot kick gave Dartford hope before Jebb’s late equaliser. The Iron won the reverse fixture in May with Harry Lodovika scoring the only goal.

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Braintree Town headed back into the playoff places on the weekend with a 1-0 win in an Essex derby against Concord Rangers. The Iron could have gone ahead earlier when former Dartford striker Alfie Pavey won a penalty, however Lamar Reynolds’ attempt was saved. Reynolds made amends by being the provider for the decisive goal scored by Aaron Blair. Transfer listed by Dover Athletic’s new boss, Pavey signed for Braintree Town at the beginning of this month. He has made a promising start with his new club. On debut the 27-year-old was involved in both goals against Chippenham Town as the Iron won 2-1 in Wiltshire. In the Essex Senior Cup, he helped the Iron overturn a two-goal deficit and reach the semi-final by scoring one in the 3-2 victory over Colchester United. Then on Tuesday night, Pavey scored and assisted in a 3-2 victory over Dulwich Hamlet. The ex-Dart had three spells at Princes Park, two of which were on loan. But it was the 2017/2018 campaign that stood out with 27 goals in 46 appearances.

Angelo Harrop’s side are now only one of four teams in the top six divisions to be unbeaten at home in all competitions. In the league they have won nine and drawn seven on their own patch and have not lost in their last six outings home and away. In fact, the Iron have been difficult to beat, only tasting defeat three times in the National South since their visit to Princes Park back in November, although they have drawn almost half of those matches.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Braintree Town wins: 8 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford (WWLLDW)			Braintree Town (WDDWWW)
Chippenham Town	H	2-0	Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-2
Welling United	A	2-2	Concord Rangers	H	1-0
Worthing	A	0-3	Chippenham Town	A	2-1
Hemel Hempstead Town	H	1-3	Cheshunt	H	1-1
Cheshunt	A	3-1	Tonbridge Angels	A	0-0
Ebbsfleet United	H	4-0	Bath City	H	2-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 4 – 1 Braintree Town (05/11/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (02/05/2022 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (28/12/2021 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Braintree Town (24/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (06/05/2018 – National South Playoff)

Statistics

• Dartford’s win over Braintree Town in November was their biggest victory against the Essex club
• The Darts have gone 13 games without a clean sheet versus the Iron and have yet to keep consecutive league cleans sheets this season
• Dartford are five without victory at Cressing Road, last winning ten years ago (D2, L3)

On This Day

Alex Wall scored twice on this day in 2014 as Dartford claimed their only win on in their last six on 18 February. Struggling in the National League, the Darts surprisingly thrashed Woking 5-1 after coming from behind. Scott Rendell gave the Cards an early lead in the fourth minute, but Wall equalised almost immediately. The striker add a second on the stroke of half-time. Then it was Max Cornhill’s turn to grab a brace before right at the end Lee Noble added extra gloss to the scoreline. Exactly two years earlier Woking beat the Darts 1-0 at the Kingfield Stadium. In 1995, Dartford were involved in an eight goal thriller beating Furness 5-3 in the Kent League.

Dartford hope to continue their excellent form and maintain the pressure at the top of the National South when they host Braintree Town this weekend.

The Darts have put themselves in contention at the summit of the National South by winning nine of their last ten league games. Next to arrive at Princes Park is Braintree Town, who have often been a thorn in Dartford’s side and this season the Iron are currently in the playoff places arriving on the back of four straight victories.

In all competitions Dartford have only beaten their opponents twice at home in nine attempts. Including trips to Cressing Road, then the Darts record over the Iron makes for grimmer reading. In 16 matches between the two sides Dartford have just three wins to their name.

Under Alan Dowson, the Darts have grown in confidence and prior the last week were not quite the finished article. Time will tell whether their potential will be reached, but six points and eight goals over the last week shows promising signs. On Saturday the Darts overcame bottom club Weymouth 3-0 with Josh Johnson scoring his first for the club on his home debut and Alex Wall netting a brace from off the bench. Influential midfielder, Samir Carruthers was replaced for the second-half and missed Tuesday night’s 5-1 win against Welling United, his replacement on the weekend Luke Coulson was given the nod to start the Kent derby. The only other change involved Davide Rodari making his first start in almost a month in place of Charlie Sheringham.

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The Darts were three up by half-time with Pierre Fonkeu and Rodari recreating the goalscoring exploits from earlier in the season. The pair shared Dartford’s first six goals this term and on Tuesday they scored the opening two. Fonkeu now has two in his last three games, whilst Rodari scored for the first time since August. Before the interval there was time for Maxwell Statham to draw level with Rodari in Dartford’s scoring charts with his third of the campaign. Early in the second-half former Dart, Ade Azeez kept the Dowson’s side on their toes by pulling a goal back. Jack Smith celebrated extending his loan spell from Stevenage until January with a delightful finish as the Darts hit four for the first time under Dowson. It got even better with three minutes to go when Coulson added a fifth to send Dartford top of the National South by the end of the evening.

The Darts only took a point from Braintree Town last season losing the corresponding fixture 1-0 in May, ten days before the playoff campaign. Whether the Darts were resting players or not, the performance was under par resulting in the defeat. Braintree Town’s Harry Lodovika scored late on just minutes after coming off the bench. The Iron also made things difficult earlier in the campaign at Cressing Road. Dartford were forced to come back from two goals down with a last gasp equaliser. A stunning stoppage time free kick from Jack Jebb earned a point after a Jake Robinson penalty halved the deficit. The visitors went two goals up through Gabriel Piorkowski and Gio Crichlow.

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The Iron are having a fantastic season compared to their seventeenth-place finish last term, for long periods they were in a scrap to beat the drop and ended up the lowest scorers in the division. The man partly responsible for the upturn in performances is manager Angelo Harrop, who masterminded AFC Sudbury’s run to the F.A Cup first round giant killing Dartford on the way. The Essex club are one of three unbeaten teams at home and sit in fifth place with the fourth highest goal tally. Although the Iron will be without home advantage, they have picked up four league victories on the road, winning their last two away fixtures 3-0 against Hampton and Richmond Borough and 2-1 at Eastbourne Borough. Those triumphs on their travels have helped Harrop’s side claim four straight wins home and away for the first time in the league since April 2018, when they were promoted to the National League via the playoffs.

Braintree Town’s last away outing saw them negotiate their way past Hampton and Richmond Borough despite several injuries and suspensions to first teamers. The reshuffled side took the lead through Jon Benton and waited until two minutes from time to add a second. Levi Amantchi scored his sixth of the season since joining in the summer from Potters Bar Town. To wrap up a good afternoon for Harrop’s team the Beavers netted an own goal to make it 3-0. Former Concord Rangers forward Lemar Reynolds has notched four league goals this term and so has ex-Welling United midfielder Alfie Matthews, who will serve a one match ban this weekend.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Braintree Town wins: 8 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford (WWDWWW)			Braintree Town (WLWWWW)
Welling United	H	5-1	Hampton and Richmond	A	3-0
Weymouth	H	3-0	Welling United	H	4-1
Slough Town	A	2-1	Eastbourne Borough	A	2-1
St Albans City	A	1-1	Worthing	H	2-1
Tonbridge Angels	H	2-0	Dover Athletic	A	1-3
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1	St Albans City	H	1-0

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (02/05/2022 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (28/12/2021 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Braintree Town (24/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (06/05/2018 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Braintree Town (23/12/2017 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford have won just once in their last 12 games against Braintree Town (D4, L7)
• The Darts have gone 13 games without a clean sheet against the Iron
• The Iron have kept eight clean sheets versus Dartford, in half of the games they have played the Darts.

On This Day

Dartford led twice to win against Hampton and Richmond Borough three years ago. Ky Marsh-Brown opened the scoring, but minutes later Tyrone Lewthwaite levelled for the Beavers. Elliott Romain won a penalty, picked himself up and netted from the spot to grab the winner. The Darts suffered heavy F.A Cup first round defeats in consecutive seasons on this day, both at Princes Park. In 2016, Dartford pegged National League side Sutton United back three times with two goals from Elliot Bradbrook and one from Duane Ofori-Acheampong. However, the Darts ran out of steam as the U’s rattled in three without reply in the final half an hour to win 6-3. A year later, Dartford were outclassed by League Two side Swindon Town losing 5-1, Richard Sho-Silva scoring the consolation goal. Other big scores on 5 November include Dartford’s 5-1 win over Aveley in 2005 at Stonebridge Road and a 6-2 Kent League Cup triumph against Greenwich Borough in 1994. The Darts were also on the end of an 8-0 reverse at Cambridge City in 1960.

Dartford prepare for the National South playoffs in their last home league game of the season against Braintree Town this Bank Holiday.

The Darts secured a place in the playoffs after their Good Friday victory. Since then they have been jockeying for a league position to get as much home advantage as possible for the end of season finale. Braintree Town managed to turn their fortunes around this season after looking like they were in serious relegation trouble.

A convincing win on Saturday at Slough Town will give Steve King’s side plenty of confidence ahead of this Bank Holiday fixture. Two changes were made to the last league outing which the Darts won 3-1 against St Albans City. After his goal in the Kent Senior Cup semi-final, Jordan Greenidge started as well as Olumide Durojaiye. In form striker, Marcus Dinanga took barely any time at all to open the scoring and the advantage doubled when Keiran Murtagh flicked in Jack Jebb’s corner. Murtagh waited until his 39th appearance for his first goals for the club last weekend, now he has three in his last two. However, the midfielder’s afternoon was cut short when he went off injured. By half-time the Darts were three up through Dinanga, his 11th goal in only 13 appearances. Kalvin Kalala got in on the act with his second league goal for the Darts. Greenidge justified his selection in the starting line up with Dartford’s fifth, since arriving from Weymouth the striker has scored five in seven games. To wrap things up, Durojaiye scored his first goal for the Darts, to make it 6-0.

Back in December, Dartford visited Cressing Road to take on Braintree Town who were second from bottom. The Darts who were joint top at the time came away with a point but only just. Perhaps that gave Braintree Town the belief they needed to improve results over the next three months. Kalvin Kalala made his Dartford debut and his new side had to wait until the last kick of the game to snatch a point. A stunning stoppage time free-kick from Jack Jebb completed a two goal comeback after a Jake Robinson penalty halved the deficit. The visitors went two goals up through Gabriel Piorkowski and Gio Crichlow.

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Over the years Dartford have found victories rare against Braintree Town with only three in 15 attempts. In fact the Essex side went eight unbeaten against the Darts, until the last time they visited Princes Park in August 2019. On that day, a late Norman Wabo goal was decisive in a 2-1 win for the Darts. Former Dartford academy player, Femi Akinwande put the Iron in front before Luke Wanadio missed a penalty. However, the hosts recovered with goals from former Braintree Town midfielder Luke Allen and Wabo’s winner. Tony Burman was in charge in the only other home win against the Essex side back in 2011, Elliot Bradbrook netting the only goal of the game.

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The 2-2 draw at the end of last year was the start of four draws in five for the Darts, a period that saw them lose ground at the top. Although King’s side made up ground with five straight victories, away defeats at Hungerford Town and Chippenham Town dented their title aspirations. The Darts were hanging in the title race until a pair of draws early last month and since Good Friday’s win over Billericay Town they have also reached a second Kent Senior Cup final in a row.

During that same period Braintree Town tightened up at the back going through a spell of eight clean sheets in eleven games. Between mid January through to mid March, the Iron only lost twice picking up six wins and five draws including a victory over Ebbsfleet United, their only victory against a top six side this season. That’s not to say they have fared badly against the teams at the top because they have drawn five against those teams.

In April, the Iron could have easily been dragged back in to the relegation battle after three straight defeats without scoring. However four points in their last two outings, a draw with Oxford City followed by Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Hemel Hempstead Town guarantee National South football next season.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Braintree Town wins: 7 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford (DDWLWW)			Braintree Town (WLLLDW)
Slough Town	A	6-0	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	3-1
St Albans City	H	3-1	Oxford City	A	1-1
Maidstone United	H	0-1	Concord Rangers	H	0-1
Billericay Town	A	2-0	Havant and Waterlooville	A	0-4
Hemel Hempstead Town	H	1-1	Hampton and Richmond	H	0-1
Oxford City	A	1-1	SloughTown	A	2-0

Previous Meetings (last six)

Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (28/12/2021 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Braintree Town (24/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (06/05/2018 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Braintree Town (23/12/2017 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (08/08/2017 – National South)

Stats

• Dartford are yet to lose to a team in the bottom six (W8, D3)
• The Darts have lost just once at home in the league this season (W10, D8, L1). The last time they lost one at home in the league was in the 1995/96 Kent League First Division campaign (W16, D2, L1)
• Dartford have scored in their last three games against Braintree Town. The Darts have never scored in four consecutive matches against the Iron.

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last ten games on this day recording eight victories in that time, including a Kent Senior Cup final win and a National South semi-final playoff victory. The Darts won promotion to the National League ten years ago and the 1-0 playoff semi-final win at Basingstoke Town helped set them on their way. Lee Noble scored an important winner in the first leg, but not quite as important as the winner he scored 11 days later in the final. A year before saw Dartford lift the county cup for the first time in 23 years by beating Bromley 4-1 in the final. Elliot Bradbrook, Ryan Hayes, Danny Harris and an own goal ensured the Darts picked up some silverware. Heartbreakingly, it was 26 years ago that Dartford lost the Kent League First Division title on goal difference in tense and dramatic circumstances. Needing to beat league leaders Furness on the final day of the season, the Darts only managed a 1-1 draw after Sean Bristow equalised.

Dartford end the year with a short journey across the river to take on National South strugglers Braintree Town on Tuesday.

The Darts had their Boxing Day clash with rivals Ebbsfleet United called off, so after ten days without a game the squad have had the chance to recuperate from their last outing, a 3-1 F.A Trophy win over Cray Wanderers. Braintree Town have had less time to prepare after their loss at rivals Chelmsford City on Sunday.

Dartford’s last trip to Cressing Road at the start of the year didn’t go to plan as they stumbled to a 2-1 defeat. Struggling to find goals, King brought in former Dartford academy striker Femi Akinwande who lined up against his former side. Since then, the striker returned to Braintree Town in the summer before leaving them for Billericay Town just a few weeks ago. The Iron took the lead after half an hour when Percy Kiangebeni’s shot beat Ethan Wady in the Dartford goal. The Iron were two up on the hour as Wady was beaten again, this time by Taofiqol Omowewe. Dartford introduced Chris Dickson before Jazzi Barnum-Bobb was sent off, but despite having ten men the Darts pulled a goal back when Dickson scored a penalty.

The Darts haven’t enjoyed this fixture over the years winning just once at Cressing Road and only beating the Iron on three previous occasions home and away. Dartford’s only victory on the road against the Essex side was back in 2012 when the Darts enjoyed a successful season in the National League. Captain, Tom Bonner is the only member of the current squad who played in that 2-0 victory and he opened the scoring by getting on the end of a Ryan Hayes free-kick. Dartford added a second when Danny Harris started the move that led to Jacob Erskine heading home. Since then the Darts have taken just one point from their last four trips to Cressing Road.

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King’s side have had a break from league action and plenty of time to reflect on their previous National South fixture which ended in a 4-0 Kent derby defeat against Maidstone United over two weeks ago. However, the Darts bounced back by moving into the fourth round of the F.A Trophy with the triumph over Cray Wanderers. The Wands had knocked Ebbsfleet United out in the previous round and with seven players missing from the Dartford squad it could have been a difficult afternoon.

Jordan Wynter returned to action after a spell out injured and King was impressed with the defender’s flexibility. Normally played at full back, Wynter was used as a centre back. Jack Jebb started for the first time since mid November and Jake Robinson was back and added more goals to his tally, the striker now has ten goals in as many appearances. Michael Kedman, Ronnie Vint and Emmanuel Sonupe all got a start and Tyrique Hyde was back in the line up.

Hyde set up Robinson’s first, won the penalty for the second and King praised his midfielder’s performance after the game. The Darts scored three goals in five first half minutes with Danny Leonard adding the last, his fifth of the campaign. King is confident five of the seven players who were unavailable will be back for selection, only Luke Allen and Josh Hill have long term injuries.

Braintree Town are locked in a battle to stay up against fellow Essex rivals Billericay Town and Chelmsford City, who they faced on Boxing Day. The Iron suffered another set back going three down before half-time as the Clarets took all three points to move clearer from the drop zone. The experienced Simeon Jackson netted a brace and Tom Blackwell scored the other as Braintree Town lost 3-0. The Iron will meet the Clarets again for the return fixture in the New Year and are now four points adrift from their local rivals.

Ryan Maxwell has now had just over a year in charge of Braintree Town and started off the National South campaign four games undefeated, although three of those ended in draws. The Iron found themselves in trouble with seven straight loses including a 6-0 hammering at Eastbourne Borough, which started a run of one goal in six league matches. Since the end of October results have picked up for the Essex club as they earned three precious points in a 1-0 win over Tonbridge Angels, who have been dragged into the relegation battle.

The Iron drew against Chippenham Town and Concord Rangers before their Boxing Day defeat, but they can take some confidence in the fact that they were leading against Hampton and Richmond Borough for the game that was abandoned last month and recorded victories against Potters Bar Town in the F.A Trophy and Witham Town in the Essex Senior Cup. Even when Braintree Town were knocked out of the trophy in the next round, they took promotion contenders St Albans City to penalties after holding on with ten men for 75 minutes of the match.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Braintree Town wins: 7 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (LWWDDL)			Braintree Town (LDLWDL)
Maidstone United	A	0-4	Chelmsford City	A	0-3
Billericay Town	H	1-0	Concord Rangers	A	2-2
Hemel Hempstead Town	A	3-2	Havant and Waterlooville	H	0-2
Oxford City	H	0-0	Tonbridge Angels	H	1-0
Chippenham Town	H	3-3	Chippenham Town	A	1-1
Concord Rangers	A	0-1	Ebbsfleet United	A	0-2

Previous League Meetings (last six)

Braintree Town 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Braintree Town (24/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (06/05/2018 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Braintree Town (23/12/2017 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (08/08/2017 – National South)
Braintree Town 3 – 0 Dartford (01/01/2015 – National League)

Stats

• Dartford have won just one of their last ten matches against Braintree Town, drawing three and losing six
• The Darts have scored in four of the last five meetings, but failed to score at all in the previous five
• Braintree Town have scored in their last nine games against the Darts
• Ronnie Vint could make his 200th appearance for the club. The defender has started 188 games, made 11 substitute appearances and has scored 11 goals for the Darts.

On This Day

In a Kent derby two years ago Darren McQueen, Elliott Romain and Charlie Sheringham all scored in a 3-0 home win against Tonbridge Angels. Josh Hill was sent off late in the game, but his red card was later rescinded. Six years ago, Elliot Bradbrook rescued a point at home to Margate in a 1-1 draw, the Gate took the lead through Freddie Ladapo, now of League One side Rotherham United. Dartford’s last away game on this day ended in a North Kent derby defeat at Ebbsfleet United and the Darts finishing with nine men. Derek Duncan and Callum Willock scored for the Fleet and Bradbrook netted for the Darts, but after Joe Bruce and James White were red carded it was too difficult to rescue a point for Tony Burman’s side back in 2010. Dartford’s away record on 28 December does not make good reading with one victory back in 1907 against Crayford in the Kent Amateur Cup, the Darts went through with a 2-1 win. Dartford have drawn three and lost seven out of the eleven away games on this day.