League One playoff winners Charlton Athletic visit Princes Park this weekend for a fourth year in a row to begin Dartford’s preparations for the new season.
The Addicks have been a regular feature in Dartford’s pre-season recently with the two sides meeting six times in friendlies since Princes Park opened in 2006. The Darts have lost the lot and the previous two have ended with the London side winning 6-1.
In compeititve matches, the Darts have faced this weekend’s opponents in the Kent Senior Cup three times. Dartford have been victorious on each occasion, including the 2016 final.
Adrian Pennock has already seen his squad put in some hard yards during training sessions for the new campaign. The early stages of pre-season will continue the good work whilst giving new players time to gel with those retained over the summer.
New additions include striker Dan Smith and goalkeeper Jon Henly both from Folkstone Invicta. In defence, Ben Frempah has joined from Wingate and Finchley and in midfield Sammie McLeoad from Sevenoaks Town. Over the next few weeks Pennock will also get the chance to look at some of the academy team and triallists.
Charlton Athletic are also starting their pre-season fixtures and will be flying out to Slovenia for next weekend’s game against HNK Gorica. The Addicks will be getting ready for life back in the Championship after a five year absence.
Macaulay Gillesphey’s first-half free-kick was enough for the Addicks to beat Leyton Orient at Wembley in May’s playoff final to win promotion. Manager, Nathan Jones guided the London side to fourth place after a strong second half to last season. Striker, Matthew Godden top scored for the Addicks and he could return to Princes Park after a loan spell with the Darts in 2013, where he scored five goals in nine appearances.
Dartford begin their season on Saturday 9 August, fixtures to be announced next week. On the same day, Charlton Athletic commence their Championship campaign at home to Watford.