Tag: Cheshunt

Dartford play their game in hand when they hit the road to take on Cheshunt on Tuesday night.

The rearranged fixture is a must win if the Darts want to move within three points of the top five. A draw will be just about enough to regain the sixth place they lost on the weekend. Cheshunt look set for another campaign in the Isthmian Premier despite losing their last two.

Away Day Blues

Dartford suffered a blow to their playoff ambitions on the weekend when they lost at Wingate and Finchley. A seventh away league defeat of the season coupled with the top five all winning, left the Darts falling further behind. To compound a disappointing afternoon, Burgess Hill Town also won to climb above Pennock’s side.

Changes were made up front with Eddie Dsane and Rohan Vaughan starting ahead of Callum Jones and Olly Box. In defence Michael Olarewaju started his first game since the defeat at Potters Bar Town. Dave Winfield was recalled by his parent club Hornchurch.

An unbeaten run of three came to a halt when Wingate and Finchley put three past the Darts. First half goals from Mackye Townsend-West and Camilo Restrepo and an early third in the second half by Ryan Lowe left Dartford with too much to do. Dan Smith scored a consolation in a 3-1 loss that leaves Dartford six points off a playoff place.

Record Run Ends

The Darts are a world away from the consistent 21 game unbeaten sequence of last season. It was in their last visit to Theobalds Lane which brought an end to that record equalling run. Donell Thomas broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time. The Ambers doubled their advantage when Kenny Coker scored and a third followed from a penalty courtesy of Vas Vasiliou.

Dominant Darts

In September, the Darts got the better of Cheshunt at Princes Park. An early Dsane goal set the hosts on their way to a 2-0 victory. A numerical advantage helped Dartford’s cause when Darion Furlong was sent off before the interval. The Darts had a quick start to the second half with Jez Pinder breaking away on a counter attack to set up Box to slot in the second.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Double Defeat

Realistically Cheshunt can hope of a mid-table finish in Mel Gwinnett’s first campaign in charge. Although they can still win silverware in the London Senior Cup. The Ambers are nine points clear of the relegation places in fourteenth spot and the same distance away from the top ten.

The Hertfordshire side lost on the weekend at home to a Ramsgate side getting over their single goal defeat against the Darts in midweek. Goals from Solomon Ogunwomoju, Rolando Onu and Tija Jadama condemned Cheshunt to a 3-0 loss.

A week earlier, the Ambers lost to another team pushing for a playoff position. After conceding twice in the first half at Cray Wanderers with goals from Max Fiddes and Alex Hernandez, Cheshunt’s Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite scored a consolation five minutes from time.

Ambers Go for Silverware

Although defeated in their last couple of outings, the Ambers have had better times of late. Between those two league matches they reached the London Senior Cup semi-final with a victory over Combined Counties Premier South side Tooting and Mitcham United. Vasiliou and Matthias Fanimo scored first half goals to seal a safe passage into the last four.

Difficult to Beat

Leading up to the Cray Wanderers and Ramsgate games, the Ambers also went eight league matches unbeaten from the start of the year. The most impressive of those results was at the end of that sequence when they beat Aveley 2-0 with goals from Tommy Wood and Jesse Effa. That eight game run included four wins and four draws.

The Ambers have been competitive, but have recorded the second highest number of draws in the division. If they can turn those into victories then they will have a strong finish to their campaign. At home Cheshunt have only lost four in the Isthmian Premier, as many matches as Dartford have won on the road.

Goalkeeper’s View

Jonny Henly described Dartford’s performance on Saturday as ‘terrible’ after the 3-1 loss against Wingate and Finchley, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “They were miles better than us. The most disappointing part was probably the work rate. Effort wise, they were miles better than us and that shouldn’t happen”.

The goalkeeper views Tuesday night’s fixture as a chance to put things right, he commented: “We’ll be going there and we will be getting ourselves together and I guarantee we are going to put on a good performance, especially work rate wise, and turn it up in that sense”, he continued: “We will be raring to go and get back to being a proper team that we usually are. It’s good to have a game straight after to give you a chance to right the wrongs”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Jacob Bland (broken nose) has been unavailable since defeat at Potters Bar Town and Samir Carruthers and Dean Nayler are out for the rest of the season with injury.

Current League Form

 

Dartford (WLDWWL)			Cheshunt (DDWLWL)
Wingate & Finchley	A	1-3	Ramsgate	H	0-3
Ramsgate	H	1-0	Tooting & Mitcham (LSC)	A	2-0
Welling United	A	1-0	Cray Wanderers	A	1-2
Cray Wanderers	H	1-1	Aveley	H	2-0
Potters Bar Town	A	0-1	Lewes	H	0-0
Brentwood Town	H	3-2	St Albans City	H	2-2

LSC – London Senior Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Cheshunt wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Cheshunt (27/09/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Cheshunt 3 – 0 Dartford (22/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (09/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cheshunt 1 – 3 Dartford (07/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford’s only away win against teams lower than Cheshunt in the table was against Welling United (D2, L3)
• Over the last eight league games The Darts have picked up one point more than Ambers (13 points v 12)
• This season in the league, Dartford’s most common away score and Cheshunt’s most common home result is a 1-1 draw

On This Day

Ryan Hayes scored a Princes Park hat-trick on this day in 2007. The winger netted all three goals in the win over Croydon Athletic in the Isthmian Division One South. Hayes set Dartford on their way from the penalty spot, added a sublime curler from range for the second, then skillfully completed the second ever hat-trick at Princes Park by a Dartford player. Brendon Cass was the first two months earlier in a 7-2 win against Burgess Hill Town.

Dartford look to maintain their unbeaten home run in the league when they host Cheshunt this weekend.

The Darts have recorded just one win all season and that was over a month ago. Adrian Pennock’s side have drawn three consecutive games in the Isthmian Premier and a much needed victory will see Dartford move in the right direction.

Since relegation from the National South, Cheshunt survived another drop and finished in the lower half last term. The Ambers have made a better start this time around with just one defeat in their opening eight league fixtures.

County Cup Exits

Both sides were involved in their respective county cups on Tuesday night. Dartford were up against Isthmian South East side Erith Town and went out on penalties. With the amount of injuries in the squad Pennock used the Kent Senior Cup tie as an opportunity to hand some of the younger and academy players their debuts.

Crowning his first start for the Darts, Albie O’Mara-Knapp scored his first senior goal in just his third appearance to give Dartford a lead going into the break. Erith Town were level shortly after the restart when Aaron Jeffrey headed the equaliser. With no extra time the tie went to penalties with the Dockers progressing into the next round.

Cheshunt were involved in the Hertfordshire Senior Cup and were away at Hadley, Dartford’s opponents in the F.A Trophy next Saturday. Mel Gwinnett’s side went a goal down in first half injury time after conceding a penalty. Isaac Stones scored the spot kick for the hosts. The Ambers were unable to find a leveller and so it was Hadley who progressed to the semi-final.

Whitefield’s Wonderstrike

George Whitefield scored a brilliant winner in the corresponding fixture last season. With the match all level, the defender unleashed a shot from long range to hand Dartford three points. Earlier, Samir Carruthers had converted his penalty before Tommy Wood equalised for Cheshunt.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Ambers Spoil the Party

The story was different in the reverse match seven months ago. The Darts were on the verge of creating history after equalling a club record 21 league games unbeaten. Cheshunt had other ideas though and humbled the visitors 3-0, denting Dartford’s title ambitions in the process. Donell Thomas scored in first half injury time, Kenny Coker doubled the lead and Vas Vasiliou added a third from the spot.

Draw Specialists

Dartford have specialised in drawing lately with the most recent against Aveley. Unlike the previous two outings, in which the Darts had to come from behind, this time they let a goal lead slip. Callum Jones scored his first of the season, but with four minutes remaining Jayden Gipson equalised for the Millers. Both sides were reduced to ten men earlier in the clash with Aveley’s Albie Armin being sent off for a reckless tackle and Ikechi Eze for retaliating.

Like Dartford, the Ambers have also drawn their last three league games slowing down their early season progress. The Hertfordshire side, yet to be beaten at home, picked up a point on their own patch against Burgess Hill Town, then when they hosted Billericay Town and in their last league outing versus Dulwich Hamlet.

Early Pacesetters

Cheshunt were setting the pace after the opening two games and scoring plenty of goals. The Ambers defeated Welling United 4-2 and went to Canvey Island and won 4-1. Only Chatham Town have managed to get the better of Gwinnett’s team in the Isthmian Premier, but Cheshunt bounced back with a couple of victories. Hashtag United were beaten 3-1 and St Albans City lost 2-1 before the run of draws.

Manager’s View

Pennock took the decision to rest the majority of the first team squad in midweek to protect the players he has available for this weekend. The Dartford manager is hoping for some members of the team to return to action, he spoke to www.dartford.com and confirmed: “I’m hoping we have a few back, but I will know more after Thursday’s training session”.

Although injuries and suspensions have played a part in Dartford’s campaign so far, Pennock still believes he can start picking up victories, he added: “I’m confident we can change these draws into wins and I would like that to happen as soon as possible, especially with a full, fit squad to choose from”.

Team News

Sam Odaudu, Michael Olarewaju, Dan Smith, Sammie McLeod and Dean Nayler have all been on the injury list. Sam Okoye has served his suspension, but Ikechi Eze will start his ban for the red card recieved last weekend.

Current Form

Dartford (DDLDDD)			Cheshunt (WLDDDL)
Erith Town (CC)	A	1-1*	Hadley (CC)	A	0-1
Aveley	A	1-1	Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-1
Canvey Island	H	2-2	Billericay Town	H	2-2
Bracknell Town (FAC)	H	0-2	Burgess Hill Town	H	1-1
Bracknell Town (FAC)	A	2-2	Leiston (FAC)	H	1-2
Ramsgate	A	4-4	St Albans City	A	2-1

(FAC – F.A Cup / CC – County Cup / * – lost 3-4 on penalties)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Cheshunt wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Meeting

Cheshunt 3 – 0 Dartford (22/02/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (09/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cheshunt 1 – 3 Dartford (07/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford have a perfect home record against Cheshunt in the two meetings so far
• The Darts have yet to keep a clean sheet versus the Ambers
• In the four matches played both teams scored averaging 3.25 goals per game
• Dartford have drawn three league games in a row for the first time since January 2022. The last time Dartford drew four consecutive league matches was in April 1992.

On This Day

Samir Carruthers and Luke Allen hit the target on this day in 2022. A goal down at home to Eastbourne Borough, the Darts came back to win 2-1 in the National South. Eight years earlier the same pattern of scoring happened away at Nuneaton Town. The Darts were a goal down in the National Premier before Elliot Bradbrook scored a penalty with 12 minutes remaining and Danny Harris grabbed the winner a couple of minutes later.

Dartford have another opportunity to create history when they visit Cheshunt on the weekend.

The Darts will set a new club record of unbeaten league games if they avoid defeat on Saturday and extend their current sequence to 22 matches. Last time out Dartford were made to work for their eighth away win in a row when they took maximum points to stay top of the Isthmian Premier. Another victory on the road will also set a joint best winning away streak in league competition for the Darts.

Dartford came from behind last Saturday in their 3-2 win at Hendon. The Darts have been in such fine form that they’ve rarely needed to claim points after conceding the first goal. In fact, the last time Adrian Pennock’s side had to turn an Isthmian Premier match around was on Boxing Day, in the Kent derby victory over Cray Wanderers, nine league fixtures ago.

There was plenty going on during last weekend’s game. The Darts dropped from first to third and back again, all before a hectic seven-minute period in the second half at the Silver Jubilee Stadium. Pennock made three changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Chichester City bringing in Eddie Dsane, Jez Pinder and Sam Okoye for Olly Box, Louis Dunne and George Whitefield. Creative midfielder, Samir Carruthers was back in the squad after being out with a hamstring injury and made a big impact.

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Match Highlights courtesy of HendonFCOfficial

Even though the pack had been shuffled following three games in a week, the Darts still managed to negotiate their way to victory, but it was far from simple. Battling against relegation, Hendon deservedly led at the break after Nikolai Krokhin scored for the hosts. The twist and turns of the second half started within five minutes of the restart. Denzelle Olopade equalised, then on loan Hayden Bullas netted his first for the Darts. Hendon drew level again through Leo Sery, but on 57 minutes Carruthers converted from the penalty spot for the decisive goal.

A record Dartford will want to maintain this weekend is their perfect one against Cheshunt. The Darts have come out on top in the previous three meetings winning the reverse fixture back in November. A dominating first half display saw the Darts lead at half-time thanks to a Carruthers penalty. In an even second half, the visitors equalised through Tommy Wood. Then 19-year-old, George Whitefield scored a stunner from long range to secure a 2-1 triumph.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Both sides met in the National South during the 2022/2023 season with the Darts winning 2-1 at Princes Park. Pierre Fonkeu scored a brace that made all the difference. Former Dartford academy graduate, Dajon Golding scored a late consolation for the visitors. In the return match, the Darts were helped by a former player when Rowan Liburd scored an own goal. Luke Coulson and Tom Bonner extended the lead before a consolation from the Ambers.

Cheshunt have had mixed results this term, but form has improved since Boxing Day to pull them eight points clear of the relegation zone. In October, long serving manager Craig Edwards departed after defeat against Potters Bar Town. The loss left the Ambers second from bottom with five points from their opening eight games. A fortnight later former Hampton and Richmond Borough boss, Mel Gwinnett was appointed, and he has since moved the Hertfordshire side up to 15th in the table, eight points clear of safety. The new manager will want to improve form at home, where the Ambers have only beaten sides currently in the bottom three.

Gwinnett made eleven changes prior the Hertfordshire Senior Cup semi-final defeat over a week ago. Three of those players, Darion Furlong, Magloire Muyembe and Christian Scott were the only trio retained for last weekend’s fixture against Cray Wanderers. It was all looking good for the visitors when former Wand, Kenny Coker put the Ambers ahead. However, the hosts turned fortunes around with two goals from Nyren Clunis then Soul Kader.

In their last home game, Cheshunt ended a run of four without victory at Theobalds Lane. A last-minute effort from Coker got the Ambers back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory. The home side had to come from behind after former Dartford forward, Davide Rodari gave relegation threatened Hasting United a first-half advantage. Jack Munns levelled for Cheshunt just past the hour mark, then Coker decided the game in injury time.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWDW)			Cheshunt (WWLDWL)
Hendon	A	3-2	Cray Wanderers	A	1-2
Chichester City	H	0-0	Hastings United	H	2-1
Hashtag United	H	2-0	Hendon	H	2-2
Bowers and Pitsea	A	3-1	Hashtag United	A	0-1
Billericay Town	H	4-0	Canvey Island	A	1-0
Wingate & Finchley	A	2-1	Potters Bar Town	A	2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Cheshunt wins: 0 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (09/11/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Cheshunt 1 – 3 Dartford (07/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford are unbeaten in 21 league games, their joint best run since the 2007/2008 Isthmian Division One North title winning season.
• The club record for unbeaten matches in all competitions stands at 23 set in 1995/1996
• The Darts have won eight away games in a row first time since 2016/2017, but that was in all competitions. Last time Dartford won eight in a row in the league was in 2009/2010, when they went a record nine matches.

On This Day

Danny Harris and Lee Noble were on target as the Darts defeated Dorchester down in Dorset in 2011. The National South fixture finished 2-0 to the visitors and is Dartford’s last away win on this day.

Three years later, former Football League side Hereford United visited Princes Park in the National League and were beaten by goals from Alex Wall and Noble.

Five years ago, the Darts won against Eastbourne Borough back in the National South. Jack Jebb’s opener was cancelled out by Greg Luer, but Darren McQueen netted a penalty in a 2-1 victory.

Dartford’s last game on this day ended in an away loss at Hungerford Town in which manager, Steve King and Junior Tiensia were sent off. Jake Robinson scored a late consolation for the Darts.

Dartford are back at Princes Park when they host Cheshunt on Saturday in the Isthmian Premier.

After a packed mid-week league schedule, the Darts are fifteenth in the league following consecutive draws, first at home against Cray Valley Paper Mills and then on the road at Potters Bar Town on Tuesday night. Whilst Dartford were in action, Cheshunt had a rest following their impressive win on the weekend over bottom side Bognor Regis Town.

Ahead of Dartford’s clash with Potters Bar Town, the Darts were level on points with Cheshunt. The gap increased by one by full-time thanks to a hard earned 1-1 draw. Adrian Pennock made two changes to the side that picked up a point versus Cray Valley Paper Mills just three days earlier. The Dartford boss selected the same defence that kept a clean sheet against the Millers. In came Jeremiah Pinder for Oliver Box and Duane Ofori-Acheampong for Ade Yusuff.

The Darts were left to rue missed chances in the first-half, especially after being reduced to ten men early in the second-half. Ofori-Acheampong, Josh Hill and Denzelle Olopade all had opportunities before the interval, but the sides were level at the break. After a caution for kicking the ball away in the first half, Ofori-Acheampong was shown a second yellow for a late tackle. The striker now faces another suspension following one he has already served for his red card against Bowers and Pitsea just over six weeks ago.

That dismissal stifled Dartford’s attacking threat, however four minutes later Callum Jones won a penalty and Samir Carruthers scored it, his second goal in three games. Shortly afterwards Olopade saw his effort go inches wide. Potters Bar Town applied plenty of pressure taking advantage of the extra man. The hosts were rewarded with an equaliser with 20 minutes to go through Brandon Adams. Dartford were made to dig in for the rest of the match with the hosts hitting the post. Sam Okoye limped off during the game and Olopade had time for one more effort.

The Darts have a perfect record over Cheshunt and will be desperate to keep things that way. In the only season the two sides have met, Cheshunt were the new boys of the National South during 2022/2023. The Ambers made their debut in step two lasting one campaign before relegation sent the Hertfordshire club back to the Isthmian Premier.

At Princes Park, Dartford began their home campaign with a 2-1 win over the Ambers in August 2022. Maxwell Statham made his first appearance for the Darts, but it was Pierre Fonkeu’s brace that made all the difference. In the first half, the striker curled a shot from the edge of the box into the Cheshunt net and benefited from Luke Coulson’s and Samir Carruthers excellent interplay in the second half. Former Dartford graduate Dajon Golding scored a late consolation for the visitors.

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The Darts had a little help from a former player in the reverse fixture in January 2023. Rowan Liburd gave the Darts a half-time lead putting in his own net. Coulson was the influential figure providing the cross for the opener before scoring, then he assisted Tom Bonner in the second-half to put Dartford in control. Once again, the Ambers managed a consolation as the Darts ran out 3-1 winners.

Cheshunt had to rely on a late surge last season to avoid another drop. In the end, under the management of Craig Edwards they secured Isthmian Premier safety on the final day at Margate’s expense. This term, the Ambers beat Bognor Regis on the opening day, but then went seven without a league victory, picking up just two points. That led to the departure of Edwards after seven years of service to the club and over 300 appearances in the dugout.

Cheshunt won their two league outings under interim management giving new boss Mel Gwinnett a platform to build on. The former Hampton and Richmond Borough manager was appointed towards the end of last month. Gwinnett had previously guided the Beavers to a club record unbeaten run, an F.A Trophy quarter-final and to within a point of the National South playoffs.

Whilst Gwinnett’s first two Isthmian Premier games ended in a pair of 1-0 defeats, first against Cray Wanderers then Canvey Island, his side bounced back with help from striker Vas Vasiliou. Last weekend Vasiliou netted a hat-trick in the 4-0 triumph over Bognor Regis Town.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLDLDD)			Cheshunt (LWWLLW)
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Bognor Regis Town	A	4-0
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Canvey Island	H	0-1
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Cray Wanderers	H	0-1
Hendon	H	0-0	Whitehawk	A	2-0
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Hastings United	A	3-2
Bowers & Pitsea	H	1-2	Potters Bar Town	H	0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Cheshunt wins: 0 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Cheshunt 1 – 3 Dartford (07/01/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Cheshunt (13/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford have a perfect record against Cheshunt in the two meetings so far
• In the two matches played both teams scored averaging 3.5 goals per game
• Samir Carruthers is the only player left in the current Dartford squad to have featured in both games against Cheshunt in 2022/2023

On This Day

Ryan Hayes and Ollie Berquez secured a 2-0 win over rivals Dover Athletic in the National South 14 years ago. Three days after almost causing a F.A Cup shock against Port Vale, the Darts travelled to the Crabble and earned their first away victory of the 2010/2011 league campaign.

Dartford’s last outing on this day was in the F.A Cup away at Salisbury City in the first round. Goals from Lee Burns and Max Cornhill weren’t enough in a 4-2 defeat back in 2013.

The last home match on 9 November for Dartford was a 1-1 draw with Tooting and Mitcham United. The 1996 F.A Trophy tie went to a replay, which the Darts won 3-2. At home Dartford are currently five unbeaten on this day alternating between draws and wins. Whilst their biggest victory on 9 November came in a friendly 135 years ago. The Darts won 12-1 against Horticultural College Hextable.