Tag: Cray Wanderers

Dartford v Cray Wanderers

Dartford host a former landlord in a Kent derby against Cray Wanderers on Boxing Day.

It’s been 15 years since the Darts hosted this fixture back when they won the Isthmian Premier League. Adrian Pennock’s side top the form table and are currently on an unbeaten run of 11 games in the Isthmian Premier. The upturn in performances and efficiency in front of goal has seen the Darts rise from the lower half of the division to fourth place in the space of two months. Without a defeat in five, Cray Wanderers have also improved recently helping the Wands progress upwards and away from the relegation zone.

An unchanged Dartford side secured a third consecutive away victory on the weekend when they beat Folkestone Invicta by a single goal. Pennock named the same side for a fifth match in a row and managed to give some game time to defender Michael Olarewaju, who made his first appearance, as a substitute, since the start of November. In tough conditions Callum Jones scored his second in three matches putting his barren streak well behind him. Victory on the road extended Dartford’s unbeaten league run on their travels to six, their best sequence since 2018.

In front of goal Dartford have now scored in their last ten league matches, doubling the longest goalscoring run under Pennock. Olly Box has chipped in with six in his last eight starts and hopefully Jones will keep adding to his recent tally. Yet the triumph on the weekend owed just as much to the defensive display. Assistant manager, Roland Edge spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and explained: “For an away performance we were so solid and that was down to our defence and midfield. It wasn’t a smash and grab, we played some good football in tough conditions”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

At Princes Park, Dartford are currently five without defeat. Not only do they want to keep that record intact, they also want to add to the ten points collected from a possible 15 in Kent derbies this term home and away. Standing in their way will be Cray Wanderers and potentially former captain, Tom Bonner. The defender made 456 appearances for the Darts, won two Kent Senior Cups and the National South playoffs whilst at Princes Park. He featured in the weekend draw against Billericay Town.

The Wands included Bonner in the team and Remi Sutton was also given a start with Quade Taylor and Frankie-Jay Moralee missing out. Two goals inside the final ten minutes saw the spoils shared at Flamingo Park. Cray Wanderers took the lead with seven on the clock through Josh Williams, but Ashley Nzala equalised for Ricay in injury time.

Billericay Town’s late strike denied Cray Wanderers a fourth straight 1-0 win. The Wands began the month with maximum points at Bowers and Pitsea, won at home against Chichester City then defeated league leaders Dover Athletic at the Crabble. Although down in sixteenth place, Cray Wanderers are only six points from a playoff place, but just six points clear of the drop.

The two previous fixtures at Princes Park both ended in a draw with the last on Boxing Day 2009. Just over 1300 turned out for that fixture. Mark Willy gave the visitors a lead after 29 minutes, heading in Ross Lover’s free-kick. Dartford equalised eight minutes later, with substitute Danny Harris on hand to score. In the second half Lee Burns was sent off for the Darts in the 1-1 draw.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

The reverse meeting a week later saw the Darts run out 2-1 winners. Burns made up for his red card with the opening goal and James White added another four minutes later to take the Darts into the break with a two-goal advantage. The Wands hot back in the second half with Colin Luckett’s penalty, but the hosts couldn’t find an equaliser.

Cray Wanderers have played host in the last six meetings, including the league clash in January 2010. The Darts have come out on top five of those matches, the most recent a 2-1 London Senior Cup triumph in April this year. The quarter-final tie was a welcome escape for the Darts who had just confirmed their relegation back to the Isthmian Premier.

Early pressure from the Wands was rewarded as early as the second minute. Former Dart, Ellis Brown scored to put the hosts ahead at Hayes Lane. Jordan Greenidge used his strength to create an opportunity with half hour played and he took full advantage to level. As the tie approached the prospect of penalties, Dartford managed to force an own goal for the winner.

Three years earlier the Darts won in the F.A Trophy third round. Tyrique Hyde set up Jake Robinson for the first and won the penalty for Robinson’s second. Danny Leonard added a third goal before Jai Reason scored a consolation for the Wands. Sandwiched between a pair of 2-1 Dartford victories in a 2011 F.A Cup third qualifier and a 2016 Kent Senior Cup first round tie, Cray Wanderers did claim a win seven years ago. In another Kent Senior Cup first round match, the Wands progressed with a 4-2 victory. Dartford’s goals came from Toby Ajala and Warren Mfula.

There is a history between Dartford and Cray Wanderers, who first played each other 136 years ago. Yet it wasn’t until the 2006/2007 season that the pair met in a league other than a local county division or a cup fixture. However, in recent times both clubs have gone through a similar journey. When the Darts lost their Watling Street home and reformed in the nineties, they shared Cray Wanderers’ ground at Oxford Road. Dartford didn’t find a permanent place until they moved in at Princes Park in 2006. Likewise, the Wands left Oxford Road in 1998 and after many years at Hayes Lane, Bromley they finally moved into their new stadium Flamingo Park this season.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWWDWW) Cray Wanderers (LDWWWD)
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Billericay Town H 1-1
Horsham A 3-1 Dover Athletic A 1-0
Dulwich Hamlet H 2-2 Chichester City H 1-0
Bognor Regis Town H 4-0 Bowers and Pitsea A 1-0
Hastings United A 3-0 Carshalton Athletic H 1-1
Chichester City A 2-2 Canvey Island A 0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 36 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 11

Previous Meetings

Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (16/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 3 Dartford (18/12/2021 – F.A Trophy)
Cray Wanderers 4 – 2 Dartford (20/09/2017 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (05/10/2016 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (15/10/2011 – F.A Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (02/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • In the league Dartford have lost just once against Cray Wanderers in the last 19 outings (W14, D4)
  • The Darts have lost just once in the last 17 at home versus the Wands in all competitions (W11, D5)
  • This will be only the third time Dartford have played Cray Wanderers on Boxing Day. The first meeting was in 1901 when the Wands won 4-0 in the Kent League. The last was the 1-1 draw in the Isthmian Premier League 15 years ago.
  • Dartford have won 41, drawn 23 and lost 26 games on Boxing Day (Home record – W28 D15 L15)

On This Day

Dartford have won six of the last seven Boxing Day matches with three of those against Welling United. All seven of those games were in the National South and it was a year ago when Richard Chin scored the winner against the Wings at Park View Road. The Darts also won at Welling United 3-0 in 2019 and 3-2 in 2017 with Alfie Pavey’s stunning last minute scissor kick.

Two years ago, Dartford blew rivals Ebbsfleet United away at Stonebridge Road with four first half goals. Luke Allen, Luke Coulson and Maxwell Statham all netted inside 11 minutes. Alex Wall added a fourth with five minutes left of the first-half in a 4-1 victory over the then league leaders and eventual champions. The last Boxing Day fixture at Princes Park was in 2016 with Dartford beating Ebbsfleet United again. Duane Ofori-Acheampong scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory.

Dartford’s biggest triumph on this day was a 6-1 win at Canvey Island in 2007 with goals from Steve Norman, Ryan Hayes, Brendon Cass, Jay May, Eddie McClements and Jamie Coyle. At Watling Street in 1989, a team led by Peter Taylor beat Gravesend and Northfleet 5-0 in the Southern Premier League.

Season Preview 2024/2025

Cray Wanderers

One of the oldest football clubs in the world, Cray Wanderers were formed in 1860 and entered the Isthmian League in 2004. The Wands won consecutive Kent League titles before promotion 20 years ago and have since had two spells in both the Isthmian Division One and Premier. Cray Wanderers won the Isthmian South East in the last full season before covid and missed out on a National South spot after a semi-final playoff a year ago.

2023/2024 Season
Isthmian Premier: 17th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
Kent Senior Cup: 2nd Round
London Senior Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Scorer: Gary Lockyer (11 goals)

A dreadful start to last season had Cray Wanderers on the back foot from the off. The Wands lost their opening five games with just one goal to show. Then they hit five against title challengers Chatham Town to get off the mark. Points were picked up in the middle third of the football calendar with February being the most productive period. Despite a late slump in form, Cray Wanderers finished on a high with a 6-2 win.

Manager – Neil Smith

It was a proud moment when Neil Smith led his Bromley side out at Wembley in the F.A Trophy six years ago. Although it ended with a runner up medal, his time with the Ravens as assistant, then manager, saw the club promoted and become a solid National League team. In March 2022, Smith switched to Cray Wanderers and led them to a playoff campaign. Now the former Gillingham midfielder is at the helm for the Wands homecoming to Flamingo Park.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 36 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 11

Previous Six Meetings

Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (16/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 3 Dartford (18/12/2021 – F.A Trophy)
Cray Wanderers 4 – 2 Dartford (20/09/2017 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (05/10/2016 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (15/10/2011 – F.A Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (02/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Cray Wanderers – Thursday 26th December 2024
Cray Wanderers v Dartford – Monday 21st April 2025

Statistics

  • In the league Dartford have lost just once against Cray Wanderers in the last 19 outings (W14, D4)
  • Dartford last hosted Cray Wanderers in a 1-1 on Boxing Day 2009. The Darts have lost just once in the last 17 at home versus the Wands in all competitions (W11, D5)
  • The Darts have won 18 of the last 22 away matches against Cray Wanderers in all competitions (D1, L3)

Match Highlights 2021/2022

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Cray Wanderers v Dartford

Dartford will need to pick themselves up against Cray Wanderers in the London Senior Cup quarter-final on Tuesday night.

Relegation back to the Isthmian Premier League was confirmed at the weekend with a loss at newly crowned National South champions Yeovil Town. The Darts will be meeting the Wands next season as they return to the third tier of non-league for the first time in 14 years.

Needing at least a point to potentially take their campaign to the last day, Adrian Pennock stuck to the same side that beat Havant and Waterlooville, but lost to Worthing. In the end nothing more than a victory was required as their closest rivals claimed three points on Saturday. All that was immaterial though because the Darts finished their travels in the league with a 3-1 defeat.

Yet Dartford did have the smallest glimmer of hope when they took a shock lead through top scorer Luke Coulson. The captain netted his eleventh in all competitions in the fifth minute. Yeovil Town we’re back on level terms just three minutes later through Sam Pearson and before half-time Dylan Morgan put the champions ahead. In the second-half, Rhys Byrne saved Frank Nouble’s penalty and Alex Fisher added a third for the Glovers.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts have negotiated their way through two rounds of the London Senior Cup so far starting out in September. Drawn against Harrow Borough of the Isthmian Premier League, Dartford won 1-0. Despite the low scoreline the Darts were dominant, but still had to rely on an own goal by Borough’s Henry Lukombo. In the second round the tie went all the way to penalties against Queens Park Rangers U23’s. Oliver Box scored the equaliser that forced spot-kicks and then netted the winner in the shootout.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s last four meetings against Cray Wanderers have been in cup competition and on three occasions the Darts have progressed to the next round. The most recent of those ties came in December 2021 in the F.A Trophy third round. A Jake Robinson brace and a Danny Leonard goal in the space of five first-half minutes earned a 3-1 victory. Cray Wanderers came out on top in the previous county cup clash though. In the Kent Senior Cup the Wands won 4-2 in round one back in September 2017. At the same stage a year earlier Andy Pugh and Duane Ofori-Acheampong helped Dartford to a 2-1 triumph. The same score in the 2011 F.A Cup third qualifying clash saw the Darts progress with goals from Ryan Hayes and Danny Harris.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Former Dartford captain Tom Bonner could feature for the Wands. The defender come out of retirement and after a spell with Havant and Waterlooville, he signed for Cray Wanderers in November. Bonner made 456 appearances for the Darts and won two Kent Senior Cups and the National South playoffs whilst at Princes Park. David Ijaha and Ellis Brown are also part of the Wands squad, Ijaha played 12 games for Dartford and Brown started just six and made 15 appearances from the bench.

Neil Smith’s team have secured a sixth season in the Isthmian Premier league and are currently in 16th place. The Wands had a slow start to their campaign losing their opening five whilst scoring just once. Then they went to promotion contenders Chatham Town and won 5-1. Inconsistency and a glut of draws from November to January left the Wands’ season in the balance. A positive period in February saw Smith’s side take 17 points from 21 available making life more comfortable. Since then form has taken a dip and they have won just one league fixture in their last nine outings.

Cray Wanderers’ London Senior Cup journey began in November at home against Tooting and Mitcham United. The Wands beat the Combined Counties Premier South side 4-2.  Yahya Bamba, who scored twice against the Darts for Eastbourne Borough just over a fortnight ago bagged a brace, while Gary Lockyer and Nyren Clunis added a third and fourth. In round two Cray Wanderers defeated Fisher 3-0 to move into the last eight. Tayo Oyebola, Alfie Evans and Anthony Cook all scored to overcome their Southern Counties East Division opponents.

Some silverware for Dartford will provide a small amount of consolation and victory on Tuesday night will set up a semi-final against Hendon of the Southern Premier League South.

Current Form

Dartford (DLLWLL) Cray Wanderers (LDDLLL)
Yeovil Town A 1-3 Horsham A 0-2
Worthing H 1-2 AFC Hornchurch A 0-2
Havant & Waterlooville A 2-1 Hashtag United H 1-3
Eastbourne Borough H 0-2 Margate A 1-1
Chelmsford City A 1-4 Chatham Town H 2-2
Truro City A 0-0 Folkestone Invicta H 0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 35 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 11

Last Six Meetings

Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (18/12/2021– F.A Trophy)
Cray Wanderers 4 – 2 Dartford (20/09/2017 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (05/10/2016 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (15/10/2011 – F.A Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (02/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Cray Wanderers (026/12/2009 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won 17 of their last 22 away games against Cray Wanderers (D2, L3)
  • In county cups (all Kent Senior) the Darts have progressed on eight occasions when drawn against the Wands (W8, D3, L2)
  • Dartford have a 72.5% win rate versus Cray Wanderers over the last 40 meetings in all competitions (W29, D6, L5)

On This Day

On the penultimate game of the 2012/2013 National League campaign the Darts enjoyed a 3-2 win against Forest Green Rovers on this day. Victory lifted Dartford into seventh place with goals from Danny Harris and a brace from Elliot Bradbrook. Although Tony Burman’s side dropped one place on the final day they were crowned the best part-time team in the country. After a mediocre season in the Southern Division One East, Dartford recorded a 6-2 triumph over basement boys Tilbury in 2005. The last fixture on this day for the Darts ended 0-0 versus Basingstoke Town in the National South eight years ago.

Cray Wanderers v Dartford

The F.A Trophy returns this weekend as the Darts look to move beyond the third round for the first time since their run to the semi-final eight years ago.

Standing in Dartford’s way are former landlords Cray Wanderers, who caused a shock in the previous round by beating Ebbsfleet United on penalties. The Wands are currently at the wrong end of the Isthmian Premier League, but have made trophy history already setting their best ever run in the competition.

This fixture is steeped in history dating back to the year the Darts were formed in 1888. The two sides formed a close bond in the early nineties when Cray Wanderers offered Dartford a home, playing their part in keeping the Darts alive. The Wands now know what it’s like to be homeless currently playing their fixtures at Bromley’s Hayes Lane and hope to be moving to a new stadium.

The last three meetings between Dartford and Cray Wanderers have all been cup ties, the Wands knocked the Darts out of the Kent Senior Cup in 2017, whilst Dartford beat their opponents in the same competition the season before. In 2011, Ryan Hayes and Danny Harris helped the Darts win the F.A Cup third qualifying round tie 2-1. Dartford have dominated this fixture with Cray Wanderers winning just six of the last 43 meetings, but that will count for nothing come Saturday.

Dartford enter this weekend’s fixture after a tough 4-0 defeat against rivals Maidstone United. Rubbing salt into the Darts wound, Jack Barham took home the match ball with a hat-trick against his former club. The loss ended a seven match unbeaten run in all competitions toppling Steve King’s side off the top of the National South table, but they are level on points with leaders Oxford City. The Dartford boss spoke to Dartford FC TV after the derby defeat, he commented: “We’ve got to get over it and take our medicine, when you lose it’s how you react and it’s how we react next week that is important. There are a lot of tough games to come and we will be ready for the challenges”.

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Watch post match interviews and highlights at Dartford FC TV

King tweaked the starting line up opting for wingers rather than the narrow formation he played against Billericay Town. Luke Wanadio and Danny Leonard started instead of Ronnie Vint and Tyrique Hyde and George Porter was in for the injured Jake Robinson. Some good news saw the return of Jack Jebb who featured as a substitute and made his first appearance for almost a month. Luke Allen remains a long term injury and Jordan Wynter has also been sidelined.

Dartford have only managed to progress through two rounds in any one season over the last five campaigns. In fact, the Darts have to go back to 2017 for their last victory in the competition in normal time when they beat Brentwood Town.

Cray Wanderers have already made it through three rounds and in the last they caused an upset at Danny Kedwell’s former club. The Wands boss guided his side to a penalty shoot-out victory over Ebbsfleet United. In that trophy triumph Cray Wanderers had two Dartford connections and a recent signing makes it three. Dartford midfielder, Cameron Brodie is currently on a season long loan with the Wands and has featured in most of their fixtures this season. The young prospect has made 13 appearances for the Darts since coming through the academy system. It was just seven months ago when striker Chris Dickson lifted the F.A Trophy at Wembley with seventh tier side Hornchurch, the striker was on dual registration with Dartford scoring three goals in eight appearances including a brace on his debut. Former goalkeeper, Bailey Vose signed for the Wands just last week after leaving Billericay Town, the shot stopper played 32 times for the Darts over two loan spells.

Kedwell’s side are currently fourth from bottom in the Isthmian Premier League, three points clear of last place. On the weekend they were beaten 1-0 at home against Bishop’s Stortford but grabbed an important victory three days earlier beating Horsham 3-1. Former West Ham United prospect and an experienced football league winger, Kyel Reid opened the scoring, Dickson made it 2-0 and Jamie Yila netted the third. The Wands also have experience with players who have been around the higher divisions of non-league in Dean Beckwith, Jai Reason, their top scorer Anthony Cook and 38-year-old Andy Drury.

The Wands previous best run in the trophy was to the second round and on both occasions they went out to St Albans City in 2005 and again last season. They have made it through three rounds before in 2015 and 2018 going out at the third qualifying round stage.

F.A Trophy story so far…

Third Qualifying Round
Cray Wanderers 4-1 Kings Langley
The scoreline suggests the Wands breezed through, but in truth two late goals secured their passage into round one. Anthony Cook won and scored a penalty for Cray Wandreres to open the scoring only for Alfie Williams to level. The Wands got off to a great start in the second half with a goal from Dean Beckwith, then two goals in the final minute secured the win. Former Dart, Chris Dickson and Daniel Ucheci made sure of a 4-1 victory.

First Round
Cray Wanderers 2-1 Bedfont Sports
Three more late goals made for an entertaining finish to this first round tie. Adam Coombes scored a decisive brace giving Cray Wanderers the lead then netting the winner. Bedfont Sports earlier equalised through Joe Jackson with all three goals coming in the final eleven minutes.

Second Round
Bath City 0-0 Dartford (Dartford won 5-3 on penalties)
A tight affair at Twerton Park ended with no goals scored after normal time and so the tie went straight to penalties. The Darts scored all five of their spot kicks and after two penalties each gained an advantage when Dan Wilks saved from Alex Fletcher. The Darts kept their heads and with Tyrique Hyde last to go for the visitors, the midfielder slotted home.

Cray Wanderers 2-2 Ebbsfleet United (Cray Wanderers won 5-3 on penalties)
Up against his former side, manager Danny Kedwell caused a cup upset beating higher league opposition. Cray Wanderers went two up when Jamie Yila scored twice in three first half minutes. Ebbsfleet United hit back with two goals in the final fifteen minutes, first Rakish Bingham then Will Wood’s last minute equaliser forced the tie into penalties. After Michael West missed for the Fleet, Chris Dickson stepped up and scored the winning spot kick.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 34 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 11

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford
(LWDWWW)
    Cray Wanderers
(LWLDWD)
   
Maidstone United A 0-4 Bishop’s Stortford H 0-1
Billericay Town H 1-0 Horsham H 3-1
Bath City (FAT)* A 0-0 Worthing A 0-2
Whitstable Town (KSC) H 6-1 Bowers & Pitsea A 1-1
Hemel Hempstead Town A 3-2 Ebbsfleet United (FAT)** H 2-2
Cockfosters (LSC) H 9-0 Folkestone Invicta H 2-2

(KSC – Kent Senior Cup / LSC – London Senior Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy)
* Dartford won 5-3 on penalties
** Cray Wanderers won 5-3 on penalties

Previous Six Meetings

Cray Wanderers 4 – 2 Dartford (20/09/2017 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (05/10/2016 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (30/11/2019 – F.A Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (09/02/2019 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Cray Wanderers (04/08/2018 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 0 Cray Wanderers (21/04/2018 – Isthmian Division One South)

Stats

  • The two sides have met 21 times in cup football with Dartford winning 12 to Cray Wanderers’ six, there have been three draws.
  • After scoring in each of their opening twelve games in all competitions, Dartford have failed to score in six of the last eleven
  • The Darts have scored twice in each of their last four visits to Cray Wanderers winning three and losing one.

On This Day

The Darts met Cray Wanderers on this day back in 1993. The Kent League First Division fixture ended with Dartford winning 1-0, their last victory on the 18 December. In fact, Dartford have not scored on this day for 25 years. To be fair that spans just two matches, the last of which took place in 2004 when the Darts drew 0-0 with Leighton Town in the Southern League Division One East. Five years before that goalless draw, Dartford lost 1-0 at home to Bashley in the Southern League South. The last away fixture and last Dartford goal on this day came in 1996, however it was St Leonards who won the Southern League South match 3-1. The only F.A Trophy tie the Darts have been involved in on the 18 December ended in triumph back in 1976. Dartford beat Ashford Town 2-1 in the third qualifying round.