Tag: Dover Athletic (Page 1 of 2)

Dartford v Dover Athletic

Dartford target promotion to the National South in a big Kent derby playoff final against rivals Dover Athletic on Bank Holiday Monday.

A return to the National South at the first attempt awaits the winners in what will be Josh Hill’s final game. The Dartford skipper will want to hang up his boots in style by captaining the Darts to victory. Dover Athletic will arrive at Princes Park wanting to spoil the party after claiming the final playoff place on the final day.

Dartford were seconds from bowing out on Wednesday and seeing their season come to an end. Set pieces were the Darts downfall with two identical corners by Cray Valley Paper Mills in each half. Danny Waldren got on the end of both to give the visitors a 2-0 lead and leave Pennock’s side on the brink.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The hosts were handed a lifeline with 20 minutes to go when Cray Valley’s Crossley Lema was red carded for an off the ball incident in the penalty area. The match official awarded the hosts a penalty, which Samir Carruthers stuck away. In post match interviews, Dartford assistant manager, Roland Edge and Cray Valley boss Steve McKimm both acknowledged the dismissal as the turning point in the game. After hitting the woodwork and throwing everything at the Millers, a free kick was given for one final chance. Sam Odaudu went for goal with the last kick and his shot deflected into the net.

The turnaround was complete in extra time when Hayden Bullas swept home a third. Then it got better with George Whitefield netting his tenth of the season. However, the ten men of Cray Valley threatened another twist when Adam Coombes pulled a goal back.

Pennock made three changes to the starting lineup. Luther Williams replaced the suspended Michael Olarewaju. At full back Sam Okoye returned, whilst Jez Pinder came in for Samir Carruthers, who has been struggling to play a full ninety minutes due to injury. Carruthers was later substituted in extra time.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dover Athletic also needed an additional half hour in their win over league runners up Billericay Town. Striker, Alfie Matthews was the hero scoring an extra time brace. Manager, Jake Leberl named the same team that clinched the playoff place with a win against Chichester City. After a goalless ninety minutes, the Whites came from behind to reach the final and set up a Kent derby. Billericay Town took the lead early in extra time when former Dart, Femi Akinwande scored. The visitors fought back immediately when Matthews equalised. Then with the match heading to penalties, Matthews netted the winner late in the second period.

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Match highlights courtesy of DAFCtv

Home advantage counted in the two league meetings between Dartford and Dover Athletic this season. At the Crabble, the Darts were made to pay for defensive errors by their rival’s potent strike force. George Nikaj, Ruben Soares-Junior and Luke Baptiste have all scored over 20 goals this season totalling 69 between them. Soares-Junior grabbed a brace in the 5-1 win over the Darts by starting and finishing the scoring. George Wilkinson and Baptiste had the hosts three up before half-time and Matthews added another five minutes into the second half. Pinder pulled one back for Dartford, but Matthews wrapped things up.

The Good Friday reverse match over a fortnight ago went Dartford’s way, demonstrating how far the side has progressed this season. Chasing the league title, any derby day nerves for the Darts were settled on quarter of an hour when Carruthers brilliantly curled in a free kick. The lead was doubled when Denzelle Olopade pounced on a flicked header. In the second half a third arrived with Hill heading home at the far post after great work from Olly Box to get in the cross. Dover Athletic managed to get one back through Soares-Junior.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

For both teams this is their seventh playoff campaign, and the two clubs have experienced plenty of heartbreak in the past. Although the Darts won the 2012 National South final in another Kent derby at home against Welling United, they have lost three penalty shootouts including the final versus Weymouth five years ago.

The Darts have looked down and out a couple of times this season. Most notably back in October when they were in 15th spot. A club record equalling 21 matches unbeaten put Dartford in the title race, but they fell short on the final day.

Defensively the Darts have generally been solid. Only champions Horsham kept more clean sheets this term and Dartford conceded the fourth fewest. However, they have conceded nine in their last three outings. Attacking wise the goals have been shared out with five players hitting double figures in all competitions.

Dover Athletic’s solitary playoff winning campaign also resulted in a Kent derby triumph when they beat Ebbsfleet United 4-2 to reach the National League in 2014. Like the Darts they have also had five failed attempts, including one chance to make it to the Football League nine years ago. The Whites have been losing finalists on two occasions. In 2006 they were beaten by Tonbridge Angels in the Isthmian Division One South and in 2013 by Salisbury City in the National South.

The Whites grabbed the final playoff spot with a winner takes all showdown against Chichester City on the last game. Failure to cement a playoff spot would have been disastrous for Dover considering they were the early front runners to win the league. The Whites were top from October to the New Year then they lost form for a couple of months. The Whites had a strong enough finish to the campaign to hold on to fifth place.

Current Form

Dartford (WDWWLW) Dover Athletic (WWLDWW)
Cray Valley PM H 4-3 Billericay Town A 2-1
Carshalton Athletic H 1-4 Chichester City A 2-1
Cray Wanderers A 2-2 Hastings United H 1-1
Dover Athletic H 3-1 Dartford A 1-2
Whitehawk A 1-0 Hendon H 4-2
Folkestone Invicta H 2-2 Cheshunt H 2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 19 / Dover Athletic wins: 12 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 Dover Athletic (18/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dover Athletic 5 – 1 Dartford (07/09/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (17/02/2024 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Dover Athletic (28/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National South)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of their last 16 home matches (W11, D4)
  • In all competitions the Darts have won their last four home games against the Whites and are unbeaten in six (D1)
  • Dover Athletic have won six of their last eight matches
  • The Whites have won three of their last four on the road
  • Dartford are the only side to have beaten the Whites in the last eight fixtures

Isthmian Premier Playoff Preview

The Isthmian Premier League playoffs start this week with a place in the National South up for grabs. We look at the four teams who booked their place in the end of season showdown.

The contenders

Billericay Town have been the most consistent team throughout the season. The league runners up entered the top three in matchday seven and stayed there. Missing out on the title by a goal, the Blues are guaranteed home advantage in the playoffs.

Dartford made up the trio of teams with a chance of winning the division on the final day. A club equalling record of 21 games unbeaten which included ten victories in a row propelled the Darts up the table after languishing in 15th back in October. On Good Friday they increased their lead at the top to two points, but then saw the lead wiped out on Easter Monday.

Cray Valley Paper Mills recorded their highest ever league finish in their debut Isthmian Premier campaign. The best of the promoted teams, the Millers have occupied a playoff spot since mid-October and deserve a shot at could be an impressive second consecutive promotion.

Dover Athletic grabbed the final spot with a winner takes all showdown against Chichester City on the last game. Failure to cement a playoff spot would have been disastrous for Dover considering they were the early front runners to win the league. The Whites were top from October to the New Year then they lost form for a couple of months. The Whites had a strong enough finish to the campaign to hold on to the last playoff spot.

Who has hit form at the right time?

Whilst Billericay Town and Dartford have had their eyes on the prize of winning the league, Dover Athletic have been focussing on just booking a place in the playoffs. Cray Valley Paper Mills have had more time to prepare and could afford to rest players on the weekend.

Prior the the Millers losing on the final day, Steve McKimm’s side had won five on the bounce. Over the last six games they have acrrued the same number of points as runners up Billericay Town. Meanwhile, Dover Athletic regained their form towards the end of the campaign and are fourth over the final six games. The Darts lost a bit of momentum and are seventh. However, over the last eight fixtures only two points seperate the four playoff contenders.

 TeamWonDrawnLostPointsGD
Billericay Town60218+12
Cray Valley (PM)60218+7
Dartford52117+7
Dover Athletic51216+4

How have the playoff contenders fared against each other?

Billericay Town are guaranteed home advantage and have picked up seven points on their own patch by beating Dartford and Cray Valley Paper Mills. The only points dropped were against Dover Athletic.

The Darts host Cray Valley Paper Mills in the semi-final and both sides could end up playing home and away over the playoff campaign. Dartford also have seven home points drawing with the Millers, but picked up one win on the road having lost heavily to both Billericay Town and Dover Athletic.

Cray Valley Paper Mills lost their season’s opener at home against Dartford and picked up just one victory versus the playoff contenders. That was a home win over Dover Athletic, but they drew a total of three out of six matches against the playoff contenders.

Dover Athletic will have to travel in the semi-final and potentially the final. On the road, the Whites failed to beat any of the playoff sides picking up a point at Billericay Town.

Team Won Drawn Lost Points GD
Billericay Town 3 2 1 11 +2
Dartford 3 1 2 10 -1
Cray Valley (PM) 1 3 2 6 -1
Dover Athletic 1 2 3 5 0

Has any team had previous playoff success?

Lee Noble scored the only goal of the final in 2012 when the Darts beat local rivals Welling United in their first ever playoff campaign to gain promotion to the National League. Since then Dartford lost to Weymouth on penalties in 2020 to be denied a National League place too. The Darts went out in the semi final in 2017, 2018 and 2023 and the quarter final in 2022.

Dover Athletic’s solitary playoff winning campaign also resulted in a Kent derby win when they beat Ebbsfleet United 4-2 to reach the National League in 2014. Like the Darts they have also had five failed attempts, including one chance to make it to the Football League nine years ago. On that occasion they lost the semi final, which was also their fate in the 2007 Isthmian Division One South and 2010 National South. They have been twice losing finalists as well, in 2006 they were beaten by Tonbridge Angels in the Isthmian Division One South and in 2013 by Salisbury City in the National South.

Billericay Town have reached one final in their two playoff campaigns losing to Bromley on penalties in the 2007 Isthmian Premier final. Whilst Cray Valley Paper Mills have appeared once losing the Isthmian Division One South East semi final three years ago.

Does your final league position give you a better chance of winning?

It goes without saying that the better teams will finish higher in the league and therefore should have the better chance. One factor that helps is having good recent form, then there’s the player’s physical and mental states, manager’s decisions and even good fortune to consider. Historically there is less chance of winning if you finish fifth. Six league runners up have won the playoffs and the same number of third place teams have triumphed as well. Fourth is just one win behind, whilst Cheshunt are the only fifth place team to win promotion.

Position Winners
2nd 6
3rd  6
4th 5
5th 1

Does home advantage count?

In recent years the away side in the final has won promotion. The last four playoff campaigns has seen Enfield Town, Aveley, Cheshunt and Tonbridge Angels go up with the latter three playing the semi-final away as well. However that has only really become a recent trend. Overall, since the restructuring of non league and when playoffs were introduced, the Isthmian Premier has had 11 finals won by the home side versus seven away. In total half of the 18 winners played both playoff matches at home.

Season Position Team Semi final venue Final venue
23/24 3rd Enfield Town Home Away
22/23 4th Aveley Away Away
21/22 5th Cheshunt Away Away
18/19 4th Tonbridge Angels Away Away
17/18 2nd Dulwich Hamlet Home Home
16/17 2nd Bognor Regis Town Home Home
15/16 3rd East Thurrock United Home Home
14/15 3rd Margate Home Away
13/14 4th Lowestoft Town Away Home
12/13 4th Concord Rangers Away Away
11/12 2nd AFC Hornchurch Home Home
10/11 2nd Tonbridge Angels Home Home
09/10 4th Boreham Wood Away Home
08/09 2nd Staines Town Home Home
07/08 3rd AFC Wimbledon Home Away
06/07 2nd Bromley Home Home
05/06 3rd Fisher Athletic Home Home
04/05 3rd Eastleigh Home Home

Dartford v Dover Athletic

Easter weekend could be pivotal in the Isthmian Premier with Dartford facing Kent rivals Dover Athletic as the title race heats up.

The Darts will be determined to stay on top on Good Friday and avenge their humbling dished out by the Whites earlier in the season. If Adrian Pennock’s side claim victory in the local derby at Princes Park, it will mathematically end Dover Athletic’s hopes of the title. Should the visitors win, and results go their way elsewhere, Jake Leberl’s team will be guaranteed a playoff spot.

Dartford hold a two point advantage heading into the final three games and are unbeaten in five, whilst Dover Athletic have won their last four. Last weekend the top six all triumphed and with second place Billericay Town hosting mid-table Folkestone Invicta and third place Horsham at home to Cray Wanderers in tenth, the Darts are likely to need a positive result on Friday.

Dover Athletic beat the Darts comfortably in the reverse fixture back in September. Since then, Pennock has seen his team develop since the 5-1 loss. At the Crabble, costly mistakes helped the hosts race into a half-time lead with goals from Ruben Soares-Junior, George Wilkinson and Luke Baptiste. Early in the second half Alfie Matthews added another, then Dartford’s Jez Pinder scored his first senior goal. There was still time for Soares-Junior to get his second of the afternoon for the Whites.

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Match highlights courtesy of DAFCtv

However, the landscape has changed since that meeting. Dover Athletic started the season in excellent form scoring goals for fun. On the opening day they racked up eight and by the time November came around they were already top of the table, 14 points ahead of Dartford in fifteenth and had a superior goal difference of 29 compared to the Darts. Now it’s Dartford at the summit eight points clear of fourth place Dover Athletic.

Aside from the heavy defeat earlier in the campaign, the Darts were on a hot streak against their Kent rivals winning the previous six in all competitions. Dartford completed a league double over the Whites in the last two seasons recording a 2-0 win at Princes Park last term. Luke Coulson set up James Golding and Lewis Manor for their first competitive Dartford goals. The scoreline could have been more, but Coulson blasted his penalty over the crossbar.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On the weekend the return of Olly Box was crucial in Dartford’s 1-0 win at Whitehawk. Out with injury for the draw against Folkestone Invicta, the forward was named as a substitute, came on in the second half and popped up with the all important goal. Box and Samir Carruthers were deemed not fit enough to play the full ninety minutes, but both made an impact. Although Carruthers was introduced in the second half, he had to be replaced 25 minutes later due to a rib injury. The midfielder still had enough time to drive forward and make a key pass to Sam Odaudu, who set up Box for his 14th goal of the season.

As Dartford’s creative pair were named on the bench that meant Duane Ofori-Acheampong was given his first start since December, this weekend the striker could face one of his former clubs. Whilst defender, Luther Williams was missing from the matchday squad with injury for the third match running.

The Whites looked in control of Isthmian Premier at the turn of the year leading the way with 15 wins from 23 outings. However, from January to mid-March they picked up just three victories all against sides currently in the relegation zone. Leberl’s side have since rallied winning four in a row and are beginning to display their firepower again. The division’s top scorers, the Whites have a golden boot contender in George Nikaj, who has netted 21 league goals and is currently four off the lead. Both Baptiste and Soares-Junior have notched 19 league goals this term.

Dover Athletic’s current run began with a gritty home win against Dulwich Hamlet in which Luca Cocoracchio scored the only goal of the game, the Whites went on to record consecutive 2-1 victories. The Whites came out on top in the Kent derby with Cray Wanderers by coming from behind. Joshua Williams opened the scoring for the Wands at Flamingo Park, but George Nikaj and Soares-Junior handed the away side maximum points. A week later, the scoring took the same pattern as the whites went a goal down at home to Cheshunt. This time Baptiste equalised and Nikaj was the match winner.

Last weekend it was a bit more commanding for Dover Athletic as they defeated Hendon 4-2 at the Crabble. The Whites went ahead when goalkeeper Matteo Salamon scored an own goal and a second followed through Baptiste. The visitors halved the deficit when Kofi Anokye-Boadi was at the back post to score. A seven minute second half spell pulled Dover Athletic further away when Baptiste netted his second and Ryan Hanson go in on the act. Late on, Tope Fadahunsi grabbed a consolation for the Greens.

Current League Table (Top 5)

Team

Played

Points

GD

DARTFORD

39

80

+29

Billericay Town

39

78

+34

Horsham

39

78

+33

Dover Athletic

39

74

+35

Cray Valley (PM)

39

71

+21

Current League Form

Dartford (LWWWDW) Dover Athletic  (LLWWWW)
Whitehawk A 1-0 Hendon H 4-2
Folkestone Invicta H 2-2 Cheshunt H 2-1
Dulwich Hamlet A 3-0 Cray Wanderers A 2-1
Bognor Regis Town A 2-0 Dulwich Hamlet H 1-0
Hastings United H 2-0 Chatham Town H 0-1
Lewes A 1-3 Cray Valley (PM) A 1-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 18 / Dover Athletic wins: 12 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Dover Athletic 5 – 1 Dartford (07/09/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (17/02/2024 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Dover Athletic (28/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National South)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just once at home in the league versus the Whites (W6, D4) and have won the last five.
  • Substitutes have contributed to 14 league goals for the Darts this season earning 10 points from losing positions.
  • Josh Hill celebrated his 100th start for the club last weekend by contributing to a fourth clean sheet in five for the Darts

On This Day

Dartford hit Truro City for five for a second time in a season on this day in 2017. Ofori-Acheampong was awarded Player of the Match, but it was Andy Pugh who scored a brace in an entertaining 5-3 win. Andrew Neal put the Cornish side ahead until Pugh levelled. Elliot Bradbrook unleashed a 25-yard effort to put the Darts in front before Neal got Truro City back on level terms. Luke Wanadio made it 3-2, but Truro City couldn’t be shaken off as Jamie Richards equalised. Finally, the Darts wrapped things up with goals from Pugh and Tom Murphy.

Dover Athletic v Dartford

Third place Dartford take on high scoring Kent rivals Dover Athletic in the Isthmian Premier on the weekend.

The two relegated sides from the National South meet at The Crabble with the Darts looking for a seventh straight victory against the Whites. Both teams have responded well to the disappointment of dropping a division. Dartford have won five of their opening six fixtures in all competitions. Dover Athletic are the league’s top scorers and just two points behind in fourth.

Princes Park is seeing the feel good factor return and it was Dartford’s turn to bag plenty of goals last weekend in the F.A Cup. A convincing 6-2 win over Marlow eased the Darts into the second qualifying round. Scoring in his third consecutive appearance, Eddie Dsane put the hosts in front. Just before the break Oliver Box got off the mark for the campaign by doubling the lead moments later. Then early in the second half Box added another. Marlow pulled a goal back from the spot before Ben Allen scored his first goals for the Darts either side of the away side’s second. Wrapping up the victory, Callum Jones grabbed his second in as many games.

Once again Adrian Pennock was able to name an unchanged team for a third game in a row and for the first time he used all five substitutes giving Gabe Campbell his debut. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers continued to build up his fitness since returning from injury and made his 50th Dartford appearance by coming off the bench. Striker, Duane Ofori-Acheampong is still recovering from his injury picked up in pre-season.

Post match interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Meanwhile Dover Athletic thought they had escaped an upset against Isthmian South East side Sittingbourne with the help of goalkeeper Mitch Walker and a couple of injury time goals. The Whites were two down after 25 minutes at Woodstock Park. Henry Sinai and Ryan Kingsford put the hosts in command and they held out until the 93rd minute. The cup drama began when Walker’s deep free kick was sent towards the box and astonishingly found its way in the Sittingbourne net. Two minutes later Alfie Matthew’s saved Dover Athletic’s blushes temporarily in the 2-2 draw. Three days later Jake Leberl’s side were knocked out in the replay losing 1-0.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford completed the double over Dover Athletic last season winning 2-1 in the previous match at the Crabble. Marking his first league start for the Darts, Box scored his first league goal for the club. Destiny Oladipo equalised in the second half, but Luke Coulson netted a decisive penalty in a 2-1 triumph. The reverse fixture took place during last season’s August Bank Holiday. James Golding and Lewis Manor scored their first goals for Dartford and it could have been better had Coulson put away a penalty.

The two victories last term claimed a second double against Dover Athletic in a row. In the previous campaign Dartford won 3-1 at the Crabble scoring three first half goals. Carruthers, Coulson and Maxwell Statham put the visitors in control. Dover Athletic grabbed a consolation through Luke Baptiste. At Princes Park, Harvey Bradbury gave Dartford an early advantage that was cancelled out by Jordan Higgs prior the interval. Luke Allen settled the match inside the final ten minutes with a well taken finish.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford have taken maximum points in their two Kent derbies this term. The Darts beat newcomers Cray Valley Paper Mills on the opening day 2-1. On Bank Holiday Monday they hosted Chatham Town and won 3-1 after going a goal down.

Dover Athletic started the season with a phenomenal result thrashing Potters Bar Town 8-0, equalling the record win for the club. George Nikaj, who was ruled out of Tuesday’s defeat through injury, took home the match ball with a hat-trick and is already on eight goals for the season in just five matches. However, the Whites followed up the rout with a Kent derby defeat in their opening home game against Folkestone Invicta and a draw on the road at Billericay Town.

Since dropping points Dover Athletic picked up maximum points over the Bank Holiday weekend taking their goal tally to 19, nine more than anyone else. This time Ruben Soares-Junior scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 victory over newly promoted Chichester City. Then two days later the Whites went to Horsham and claimed a 3-1 triumph.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWWW) Dover Athletic (WLDWW)
Chatham Town H 3-1 Horsham A 3-1
Carshalton Athletic A 1-0 Chichester City H 5-2
Canvey Island H 2-0 Billericay Town A 1-1
Potters Bar Town H 0-1 Folkestone Invicta H 2-3
Cray Valley Paper Mills A 2-1 Potters Bar Town A 8-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 18 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (17/02/2024 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Dover Athletic (28/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National South)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (13/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won their last six matches against Dover Athletic in all competitions
  • The Darts have won the last two league games at the Crabble having won just twice in the previous nine league visits (D4, L3)
  • Dartford have lost just one of the last ten in the league against the Whites (D1, L1)
  • The Darts have conceded the fewest goals in the league (3). Dover Athletic are the top scorers (19)

On This Day

Reigning Southern Premier League champions and F.A Trophy runners up, Dartford played the previous incarnation of Dover fifty years ago on this day. In the season after reaching Wembley and winning the league title the Darts drew 1-1 with Dover in 1974. Dartford have failed to win their last three on this day last tasting victory on 9 September in 1997 versus Clevedon Town, 3-1 in the Southern League South. Two goalless draws followed in a Southern League Division One East fixture at Fleet Town in 2002 and a National League match at Chester in 2013. In 2019, Dartford were involved in a seven goal thriller at Princes Park losing out to Dorking Wanderers 4-3.

Season Preview 2024/2025

Dover Athletic

In terms of time in the top flight of non-league, Dover Athletic top the table of teams currently in the Isthmian Premier. The Kent side won the Southern League in the nineties and spent nine years in the National League. In the space of four seasons, the Whites found themselves dropping to the Isthmian Division One South. Then a familiar story began to unfold again. Up they climbed reaching the National League a decade ago only to fall once more.

2023/2024 Season
National South: 24th
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Zidan Sutherland (5 goals)

In 2021, Dover Athletic failed to fulfil their fixtures and a hefty points deduction for the next season saw them finish on one point. Back in the National South they survived on the final day. Hoping the rot was stopped, the Kent club won just four league games in 2023/2024 finishing rock bottom. The Whites suffered a seven-game losing streak early this year and are currently on a 22 game winless away run.

Manager – Jake Leberl

Having watched the club from the terraces and having been part of the youth side and first team, Jake Leberl knows Dover Athletic extremely well. Now in his fifth spell with the club on and off the field, he was assistant manager under Mitch Brundle before stepping up last season. The Whites have been in the doldrums lately and Leberl will be keen to stop the slide further down non-league, so Dover Athletic can look forward again.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 18 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (17/02/2024 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Dover Athletic (28/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National South)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (13/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)

Next Meetings

Dover Athletic v Dartford – Saturday 7th September 2024
Dartford v Dover Athletic – Saturday 19th April 2025

Statistics

  • Dartford have won their last six matches against Dover Athletic
  • The Darts have lost just once at home in the league versus the Whites (W6, D4) and have won the last five
  • Dartford have won the last two league games at the Crabble

Match Highlights 2023/2024

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dover Athletic v Dartford

Dartford have a crucial Kent derby this weekend when they take on Dover Athletic in the National South.

The Darts travel to the Crabble desperate for a win having lost their last five league games. Dartford have yet to record a point during Tony Burman interim spell in charge. Four single goal defeats have left his side in a relegation battle. The Darts are six points clear of the drop but have played more games than the three teams around them in the standings.

Dover Athletic’s woes have continued having just about survived the drop last term. The Whites, who finished last in the National League just under two years ago are bottom again in the National South. Jake Leberl’s side will need to find victories if they are to pull off a great escape.

Tuesday night’s loss at home to Chippenham Town was a missed opportunity for the Darts to put some distance between themselves and the bottom four. Instead, they extended their losing streak to their worst for nine years. It was in that run back in 2015 that Dover Athletic recorded a 6-1 victory over the Darts at the Crabble.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Burman made one change to the side that were beaten 1-0 by Bath City last weekend ahead of the game against Chippenham Town. Midfielder, Jack Smith replaced Tyrell Miller-Rodney, who wasn’t in the matchday squad. In the first-half the Darts were unlucky not to add to their one goal in their last four league games. Several close-range efforts were kept out by the visitors as Dartford looked for an important opener. Instead, it was the Bluebirds who found the winner taking advantage of a defensive mistake in the second-half.

The Dartford boss spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “We’re obviously disappointed with the result again. We’ve had chances in the first half to maybe at least score one goal. We’ve been really punished severely again for a mistake which has cost us. It seems like when that is happening it’s changing the game for us completely and all confidence and belief drains from us. We didn’t do enough to win the game, but I still think we had enough to get something from it”.

Tommy Block was forced off after half an hour in mid-week with a possible hamstring injury and later in the match Sam Odaudu left the pitch injured. The Darts are also waiting for Luke Allen to return, who has not featured since the end of December. However, Burman has signed Tom Clifford on a month’s loan from King’s Lynn Town. The full back spent his youth in Sidcup before Tottenham Hotspur spotted the left sided player where he played in their academy. Clifford signed his first professional contract with Southend United where he made 67 appearances in the Football League and National League. Loan spells at Bishop’s Stortford and Concord Rangers followed before he joined King’s Lynn Town in August. Manny Adebowale and Paul Rooney could also face their former club.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On Bank Holiday August Dartford won the reverse fixture against Dover Athletic at Princes Park. James Golding and Lewis Manor scored in a game that the hosts controlled. Golding stabbed home from close range and Manor headed past Billy Terrell, now Dartford’s goalkeeper. Luke Coulson could have made it three, but missed a penalty.

Last season the Darts completed a double over Dover Athletic which included a 3-1 win at the Crabble. All the goals came in the first-half with Samir Carruthers getting the first, Coulson added a second and Maxwell Statham a third. Just before half-time the Whites pulled a goal back through Luke Baptiste. At Princes Park, Harvey Bardbury had the hosts ahead before Jordan Higgs equalised. With seven minutes remaining Allen popped up for the Darts to score the winner. 

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dover Athletic have conceded nine goals in their last two outings and six of those were against Worthing last weekend. In a ten goal thriller the Whites put up a fight versus the playoff contenders and league’s top scorers. In the Dover Athletic goal was former Dartford keeper Daniel Jinadu. The Rebels moved into a three goal lead prior the Whites scoring twice before the interval, George Wilkinson and Baptiste scoring the goals. Worthing’s Ollie Pearce completed a hat-trick and added his fourth to put the hosts 6-2 ahead. Yet again Dover Athletic threatened to comeback as Wilkinson netted again and in injury time Archie Hatcher made it 6-4.

A week earlier Dover Athletic lost 3-0 at Braintree Town, however they did win in their last league game at the Crabble. The Whites beat Slough Town thanks to a George Nikaj goal. The Whites who started the campaign with Mitch Brundle in charge have only recorded three victories in the National South. However, they have drawn the most in the division and have only lost six out of 16 at home.

Current League Form

Dartford (DLLLLL) Dover Athletic (DLLWLL)
Chippenham Town H 0-1 Worthing A 4-6
Bath City A 0-1 Braintree Town A 0-3
Farnborough A 1-2 Slough Town H 1-0
Weymouth H 0-1 Tonbridge Angels H 1-2
Maidstone United A 1-2 Torquay United A 0-1
Weston-super-Mare A 2-2 Taunton Town A 1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 17 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Dover Athletic (28/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National South)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (13/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won seven of the last nine league games against Dover Athletic (D1, L1).
  • The Dart have won the last five matches in all competitions against the Whites, a record run against their opponents.
  • The Darts have won just three times in the league at the Crabble in 10 attempts (D4, L3)

On This Day

Dartford have won their last two away games on this day with the last victory coming six years ago. The Darts beat Wealdstone 2-1 in the National South but had to leave it late. The Stones were reduced to ten men when Iffy Allen, now part of Dover Athletic’s squad was sent off. Despite the man advantage, the Darts fell behind. Then two goals in three minutes from Danny Mills and Alfie Pavey kept Dartford top of the league. In 1996, the Darts made a short trip to Corinthian where they won their Kent League fixture 3-0. Dartford have met Dover Athletic on this day before back in 1990. The Southern Premier League fixture finished 1-1. Twelve years before Dover folded, the Darts won 3-1 in a Kent Floodlight Cup fixture.

Dartford v Dover Athletic

Dartford host their first Kent derby of the season when Dover Athletic visit Princes Park this weekend.

An outstanding record in Kent derbies last term earned the Darts an impressive 22 points. Alan Dowson led his side to seven league victories against local rivals, only dropping points in the draw at Welling United. Meanwhile Dover Athletic failed to notch a single derby day win last term, two of those defeats against the Darts.

Unbeaten in the league at Princes Park against Dover Athletic for 15 years, Dartford have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture. The most recent was back in April when the Darts secured the double over the Whites. Harvey Bradbury helped Dartford on their way after just five minutes. The striker capitalised on a defensive mix up to score and had the ball in the back of the net again moments later, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Dover Athletic gained control and before the first-half was out Jordan Higgs equalised. The Darts got to grips with proceedings in the second-half and with seven minutes remaining substitute Luke Allen finished superbly to win it for the hosts.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In the previous meeting at the Crabble, the Darts won 3-1 with all the goals coming in the first-half. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers scored the first of three goals in an 18-minute spell to put the Darts in command. Coulson assisted Carruthers for the first goal and scored the second. Maxwell Statham made it three before a lapse of concentration just before half-time let Dover Athletic back in the game. A controlled second half from Dartford saw the score unchanged and three points secured.

The Darts are looking for a first home win of the campaign after drawing their opening three from winning positions. Bath City pegged Dartford back twice in a 3-3 draw, whilst Hampton and Richmond Borough and Farnborough equalised to leave the Darts sharing the points. Dowson had to contend with the absence of Paul Rooney for the opening three games. The summer signing returned to make his debut at Farnborough. Brandon Barzey began his Dartford career brightly, but he was sent off against Hampton and Richmond Borough and gave away the penalty in the last home match. The winger missed the weekend trip to Aveley through suspension.

Dowson tweaked the forward line on the weekend preferring to play two up front. Therefore Lewis Manor was given his first start and teamed up with Harvey Bradbury. The only other change saw Baris Altintop in for Maxwell Statham. Meanwhile, winger Brandon Barzey sat out through suspension. Sam Odaudu (hamstring) and Luke Allen were other noticeable absentees, Charlie Sheringham came on to make his 150th Dartford appearance.

New loan signing from Barnet, Moussa Diarra was named on bench and took no part in Saturday’s victory. The defender will have to wait a bit longer to make his debut. The 33-year-old joins from the National League side until January and has previously played under Dowson at Woking as well as Hampton and Richmond Borough. If selected on Bank Holiday Monday he will face one of his former clubs having spent time at Dover Athletic during the 2018/19 season where he made 20 appearances.

Dartford had enough chances in the first-half, but Aveley came closest when they hit the crossbar from a free kick. In the second-half the Darts persisted and when a penalty decision was overturned and a goalmouth scramble wasn’t converted, it felt like it was going to be another one of those days for the Darts.

Late goals had become a thorn in Dartford’s side, but it was their turn to profit. In the fifth minute of added time Bradbury headed the winner to grab a first win of the season for the Darts and a first clean sheet for goalkeeper, Mitch Beeney. Victory doubled Dartford’s points tally for the season, a point ahead of Dover Athletic.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On the weekend, the Whites went down to league leaders Worthing. Manager, Mitch Brundle made two changes to the side that drew with Braintree Town a week earlier. New signing Dontai Stewart went straight into the starting lineup to make his debut. Whilst Iffy Allen returned from injury, the pair replacing Nick Dembele and Luke Baptiste. Dover Athletic fell behind on eight minutes when Nicky Wheeler hit a long range shot beyond Billy Terrell. The Whites were still in the game, but with eight minutes remaining Reece Meekums found space inside the box and slotted in to double the Rebels lead.

The Whites had a difficult summer which saw players make u-turns and an assistant manager change his mind. Dover Athletic avoided relegation last season on goal difference adding to the challenge presented to Brundle ahead of his first full campaign in charge.

On the opening day, Dover Athletic fought back from two down inside 20 minutes to draw 2-2 against league favourites Torquay United. An injury time winner by Baptiste earned the Whites their first win on their travels when they beat Slough Town 2-1. However, the Kent derby trend continued in the following match when Brundle’s side lost 1-0 at Tonbridge Angels. Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, Dover Athletic picked up another point in the 1-1 draw against Braintree Town before defeat at home to Worthing.

Current Form

Dartford (DLDDW) Dover Athletic (DWLDL)
Aveley A 1-0 Worthing H 0-2
Farnborough H 1-1 Braintree Town H 1-1
Hampton & Richmond Borough H 1-1 Tonbridge Angels A 0-1
Weymouth A 0-1 Slough Town A 2-1
Bath City H 3-3 Torquay United H 2-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 16 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National League)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (13/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dover Athletic 6 – 1 Dartford (17/01/2015 – National League)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won six of the last eight league games against Dover Athletic (D1, L1). They have also won the last four matches in all competitions, a record run against the Whites.
  • The Darts have won the last four league meetings against Dover Athletic at Princes Park with an aggregate score of 11-3
  • Dartford’s three consecutive home draws from the start of a season is a record
  • The Darts last drew four home games in a row back in 2016. Dartford drew their final two matches at Princes Park during the 2015/16 season, then their opening two of the next campaign

On This Day

A last minute Tyrique Hyde goal secured a 2-0 away win against Dulwich Hamlet on this day two years ago. Josh Hill had opened the scoring as early as the seventh minute. Hyde rounded off the match with a fine individual effort to double the lead. Dartford’s last home match on 28 August ended in a 1-0 defeat to East Thurrock United in 2017. After 18 years of waiting for a North West Kent league derby, the Darts drew 1-1 with Ebbsfleet United in 2010. Michael West headed the fleet in front, but Charlie Sheringham’s successful spot kick made sure the spoils were shared.

Season Preview 2023/2024

Dover Athletic

Perilously close to consecutive relegations Dover Athletic survived on the final day by just two goals. Staying up was in their hands approaching the last game, a winner takes all showdown with Weymouth. The Kent side lost, but a superior goal difference over Dulwich Hamlet relegated the London club instead, as all three sides finished level on points. The Whites were comfortably mid-table by March and thirteen points clear of the drop, but only a win and a draw from their last eleven fixtures saw them slide towards the Isthmian Premier only to be saved by the bell. Dover Athletic were the lowest scorers in the division averaging less than a goal a game. Former Dartford winger Luke Wanadio top scored with ten, almost a quarter of the club’s total.

2022/2023 Season
National South: 20th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Luke Wanadio (10 goals)

Manager – Mitch Brundle

When an eighteen-month contract was signed by Brundle to take the Dover Athletic job, he became the youngest active manager in the United Kingdom. Now only 28 years-old, the former midfielder returned to the Crabble as a player, when the club were relegated from the National League, and five months later he took his first managerial role. He played over 100 games for the Whites during his two spells and represented several non-league clubs such as Braintree Town, Gateshead, Dagenham and Redbridge, Barnet, and Farnborough, where he helped the Hampshire club to promotion to the National South. A first full season awaits.

Summer Transfers

Mitch Brundle has had a tough time in his first summer transfer window. Although he has managed to secure the services of Peter Ojemen from Margate and Imran Kayani from Slough Town, the Dover Athletic boss thought he had signed Ade Shokunbi, Ricky Holmes and Myles Judd, will lose the goals from former Dartford winger Luke Wanadio and has seen another former Dart, Tyrone Sterling depart. Brundle has bolstered the squad though by adding Joshua Anifowose from Oxford United, Ifeanyi Allen from Carshalton Athletic, Nick Dembele from Aveley and Michael Olarewaju from Wingate and Finchley as well as a few academy graduates. James Dunne and Fuad Sesay have also recently signed from Welling United and Sheffield Wednesday respectively. Goalkeeper, Billy Terrell moves from AFC Bournemouth on loan.

Transfers In Transfers Out
Peter Ojemen (Margate) Alfie Paxman (Ramsgate)
Imran Kayani (Slough Town) Jordan Higgs (Tonbridge Angels)
Joshua Anifowose (Oxford United) Luke Wanadio (Dulwich Hamlet)
Michael Olarewaju (Wingate and Finchley) Lee Martin (Ramsgate)
Ifeanyi Allen (Carshalton Athletic) Myles Judd (Hemel Hempstead Town)
Nick Dembele (Aveley) Jake Goodman (Folkestone Invicta)
James Dunne (Welling United) Tyrone Sterling (Margate)
Fuad Sesay (Sheffield Wednesday) Joshua Ajayi (Erith and Belvedere)
Billy Terrell (AFC Bournemouth) Stuart Nelson (Cirencester Town)
Archie Hatcher (academy)  
Henry Young (academy)  
Matt Holness (academy)  

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 16 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Previous Matches

Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National League)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (13/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dover Athletic 6 – 1 Dartford (17/01/2015 – National League)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Dover Athletic – Monday 28th August 2023
Dover Athletic v Dartford – Saturday 17th February 2024

Statistics

  • Dartford have won six of the last eight league games against Dover Athletic (D1, L1). They have also won the last four matches in all competitions, a record run against the Whites.
  • The Darts have won the last four league meetings at Princes Park with an aggregate score of 11-3
  • The Darts have won just three times in the league at the Crabble in 10 attempts (D4, L3)

Match Highlights – 2022/2023

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford v Dover Athletic

Dartford’s quest for securing a runner up spot continues this Easter Monday in their final home Kent derby of the season against rivals Dover Athletic.

In league competition, the Darts have fared extremely well in local derbies this term dropping just two points from their six so far and winning all three at Princes Park. In their last home game, Dartford bounced back from defeat with a resounding 4-0 victory over Dulwich Hamlet before travelling away to Eastbourne Borough on Good Friday. Dover Athletic look set to be playing National South football again next season, their last away trip saw the Whites end a four game losing streak before hosting Welling United.

Down in Sussex, the Darts fell to another away defeat in the league stretching their winless streak on the road to six. Yet it all looked good at by the end of the first half when Harvey Bradbury gave the Darts a 1-0 lead. The striker headed in his third goal for the club in four appearances. However the afternoon soon unravelled early in the second half when Eastbourne Borough scored twice in as many minutes. First Leone Gravata pounced to level, then Luke Pearce put the hosts ahead. The task was hard enough to mount a comeback after hat-trick hero from the Dulwich Hamlet win, Alex Wall was taken off in the first-half and things were to get worse at 2-1 down. Jernade Meade was already on a caution before another incident saw the defender pick up another resulting in his dismissals. To compound matters after Dowson had used up all his substitutes, Samir Carruthers was injured leaving the Darts with nine men. Early player news is that Wall has a calf strain, whilst Carruthers could be out for the rest of the season.

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Match Highlights – Eastbourne Borough v Dartford (07/04/2023) – Dartford FC TV

Meanwhile, Dover Athletic kept a clean sheet on Good Friday but were unable to breach Welling United’s defence in a goalless Kent derby at the Crabble. The hosts enjoyed the better chances in a fairly even fixture which failed to produce any clear cut opportunities for either side. Although the draw followed up an excellent 3-1 away win at Braintree Town, the Whites have now failed to score in their last four home outings.

Back in September, the Darts won their first Kent derby of the campaign winning 3-1 at the Crabble. All the goals came before the break with the returning Samir Carruthers scoring a well-crafted opener. Luke Coulson was also back in the starting eleven on that Tuesday night and his selection was justified when he chipped in a second, the winger had already set up Carruthers for the first. A productive 18-minute spell ended when Maxwell Statham put Dartford out of sight. However, the hosts managed to pull one back through Luke Baptiste.

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Match Highlights – Dover Athletic v Dartford (13/09/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Dartford have now won their last three against their opponents stretching back to December 2016. That game came in the first round of the F.A Trophy and after a 1-1 draw at Princes Park, in which Ronnie Vint equalised, the two sides faced each other again in a replay. Vint was at it again three days later at the Crabble scoring the leveller after Jim Stevenson had the hosts in front. This time the Darts managed to find a winner when Luke Wanadio curled home a low shot, the winger who had three spells with the Darts is now at Dover Athletic. Wanadio came close to reaching 100 Dartford appearances needing just one more game before leaving and scored 18 times for the club.

Last season, the Darts began their defence of the Kent Senior Cup against the Whites winning a second round tie in March 2022. Jordan Greenidge scored twice on his debut to send Dartford on their way and like this season Baptiste scored a consolation goal. Princes Park last hosted a league game versus Dover Athletic during the 2014/2015 National League campaign. Lining up against the Darts in September 2014 was central defensive pairing Connor Essam and Tom Bonner, whilst Tyrone Sterling was also in the starting eleven for the Whites.  

Essam had three loan and two permanent spells with Dover Athletic making 151 appearances for the club in total, chipping in with nine goals. Bonner was on loan at the Crabble between August 2014 and January 2015 and played 22 times for the Whites. Sterling is currently in his third spell at Dover Athletic and during the 2013/2014 campaign made 36 appearances in the National League for the Darts. To complete the list of former players Emmanuel Adebowale played just three times over a two-year period between 2017 and 2019 for Dover Athletic.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 15 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Current League Form

Dartford
(LDWLWL)
    Dover Athletic
(LLLLWD)
   
Eastbourne Borough A 1-2 Welling United H 0-0
Dulwich Hamlet H 4-0 Braintree Town A 3-1
Chelmsford City H 1-2 St Albans City A 0-1
Farnborough H 3-1 Hampton & Richmond H 0-3
Hungerford Town A 1-1 Chippenham Town A 1-3
Weymouth A 1-3 Cheshunt H 0-3

Last Six Meetings

Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (13/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dover Athletic 6 – 1 Dartford (17/01/2015 – National League)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (16/09/2014 – National League)

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just once in the league at home versus Dover Athletic (W4, D4)
  • The Darts have won the last three league games at home against the Whites with an aggregate score of 9-2
  • Tom Bonner has now made 450 Dartford appearances (447 starts, 3 substitute appearances and 19 goals)
  • Dartford have gained the most points in Kent derbies this season, Dover Athletic have picked up the fewest
  Pld W D L F A Pts
Dartford 6 5 1 0 20 5 16
Tonbridge 7 3 1 3 10 8 10
Welling 7 2 4 1 8 10 10
Ebbsfleet 7 2 2 3 9 13 8
Dover 7 0 2 5 4 15 2

On This Day

Dartford clinched the Isthmian Premier League title to return to the second tier of non-league football on this day in 2010. Travelling across to Surrey to take on second place Kingstonian, the Darts were in jubilant mood after a memorable 6-2 win. A team goal had Dartford in front when Adam Gross, Ryan Hayes, Billy Burgess linked up before his cross was finished by Elliot Bradbrook. Eight minutes later Hayes rifled home an effort from 25 yards before Kingstonian’s Simon Huckle halved the deficit. The Darts went into the break with a 3-1 lead once Danny Harris headed in another. The goals kept coming and Bradbrook scored into an empty net for his second, then once more the K’s pulled one back courtesy of the eventual golden boot winner Bobby Traynor. The soon to be champions added further gloss to a perfect afternoon when Hayes completed his brace and Dartford’s top scorer Lee Burns made it 6-2. The Darts have won their last four games on this day, defeating King’s Lynn 1-0 in 2004 before the title clincher at Kingsmeadow. At Princes Park in 2014, Dartford beat Grimsby Town with Max Cornhill scoring the only goal of the game. Another four years later, Dartford repeated the same score at Gloucester City, this time Alfie Pavey netting the winner.

Dover Athletic v Dartford

Dartford’s first Kent derby takes place on Tuesday night when they travel to the Crabble and take on Dover Athletic.

After a weekend of national mourning the National South restarts with Dartford hoping to get back to winning ways. Avoiding defeat will keep the Darts ahead of their Kent rivals in the league as just a couple of points and two places separate the pair.

In their last outing over a week ago against Chippenham Town, Alan Dowson made two changes to the side that won 2-0 at Hemel Hempstead Town on Bank Holiday Monday bringing in Luke Allen and Dan Roberts to replace Luke Coulson and Samir Carruthers. It was Carruthers who scored a brace at Hemel Hempstead Town, but the midfielder picked up a knock and wasn’t named in the starting line-up. However, the midfielder should be back available and with goalkeeper Dan Wilks returning to training and Davide Rodari fit again, the Darts are almost back to full strength. Sam Odaudu is recovering from surgery on his mouth, but Dowson has brought in AFC Wimbledon youngster Kwaku Frimpong on loan.

Three defenders combined for the opening goal against the Bluebirds with Connor Essam sending in a cross to Tom Bonner who headed across goal for Maxwell Statham to nod in his first for the club. All was going well heading for the interval until Alefe Santos won a dubious penalty, then just about scored it. Goalkeeper, Joe Young spilt the ball before scrambling back to make a save, the match official decided the ball had crossed the line despite Dartford’s protests. With the points looking like they will be shared the hosts won a free-kick in the final minute, Jordan Young scored to win the match for Chippenham Town.

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Highlights – Chippenham Town v Dartford (03/09/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Tom Bonner, Conor Essam and Dover Athletic’s Luke Wanadio and Tyrone Sterling will know all about this rivalry having played in this fixture previously for both teams. The Darts travel down to the coast for a first league meeting at the Crabble in almost eight years and last time it was a day to forget, Dartford were heavily beaten 6-1 in the National League. Nicky Deverdics’ early header put Dover Athletic ahead, but Harry Crawford poked home to level. Richard Orlu restored the lead and Tom Murphy netted his first of the afternoon. Liam Bellamy netted a fourth, Barry Cogan from a penalty made it five and Murphy completed his brace in a convincing home win.

However, since then the Darts are unbeaten against the Whites and in that same season, they did win the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign at Princes Park. Bonner, Essam and Sterling were all lining up against the Darts, whilst Luke Wanadio scored the winner against his future employers. Yet it was Dartford goalkeeper, Jason Brown who turned out to be the real match winner. His penalty save in second-half injury time preserved Dartford’s lead in a 2-1 victory. Earlier, Tom Bradbrook put the hosts in front before Ricky Miller equalised for Dover Athletic from the spot. Wanadio put Dartford back in front, then Brown’s heroics kept the score at 2-1.

Since those league meetings the two sides have met three times in cup competitions with Dartford coming out on top. The 2016 F.A Trophy tie needed a replay after Ronnie Vint levelled for the Darts in the first match. The defender equalised again in the rematch at the Crabble and once again Wanadio found a winner. Another 2-1 win came Dartford’s way last season in the Kent Senior Cup setting them on their journey to the final, which they won. Jordan Greenidge scored a double on debut with Luke Baptiste grabbing a consolation for the Whites.

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Highlights – Dartford v Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Wanadio is now playing alongside Alfie Pavey and Tyrone Sterling in the Dover Athletic team. The tricky winger had three spells with the Darts turning out 99 times and scoring 18 goals. Pavey also had a number of stints at Dartford, his most successful being the 2017/2018 campaign when he claimed 27 goals. In defence, Sterling was part of the 2013/2014 squad and he represented Dartford 36 times registering one goal.

Dover Athletic have lost their last two league games conceding three on each occasion. The Kent derby defeat to early pace setters Ebbsfleet United was followed by a 3-1 reverse at Eastbourne Borough. Wanadio scored Dover Athletic’s goal equalising after the Sports led through Chris Whelpdale. Two goals by Jake Hutchinson pulled the Sussex club clear as the hosts won 3-1. In the Kent derby, Fleet’s Dominic Poleon came back to haunt his former club with a brace and Rakish Bingham also found the back of the Dover net.

The Whites have lost four of their last five, but breaking up the run of defeats Hessenthaler’s side did beat Hemel Hempstead Town 4-0 at the Crabble. Goals from Jake Goodman, Jordan Higgs, Noah Carney and Luke Baptiste confirmed Dover Athletic’s second win of the season, the other was a 1-0 triumph at home to Hungerford Town.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 14 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Current League Form

Dartford
(WLLLWL)
    Dover Athletic
(WLLWLL)
   
Chippenham Town A 1-2 Eastbourne Borough A 1-3
Hemel Hempstead Town A 2-0 Ebbsfleet United A 0-3
Worthing H 1-2 Hemel Hempstead Town H 4-0
Taunton Town A 1-2 Havant and Waterlooville A 2-4
Havant and Waterlooville H 1-2 Tonbridge Angels H 1-2
Cheshunt H 2-1 Hungerford Town H 1-0

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (13/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dover Athletic 6 – 1 Dartford (17/01/2015 – National League)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (16/09/2014 – National League)
Dartford 0 – 3 Dover Athletic (04/03/2014 – Kent Senior Cup)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in three games against Dover Athletic, all of them cup ties (W2, L1)
  • The Darts have only won twice in the league at the Crabble in 1991 and 2010 (D4, L3)
  • Dartford’s last league trip to the Crabble was their joint heaviest defeat against Dover Athletic (lost 6-1 away in 2015 and at home in 2002).

On This Day

Tom Bonner and Luke Wanadio were involved in Dartford’s 2-0 win over Margate on this day in 2016. Substitute Andy Pugh pounced from close range to open the scoring with skipper Elliot Bradbrook adding the second from the spot two minutes from the end. A year earlier, the Darts left it late again with a 2-1 victory over Weston-super-Mare. They trailed to Dayle Grubb’s goal with 88 minutes on the clock but substitute Danny Harris levelled the scores before a Clayton Fortune own goal handed Dartford all three points. Also on this day, Dartford progressed in the F.A Cup to the second qualifying round in 1980 with a 4-1 win over Saffron Walden Town, in 1997 by beating Herne Bay 2-1 and most recently in 2008 against Hastings United. Goalkeeper, Deren Ibrahim made his debut against the Sussex club, Brandon Cass opened the scoring and from 2-1 down the Darts won 3-2 after Steve Butterworth and Danny Dafter scored.

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