Tag: Eastbourne Borough

Eastbourne Borough v Dartford

Dartford travel to the Sussex coast and will take on Eastbourne Borough in the Natonal League on Tuesday night.

The Darts could end up in the playoff places by the end of the evening. A victory and other results going their way will be enough to enter the top seven. Improved form over the last month has led to Alan Dowson’s side winning four of their last five.

Eastbourne Borough made changes on and off the field this summer. A takeover and an injection of cash put the Sports among the favorites for promotion. However, a slow start and inconsistent results leaves Mark Beard’s side in the bottom six.

The Darts got one over their former manager on the weekend with a 2-0 win over Havant and Waterlooville. Yet it was an ex-Hawk who stole the headlines with a brace. Central defender, Joash Nembhard was at the double to continue his goalscoring form. Ever present in the National South this season, the 25-year-old has now scored three in his last two appearances. Dowson made one change to the starting lineup by replacing Jayden Boulton with Jordan Wynter. The versatile midfielder made his 150th start for the club. Meanwhile, Luke Allen featured as a substitute to make his 100th appearance.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dowson praised Wynter’s performance and his midfield partner Paul Rooney after the win. Delighted with recent progress, the Dartford boss was pleased with the back four after a third consecutive home clean sheet. However, Dowson urges his squad to continue their good form now there are no major fitness doubts.

Speaking to Dartford FC TV after the home victory, Dowson commented about Tuesday’s clash with Eastbourne Borough, he said: “It’ll be a tough game, they have a young side and they have got some decent players. But, if we are going to challenge and believe we will be around the playoffs and beyond, we’ve got to go on and get results. We’ve got to make this push and I believe we can do it”.

The 4-3 defeat at Hampton and Richmond Borough has been Dartford’s only blip in a month. Whilst a 4-1 triumph at Chippenham Town means the Darts have netted seven in their last two away games. At home, a pair of 1-0 wins in league and cup kickstarted the current run of form. Tonbridge Angels were beaten with a Rooney goal. Harrow Borough were knocked out of the London Senior Cup after an own goal.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The home side won 2-1 in both of these fixtures last season. Dartford travelled to Priory Lane back in April and took the lead. Harvey Bradbury made a blistering start to his Dartford career heading in his third goal in four appearances. The hosts turned the game around with goals from Leone Gravata and Luke Pearce. Substitutions and further injuries left the Darts down to nine men by the end of the match. In goal for Dartford that day was Eastbourne Borough goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski. The former Dart played 13 times for Dowson keeping five clean sheets before his switch in the summer.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Cup involvements and rearranged games has seen Eastbourne Borough’s fixture list top heavy with away games. The Sussex side will be at home for the first time in the league for over a month. In fact just one of their last six National South matches have been at Priory Lane. The last resulted in a manager returning to BN23 with Welling United. The Sports drew 2-2 with Danny Bloor’s side and took the lead from the spot through Decarrey Sheriff. The Wings scored twice to lead, but Shiloh Remy made sure the points were shared.

The Sports lost on the weekend going down to a 3-1 defeat at Weymouth. Slipping to nineteenth, Beard’s side were below par on Saturday. They fell behind when Tom Bearwish and Ezio Touray scored in the first-half for the Terras. After the break, Fletcher Holman pulled a goal back, but former Dart, Dan Roberts sealed victory for Weymouth. Beard made two changes to the side that beat St Albans City a fortnight earlier. Zak Emmerson earned a place in the starting eleven thanks to a hat-trick against the Saints. The 19-year-old came off the bench at half-time to score his first senior treble. Eastbourne Borough came from behind twice to win 3-2 at Clarence Park.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLWWLW) Eastbourne Borough (WLDLWL)
Havant & Waterlooville H 2-0 Weymouth A 1-3
Hampton & Richmond A 3-4 St Albans City A 3-2
Chippenham Town A 4-1 Taunton Town A 1-2
Tonbridge Angels H 1-0 Welling United H 2-2
St Albans City A 0-1 Yeovil Town A 2-3
Slough Town H 1-2 Havant & Waterlooville A 2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 15 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 9 / Draws: 4

Last Six Meetings

Eastbourne Borough 2 – 1 Dartford (07/04/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (27/09/2022 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 2 – 7 Dartford (07/05/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (09/02/2021 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 3 – 1 Dartford (05/12/2020 – National South)

Statistics

  • In the last six league trips to Priory Lane the winning side has alternated. Eastbourne Borough were triumphant last time out
  • Dartford’s last visit to Priory Lane saw a three game winning streak against the Sports come to an end
  • The Darts have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven versus Eastbourne Borough (W4, L3)
  • Dartford have scored seven in their last two away games. As many as their previous ten on the road, stretching back to 4 March 2023.

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook scored in each of Dartford’s last three games on 24 October. The Darts have won their last four games on this day with the most recent against Bath City in 2017. Bradbrook’s first-half penalty was added to in the second-half by Duane Ofori-Acheampong in a 2-0 win.

Bradbrook also scored two years earlier when the Darts beat Bishop’s Stortford 2-1. In the opposition lineup that day was Charlie Sheringham. It was Barry Cogan who put Dartford in front before Christian Smith levelled, then Bradbrook netted the winner.

Aveley were swept aside in 2009 despite Adam Flanagan getting sent off. At 1-1, the Darts had to play the majority of the second-half with ten men. Bradbrook opened the scoring, but the Millers equalised through Ryan Edgar. After the red card, Jamie Coyle, Ryan Hayes and Jay May secured the 4-1 victory. Dartford went on to take the Isthmian Premier League title that season.

Season Preview 2023/2024

Eastbourne Borough

A new era begins for the Sports who have been taken over by majority shareholder and entrepreneur, Simon Leslie. Co-founder of a world leading travel media company, Leslie set out a vision to include a data driven approach to aspects of performance and recruitment. Under former boss Danny Bloor, Eastbourne Borough have been playoff contenders over the last two years, successfully qualifying in 2022 where they lost in the eliminator round. Last time out they were just three points from a top seven place. The Sports hit a purple patch in November and December losing just one in ten and they gained momentum during the final stretch. A vital six pointer on the penultimate game against Braintree Town saw the Iron clinch the last playoff place at Eastbourne Borough’s expense.

2022/2023 Season
National South: 8th
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Shiloh Remy (13 goals)

Manager – Mark Beard

Football League experience as a player in the nineties, Beard started out at Millwall and went on to play for Sheffield United and Southend United. At the turn of the millennium, he picked up plenty of non-league knowledge and won the F.A Trophy with Stevenage and Isthmian Premier playoffs at AFC Wimbledon. The former midfielder has had managerial roles at Haywards Heath Town, Tooting and Mitcham United and Loxwood as well as various coaching jobs in between. After the takeover at Eastbourne Borough this summer, Beard was chosen as the new Sports boss leaving his coaching post at Dorking Wanderers.

Summer Transfers

Ben Dudzinksi had a short spell with Dartford towards the end of last season, the goalkeeper has moved to Eastbourne Borough. Whilst former Darts, Norman Wabo has left for Weymouth and Kai Innocent for Havant and Waterlooville. New boss, Mark Beard has outlined his intentions with the signing of two National South winners from last season, Alex Finney who was set to join Tonbridge Angels and Jack Paxman have arrived from Ebbsfleet United. Jack Clarke has been enticed from National League playoff finalists Chesterfield. Beard has also looked towards a younger look to the side bringing in bright prospects from Football League clubs. Following the new manager from Dorking Wanderers is Archie Proctor. Billy Vigar joins from Arsenal and Stefan Vukoje from Serbian side Sloboda Uzice.

Transfers In Transfers Out
Alex Finney (Ebbsfleet United) Lee Worgan (Welling United)
Jack Paxman (Ebbsfleet United) Mitchell Dickenson (Welling United)
Jack Clarke (Chesterfield) James Vaughan (Welling United)
Ben Dudzinski (Dartford) Greg Luer (Worthing)
Decarrey Sheriff (Kettering Town) Jaden Perez (Farnborough)
Daniel Quick (Crystal Palace) Charlie Walker (Whitehawk)
Freddie Carter (Gillingham) James Hammond (Horsham)
Harrison Foulkes (Derby County) Norman Wabo (Weymouth)
Imran Uche (Billericay Town) Kai Innocent (Havant and Waterlooville)
Archie Proctor (Dorking Wanderers) Jack Burchell (Welling United)
Alfie Bridgman (Portsmouth) Chris Whelpdale (Lewes)
Billy Vigar (Arsenal) Miquel Scarlett
Scott Leslie (St Albans City) Alex Wynter
Yaser Kasim (Margate) Jamie Yila
Stefan Vukoje (Sloboda Uzice)  
Fletcher Holman (academy)  

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 15 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 9 / Draws: 4

Previous Matches

Eastbourne Borough 2 – 1 Dartford (07/04/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (27/09/2022 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 2 – 7 Dartford (07/05/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (09/02/2021 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 3 – 1 Dartford (05/12/2020 – National South)

Next Meetings

Eastbourne Borough v Dartford – Tuesday 24th October 2023
Dartford v Eastbourne Borough – Monday 1st April 2024

Statistics

  • Eastbourne Borough’s win in April ended a run of three consecutive league victories for the Darts in this fixture
  • At home, Dartford have lost just once in the league in their last nine games against the Sports (W7, D1)
  • In the last six league trips to Priory Lane the winning side has alternated with Eastbourne Borough triumphant last time out

Match Highlights – 2022/2023

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Eastbourne Borough v Dartford

Dartford are on the road this Good Friday when they take on an Eastbourne Borough side aiming for the playoffs.

The Darts remain front runners to finish second with seven games remaining and a two point cushion on third. Bouncing back from defeat at home to Chelmsford City, Alan Dowson’s men put in a fine performance against relegation threatened Dulwich Hamlet last time out. However, Dartford have failed to win their last five away games in the National South. Unbeaten in four, Eastbourne Borough have pulled themselves into the playoff mix sitting in tenth and within a victory of moving above the dotted line.

Alex Wall was the star of the show on Saturday becoming the 15th player to net a Princes Park hat-trick in a Dartford shirt. Each goal reached a milestone and the first settled any early nerves against the leakiest defence in the division. After just seven minutes Wall scored his tenth in all competitions to give the hosts a 1-0 half-time lead over Dulwich Hamlet. Within a three minute second-half spell, the 32-year-old reached double figures in the league then claimed his 100th career goal and first ever league treble. Harvey Bradbury had time to score his second for the club in three appearances to round off a resounding 4-0 win, the striker showing why he was chosen in the starting lineup for the first time since joining the Darts.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Dulwich Hamlet (01/04/2023) – Dartford FC TV

Dowson handed Richard Chin his debut, whilst goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski and Jordan Wynter made their first starts since the loss at Weymouth just over a month ago, the latter had been out through injury. Meanwhile, Jernade Meade was back in the lineup after returning from international duty with Montserrat. The Dartford boss opted for more bite in midfield with Sam Odaudu and Wynter replacing the creative Samir Carruthers and Jack Smith. With the game secure there was even time to see the first glimpse of new signing Bobby Dunn.

Dartford could complete a double over Eastbourne Borough this season after winning the reverse fixture 2-1 at Princes Park. The Darts came from behind to triumph under the floodlights after conceding a goal scored by Leone Gravata. The hosts were soon level when Charlie Sheringham assisted Samir Carruthers for the equaliser. Carruthers was involved again for the winner, providing the ball to the now departed Kristian Campbell who set up Luke Allen.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Eastbourne Borough (27/09/2022) – Dartford FC TV

At Priory Lane in recent campaigns both sides have recorded big victories. On the final day of last season, the Darts warmed up for the playoffs with an outstanding 7-2 win. Dan Roberts, who is currently out on loan with Hungerford Town opened the scoring after just four minutes only for Charley Kendall to level. With half an hour played, Marcus Dinanga got on the end of a long ball to give the Darts a lead and Kory Roberts extended the advantage six minutes later. In the second-half Dartford netted three goals in a five-minute spell, Dinanga scored his second and Kalvin Kalala grabbed a quickfire brace. A seventh was added by Jordan Greenidge before Chris Whelpdale managed a consolation goal for the Sports. The convincing win for the Darts put the 6-0 humbling at the same venue three years earlier well behind them. In between those huge results the spoils have been almost shared with Dartford winning three and Eastbourne Borough claiming two victories.

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Match Highlights – Eastbourne Borough v Dartford (07/05/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Yet to make an appearance, Dartford’s deadline day signing Emmanuel Adebowale had a loan spell at Priory Lane back in 2018 and joined permanently the following season. In total the defender made 38 appearances for Eastbourne Borough before moving to Crawley Town and spending more time out on loan at Havant and Waterlooville. The Sports have two former Darts in their squad, forward Norman Wabo played 19 times in the 2019/2020 campaign scoring four goals. Kai Innocent made eight appearances last season for Dartford and has recently been out injured since coming off in the St Albans City game almost four weeks ago. The full back returned on the weekend in the 1-0 win at Weymouth, the winning goal coming from Ryan Bartley.

Under Danny Bloor, Eastbourne Borough have gone from surviving in the National South to challenging for promotion. When he took over in November 2019 his aim was to keep the Sports in the division, which he achieved. The following campaign saw the Sussex club finish 18th for a third consecutive season. Last term, Eastbourne Borough made the playoffs losing at the same stage as the Darts in the elimination round. Now the Sports are one of a number of teams chasing the top seven. A fantastic November and December saw Bloor’s side lose just once in ten outings picking up 23 points to lift the club into sixth by Boxing Day.

Since the New Year inconsistent results have seen Eastbourne Borough slip out of the playoff places. However, the Sports are showing signs of recovery and a late push for the top seven cannot be ruled out after closing the gap on Saturday.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 15 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 8 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford
(DLDWLW)
    Eastbourne Borough
(DLWWDW)
   
Dulwich Hamlet H 4-0 Weymouth A 1-0
Chelmsford City H 1-2 Chippenham Town A 1-1
Farnborough H 3-1 Slough Town H 2-0
Hungerford Town A 1-1 St Albans City A 3-2
Weymouth A 1-3 Tonbridge Angels H 1-2
Oxford City H 0-0 Chelmsford City H 2-2

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 –1 Eastbourne Borough (27/09/2022 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 2 – 7 Dartford (07/05/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 –1 Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (09/02/2021 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 3 – 1 Dartford (05/12/2020 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (22/02/2020 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are five without an away win in the league for the first time since 2019 (D3, L2)
  • A league double has been claimed by either side in the past three seasons. Dartford beat the Sports twice in 2019/2020 and 2021/2022 and Eastbourne Borough defeated the Darts in both games during the 2020/2021 campaign
  • Out of eleven seasons in which the two sides have been in the same division there has been nine doubles (Dartford 6 v Eastbourne Borough 3)

On This Day

Alan Dowson’s Kingstonian side hosted the Darts on this day in 2007. The Isthmian Division One South fixture ended in a 1-1 draw with Eddie McClements scoring for Dartford. Five years later no goals were scored in the draw at home to Chelmsford City. Most recently in 2018, Dartford stayed hot on the heels of Havant and Waterlooville in a closely contested title race. The Darts hosted Weston-super-Mare and won 3-1 with goals from Alex Brown, captain Elliot Bradbrook and leading scorer Alfie Pavey. The win moved the Darts within three points of the top with a game in hand. Dartford lost out on the National South title on goal difference four weeks later.

Dartford v Eastbourne Borough

Dartford can make it three league wins in a row when they host Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday night.

The Darts have made an inconsistent start, but after a consecutive league victory on the weekend they are in eighth place, just a point outside the playoffs. Their opponents on Tuesday night have started to climb the table and are just two points behind Dowson’s men.

Dartford racked up ten goals against Eastbourne Borough last term winning the corresponding fixture last season 3-1 with Jake Robinson opening his account with a brace. The striker’s first after seven minutes was a predatory finish and after excellent build up play leading to a penalty, Robinson netted another. The Sports hit back immediately after the break when Greg Luer scored, but Ade Azeez was brought on as a substitute and his well-placed header secured victory.

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Highlights – Dartford v Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford emphatically completed a double over the Sussex club when they last played in May. With both sides already booking playoff places, the Darts strolled to a 7-2 away win. Dan Roberts opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute, whilst Marcus Dinanga and Kalvin Kalala both netted a brace. Kory Roberts and Jordan Greenidge also found the back of the net.

Over the last four years the honours have been even between these two sides with four wins apiece and two draws. Previously Dartford had dominated this fixture racking up an unbeaten run of 12, which included eight victories.

Last week, Dowson had a busy time in the loan market ahead of the Hampton and Richmond Borough game. The Dartford boss brought in Jack Smith from Stevenage for a month, who made his debut on the weekend. Smith has played 29 times for Stevenage’s first team having come through the youth system, he has also had time on loan at Braintree Town and Kettering Town. Going the other way, after signing from Slough Town in the summer of 2020, Dan Roberts has gone back to his previous club on a month loan. The forward has made 37 appearances since joining Dartford, 26 of them have been as a substitute. Meanwhile, Kwaku Frimpong has returned to AFC Wimbledon after just two substitute appearances, the midfielder’s red card in the F.A Cup exit would have seen him suspended until the end of his loan spell. Likewise, Adam Lovatt was recalled by his parent club Sutton United, the midfielder played five times during his short stay. 

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Interview – Martin Tyler speaks to Dartford FC TV after a win against his former club

Dartford were forced to make a few changes to the side that beat Hampton and Richmond Borough on Saturday. Luke Coulson, Dan Wilks and Sam Odaudu were all out injured, however Luke Allen returned to the starting eleven after missing the win at Dover Athletic and defeat against Beckenham Town. Marvin Herschel was given his first ever league start and made it one to remember, whilst loan signing Smith made his first appearance too. Davide Rodari and Kristian Campbell were also back in the side.

Once again, Charlie Sheringham made an impact scoring within a matter of minutes of coming on as a substitute, his second in as many games to continue Dartford’s run of scoring in every game this season. The striker’s opening goal was much needed for a Dartford side who suffered a shock F.A Cup exit and were desperate to avoid their fourth straight home defeat, for the first time in six and half years. Sheringham was involved again setting up Herschel for his first goal for the club on his league debut. With three minutes remaining Dartford’s hopes of keeping a first clean sheet at home this term were dashed when Jake Gray’s deflected effort set up a nervy finish. Samir Carruthers picked up a fifth caution of the season, the midfielder will serve a match suspension in Dartford’s next game.

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Highlights – Dartford v Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Eastbourne Borough are showing signs of recovery after a poor start to the campaign, perhaps a hangover from last season. The Sports lost their last four league fixtures last term and were defeated in the playoff eliminator. The Sussex club tasted three consecutive losses at the start of this campaign conceding nine in those games. Since then Danny Bloor’s team have lost just one of their last six competitive matches to climb up to twelfth place in the National South standings.

On the weekend, Eastbourne Borough recorded their first away win of the season in a 4-2 victory at Concord Rangers. The Sports were two up by the interval with goals from Jacob Hutchinson and Shiloh Remy. Concord Rangers got their first of the afternoon through Danny Green, but the two goal lead was restored by Jayden Perez. With eight minutes to go Green gave the Beachboys some hope, however Greg Luer scored a fourth for the visitors to seal the three points. Featuring in Eastbourne Borough’s side was Kai Innocent, who made eight appearances with the Darts last season.

The win over Concord Rangers followed a F.A Cup victory over Uxbridge which set up a Sussex derby with Worthing in the next round. Consecutive triumphs is a good response to a side that were beaten 1-0 by Welling United a fortnight ago. Prior that loss, the Sports picked up maximums at home to Dulwich Hamlet and Dover Athletic and sandwiched between a draw against unbeaten Worthing.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 14 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 8 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford
(LLWLWW)
    Eastbourne Borough
(LWDWLW)
   
Hampton & Richmond H 2-1 Concord Rangers A 4-2
Dover Athletic A 3-1 Welling United H 0-1
Chippenham Town A 1-2 Dover Athletic H 3-1
Hemel Hempstead Town A 2-0 Worthing A 1-1
Worthing H 1-2 Dulwich Hamlet H 2-1
Taunton Town A 1-2 Hungerford Town A 0-2

Last Six Meetings

Eastbourne Borough 2 – 7 Dartford (07/05/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 –1 Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (09/02/2021 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 3 – 1 Dartford (05/12/2020 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (22/02/2020 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 0 – 2 Dartford (02/11/2019 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford completed a league double over Eastbourne Borough last season. Out of eleven seasons in which the two sides have been in the same division there has been nine doubles (Dartford 6 v Eastbourne Borough 3).
  • Dartford have won seven of the last ten at home against Eastbourne Borough (D1, L2), but have also lost two of the last four (W2) at Princes Park against the Sports.
  • The Darts have conceded in each of their last seven home games against Eastbourne Borough.
  • Seven of Dartford’s nine league games have ended 2-1 (W2, L5)

On This Day

Dartford came from behind to claim a National League victory away at Nuneaton Borough on this day in 2014. Two goals in the final 12 minutes earned the win after Borough took the lead through Craig Curran. A penalty dispatched by Elliot Bradbrook levelled the match and Danny Harris headed home the winner two minutes later. The last home game on 27 September saw the Darts knocked out of the F.A Cup at the second qualifying round stage. Dartford, then of the Isthmian Premier League were drawn against Hampton and Richmond Borough, a division above. The Beavers had Dean Wells sent off in the first half but managed to win after Barrie Matthews nodded the only goal of the game. That defeat is just one of three at home on 27 September, Dartford have won eight and drawn two on their own patch on this day.

Season Preview 2022/2023

Eastbourne Borough

A disastrous start for the Sports when they were well beaten on the opening day, however in the next game they scored five and that really summed up the campaign. Of the teams in this season’s National South, Eastbourne Borough games averaged more goals than any other club. The Sussex side handed out thrashings but saw their fair share of heavy defeats too. A six-match winning streak in March and the beginning of April was a highlight as well as their highest finish in a decade. In contrast the Sports ended on a four-game losing run then lost in the playoff eliminator round.

2021/2022 Season
National South: 6th
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
Top League Scorer: Charley Kendall (25 goals)

Manager – Danny Bloor

After almost three years Bloor finally completed a full season with Eastbourne Borough last term. When he was appointed in November 2019, he already had experience as an assistant manager working with former boss Jamie Howell. Promotion to first team manager came after the Sports had cashflow problems and the brief was to keep Eastbourne Borough in the National South. Bloor succeeded and when the 2020-2021 was cut short the club had shown positive signs, as they were sitting in third. Last season Bloor guided his team to sixth before bowing out in the playoffs. Previous managerial jobs include Worthing and Eastbourne Town.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
Alex Wynter (Eastleigh) Joel Rollinson (Hungerford Town)
Kai Innocent (Queens Park Rangers) Ian Gayle (Folkestone Invicta)
Simon Mbonkwi (Braintree Town) Charlie Lambert (Whitehawk)
Miquel Scarlett (Colchester United) Charlie Towning (Worthing)
Shiloh Remy (Queens Park Rangers) Luke Glover
James Vaughan (Detroit City) Gregor Shaw

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 14 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 8 / Draws: 4

Previous Matches (last six)

Eastbourne Borough 2 – 7 Dartford (07/05/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 –1 Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (09/02/2021 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 3 – 1 Dartford (05/12/2020 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (22/02/2020 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 0 – 2 Dartford (02/11/2019 – National South)

Next Meetings

Dartford v Eastbourne Borough – 27/09/2022
Eastbourne Borough v Dartford – 07/04/2023

Statistics

  • Dartford completed a league double over Eastbourne Borough last season. Out of eleven seasons in which the two sides have been in the same division there has been nine doubles (Dartford 6 v Eastbourne Borough 3)
  • The 13 goals scored in both fixtures last season was the highest aggregate involving Dartford matches
  • The 7-2 final day win last season was the biggest victory against the Sports by a Dartford side

Match Highlights – 2021/2022

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Eastbourne Borough v Dartford

Dartford’s final game of the National South season against Eastbourne Borough will decide who both sides will face in the playoffs.

These two sides could easily be going head-to-head again as early as mid-week depending on this weekend’s results. If the Darts finish lower than third, they will be taking on the team that finishes sixth or potentially seventh in the playoff eliminator round.

Dartford are currently fourth and to avoid the eliminator round they must beat Eastbourne Borough and hope Ebbsfleet United drop points at home to Chelmsford City. Any other outcome will see the Darts start their playoff campaign on Wednesday 11 May, if they finish fifth or Thursday 12 May, if they stay in fourth. The Darts can only finish fifth if they lose to Eastbourne Borough and Oxford City beat Bath City at Twerton Park, there also needs to be a three-goal swing.

Eastbourne Borough are likely to finish sixth and can only be caught by seventh place Havant and Waterlooville. For that to happen, the Hawks will need to win their clash for the last playoff spot against eighth place Chippenham Town. Danny Bloor’s side have a six-goal advantage over Havant and Waterlooville.

Playoff fixtures
Wednesday 11 May 2022 – Eliminator Match A (5th v 6th)
Thursday 12 May 2022 – Eliminator Match B (4th v 7th)
Saturday 14 May 2022* – Semi Final (2nd v Eliminator Winner Match A)
Sunday 15 May 2022 – Semi Final (3rd v Eliminator Winner Match B)
Saturday 21 May 2022 – Promotion Final
*Subject to change to Sunday 15 May if both clubs are in agreement

Third place was in Dartford’s hands after an impressive 6-0 away win at Slough Town last weekend. With a Bank Holiday fixture also scheduled, Steve King chose to make six changes in the final home game of the regular season and saw his side come undone in a poor display against lowly Braintree Town. The Dartford boss was without Player of the Season Dan Wilks, so Reice Charles-Cook continued in goal. Keiran Murtagh, who managed to score three times in his last two games looks likely to be out for the playoffs after injury at Slough Town. Jordan Wynter is also struggling with injury, whilst Jernade Meade is being carefully reintroduced after a period on the sidelines, he started in the 1-0 defeat on Monday. In form striker Marcus Dinanga made a substitute appearance against Braintree Town, suggesting King is being cautious about his fitness ahead of the playoffs. Dinanga has scored 11 goals in his 14 appearances for the Darts and could be key to their success.

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Highlight’s of Dartford’s last game against Eastbourne Borough – Dartford FC TV

The reverse fixture took place on August Bank Holiday and in only his second start for the club Jake Robinson opened his account with a brace. The first after seven minutes was a predatory finish and the second came from the penalty spot, after some sublime build up play led to a handball. The Sports hit back immediately after the break when Greg Luer made the most of a lack of concentration to cut Dartford’s lead in half. Ade Azeez was brought on and his well-placed header secured victory for the Darts.

Victory over Eastbourne Borough came six months after losing to the Sussex side at Princes Park. The winning goal for the Sports came from Chris Whelpdale. Nine days later the National South 2020/2021 campaign was declared null and void. In fact, Eastbourne Borough were one of the very few teams the Darts played twice that season. Dartford’s last visit to Priory Lane in December 2020 resulted in a 3-1 loss. Charley Kendall, Whelpdale and Joe Rollinson all scored for the hosts, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong netted a consolation.

Eastbourne Borough have had a very good season under Danny Bloor and in the club’s last three full campaigns they had finished eighteenth. The Sports manager joined the Sussex side around the same time King started his Dartford journey, so it’s also his first full season in charge at Priory Lane. Perhaps with the knowledge of almost certainly making the playoffs, their form has dipped since the start of April. Currently on a run of three straight defeats after a pair of draws, the Sports are winless in five league outings, but they had already done enough to guarantee a top seven place.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Eastbourne Borough first lost in what was an important game at the time for Billericay Town. The Sports fell to their first home loss since early February and only their fifth on their own patch this term in the National South. Two early goals gave the visitors hope of staying in the division, although that hope was ended two days later. Eastbourne Borough pulled a goal back through Charlie Walker, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat to the team bottom of the table. Then on Monday they lost 2-0 at Tonbridge Angels to leave them in sixth place but guaranteed their highest finish since returning to the National South in 2011.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 13 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 8 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford
(DWLWWL)
    Eastbourne Borough
(WDDLLL)
   
Braintree Town H 0-1 Tonbridge Angels A 0-2
Slough Town A 6-0 Billericay Town H 1-2
St Albans City H 3-1 Havant and Waterlooville A 0-3
Maidstone United H 0-1 Welling United H 3-3
Billericay Town A 2-0 Slough Town A 2-2
Hemel Hempstead Town H 1-1 Concord Rangers H 2-0

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 3 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (09/02/2021 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 3 – 1 Dartford (05/12/2020 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (22/02/2020 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 0 – 2 Dartford (02/11/2019 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 6 – 0 Dartford (20/04/2019 – National South)

Stats

  • After going 12 games unbeaten against the Sports, Dartford have won three of the last seven meetings (D0, L4)
  • Dartford have won just two of their last eight final matches of the season (D2, L4) both on the South coast (Poole Town and Bognor Regis Town)

On This Day

Dartford were beaten in the National South playoff semi-final against Chelmsford City five years ago. Two goals in the final twenty minutes put the Clarets 2-0 up on aggregate, Duane Ofori-Acheampong scored a last minute consolation. That defeat is one of only two on this day, the Darts also lost 1-0 to Bath City in 1977. Dartford have won six and drawn two in the ten outings on 7 May. The last victory came in 1983 when Dartford won on the road at Enderby Town in the Southern Premier League. Between 1927 and 1955, the Darts won all five on this day including a 7-0 Southern League East victory over Bournemouth and Boscombe Reserves in 1932. Dartford are unbeaten when away from home on this day, winning three and drawing the other.

Dartford v Eastbourne Borough

Bank Holiday football returns in front of fans at Princes Park on Monday when Dartford host Eastbourne Borough in the National South.

The Darts made a blistering start to their campaign with a 3-1 opening day victory over St Albans City and a resounding 3-0 win at home to Slough Town. Ade Azeez scored on his debut and followed up his first with a second against Slough Town. New summer signing Dan Roberts also netted a brace in the season’s opener and was pivotal a week later with a couple of assists. Another new player, George Porter opened his account in the victory over the Rebels in which Noor Husin’s tremendous performance was rewarded with a goal for the midfielder.

The start of the Bank Holiday weekend saw the Darts travel to Dulwich Hamlet and claim a 2-0 victory. Josh Hill smashed in the opening goal in the first half and former Hamlet midfielder Tyrique Hyde sealed maximum points in the last minute. Hyde’s close control and calm side foot finish made sure Dartford remain top of the National South. Steve King made just the one change in a settled line up, George Porter coming in for Dan Roberts.

The focus now switches to Eastbourne Borough and the Darts have found their opponents tough in recent years. After a 12-game unbeaten run against Eastbourne Borough, the Sports have won four of the last six including the previous two meetings. Last time at Princes Park the Darts fell to a 1-0 defeat six months ago before the campaign was curtailed. Eastbourne Borough’s top scorer Chris Whelpdale netted the decisive goal to complete a league double over Dartford, the Sussex club had won the reverse fixture 3-1 at home just two months earlier.

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In the campaign before Dartford won both league games over their opponents with a 2-0 away win thanks to goals by Norman Wabo and Elliott Romain. The game at Princes Park ended 2-1 to Dartford with Jack Jebb and Darren McQueen scoring either side of Greg Luer’s equaliser. The league double over the Sports was just the tonic after the 6-0 away humbling under Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle in April 2019.

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In their opening three games Eastbourne Borough have been involved in plenty of goals at both ends, the most by any team in the division. Manager Danny Bloor puts that down to a less settled defence compared to last season when he stuck with the same back five each week. This time Bloor has been unable to keep the defence as settled with former goalkeeper Franco Ravizzoli now at Milton Keynes Dons, Jack Currie missed the last game through illness and Steve James has served a suspension.

The Sports had a nightmare start conceding five against Hampton and Richmond Borough without reply, not the best of debuts for England under 17 World Cup winning goalkeeper Curtis Anderson, the 20-year-old on loan from Wycombe Wanderers. Hampton and Richmond Borough’s Kadell Daniel scored the first National South goal of the season after three minutes and he added a second eight minutes later. The afternoon got worse for the Sports when Steve James was red carded and goals from Jorome Slew, Charlie Wassmer and a stunner by Kyron Farrell made it 5-0.

Eastbourne Borough bounced straight back the following week hitting five of their own as they beat Billericay Town 5-2 with all seven goals coming in the second half. Manager, Danny Bloor made four changes as they were without the suspended James and injured summer signing Jake Elliott. Ricay went ahead with a Michael Chambers header, but the scores were level when James Hammond slotted his penalty past former Dartford goalkeeper Bailey Vose. The Sports took the lead through Joel Rollinson and another former Dart, Norman Wabo made his mark on the game equalising for Billericay Town. The Sussex club then pulled away in the final ten minutes when Leone Gravata scored before a brace from Josh Onyinsan. On Saturday, before going to press Eastbourne Borough hosted Oxford City.

On Saturday, another two changes were made to the starting line up including new signing Kasim Aidoo from Charlton Athletic’s under 23 team. A further four goals were scored as the Sports drew 2-2 with Oxford City. The Sussex club squandered a two goal first half lead built up by Charlie Walker’s brace. Oxford City hit back in the second half when Harmon netted then Charlie Rowan equalised.

Danny Bloor spoke after the draw on Twitter @EBFCTheSports and said: “It’s not going to be easy because they have won three out of three. But we look forward to going there, we look forward to every game, we’ve got a great team spirit. It’s a game we’re looking forward to, but make no mistake it will be very tough”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 12 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 8 / Draws: 4

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (09/02/2021 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 3 – 1 Dartford (05/12/2020 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (22/02/2020 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 0 – 2 Dartford (02/11/2019 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 6 – 0 Dartford (20/04/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 3 Eastbourne Borough (27/11/2018 – F.A Trophy)

Stats

  • The Darts have won just two of the last six meetings against Eastbourne Borough having previously been unbeaten in twelve versus the Sports
  • In the ten seasons Dartford have been in the same league as Eastbourne Borough, the Darts have completed five league doubles over the Sussex club
  • However, last season Eastbourne Borough completed a league double over the Darts for the first time since the 2002/2003 Southern League Division One East campaign
  • A fourth league win in a row will equal Dartford’s best start to a league campaign since the 2009 Isthmian Premier League title season
  • Half of Dartford’s goal tally this term have been scored by substitutes, Dan Roberts (2), George Porter and Tyrique Hyde.

On This Day

Dartford have a good record on this day losing just once in the last 11 outings. The last was a 2-1 home win in 2014 over AFC Telford United in the National League. The Darts hit two second-half goals as they came from behind to earn a first win of the season. Luke Daley levelled with a superb 25-yard strike and then set up Andy Pugh to tap in and secure the three points. Four years earlier, the Darts suffered that solitary defeat in those 11 games to Chelmsford City.

Proceeding the defeat against the Clarets, Dartford had drawn the previous two after a run of seven straight wins, which started with a 5-1 home win over Salisbury in the Southern League South back in 1980. In that run, the Darts racked up back to back 4-2 wins (Horsham YMCA in a 1997 F.A Cup tie and Hastings United in 1999) and knocked Chatham Town out of the Southern League Cup in 1983.

It’s a shame Dartford aren’t playing Trowbridge Town as the Darts beat the Wiltshire club 7-2 on this day in 1958 and went one better with an 8-2 victory exactly eleven years later.