Tag: Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United v Dartford

Dartford start their defence of the Kent Senior Cup with the rearranged meeting against local rivals Ebbsfleet United on Tuesday night.

The Darts could complete a treble over their rivals having beaten the Fleet on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day in the National South. With both sides aiming for promotion to the National League there could be a few changes to each side in the first Kent Senior Cup North Kent derby for 15 years.

Alan Dowson inherited a side that has won the last two editions of the competition. A third consecutive county cup triumph will make Dartford the first side to win three in a row since Ebbsfleet United, in their former guise as Gravesend and Northfleet between 2000 and 2002. The Fleet last took home the regional silverware nine years ago. With 21 Kent Senior Cup titles between them, the Darts are hoping for a 14th this season.

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Highlights – Ebbsfleet United v Dartford (26/12/2022) – Dartford FC TV

In Dartford’s last visit to Stonebridge Road it took just 45 seconds for Luke Allen to score on Boxing Day. Former Fleet winger, Luke Coulson made it two on five minutes and six minutes later Maxwell Statham added a third. Dartford were pinching themselves when Alex Wall scored before the break, his eighth in all competitions and there was still time for the hosts to pull a goal back through Craig Tanner.

The return fixture at Princes Park on New Year’s day was even better and yet again Wall netted. After a spell of Ebbsfleet United pressure, Malachi Napa scored his first goal for the Darts. Charlie Sheringham was introduced against one of his former teams and grabbed his 60th career goal for the Darts and to cap off it all off Essam headed a fourth.

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Highlights – Dartford v Ebbsleet United (01/01/2023) – Dartford FC TV

In the Kent Senior Cup, the Darts have lost their last three against their rivals of which two of those were away, Fleet’s only home victories against Dartford in the competition. The last meeting came in 2008 when Phil Williams scored the only goal for the Darts in a 4-1 defeat. Dartford last beat Fleet in the county cup back in 1989 winning 2-0.

The winner of this second round tie will face Welling United in the quarter-final, who Dartford faced on Saturday at Park View Road. Dowson made three changes to the side that started the last league match in which the Darts lost 3-0 to Worthing. Charlie Sheringham led the line in place of the suspended Alex Wall and his fine display was rewarded with a goal. Jamar Loza and Jernade Meade were also given the nod ahead of Malachi Napa and Kristian Campbell.

Welling United had the better of the first half with former Dart, Ade Azeez hitting the post. Just before the break new signing George Alexander scored on debut capitalising on Dartford’s defensive uncertainty when trying to clear a corner. A better second half showing saw Sheringham equalise against is former club, helped by the creativity of Samir Carruthers. However, the hosts were back in front when Azeez smashed a shot in off the underside of the crossbar. Dowson’s side showed character and when Carruthers slid a ball through to Napa, the super sub curled a confident finish into the Welling United net. The 2-2 draw was a fair reflection of the game, but dropped points leaves Dartford eight points behind Ebbsfleet United having played an extra game.

If Dartford’s last county cup fixture is anything to go by then Dowson is likely to make many changes to the starting eleven. The Dartford boss altered the entire lineup for the London Senior Cup win over Metropolitan Police a week ago. Whilst Meade and Loza have now both made appearances since joining, Tommy Block is yet to start and if back from injury could make his debut. Sam Odaudu has been the only other absentee on the injury list, whilst Wall served his first of a three match ban on the weekend for his red card at Worthing.

Ebbsfleet United have regained control of the National South and are ever increasing favourites to return to the National League. It’s possible that Dennis Kutrieb could also make a number of changes after the Fleet’s 2-0 victory on the weekend over one of their closest title rivals. Dominic Poleon scored mid-way through the first half and a late goal from Franklin Domi sealed the deal. After the festive double defeat to the Darts which closed a run of four straight losses, the Fleet have now won six on the bounce returning to their early season form.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 69 / Ebbsfleet United wins: 56 / Draws: 32

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford
(WWLLWD)
    Ebbsfleet United
(WWWWWW)
   
Welling United A 2-2 Havant & Waterlooville H 2-0
Metropolitan Police (LSC) H 2-0 Concord Rangers H 4-1
Worthing A 0-3 Dulwich Hamlet A 3-1
Hemel Hempstead Town H 1-3 Chelmsford City H 2-0
Cheshunt A 3-1 Dover Athletic A 2-1
Ebbsfleet United H 4-0 Weymouth H 4-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 4 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (01/01/2023 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 4 Dartford (26/12/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (01/02/2022 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (02/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (02/01/2021 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (01/01/2017 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won 8, drawn 4 and lost 6 against Ebbsfleet United in the Kent Senior Cup
  • Away from home in this competition the Darts have won 4, drawn 1 and lost 2 versus Fleet
  • Dartford last beat Ebbsfleet United three times in a single campaign back in 1978/79 a feat they have done on six previous occasions. In 1962/63, the Darts beat the Fleet four times.
  • The Darts have won their last eight Kent Senior Cup matches (includes penalties) matching the run from 1986 to 1989 and 1931 to 1933. Another win will set a club record.
  • Only four teams have previously won the Kent Senior Cup three times in a row (Northfleet United 1924-1928 (five titles), Dartford 1931-1933, Royal Artillery Depot Woolwich 1943-1945 and Gravesend and Northfleet 2000-2002).

On This Day

Dartford crashed out of the F.A Trophy third round on this day in 2015 after a replay with FC Halifax Town. A late Rory McAuley goal a fortnight earlier gave the Darts a second opportunity after coming back from two down, but they couldn’t take it at the Shay. FC Halifax Town raced into a two goal lead again before Andy Pugh halved the deficit. A third goal was added for the hosts to send Dartford out of the competition. The last victory on 7 February came in 2004 when the Darts won 2-0 at home to Newport Isle of Wight in the Southern League Division One East. That was the last of a six match winning streak on this day which included a 2-1 Kent Senior Cup quarter final triumph against Ashford Town in 2000. In 1989, the Darts defeated rivals Dover Athletic 2-0 in a F.A Trophy second round replay on the way to reaching the last four.

Dartford v Ebbsfleet United

Dartford begin the New Year hosting rivals Ebbsfleet United in a National South top of the table clash.

The Darts could complete a league double over their rivals for the first time in 43 years to maintain top spot. Dowson’s side lead their Kent rivals by three points having played three games more. Whilst Ebbsfleet United will be looking to avenge the 4-1 Boxing Day defeat and avoid a fourth consecutive league loss.

On Monday, the festive feel good factor reached another level when Dartford claimed a first North Kent derby league victory at Stonebridge Road since 1979. The Darts made just one change to the side that beat fellow promotion contenders Havant and Waterlooville in their previous outing, Dan Wilks returning in goal for the Darts for the first time since August.

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Highlights – Ebbsfleet United v Dartford (26/12/2022) – Dartford FC TV

It took just 45 seconds for Luke Allen to net from a Samir Carruthers cross. Former Fleet winger, Luke Coulson made it two on five minutes and six minutes later Maxwell Statham added a third. Dartford were pinching themselves when Alex Wall scored before the break, his eighth in all competitions and there was still time for the hosts to pull a goal back through Craig Tanner. Early in the second half Sam Odaudu was carried off with an injury and replaced by Jack Smith, the midfielder’s first appearance since the F.A Trophy defeat in mid-November. With no goals in the second forty five, the Darts recorded their biggest away league victory at the Fleet since New Years Day 1992 and condemned their rivals to a third straight loss in the National South.

Back from World Cup commentaries, Martin Tyler took the time to speak to Pure DFC after the game, he said: “We came with a plan and it was done more than we could ever hope for really. The way the chances were taken, we stifled their play, the front three defended very well and allowed the midfield to engage as well. Of course you can’t sustain that for really long periods so the fourth goal was a bonus”. Victory provided the Darts with plenty of festive cheer, Tyler praised the teams efforts saying he is “delighted for the supporters, thrilled for the players and obviously it was a very special post Christmas present for Dowse”. Ebbsfleet United may be going through a sticky patch in terms of results, but the Dartford coach is urging supporters to help make a difference once more, he added: “I hope that will encourage people to come out and support us on New Year’s Day. We’ve got huge respect with what Ebbsfleet United do. I think the quality of their individuals perhaps didn’t quite work as a quality of a team, but we know if they click into gear on another day it could go the opposite way”.

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Interview – Martin Tyler speaks to Dartford FC TV after the derby day win

The sixth New Years Day meeting between the two sides takes on extra significance this season with the Darts and the Fleet eyeing up promotion back to the National League. In the league, Dartford have lost just once in the last ten home games against Ebbsfleet United stretching back to the early eighties. In that time the Darts have won seven and drawn twice, the only loss came seven years ago. Last season Dartford put in an excellent performance to win 1-0 at Princes Park, Jake Robinson scoring the winner. The striker got on the end of Kai Innocent’s cross to ensure the home side earned bragging rights.

Last time the local rivals met on New Years Day was five years ago when Fleet won 1-0 on their own patch. Bradley Bubb scored the winning goal to avenge the Boxing Day defeat at Princes Park. Four years earlier at Stonebridge Road an entertaining 2-2 draw was played out with Dartford taking a two goal lead thanks to Jon Wallis and Harry Crawford. Nathan Elder pulled a goal back and his last minute equaliser made sure the points were shared. The Darts last beat Ebbsfleet United on New Years Day when their opponents were known as Gravesend and Northfleet and it was a resounding victory. This season will mark 30 years since Dartford won 5-0 at Watling Street with all the goals coming in the second half.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Ebbsfleet United (01/02/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Two of Dartford’s experienced players know what the North Kent derby means having played on both sides of the divide. Captain, Tom Bonner has made over 400 appearances in a Dartford shirt, the defender left the Darts for Cambridge United before moving to Ebbsfleet United in 2015, then re-joined Dartford a year later. Charlie Sheringham has scored 59 times for the Darts over four spells, the striker’s spell at Stonebridge Road yielded 11 in 49 games between 2014 and 2017.

On the other side, Darren McQueen formed an excellent understanding with Elliott Romain at Dartford. Currently at Ebbsfleet United the duo have had a limited number of starting appearances this term. Mainly used as a substitute, McQueen has scored four this season, when he was with the Darts he top scored with 20 goals in the 2019/2020 campaign. Romain is currently out on loan with Hemel Hempstead Town.

Alan Dowson’s first season in charge began with consecutive victories, but four 2-1 defeats in the next five matches tested his squad. After a 3-1 Kent derby victory over Dover Athletic, the Darts crashed out of the F.A Cup at the first hurdle to lower league opposition, a theme that was repeated in the F.A Trophy two months later. However, between those cup losses, Dowson managed to guide Dartford on an outstanding run taking 31 points from a possible 33. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers has impressed in the centre of the pitch and with nine goals in all competitions has been one of the stand out players this term. Since mid-November, Dartford have shown their inconsistencies and like many other teams an unbeaten run will be a top of the New Year’s resolution list.

Ebbsfleet United came into this campaign as favourites and their early season form backed the bookies up. After nine league games the Fleet boasted a 100% record and it wasn’t until the 17th match that they tasted a league defeat. Going into that loss Ebbsfleet United had taken 42 points from a possible 48. In that time they also negotiated their way through four rounds of the F.A Cup to reach the second round where they were narrowly beaten by League One side Fleetwood Town.

Perhaps the cup run has been a distraction because leading up to their fixture with the Cod Army they lost their first league game and went out of the F.A Trophy to Eastbourne Borough, who also beat Fleet just over a fortnight ago. However, they did demonstrate their quality away at Worthing at the beginning of December with a resounding 6-0 win. However, Kutrieb’s side have felt the pressure from the chasing pack losing to lowly Cheshunt before the Boxing Day derby defeat on their own soil.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 68 / Ebbsfleet United wins: 56 / Draws: 32

Current League Form

Dartford
(DWLDWW)
    Ebbsfleet United
(LWWLLL)
   
Ebbsfleet United A 4-1 Dartford H 1-4
Havant & Waterlooville A 3-1 Cheshunt A 0-1
Bath City H 0-0 Eastbourne Borough H 0-2
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Worthing A 6-0
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Slough Town H 2-0
Oxford City A 1-1 Tonbridge Angels H 1-2

Last Six Meetings

Ebbsfleet United 1 – 4 Dartford (26/12/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (01/02/2022 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (02/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (02/01/2021 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (01/01/2017 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Ebbsfleet United (26/12/2016 – National South)

Statistics

  • The away team has failed to win in 20 of the last 22 league games between the two sides (home wins 13, draws 7, away wins 2)
  • In the league, Dartford have kept two clean sheets in a row at home against Ebbsfleet United, a third will make it the first time since 1989-1992
  • The Darts were the last team to claim back to back league wins in this fixture back in 1991 and 1992
  • Dartford have won 12, drawn 8 and lost 14 on New Years Day (at home W10, D3, L5)

On This Day

Dartford’s last three games on New Years Day all ended in victory at Princes Park against Welling United. A couple of years ago, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong opened the scoring and future Fleet strikers Elliott Romain and Darren McQueen netted the other three between them, Romain claiming the brace. In 2019, Ronnie Vint’s winner four minutes from time clinched a 1-0 triumph over the Wings and the year before that the Darts won 4-1, Ryan Hayes, Andy Pugh and two from Alfie Pavey sealing a comfortable afternoon. At home, the Darts have won three of the last four on 1 January drawing the other 0-0 with Margate in the Southern League South back in 1999. The last home defeat on this day was against Alma Swanley in 1996 when the Darts lost 3-2 in the Kent League.

Ebbsfleet United v Dartford

Dartford close out the year with a Boxing Day North Kent derby against league leaders Ebbsfleet United, as top of the table host second place in the National South.

Starting level on points, victory at Stonebridge Road on Monday will put more pressure on Fleet as the two Kent rivals battle it out over the festive season. Alan Dowson led his side to a win over another title challenger in Havant and Waterlooville last time out. Ebbsfleet United have just lost consecutive games for the first time in the league this season.

If facing the title favourites isn’t enough, the Darts will be searching for their first away win in the league against Fleet for 43 years, a run of 11 games without a victory. However, Dowson’s side can take heart from the fact they have just beaten third place Havant and Waterlooville and that Ebbsfleet United have lost two of their last three home games in the National South.

Dartford’s last visit to their local rivals was their first in league competition in five years and it ended in a disappointing single goal defeat back in January. Fleet’s Ben Chapman came off the bench to net the winner in a tightly contested game. The Darts created the better chances, but Ebbsfleet United’s ability to keep possession made for an interesting, but tense Sunday afternoon. Five years earlier the Fleet won by the same score with Bradley Bubb scoring the decisive goal. The three previous meetings in DA11 before the pair of losses all ended in a draw.

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Match Highlights – Ebbsfleet United v Dartford (02/01/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Two of Dartford’s experienced players know what the North Kent derby means having played on both sides of the divide. Captain, Tom Bonner has made over 400 appearances in a Dartford shirt, the defender left the Darts for Cambridge United before moving to Ebbsfleet United in 2015, then re-joined Dartford a year later. Charlie Sheringham has scored 59 times for the Darts over four spells, the striker’s spell at Stonebridge Road yielded 11 in 49 games between 2014 and 2017. On the other side, Darren McQueen formed an excellent understanding with Elliott Romain at Dartford. Currently at Ebbsfleet United the duo have had a limited number of starting appearances this term. Mainly used as a substitute, McQueen has scored four this season, when he was with the Darts he top scored with 20 goals in the 2019/2020 campaign. Romain is currently out on loan with Hemel Hempstead Town.

Dowson recently made it clear he’s trying to strengthen the squad, not only is he searching for players he is looking for the consistency that propelled the Darts up the table between September and early November. Since Farnborough brought an end to a lengthy unbeaten run, Dartford have conceded late goals to drop points in the draw at Oxford City and defeat at Chelmsford City, scrapped for a point at home to Bath City in a goalless stalemate, but have also won 3-1 against Concord Rangers at Princes Park and on their travels versus Havant and Waterlooville.

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Match Highlights – Havant and Waterlooville v Dartford (14/12/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Alex Wall returned to Westleigh Park just over a week ago and recorded a brace against his former club to earn Dartford all three points. The striker was recalled to the starting line up alongside Luke Coulson and Luke Allen, the midfielder coming back from a spell out with injury. Allen and Samir Carruthers combined for the first goal setting up Wall for his first of the evening. Allen netted the winner last season at Havant and Waterlooville and he was involved again to double the lead. The Hawks halved the deficit when Jake McCarthy scored, but Wall put the game beyond the hosts just two minutes later.

Dowson was pleased with his side’s attitude as they showed ‘guts and determination’ after a questionable display at home to Bath, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It was great for an away performance. I thought the first half we did well, especially after we got a lot of stick after Saturday. The lads got together and had a night out to sort it out between ourselves, so it’s down to them really. I’m delighted for the lads, and we’ve got a bit of belief now. We’ve got to believe, and we’ve got to believe we can get a run going again”.

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Interview – Alan Dowson speaks to Dartford FC TV after the Darts beat Havant and Waterlooville

After narrowly missing out on promotion last season in the playoff final, Ebbsfleet United were quickly installed as the favourites to win the division this term. Under Dennis Kutrieb the Fleet were unstoppable in their opening nine games winning the lot. In fact, it took until matchday 16 for their three-month unbeaten run in the league to come to an end.

Finally defeated by Tonbridge Angels at home, Ebbsfleet United returned to winning ways keeping back-to-back clean sheets beating Slough Town 2-0 and thrashing Worthing 6-0 in Sussex. Fleet’s next trip to the county didn’t go so well as they lost 2-0 at Eastbourne Borough failing to score for the first time in the league this term. On Tuesday night Ebbsfleet United fell to a surprise defeat at Cheshunt. Reece Beckles-Richards scored an early penalty to condemn Fleet to their first away loss in the National South.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 67 / Ebbsfleet United wins: 56 / Draws: 32

Current League Form

Dartford
(LDWLDW)
    Ebbsfleet United
(WLWWLL)
   
Havant & Waterlooville A 3-1 Cheshunt A 0-1
Bath City H 0-0 Eastbourne Borough H 0-2
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Worthing A 6-0
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Slough Town H 2-0
Oxford City A 1-1 Tonbridge Angels H 1-2
Farnborough A 1-3 Hampton & Richmond A 2-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (01/02/2022 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (02/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (02/01/2021 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (01/01/2017 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Ebbsfleet United (26/12/2016 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 1 Dartford (28/03/2016 – National South)

Statistics

  • The away team has failed to win in 20 of the last 21 league games between the two sides (home wins 13, draws 7, away wins 1)
  • At Stonebridge Road, the Darts have lost and drawn their last two on Boxing Day, last winning in 1966.
  • The Darts lead the head to head with Ebbsfleet United in Boxing Day meetings – W9, D2, L6 (away record W1, D1, L3)
  • Dartford have won the last four Boxing Day meetings with Ebbsfleet United all at home with an aggregate score of 14-3

On This Day

Tom Bonner scored against his former club six years ago to give Dartford the lead against Ebbsfleet United. The Darts went two up when Duane Ofori-Acheampong scored, and Fleet’s Anthony Cook pulled a goal back. Since then, the Darts have played Welling United on Boxing Day which included Alfie Pavey’s last minute wonder goal in 2017. The last Boxing Day match for Dartford was also at Park View Road when they beat the Wings 3-0 three years ago. A year earlier, Welling United won 2-0 in Dartford’s only away Boxing Day defeat in their last six. On this day, the Darts have racked up 39 wins, 23 draws and 26 defeats and two abandonments, which includes the infamous clash with Gravesend and Northfleet back in 1959 when the match official called off the game because the players were “fighting against each other”.

Season Preview 2022/2023

Ebbsfleet United

Snatching defeat at the hands of victory in the playoff final means the Fleet are here to stay. Only the two promoted sides had a better home record and attack last term and the fact they finished strongly, unbeaten in their last seven matches will have Ebbsfleet United amongst one of the favourites this season. The title challenge was really lost after a poor January and February when they suffered five defeats in seven, including heavy reverses at the two who went up. Pressure will now be on to return to the National League after their narrow relegation two years ago.

2021/2022 Season
National South: 3rd
F.A Cup: 1st Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: Quarter-Final
Top League Scorer: Dominic Poleon (17 goals)

Manager – Dennis Kutrieb

Arriving from Germany, Kutrieb rocked up at Stonebridge Road after being successful at a regional level in his homeland. The former attacking player started out coaching with VSG Altglienicke who he took up from the Berlin League to the Regionalliga Nordost, the fourth tier. He returned to Tennis Borussia Berlin, one of his former clubs as a player and led them to the Berlin Cup Final and promotion from the NOFV-Oberliga Nord, fifth division. Kutrieb was appointed as Ebbsfleet United boss in June 2020 and so Fleet’s third place finish and Promotion Final defeat was his first full campaign on these shores.

Summer Transfers

Transfers In Transfers Out
Franklin Domi (Queens Park Rangers) Kresh Krasniqi (Dulwich Hamlet)
Mark Cousins (Bromley) Tobi Adebayo-Rowling (Notts County)
Josh Wright (Billericay Town) Adam Mekki (Dorking Wanderers)
Darren McQueen (Dulwich Hamlet) Lee Martin (Dover Athletic)
Haydn Hollis (Chesterfield) Alfie Egan (Boreham Wood)
Luke O’Neill (Stevenage) Will Wood (Dulwich Hamlet)
Omari Sterling-James (Kidderminster Harriers) Michael West
Toby Edser (Aldershot Town)  

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 67 / Ebbsfleet United wins: 56 / Draws: 32

Previous Matches (last six)

Dartford 1 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (01/02/2022 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (02/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (02/01/2021 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (01/01/2017 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Ebbsfleet United (26/12/2016 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 1 Dartford (28/03/2016 – National South)

Next Meetings

Ebbsfleet United v Dartford – 26/12/2022
Dartford v Ebbsfleet United – 01/01/2023

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of their last ten home games against Ebbsfleet United (W7, D2)
  • The Darts are winless in 11 league games as the away team at Stonebridge Road (D5, L6)
  • The away team has failed to win in 20 of the last 21 league games between the two sides (home wins 13, draws 7, away wins 1)

Match Highlights – 2021/2022

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Dartford v Ebbsfleet United

Dartford’s rescheduled North Kent derby takes place on Tuesday night with the prospect of overtaking their rivals Ebbsfleet United in the National South.

The Darts will be desperate to avenge the New Year defeat when they host their local rivals and maintain their unbeaten home record. Last month the Fleet came away with a 1-0 victory thanks to a late strike from Ben Chapman. In Steve King and Dennis Kutrieb’s second North Kent derby it was another tight affair, the first meeting between the two ended goalless. Whilst Dartford created some great opportunities, Ebbsfleet United were good on the ball and Chapman’s winner was enough for the Fleet.

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You can catch all the Dartford highlights on Dartford FC TV

The home side has dominated this fixture over the years with just one away victory recorded in the last 13 meetings since Gravesend and Northfleet became Ebbsfleet United in 2007. Dartford’s last victory against their rivals was on Boxing Day just over five years ago when Tom Bonner opened the scoring against his former club and Duane Ofori-Acheampong added a second, Anthony Cook scored Fleet’s consolation. The return fixture ended 1-0 to Ebbsfleet United on New Year’s Day. The sides had to wait another four years to meet again, the 0-0 draw in January last year.

When this fixture was due to take place on Boxing Day there was a three-way tie at the summit of the National South, which included these two local rivals. Due to the number of Covid cases in the Ebbsfleet United camp the match was postponed. A lot can change in a month and now Dartford are ten points behind the leaders whilst Ebbsfleet United have fallen seven points behind top spot and sit in fourth, one place ahead of the Darts but with an inferior goal difference.  

On the weekend, Dartford approached their away trip to Tonbridge Angels on the back of a six game winless run in the National South, although they did beat Weymouth in the F.A Trophy during that time. Finally the league streak was broken and the Darts claimed a 3-2 victory thanks to a terrific Danny Leonard brace to take him to seven goals in all competitions and another Jack Jebb free-kick. Although Dartford found their goalscoring form by hitting three in the league for the first time in a couple of months, the Angels didn’t give in. First the hosts halved the deficit to 2-1 and right at the end they pulled a goal back, then had an effort cleared off the line. Leonard was later substituted in the match after a head injury and Ade Azeez came off after what looked like a hamstring issue.

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You can catch all the Dartford highlights on Dartford FC TV

With the departure of defender Ronnie Vint, Josh Hill’s long term injury and Connor Essam missing after picking up a knock against Concord Rangers, new loan signing Korey Roberts made his debut after coming in from National League side Bromley. Dartford boss, Steve King shuffled the midfield with Tyrique Hyde, Leonard and Kieran Murtagh making the starting line up. In form striker, Jake Robinson made a substitute appearance, perhaps being rested for the North Kent derby.

Dartford have managed one Kent derby win in the league this season, the 6-0 thrashing of Welling United, that came two weeks after the 1-1 home draw with Tonbridge Angels. Since then, the Darts have lost to Ebbsfleet United and Maidstone United without scoring. Although, Dartford did beat the Stones in the F.A Cup and claimed victories against Hythe Town in the Kent Senior Cup and Cray Wanderers in the F.A Trophy. Ebbsfleet United have so far won three and lost three of their Kent derbies. Aside from the victory in the reverse fixture against the Darts, the Fleet recorded big wins against Tonbridge Angels (5-1) on the opening day and Welling United (6-0) in November. Ebbsfleet United went out of the F.A Trophy to Cray Wanderers on penalties, but their nemesis this term is Maidstone United who completed a double over the Fleet.

After a 3-2 home loss against the Stones in November, Kutrieb’s side fell to a second defeat against their Kent rivals a week ago. This time it was 4-0 at the Gallagher Stadium, Joan Luque’s penalty, George Fowler and a Sam Corne brace condemned Fleet to a second heavy defeat in a row completing a tough week, not only for Kutrieb but for Sefa Kahraman too. Both Kutrieb and Kahraman were sent off at the Gallagher Stadium, a second match in a row for the latter. Three days earlier, the defender left his side down to ten men for 73 minutes against league leaders Dorking Wanderers, the Fleet were hammered 5-1.

On the weekend, Ebbsfleet United needed to bounce back at home to Hampton and Richmond Borough, who had recently drawn 2-2 with the Darts. The Fleet recorded a 1-0 victory against the Beavers with the winning strike from Will Wood. Ebbsfleet United were pleased to see the return of Joe Martin considering Kahraman began his suspension and Sido Jombati’s injury at Dorking Wanderers. Former Dart, Elliott Romain made a start after fellow striker Rakish Bingham looks to have picked up a long tern injury. Romain made the short journey to Stonebridge Road in the summer after two campaigns at Princes Park. The striker scored 15 in his debut season and added one more last term making 45 appearances in total for the Darts.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 66 / Ebbsfleet United wins: 56 / Draws: 33

Current League Form

Dartford
(DLDDDW)
    Ebbsfleet United
(DWWLLW)
   
Tonbridge Angels A 3-2 Hampton and Richmond H 1-0
Concord Rangers H 0-0 Maidstone United A 0-4
Hampton and Richmond H 2-2 Dorking Wanderers A 1-5
Dulwich Hamlet H 1-1 Hemel Hempstead Town A 3-1
Ebbsfleet United A 0-1 Dartford H 1-0
Braintree Town A 2-2 Billericay Town H 0-0

Previous Meetings (last six)

Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (02/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (02/01/2021 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (01/01/2017 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Ebbsfleet United (26/12/2016 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 1 Dartford (28/03/2016 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Ebbsfleet United (31/08/2015 – National South)

Stats

  • Dartford have won six of their last nine home league games against Ebbsfleet United, drawing two and losing the other
  • The 0-0 draw in the corresponding fixture last term was Dartford’s first league clean sheet against the Fleet since the 5-0 New Years Day victory in 1992.
  • Dartford are 15 games unbeaten at home in all competitions this season, the best home run from the start of a campaign since 2011/12 when they were unbeaten in the first 14 home matches.
  • The Darts are three unbeaten home matches away from equalling the record of 18 home games without a defeat from the start of a season, set in 1908/1909 (competitive matches only). In that campaign Dartford remained unbeaten at home with 17 wins and a draw.

On This Day

Dartford blew away Chippenham Town on their own patch inside the first forty minutes two years ago. Darren McQueen’s spot kick got the goal rush underway and within five minutes Liam Nash and a skillful Amrit Bansal-McNulty finish put the Darts 3-1 up. McQueen found the back of the net again and an own goal left the final score 5-1, all goals in the first half. Victory was the fourth in a row in this day, the previous three all 1-0 wins at home. In 2011, Elliot Bradbrook scored the winner against Braintree Town in the National South, in 1999 the Darts beat Chelmsford City and two years earlier Cinderford Town both in the Southern League South. Stretching back to 1969, Dartford have won seven, drawn one and lost one on 1 February, the previous nine between 1896 and 1964 resulted in just two victories and seven defeats.

Ebbsfleet United v Dartford

One of four teams could end up top of the National South by the end of the weekend. Two of those sides go head to head when Dartford visit local rivals Ebbsfleet United in the North Kent derby.

After the Boxing Day fixture at Princes Park was postponed, the Darts travel to Stonebridge Road knowing a first league away win against the Fleet in 42 years will give them the upper hand over their rivals. Dartford have picked up five draws and suffered as many defeats in their previous league visits since the 1-0 victory in March 1979.

Separated by just two goals in the current National South standings, the Darts and the Fleet are part of a cluster of five teams separated by just four points. Both sides struggled against teams at the foot of the table in their last outing as they watched their other Kent rivals Maidstone United leap to second, leaving Dartford in fourth and Ebbsfleet United in third.

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Highlights of Dartford’s last league game at Braintree Town courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Steve King has made twelve changes over the last two games, seven from the heavy 4-0 league defeat in the Kent derby against Maidstone United, then a further five changes from the F.A Trophy victory over Cray Wanderers. King started with the preferred central defensive pair of Tom Bonner and Connor Essam, recalled Kieran Murtagh and Ade Azeez and gave a debut to Kalvin Kalala for the latest outing at Braintree Town.

Kalala impressed King whilst at Torquay United where he left for French fifth tier side Entente Feignies Aulnoye. The 23-year-old showed his ability against the Iron and is seen as a replacement for Emmanuel Sonupe who has moved to El Paso Locomotive in America. Excited by what the winger can bring to the team, King explained to Dartford FC TV: “He’s a fantastic player. When he was at Torquay United and they won the league two years ago he was one of the best players in the division by a country mile”.

Yet it was a substitute that saved the day on Tuesday with the last kick of the game. A stunning free-kick from Jack Jebb completed a comeback from two down to level the National South fixture as it finished 2-2. The Darts aiming for top spot against a Braintree Town side struggling at the bottom of the table saw the hosts take a two goal lead. Early in the second half Gabriel Piorkowski scored from a fine long distance effort and the lead was doubled through Gio Crichlow. Dartford were up against it and were heading for yet another defeat at Cressing Road, but Jake Robinson’s spot kick gave the Darts hope and when a free-kick was awarded on the edge of the hosts box, Jack Jebb stepped up to steal a point.

The performance was far from Dartford’s best and King acknowledged this in his post match interview with Dartford FC TV. Despite scraping a last minute draw the Darts came away disappointed as they could have gone top of the National South missing an opportunity. On the bright side, the Darts are well within a shout at this stage in the season and King believes that no one will run away with the league title in such a competitive division.

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Steve King speaks to Dartford FC TV after the draw with Braintree Town

Luckily Dartford haven’t lost too much ground at the top end of the table. Their tremendous start to the season when they won seven of the opening eight games has been slowed down of late with just two victories in the next nine, during which they have struggled to break down relegation battling teams such as Braintree Town and Billericay Town. Desperate to get back on form, King commented that the North Kent derby will be yet another tough game, but whatever the result his side will not get carried away.

Ebbsfleet United also struggled against Billericay Town as they were held to a 0-0 draw over the Bank Holiday. The Fleet, returning from a Covid outbreak which led to the Boxing Day postponement against the Darts, named a side that included just two changes compared to the team that played ten days prior in the 3-0 win versus Bath City. One of those changes was former Dart, Elliott Romain dropping to the substitutes bench, but the striker featured in both fixtures scoring a brace against Bath City. Whilst with the Darts Romain managed to score 16 goals in 45 appearances and is highly rated by manager Fleet Dennis Kutrieb. However, it was Billericay Town’s goalkeeper Rhys Lovett, a recent signing from Maidenhead United, who earned praise on Tuesday for his outstanding performance in keeping the Fleet out.

Manager Dennis Kutrieb explained that the isolation period was far from ideal as he’d prefer his team to be playing rather than having games postponed. After a ‘rusty’ first half performance at home to Billericay Town which the manager put down to the isolation period his side did improve but disappointingly failed to take all three points. The Fleet boss cited that one day of training made things difficult to get ready for their last match and welcomes the time he now has in the build up to Sunday’s derby, he told BBC Radio Kent: “We can recover and prepare, but at least we have five more days and we should look better. I’m looking forward to the game because it’s a great game…for everyone, for us, for Dartford, for the fans”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 66 / Ebbsfleet United wins: 55 / Draws: 33

Current League Form

Dartford
(DLWWDD)
    Ebbsfleet United
(DWWLLL)
   
Braintree Town A 2-2 Billericay Town H 0-0
Maidstone United A 0-4 Bath City H 3-0
Billericay Town H 1-0 Concord Rangers H 2-1
Hemel Hempstead Town A 3-2 Dulwich Hamlet A 2-5
Oxford City H 0-0 Oxford City A 0-1
Chippenham Town H 3-3 Maidstone United A 2-3

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 0 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (02/01/2021 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 0 Dartford (01/01/2017 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Ebbsfleet United (26/12/2016 – National South)
Ebbsfleet United 1 – 1 Dartford (28/03/2016 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Ebbsfleet United (31/08/2015 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Ebbsfleet United (29/10/2013 – F.A Cup)

Stats

  • Dartford last beat Ebbsfleet United as the away team at Stonebridge Road in 1989 during a Kent Senior Cup tie which ended 2-0.
  • Ebbsfleet United are 11 unbeaten in all competitions as the home side in this fixture
  • The 0-0 draw in January was Dartford’s first league clean sheet against the Fleet since the 5-0 New Years Day victory in 1992

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in 14 games on this day stretching back to 1954. The Darts have drawn their last two, 0-0 with Ebbsfleet United at the start of 2021 and 1-1 against Chelmsford City in 2016, Tom Bradbrook scoring a 94th minute equaliser. Danny Harris netted the winning goal in 2012 as the Darts beat Welling United 1-0 and in 2010, Lee Burns and James White were on hand in a 2-1 triumph over Cray Wanderers. Other Kent derby fixtures on this day include draws with Sittingbourne (2006) and Dover Athletic (1989) and a 2-1 victory against Maidstone United in 1982. So the unbeaten run includes eight wins and six draws since the Darts last lost on this day, a 9-2 hammering against Llanelly in the Southern League.