Dartford FC Previews

Tag: F.A Cup

Dartford v Welling United

September 15, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Dartford begin their F.A Cup campaign with a mouth-watering Kent derby against local rivals Welling United this weekend.

Both sides have started slowly in the National South and a second qualifying round win could provide a much-needed boost. The Darts have lost the last three league games which has put Alan Dowson under pressure. Dartford’s boss is looking to record his first F.A Cup victory for the club after last season’s shock exit to Beckenham Town. Meanwhile, the Wings are third from bottom, two points and three places behind the Darts, not the start new manager Danny Bloor was hoping for.

In Kent derbies, Dowson has excelled winning eight out of nine in league matches. Welling United are the only team to stop the Darts when they drew at Park View Road back in February. This fixture has seen Dartford dominate over the last decade recording 14 wins and nine draws (includes one penalty shoot-out win and loss), leaving the Wings with just two victories in normal time. However, the Darts will want to avoid repeating a loss at this stage of the competition to a fellow county side.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open “DARTFORD VS WELLING UNITED | NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH | 01/11/2022” directly
Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford last hosted Welling United back in November when the Darts were on a crest of a wave during Dowson’s best spell since his appointment. Racing into a three-goal lead before the break Pierre Fonkeu, Davide Rodari and former Wing, Maxwell Statham scored the goals to put Dartford well in command. Former Dart, Ade Azeez pulled a goal back for the visitors, but the advantage was later stretched when Jack Smith and Luke Coulson wrapped up a fine display.

The reverse fixture saw the Darts twice go a goal down to come away with a point. George Alexander, who netted against Dartford for Slough Town this month opened the scoring. It took a while for Dowson’s side to get going and they were level through Charlie Sheringham. The Wings went back ahead after Azeez smashed a shot in off the underside of the crossbar, but Malachi Napa confidently finished to level the match at 2-2.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open “HIGHLIGHTS / Welling United 2 Dartford 2” directly
Highlights courtesy of Welling United FC Official

The same scoreline was recorded in the last two cup ties between the teams. In the Kent Senior Cup second round seven years ago, Welling United won 4-1 on penalties. Harry Crawford scored against his former club, but Dartford went ahead through Ryan Hayes and Keaton Wood. With four minutes on the clock, Matt Fish levelled to send the match to spot-kicks.

In April last year, Dartford survived a scare and came back from two goals down to reach the Kent Senior Cup final. Henry Burnett netted twice to put the hosts in control, but goals by Jordan Greenidge and Jake Robinson saw the semi-final decided from 12 yards. The Darts ran out 5-3 winners and went on to lift the county cup three weeks later.

Hoping a cup run will kick start Dartford’s season, the Darts approach this tie in poor form. Last weekend they fell to a single goal defeat against St Albans City, which followed a loss at home to Slough Town and before that a reverse at Taunton Town.

Last weekend, Dowson opted to drop captain Coulson to the bench giving the armband to the ever-present Joash Nembhard. After almost four weeks out injured Sam Odaudu returned to the starting lineup, Archie Woods made his first start after impressive displays and Moussa Diarra came back into the side. Statham’s injury against Taunton Town ruled him out for a second match, so he could miss playing against his former club. Paul Rooney wasn’t included in the matchday squad, whilst Luke Allen, Tommy Block and Alex Wall were also side-lined. Brandon Barzey will be available after completing his three match ban prior his call up to his national side Montserrat, which also saw the winger unavailable for the last two league games.

Welling United are struggling to find the back of the net and are searching for their first goal this month. Although the Wings claimed a 0-0 home draw with St Albans City, they have lost their last two fixtures against early pacesetters Worthing then Bath City. Danny Bloor has managed two victories whilst in charge of the Kent club and they came back-to-back over the Bank Holiday weekend. The Wings defeated Havant and Waterlooville 3-2 before taking the honours in their only Kent derby so far this season against Tonbridge Angels.

Current Form

Dartford (DWWLLL) Welling United (LWWDLL)
St Albans City A 0-1 Bath City H 0-1
Slough Town H 1-2 Worthing A 0-2
Taunton Town A 0-1 St Albans City H 0-0
Dover Athletic H 2-0 Tonbridge Angels A 1-0
Aveley A 1-0 Havant & Waterlooville H 3-2
Farnborough H 1-1 Taunton Town A 0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 25 / Welling United wins: 10 / Draws: 12

Last Six Meetings

Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (04/02/2023 – National South)
Dartford 5 – 1 Welling United (01/11/2022 – National South)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (26/04/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 2 Welling United (05/02/2022 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 6 Dartford (25/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Welling United (06/02/2021 – National South)
* – Welling United won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have won half of their cup ties against Welling United (W10, D5, L5), but have never drawn the Wings in the F.A Cup
  • The Darts have played 20 F.A Cup ties against Kent sides since reforming in 1993 (W11, D3, L6)
  • Dartford are nine games unbeaten in all competitions at home against Welling United (W8, D1)

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook took home the match ball on this day in 2017 when his hat-trick sent Dartford into the F.A Cup third qualifying round. The Darts beat Barking 3-1 with two of Bradbrook’s goals coming from the penalty spot. Other F.A Cup victories on 16 September included a 4-0 Kent derby triumph over rivals Gravesend and Northfleet in 1967 and a 4-2 win against Redbridge Forest in 1989. However, the Darts recorded their biggest ever F.A Cup victory when they beat Hemel Hempstead 9-2 in 1972.

Dartford v Beckenham Town

September 16, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Alan Dowson takes charge of his first F.A Cup game as Dartford manager this weekend against in form Isthmian Division One South East side Beckenham Town.

The Darts reached the final qualifying round last season losing to lower league opposition for a second time in three years. Dowson will want to avoid a cup upset and recreate the run he had in the competition whilst at Woking when they reached the third round, finally losing to Watford. Beckenham Town have a perfect record in their division winning their opening four fixtures to top the table. The Reds have already made it through three ties starting in the extra preliminary round and a win on the weekend will see them achieve their best ever run in the competition.

Dartford have faced Beckenham Town once before at this stage in the F.A Cup way back in 1926 and won 3-1. The two sides also met over the three seasons Dartford spent in the Kent League First Division during the nineties, the last meeting almost 27 years ago ended 0-0. In that 1995/1996 campaign the Darts finished runners up on goal difference losing one league match all season, the Reds managed two draws against Dartford with the reverse fixture finishing 1-1. During the Kent League days the Darts won three times with Beckenham Town’s only ever victory over Dartford coming in September 1994.

Leading up to Tuesday night’s 3-1 victory at Dover Athletic, the Darts had lost four of their last five 2-1 with late goals proving a thorn in their side. Dowson’s team did manage a win though when they beat Hemel Hempstead Town 2-0 on Bank Holiday Monday. Prior the Kent derby, the Dartford boss strengthened the midfield with the loan signing of Kwaku Frimpong from AFC Wimbledon, the 19-year-old was named as a substitute. Three changes were made from the defeat at Chippenham Town with Samir Carruthers and Davide Rodari now fully fit and Luke Coulson returning to the starting line up.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open “DOVER ATHLETIC VS DARTFORD | NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH | 13/09/2022” directly
Highlights – Dover Athletic v Dartford (13/09/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts may have missed Carruthers in their last outing, but the midfielder made his mark with a brilliantly crafted opener. The selection of Coulson also proved crucial, not only did he set up the first goal he chipped in the second. Within a 18 minute spell, the Darts grabbed a third, Maxwell Statham scoring for a second game in a row. Dover Athletic pulled a goal back before half-time when Luke Baptiste gave the hosts a lifeline. There were no goals in the second-half, but Frimpong did come on for his debut replacing Carruthers.

Louie Theophanous has been the star of Beckenham Town’s cup run this season scoring in every game. The forward also helped Kingstonian knock out the Darts three years ago scoring the second goal in a 3-2 win for the K’s. In the extra preliminary round Beckenham Town took on Dartford’s first ever opponents at Princes Park, Horsham YMCA. Within three minutes the Reds gave away a penalty, but he hosts missed their opportunity and Beckenham Town never looked back. Mudiaga Wonugho headed home the opener, Theophanous won and scored a penalty and George Goodwin nodded in the third. In the preliminary qualifier the Reds faced K Sports, another side a division below them and raced into a three-goal lead through Luke Hedges, Theophanous and Harvey Brand. Perhaps taking their foot off the pedal, Beckenham Town conceded twice in the final two minutes but won 3-2.

Theophanous continued his record of scoring in every round by recording a brace against East Grinstead Town in the first qualifying round. Both goals were cancelled out when Matthew Daniel then Tahjae Anderson equalised. The replay ended 3-1 to Beckenham Town with Theophanous opening the scoring and Tyler Anderson doubling the lead. Daniel halved the deficit for the Wasps, but Theophanous secured victory with his sixth F.A Cup goal in four games. 

On Tuesday night, Beckenham Town were in F.A Trophy action going out on penalties. After an even opening half hour, the Reds found themselves a goal down at the break against a Heybridge Swifts side that included former Dartford favourite Lee Noble. However, once again Theophanous’ coolness in front of goal put the Reds level for his ninth goal in as many games and the tie went to penalties. Callum Chafer saved twice to deny Beckenham Town as the Swifts went through 4-1 on spot kicks. Saturday’s match will be the Reds fourth cup tie in a row.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Beckenham Town wins: 1 / Draws: 1

Current Form (FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy)

Dartford
(LLLWLW) 		    Beckenham Town
(WWWDWD)		    
Dover Athletic A 3-1 Heybridge Swifts (FAT)* H 1-1
Chippenham Town A 1-2 East Grinstead Town (FAC) H 3-1
Hemel Hempstead Town A 2-0 East Grinstead Town (FAC) A 2-2
Worthing H 1-2 VCD Athletic A 1-0
Taunton Town A 1-2 Sheppey United H 2-1
Havant and Waterlooville H 1-2 K Sports (FAC) H 3-2

* Lost 4-1 on penalties

Last Six Meetings

Beckenham Town 0 – 0 Dartford (20/01/1996 – Kent League First Division)
Dartford 1 – 1 Beckenham Town (16/08/1995 – Kent League First Division)
Beckenham Town 1 – 2 Dartford (15/10/1994 – Kent League First Division)
Dartford 1 – 2 Beckenham Town (06/09/1994 – Kent League First Division)
Dartford 2 – 0 Beckenham Town (23/04/1994 – Kent League First Division)
Beckenham Town 0 – 4 Dartford (07/09/1993 – Kent League First Division)

Statistics

  • Dartford last failed to feature in at least the second qualifying round back in 2006/2007
  • The Darts have won all five F.A Cup ties when they have played on 17 September

On This Day

John Bartley scored four in a 7-1 F.A Cup win against Flackwell Heath in 1988 at Watling Street, his hat-trick was completed within the opening 20 minutes. A strong wind and ‘a game of two halves’ affected Dartford’s last F.A Cup tie on this day in 2016. The Darts raced into a three goal lead before half-time at Chelmsford City. Danny Harris headed on to the post with the rebound coming off Ross Fitzsimons in the Clarets goal. Elliot Bradbrook scored twice to put Dartford in command. In the second half Shamir Mullings netted twice, but the Darts held on for the final twenty minutes. Other F.A Cup ties on this day featured Dartford beating Hoddesdon Town 4-0 in 1983, Northfleet United 1-0 in 1910 and Folkestone 5-1 in 1904.

AFC Sudbury v Dartford

October 14, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Dartford have the opportunity to reach the F.A Cup first round this weekend when they visit Isthmian North side AFC Sudbury.

Dartford play two steps above their opponents, but have history with their hosts. Dartford had a tremendous tussle with AFC Sudbury for the Isthmian Division One North title back in 2007/2008 and a memorable controversial moment in their last visit to Brundon Lane. John Guest headed the Darts in front when the defender got on the end of Steve Norman’s free-kick. The Suds had prolific striker Jamie Rowe in their ranks and his brace gave the Suffolk side the advantage. Then came the goal that should never have counted, Brendon Cass tried forcing the ball over the line to no avail but the officials thought otherwise. A 2-2 draw thanks to the ‘ghost goal’ ensured there was enough distance between the two sides for the Darts to enter the final stretch of the title race.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open “AFC SUDBURY V DARTFORD” directly

The Darts took four points from AFC Sudbury that season after winning 1-0 at Princes Park earlier in the campaign, Adam Flanagan scoring the winner. In the end the title race went to Dartford’s penultimate match of the season and eventually Tony Burman’s side finished nine points clear to take the Isthmian Division One North title, the Suds lost their playoff semi-final against Canvey Island.

Dartford last reached the first round of the F.A Cup four years ago, but manager Steve King knows his team will need to be on their game against lower league opposition, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and explained: “It’s going to be tough for a different reason, obviously we’re favourites being two levels above, but they have got this far for a reason, so they have ability in their team. We will do no less preparation as we would if it was anybody else”, he added: “If we don’t hit good standards we will get turned over. It is my job to make us as professional as we can and to realise we have to give everything to get through to the next round, but what an opportunity”.

King has led the Darts through two rounds so far beating Hythe Town 5-1 to claim his first F.A Cup victory as Dartford boss. Ade Azeez netted a perfect hat-trick, Danny Leonard scored his first for the club and there was also an own goal. In the third qualifying round, the Darts faced a tough draw against rivals Maidstone United at the Gallagher Stadium, as the two highest ranked teams in the competition went head to head. Noor Husin’s free-kick, Leonard’s second F.A Cup goal and another by Azeez claimed a satisfying 3-0 victory.

Building up to the final qualifier Dartford were in National South action last weekend and found things frustrating against Hungerford Town in the first half. After the interval, Azeez broke the deadlock for his eleventh goal in just ten games in all competitions. Another win and clean sheet was deserved according to King, but he felt the score should have been better if his side took their chances in front of goal. The performances of the team have helped King to the National South’s Manager of the Month award whilst Azeez claimed Player of the Month.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open “Steve King – Post Hungerford Town” directly

AFC Sudbury began their F.A Cup journey in the preliminary round almost two months ago with an away tie against Cockfosters, an Essex Senior League side who Dartford will face in the next round of the London Senior Cup. Daniel Gilchrist opened the scoring on just five minutes, but AFC Sudbury’s lead was cancelled out when Charncey Dash equalised, the advantage was restored two minutes later as George Keys netted what turned out to be the winner.

AFC Sudbury were made to work hard in the next round and needed a last-minute winner to scrape through against Potton United. The United Counties Premier Division South side almost held out for a replay until Tyrese Osbourne scored the crucial goal from a rebound. In the second qualifying round the Suds did need a replay in an all Isthmian League North tie. After a 0-0 draw at home to Stowmarket Town they finished the job with another 1-0 victory, this time Romario Dunne scored the goal to keep the cup run going.

In the previous round the Suds played higher league opposition and yet again came out triumphant in another 1-0 victory. Up against Isthmian Premier League side, Cheshunt, Luke Hipkin scored the first-half goal to take them within one game of the F.A Cup first round.

Last weekend AFC Sudbury won another cup tie beating 2019 F.A Vase finalists, Cray Valley Paper Mills. Both teams play at the same level with the Millers in the Isthmian South East division. With no replay, the F.A Trophy second qualifier ended 0-0 and went to penalties, Alfie Stronge’s save was the last act to send the Suffolk side onwards.

In the Isthmian North, AFC Sudbury have made an excellent start and if they win their game in hand, they could go joint top on points. The Suffolk side have won six of their opening eight, drawing one and losing the other. At home, the Suds have recorded four points from nine and on the road, they have a perfect record with three straight victories without conceding.

Since that title race with the Darts thirteen years ago, AFC Sudbury managed promotion by winning the Isthmian Division One North in 2016, but they came straight back down finishing second from bottom. This season is their fifth campaign back in the Isthmian North having finished twelfth and eighth before the two curtailed seasons.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / AFC Sudbury wins: 0 / Draws: 1

Current Form

Dartford
(DWWWWW) 		    AFC Sudbury (LDWWWD)    
Hungerford Town H 1-0 Cray Valley Paper Mills (FAT) H 0-0
Maidstone United (FAC) A 3-0 Cheshunt (FAC) H 1-0
Athletic Newham (LSC) H 5-2 Romford A 2-0
Welling United A 6-0 Stowmarket Town (FAC) A 1-0
Hythe Town H 5-1 Stowmarket Town (FAC) H 0-0
Tonmbridge Angels H 1-1 Dereham Town H 1-3

Previous Meetings

AFC Sudbury 2 – 2 Dartford (09/02/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 1 – 0 AFC Sudbury (22/09/2007 – Isthmian Division One North )

Stats

  • Dartford have made it to the first round five times in the last twelve attempts
  • The Darts are unbeaten in their last three F.A Cup away ties beating Maidstone United this term and Blackfield and Langley and Horsham in 2019
  • Dartford last lost an away F.A Cup tie against lower league opposition in 2002 when they went out in a replay 1-0 at Carterton Town.
  • AFC Sudbury have kept five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions and nine in their last ten.
  • The Suds last made it to the first round of the F.A Cup in the 2000/2001 season, they defeated Southend Manor, Brook House, Heybridge Swifts, Leek Town, Belper Town before losing to Darlington
  • The last time AFC Sudbury made it to this stage of the competition was back in 2007

On This Day

This will be Dartford’s seventh F.A Cup tie on 16 October and after losing 3-2 to Northfleet in 1895, the Darts are unbeaten in the previous five. On four occasions Dartford progressed to the next round beating Bromley 3-1 in 1912, Folkestone in 1926 and Ramsgate Athletic in 1948 (both games ending 2-0) and in 1982 the Darts knocked out Corinthian Casuals winning 2-1. Tonbridge were the only other side to halt Dartford’s progression in 1965 when the tie finished 0-0, but that was only temporary as the Darts won the replay 6-2.

Dartford’s last away victory on this day was a seven goal thriller against Margate, the Darts returned with all three Southern Premier League points in a 4-3 triumph. Eight years ago, Mohamed Eisa scored the only goal of the game as Dartford beat Charlton Athletic 1-0 in the Kent Senior Cup. Eisa has scored almost a century of Football League goals since after spells with Cheltenham Town, Bristol City, Peterborough United and currently at Milton Keynes Dons.

Maidstone United v Dartford

September 30, 2021 / / 0 Comments

A potential F.A Cup classic could be served up this weekend as Dartford battle it out with rivals Maidstone United for a place in the final qualifying round.

The ingredients for an enthralling encounter are ready as the two highest ranked teams at this stage of the competition go head to head. The Darts lead the National South table as top scorers and with the tightest defence, the Stones are just two points behind in second place. A Kent derby, players up against former clubs and the fans back in stadiums should make for an exciting afternoon.

If the last major cup meeting is anything to go by then this tie could be a close affair. Maidstone United came out on top in the F.A Trophy after a replay, a 2-2 draw at the Gallagher Stadium was followed up by a 1-0 win at Princes Park. A week before the initial F.A Cup tie they met in the league and that also finished 2-2.

Dartford boss, Steve King highlighted how difficult the draw was to both teams, he told Dartford FC TV: “It’s one we didn’t want and probably one they didn’t want. It’s the two highest rank teams left in this initial stage. Would we have wanted another tie, an easier one? Yes, course we would, but they are probably saying the same”. Yet he remains confident his side can progress in the competition, he added: “We’ve played three away from home and have won all three so our away form is good. It’s a tough, tough game but anything can happen on the day as you have seen in previous rounds, eight sides have been knocked out from our league against lower league opposition. Both sides will go into that game thinking they can win”.

Dartford’s last two trips to the Gallagher Stadium have ended in victories. In January of last year, they met for the fourth time that season, the Darts won by a single goal in the Kent Senior Cup with Ky Marsh-Brown scoring the winner. In last season’s league fixture Dartford won 2-0 but had to wait for two late goals from Tom Bonner and Charlie Sheringham.

Steve King’s side have been scoring for fun over the last three games bagging five in the F.A Cup tie against Hythe Town, six versus local rivals Welling United and on Tuesday notched another five in their London Senior Cup debut. The Darts came from behind twice when they hosted Athletic Newham to finally win 5-2. King selected a mixture of senior players needing some game time and academy players handing debuts to a number of youngsters. After falling behind, George Porter equalised from the spot to level the time going into half-time. Athletic Newham went ahead again in the second half but braces from Emmanual Sonupe and Dan Roberts sealed a passage to the next round against Sporting Bengal or Cockfosters. Dartford have now hit five or more goals in three consecutive games for the first time since 1975.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open “Dartford v Athletic Newham – London Senior Cup Highlights” directly

Maidstone United have dropped just four points in the National South with two draws in their last four league games. Only Hampton and Richmond Borough and most recently Concord Rangers have taken points off the Stones. Hakan Hayrettin’s side began their campaign with three straight victories over Hemel Hempstead Town, Chelmsford City and Billericay Town. Their other wins came against Oxford City and in their most recent game Bath City.

Hakan Hayrettin believed the second half against Bath City made a statement, he told www.kentonline.co.uk: “If we can grind out results at places like this – make no mistake, Bath are a very good team – then that shows me where we’re at”, he added: “You’re never going to be perfect every game but I felt that second-half performance was as close to perfect as you’re going to get”. Spaniard, Joan Luque has been in form this term with seven goals from left wing, he scored a double on the weekend earning praise from his boss, Hayrettin commented: “The way I’m playing him here suits him at the moment. It’s amazing to have the goals he’s got by the end of September”.

Luque also found the back of the net in the last round of the F.A Cup as Maidstone United beat Isthmian South East side Chichester City. The Stones had to wait until early in the second half before Luque opened the scoring, but Chichester City’s Tyrone Madhani equalised. Christie Pattison and Roarie Deacon added to the Stones tally to secure a 3-1 triumph.

Both Dartford and Maidstone United have former players in their squad, George Porter scored four goals in twelve games for the Stones last season before switching allegiances. This term for the Darts he has managed three goals in eight appearances. Jordan Wynter and Jake Robinson also had spells at the Gallagher Stadium, Wynter made eight appearances before joining the Darts on loan then making a permanent move. Jake Robinson had a short stay at the Stones between his two spells at Billericay Town. The pair have been struggling with injury recently and may not feature depending on their fitness.

Alfie Pavey had an outstanding time with the Darts under Tony Burman during the 2017/2018 campaign. The striker scored 27 goals as Dartford came close to winning the National South title before he joined the champions of that season Havant and Waterlooville. In the summer he joined Maidstone United, the club where it all began for him. Although his been restricted to mainly substitute appearances he did start in the last F.A Cup round against Chichester City in which he missed a penalty, but he does have two goals this term from three starts and five substitute appearance. Jack Barham is another former Dart who joined the Stones in the summer, but he has yet to feature due to injury, but the striker is back in training. He made 15 appearances last season and scored two goals for the Darts.

Saturday’s clash will be the seventh F.A Cup meeting between the two teams with Dartford leading the head to head record after winning the first five. The most recent victory in the F.A Cup against the Stones was a 2-0 home win in 1962. Maidstone United recorded the same score to progress in 1987, both those ties earned a place in the first round for the victors.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 45 / Maidstone United wins: 45 / Draws: 19

Current Form

Dartford
(WWWDWW) 		    Maidstone United
(WWDWDW)		    
Athletic Newham (LSC) H 5-2 Bath City A 3-0
Welling United A 6-0 Chichester City (FAC) A 3-1
Hythe Town (FAC) H 5-1 Concord Rangers H 2-2
Tonbridge Angels H 1-1 Oxford City A 3-1
Bath City A 3-1 Hampton & Richmond A 1-1
Eastbourne Borough H 3-1 Billericay Town H 1-0

Previous Six Meetings

Maidstone United 0 – 2 Dartford (14/11/2020 – National South)
Maidstone United 0 – 1 Dartford (21/01/2020- Kent Senior Cup)
Dartford 0 – 1 Maidstone United (26/11/2019 – F.A Trophy)
Maidstone United 2 – 2 Dartford (23/11/2019 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 2 – 2 Maidstone United (16/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Maidstone United (22/01/2019 – Kent Senior Cup)*
*Maidstone United won 8-7 on penalties

Stats

  • Dartford have made it to the fourth qualifying round in four of the last seven seasons. Maidstone United have made it to the last qualifying round in six of their last seven campaigns
  • The Darts have scored five or more in their last three games, they have never scored five or more goals in four consecutive matches
  • Dartford are six away games unbeaten against the Stones in all competitions
  • Maidstone United’s last home win in this fixture was a 4-1 Isthmian Division One South victory on 3 March 2007
  • Across all cup competitions Dartford have won 19, drawn 5 and lost 14

On This Day

Dartford have always progressed to the next round of the F.A Cup when playing on 2 October. In 2007, Camberley Town took the Darts all the way drawing 2-2 to force a replay. Dartford were held to a 0-0 draw after extra time and had to endure penalties. Tony Kessell was the hero with twp penalty saves whilst Jamie Coyle, Steve Norman, Eddie McClements and Adam Flanagan all scored their spot kicks. In 1982, Tonbridge were beaten 3-2, Lloyds Sittingbourne were defeated 2-1 in 1948 and Beckenham lost 3-1 in 1926.

Dartford v Hythe Town

September 17, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Dartford enter the 150th edition of the F.A Cup this weekend with a home tie against Isthmian South East side Hythe Town in the second qualifying round.

Steve King will be looking to get off the mark in this competition as a Dartford boss having lost to Kingstonian in his first game in charge and Slough Town last season. Hythe Town have history with the Darts having caused a Kent Senior Cup upset in the final of 2012 beating Dartford on their own patch. Since then the Cannons have continued to play at step four, so like almost nine years ago the two sides are two divisions apart.

The level of football each team is currently playing makes no difference to King, he spoke to Dartford FC TV: “It’s going to be a tough game, it doesn’t matter the level, it’s a F.A Cup game and so the levels go out of the window”, he continued: “I’ve been in teams that have knocked Premiership sides out of the competition”. King knows Hythe Town will approach the second qualifying round tie as underdogs and the danger that poses to the Darts, he added: “Hythe Town are under no pressure, they have a decent manager who has put a good side together. It’s going to be a tough game and we need to be on it”.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

Open “Dartford v Hythe Town ( Kent Senior Cup Final).” directly

Dartford were the last team to lose their perfect start to the campaign in the top six divisions, but they still came away with a point in their last outing, a 1-1 draw with Tonbridge Angels. King made two changes to the side that beat Bath City a week earlier including the introduction of Bagasan Graham, his first start for the club. Graham replaced Luke Wanadio, whilst up front Dan Roberts was in for Jake Robinson.

The Angels deservedly went ahead when Tommy Wood’s header beat Dan Wilks at the far post, only the fourth goal the Dartford goalkeeper has conceded this term. Then on the stroke of half-time birthday boy Jack Jebb took advantage of goalkeeper’s Jon Henly’s headed clearance. Jebb hit a well controlled half volley back over the Angels goalkeeper to level in style. The midfielder also hit the post before his first of the season and picked up the Man of the Match award.

Despite remaining unbeaten King was still left frustrated by aspects of Dartford’s performance partly down to how Tonbridge Angels executed their game plan, he told www.kentonline.co.uk: “It’s the worst we’ve played this season but sometimes people look into it and think that but the opposition are there to stop you playing – and they did”.

Click here to display content from Twitter.
Learn more in Twitter’s privacy policy.

Open content directly
Catch all the latest highlights and interviews on Twitter @dartfordfc or on Dartford FC TV

Whilst Dartford have played a game a week, Hythe Town’s fixture list has been more like the schedule non-league teams are used to at the early stages of the season. The Cannons have played seven games, two of which have been in the earlier rounds of the F.A Cup.

Starting from the preliminary round Hythe Town were involved in a dramatic game against Westfield with four goals in second half injury time. The Cannons went two up through Frannie Collin and Kane Phillip and looked in control, but Phillip was then sent off. Then the drama started as Westfield scored three in stoppage time to lead 3-2, but a minute after conceding Eli Benoit rescued the tie for the Cannons to force a replay. Hythe went to Westfields for a second attempt three days later and scored another three, this time they won 3-1 with goals from Tom Walmsley, Noel Leighton and Collin. In the last round Nathan Gordon’s goal was enough to see of Ascot United 1-0.

Hythe Town opened their campaign with a goal from former Dart, Alex Brown, however they lost 2-1 to Corinthian. The midfielder made 89 appearances for the Darts scoring ten times and is one of a few former Dartford players in the Cannons squad. James Rogers was part of the Darts midfield that won promotion to the National League in the 2012 playoffs, he made 102 appearances for the club. Tom Wynter delayed his retirement to return to Hythe Town, the defender made 81 appearances for Dartford. Alex Flisher was only at Princes Park for three months in which he made nine appearances and scored one goal.

Since the opening day, in the league the Cannons beat VCD Athletic, lost to Ramsgate, defeated East Grinstead Town and on Tuesday won 2-1 against Sittingbourne. Liam Smith and Collin put Hythe Town two up before the Brickies pulled a goal back. The Cannons are beginning to hit their stride with four victories in their last five games in all competitions and are now eighth in the Isthmian South East.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Hythe Town wins: 1 / Draws: 1

Current Form

Dartford
(DWWWWW) 		    Hythe Town
(WWWLWW)		    
Tonbridge Angels H 1-1 Sittingbourne H 2-1
Bath City A 3-1 East Grinstead Town A 1-0
Eastbourne Borough H 3-1 Ascot United (FAC) H 1-0
Dulwich Hamlet A 2-0 Ramsgate H 0-3
Slough Town H 3-0 VCD Athletic A 2-1
St Albans City A 3-1 Westfield A 3-1

Previous Meetings

Dartford 0 – 1 Hythe Town (24/04/2012 – Kent Senior Cup Final)
Dartford 2 – 1 Hythe United (27/04/1996 – Kent League Division One)
Hythe United 0 – 0 Dartford (04/11/1995 – Kent League Division One)

Stats

  • Dartford have progressed past the second qualifying round in five of the last six seasons
  • Hythe Town last went beyond the second qualifying round 11 years ago and are competing in the F.A Cup for the 25th time
  • Dartford have lost their last two F.A Cup ties, the last time they lost three in a row was between 1950 and 1952 (Reading in 1950, Guildford City in 1951 and Hendon in 1952)
  • The Darts have also lost their last three home F.A Cup ties (Swindon Town in 2017, Kingstonian in 2019 and Slough Town in 2020)

On This Day

Brendon Cass netted a hat-trick in a F.A Cup first qualifying round replay to send Dartford through on this day in 2007. The Darts defeated Sittingbourne 5-1 with Adam Flanagan and Eddie McClements scoring the other two goals. This will be the tenth F.A Cup tie Dartford have played on 18 September and so far the Darts have won six. The very first F.A Cup fixture on this day was in 1897 when Dartford beat Mid Kent 5-2. Away ties at Bromley in 1926 and Callenders Athletic in 1948 both ended up in 2-1 victories. The biggest win came in 1982 as the Darts brushed Haywards Heath aside 6-1 and in 2001 Deal Town were beaten 3-0. Fixtures against Northfleet United in 1909 and Waltham and Hersham in 1971 ended in draws, whilst the only defeat came against Dorking in 2004 when the Darts lost 1-0.

© 2024 Dartford FC Previews

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑