Tag: Hampton and Richmond Borough

Alan Dowson returns to the Beveree with his Dartford side this weekend to take on one of his former clubs Hampton and Richmond Borough in the National South.

Dartford’s boss spent almost four years with the Beavers winning the Isthmian Premier League before establishing the Middlesex side in the National South. Taking his place in the away dugout on Saturday, Dowson has turned around recent fortunes for the Darts and hopes to continue their current winning streak. After four straight defeats last month, Dartford approach this weekend’s fixture on the back of three consecutive victories.

Paul Rooney scored his first for the club in the 1-0 Kent derby win over Tonbridge Angels, whilst an own goal was the decisive factor in the London Senior Cup tie with Harrow Borough and last weekend Chippenham Town were comfortably beaten.

Dowson made seven changes to the side that won in the cup and three alterations to the team that started the last league game. Tyrell Miller-Rodney was missing through suspension after picking up five cautions, the midfielder should be available for selection on Saturday. Former Hampton and Richmond defender Tommy Block managed 35 minutes against Harrow Borough as he makes his way back from injury, but the defender took no part in the 4-1 win at Chippenham Town. Joshua Johnson is back in a Dartford shirt for his second loan spell with the club. The midfielder from Oxford United made six appearances last season. Lucas Defise made his debut after coming on as a substitute in Wilstshire and goalkeeper Emmanuel Idem was on the bench.

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Harvey Bradbury scored a couple of penalties to put Dartford in control at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday. First, Joash Nembhard was clipped in the box giving Bradbury the opportunity from twelve yards to score his first in six games. The striker hit his spot kick straight down the middle to put the Darts ahead. Moussa Diarra won the second penalty when a tangle of legs sent him to the ground, Bradbury opted to fire into the corner and increase the advantage. A third was added before half-time when former Hampton and Richmond Borough winger Brandon Barzey was rewarded for his endeavour with his first goal for the club. Putting pressure on the Chippenham Town defence the Montserrat international charged down the goalkeeper’s clearance and slotted into an empty net.

Sloppy defending allowed the hosts back into the game when Owen Windsor pulled a goal back, but Johnson made it a perfect return to the Darts by firing a shot into the top corner and secure victory. Maxwell Statham played his first league match in over a month, but the full back didn’t finish the game after picking up a red card for two bookings.

Earlier this season, the reverse fixture with Hampton and Richmond Borough ended all square. Dartford went ahead when Block sent in a cross for Bradbury to powerfully header into the top corner. The Beavers levelled with eight minutes remaining after the officials gave a questionable corner. The Darts were unable to clear their lines and when the ball fell to Inman he fired in the equaliser. Barzey was in the thick of the action late on when he received a straight red card for his lunge on an opponent leaving Dartford hanging on in the closing stages.

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It was the second draw in a row against the Middlesex side following a goalless stalemate in April last season. The final game of the campaign had nothing riding on the result, so Dowson elected to rest most of the side in preparation for the playoff semi-final a week later. The Darts were unable to net against Alan Julian, one of their former goalkeepers during a second 0-0 draw in three visits to the Beveree.

Last weekend, Hampton and Richmond Borough secured a late win against bottom of the table side Havant and Waterlooville. Connor Kurran-Browne’s strike saw the Beavers come from behind to win 2-1. The Hawks had led from the penalty spot when James Roberts netted the opener. Ruaridh Donaldson put Hampton and Richmond Borough back on level terms before Kurran-Browne’s winner ten minutes from time. That leaves the Beavers in nineteenth but only one win away from the Darts in twelfth. Victory at Westleigh Park on Saturday ended a run of three without a win for Mel Gwinnet’s side who drew 1-1 with Weston-super-Mare prior two defeats. The Beavers lost to current league leaders Yeovil Town 2-1 and were dumped out of the F.A Cup by Isthmian Premier League side Lewes, losing 3-0 at the Dripping Pan.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLLLWW)			Hampton & Richmond (LLWDLW)
Chippenham Town	A	4-1	Havant & Waterlooville	A	2-1
Tonbridge Angels	H	1-0	Yeovil Town	H	1-2
St Albans City	A	0-1	Weston-super-Mare	A	1-1
Slough Town	H	1-2	Weymouth	H	1-0
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Farnborough	A	1-3
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Aveley	A	0-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 6

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (15/08/2023 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (29/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (26/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (22/01/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford have lost just one of the last 13 league games against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W6, D6) and are unbeaten in the last six (W2, D4)
• The Darts have kept three consecutive clean sheets at the Beveree (W1, D2)
• Dartford could make it three consecutive league wins for the first time this season and the first time since December 2022/January 2023
• There has been just one goal in the last three meetings at the Beveree between Dartford and Hampton and Richmond Borough. The Darts won 1-0 in March 2022.
• Jordan Wynter made his 150^th appearance for the Darts in the reverse fixture, this time he could make his 150^th start

On This Day

Dartford have won their last four on this day and are unbeaten in five. In fact, they have only lost one in their last nine outings on 14 October. The last game on this day was six years ago when Alfie Pavey scored the only goal in the F.A Cup fourth qualifying round tie at Burgess Hill Town. In 2006, goals from Richard Avery, Anthony Hogg and Jay May handed Dartford a 3-1 Isthmian Division One South win over Godalming Town. Three years earlier the same score saw the Darts beat Sittingbourne in a Southern League Division One East fixture, whilst in 1989 Heybridge Swifts were beaten 1-0 in the F.A Cup third qualifying round. Dartford have won their last five away games on this day including a 3-1 win against Bexley United in 1970 and a 2-1 victory over Ashford United in 1961. The Darts also beat local rivals Gravesend and Northfleet 2-0 at home in 1967.

Dartford are hoping to record their first win of the season when they host Hampton and Richmond Borough on Tuesday night.

The Darts failed to win a pre-season game in the build up to the new campaign and have taken just one point from their opening two outings. The Beavers got off the mark on Saturday with a draw having lost their opening fixture.

Last season Alan Dowson got the better of his former club when the Darts won 2-1 at Princes Park. Marvin Herschel had a day to remember making his first ever start in a Dartford shirt and scoring the winner. However, it was Charlie Sheringham who made an impact scoring within a matter of minutes of coming on as a substitute. The striker was involved again setting up Herschel for his first Dartford goal. With three minutes remaining Jake Gray’s deflected effort set up a nervy finish.

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Dowson handed eight debuts out on the opening day and added another two to that list down in Weymouth. After a shaky defensive display in the 3-3 draw at home to Bath City, the Dartford boss made two loan signings to strengthen the backline. Goalkeeper, Jack McIntyre went straight into the starting eleven to begin his one month loan from Accrington Stanley and James Golding made his fist appearance after arriving from Oxford United. Mitchell Beeney and Baris Altintop made way and were named on the bench. Paul Rooney served the second match of his three game suspension.

The game was decided by a moment of indecisiveness from McIntyre. The loanee looked to have Joel Rollinson’s deep cross covered, but fumbled the ball into the net. Tyrell Miller-Rodney, who recorded his first goal on his debut versus Bath City tested Weymouth’s goalkeeper in the first half. Luke Coulson, who netted an opening day double also came close. Making his first appearance of 2023/2024, as a substitute, Maxwell Statham had an opportunity with ten minutes to go. McIntyre’s double save kept the score at 1-0 later on. After showing attacking intent by scoring three against Bath City on the opening day, the Darts drew a blank.

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One of the stand out performers in Dartford’s last home match was Brandon Barzey. The winger will face his former club Hampton and Richmond Borough after making the switch this summer. Barzey isn’t the only former Beaver, Tommy Block signed for the Darts last season from the Middlesex club. Tyrell Miller-Rodney also had a spell at the Beveree. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Alan Julian is a former Dart, however new signing from Cheshunt Adam Desbois has started between the sticks for Hampton and Richmond Borough’s first two games.

Mel Gwinnett’s team were narrowly beaten by Eastbourne Borough just over a week ago. Billy Vigar’s header was the difference between the two sides. However, the Beavers recorded their first point on the weekend picking up a 1-1 draw at Chelmsford City. Despite falling behind to a Callum Jones strike, it took just a couple of minutes to pull level when Ruaridh Donaldson scored from close range. The Beavers boss felt his side were more competitive against the Clarets despite having to reshape his starting lineup.

Last season Hampton and Richmond Borough were heading for a relegation battle, which led to the departure of Gary McCann and the appointment of Gwinnett in February. A successful spell in March and victories in crucial six pointers saw them win eight of their last eleven to stay up with plenty of time to spare. Over the summer the Middlesex club signed Mason Bloomfield from Farnborough, who managed 11 league goals last term. From the National League, Robert Hall and Jordan Cheadle arrived from Barnet and Dorking Wanderers respectively. George Hunt made his switch from Slough Town to remain in the National South. Alex Solomon and Ben Seymour have made the step up from Kingstonian and Plymouth Parkway. Georgian, Teimouraz Vasagkasvilli also joined the club.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 5

Last Six Meetings

Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (29/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (26/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (22/01/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (08/02/2020 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford have lost just one of the last 12 league games against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W6, D5) and are unbeaten in the last five (W2, D3)
• The Darts have lost just once in their last seven home league games against the Beavers (W4, D2)
• Dartford have scored in each of their last seven home games against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W4, D2, L1)
• The Darts last failed to win their opening three league games in the 2019/2020 season

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten on this day winning three out of five. In 2017, the Darts defeated Concord Rangers 2-0 at Princes Park when Elliot Bradbrook scored in the first half and Lyle Della-Verde netted in the second half. Bradbrook’s brother Tom scored twice two years earlier in a 2-2 draw with Sutton United. An exciting opening day encounter against Horsham in 2009 ended 3-2 to the Darts with Elliot Bradbrook grabbing a brace and Adam Flanagan getting on the scoresheet. In the National League, Dartford comfortably won 3-0 at Stafford Rangers back in 1981 and in 1970 the Darts drew 1-1 with Gloucester City in the Southern Premier League.

Pressure is off for Dartford for one weekend only as they take on Hampton and Richmond Borough in the final league game of the season.

The Darts secured the runners up spot crowning their final home game of the regular season with a win. Victory earned Alan Dowson’s side home advantage in the playoffs and a bye into the semi-finals which starts next weekend. The Dartford boss used to manage Hampton and Richmond Borough and his success there will see him welcomed back to the Beveree. The Middlesex club can finish as high as sixteenth in the division with all three points.

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Marvin Herschel scored on his debut in the reverse fixture back in September and it turned out to be the match winner. However, it was Charlie Sheringham that made an impact by scoring and assisting after coming on as a substitute. After Carruthers and Luke Allen combined, Sheringham was sent through and slotted home the opener. The striker then set up Herschel nine minutes later to see Dartford go two up with 18 minutes to play. Searching for a first home clean sheet of the season, the Darts were unable to hold out when Jake Gray fired past Joe Young. Last time at the Beveree, Carruthers made his Dartford debut last season and found himself on the winning the side. Marcus Dinanga scored the only goal of the game just over a year ago.

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Dowson will need to decide on whether to rest players or maintain the side that beat St Albans City at Princes Park last Saturday. The Darts suffered a disappointing defeat on the road just two days earlier against relegation threatened Concord Rangers but bounced back with a hard fought 2-1 win against the Saints. Four changes were made to the side with Jordan Wynter, Richard Chin, Luke Allen and Samir Carruthers returning to the starting eleven, the latter returning from injury and making an early impact against St Albans City. Striker Alex Wall who returned from injury against Concord Rangers as a substitute only to be substituted in the same game was out on the weekend as well as former Hampton and Richmond Borough defender Tommy Block.

Saturday’s win was a good test for what is to come in a weeks’ time as the Darts could be facing last weekends opponents again. Chin had an excellent afternoon and the loanee set up Carruthers for his tenth goal of the season. The Darts had an advantage after just three minutes and had to hold firm as the first-half progressed. It took until the 72nd minute for St Albans City to equalise with one of the best goals scored at Princes Park from an opposing side. Shaun Jeffers acrobatically struck the ball beyond Ben Dudzinski for yet another goal against the Darts. Luke Coulson and Pierre Fonkeu started from the substitute’s bench and the pair made an impact five minutes after St Albans City equalised. Coulson’s free-kick was saved by Dylan Berry and Fonkeu pounced to net the winner, his tenth league goal of the campaign.

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Dartford’s form has been sketchy to say the least as they approach the playoffs, they have alternated between wins and losses for the last nine games. Whilst they have suffered late defeats to Chelmsford City, Taunton Town and Concord Rangers as well as the reverse at Eastbourne Borough, the Darts also beat Farnborough, Dulwich Hamlet, recorded their sixth and seventh Kent derby wins of the season against Dover Athletic and Tonbridge Angels respectively and overcame St Albans City.

Hampton and Richmond Borough were heading for a relegation battle in February compounded by a heavy defeat to Ebbsfleet United. A month earlier Gary McCann departed and Mel Gwinnett was appointed as boss. The new man couldn’t buy a win in his first six games in charge, but the Beavers rallied and swam to safety showing excellent form throughout March in particular. After the 6-2 reverse against the Fleet, Hampton and Richmond Borough won eight of their next eleven fixtures beating the sides down at the bottom such as Dulwich Hamlet, Cheshunt, Dover Athletic and Hungerford Town. Keeping their cool during those six pointers lifted the Middlesex club away from the battle at the wrong end of the table with plenty of time to spare.

On Tuesday night, with the shackles off they were beaten for a third away game in a row having been beaten by Chippenham Town and Concord Rangers, although they did win their last home match in between versus Weymouth. A 3-0 reverse at Welling United means the Beavers have now lost three in four, but all the hard work has already been done.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (LWLWLW)			Hampton & Richmond (WWLWLL)
St Albans City	H	2-1	Welling United	A	0-3
Concord Rangers	A	2-3	Concord Rangers	A	0-2
Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0	Weymouth	H	2-1
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Chippenham Town	A	1-2
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Hungerford Town	H	2-0
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	Taunton Town	H	3-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (26/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (22/01/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (08/02/2020 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 – 2 Dartford (05/11/2019 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford have lost just one of the last 11 against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W6, D4)
• The Darts are unbeaten in their last five visits to the Beveree (W3, D2)
• Dartford have kept three clean sheets in their last four visits to Hampton and Richmond Borough

On This Day

A dramatic late win down in Poole helped Dartford secure a third-place finish and a bye in the playoffs. Needing to beat Chelmsford City’s result at Hungerford Town, the Darts came from behind to leapfrog the Clarets on the final day. Andy Pugh gave Dartford a lead which was extinguished when Poole Town scored twice through Marvin Brooks and Steve Devlin. Two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game Tom Murphy equalised and with virtually the last kick Lee Noble completed the comeback. The Darts have won their last two on this day and both games were on the road, Tonbridge Angels were beaten 4-2 in the Southern League South back in 2000. Ricky Bennett scored four in a 6-0 win over Faversham Town in 1995. Dartford’s opponents were forced to field a young side after several players had walked out of the club. In a subsequent match, Faversham Town lost 13-0 against Folkestone Invicta.

Dartford welcome one of Alan Dowson’s former clubs this weekend when they host Hampton and Richmond Borough in the National South.

The Darts boss oversaw the Beavers for four years and won the Isthmian Premier League title with the Middlesex club. Now Dowson is hoping to keep up his record of winning promotion with every club he has managed, this time with Dartford. The 52-year-old faced Dartford four times in his spell with Hampton and Richmond Borough winning one, drawing one and losing two. The last time he was up against the Darts as the Beavers manager was the Good Friday mud bath game in 2018, which saw Alfie Pavey score a last-minute winner.

After a middle of the road start with four wins and four defeats in the National South, the Darts will be determined to pick up the pace especially after their shock F.A Cup exit to Beckenham Town on the weekend. Only one change was made to the side that beat Dover Athletic on Tuesday with Charlie Sheringham making his 100th start for the club meaning Davide Rodari took his place on the bench. Alongside the rest of the substitutes, new signing Daniel Jinadu provided back up for goalkeeper Joe Young. At the start of the season Daniel Wilks was the first choice goalkeeper, but he is recovering from an ankle injury. Whilst Sam Odaudu has been out after having surgery on his mouth.

Beckenham Town led twice with Harvey Brand finishing after taking advantage of a corner conceded by the Darts. Then after Charlie Sheringham scored his first goal since returning to Dartford, Rob Carter won it late on for the visitors. Dowson’s tactical changes proved costly in unlucky circumstances, the Darts boss introduced Kristian Campbell at half time for Jordan Wynter and ten minutes into the second-half Rodari replaced Adam Lovatt to provide a greater attacking threat. Once Sheringham equalised, Dowson withdrew striker Pierre Fonkeu and gave midfielder Kwaku Frimpong his home debut. By the end of the tie Dartford were forced to take off the injured Luke Coulson with no substitutes left to use, conceded a goal and had Frimpong harshly sent off.

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Despite the F.A Cup loss the Darts did manage a win in their last league outing. A fine first-half display in the Kent derby a fortnight ago had Dartford 3-1 up before the interval at rivals Dover Athletic. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers scored the first of three goals in an 18-minute spell to put the Darts in command. Coulson assisted Carruthers for the first goal and found the back of the net to double Dartford’s lead and to add further misery to the hosts Maxwell Statham made it three. A lapse of concentration just before half-time let Dover Athletic back in the game, but a controlled second half saw the score unchanged.

Dartford are four points ahead of Hampton and Richmond Borough and last hosted the Middlesex club in January when Connor Essam and Jake Robinson combined for both goals. Essam set up Robinson twice and, on each occasion, put the Darts ahead. However, the Beavers hit back firstly through Sam Deadfield then Jack McKnight’s penalty. The reverse meeting six months ago featured a debut for Carruthers, the 29-year-old has scored three in his last two league appearances. Campbell also made his first start in a Dartford shirt that day, but it was Marcus Dinanga who settled the match with the only goal of the game.

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On the weekend, Hampton and Richmond Borough negotiated their way into the F.A Cup third qualifying round after beating Bognor Regis Town 2-0. An early strike from Ade Shokunbi settled any nerves of a cup upset and with four minutes remaining an own goal made sure the Beavers went through to the next round. Gary McCann’s side have now recorded consecutive victories after they won in their last league match at home to Chippenham Town, Tommy Block’s spot kick enough to end a run of three straight losses. Former Dartford goalkeeper, Mark Smith has now kept two clean sheets in a row last conceding in the 2-1 reverse at Slough Town, a game which saw the Beavers let a one goal lead slip in the final ten minutes.

Smith is one of two former Darts competing for the number one jersey. Signed by Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle for the 2019/2020 campaign, the 26-year-old made 29 appearances for Dartford after signing from Eastbourne Borough. Whilst Alan Julian won Dartford’s 2013/2014 Supporters Player of the Year making 45 appearances in that season. Since his spell at Princes Park, Julian has played for Sutton United, Bromley, Billericay Town and is now with Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (LLLWLW)			Hampton & Richmond Borough (DWLLLW)
Dover Athletic	A	3-1	Chippenham Town	H	1-0
Chippenham Town	A	1-2	Slough Town	A	1-2
Hemel Hempstead Town	A	2-0	Oxford City	A	0-2
Worthing	H	1-2	Havant and Waterlooville	H	2-3
Taunton Town	A	1-2	Tonbridge Angels	A	4-1
Havant and Waterlooville	H	1-2	Bath City	H	1-1

Last Six Meetings

Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (26/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (22/01/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (08/02/2020 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 – 2 Dartford (05/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (23/03/2019 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford have lost just one of the last ten against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W5, D4)
• The Darts have failed to win their last three home games against the Beavers (D2, L1)
• Dartford have lost their last three home games for the first time since September/October 2019. The Darts have not lost four in a row at home since February/March 2006 in the Southern League Division One East.

On This Day

Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Danny Harris scored on this day in 2016 to help the Darts beat Concord Rangers 2-1 at Princes Park. Victory sealed a third consecutive home triumph on 24 September after a 3-1 win over Tonbridge Angels in 2011 in which Harris scored again, Elliot Bradbrook and Charlie Sheringham netted either side of the winger’s strike. In 1983, the Darts beat Witney Town 4-1 in the Southern Premier League. Between 1983 and 2011, Dartford played six times on this day on the road including the 5-1 hammering of Darenth Heathside in 1994.

Dartford will be hoping to celebrate Non-League Day this weekend by coming home with vital points from their away trip to Hampton and Richmond Borough.

The Darts are currently third in the National South and trying to chase down the top two heading into the final stretch of the season. Hampton and Richmond Borough still have a chance of reaching the playoffs and are unbeaten in four.

Hampton and Richmond Borough did Dartford a favour on the weekend, but there was no such favour from a former Dart at Princes Park. Whilst Steve King’s side were held at home, the Beavers put in a fine display against league leaders Dorking Wanderers. King made two changes to the team that beat Chelmsford City in mid-week bringing in Ody Alfa and Marcus Dinanga for Danny Leonard and Kalvin Kalala. The squad was also bolstered with the signing of Kristian Campbell from Welling United, he made a substitute appearance early on replacing the injured George Porter. Steve King has known Campbell for a while, and he believes the full back compliments the side.

The Darts took the lead when Kory Roberts headed back across the goal and into the net for his first in a Dartford shirt. The Hawks were level shortly after as former Dartford striker Alex Wall slid in to make it 1-1. However, the Darts squandered a big opportunity to close the gap on Dorking Wanderers when Ade Azeez had his penalty saved by Ross Worner. King felt his side should have taken their chances and won the game. He also praised the man of the match performance from Roberts and Jack Jebb’s deliveries into the Havant and Waterlooville box, but acknowledges the Darts need to finish the opportunities in front of goal.

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Meanwhile, Hampton and Richmond Borough drew with league leaders Dorking Wanderers. Josh Taylor sneaked a shot past Beavers goalkeeper, Reice Charles-Cook at the near post to give the hosts the lead after half an hour. Hampton and Richmond Borough fought back in six second-half minutes; first Kyron Farrell brilliantly scored direct from a free-kick then Dean Inman headed the Beavers in front from another set-piece. With fifteen minutes remaining Wes Fogden popped up with the equaliser as his side dropped important points. Come full-time the Darts had not lost any ground on the former league leaders, however Maidstone United have now taken over at the top and hold a nine-point advantage over King’s men.

Entering the final seven games of the campaign, Dartford will have to maintain some pressure on the top two starting against Hampton and Richmond Borough. Steve King’s side then travel to fifth place Oxford City and host mid-table Hemel Hempstead Town before their game in hand versus Billericay Town. Hopefully the Darts will still be in touch when the potentially big Kent derby arrives with Maidstone United on 18 April. To be able to maintain that pressure, the absentees of six players last weekend means King is looking to sign some new players before they face Hampton and Richmond Borough. One of those to have joined the Dartford ranks is Samir Carruthers, who will be hoping to make his debut after arriving from Hemel Hempstead Town, the central midfielder has made 24 appearances in the National South this term. Carruthers started his senior career at Aston Villa making three Premier League appearances. The 28 year old gained further experience at Milton Keynes Dons, Sheffield United, Oxford United and Cambridge United before joining the Tudors in the summer of 2020.

Keiran Murtagh will be available after serving his suspension, Jernade Meade and Josh Hill remain out injured, whilst Leonard and Jordan Wynter were unable to play in the draw last Saturday. George Porter was taken off early in the match against Havant and Waterlooville and Luke Allen has been out for the last four league matches.

Allen was involved in the reverse fixture against Hampton and Richmond Borough back in January. In Dartford’s first game without creative midfielder Noor Husin, who had left the club for National League side Southend United, Allen was back in the first team and since then the central midfielder has shown his qualities until picking up his injury in the defeat at Hungerford Town. A couple of months ago, the Darts were off to a great start scoring after five minutes against this weekend’s opponents, Connor Essam headed the ball for Jake Robinson to score. The Beavers equalised through Sam Deadfield, but Dartford were back in front with a carbon copy of the first goal as Essam and Robinson combined again. Hampton and Richmond Borough were level once more ten minutes into the second half, Jack McKnight converting a penalty to make sure the points were shared. Last season Dartford only managed to play the Beavers once and that was a 0-0 draw in October 2020 at the Beveree. The stalemate extended Dartford’s unbeaten run at Hampton and Richmond Borough to four.

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Hampton and Richmond Borough have won their last two home games in the National South beating relegation threatened Welling United. A game which saw the new Wings boss Warren Feeney take charge of his first game. The Beavers yet again made their set-pieces count with both James Roberts and Farrell scoring direct from free-kicks in the 2-1 victory. Ten days earlier the Middlesex club had recorded the same score against Dulwich Hamlet, but this time they came from behind. Former Dartford goalkeeper Alan Julian was unable to keep out Jordan Green’s penalty after just two minutes. The Beavers were level before half-time when Zach Robinson levelled. Then in the second-half Hampton and Richmond Borough won a penalty of their own resulting in Quade Taylor’s sending off for handball, Roberts stepped up to score the winner. Sandwiched between the two victories, Gary McCann’s side suffered the same fate a Dartford by getting knocked out of a county cup to Brentford B. This time it was the Middlesex Senior Cup semi-final, with the Bees going on to win 1-0.

The Beavers are on their best current run in the league since the seven unbeaten near the start of the campaign. After a spell of one defeat in ten between the end of August and through to the end of November, the Middlesex club took just three points in the next 21 available before the 2-2 draw with Dartford in January. They followed up with a 4-0 victory over Bath City before going on a four-game losing streak, which was ended with a 1-1 draw against Chippenham Town and started this current run Hampton and Richmond Borough are on.

McCann has managed to strengthen his squad ahead of the transfer deadline giving new signing Wassim Aouachria his debut in the draw with Dorking Wanderers. The forward is on loan from Charlton Athletic joining fellow Addick, Lucas Ness who extended his loan spell until the end of the season.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWLWD)			Hampton & Richmond (LLDWWD)
Havant & Waterlooville	H	1-1	Dorking Wanderers	A	2-2
Chelmsford City	H	2-1	Welling United	H	2-1
Chippenham Town	A	2-4	Dulwich Hamlet	H	2-1
Dorking Wanderers	H	3-2	Chippenham Town	A	1-1
Hungerford Town	A	1-2	Chelmsford City	A	0-1
Bath City	H	2-0	Oxford City	H	0-3

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (22/01/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (08/02/2020 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 – 2 Dartford (05/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (23/03/2019 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (17/11/2018 – National South)

Stats

• Dartford have scored in this fixture in 11 of their last 12 meetings, the only time they failed to score in that spell was in the last visit to the Beveree
• The Darts have lost the fewest games in the National South this season, all six coming away from home.
• Dartford have scored in their last ten league games, their best streak of the season and longest since the 2019/2020 season (13 games between 17 August 2019 and 16 November 2019).

On This Day

Charlie Sheringham scored twice in 2011 as the Darts beat Lewes 3-0 at Princes Park. Danny Harris scored the other that day in Dartford’s only win on 26 March in five attempts since 1994, when they beat Faversham Town 2-1 in the Kent League. The last away outing for the Darts on this day was in 2013 when they went to Hereford United in the National League and lost 1-0, the fourth consecutive away defeat on 26 March, the other three being 3-0 at Chelmsford City in 1999, 1-0 at Gosport Borough in 1983 and 2-1 against Canterbury City in 1968. Dartford’s last victory on their travels on this day was in 1958 when they beat Headington United 4-3 in the Southern League.

Dartford search for their first league win of the year this weekend when they host Hampton and Richmond Borough in the National South.

Last term, the delayed start to the campaign meant that these two sides faced each other in the second game of the season as late as October. The fixture at the Beveree ended 0-0, the reverse match failed to take place as 2020/2021 was cut short. That means the last meeting between the Darts and the Beavers at Princes Park took place in February 2020 and it was the visitors who came out on top. Luke Wanadio headed Dartford in front early on against his former side, the winger recently made his 99th Dartford appearance when he came on against Dulwich Hamlet. The Beavers hit back through Danilo Orsi-Dadomo and Ryan Hill to record their first victory at Princes Park for nine years.

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The Darts are looking for their first league win in over a month, the last National South victory came against Billericay Town at the start of December. Since then they have lost to rivals Maidstone United and Ebbsfleet United and earned draws at Braintree Town, thanks to a superb last minute Jack Jebb free-kick and Dulwich Hamlet, Robinson scoring the leveller in that game.

During that spell, Dartford have progressed through two rounds of the F.A Trophy and are now in the last sixteen. A 3-1 victory over Cray Wanderers was followed up by an impressive 1-0 win over National League side Weymouth on the weekend. King made just two changes to the side that drew 1-1 in Dartford’s last league outing against Dulwich Hamlet. New loan signing Kai Woollard-Innocent made his debut replacing Michael Kedman and Kieran Murtagh got the nod over Tyrique Hyde. Drafted in to the squad after Jernade Meade’s injury, Innocent made a steady start to his loan spell from Queens Park Rangers.

King described the trophy tie as a game of two halves as Dartford dominated the first. Jebb became the match winner in the first forty five with a well taken drilled shot from outside the box, the midfielder’s fourth of the campaign in all competitions. In the second half, some However, goalkeeper Dan Wilks continued his excellent form in goal with a fine second-half display to add to the fine performance against Dulwich Hamlet, which included a contender for save of the season.

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Dartford will be need to look for inspiration elsewhere in midfield with the departure of key player Noor Husin. The midfielder joined Southend United with the Darts getting an undisclosed fee before his contract runs out in the summer. The Afghan international made 50 appearances for Dartford and scored six goals.

This month there has also been some comings and goings at the Beveree as the Middlesex side push for a playoff challenge. Currently in fifteenth, just five points adrift of a top seven spot, the Beavers have as good a chance as any of the chasing pack. Gary McCann employed three new players ahead of their 2-1 win over Concord Rangers earlier this month. Zach Robinson had a loan spell with Hemel Hempstead Town this season, the 19-year-old AFC Wimbledon forward is now part of the squad. Defenders, Leo Hamblin and Tommy Block as well as midfielder Shane Dunne all arrive from Woking.

Departing the club on New Years Eve, Ryan Gondoh joined Wealdstone after four goals in 17 games this term. Sheffield Wednesday loanee, Charles Hagan has returned to the League One side after six appearances, Cole Brown left after only 15 appearances since 2019 and Charlie Wassmer had his contract terminated after an incident at Slough Town. Youngster Ronan Hutchins went out on loan to Tring Athletic.

A familiar face to Dartford fans is goalkeeper Alan Julian, who made 45 appearances for the Darts on his way to picking up the 2013/2014 Supporters Player of the Year. He left that May to play for Sutton United before moving on to Bromley, Billericay Town then Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Up towards the end of November, Hampton and Richmond Borough were in a strong position. Sitting sixth in the National South six points off the Darts, who were leading the way, with a game in hand. The Beavers had just lost once in their last ten picking up points against Maidstone United, Oxford City, Chippenham Town and beating Ebbsfleet United in that spell. Then they went out of the F.A Trophy to Southern League Division One South side Plymouth Parkway and results have taken a turn. The Beavers lost five of their next six league games and when they took on St Albans City, Slough Town and Hungerford Town in that time they conceded ten.

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Over the last three fixtures, Hampton and Richmond Borough managed to defeat Concord Rangers 2-1 with a last-minute winner. Tyrell Miller-Rodney scored a rare goal for the Middlesex club and when Jake Peck equalised two minutes from time it looked like the Beavers earned a point. In the final minute, Jake Gray hit a low cross into the Concord Rangers box which was turned into his own goal by Jayden Randall. On the weekend the score was reversed in a much-improved display against the newest league leaders Dorking Wanderers. Another Gray cross was finished by Ruaridh Donaldson, but the Beavers couldn’t hold on and when former Dart, Jason Prior scored a penalty and Wes Fogden netted the winner, McCann’s team came away empty handed.

On Tuesday night the Beavers lost again making it six defeats in seven, in their rescheduled game against Braintree Town. Earlier in the season the game was abandoned with the Iron leading a goal to nil, this time it finished 4-2 to the Essex club lifting them off the foot of the table. Yet it was Hampton and Richmond Borough who took the lead when Jack McKnight, a former Slough Town striker and teammate of Dartford’s Dan Roberts scored a penalty. Braintree Town hit back with three goals in sixteen first-half minutes. Late on, Brandon Barzey gave the Beavers hope, but that was extinguished in the final minute as the Iron went on to secure a 4-2 win.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 3

Current League Form

Dartford (DLDLWW)			Hampton & Richmond (LLWLLL)
Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-1	Braintree Town	H	2-4
Ebbsfleet United	A	0-1	Dorking Wanderers	H	1-2
Braintree Town	A	2-2	Concord Rangers	H	2-1
Maidstone United	A	0-4	Hungerford Town	A	0-3
Billericay Town	H	1-0	Slough Town	A	1-4
Hemel Hempstead Town	A	3-2	St Albans City	A	0-3

Previous Meetings (last six)

Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (08/02/2020 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 – 2 Dartford (05/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (23/03/2019 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (17/11/2018 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Hampton & Richmond Borough (30/03/2018 – National South)

Stats

• Dartford have lost just one of the last eight games against Hampton and Richmond Borough, winning four and drawing three of the other matches
• Hampton and Richmond Borough are unbeaten in their last two games against the Darts, their longest streak since winning three in a row between 2008 and 2010
• The 0-0 draw in the last meeting ended a run of ten consecutive games in which the Darts scored against the Beavers, a run stretching back to those three consecutive defeats

On This Day

Dartford claimed a memorable victory in 2011 beating Farnborough 4-1, despite playing most of the match with ten men. Lee Noble controversially dismissed which only fired up the supporters and galvanised the Darts. Before that moment Noble won a tenth minute penalty, scored by Charlie Sheringham, but the visitors were soon level when Bradley Bubb equalised. Ten minutes before half-time Noble was sent off, but against the odds the Darts blew Fanrborough away in the second half. Sheringham scored again three minutes after the interval, a bandage-headed Tom Champion drilled home a third and Tom Bonner’s long throw was headed in by Danny Harris to make it four.

That victory is Dartford’s only one on this day since a 2-0 win in 1983 against Chelmsford City in the Southern Premier League. Three 0-0 draws followed the win over the Clarets, in 1994 against Corinthian, in 2000 versus Erith and Belvedere and in 2002 against Fisher Athletic. The Darts suffered defeats to Aveley (0-2 in 2005) and Heybridge Swifts (0-3 in 2008) meaning five games without scoring for Dartford on this day. That ended run ended in style with the win over Farnborough. Most recently, the Darts went out of the Kent Senior Cup in the last eight, losing 8-7 on penalties after drawing 1-1 with Maidstone United.