Tag: Havant and Waterlooville

Dartford have four games to save their National South status and face another six pointer at Havant and Waterlooville this weekend.

The Darts slipped into the bottom four over Easter with a pair of defeats. On Good Friday they were beaten by promotion chasing Chelmsford City and three days later lost a crucial match versus Eastbourne Borough. With no victories in their last ten league outings and Adrian Pennock desperate for his maiden win as Dartford boss the pressure is on. Havant and Waterlooville looked set on filling one of the other relegation spots at the end of February, but the Hawks have since gained eleven points to give themselves a glimmer of hope.

Pennock’s side took a major blow on Easter Monday as they fell to a 2-0 home loss to Eastbourne Borough. The disappointment was compounded by the fact that the Sports climbed above the Darts in the standings swapping safety for a relegation place. Dartford are now a point behind the Sussex club having played an extra game. Meanwhile, Havant and Waterlooville may have suffered a heavy reverse on Good Friday, but a late Ryan Seagar winner at Aveley on Monday put the Hampshire club within five points of Eastbourne Borough.

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In their quest for survival Dartford could all but confirm Havant and Waterlooville’s relegation from the National South. A rare victory for the Darts and a win for Eastbourne Borough against Weymouth will leave the Hawks needing to win all three of their remaining fixtures. However, Dartford also need the Sussex side to drop points to be in with a chance of climbing out of the drop zone.

Three changes were made to the starting eleven that lost 4-1 at Chelmsford City on Good Friday. Pennock selected Harrison Sodje, Luke Allen and Tommy Block against Eastbourne Borough. Oliver Bray was out with a hamstring strain and will be assessed ahead of this weekend’s trip to Hampshire and Manny Adebowale is also on the treatment table. Sam Odaudu is not yet available but has been working on his recovery.

An early groin injury to Block was a sign of things to come as he lasted just ten minutes. Then a goalkeeping error by Rhys Byrne gifted Yahya Bamba a tap in to put the visitors in command. Late in the first-half Eastbourne Borough struck the post twice either side of Brandon Barzey leaving the pitch with a hamstring injury. The Darts were fortunate to be just a goal down at the break. The second-half continued in much the same way when the Sports hit the post for a third time. Although Luke Coulson had one cleared off the line, Bamba struck his second to make it worse for Pennock’s side. Oliver Box did crash a late effort of the crossbar, but the Darts fell to their twelfth defeat in sixteen and drew a blank for the thirteenth time this season.

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Dartford’s Joash Nembhard, Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Paul Rooney all featured against their former club Havant and Waterlooville earlier in the season, whilst Alex Wall wasn’t involved. The Darts got one over a former manager in Steve King, on his return to Princes Park and Nembhard made sure. The defender scored a brace in a 2-0 victory opening the scoring by following up Baris Altintop’s free-kick just eight minutes in. Another set-piece led to the second goal when Luke Coulson’s delivery finally found Nembhard who volleyed home.

Last season’s visit to Westleigh Park also featured a former Hawk notching a brace and this time it was Wall. The midfield duo of Luke Allen and Samir Carruthers combined for the first goal setting up Wall for his first of the evening. Allen netted the winner at Havant and Waterlooville in February 2022 and he was involved again for the second. The Hawks halved the deficit when Jake McCarthy scored, but Wall put the game beyond doubt two minutes later.

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Havant and Waterlooville bounced back from two heavy defeats with an Easter Monday victory over playoff chasing Aveley. The previous two outings ended in a 4-1 loss at Weymouth and a 5-1 reverse to Worthing. Needing to secure maximum points to keep their hopes of survival alive, the Hawks led five minutes after the break courtesy of Joe McNerney. However, the Essex side took were level seven minutes later when Razzaq Coleman De-Graft equalised. A draw was turned into a much needed win after Ryan Seager grabbed the winner with just three minutes on the clock. The triumph on the road featured former Darts, Jack Jebb who made 67 appearances and Kai Innocent who featured eight times for Dartford.

Interim manager, Cliff De Gordon has guided his side to within five points of safety after improved results last month. As well as the win at Aveley to kick start April, the Hawks beat Hemel Hempstead Town 2-0 in Hertfordshire and defeated Slough Town 2-1 at home. Draws against Tonbridge Angels and Dover Athletic have kept the points ticking over in their bid to remain in the National South. Another win on Saturday will put the Hampshire side a point behind the Darts with three games to go.

Current League Standings

Team	Played	Pts	GD
Hemel Hempstead	43	48	-15
Welling United	42	48	-16
Truro City	37	46	-6
Torquay United	41	45	-8
Eastbourne Borough	41	41	-26
DARTFORD	42	40	-18
Taunton Town	39	40	-22
Havant & Waterlooville	42	36	-33
Dover Athletic	42	26	-33

Current League Form

Dartford (LLDDLL)			Havant & Waterlooville (DWDLLW)
Eastbourne Borough	H	0-2	Aveley	A	2-1
Chelmsford City	A	1-4	Worthing	H	1-5
Truro City	A	0-0	Weymouth	A	1-4
Hemel Hempstead	H	1-1	Dover Athletic	A	0-0
Maidstone United	H	0-2	Slough Town	H	2-1
Braintree Town	A	0-2	Tonbridge Angels	H	2-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Havant and Waterlooville wins: 5 / Draws: 5

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Havant and Waterlooville (21/10/2023 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 1 – 3 Dartford (14/12/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Havant and Waterlooville (16/08/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (19/03/2022 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 0 – 1 Dartford (09/02/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (31/10/2020 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford have won their last two away games in the league at Westleigh Park and last three including the playoff win in July 2020
• The Darts have won just one in their last 18 league games (D5, L12)
• Dartford have picked up just one point in their last five away games in the National South.

On This Day

Dartford reached Wembley with a 0-0 F.A Trophy semi-final second leg draw against Macclesfield Town on this day. After taking a 2-1 lead from the first leg, Ernie Morgan’s side held on at Watling Street for 90 nail biting minutes to set up a final with Morecambe. The Darts also officially secured another National League season on this day in 2013 with a 2-0 away win against AFC Telford United. The Darts travelled to the New Bucks Head Stadium and goals from Jason Prior and Charlie Sheringham earned Tony Burman’s maximum points. Dartford went on to finish eighth and become the best part-time team in the country. That was the last time the Darts tasted victory on this day. Since then, Dartford have been defeated 1-0 at home to Barnet in 2015 and 3-1 away versus Weston-super-Mare in 2019, Ryan Hayes with a consolation goal. In 1931, Dartford took a step towards lifting their first ever Kent Senior Cup with a 2-2 draw against Folkestone. The replay took place two days later which the Darts won 5-2.

Plenty of focus will be on Dartford’s next game when they host bottom of the table Havant and Waterlooville and face a few familiar faces.

The Darts thought they had kickstarted their campaign with consecutive league victories until last weekend’s defeat. However, where goals were in short supply, they have managed to find the back of the net more regularly in their last two outings and have lost just once at home this season. Havant and Waterlooville have struggled all season and after Jamie Collins picked up just four points in the opening eight games, the Hawks decided it was time for a managerial change.

So much of the narrative will be surrounding the return of Hawks boss Steve King and the former Dartford players he has taken to Westleigh Park since being appointed. The most surprising on that list of ex-Darts is Tom Bonner who announced his retirement just four months ago despite Alan Dowson’s pleas for the defender to remain at Dartford. Ten years at Princes Park and six years as skipper, Bonner played 456 times to put him sixth in the club’s all-time appearances list. He captained the Darts to back-to-back Kent Senior Cup triumphs whilst King was at the helm. Work commitments may keep the defender out of this weekend’s match, but he has faced Dartford before whilst at Kent rivals Dover Athletic and Ebbsfleet United.

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When King was appointed Dartford boss in October 2019, they were in a relegation battle. In the same season he took the Darts to a playoff final where they fell short on penalties, his fourth playoff final defeat as manager. Now at Havant and Waterlooville he will be hoping he can steer the Hawks to safety.

Since his arrival King has signed five former Darts including Bonner. Having joined on loan from Dorking Wanderers, Jack Jebb will be threat from set pieces. Adding to the midfield Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong teams up with King for a third time after arriving from Gloucester City. Goalkeeper, Reice Charles-Cook departed Bromley for the Hawks and Michael Kedman from Danish side Aalborg Boldspilklub. In the summer, former boss Jamie Collins signed ex-Dart, Kai Innocent.

Appearances for Dartford

Tom Bonner	456 appearances	19 goals
Jack Jebb	67 appearances	9 goals
Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong	26 appearances	8 goals
Reice Charles-Cook	9 appearances	0 goals
Michael Kedman	8 appearances	0 goals

Dartford have their fair share of former Havant and Waterlooville players too with Joash Nembhard, Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Paul Rooney all joining the Darts this summer. Nembhard has been ever present at the back and captained the side in the loss to St Albans last month. Miller-Rodney scored on his debut and has missed one National South fixture through suspension. Paul Rooney took some time to settle after serving a three-match ban at the start of the campaign but scored the winner against Tonbridge Angels in Dartford’s last home game in the division.

Moussa Diarra was with the Hawks during the 2020/2021 season and has formed a good partnership with Nembhard in central defence. Alex Wall is yet to make a start this term but is the current golden boot holder for the Darts and played for Havant and Waterlooville in 2020/2021. Tommy Block may not have made a first team appearance at Westleigh Park, however he was once part of the Hawks’ academy.

Appearances for Havant and Waterlooville

Paul Rooney	58 appearances	4 goals
Joash Nembhard	28 appearances	0 goals
Alex Wall	25 appearances	5 goals
Tyrell Miller-Rodney	20 appearances	0 goals
Moussa Diarra	15 appearances	1 goal

Dartford had scored on average a goal a game in the league during their opening ten fixtures. A fortnight ago the added four to their goals column and another three last time out. Yet the Darts came away with just one maximum in that time beating Chippenham Town 4-1 on the road. The rescheduled trip to Hampton and Richmond Borough last weekend finished a run of three straight wins in all competitions leaving Dartford down in fourteenth place.

A comeback, two penalties, seven goals and a last-minute winner provided plenty of entertainment, but Dartford came away with nothing from the Beveree. Dowson made three changes to the side that beat Chippenham Town due to the injuries to loanee Joshua Johnson and Jordan Wynter and the suspension of Maxwell Statham. In came academy graduate Jayden Boulton for his first ever league start, the experienced Paul Rooney and Tyrell Miller-Rodney returned from his one game ban.

Despite dominating possession in the first-half, the Darts found themselves two goals down before half-time. Hampton and Richmond Borough went in front through Dean Inman and increased their lead when Isaac Pitblado beat Mitch Beeney at the near post. During the interval Boulton and Rooney were replaced by Archie Woods and Lewis Manor.

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Two quickfire goals had the Darts level, first Harvey Bradbury scored Dartford’s opener for a second game running, then Joash Nembhard headed his first for the club. The Beavers went back ahead after Ben Seymour dispatched his penalty, but once again Dartford found a leveller when Manor outrageously flicked the ball home.

Bradbury had no problems from twelve yards a week earlier by scoring two penalties against Chippenham Town. The striker had the chance to score another from the spot, but his effort went straight down the middle giving Beavers goalkeeper, Adam Desbois an easy save to make. That miss proved costly because in stoppage time Jake Gray scored a dramatic late winner for Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Less than a year ago, Dartford and Havant and Waterlooville were challenging Ebbsfleet United for a potential title race. The Hawks saw former boss, Paul Doswell step down before the season was out and a slide down the table and out of the playoff places. The trend has continued this term with Collins departing leaving the Hampshire side at the foot of the standings. Since taking charge King has had little time to gel his squad and from his opening two league games the Hawks have taken a point.

The goalless draw at Taunton Town was a solid enough start for a side that had lost three in a row. Despite the fact there were no goals in this game there were plenty of chances including a missed penalty by Taunton Town’s Nick McCootie. With the game heading for full-time, the Hawks had Ansu Janneh sent off after he picked up a second caution.

Like Dartford, Havant and Waterlooville’s last game was also against Hampton and Richmond Borough and finished in a late defeat. King’s side gave away a lead to lose 2-1 at Westleigh Park. James Roberts netted the opener from a spot-kick. Ruaridh Donaldson put Hampton and Richmond Borough back on level terms before Kurran-Browne’s winner ten minutes from time.

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Last season’s fixture at Princes Park over a year ago ended in defeat for Dartford and it was a former Dart, Jason Prior who got his inevitable goal before Davide Rodari equalised. At the time the Darts succumbed to their first defeat of the campaign when Oscar Gobern netted the winner.

Dowson’s side avenged that loss in the reverse game at Westleigh Park, which came at the beginning of a fruitful festive period for the Darts. A top of the table clash saw Wall return to haunt his former club with a brace either side of Josh Passley’s unfortunate own goal. Jake McCarthy halved the deficit for the Hawks, but Wall’s second put the result beyond doubt in a 3-1 win for the Darts. Dowson’s side then went on to beat rivals Ebbsfleet United over Christmas and New Year to temporarily enter the title race.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLLWWL)			Havant & Waterlooville (WLLLDL)
Hampton & Richmond	A	3-4	Hampton & Richmond	H	1-2
Chippenham Town	A	4-1	Taunton Town	A	0-0
Tonbridge Angels	H	1-0	Truro City	H	1-3
St Albans City	A	0-1	Eastbourne Borough	H	1-2
Slough Town	H	1-2	Bath City	A	0-2
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Yeovil Town	H	4-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Havant and Waterlooville wins: 5 / Draws: 5

Last Six Meetings

Havant and Waterlooville 1 – 3 Dartford (14/12/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Havant and Waterlooville (16/08/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (19/03/2022 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 0 – 1 Dartford (09/02/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (31/10/2020 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 1 – 2 Dartford (25/07/2020 – National South Playoff)

Statistics

• Dartford have lost just once against Havant and Waterlooville in the last nine games (W5, D3)
• The home defeat to the Hawks last season was the first loss at Princes Park against the Hampshire side in eight matches (W4, L3)
• The Darts have won one of their last four at home against the Havant and Waterlooville (D2, L1)
• Luke Allen is now on 99 appearances for the club (71 starts, 28 substitute appearances and 14 goals)
• If fit, Jordan Wynter could make his 150^th start for the club

On This Day

Dartford’s only victory in their last five on this day was at home against Burgess Hill Town in 2003. The Darts beat the Sussex side 2-1 in the Southern League Division One East. Six years ago, Chelmsford City won by a solitary Michael West goal. The Clarets then had Kudus Oyenuga red carded after just 19 minutes, but the Darts couldn’t break down the ten men. Prior the run of one win in five, Dartford had won nine and drawn one of the previous ten on 21 October. In 1961 they qualified for the F.A Cup first round with a 4-1 victory over Hastings United. Nine years later the Darts won the first leg of the Kent Senior Shield final 2-1 against Bexley United. Dartford drew the second leg 2-2 to triumph in the county competition.

A win for Dartford will take them back above Havant and Waterlooville as the two sides meet at Westleigh Park on Wednesday night.

The Darts gained a point on the weekend but dropped a place in the league standings after Havant and Waterlooville picked up maximum points in their fixture. Dartford have won just one in their last five since their eleven game unbeaten run ended a month ago, now they face the top two in the National South in their next three games. The Hawks bounced back from only their third defeat of the campaign with a victory on the weekend.

Both sides have been capable of stringing impressive runs together, the Darts took an incredible 31 points from a possible 33 between September and early November. Whilst the Hawks opened their season with nine wins and two draws in their first 11 fixtures. One of those victories for the Hampshire side came at Princes Park in August.

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Former Dartford striker, Jason Prior missed Havant and Waterlooville’s last match, but he didn’t miss the target four months ago. Prior opened the scoring in the last meeting and although Davide Rodari scored his first for the Darts since joining from Crawley Town in the summer, Havant and Waterlooville went on to win 2-1 when Oscar Gobern scored. Prior, who tends to find the net regularly against Dartford will be determined to get fit from his shoulder injury and face his former club.

The Darts were successful in their last visit to Westleigh Park. Luke Allen’s strike on the stroke of half-time was enough to secure a 1-0 win. Dartford’s defensive qualities shone through as Havant and Waterlooville rarely threatened in front of goal. The subsequent meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw at Princes Park, Korey Roberts’ goal was cancelled out by Alex Wall, who is now back with the Darts and could face his former club on Wednesday night. Dartford squandered a chance to win though when Ade Azeez had his penalty saved by Ross Worner, the shot stopper is currently on Havant and Watewrlooville’s injury list.

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On Saturday, Malachi Napa was handed his Dartford debut in a 0-0 draw with Bath City. The winger is on loan from Wealdstone and has been on Dartford’s radar for a while. After a spell at Dowson’s former club Woking, Napa played for Maldon and Tiptree before joining Wealdstone in the summer. However the new signing was unable to make an impact as the Darts drew a blank for a second game in a row, the first time under Dowson.

The Dartford boss spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “I’m delighted with a point to be honest as I thought we got battered”. Despite losing to Chelmsford City the week before the 0-0 draw with Bath City, the performance was better against the Clarets. Looking ahead to taking on Havant and Waterlooville then the festive double header over Ebbsfleet United, Dowson commented: “I can’t wait to get the games done, but I think we need to make one or two adjustments. If we play like that we’ll get done in all three games, but if we play how we did last week then we’ll have a go”.

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Havant and Waterlooville are two points behind league leaders Ebbsfleet United having played two extra games. The Hawks suffered a surprisingly heavy defeat in their last home games losing 5-1 to Worthing. Yet the won by the same score in the home fixture before that brushing Dulwich Hamlet aside and bounced back with a 3-1 victory at Slough Town on Saturday. The Hawks had to come from behind to beat the Rebels with a first goal for the club for Charlie Ruff. The experienced Danny Wright put Havant and Waterlooville in front before Billy Clifford wrapped up the three points.

The Hawks have been potent in front of goal with only leaders Ebbsfleet United scoring more in the league this term. Helped by the know how of Prior and Danny Wright, the Hawks also have Muhammadu Faal, James Roberts and Jake McCarthy chipping in with goals.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Havant and Waterlooville wins: 5 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford (WLDWLD)			Havant and Waterlooville (WWWDLW)
Bath City	H	0-0	Slough Town	A	3-1
Chelmsford City	A	0-1	Worthing	H	1-5
Concord Rangers	H	3-1	Tonbridge Angels	A	1-1
Oxford City	A	1-1	Chippenham Town	A	3-0
Farnborough	A	1-3	Dulwich Hamlet	H	5-1
Braintree Town	H	4-1	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	2-0

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Havant and Waterlooville (16/08/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (19/03/2022 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 0 – 1 Dartford (09/02/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (31/10/2020 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 1 – 2 Dartford (25/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (10/08/2019 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford are unbeaten in their last three visits to Westleigh Park winning the last two (W2, D1)
• The Darts have kept two clean sheets in their last three away games againsgt the Hawks
• Defeat to Havant and Waterloville earlier in the season was Dartford’s first against the Hampshire side in eight games.

On This Day

Tom Champion was the hero on this day in 2010 when he scored the winning goal in a F.A Trophy replay against then National League side Crawley Town. The midfielder’s stoppage time goal caused an upset versus the Sussex side who went on to easily win promotion to the Football League. Strike duo Elliott Romain and Darren McQueen combined to help Dartford to a 3-2 win over Billericay Town three years ago. McQueen opened the scoring putting past former Dartford goalkeeper Alan Julian. Romain doubled the lead before half-time. Another ex-Dart scored for Ricay when Femi Akinwande pulled a goal back, but Romain restored the advantage before future Dart, Jake Robinson made it 3-2. Dartford’s last away game on 14 December was in 1999 when they drew 1-1 with Hastings United in the Southern League South. The Darts last away win was in 1976 against rivals Maidstone United in a Southern League Cup replay, Dartford won the entertaining tie 4-3. Finally, before Havant and Waterlooville’s merger, the Darts drew 0-0 with Havant Town on this day in 1996.

Dartford have made a perfect start to the season and will want to maintain their recent form against Havant and Waterlooville on Tuesday night.

The Darts have won their opening two National South fixtures and are currently on a run of seven unbeaten against the Hawks. At Princes Park, over the same number of games Dartford have not yet to lose to the Hampshire side. Havant and Waterlooville have to go back 22 years since their last win away from home in this fixture, a F.A Cup third qualifying round tie.

Last season the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw with Alex Wall scoring the equaliser for Havant and Waterlooville. The striker made the switch to Dartford over the summer to begin his third spell with the club. So far this term, Wall has come off the bench in both fixtures and will be hoping to make an impact against his former side. Dartford had taken the lead in last season’s meeting through Kory Roberts and could have had a second, but Ade Azeez’s penalty was saved by Ross Worner. The reverse match ended in a Dartford victory with Luke Allen scoring the only goal of the game.

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Allen made his first start of the campaign on the weekend coming in for the injured Kristian Campbell. That was the only change ahead of the first home game against newly promoted Cheshunt with Sam Odaudu filling in at left back. Defender, Maxwell Statham made his first competitive appearance as a late substitute. Despite the tweaking of the defence, the Darts almost came away with a consecutive clean sheet, but it was Pierre Fonkeu who grabbed the headlines again. The striker netted a brace to add to the two he scored at Bath City on the opening day. Cheshunt grabbed a late consolation when former Dartford academy graduate Dajon Golding made it 2-1.

Speaking to Dartford FC TV after the game, Martin Tyler said: “We won but we can do better”, he added: “When we get the ball we’ve shown we’re a pretty decent side, but we need to get the ball a bit more often. We’re still trying to get the blend right. We’ve not got that many players, so I think there is still that bit of scope for investment to strengthen the squad, but we’re doing okay”.

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Havant and Waterlooville were pipped to the final playoff place last season and this time out they have picked up four points in their two openers. A 3-1 victory at home on the first day of the season against Slough Town set them on their way with a stunning goal from Jake McCarthy followed by Gianni Crichlow’s first for the club, since signing from Braintree Town in the summer. Crichlow scored the equaliser for the Iron last season against the Darts in a 2-2 draw. After Ben Harris halved the deficit for Slough Town, Crichlow was involved again setting up Paul Rooney for a third.

On the weekend, the Hawks showed spirit to earn a point in their first away day of the campaign. Another former Dartford striker made an impact on the game, but not in a good way for the Hawks. Jason Prior retaliated and when he kicked out at a Braintree Town player he was shown a red card, leaving his side down to ten men for the remaining 70 minutes. Despite the disadvantage, the visitors went ahead when James Roberts hit his effort into the top corner, for his second in as many games. The hosts levelled in the second half, Levi Amantchi heading in the equaliser in a 1-1 draw.

Looking ahead to Havant and Waterlooville’s trip to Princes Park, Roberts spoke to HWFC Media after the draw, he commented: “Every game in this league is tough, every away game is tough and we go to one of the teams that expect to be up there”, he continued: “We had two really difficult games against Dartford last year so we know what to expect, we know they will be very, very good. We know that it will be a real challenge”.

Over the summer manager Paul Doswell made a few signings including the return of Jason Prior, who scored the championship winning goal in his previous spell with the Hawks denying the Darts the National South title on the final day. After scoring over 40 goals for Enfield Town last season, Muhammadu Faal has made the step up. Danny Wright and Jake Andrews moved from Torquay United and Joash Nembhard arrived from Hemel Hempstead Town. The centre back is likely to come face to face with former teammate’s Fonkeu and Samir Carruthers.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Havant and Waterlooville wins: 4 / Draws: 5

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (19/03/2022 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 0 – 1 Dartford (09/02/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (31/10/2020 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 1 – 2 Dartford (25/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (10/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Havant and Waterlooville (13/01/2018 – National South)

Statistics

• Dartford are unbeaten in their last seven games against Havant and Waterlooville (W4, D3)
• The Darts are also seven unbeaten at home against the Hawks (W4, D3)
• Dartford have scored in their last six meetings versus the Hampshire side

On This Day

Charlie Sheringham and Adam Green scored against Eastbourne Borough on this day in 2011. The National South fixture at Princes Park finished 2-1, Dartford’s last victory on this day. Since then, the Darts lost 1-0 on the road to Kidderminster Harriers in the National League eight years ago. The most recent outing was a 0-0 home draw with Gosport Borough back in the National South two years later. After winning the Isthmian Division One North in 2008, the Darts were welcomed to the Isthmian Premier League with a 3-0 away humbling at Hendon on the opening day. Also on 16 August, Dartford played out a 3-2 victory against Great Wakering Rovers in 2005 and suffered their only home defeat on this day two years earlier against Bashley, the Darts have won four and drawn three of the other home fixtures.

Title hopes remain just about alive for Dartford and they need to keep up the pressure on the weekend when they host Havant and Waterlooville.

Unbeaten at Princes Park in the league, the Darts claimed another home victory in mid-week stretching their run to fifteen. On the same night league leaders Dorking Wanderers lost meaning Steve King’s side are now seven points behind the top two with a game in hand. Havant and Waterlooville had promotion aspirations of their own at the start of the campaign, the Hampshire club are two points adrift of the playoffs in tenth after victory on Wednesday.

On Tuesday night, King was back in the dugout after having surgery and missing the previous game. The Dartford boss made four changes to the side that were beaten by Chippenham Town. Jordan Wynter hobbled off in the 4-2 loss against the Bluebirds so in came Kory Roberts. Whilst Tyrique Hyde made his first league start in over a month and Ade Azeez and Danny Leonard were selected for their first league outing since defeat at Hungerford Town. Dropping to the bench, Ody Alfa, Jordan Greenidge and Kieran Murtagh were joined by Jake Robinson and Marcus Dinanga, the latter pair missed the trip to Wiltshire on the weekend. Murtagh will be unavailable this weekend as he serves a one match ban for his red card against Chippenham Town.

Two first-half free-kicks gave Dartford the advantage when dead ball specialist Jack Jebb scored directly in the sixteenth minute. The midfielder was at it again from a set-piece when he put one in the box for Danny Leonard to finish, his tenth goal since joining the club in the summer. The Clarets pulled a goal back in the second-half when Tom Blackwell scored. However, the visitors had Eduino Vaz sent off after a foul on George Porter. The Darts held out to claim their ninth home league win of the campaign.

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Victory once again showed the character within the squad to bounce back from defeat, but now it’s up to the Darts to show enough consistency to close the gap on Dorking Wanderers and Maidstone United, the latter they still have to play next month. King spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and commented: “We’ve shown different sides to the team. Dorking we was unbelievable, then we go away to Chippenham and it was disappointing that we lost with four goals”. The Dartford boss accepts that his side need to pick up the points by any means possible, he said: “A win is a win, I think that is the important thing this time of year. If we can add some fantastic performances in between that’s brilliant, if we can’t then I don’t really care”.

In the reverse fixture Ody Alfa made his debut after arriving on loan from Queens Park Rangers, but it was Luke Allen’s strike on the stroke of half-time that secured a 1-0 win. Although Havant and Waterlooville rarely threatened in front of goal, Dartford’s solid defensive display helped them through to the final whistle with all three points. The triumph extended the Darts unbeaten run against the Hawks to six. The last meeting at Princes Park was behind closed doors in October 2020. Jack Barham scored twice on Halloween as Dartford recorded a 2-1 win. The striker netted a penalty then headed a Jack Jebb cross home. Josh Taylor pulled a goal back before Billy Clifford was sent off in this niggly affair.

There is every reason for Dartford to be cautious in this tight division. When they played at Westleigh Park last month the Hawks approached the fixture on a poor run. This time Paul Doswell’s side enter this weekend’s game in better form. A loss at Concord Rangers after the Dartford defeat was the last of a four-game streak without picking up a point, in fact the Hawks had picked up just three draws in a run of nine games. This time they come off the back of victories against Ebbsfleet United, a draw at Slough Town and back-to-back wins versus Chelmsford City and Dulwich Hamlet.

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Last month’s signing, Manny Duku scored his first goal for the club in the 4-2 win over Ebbsfleet United and scored the winner against Dulwich Hamlet. Whilst former Dartford striker Alex Wall came off the bench to score in the 2-1 win over Chelmsford City. Wall made eleven appearances on loan at Dartford in 2014 scoring six times. Wall returned to Princes Park in the summer of 2018 but left before a ball was kicked.

On Wednesday night, Havant and Waterlooville saw that unbeaten run extended to five at home to Hungerford Town, who were a place above the Hawks at the start of the evening. Goalkeeper, Ross Worner returned to the side as did Jake McCarthy. The Hawks scored twice in each half to climb above the Crusaders in the National South.

Stefan Payne opened the scoring from the edge of the box and Duku notched another for the hosts as they looked comfortable at the interval. In the second-half Hungerford Town had goalkeeper Luke Cairney injured, resulting in defender Keith Emmerson going in goal. The Hawks made it count when captain Joe Oastler completed a brace to round of a pleasing night for Doswell’s side.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Havant and Waterlooville wins: 4 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (WWLWLW)			Havant & Waterlooville (LWDWWW)
Chelmsford City	H	2-1	Hungerford Town	H	4-0
Chippenham Town	A	2-4	Dulwich Hamlet	A	1-0
Dorking Wanderers	H	3-2	Chelmsford City	H	2-1
Hungerford Town	A	1-2	Slough Town	A	1-1
Bath City	H	2-0	Ebbsfleet United	H	4-2
Havant and Waterlooville	A	1-0	Concord Rangers	A	1-3

Previous Meetings (last six)

Havant & Waterlooville 0 – 1 Dartford (09/02/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Havant & Waterlooville (31/10/2020 – National South)
Havant & Waterlooville 1 – 2 Dartford (25/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant & Waterlooville (10/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Havant & Waterlooville (13/01/2018 – National South)
Havant & Waterlooville 0 – 0 Dartford (12/08/2017 – National South)

Stats

• Dartford have lost just once in the last ten against Havant and Waterlooville, the Darts have won seven and drawn the other two.
• The Darts have yet to lose at Princes Park to the Hawks. Since 2010 Dartford have won four drawn two in this fixture.
• Havant and Waterlooville’s only away victories against Dartford came in a league game in 1999 and a F.A cup tie in 2000.
• Dartford are 15 home league games unbeaten, the best from the beginning of a season since the 16 set in 1988/89 Southern Premier League.
• The Darts current unbeaten home league run is also the best run since the 15 at the end of 1995/96 Kent League season and into the start of 1996/97 Southern League South campaign.

On This Day

Dartford played Havant and Waterlooville six years ago on this day and lost 2-0 at Westleigh Park. Veteran striker James Hayter scored to headers to clinch victory for the Hawks. The previous two outings on 19 March have also ended in defeat, 1-0 at home to Barrow in 2013 and two years earlier 2-0 away versus Staines Town. The Darts last victory on this day was back in 1994 when they beat Tunbridge Wells 1-0 away from home in the Kent League. The last home triumph on this day was 32 years ago against local rivals Welling United, the match finished 2-1 in the Kent Senior Cup quarter final replay.

Dartford travel full of confidence when they visit Havant and Waterlooville in the National South on Wednesday.

The Darts have had a fantastic week with three consecutive Kent derby victories to move them fourth in the table, seven points behind the league leaders with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Havant and Waterlooville are going through a tougher spell and are without a win in seven sitting in mid-table.

To add to the recent good form, Dartford are unbeaten in their last nine matches against the Hawks, winning seven and drawing two. The last of those victories was in the previous meeting back in October 2020 at Princes Park. Behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions, Jack Barham scored twice on Halloween as Dartford recorded a 2-1 win. The striker netted a penalty then headed a Jack Jebb cross home. Josh Taylor pulled a goal back before Billy Clifford was sent off in this niggly affair.

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It was Dartford’s second 2-1 triumph against the Hampshire side in a row, the previous came at Westleigh Park in the delayed 2019/2020 playoff semi-final, also behind closed doors. The parallels last season’s meeting being Darren McQueen netting a brace, one of which was a penalty and Havant and Waterlooville being reduced to ten men when Josh Taylor was red carded. This time Dartford came from behind to win after Jonah Ayunga had put the hosts ahead.

Despite the contrasting form between the two sides and Dartford’s recent record over Paul Doswell’s side, manager Steve King isn’t being complacent, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the Welling United triumph and commented: “Havant are not having a great time, but they are good side and they have got some very good players, so if you are not on it they will beat you. They are a capable side, some of their players I would take, they are fantastic players so it’s just not working for them at the moment, but sometimes it takes just one result for you to kick on”.

Dartford took maximum points last week starting with the 3-2 victory over Tonbridge Angels they followed that up with a terrific team effort to beat rivals Ebbsfleet United 1-0. On Saturday they completed a Kent derby hat-trick running out 4-2 winners against Welling United, but it was far from easy. Led by former Dartford player manager Peter Taylor, the Wings took the lead twice making the Darts work hard for their three points. King made just the one change to the side that beat Ebbsfleet United bringing in Connor Essam for the injured Tom Bonner.

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Conceding within the opening minutes through Afolabi Akinyemi’s strike, Dartford were on level terms when new signing Marcus Dinanga lobbed Jack Sims in the Welling United goal. However, moments after equalising the visitors won a penalty which Akinyemi scored. It was all level again before the interval when Danny Leonard scored his eighth of the season in an entertaining half. In the second half, the Darts showed their quality and when Luke Allen fired from outside of the box and Dinanga grabbed hos second with a superb finish the points were safe.

King pointed out after the game that the quality of finishing and the ‘game changers’ from the substitutes bench made the difference. He also praised his two goal hero Dinanga and is confident the striker can bring more to the side, he said: “Marcus will score goals for us, give him the right service he will score goals for us. He has got a little bit of everything, wins headers, he’s strong boy, he’s got a good left foot and he took his goals well”.

The trio of competitive derbies have taken its toll on the squad and leading up to the Havant and Waterlooville game Steve King has freshened the squad up. With Tom Bonner and Josh Hill injured on the weekend, the Darts have already brought in Korey Roberts and was forced to field Essam ahead of schedule after his shoulder injury. Jernade Meade remains out, the impressive Leonard was hauled off with a leg issue on Saturday and Josh Clarke hasn’t featured since the home draw with Hampton and Richmond Borough.

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Winless in seven league games, Havant and Waterlooville were expected to be higher in the league standings this term. The Hawks won back to back titles to reach the National League before relegation after their first season back in that division. The Hampshire side were declared runners up two years ago in the National South, losing their playoff against the Darts. Last term their record was that of a mid-table side when the season was cut short after just 14 games.

Confidence took a massive blow on Boxing Day when Havant and Waterlooville were trounced 8-0 by Dorking Wanderers, the Hawks had Paul Rooney sent off after just four minutes. Since then Paul Doswell’s team have picked up three points and their winless run at Westleigh Park is now at nine in the league, stretching back to the 5-2 win against Concord Rangers on 9 October. On Saturday they fell to their second defeat in a row losing at home to St Albans City, that result followed the 3-1 loss at Oxford City. Prior those losses, the Hawks managed to draw two on the spin versus bottom side Billericay Town and lowly Tonbridge Angels. Whilst the New Year started with a return fixture against Dorking Wanderers which ended 3-1 to the Surrey side.

One player who could make a return to Princes Park is Alex Wall. The striker was a used substitute on the weekend and made 11 appearances on loan at Dartford in 2014 scoring six times. Wall returned to Princes Park in the summer of 2018, but left before a ball was kicked. Since then, Wall has had a successful spell with Concord Rangers reaching the F.A Trophy final as well as spells at Hemel Hempstead Town and Woking, before joining Havant and Waterlooville in the summer.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Havant and Waterlooville wins: 3 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (DDDWWW)			Havant & Waterlooville (DLDDLL)
Welling United	H	4-2	St Albans City	H	0-1
Ebbsfleet United	H	1-0	Oxford City	A	1-3
Tonbridge Angels	A	3-2	Tonbridge Angels	H	1-1
Concord Rangers	H	0-0	Billericay Town	A	1-1
Hampton and Richmond	H	2-2	Dorking Wanderers	H	1-3
Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-1	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	0-0

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 2 – 1 Havant & Waterlooville (31/10/2020 – National South)
Havant & Waterlooville 1 – 2 Dartford (25/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant & Waterlooville (10/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Havant & Waterlooville (13/01/2018 – National South)
Havant & Waterlooville 0 – 0 Dartford (12/08/2017 – National South)
Havant & Waterlooville 0 – 2 Dartford (19/03/2016 – National South)

Stats

• Dartford are unbeaten in their last four away games against Havant and Waterlooville winning three and drawing the other
• The Darts have only lost once at Westleigh Park, the 1-0 defeat in April 2011 is the last time the Hawks beat Dartford.
• Havant and Waterlooville won the first five meetings between the two sides from 1999 to 2011, since then Dartford have been unbeaten in the last nine

On This Day

A ‘ghost goal’ earned Dartford a crucial point at AFC Sudbury on this day in a 2-2 draw. John Guest headed the Darts in front, but James Rowe’s brace put the hosts a goal up. Then came the controversy, Brendon Cass tried forcing the ball over the goal line but came up short, but the referee thought otherwise and gave the goal. Only two of the current squad were involved in Dartford’s last win on 9 February. Jordan Wynter and Tom Bonner were part of the defence three years ago as the Darts beat Bath City 3-0 at Princes Park. Goals from Lee Noble, Charlie Sheringham and Phil Roberts cemented a convincing win. Dartford’s last outing on this day was a 1-0 home loss versus Eastbourne Borough twelve months ago. On the road to Wembley in 1974, the Darts negotiated their way into round three of the F.A Trophy with a 2-1 replay victory at Minehead, despite having top scorer John Mitchell sent off.