Tag: Isthmian Premier (Page 1 of 3)

Bowers and Pitsea v Dartford

Dartford could rise to the top of the Isthmian Premier League when they travel to Bowers and Pitsea this weekend.

The Darts have put together an incredible 17 match unbeaten run to take them within a point of the summit. Next up, Adrian Pennock’s side face a struggling Bowers team who are trying to avoid the drop. Victory for Dartford in Essex will put pressure on leaders Dover Athletic as well as Cray Valley Paper Mills, who take on fourth place Billericay Town. Bowers and Pitsea are in desperate need of points, but they have been here before. In the reverse fixture back in September, Bowers were rock bottom when they won at Princes Park.

Pennock and company have vastly improved results since that meeting with Bowers four months ago. Last weekend the Darts secured an eighth straight league win with an impressive display against previous league leaders Billericay Town. Defenders, Michael Olarewaju and Sam Odaudu returned to the lineup whilst George Whitefield was fit to start. Samir Carruthers was given the nod despite exiting the field of play early in the 2-1 away win at Wingate and Finchley. The midfielder made an impact on the weekend, but a hamstring injury cut his afternoon short again. Sam Okoye was suspended for his red card a week earlier. Meanwhile, the loan spells of midfielders Hayden Bullas and Louis Dunne have been extended by the club.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Marking his 50th appearance for the club, Olly Box opened the scoring against Billericay Town with an excellent long-range effort. However, the former academy star was unable to complete the full ninety minutes after picking up an injury later in the match. Whitefield had never scored for the senior team before this season, the defender headed home for his sixth of the campaign. Player of the Match, Callum Jones added a third against his old side and set up Eddie Dsane for the fourth. Dsane has now scored four times from off the bench including three in his last four substitute appearances to take him to double figures in all competitions. The biggest attendance at Princes Park this season witnessed an eighth game unbeaten at home for the first time in two years, when the Darts reached ten without loss.

Dartford didn’t lose an away league game throughout the whole of November, December and January. When they visit Crown Avenue on Saturday they will be chasing a seventh consecutive triumph on the road in the Isthmian Premier. Three straight draws against Potters Bar Town, Hashtag United and Chichester City were followed by maximum points in their next six trips. The Darts were joyous in Sussex when they beat Hastings United and then Horsham. Claimed a pair of 1-0 victories over Folkestone Invicta and Canvey Island. Won the New Year’s Day derby at Chatham Town 2-0 and defeated Wingate and Finchley with ten men.

The feel-good factor has returned to DA1, but despite all the positivity Dartford will not take Bowers and Pitsea for granted. The Essex club are six without a win, have tasted victory just once in their last 15 league outings, taken just six points from 45 available and are nine points adrift of safety. However, they had only drawn once in their opening six fixtures before beating Dartford 2-1 in September. Former Dart, Alfie Evans scored twice in the first half to give the away side an advantage at the break. Callum Jones pulled a goal back and a strong penalty shout was waved away by the match official. Frustration boiled over after the final whistle when Duane Ofori-Acheampong aired his grievances to the match officials and received a red card.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Promoted via the Isthmian Division One North playoffs last term, Bowers and Pitsea returned to the Premier at the first time of asking. James Collins led the Essex club back into step three, but by Christmas Eve the former manager had resigned. Now Joe Flowers and Luke Wilson are at the helm as joint managers having joined from Runwell Sports, a team from the Essex Olympian Premier League (step 7). The pair have history with Bowers enjoying recent successes. Flowers was part of the management team that won the Isthmian Division One North in 2019. Wilson played over a century of games for the club winning the Essex Senior League and the Essex Senior League Cup. He was also part of the Bowers and Pitsea team that reached the F.A Vase semi-final in 2016.

Since being appointed, Flowers and Wilson picked up a point in their first game against Folkestone Invicta. The 2-2 draw was followed by a pair of defeats at home to Cray Valley Paper Mills and away at Chichester City. Last weekend Bowers were in Sussex to take on Lewes and came home with a 1-1 draw. Luke Reeve opened the scoring just before the hour, but the Rooks were level with a stoppage time equaliser.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWW) Bowers and Pitsea (DLDLLD)
Billericay Town H 4-0 Lewes A 1-1
Wingate & Finchley A 2-1 Chichester City A 0-1
Whitehawk H 4-1 Cary Valley (PM) H 1-2
Chatham Town A 2-0 Folkestone Invicta H 2-2
Canvey Island A 1-0 Chatham Town A 1-3
Cray Wanderers H 2-1 Hashtag United H 2-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Bowers and Pitsea wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Bowers and Pitsea (21/09/2024 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won eight league games in a row for the first time since March/April 2018, when they won the final nine games of the season
  • The Darts are 17 matches unbeaten, Their best run since 2007/2008 when they went 21 matches without defeat.
  • Dartford have recorded six straight away wins equalling the run in March/April 2018. Last time they won seven consecutive games on the road was at the start of 2009/2010 season, when they managed nine.
  • The Darts are nine without defeat on their travels also last achieved in 2009/2010

On This Day

February normally begins well for Dartford when they play on the opening day of the month. Three years ago the Darts began extremely well taking bragging rights against rivals Ebbsfleet United in the North West Kent derby. The rearranged Boxing Day clash was decided by Jake Robinson’s first half goal at Princes Park.

Two years earlier, the Darts hit Chippenham Town for five in the opening forty five minutes. Darren McQueen scored twice, Liam Nash, Amrit Bansal-McNulty and an own goal secured a 5-1 victory in Wiltshire.

The previous three games on this day, all at home, finished 1-0 to Dartford. Elliot Bradbrook was the match winner against Braintree Town in 2011. There was a Southern League South win over Chelmsford in 1999 and in the same division Cinderford Town were beaten in 1997.

Dartford v Billericay Town

Dartford host new league leaders Billericay Town this weekend in a top of the table clash.

The Darts are full of confidence after seven straight wins in the Isthmian Premier taking them to fourth place. Stretching their league run to an impressive 16 games without defeat, Dartford have now surpassed their unbeaten sequence during the title winning campaign in 2009/2010. Another victory will put them level on points with the Blues, who comfortably beat Adrian Pennock’s side back in October. Billericay Town moved to the summit last weekend taking full advantage of Dover Athletic’s slip up.

Both clubs had the same goal at the start of the season of promotion. Dartford hope to bounce back to the National South at the first time of asking. Billericay Town are determined to reach the same destination after what would be a three year absence.

Last time out the Darts battled to a well earned triumph at Wingate and Finchley. Pennock had to adjust to in game injuries and a controversial red card to pick up vital points in the race for promotion. Full back, Sam Odaudu missed his first game of the season with a back injury and will be assessed before this weekend. Sam Okoye and Denzelle Olopade returned to the starting eleven and Michael Olarewaju was named on the bench.

Wingate and Finchley were quick out of the blocks in October leading by three after 21 minutes. This time the Darts started quickly with an early goal. Staying up from a free kick, George Whitefield found himself on the end of a Samir Carruthers cross to head in the opener after just nine minutes. The defender is now on five goals for the season. Okoye won a penalty ten minutes before the break, which Carruthers rolled in, his fifth spot kick scored and seventh goal this term. Dartford let the hosts back in the game on the stroke of half time when Camilo Restrepo halved the deficit.

A couple of injuries left Pennock needing to shuffle the pack and taking off the two goalscorers. Carruthers was unable to complete the first forty five and was replaced by Jez Pinder in the closing stages of the half. During the interval Whitefield was substituted and Michael Olarewaju introduced. Assistant manager, Roland Edge explained after the game that Carruthers felt a twinge in his hamstring and Whitefield rolled his ankle. The pair were taken off as a precaution and are hoping to be fit on Saturday.

Dartford were reduced to ten men with half an hour to go. Having already been cautioned Okoye picked up a second yellow card when the match official felt the full back took too long over a throw in. That left Dartford’s Player of the Match, Callum Jones isolated up front. The striker spent the end of last season on loan at Billericay Town. The dismissal also enforced a defensive substitution with Tyler Christian-Law coming on for Olly Box leaving the Darts digging deep to hold on.

That is now six consecutive wins on the road for Pennock’s side in the league, the last time the Darts achieved this in the same season was when they went on to lift the Isthmian Premier League trophy after an eight game winning streak. At home, Dartford are unbeaten in seven matches coming out on top in their last two.

With factors seemingly against Dartford they managed to secure three points last weekend, Edge commented to Dartford FC TV: “I’m super proud of them, it’s a squad thing and they all dug deep. Eddie (Dsane) and Tyler (Christian-Law) covered the ground as if they played ninety minutes. They all stick together, and they are a great group. It’s a pleasure to work with them and without having that togetherness today it could have easily been two all or 3-2 to Wingate. So, the lads take all the credit today they were fantastic”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford were handsomely beaten in the reverse fixture over three months ago. Matt Kerbey’s last appearance as a Dart ended in the goalkeeper conceding four unanswered goals. Billericay Town approached the game unbeaten, and it took just two minutes for former Dartford defender Tom Bender to give the Blues an early advantage. The second blow also came from a corner and this time it was Frankie Merrifield who nodded home. Michael Olarewaju was introduced for the second half to make his debut, but the defender was helpless in plugging Dartford’s leaky defence. The Blues added two more after the interval through Moses Emmanuel and Matt Johnson.

After the 4-0 loss, the Darts were encouraged by a goalless draw with ten men versus Hendon and a second half effort against Wingate and Finchley, yet they found themselves winless in five league matches. However, fortunes have turned since then with Pennock’s side going on an extraordinary run taking the club from thirteenth to fourth in the Isthmian Premier League standings. Since the beginning of Dartford’s unbeaten streak they have made up seven points on Billericay Town.

Dartford hold good form at home against the Blues winning the last four. Twice the Darts won in 2021, the last a 1-0 win decided by Jake Robinson. In the campaign prior that victory, Charlie Sheringham scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 triumph. The double act of Darren McQueen and Elliott Romain were responsible for the Darts winning 3-2 in December 2019. Eight months prior, Tom Murphy’s late brace turned a defeat into maximum points.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A week ago, De-Carry Sheriff finished off a great few days for the Essex club with a brace in Billericay Town’s 2-0 home win over Dulwich Hamlet. The forward helped his side to the top of the standings and just four days earlier he scored the only goal to send the Blues to the League Cup semi final. Gary McCann’s side beat Dartford’s conquerors Sheppey United 1-0 in the last eight. Double victory and consecutive clean sheets has helped Ricay bounce back from their 1-0 loss at fifth place Horsham, who are also within a shout of the title race just four points behind the league leaders. Prior the loss in Sussex, Billericay Town were four unbeaten on the road.

Mcann’s squad has plenty of familiar faces with five former Dartford players now donning the blue of Billericay Town. Midfielder, Tyrell Miller-Rodney was part of the Darts’ side relegated last term, he made 35 appearances scoring three goals. Jay Porter and Femi Akinwande came through the academy and made the senior team. Porter featured four times over a decade ago and Akinwande had two spells making just five appearances. Ade Azeez started life at Princes Park finding the back of the net on a regular basis, the striker ended up with 18 goals in 47 matches four seasons ago. Tom Bender was part of the 2014/2015 squad when he played 20 times.

The Blues have a big couple of weeks ahead of them in their pursuit for the Isthmian Premier title. After facing the Darts on their travels, they host Cray Valley Paper Mills, who are also in the shake up and currently occupying third place.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWW) Billericay Town (WWWWLW)
Wingate & Finchley A 2-1 Dulwich Hamlet H 2-0
Whitehawk H 4-1 Horsham A 0-1
Chatham Town A 2-0 Potters Bar Town H 1-0
Canvey Island A 1-0 Hashtag United A 2-1
Cray Wanderers H 2-1 Dover Athletic A 1-0
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Canvey Island H 3-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Billericay Town wins: 3 / Draws: 1

Previous Meetings

Billericay Town 4 – 0 Dartford (08/10/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Billericay Town 0 – 2 Dartford (15/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Billericay Town (04/12/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Billericay Town (12/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Billericay Town (14/12/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Billericay Town (22/04/2019 – National South)

Statistics

  • The Darts are currently on a run of four consecutive home victories against Billericay Town
  • Dartford’s defeat to the Blues in October ended a run of five wins in a row against the Essex club
  • The winning side has kept a clean sheet in each of the last four meetings (W3, L1)
  • Dartford’s current unbeaten run of 16 matches is their best in a single season since the Isthmian Division One North title winning campaign, when they went 21 matches without defeat

On This Day

Dartford have not lost in their last four games on this day, all at home. Princes Park hosted an entertaining National League encounter against Cambridge United in 2014. The Darts came from two down to lead after U’s debutant Ryan Bird netted a brace. The hosts fought back with an Elliot Bradbrook penalty, a Max Cornhill header and a Danny Harris strike. Alan Julian saved a spot kick for the Darts before Luke Berry tied the match at 3-3.

Three years ago the Darts were held to a goalless draw with Concord Rangers in the National South. Another clean sheet was earned two years earlier when Darren McQueen scored the only goal against Dulwich Hamlet. The unbeaten run on 25 January started in 2011, a Kent Senior Cup triumph over Tonbridge Angels was secured with goals from Harris and Charlie Sheringham. Dartford went on to lift the county cup that season.

Wingate & Finchley v Dartford

Dartford visit the last side to beat them in the Isthmian Premier when they travel to North London and face Wingate and Finchley this weekend.

Since the reverse at Princes Park in October, the Darts have gone on their longest unbeaten run since 2009 to climb up to fourth in the table. The 15 match streak without defeat has seen Adrian Pennock’s team pick up ten victories and five draws to become the in form club. Dartford have won each of their last six outings and their previous five on the road. Wingate and Finchley have struggled since the tail end of November picking up just one point in their last eight league fixtures.

A near perfect December earned Pennock his first Manager of the Month award with the Darts. Only Dulwich Hamlet took points off his side in the final month of 2024. The New Year started as the last ended. An away Kent derby victory at Chatham Town was followed up with a 4-1 triumph at home against Whitehawk.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Dartford boss only made a couple of changes versus the Hawks, who themselves were experiencing a new manager bounce and unbeaten in five. Denzelle Olopade missed his first league game of the season due to an ankle injury. Pennock felt it was a good idea to rest the midfielder after playing four games in nine days. Samir Carruthers dropped to the bench, but made an impact when he came on. In their place came midfielders Jez Pinder and Louis Dunne.

The game came to life when Josh Hill scored a screamer from long range, an effort that could easily win goal of the season. Striker, Callum Jones increased the lead with his eighth of the campaign before Whitehawk halved the deficit. In the closing stages the Darts sealed the three points. First Carruthers won a penalty, dusted himself off and put away the spot kick. Then another substitute, Eddie Dsane scored his third in as many games with a wonderful solo effort. Substitutes have now contributed to eight league goals this season for the Darts.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts sunk to this season’s lowest point after Wingate and Finchley scored three unanswered goal in the opening 21 minutes of the October meeting at Princes Park. Few would have seen what was about to follow in the months ahead. Andronicos Georgiou scored a brace and Benedict Frempah added another for the Blues as the visitors raced into a commanding lead. Dartford fought back in the second half when half time substitutes Olly Box and Ade Yussuf pulled goals back. Even though the hosts couldn’t salvage a point that day, they have not tasted a league loss since.

Last time Dartford travelled to Summers Lane they recorded their first and only triumph over the Blues at their place. The prolific duo of Brendon Cass and Jay May both scored in a 2-0 win 18 years ago. The Darts were crowned Isthmian Division One North champions that season and completed a double over Wingate and Finchley on the final day.

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Match highlights courtesy of sonytino

Dartford defender, Michael Olarewaju has featured in the last five fixtures and started the previous three games since returning from his injury. The centre back was playing for Wingate and Finchley during the 2022/2023 campaign. Duane Ofori-Acheampong is another former Blue, who was with the North London club for two months at the end of 2020.

Playoff semi-finalists last term, Wingate and Finchley were sixth in the table after beating Dartford earlier in the campaign. Looking set to challenge for the playoffs and full of confidence they then went and beat Hendon 6-1 three days later. Even after a setback at Dulwich Hamlet, the Blues bounced back with three straight victories and climbed to third in the Isthmian Premier, four points behind the league leaders.

The tables have turned since and a poor run of form, bookended by a draw and defeat against Chatham Town, means Wingate and Finchley have dropped to fourteenth. However, the one shining light is the continued goalscoring form of Ogo Obi. The striker has scored 21 times in all competitions and is in the race for the golden boot. He was unable to prevent another loss on the weekend when his side were beaten 3-1 in Kent. Ryan Lowe put Wingate and Finchley in front, but former Premier League striker Freddie Sears bagged a hat-trick as the Chats won 3-1.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWW) Wingate and Finchley (LLDLLL)
Whitehawk H 4-1 Chatham Town A 1-3
Chatham Town A 2-0 Folkestone Invicta A 2-3
Canvey Island A 1-0 Cheshunt H 0-1
Cray Wanderers H 2-1 Lewes H 2-2
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Cray Valley (PM) A 3-5
Horsham A 3-1 Billericay Town H 0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Wingate and Finchley wins: 3 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 3 Wingate and Finchley (19/10/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 0 Wingate and Finchley (26/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 0 – 2 Dartford (03/11/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 3 – 2 Dartford (18/03/2006 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Dartford 2 – 1 Wingate and Finchley (17/12/2005 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Wingate and Finchley 2 – 2 Dartford (28/03/2005 – Southern League Div 1 East)

Statistics

  • Dartford are on their best winning league streak of six games since September/October 2022. A seventh consecutive victory will make it their best run since 2018.
  • Eight wins and a draw is the Darts best run over nine league games since the 2017/2018 campaign, when they won their final nine matches of the season.
  • Sam Odaudu is the only player left to have started every league game this season

On This Day

Dartford have won just four games on this day in 24 attempts. The last victory was over a decade ago back in 2003 when the Darts claimed three points in a Kent derby. The Southern League Division One East fixture against Sittingbourne finished 1-0 to the Darts. In 1992, Dartford recorded an impressive 5-0 win at Waterlooville in the Southern Premier League. The previous two triumphs came against Horsham in 1977 and Sittingbourne in 1930. The Darts have lost 1-0 in their last two outings on 18 January. Five years ago they were beaten by Slough Town in the National South and in 2014 by Salisbury City in the National League.

Dartford v Whitehawk

Princes Park hosts its first game of the New Year this weekend when title chasers Dartford take on relegation battlers Whitehawk.

The Darts started brightly this season before a dip in form left them looking behind them. However, since November, Adrian Pennock’s side have put together an 14 match unbeaten run to turn them into title contenders. Whitehawk have struggled this term until recently. The Hawks are on their third manager who has recently masterminded a strong finish to 2024.

A fifth consecutive league win on Wednesday helped the Darts close the gap on league leaders Dover Athletic to just four points. November saw Dartford pick up four draws and three victories before consistently turning those draws into wins the following month. In December, only Dulwich Hamlet took points from Pennock’s side as the Darts claimed five wins in the final month of the year.

On New Year’s Day, Dartford added another three points to their tally. Pennock shuffled the pack again to account for the busy festive schedule making four changes to the side that beat Canvey Island. Michael Olarewaju and Hayden Bullas kept their places in the side with regulars Sam Okoye and Louis Dunne named on the bench. Josh Hill returned as captain, whilst Olly Box, Callum Jones and Samir Carruthers were back in the starting eleven.

Dartford completed a double over Chatham Town to see in 2025 starting in the manner in which they ended last year. Both sides were in form and couldn’t be separated at the break. However, the breakthrough came just past the hour when George Whitefield’s cross was deflected goalwards and into the Chatham Town net. Eddie Dsane entered the game and added a second from a tight angle to take his tally to eight for the season in all competitions. The Darts are now in the shake up for top spot with just four points separating the top four, which includes Cray Valley Paper Mills in third and Billericay Town in second.

Dartford won both games against Whitehawk last time the two sides were competing in the same division. At the Enclosed Ground in September 2017, the Darts ran out 4-0 winners with Alfie Pavey setting the Darts on the way to maximum points. The striker scored after eight minutes and by half-time the visitors had three. Ryan Hayes and Elliot Bradbrook added another two to put Dartford in command at the break. It took until the last minute for lead to be extended further when Lyle Della-Verde scored.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The reverse fixture at Princes Park four months later finished 3-1 to the Darts. Ronnie Vint pounced on a loose ball from Ryan Hayes’ free-kick just before the interval to put Dartford a goal up. Whitehawk were level when David Ijaha hit his low effort through a crowd of defenders. Andy Pugh became the decider with two goals, first the striker tucked away Dartford’s second then he rounded the goalkeeper for the third.

Dartford have won the last two at Princes Park against the Sussex side also winning in February 2017. This time the Darts went two up when Hayes curled a shot into the Whitehawk goal. Tom Murphy lobbed the goalkeeper to double the lead. In the second half, the Hawks scored from the spot before Pugh calmly finished a well worked move.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A change in manager has seen Whitehawk string together their best results of the season so far. Ahead of their New Year’s Day derby clash with Lewes, the Hawks went five unbeaten. Shaun Saunders returned to the struggling Sussex side to lift them off the bottom of the table. Whitehawk finished 2024 in the last relegation place, but without the unbeaten run things would be a little worse for the Hawks. Saunders is one of Whitehawk’s most successful managers, but requested a break from football this summer for personal reasons. Ross McNeilly was put in charge until he left and Dave Altendorff took over.

Whitehawk’s struggles in front of goal peaked during October and November at the end of McNeilly’s reign and throughout Altendorff’s when they went six games without a goal. In fact they managed just two in 11 outings. That led to a third change in manager at the end of November. Since the arrival of Saunders, the Hawks beat Folkestone Invicta at home before securing their first away win of the season against bottom side Bognor Regis Town. A pair of draws versus Chichester city and Hashtag United was followed by a much needed victory over Dulwich Hamlet.

The Hawks won against the odds showing the new found determination under Saunders. Just before half-time, goalkeeper Jasper Sheik conceded a penalty and was red carded for his troubles. Former Dart, Luke Wanadio just about slotted the penalty beyond makeshift keeper Rob O’Toole. A forward by trade O’Toole was left between the sticks as the Hawks had no replacement goalkeeper named on the bench. Still, the hosts came back from behind with goals from Andrew Briggs and Luke Robinson. Whitehawk were at home again on New Year’s Day against Sussex rivals Lewes, however the derby lasted 45 minutes before being abandonned.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWWWWW) Whitehawk (LWWDDW)
Chatham Town A 2-0 Dulwich Hamlet H 2-1
Canvey Island A 1-0 Hashtag United H 1-1
Cray Wanderers H 2-1 Chichester City A 1-1
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Bognor Regis Town A 3-2
Horsham A 3-1 Folkestone Invicta H 1-0
Dulwich Hamlet H 2-2 Hendon A 0-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Whitehawk wins: 3 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 Whitehawk (27/01/2018 – National South)
Whitehawk 0 – 4 Dartford (05/09/2017 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Whitehawk (04/02/2017 – National South)
Whitehawk 1 – 0 Dartford (10/08/2016 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 4 Whitehawk (12/03/2016 – National South)
Whitehawk 0 – 1 Dartford (19/12/2015 – National South)


Statistics

  • Dartford have won their last three games against Whitehawk with an aggregate score of 10-2
  • The Darts have won their last two home games 3-1 against the Hawks
  • Dartford have won their last five league games for the first time since September/October 2022

On This Day

Dartford let a two goal lead slip on this day four years ago, but man aged to come away with a win at Dorking Wanderers. As early as the second minute Darren McQueen scored from the spot. It took until the 72nd minute for the Darts to score another through Elliott Romain. The hosts hit back with two goals in five minutes to level the score. In the final moments of the game McQueen netted the winner on a dramatic afternoon. That victory was Dartford’s first on this day in four attempts having previously lost at home to Kidderminster Harriers (2015) and on the road to Stamford (2003) and Bromsgrove Rovers (1992). The last home win on 4 January was an entertaining 5-3 triumph over Barnet in 1986.

Chatham Town v Dartford

Dartford begin the new year with an enticing Kent derby at Chatham Town on Wednesday.

Two in form teams of the division will go head to head hoping to continue with their playoff push. Unbeaten in 13 league fixtures, the Darts are on their best run since their Isthmian Premier title winning season in 2010. Chatham Town have climbed to fifth in the table right behind Dartford and aim to close the seven point gap.

Adrian Pennock has guided Dartford to a strong fourth place to end 2024 and will be wishing for momentum to carry on starting on New Year’s Day. A busy festive fixture schedule saw the Darts boss make six changes on the weekend at Canvey Island to a side that had remained unchanged for the previous six league games. Dartford have benefitted from a settled starting eleven recently, but on Saturday they displayed what the rest of the squad can achieve.

Pennock rested captain Josh Hill, top scorer Olly Box and playmaker Samir Carruthers as well as Sam Okoye, Louis Dunne and Callum Jones. The Dartford manager introduced Michael Olarewaju for his first start since 5 November, Tyler Christian-Law, Hayden Bullas, Jez Pinder, Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Eddie Dsane.

Even with those changes, the Darts came away with a fourth straight victory on the road, something the club last achieved at the beginning of 2021/22 campaign. Two of the alterations had an impact in the only goal of the game in Essex. On the stroke of half-time, Hayden Bullas skipped down the byline and his dangerous cross saw Eddie Dsane react fastest to a loose ball and find the back of the net. The 1-0 win keeps Dartford’s perfect league record over Canvey Island taking their run against the Gulls to eight consecutive victories.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

At the other end of the field in goal, stand in captain Jacob Marsden kept a third away clean sheet in four. The goalkeeper admitted it wasn’t the best performance by his side, but at this stage of the season it’s the points that matter, he explained to Dartford FC TV: “The run continues and that is important for us to keep climbing the table. The wins are not always going to be pretty, particularly in the winter months due to the pitches and weather and whatever else, it’s needs must really”.

The stand in skipper was pleased with the attitude and application of his team mates and how that affected support from the fans, he added: “I thought the boys showed so much endeavour, work rate and heart, which is why the fans feed off us so much and we feed of their support. It helps us go and push through those barriers whether the football is pretty or not”.

Dartford won their last Kent derby by coming behind against Cray Wanderers on Boxing Day. Pennock’s side have now taken 13 points from 18 available in Kent derbies this season. One of those triumphs was the reverse fixture versus Chatham Town, which closed out August on a Bank Holiday afternoon. Jamie Yila put the visitors ahead and almost doubled the lead before the interval.

Sam Odaudu’s 25 yard drive put Dartford on level terms early in the second half. With six minutes to go Callum Jones fired a shot off the underside of the crossbar to put the Darts ahead. The deal was sealed in stoppage time when Eddie Dsane was fouled in the Chatham Town box. The striker took his chance from the spot to secure a 3-1 win.

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s last away trip to Chatham Town was 18 years ago on Boxing Day in the Isthmian Division One South. Tony Burman’s side won 3-2 thanks to goals from Ryan Hayes, Jay May and Lew Watts.

Chatham Town have been on a similar trajectory to the Darts. After the defeat in reverse fixture the Chats were 12th at the end of August. One point from the next nine available saw them slip five more places. Since mid-October they have lost just once in 14 league games. Starting with a win at Cray Wanderers and then a handful of draws, Chatham Town have claimed seven victories in that time to climb into the playoffs. They have started to rack up goals as well beating Whitehawk by five, hitting seven against Bognor Regis Town and they also stuck four past Folkestone Invicta.

On Boxing Day, they faced second placed Cray Valley Paper Mills and even that featured plenty of goals. Aiming to put the 2-0 away defeat versus Carshalton Athletic behind them, the Chats picked up a point in a 3-3 draw. Jordy Mongoy scored the first of the afternoon, but two former Dartford players Andre Coker and Fumnaya Shomotun gave the Millers the lead. Simon Cooper levelled the game before another former Dart, Jack Evans put the Chats back in front. Evans made 16 appearances for Dartford in the 2012/2013 season scoring twice. With five minutes remaining Tom Beere made sure the points were shared.

Kevin Hake’s side added another three to the goals for column on Saturday with a 3-1 win against struggling Bowers and Pitsea. Their opponents were without a permanent manager after the resignation of James Collins on Christmas Eve. Former Dartford academy player John Ufuah returned to the Chatham Town lineup and was back to scoring ways after seven minutes. Ufuah made two substitute appearances for Dartford’s senior team during the 2017-2018 campaign. Another ex Dartford player, Rowan Liburd featured just three times for the Darts whilst on loan in 2019/2020. The striker made it two just before the half hour mark. The Chats extended their lead further before the interval with Cooper scoring on the stroke of half time. Bowers and Pitsea pulled one back with 20 minutes remaining through Alex Teniola

At home the Chats have been strong tasting defeat just once to a Canvey Island side back in September. They have drawn with the current top two, Billericay Town and league leaders Dover Athletic and have scored 12 in their last three home matches in the league. Former Premier League striker Freddie Sears is top scorer with 14 goals in all competitions followed by the former Dartford trio Evans on eight goals and both Liburd and Ufuah on seven.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDWWWW) Chatham Town (WWWLDW)
Canvey Island A 1-0 Bowers and Pitsea H 3-1
Cray Wanderers H 2-1 Cray Valley (PM) A 3-3
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Carshalton Athletic A 0-2
Horsham A 3-1 Folkestone Invicta H 4-1
Dulwich Hamlet H 2-2 Cheshunt A 1-0
Bognor Regis Town H 4-0 Bognor Regis Town A 7-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 31 / Chatham Town wins: 40 / Draws: 11

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (26/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 3 Chatham Town (09/04/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)
Chatham Town 2 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Chatham Town (15/04/2006 – Southern League Div One East)
Chatham Town 1 – 0 Dartford (27/09/2005 – Southern League Cup)
Chatham Town 1 – 0 Dartford (20/09/2005 – Southern League Div One East)


Statistics

  • Dartford have won three of the last four league games against the Chats (L1)
  • The Darts have won four of their last seven league matches at Chatham Town (D1, L2)
  • An average of 4.25 goals per game have been scored in the last three meetings with the winning side scoring three on each occasion (W3, L1)
  • Dartford have won 4, drawn 1, lost 1 in Kent derbies this term compared to Chatham Town who have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 1

On This Day

Dartford brushed aside local rivals Ebbsfleet United for a second time in under a week on this day in 2023. Having already secured a 4-1 win at Stoembridge Road, the Darts went one better at Princes Park scoring four unanswered goals. Alex Wall, Malachai Napa, Charlie Sheringham and Connor Essam all netted against the eventual National South champions. Two years ago they brushed aside eventual National South champions and rivals Ebbsfleet United 4-0.

Previously, the Darts were triumphant against Welling United in three consecutive years between 2018 and 2020. Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong, an Elliott Romain brace and Darren McQueen penalty earned a 4-0 win over the Wings. The season before the score was 1-0 thanks to a late Ronnie Vint goal. In 2018, the Darts won 4-1 after Ryan Hayes, Andy Pugh and two from Alfie Pavey secured all three points. Dartford have won their last four fixtures on New Year’s Day all at home with an aggregate score of 13-1

However, on the road Dartford are winless in six on this day with the last victory in 2001 against Sittingbourne 5-2 in Southern League Division One East. That is only one of two away wins ever on New Year’s Day, the other was against Cambridge City in the 1988 Southern Premier season

New Year’s Day away record W2, D5, L9
New Year’s Day overall record W13, D8, L14

Canvey Island v Dartford

Dartford’s unbeaten run continued on Boxing Day and they will be aiming to extend their excellent form at Canvey Island this weekend.

The Darts moved to 12 league matches without defeat with another comeback victory in their Kent derby against Cray Wanderers. Now on their longest unbeaten run in a season since winning the Isthmian Premier title, Adrian Pennock’s side have won three on the bounce and five of their last six league fixtures dropping just two points in that time. Canvey Island have never beaten a Dartford team in nine attempts. The Essex club were defeated on Thursday in their derby with Billericay Town. The Gulls have now lost in their last two outings without scoring.

For a sixth consecutive Isthmian Premier match, Pennock named an unchanged side in the 2-1 home win over Cray Wanderers. However with a second game in three days the Dartford boss admitted he may have to break that run. The Darts have picked up seven points from losing positions in the last four games and after a difficult first-half against the Wands they turned their fortunes around again.

After half an hour Josh Williams put the visitors in front. The second-half became Olly Boxing Day with two very well taken strikes to secure maximum points. Olly Box moved on to 11 goals for the season with the brace. First, he smashed home an equaliser on 58 minutes and four minutes later he cut inside and found the top corner. The forward has now netted eight in his last nine starts. After the game the man of the match spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “Three points is what we were looking for. We started off slow and sluggish for the whole of the first half. The gaffa knew exactly what to say to us at half-time to get us going and to be fair it seemed to work, we played a lot better in the second-half”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Pennock echoed Box’s summary and praised the character of his squad, he commented: “I liked the second-half, we went back to basics by working hard”, he added: “Every single one of them are so honest, they deserve a big pat on the back”. Looking forward to Saturday’s trip to Essex, the Dartford boss expects a tricky encounter, he explained: “We’re going to tinker it a little bit because having two games in three days is crazy really, but it will be the same for Canvey as well so there will be no excuses from me. We have to be on the front foot from the start to the end, it’s a tough one but we’re looking forward to it”.

Dartford kept up their outstanding record versus Canvey Island earlier in the season. The Darts maintained their perfect record in league matches against the Essex club with a seventh straight victory.

Sam Odaudu put in a man of the match performance and scored his first ever goal at Princes Park. The full back stabbed home a volley in the second half to put Dartford ahead. Tyler Christian-Law wrapped up the points by taking advantage of some poor defending to slot away the clincher, the midfielder’s only goal for the club since joining in the summer.

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s last visit to Park Lane actually ended all square when the two sides met in the F.A Cup third qualifying round. The hosts scored an injury time equaliser to force a replay in October 2010. Former Dart, Danny Heale headed Canvey Island in front during the first half. After the interval Dartford took the lead, first Ryan Hayes scored a penalty then James White nodded home. Three minutes into stoppage time the Gulls won a spot kick, which Rob King converted. The replay was just as dramatic three days later with the game finishing 3-3. Dartford eventually progressed 9-8 on penalties.

Almost 15 years ago to the day Dartford last visited Canvey Island in a league fixture. Lee Burns opened the scoring before Craig Davidson levelled from the spot. Jamie Coyle put the Darts ahead and Rob Haworth increased the advantage. The lead was stretched when Danny Harris and Burns made it five. A consolation goal from James Rowe made the final score 5-2 to the Darts. During the same time of year 12 months earlier, Cody McDonald bagged a hat-trick on the road and got sent off in a 3-2 win.

Canvey Island may be down in fourteenth place, but so tight is the division that they are just four points away from the playoff places. Two consecutive defeats without scoring, first at home to Horsham then away to Billericay Town on Boxing Day, has seen Brad Wellman’s team lose a bit of momentum. Goals from former Dart, Tyrell Miller-Rodney, Tommy Davis and Arjanit Krasniqi condemned Canvey Island to their fifth away defeat of the season.

The defeat at home to Horsham was only the second time in the league they had failed to score on their own patch. In the two previous home fixtures they had joy versus Whitehawk and Cray Wanderers to add six points to their tally. The following fixture at Park Lane saw the Gulls progress in the Essex Senior Cup by beating Dagenham and Redbridge 4-0.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWDWWW) Canvey Island (WWLWLL)
Cray Wanderers H 2-1 Billericay Town A 0-3
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Horsham H 0-1
Horsham A 3-1 Hendon A 1-0
Dulwich Hamlet H 2-2 Lewes A 1-2
Bognor Regis Town H 4-0 Cray Wanderers H 2-0
Hastings United A 3-0 Hashtag United H 3-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Canvey Island wins: 0 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Canvey Island (17/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 3 Canvey Island (12/10/2010 – F.A Cup)*
Canvey Island 2 – 2 Dartford (09/10/2010 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 2 – 1 Canvey Island (05/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Canvey Island 2 – 5 Dartford (29/12/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 4 – 0 Canvey Island (13/04/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
* – Dartford won 9-8 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have won all seven league fixtures against the Gulls with an aggregate score of 23-6
  • The Darts have won three and drawn one at Canvey Island in all competitions
  • Dartford have scored in every game against the Gulls averaging 3.11 goals a game
  • The Darts have now scored 200 goals in the Isthmian Premier League in 106 games (1.88 goals per game)

On This Day

Dartford have drawn five of their last eight on this day, the most recent a 2-2 draw at Braintree Town three years ago. Two goals in the final eight minutes salvaged a draw from two goals down. Jake Robinson halved the deficit from a penalty, then in the final minute Jack Jebb scored a brilliant free-kick. Two years earlier, Tonbridge Angels were comfortably beaten 3-0 at Princes Park. Darren McQueen and Elliott Romain put the Darts in control. Josh Hill was dismissed for the hosts late in the game, but Charlie Sheringham still managed to add a third.

Dartford v Cray Wanderers

Dartford host a former landlord in a Kent derby against Cray Wanderers on Boxing Day.

It’s been 15 years since the Darts hosted this fixture back when they won the Isthmian Premier League. Adrian Pennock’s side top the form table and are currently on an unbeaten run of 11 games in the Isthmian Premier. The upturn in performances and efficiency in front of goal has seen the Darts rise from the lower half of the division to fourth place in the space of two months. Without a defeat in five, Cray Wanderers have also improved recently helping the Wands progress upwards and away from the relegation zone.

An unchanged Dartford side secured a third consecutive away victory on the weekend when they beat Folkestone Invicta by a single goal. Pennock named the same side for a fifth match in a row and managed to give some game time to defender Michael Olarewaju, who made his first appearance, as a substitute, since the start of November. In tough conditions Callum Jones scored his second in three matches putting his barren streak well behind him. Victory on the road extended Dartford’s unbeaten league run on their travels to six, their best sequence since 2018.

In front of goal Dartford have now scored in their last ten league matches, doubling the longest goalscoring run under Pennock. Olly Box has chipped in with six in his last eight starts and hopefully Jones will keep adding to his recent tally. Yet the triumph on the weekend owed just as much to the defensive display. Assistant manager, Roland Edge spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and explained: “For an away performance we were so solid and that was down to our defence and midfield. It wasn’t a smash and grab, we played some good football in tough conditions”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

At Princes Park, Dartford are currently five without defeat. Not only do they want to keep that record intact, they also want to add to the ten points collected from a possible 15 in Kent derbies this term home and away. Standing in their way will be Cray Wanderers and potentially former captain, Tom Bonner. The defender made 456 appearances for the Darts, won two Kent Senior Cups and the National South playoffs whilst at Princes Park. He featured in the weekend draw against Billericay Town.

The Wands included Bonner in the team and Remi Sutton was also given a start with Quade Taylor and Frankie-Jay Moralee missing out. Two goals inside the final ten minutes saw the spoils shared at Flamingo Park. Cray Wanderers took the lead with seven on the clock through Josh Williams, but Ashley Nzala equalised for Ricay in injury time.

Billericay Town’s late strike denied Cray Wanderers a fourth straight 1-0 win. The Wands began the month with maximum points at Bowers and Pitsea, won at home against Chichester City then defeated league leaders Dover Athletic at the Crabble. Although down in sixteenth place, Cray Wanderers are only six points from a playoff place, but just six points clear of the drop.

The two previous fixtures at Princes Park both ended in a draw with the last on Boxing Day 2009. Just over 1300 turned out for that fixture. Mark Willy gave the visitors a lead after 29 minutes, heading in Ross Lover’s free-kick. Dartford equalised eight minutes later, with substitute Danny Harris on hand to score. In the second half Lee Burns was sent off for the Darts in the 1-1 draw.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

The reverse meeting a week later saw the Darts run out 2-1 winners. Burns made up for his red card with the opening goal and James White added another four minutes later to take the Darts into the break with a two-goal advantage. The Wands hot back in the second half with Colin Luckett’s penalty, but the hosts couldn’t find an equaliser.

Cray Wanderers have played host in the last six meetings, including the league clash in January 2010. The Darts have come out on top five of those matches, the most recent a 2-1 London Senior Cup triumph in April this year. The quarter-final tie was a welcome escape for the Darts who had just confirmed their relegation back to the Isthmian Premier.

Early pressure from the Wands was rewarded as early as the second minute. Former Dart, Ellis Brown scored to put the hosts ahead at Hayes Lane. Jordan Greenidge used his strength to create an opportunity with half hour played and he took full advantage to level. As the tie approached the prospect of penalties, Dartford managed to force an own goal for the winner.

Three years earlier the Darts won in the F.A Trophy third round. Tyrique Hyde set up Jake Robinson for the first and won the penalty for Robinson’s second. Danny Leonard added a third goal before Jai Reason scored a consolation for the Wands. Sandwiched between a pair of 2-1 Dartford victories in a 2011 F.A Cup third qualifier and a 2016 Kent Senior Cup first round tie, Cray Wanderers did claim a win seven years ago. In another Kent Senior Cup first round match, the Wands progressed with a 4-2 victory. Dartford’s goals came from Toby Ajala and Warren Mfula.

There is a history between Dartford and Cray Wanderers, who first played each other 136 years ago. Yet it wasn’t until the 2006/2007 season that the pair met in a league other than a local county division or a cup fixture. However, in recent times both clubs have gone through a similar journey. When the Darts lost their Watling Street home and reformed in the nineties, they shared Cray Wanderers’ ground at Oxford Road. Dartford didn’t find a permanent place until they moved in at Princes Park in 2006. Likewise, the Wands left Oxford Road in 1998 and after many years at Hayes Lane, Bromley they finally moved into their new stadium Flamingo Park this season.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWWDWW) Cray Wanderers (LDWWWD)
Folkestone Invicta A 1-0 Billericay Town H 1-1
Horsham A 3-1 Dover Athletic A 1-0
Dulwich Hamlet H 2-2 Chichester City H 1-0
Bognor Regis Town H 4-0 Bowers and Pitsea A 1-0
Hastings United A 3-0 Carshalton Athletic H 1-1
Chichester City A 2-2 Canvey Island A 0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 36 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 11

Previous Meetings

Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (16/04/2024 – London Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 3 Dartford (18/12/2021 – F.A Trophy)
Cray Wanderers 4 – 2 Dartford (20/09/2017 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (05/10/2016 – Kent Senior Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (15/10/2011 – F.A Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford (02/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • In the league Dartford have lost just once against Cray Wanderers in the last 19 outings (W14, D4)
  • The Darts have lost just once in the last 17 at home versus the Wands in all competitions (W11, D5)
  • This will be only the third time Dartford have played Cray Wanderers on Boxing Day. The first meeting was in 1901 when the Wands won 4-0 in the Kent League. The last was the 1-1 draw in the Isthmian Premier League 15 years ago.
  • Dartford have won 41, drawn 23 and lost 26 games on Boxing Day (Home record – W28 D15 L15)

On This Day

Dartford have won six of the last seven Boxing Day matches with three of those against Welling United. All seven of those games were in the National South and it was a year ago when Richard Chin scored the winner against the Wings at Park View Road. The Darts also won at Welling United 3-0 in 2019 and 3-2 in 2017 with Alfie Pavey’s stunning last minute scissor kick.

Two years ago, Dartford blew rivals Ebbsfleet United away at Stonebridge Road with four first half goals. Luke Allen, Luke Coulson and Maxwell Statham all netted inside 11 minutes. Alex Wall added a fourth with five minutes left of the first-half in a 4-1 victory over the then league leaders and eventual champions. The last Boxing Day fixture at Princes Park was in 2016 with Dartford beating Ebbsfleet United again. Duane Ofori-Acheampong scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory.

Dartford’s biggest triumph on this day was a 6-1 win at Canvey Island in 2007 with goals from Steve Norman, Ryan Hayes, Brendon Cass, Jay May, Eddie McClements and Jamie Coyle. At Watling Street in 1989, a team led by Peter Taylor beat Gravesend and Northfleet 5-0 in the Southern Premier League.

Folkestone Invicta v Dartford

Dartford will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten run and stay in the playoff places when they visit Folkestone Invicta in this weekend’s Kent derby.

The Darts are unbeaten in the league throughout November and December and if Adrian Pennock’s side avoid defeat again it will take the Darts to 11 without a loss in the Isthmian Premier. The club are now enjoying their best run for two years and victory will guarantee fourth place at Christmas. Folkestone Invicta will be hoping to edge closer to the playoff zone even after a run of three consecutive away defeats. However, they have taken maximum points in their last three matches at Cheriton Road.

Pennock’s squad now seems settled and playing with confidence and for a fourth game in a row the Dartford boss named an unchanged team for the mid-week fixture at Horsham. The Darts kept up their good form over Sussex sides with another victory. It was the second consecutive game in which the Darts earned points after falling behind. Pennock was pleased with the character and togetherness shown by his team, which in pointed out in the post match interview.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Hornets led halfway into the first half, but Samir Carruthers equalised almost immediately. Maximum points were secured in the second-half when Olly Box took his tally to nine for the season, with his sixth goal in seven starts. Denzelle Olopade made it 3-1 to make sure the Darts picked up points for a fifth away match in a row.

Since the start of November, Dartford have won five and drawn five to take them from thirteenth in the table to fourth. On the road they have won the last two following on from three successive draws. The Darts last went six away league games unbeaten in the same season back in 2018, when they closed out the campaign with six straight victories under Tony Burman.

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Match highlights courtesy of Hornets TV

It’s been 20 years since the previous meeting between the two sides back in the Southern League Division One. Since then, they have played in several cup matches with the last being the Kent Senior Cup final in May 2022. Samir Carruthers was part of the winning side that retained the county cup after a 6-2 victory.

Life at Princes Park didn’t really work out for Ade Yusuff in the early part of this season, the forward opened the scoring for Invicta in the final. In the second-half Luke Allen headed Dartford level before the hour mark, the Ali Mansaray nodded in a second. The scores were even again once David Smith netted for Folkestone Invicta, but afterwards the Darts strolled away in the last 15 minutes. Connor Essam, an Ade Azeez double and Danny Leonard added more to Dartford’s tally.

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Josh Hill was involved in the previous meeting before the Kent Senior Cup triumph. In the same competition two years earlier, the Darts won 4-0 in the quarter-final. Liam Nash set the Dartford on their way and Tyrique Hyde, doubled the lead. Billy Crook and Elliot Romain extended Dartford’s advantage to send them into the final four. That campaign was delayed due to Covid and eventually the Darts claimed county honours in the following season.

Folkestone Invicta were beaten last weekend by an in-form Chatham Town side. Former Premier League striker, Freddie Sears scored a brace and two ex-Darts, Rowan Liburd and John Ufuah added to Chatham Town’s tally. Invicta’s goal came from Joe Turner who had earlier levelled the match. Defeat completed a trio of losses on the road following trips to Potters Bar Town where they lost 3-2 and Whitehawk where they were beaten 1-0.

Former Dart, Sam Blackman featured last weekend in the loss at Chatham Town. The midfielder was part of the 2019/2020 squad, but an unfortunate pre-season leg break restricted him to just one appearance for Dartford. Jack Jebb was unavailable on Saturday but was back in light training. Jebb played 66 times for the Darts scoring nine goals in his three seasons at Princes Park.

At home, Invicta have won three on the spin after losing to league leaders Dover Athletic on 5 November. Andy Drury’s side won their Kent derby with Cray Wanderers thanks to Dan Smith’s goal. Ten days later, an Amadou Kassarate brace helped Invicta beat Dulwich Hamlet 2-1. Just under a month ago Smith scored a hat-trick as they breezed past strugglers Bognor Regis Town 4-1. A fourth consecutive win followed at Horsham beginning the aforementioned run of away matches.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDWWDW) Folkestone Invicta (WWWLLL)
Horsham A 3-1 Chatham Town A 1-4
Dulwich Hamlet H 2-2 Potters Bar Town A 2-3
Bognor Regis Town H 4-0 Whitehawk A 0-1
Hastings United A 3-0 Horsham A 1-0
Chichester City A 2-2 Bognor Regis Town H 4-1
Lewes H 2-0 Dulwich Hamlet H 2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Folkestone Invicta wins: 10 / Draws: 4

Previous Meetings

Dartford 6 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (17/05/2022 – Kent Senior Cup Final)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Folkestone Invicta (25/02/2020 – Kent Senior Cup)
Folkestone Invicta 1 – 4 Dartford (07/12/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dartford 2 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (12/09/2006 – Isthmian League Cup)**
Dartford 1 – 2 Folkestone Invicta (18/01/2005 – Kent Senior Cup)
Folkestone Invicta 1 – 0 Dartford (13/03/2004 – Southern League Div One East)
* played at Chatham Town
** Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last four against Folkestone Invicta in all competitions (W3, D1). Invicta had won eight in a row prior Dartford’s current run
  • The Darts have lost the last five league games in this fixture stretching back to 1998
  • In the league Dartford have lost the previous two away versus Folkestone Invicta

On This Day

Chris Dickson may not have had his shooting boots on for Horsham in mid-week, but he did on this day four years ago. His very brief spell with the Darts got of to a flyer as the striker netted both goals on his debut in a 2-0 win. Three years earlier, Alfie Pavey scored twice and Andy Pugh netted in a 3-3 draw at Wealdstone, Lee Noble was sent off in second-half injury time. The most recent fixture on this day ended in a 2-0 loss at Braintree Town last season. The Darts lost a F.A Trophy tie to rivals Dover Athletic 3-2 in their last away match on 21 November. In 2006, Dartford claimed a 1-0 victory on the road at Leatherhead, Jay May the match winner.

Horsham v Dartford

Dartford aim to maintain a top five place and continue their unbeaten run when they return to Sussex to face Horsham on Tuesday night.

The Darts can go ten league games without defeat if they pick up at least a point at Worthing Road, their best set of results since Adrian Pennock took charge. In that time Dartford have picked up four victories with only one of those on the road. The Darts won their last Isthmian Premier fixture away from Princes Park and since then they have taken four more points at home to occupy the final playoff spot. So tight is the current standings that if Horsham win their two games in hand over Pennock’s side they will go two points ahead of the Darts, yet the Hornets are currently down in thirteenth place.

For a third league away game in a row, Dartford travel to Sussex. In fact, four of the last five Isthmian Premier encounters have been against teams from the county and so far, Dartford have picked up ten points from those games beating Lewes, Hastings United, Bognor Regis Town and drawing with Chichester City.

The Darts have also enjoyed their last two visits to Horsham at two different venues. Just over five years ago they were drawn together in the F.A Cup second qualifying round. Two months into their new stadium on Worthing Road, the Hornets were knocked out by Dartford under interim manager Tony Burman at the time. Late goals in either half from Darren McQueen and Luke Allen secured a 2-0 away win for the Kent side.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Burman was also in charge for the last league outing back in March 2010. Heading towards the Isthmian Premier League title, Dartford came home with all three points from Gorings Mead. As early as five minutes, Elliot Bradbrook put the visitors ahead from close range. Ryan Hayes set up the first and supplied Allan Tait for the second. Bradbrook tidily finished for the third before Pat Harding scored a consolation for the Hornets.

On the weekend, Dartford found themselves in control, lost a lead and salvaged a point against Dulwich Hamlet. An unchanged side for the third consecutive match saw a fifth draw in the last nine league outings. Callum Jones opened the scoring with his first goal since late September, a run of 13 appearances. On the stroke of half-time, former Dart, Luke Wanadio came back to haunt his old side again with the equaliser. The forward also scored the winner to knock Dartford out of the F.A Trophy earlier this season.

Hamlet took the lead in the second half when Ralfi Hand put the visitors in front. Once again, Olly Box took centre stage with a leveller and his fifth goal in his last six starts. Although the Darts created enough opportunities to build a first-half lead they were unable to convert their chances. However, the side showed character to rescue a point and keep hold of their unbeaten run.

Tyler Christian-Law and Eddie Dsane were both unused substitutes on the weekend. If involved in the midweek fixture at Horsham they will be up against one of their former teams. Christian-Law joined the Hornets in November 2022 and departed three months later. Dsane had two spells at Horsham joining in September 2020 then again in November 2022, having played for Margate in between.

Horsham dropped out of the Isthmian Premier two years later sinking to the Southern Combination Premier by 2015. The Sussex club bounced back straight away with the title at the first attempt and took another three seasons to return to where they are now. Last term was historic for the Hornets despite losing the playoff semi-final. Horsham recorded their highest ever league finish, reached the F.A Cup second round for the second time in their history and won the Sussex Senior Cup.

Although Dominic Di Paola’s team haven’t reached the heights of last term, they remain strong at home and have put decent cup runs together. On their own patch they have breezed past strugglers Whitehawk as well as Bowers and Pitsea. Add another two wins over fellow county sides Chichester City and Lewes and a triumph over Potters Bar Town, the Hornets could feel confident ahead of their weekend clash with Cheshunt.

That confidence came through on Saturday thanks to a former Dartford striker bagging a hat-trick. Chris Dickson scored three goals in eight appearances for the Darts during the 2020/2021 campaign. The 3-1 victory over Cheshunt put the disappointment of the F.A Trophy exit a week ago behind the Hornets. Dickson will turn 40 years-old next week and he opened the scoring from the penalty spot. He doubled the lead five minutes after the break and missed a penalty with the score at 2-1. However, Dickson was determined to take home the match ball, and he secured it with his third of the afternoon. Victory was the Hornets second in a row at home in the Isthmian Premier having put five past Bowers and Pitsea at the end of November.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWDWWD) Horsham (LWLWLW)
Dulwich Hamlet H 2-2 Cheshunt H 3-1
Bognor Regis Town H 4-0 Billericay Town A 1-2
Hastings United A 3-0 Bowers and Pitsea H 5-0
Chichester City A 2-2 Folkestone Invicta H 0-1
Lewes H 2-0 Wingate and Finchley A 1-0
Hashtag United A 3-3 Chatham Town A 0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Horsham wins: 2 / Draws: 2

Previous Meetings

Horsham 0 – 2 Dartford (21/09/2019 – F.A Cup)
Horsham 1 – 3 Dartford (18/03/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 2 Horsham (15/08/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Horsham 3 – 2 Dartford (18/02/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)
Horsham 0 – 3 Dartford (24/01/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 4 – 0 Horsham (20/09/2008 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won five of the last six games against Horsham in all competitions (D1)
  • The Darts have won the last two games at Horsham
  • Dartford are four league games unbeaten on the road (W1, D3), their longest unbeaten away run since September/October 2022

On This Day

Dave Tarpey scored a stunning goal that went viral on this day as the Darts were humbled 5-0 at Maidenhead United. The striker went on to get a hat-trick in that game and the Magpies ended up as the 2016/2017 National South champions. That was Dartford’s only other defeat in 16 matches on 17 December. The biggest win on this day came in 1988 when Peter Taylor’s side beat Moor Green 5-1 in the Southern Premier League at Watling Street. Whilst the last away victory on 17 December was in 1964 in a Kent Floodlight League fixture against Deal Town, the Darts won 3-1.

Dartford v Dulwich Hamlet

This weekend Dartford host Dulwich Hamlet for the second time this season after the two sides previously met in the F.A Trophy.

The Darts were knocked out of the trophy two months ago during a winless spell throughout October and September. Now Adrian Pennock’s side are unbeaten in eight league games having won three of the last four in the Isthmian Premier. Dulwich Hamlet have had a busy week with a home defeat against league leaders Dover Athletic and a comeback draw at Lewes, to secure just their second point in their last five outings.

Since taking charge of the Darts, Adrian Pennock is on his longest run without a league defeat, the kind of form that helped his side reach the top five last weekend. However, Hamlet’s draw in Sussex on Tuesday saw Lewes regain fifth spot with Dartford dropping a place outside the playoffs.

Last weekend the Darts beat Bognor Regis Town comfortably. Having made nine changes in the League Cup defeat at Sheppey United, Pennock named the same side that beat Hastings United in the league giving Louis Dunne his home debut. On the bench was new loan signing Hayden Bullas, who came on to make his debut. The Leyton Orient midfielder had already been out on loan at Erith Town this season scoring twice in 20 appearances. Michael Olarewaju was still unavailable, the defender has missed the last month through injury.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford made the blustery conditions count in the first half blowing Bognor Regis Town away. The Darts racked up their biggest half time lead since beating Cockfosters in the London Senior Cup just over three years ago. Denzelle Olopade pounced on a rebound to get the scoring moving, the midfielder’s fourth of the campaign. Olly Box doubled the advantage with his fourth in his last five league games. Defender, George Whitefield found the back of the net for a third consecutive home game. To wrap up an excellent first-half display Josh Hill scored his first since returning to the club.

It was the first time the Darts scored four in the first half since the Boxing Day win at Ebbsfleet United in 2022. With the job as good as done and kicking against the wind, Dartford were unable to add to their tally in the second half despite the visitors going down to ten men in the closing stages.

Former Dartford winger, Luke Wanadio was the difference maker in the F.A Trophy meeting with Dulwich Hamlet back in October by scoring the only goal of the game. The 32 year old has scored 15 this season for Hamlet and top scored for the club last term. Over his three spells with the Darts he made 99 appearances and netted 18 goals. Trying to stop the London side’s attack is Dartford captain Josh Hill, who previously played for this weekend’s opponents. He could also come face to face with three more former Darts in Jordan Wynter, Danny Mills and George Porter.

Wynter was part of the Dartford team that last played against Dulwich Hamlet in a league fixture. Versatile in defence or midfield, Wynter made 191 appearances prior switching allegiances in May. Alex Wall bagged a hat-trick and Harvey Bradbury added a fourth as the Darts ran out 4-0 winners in April 2023.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The win at Princes Park completed a double over Hamlet that season after Dartford won 2-1 at Champion Hill in October 2022. The visitors had to come from behind when Nana Owusu put Dulwich Hamlet in front. On the stroke of Samir Carruthers equalised from the spot. It took Dartford until six minutes from time to find the decisive breakthrough when Charlie Sheringham headed home.

Hakan Heyrettin’s side have struggled on the road this term. The F.A Trophy tie at Princes Park was Hamlet’s last away victory in all competitions. In the league they have earned just one win on their travels picking up six points in nine games. However, Dulwich Hamlet showed plenty of character down at Lewes in their previous fixture. Hamlet were without Sam German, Ross Marshall and Jameson Horlick for their midweek trip. However, Max Hudson and Louis Ramsey returned to the starting eleven after recovering from injury. Ryley Scott could be in contention again this weekend.

After the 4-1 defeat at home to Dover Athletic, Hamlet were looking to get some points on the board with a tough trip to Lewes midweek. The hosts went two goals up at the Dripping Pan and looked set for victory, until two former Darts rescued a point for Heyrettin’s men. Mills scored seven in 26 games whilst on loan at Princes Park in 2017/2018. The forward came on as a substitute against the Rooks and made an immediate impact. With time running out, Wanadio levelled during injury time to complete the comeback for Hamlet, which leaves them thirteenth and four points behind the Darts.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDWDWW) Dulwich Hamlet (WLLDLD)
Bognor Regis Town H 4-0 Lewes A 2-2
Hastings United A 3-0 Dover Athletic H 1-4
Chichester City A 2-2 Cheshunt A 1-1
Lewes H 2-0 Hashtag United H 0-2
Hashtag United A 3-3 Folkestone Invicta A 1-2
Cheshunt H 2-1 Potters Bar Town H 3-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Dulwich Hamlet wins: 4 / Draws: 4

Previous Meetings

Dartford 0 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (05/10/2024 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 3 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (01/04/2023 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 1 – 2 Dartford (08/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (08/01/2022 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 0 – 2 Dartford (28/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (25/01/2020 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in all five home league games against Dulwich Hamlet W3, D2)
  • The Darts could make it four league wins in a row at home for the first time since September/October 2023 and first time since Adrian Pennock took charge
  • Dartford have kept three clean sheets in their last four league games at Princes Park

On This Day

High flying Crawley Town were knocked out by the Darts in the F.A Trophy on this day in 2010. The Sussex club were on their way to winning the National League and promotion into the Football League that season. After an entertaining 3-3 draw, Tom Champion was the match winner on home soil in a 1-0 cup upset.

Alex Wall scored a brace against his former side two years ago as the Darts beat Havant and Waterlooville 3-1 in Hampshire. Three years earlier on this day Dartford also netted three at home versus Billericay Town. This time Elliott Romain was at the double after Darren McQueen scored Dartford’s first of the afternoon in a 3-2 victory at Princes Park.

In 1935, Dartford made it to the F.A Cup third round with a win against Gainsborough Trinity. The Darts had already beaten Cardiff City in the previous round and were rewarded with a famous away tie versus top flight Derby County.

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