Dartford FC Previews

Tag: Isthmian Premier (Page 3 of 7)

Ramsgate v Dartford

August 24, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford will make the coastal trip to Ramsgate on Bank Holiday Monday attempting to record a first away win of the season.

Fresh off the back of claiming their maiden victory of 2025/2026 on Saturday, the Darts will be hoping to climb further up the league table. However, Adrian Pennock’s side are pointless and goalless on the road after defeats at Dulwich Hamlet and St Albans City. In both away games Dartford were reduced to ten men.

Isthmian Division One South East champions, Ramsgate started with an opening day win. Back in the Isthmian Premier for the first time in 16 years, the Rams have failed to add to their tally since.

Darts off the Mark with a Quickfire Treble

On Saturday, Sam Okoye made his first start of the season after returning from injury. The full back gave away a penalty, which was scored by Carshalton’s Tommy Bradford. Another defensive change saw Ben Frempah back from his one match ban. Luther Williams dropped to the bench and Michael Olarewaju served his one game suspension. The Darts finished the first-half strongly. In stoppage time, Olly Box levelled from the edge of the box and moments later Callum Jones had his effort disallowed for offside.

Dartford started the second half how they finished the first. Three goals in a 12 minute spell put the hosts in control. Dan Smith headed home his first for the club to put the hosts in front. Jez Pinder opened his account for the season with a free kick that went straight through former Dartford goalkeeper Matt Kerbey. Box then made it four with a superb curler from outside the box into the top corner. Academy graduates Hugo Taylor and Albie O’Mara-Knapp both came on to make their debuts.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Welcome to the Premier

The momentum of winning the Isthmian Division One South East with 109 points continued into the new season for Ramsgate, for one game at least. The Rams beat Whitehawk on the opening day 3-2. An injury time winner from the spot by Alfie Paxman gave Ben Smith’s team maximum points.

Yet the step up a division without prolific scorer Joe Taylor, who left in the summer, has seen Ramsgate lose three consecutive matches. Paxman was at the double in defeat at Chatham Town. His brace wasn’t enough as the Rams were beaten 4-2. Four days later former Dart, Luke Wanadio scored twice to condemn the newly promoted side to defeat at home to Dulwich Hamlet.

On Saturday, the Rams conceded another four handing Cray Valley Paper Mills their first win of the season. Another former Dartford player, Marcell Barrington scored followed by Dan Ajakaiye and Tom Beere. From a penalty again, Paxman netted his fourth of the season in the last minute. There was still time for another ex Dart, Ibby Akanbi to get on the scoresheet.

Long Time No See

Dartford last faced Ramsgate in the league when the Rams were previously in the Isthmian Premier. Under the guidance of Tony Burman, the Darts completed a league double over their opponents during the 2008/2009 campaign. Ramsgate exited the Isthmian Premier that year after finishing bottom.

Jamie Day scored the only goal of the game in the away match back in December 2008. The reverse fixture at Princes Park four months later saw Rob Haworth grab a brace and goals from Ryan Hayes and Lee Noble.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

The two sides have met in cup competitions since with Dartford progressing in the Isthmian League Cup and Kent Senior Cup. A 2-2 draw in November 2009 ended with the Darts winning 5-4 on penalties. Two years later, Charlie Sheringham scored twice and Hayes in a 3-0 victory that sent Dartford to the county cup final, which they lifted after beating Bromley, now a League Two club.

Manager’s view

Pennock was ‘delighted all round’ at the 4-1 win against the Robins. The Dartford boss spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and felt his side “just needed that little bit of belief in the first twenty minutes, but it came. I just thought we grew in confidence and we scored some really good goals”.

The Darts manager admitted that a strong first half finish and some half time adjustments helped the side go on to claim maximum points. Pennock was also pleased with the character of his players after going a goal down against a tough side, he commented: “That was a really good team effort, squad effort and overall it’s just nice to get three points for everybody involved in the football club”.

Looking ahead to Dartford’s first Kent derby of the campaign against Ramsgate, Pennock said: “We know it’s going to be tough, we respect them a lot. They had a fantastic season last year and they’ve got a very good side there”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Olarewaju will be available after completing his one match ban for the red card against St Albans City. Samir Carruthers is out with a groin injury. Sammie McLeod and Dean Nayler are out injured. Denzelle Olopade is likely to face his former side. If selected, George Whitefield will make his 50th start for the Darts.

Current Form

Dartford (LDLW) Ramsgate (WLLL)
Carshalton Athletic H 4-1 Cray Valley Paper Mills A 1-4
St Albans City A 0-2 Dulwich Hamlet H 0-2
Billericay Town H 1-1 Chatham Town A 2-4
Dulwich Hamlet A 0-4 Whitehawk H 3-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 12 / Ramsgate wins: 7 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

Ramsgate 0 – 3 Dartford (05/04/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 2 Dartford (10/11/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Ramsgate (18/04/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 0 – 1 Dartford (30/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 2 – 1 Dartford (31/02/2006 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 1 Dartford (21/08/1999 – F.A Cup)
* Dartford won 5-4 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last four matches against Ramsgate (W3, D1)
  • The Darts are unbeaten in three away matches versus the Rams (W2, D1)
  • Dartford have failed to score in their opening two away games for the first time since 2019
  • Olly Box’s two goals on Saturday moved him to 23 Dartford goals. He has now gone ahead of Samir Carruthers as the highest scorer currently at the club.

On This Day

Dartford secured their first win back in the National League on this day in 2012. Having lost their opening three matches, the Darts hosted Kidderminster Harriers with Lee Burns scoring the only goal of the game. Three years earlier, Dartford made a massive statement in the Isthmian Premier when they thrashed Kingstonian 5-0 at Princes Park. Burns netted a hat-trick that day with goals from Elliot Bradbrook and Ryan Hayes in front of K’s boss and future Dartford manager Alan Dowson.

In 2009, the Darts recorded their last away win on this day beating Harlow Town 2-1, Haworth and another future Dartford boss, Jamie Coyle scoring. That was the last time the Darts won on the road on 25 August. Since then, they have lost twice away from home. In 2014, the Darts lost 4-0 at Barnet in the National League and in 2018 they were beaten 1-0 at Hungerford Town in the National South.

Dartford v Carshalton Athletic

August 21, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford begin the Bank Holiday weekend at home to Carshalton Athletic still searching for a first win of the season.

The Darts have picked up just one point in their opening three games, their worst start in 13 years. However, that point was earned in their previous home fixture against last season’s runners up. The Robins have so far taken six points from nine available. A good start if they are aiming to improve on their seventh place finish last term.

Carshalton Spoil the Party

A tough fixture list doesn’t get any easier for Dartford. They have already played league leaders Dulwich Hamlet and the two pre-season favourites Billericay Town and St Albans City. Next up they face a Carshalton Athletic side who enjoyed their last visit to Princes Park just four months ago.

On the final day of last season, Adrian Pennock’s side were aiming for the league title only to lose 4-1 to the Robins and miss out.

Kola Salami was given time and space to put the visitors ahead. Then just before the interval Sharon Ifeanyi made it two. George Whitefield pulled a goal back for the Darts. Then Nabeel Ghannam struck twice for the Surrey side.

The reverse fixture almost a year ago finished 1-0 to Dartford. Eddie Dsane scored his first for the club.

Disciplinary Concerns

Red cards have cost Dartford in both away matches this term. On the opening day Ben Frempah was sent off in a 4-0 defeat at Dulwich Hamlet. Last Saturday, Michael Olarewaju was dismissed in a 2-0 loss at St Albans City.

Ironically it was Frempah’s suspension that saw Olarewaju return to the starting lineup. That was the only change from the deserved 1-1 draw in Dartford’s last home game versus Billericay Town.

With a full team on the field, the Darts were in control at Clarence Park. Then with 42 minutes gone Olarewaju stopped a goalscoring opportunity reducing Dartford to ten men. Zane Benton netted the resulting penalty to put St Albans City ahead. The game was beyond the visitors early in the second half when Jasper Mather added another.

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Highlights courtesy of St Albans City

Resilient Robins

Carshalton Athletic won on the opening day beating Cray Valley Paper Mills. Goals from Ifeanyi and Tommy Bradford earned the Robins all three points.

An early goal had the Surrey club behind in their first away game. Lewes took the lead in the second minute as Devonte West put past former Dartford loanee, Matt Kerbey. The goalkeeper started last season as the Darts number one and played eight games. Ifeanyi equalised midway through the first half, but Jack Burchell won it for Lewes in the second half.

A number of injuries picked up in Sussex and manager Peter Adeniyi serving a touchline ban made for a tough fixture last weekend. However, the Robins battled through and overcame Billericay Town. The only goal of the game came from Kola Salami, but it was Kerbey’s performance that stood out.

Manager’s view

Having effectively played a full game with ten men this season, manager Adrian Pennock is worried about the impact of his side picking up red and yellow cards. He spoke to Dartford FC TV after the loss at St Albans City and said: “The discipline really, it’s killing us. It’s the second red card in three games. At the moment we’re shooting ourselves in the foot”.

Prior to the dismissal of Olarewaju, the Darts boss was happy with his team’s performance, he commented: “We caused them so many problems. We should have been three up, arguably 4-0 up”.

Unsurprisingly, Pennock saw the red card as a turning point and believes the result would have been different had his side kept 11 players on the field. He was pleased with the response of his players and their never give up attitude, he added: “I have to say after going down to ten men, we had to work very hard and I’ve got to be very proud of them”.

Keeping a full team on the field for the Darts to stand a chance of grabbing their first win, he explained: “They are a very good side, I like Carshalton. It’ll be a tough game again. We’ve got to get back, put another good performance in and hopefully have 11 players at the end of the 95 minutes”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

Michael Olarewaju will start his suspension, but Ben Frempah will be available. Sam Okoye progressed with his recovery by making a substitute appearance last weekend. Samir Carruthers will be an absentee due to a groin injury. Pennock expects the midfielder to be out for approximately three weeks. Sammie McLeod is waiting on a scan to his injury suffered in pre-season and Dean Nayler is unavailable for the long term.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Carshalton Athletic wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 4 Carshalton Athletic (26/04/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 1 Dartford (24/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Carshalton Athletic (23/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 4 Dartford (19/09/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 2 Dartford (20/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 3 Carshalton Athletic (02/09/2008 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost the first and last league meetings against Carshalton Athletic, but went four games unbeaten in between (W3, D1)
  • The home side has never won this fixture in nine attempts. The Darts have yet to beat the Robins on home soil (D2, L2)
  • Last time one point after three games was in 2014, but this season’s inferior goal difference makes it the worst start since losing the opening three in 2012.
  • After three games, Dartford have played 91 minutes with ten men

On This Day

Elliott Bradbrook missed a penalty on this day in 2014 as the Darts were held to a 0-0 draw with Torquay United in the National League. However, the former captain was on the scoresheet in the Kent derby with Dover Athletic three years earlier. Dartford drew 2-2 at the Crabble in the National South, Charlie Sheringham opened the scoring that day. The only Isthmian Premier match the Darts have played on this day ended ina 2-0 home defeat to Hastings United in 2008. Dartford’s last home victory on 23 August was in 1995 when they beat Chatham Town 1-0 in the Kent League.

St Albans City v Dartford

August 14, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford go in search of their first win of the season when they take on St Albans City on the weekend.

The Darts travel to Clarence Park this Saturday after a loss on the opening day and a draw on Tuesday night. The Saints are also looking for a first victory since relegation to the Isthmian Premier.

High Expectations

Both sides are among the bookies favourites to take the Isthmian Premier title. The Darts and the Saints were sitting just behind Billericay Town in the pre-season odds. Whilst Adrian Pennock’s team are hoping to go one better than last season, St Albans City are aiming for an immediate return to the National South.

Playoff Heartbreak to Isthmian Premier

It wasn’t long ago both sides were vying for a place in the National League via the playoffs. A semi-final meeting at Princes Park was decided in penalty drama with St Albans City holding their nerve. The Saints went on to lose the final, meaning the Darts and the Saints missed out on promotion.

Last time Dartford visited Clarence Park they lost 1-0 with Mitchell Weiss scoring the winner. The Darts were unlucky not to score with Lewis Manor and Harvey Bradbury on two occasions both striking the crossbar.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

St Albans City dished out a heavier defeat in the reverse fixture three months later. The Hertfordshire side scored twice in four second-half minutes through Shaun Jeffers and Michael Clark. A late Harun Hamid goal made the score convincing for the visitors.

The Darts went on to suffer relegation at the end of that season and St Albans City would follow a year later. Although the Saints took survival to the final day last term, they were unable to beat National South champions Truro City to stay up.

A Better Display

After a terrible opening day for the Darts, in which they lost 4-0 at Dulwich Hamlet, Pennock’s side got off the mark with a well earned point against Billericay Town.

The Dartford boss made three changes with Michael Olarewaju not involved. Goalkeeper, Jonny Henly took the captain’s armband for the opening match at Princes Park. Dan Smith, Luther Williams and Jez Pinder started with Ikechi Eze and Eddie Dsane dropping to the bench.

Halfway through the first half Sam Odaudu put in a long throw which Billericay Town failed to clear. The ball fell to Olly Box at the far post who opened his and Dartford’s account for the season in his 50th start for the club. At the break the hosts deserved to be ahead and could have had a bigger lead after missed opportunities.

At half time the Blues made a triple change bringing on three former Darts, Femi Akinwande, Liam Nash and Tyrell Miller-Rodney. Billericay Town put the Darts under pressure for most of the second half. With half an hour to play Nash made a breakthrough for the visitors to level at 1-1. In the end Dartford were left clinging on and their hard work earned their first point of the campaign.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Slow Start for Saints

St Albans City’s 0-0 home draw with Chatham Town was the only game without a goal on the opening weekend of the Isthmian Premier season. Alex Wall featured for the Saints after signing for his 13th different club in March. The former Dartford striker had three spells at Princes Park scoring 23 goals in 74 appearances. Manager, Ian Culverhouse introduced nine new signings last Saturday with a further three debutantes coming off the bench.

On Tuesday night, the Saints gave up the lead twice to lose against newly promoted Brentwood Town. The evening in Essex got off to a good start when Sam Smart nodded the visitors in front. Louie Johnson equalised for the hosts, but St Albans City were back ahead when Zane Banton scored a penalty. Two second half goals from the Blues turned the game around. First, Benas Vaivada netted, then Johnson grabbed his second of the night.

Manager’s view

Pennock was delighted for his team after a difficult opening day. The Dartford manager believes the draw and performance against Billericay Town has set the standard. The Darts boss spoke to Dartford FC TV after the Tuesday night fixture and said: “I loved the game from start to finish. I think, arguably, we could have gone in two or three nil up. We had some really good chances and it was very deserved”.

He commented: “I’m very proud because it wasn’t a good day on Saturday, we were very poor. That was more of us tonight”, he added: “It makes me more angry now because why didn’t we do that Saturday, but that’s gone now and we’ve got to look forward. We showed a lot of character tonight”.

Billericay Town took control in the second-half with a trio of substitutes at half time. Pennock responded to stop the attacking threat posed by the visitors, he explained: “I had to make a change because when they were on top I wanted to get an extra midfield player on and we nullified them in the end”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

St Albans City manager, Ian Culverhouse was disappointed with his side’s performance against newly promoted Brentwood Town. After the loss on Tuesday he told St Albans City FC youtube channel: “I think we were particularly poor, we lost to a side that wanted it more than us. That hurts me to say because we didn’t show enough desire.”

The Saints boss feels his team shouldn’t take anything for granted even though they are now playing in a lower league, he commented: “I expect better. We need to work harder, we’ve no right, no entitlement to anything, you have to earn everything”.

Defeat to Brentwood Town, who were two divisions below St Albans City last season, is an example of how competitive opponents are in the Isthmian Premier. Culverhouse believes his players need to heed the warning, he said: “It’s about the players standing up, we’ve got to smell the coffee now”.

Team News

Ben Frempah is suspended for his red card at Dulwich Hamlet. Dean Nayler is a long term absentee. Sam Okoye and Sammie McLeod have been working on regaining their fitness after being out with injuries.

If Denzelle Olopade and Callum Jones are selected in the starting eleven, the pair will both reach 50 starts for the Darts.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 12 / St Albans City wins: 8 / Draws: 7

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 3 St Albans City (23/12/2023 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 0 Dartford (09/09/2023 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (07/05/2023 – National South Playoffs)*
Dartford 2 – 1 St Albans City (22/04/2023 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 1 Dartford (22/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 St Albans City (23/04/2022 – National South)
* – St Albans City won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford are winless in their last three matches against St Albans City (D1*, L2) * – lost on penalties
  • The Darts have lost just one of their last four league games at Clarence Park (W2, D1)
  • Dartford have failed to score in their last two matches against St Albans City. The last time they went three in a row without a goal versus the Saints was from April 2016 to March 2017
  • The Darts have gone 17 matches without a clean sheet against the Hertfordshire club stretching back to February 2016 (W6, D3, L8)

On This Day

Dartford last won on 16 August when they beat Eastbourne Borough in the first home match of the 2011/2012 season. Charlie Sheringham and Adam Green scored in a 2-1 victory. Since then the Darts lost 1-0 at Kidderminster Harriers 11 years ago in the National League. In the National South they drew 0-0 at home to Gosport Borough in 2016 and six years later lost 2-1 to Havant and Waterlooville at Princes Park.

The Darts also played their first ever Isthmian Premier match on this day 17 years ago. Tony Burman’s side were given an early lesson losing 3-0 at Hendon not helped by Paul Guest receiving a red card. On the road, Dartford have yet to score on 16 August in four attempts.

Dartford v Billericay Town

August 11, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford host Isthmian Premier League favourites Billericay Town under the Princes Park lights on Tuesday night.

A mouthwatering contest early in the fixture list pits two of last season’s title challengers against each other. The Darts finished a place and three points behind Ricay in April after a dramatic final day.

Unfinished Business

Dartford and Billericay Town feel they have unfinished business in trying to return to the National South.

The league title went right down to the wire four months ago. The Darts and the Blues led the table between them for 12 weeks heading into the last game. With both sides level with Horsham the Isthmian Premier was still up for grabs. Whilst the Darts lost, Billericay Town won. However, three points wasn’t enough for the Essex side. Horsham climbed to the top for the first time all season, outscoring the Blues by a single goal.

Getting Over the Blues

When Adrian Pennock’s side were beaten 4-0 by Billericay Town ten months ago they could have easily felt sorry for themselves. The Kent side had just lost three league games in a row and slipped down to tenth. Last October, goals from former Dart, Tom Bender, Frankie Merrifield, Moses Emmanuel and Matt Johnson pushed Dartford down to tenth.

The Darts later recovered with a 21 match unbeaten run. So by the time the reverse fixture at Princes Park came around Pennock’s side were the form team.

In one of Dartford’s best performances of last season they returned the favour beating Billericay Town by the same 4-0 scoreline. The result demonstrated how far the rebuilt squad had come.

Olly Box put the hosts ahead after just six minutes and George Whitefield doubled the lead. The Darts added to their tally with goals from former Billericay striker Callum Jones and Eddie Dsane. That afternoon Dartford recorded an eighth consecutive league victory. The run would extend to ten in a row in the weeks that followed.

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Opening Day Defeat

The Darts suffered their first and heaviest opening day defeat in six years on the weekend. Former player, Luke Wanadio once againg haunted his old side, this time with a hat-trick.

Pennock handed debuts to Jonny Henly in goal, Sam Smith and Ben Frempah in defence and Ikechi Eze in midfield. Michael Olarewaju started his first game as captain.

Dartford’s campaign got off to a poor start falling behind on 12 minutes and it didn’t get any better. Hamlet led when new signing Lonit Talla scored and five minutes later Wanadio scored his first of the afternoon.

Two minutes into the second half Frempah was sent off on debut. From the resulting free-kick Wanadio caught out Henly. The Hamlet forward added another to his list of goals against Dartford when he made it 4-0, his fifth in four matches against the Darts.

Former Darts Shine

Billericay Town manager, Gary McCann could thank two former Dartford players on the weekend. An opening day 2-1 win over Wingate and Finchley got the Essex club off to a good start.

It took just six minutes for new signing Jack Evans to open his account. Evans had a short spell with the Darts in 2012/2013. Late in the second-half substitute, Tyrell Miller-Rodney scored from the edge of the box. The ex-Dartford midfielder was part of the 2023/2024 squad relegated from the National South. The Blues were unable to hold on to a clean sheet after Ada Okorogheye netted a very late consolation.

Five other Blues were given their first starts for the club. Ryan Scott, Ryan Blackman, Ike Orji, Tyrese Owen and Troy Howard al making their debuts. Whilst former Dartford academy player Jay Porter made the starting lineup. On the bench another pair of ex-Darts were named, Femi Akinwande and Liam Nash. Not included in the squad was Jazzi Barnum-Bobb.

Manager’s view

Pennock is looking forward to Tuesday’s game as it gives his side an opportunity to put things right. The Dartford boss was less than impressed with how the opening day went. He spoke to Dartford FC TV after the defeat and said: “Everything that could go wrong, went wrong. I thought, especially the first half, we just did the opposite of everything we were telling them to do”.

He continued: “As a team we wasn’t good enough. When you go down to ten men just after the second half kicks off it makes it even harder. We showed a lot of character in the last twenty minutes, but it was too late”.

Pennock is determined to put Saturday’s result behind them. He commented: “We’ve got an opportunity to bounce back on Tuesday”, he added: “We’ve got to prepare properly. We’re hurting, but we’ve got to take it on the chin and move on”.

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In contrast, Blues manager Gary McCann was pleased his side claimed their first win. He told Billericay Town TV: “It wasn’t an easy game on a hot day, on a sticky pitch. I think both teams struggled, it wasn’t the best sepctacle”, he continued: “Of course we want to put on a display, of course we want ot perform to the highest order, but the most important thing is the win and we’ve managed to achieve that”.

Team News

Samir Carruthers and new signing Dan Smith started on the bench against Dulwich Hamlet. The pair have been recovering from pre-season injuries. Carruthers is managing a groin issue, whilst Smith suffered concusion. Sam Okoye
is still waiting to get involved after missing pre-season. Dean Nayler is a long term absentee. Ben Frempah is available until his supension starts on the weekend.

Denzelle Olopade made his 50th appearance for Dartford on Saturday. He will be joined by Jez Pinder and Callum Jones if they feature on Tuesday night. If selected in the starting eleven, Olly Box will make his 50th start for the club.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Billericay Town wins: 3 / Draws: 1

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 4 – 0 Billericay Town (25/01/2025 – National South)
Billericay Town 4 – 0 Dartford (08/10/2024 – National South)
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)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won four of their last five games against Billericay Town keeping clean sheets in each victory
  • The Darts are currently on a run of five consecutive home victories against Ricay
  • Both sides set a record winning margin in this fixture last season (4-0)
  • In their first home league games of the season, Dartford were nine unbeaten before last year’s defeat against Potters Bar Town (W5, D4)

On This Day

Dartford have never won on 12 August and have only scored once in the six previous matches on this day. Each of those fixtures have also been away from home.

In the National South, two years ago the Darts lost at Weymouth and four years earlier they were beaten at Chelmsford City. In 2017, Dartford earned a goalless draw against Havant and Waterlooville.

You have to go back 11 years for Dartford’s only goal. It came in the National League when Rory McAuley put the Darts in front at Woking, only for Giuseppe Sole to level in second-half injury time. Thirty years ago, Dartford drew 0-0 on the opening day of the Kent League season at Herne Bay. In 1972 they lost 1-0 in a Southern League Premier opener at Bedford Town.

Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford

August 8, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford begin their Isthmian Premier campaign with an away trip to Dulwich Hamlet this weekend.

The Darts will be determined to go one better this season after defeat in the playoff final three months ago. A third place finish last time out puts Adrian Pennock’s side among one of the favourites to return to the National South.

Dulwich Hamlet will be the first competitive test for the Darts this term. Extra interest in this fixture not only comes from the fact the two clubs are just 16 miles apart, but Hamlet have a number of former Dartford players within their ranks.

Last Season’s Trilogy

Luke Wanadio is one of those players. The winger was the difference maker when Hamlet knocked the Darts out of the F.A Trophy last season. He has top scored for the London side in the previous two campaigns. Last year Wanadio won the Players and Supporters Player of the Year awards. In his three spells with the Darts he made 99 appearances and scored 18 goals.

Dartford’s last visit to Champion Hill was comfortable in the end. It took until halfway through the first half for the Darts to break the deadlock. Hayden Bullas opened the scoring with a clean strike. Callum Jones doubled the lead before the interval and the striker netted another early in the second half to seal the victory. 

The sides met three times during 2024/2025 and the spoils were shared across those games. At Princes Park, the Isthmian Premier fixture finished 2-2. Jones and Wanadio were on the scoresheet again. Hamlet took the lead through the now departed Ralfi Hand. Olly Box made sure the Darts did enough to save a point.

Pre-Season

Over the last month the Darts have tested themselves against higher league opposition. Although they lost to Football League sides, Charlton Athletic and Gillingham, they did beat Eastbourne Borough and drew with rivals Ebbsfleet United. Dartford also finished level in games against Herne Bay and Faversham Town.

Dulwich Hamlet beat Basingstoke Town in pre-season and former Darts, Wanadio and Jordan Wynter scored. During his time with Dartford, Wynter played 147 games scoring twice. Hamlet also travelled out to Germany to take on Altona 93 and won on penalties. The Londoners did manage to beat Sevenoaks Town as well as Bracknell Town. However, they were also beaten by Farnham Town, Margate and Eastbourne Borough. Another former Dart, Danny Mills netted in the loss against the Sports. The forward scored seven goals in 26 appearances in his spell at Princes Park.

Manager’s view

Adrian Pennock is pleased with this summer’s preparations, but there is nothing like competitive football. He spoke to Dartford FC TV after the Ebbsfleet United draw and said: “Overall, collectively as a squad, everyone has done really well. There has been some really good performances”.

The Dartford boss addded: “It’s a long season, a really long, long season and of course we want to get off to a really good start. But it’s never going to be easy, every game will be difficult. I can’t wait”.

Pennock is relishing the challenges ahead and the visit to Champion Hill, he commented: “We know it’s a very difficult place to go, it’s an away game and then matches are coming thick and fast, which I’m really looking forward to because that’s our bread and butter”.

Hamlet manager, Mark Dacey echoes those comments from the Dartford manager. Dacey spoke to Dulwich Hamlet TV after their win over Bracknell Town and said: “I’m excited because pre-season is great and it’s an opportunity to try different things out, but ultimately win, lose or draw you’re only really looking at performance because you don’t lose sleep over the result”, he added: “The beauty of it now comes from every team that plays competitvely, it means something. Now all of a sudden there is a table to look at”.

The Hamlet boss is confident his side will be up for the season’s opener, he commented: “We’ve got a very hard first game, but we’re not hiding from anybody and we will take the game to Dartford as fully as I’m expecting them to bring it to us”.

Team News

Pennock will hand out some debuts this weekend after signing six new players. Jonny Henly is likely to start in goal having arrived from Folkestone Invicta. In defence new arrivals include Ben Frempah and Sam Smith. Whilst in midfield Ikechi Eze and Sammie McLeod bolster the numbers. Dan Smith suffered concussion against Herne Bay, but should be ready to face his former side. The striker played for Hamlet during the 2022/2023 season.

Academy graduate, Dean Nayler will be a long term absentee. The defender suffered a knee injury versus Eastbourne Borough and needed an operation. Sam Okoye will be building up his fitness having missed all of pre-season. Samir Carruthers limped off in the final friendly with a groin strain.

Dulwich Hamlet’s new man in the dugout, Mark Dacey has overhauled Hamlet’s squad over the summer. Nyren Clunis and Anthony Cook have returned to the club. Amadou Kassarate will know all about Dartford’s Henly and the two Smith’s. All four played for Folkestone Invicta last term.

Toby Bull and Geoffrey Okonkwo have moved up from Sussex. Bull was at Lewes and Okonkwo at Whitehawk. Tom Chambers, Giovanni Palmer and Alfie Payne are also new arrivals. As well as Joseph Adewunmi, Gaspar Mico and Mannie Mensah. After impressing during pre-season Lonit Talla and Sol Baugh complete the new signings.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Dulwich Hamlet wins: 4 / Draws: 5

Previous Six Meetings

Dulwich Hamlet 0 – 2 Dartford (29/03/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Dulwich Hamlet (14/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
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)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in eight league games against Dulwich Hamlet (W5, D3)
  • The Darts have won the last three league games at Champion Hill and are unbeaten in the last four
  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last five opening day fixtures (W4, D1)
  • The Darts only opening day defeat in the last nine was in 2019 (W5, D3)
  • When opening the season on the road, Dartford have won their last three

On This Day

Dartford have only started their season twice on this day both against Welsh clubs. The Darts beat Merthyr Tydfil 1-0 in 1969 to begin the Southern League campaign. In 2014, Dartford lost 2-1 at home against Wrexham with Tom Bradbrook scoring for the hosts. The only other fixture on this day was an Eastern Floodlit Cup semi-final. The Darts drew 0-0 with Hastings United before winning the second leg 2-1 on the way to winning the competition.

Dartford v Carshalton Athletic

April 25, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford will be hoping fortune is on their side for the final day title showdown against Carshalton Athletic this weekend.

The Isthmian Premier title race couldn’t be much tighter with the top three level on points. Yet the Darts have a far inferior goal difference meaning they will need league leaders Billericay Town and second place Horsham to slip up to stand a chance of becoming champions.

As it stands

Team

Played

Points

GD

Billericay Town

41

84

+39

Horsham

41

84

+38

DARTFORD

41

84

+31

Realistically the permutations are simple for Adrian Pennock’s side. A Dartford win will see them return to the National South, if Billericay Town and Horsham fail to get maximum points. If the Darts draw they will need the top two to lose.

With Billericay Town eight goals ahead of the Darts and Horsham seven, history isn’t on Dartford’s side when the title comes down to goal difference. On three previous occasions the Darts have narrowly lost out having been level on points. The most recent of times came in the 2017/2018 National South season. The club suffered the same fate in 1996 (Kent League) and 1988 (Southern Premier).

Final day fixtures

Billericay Town (1st) v Cheshunt (15th)
Dartford (3rd) v Carshalton Athletic (7th)
Horsham (2nd) v Hashtag United (8th)

At the start of Easter Monday, Dartford had the title in their own hands but the two point advantage was erased once they drew 2-2 at Cray Wanderers. In the space of ninety minutes the Darts went from top to third.

Pennock made one change to the side that beat Dover Athletic on Good Friday. Samir Carruthers was named on the bench after struggling with injury recently and in came Louis Dunne.

In an entertaining Kent derby it took until half hour for Dartford to lead in their first ever visit to Flamingo Park. Sam Odaudu’s long throw found its way to Callum Jones, who scored his 15th of the season. For eight minutes the Darts had one hand on the league trophy as the two other title challengers had yet to find a breakthrough. When Frankie Raymond converted a penalty for the hosts then it was back to square one and a final day decider.

Early in the second half, Cray Wanderers went in front through Lateef Adaja, but Dartford bounced back quickly when Denzelle Olopade scored his second goal over the Easter period. Michael Olarewaju was sent off with ten minutes remaining. However that didn’t deter the Darts, in the final moments of the game Eddie Dsane hit the crossbar and Jones had his effort cleared off the line. Dartford have now rescued 19 points from losing positions this season, whether those points are crucial come the final whistle on Saturday remains to be seen.

The Darts now know they will have to at least keep their unbeaten home run going to be in with a chance of winning the division. Dartford’s last league defeat came 15 games ago back in October, since then they have won ten and drawn four in the Isthmian Premier on their own patch.

If Pennock’s side add another victory on Saturday it will complete a double over Carshalton Athletic, who they beat in August. Dsane opened his account in the first half to score his first goal for the club. Good work from Olopade set up the striker to give Dartford a lead inside the first twenty minutes. The Darts held off Carshalton Athletic late on with spirited defending and a good goalkeeping performance by the on loan Matt Kerbey.

Dartford have only ever lost once to the Robins and are currently unbeaten in four against the Surrey side, but the Darts have failed to beat them at home in the three previous meetings. The F.A Trophy first round replay ended 1-1 in 1991 and needed a second replay, which Dartford won. In league matches, Carshalton Athletic were 3-2 winners in 2008, Jamie Day and John Guest scoring for the Darts. The following season the two teams drew 1-1 again. Richard Jolly put the Robins in front and Jamie Coyle equalised. Since the loss to the Surrey side at Princes Park, the Darts have recorded three away victories against Saturday’s opponents scoring a total of seven without reply.

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Highlights courtesy of the late sonytino

After an impressive 5-1 win against Dulwich Hamlet on Easter Monday, Carshalton Athletic will finish either seventh or eighth. A point on the weekend will keep them ahead of Hashtag United, but defeat on the final day and a win for the Tags will see the two teams swap places. The Darts will be hoping Hashtag United do them a favour when they visit Horsham.

There have plenty of goals during March and April when the Robins have been involved. On Monday they were three up by half time courtesy of Fabio Camacho-Saraiva and a David Smith brace. Dylan Pepe and Mason Saunders-Henry added two more before Dulwich Hamlet’s last minute consolation. Featuring in the Robins win was former Dart, Kalvin Kalala who made 26 appearances for Dartford and scored five goals during the 2021/2022 campaign. The games over Easter came too soon for the injured former loanee, Kwaku Frimpong. The midfielder was on loan for a month at Dartford in September 2022 and only managed two substitute appearances. His loan spell was cut short after picking up a red card and suspension before being recalled by AFC Wimbledon.

On Good Friday, Peter Adeniyi’s side made it a perfect Easter by beating Lewes 3-1 thanks to two injury time goals. The second half comeback was completed when Nabeel Ghannam equalised, Sharon Ifeany put the visitors ahead and Tommy Bradford made sure of maximum points.

Consecutive victories was just the tonic for the pair of 3-0 defeats, first at Chatham Town then on their own patch versus Horsham. At the end of March, the Robins thrashed Bowers and Pitsea 6-1 and at the beginning of last month they drew 4-4 with Bognor Regis Town. Carshalton Athletic came from three down to lead before conceding a last minute equaliser against the Rocks.

The Robins are guaranteed their highest finish since coming runners up in 2019 and next season will be their eighth consecutive year in the Isthmian Premier.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWDWW) Cray Wanderers (LWLLWW)
Cray Wanderers A 2-2 Dulwich Hamlet H 5-1
Dover Athletic H 3-1 Lewes A 3-1
Whitehawk A 1-0 Horsham H 0-3
Folkestone Invicta H 2-2 Chatham Town A 0-3
Dulwich Hamlet A 3-0 Bowers & Pitsea H 6-1
Bognor Regis Town A 2-0 Whitehawk A 0-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Carshalton Athletic wins: 1 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

Carshalton Athletic 0 – 1 Dartford (24/08/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Carshalton Athletic (23/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 4 Dartford (19/09/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 0 – 2 Dartford (20/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 3 Carshalton Athletic (02/09/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Carshalton Athletic 2– 3 Dartford (21/01/1991 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

  • Dartford lost their first ever league meeting against Carshalton Athletic but have since gone four unbeaten (W3, D1)
  • The home side has never won this fixture in eight attempts (5 away wins and 2 draws)
  • Dartford are 14 unbeaten in the league at home. Their longest run without a league defeat at Princes Park since the 2021/2022 campaign (17 games)
  • The Darts have won one of their last five home games on the final day of the season (D1, L3)

On This Day

Trailing from the first leg of the 1988 Southern League Cup final against Bromsgrove Rovers, the Darts had to overturn a 3-1 deficit. The second leg on this day 37 years go didn’t start well when Dartford missed a penalty at Watling Street. Then Garry Britnell, Kurt Davidson and Colin Johnson scored to help Dartford lift the league cup.

Twenty years later it was party time at Princes Park when captain Alex O’Brien lifted the league trophy. Crowned Isthmian Division One North champions a week earlier, the Darts celebrated with a 1-0 win over Wingate and Finchley, Brendon Cass the goalscorer.

In 2016, the Darts added more silverware to the cabinet winning the Kent Senior Cup. Elliot Bradbrook opened the scoring against Charlton Athletic before the visitors equalised. Ronnie Vint and Ben Francis added two more for the Darts in the 3-1 victory.

Cray Wanderers v Dartford

April 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford can clinch the Isthmian Premier title against Cray Wanderers in their first ever visit to Flamingo Park on Easter Monday.

Adrian Pennock’s side will need to be fully focussed in the Kent derby, but there is no doubt the travelling fans will also be tuned in to events elsewhere. For the Darts to secure promotion back to the National South they will need to beat the Wands and hope their closest rivals fail to win.

On paper Dartford have the toughest fixture against a Cray Wanderers side in tenth, a side who have only lost four at home in the league all season. The remaining two title challengers are on the road. Billericay Town face an already safe Canvey Island, whilst Horsham take on relegated Bognor Regis Town. It’s likely the title is going right down to the wire for a final day showdown next weekend.

Dartford will take plenty of confidence from their Good Friday Kent derby victory over rivals Dover Athletic. The influential Samir Carruthers was able to start after a short but affective cameo at Whitehawk. Olly Box returned to the first eleven and defender Luther Williams was back in the matchday squad after injury.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts made a tricky looking game feel comfortable and any nerves were settled with a wonderful free-kick from Carruthers after quarter of an hour. The midfielder curled his shot from out wide into the far top corner to give the hosts the lead. A second arrived through the tireless Denzelle Olopade, who pounced on a flick on for his seventh goal of the season. Early in the second half Box showed his skill by beating his man and putting in a perfect cross for captain Josh Hill to nod home. Dover Athletic pulled one back with almost ten minutes remaining when Ruben Soares-Junior scored from just outside the box to make the final score 3-1.

After the important win assistant manager, Roland Edge spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It had to be a brilliant performance. I have to be honest I thought Dover were excellent. They had great creativity up front, but I thought we matched them”, he added: “We knew the improtance of the game, the lads came out from the very first kick of the ball to the last ball focussed, winning their battles and I thought we deserved it, even though it was really, really tight”.

Looking forward to the week ahead and the different challenges left to face Edge commeneted: “Cray are a good side as well. They have gone on a great run recently. We know what we’ve got to do, we’ve just got to prepare ourselves correctly…what will be will be”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford have now won five of their last six taking 16 points from the 18 available in that time. It’s been a good response to the consecutive away defeats to Cheshunt at the end of February and Lewes at the beginning of March. In that time the defence have been resolute with four clean sheets in the victories against Hastings United, Bognor Regis Town, Dulwich Hamlet and Whitehawk. The side has shown character by coming from two down to draw 2-2 with Folkestone Invicta and secured an important three points against Dover Athletic.

Standing in Dartford’s way on Monday will be Cray Wanderers and former Darts skipper Tom Bonner. Now captain for the Wands, the defender played over 450 times for the Darts and helped the club earn promotion to the National League and win two Kent Senior Cups. However, the former Dartford man didn’t have a good Friday when his side lost 3-0 to Horsham, a result Pennock and company weren’t hoping for. To compound matters Bonner became the second Wands player to be sent off that afternoon following an earlier red card to Ezechukwu Ebuzoeme. The pair will face suspension which normally occurs a week later, so should be available for the Kent derby.

Earlier this season Dartford won this fixture 2-1 at Princes Park on Boxing Day. After half an hour Josh Williams put the visitors in front. The second-half became Olly Box’s day with two very well taken strikes to secure maximum points. First, he smashed home an equaliser on 58 minutes and four minutes later he cut inside and found the top corner.

Last time Cray Wanderers played hosts in the league to the Darts was 15 years ago when Dartford ran out 2-1 winners. Lee Burns made up for his red card in the reverse fixture, a 1-1 Boxing Day draw in 2009. Burns popped up 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 hit back in the second half with Colin Luckett’s penalty, but the hosts couldn’t find an equaliser.

Since that league meeting Dartford have faced Cray Wanderers on the road a further five times all in cup competitions. The Darts won twice 2-1, in the F.A Cup in 2011 and five years later in the Kent Senior Cup. The Wands got revenge in the county cup with a 4-2 triumph a year later. Dartford have won the previous two cup ties knocking out Cray Wanderers 3-1 in the F.A Trophy four years ago. Last season the Darts won 2-1 in the London Senior Cup.

The Wands are guaranteed Isthmian Premier football next term, but they will have their sights on finishing strongly and improving their tenth place position. Only four sides have beaten Cray in the league at Flamingo Park, three of those defeats came in the first four matches in their new ground. In fact it took until their seventh home match to record a first Isthmian Premier win at thier new home.

The win in November sparked an unbeaten home run of 12 until defeat at the end of March to Dover Athletic, but they bounced back with a pair of impressive wins. Years ago, Cray Wanderers helped out Dartford by sharing their old ground at Oxford Road. Just over a fortnight ago they did another favour by winning 2-0 at Billericay Town meaning the Darts extended their lead to the two point margin it is today. In their last home game the Wands comfortably won 4-1 against Wingate and Finchley.

As it stands…

Team

Played

Points

GD

DARTFORD

40

83

+31

Billericay Town

40

81

+36

Horsham

40

81

+36

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWDWW) Cray Wanderers (LWLWWL)
Dover Athletic H 3-1 Horsham A 0-3
Whitehawk A 1-0 Wingate & Finchley H 4-1
Folkestone Invicta H 2-2 Billericay Town A 2-0
Dulwich Hamlet A 3-0 Dover Athletic H 1-2
Bognor Regis Town A 2-0 Bowers & Pitsea H 4-0
Hastings United H 2-0 Carshalton Athlectic A 1-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 37 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 11

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Cray Wanderers (26/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
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)

Statistics

  • In the league Dartford have lost just once against Cray Wanderers in the last 20 outings (W15, D4)
  • The Darts have won 18 of the last 22 away matches against Cray Wanderers in all competitions (D1, L3)
  • Dartford have kept three league clean sheets in a row away from home for the second time this season. The last time they managed four consecutive away cleans sheets in the league was in March/April 2018

On This Day

Danny Mills and Alfie Pavey made sure the title race went down to the final day of the season on this day in 2018. The pair scored the two goals enough to beat Bath City 2-0 at Princes Park to set up a tense finale. The Darts rounded off their home campaign in 2009 with an entertaining 4-2 win over Ashford Town (Middlesex). Goals from Lee Noble, Jay May, Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle secured victory. Dartford’s last eight games on 21 April have all been at home including a 6-2 thrashing of Gloucester City in the Southern Premier League back in 1990.

Even further back, Dartford collected some silverware when they beat Sheppey United 2-0 in the 1930 Kent Senior Shield final. On the same day, the Darts also lost 5-2 to Grays Thurrock United in the Southern League Eastern Section.

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Dartford v Dover Athletic

April 16, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Easter weekend could be pivotal in the Isthmian Premier with Dartford facing Kent rivals Dover Athletic as the title race heats up.

The Darts will be determined to stay on top on Good Friday and avenge their humbling dished out by the Whites earlier in the season. If Adrian Pennock’s side claim victory in the local derby at Princes Park, it will mathematically end Dover Athletic’s hopes of the title. Should the visitors win, and results go their way elsewhere, Jake Leberl’s team will be guaranteed a playoff spot.

Dartford hold a two point advantage heading into the final three games and are unbeaten in five, whilst Dover Athletic have won their last four. Last weekend the top six all triumphed and with second place Billericay Town hosting mid-table Folkestone Invicta and third place Horsham at home to Cray Wanderers in tenth, the Darts are likely to need a positive result on Friday.

Dover Athletic beat the Darts comfortably in the reverse fixture back in September. Since then, Pennock has seen his team develop since the 5-1 loss. At the Crabble, costly mistakes helped the hosts race into a half-time lead with goals from Ruben Soares-Junior, George Wilkinson and Luke Baptiste. Early in the second half Alfie Matthews added another, then Dartford’s Jez Pinder scored his first senior goal. There was still time for Soares-Junior to get his second of the afternoon for the Whites.

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Match highlights courtesy of DAFCtv

However, the landscape has changed since that meeting. Dover Athletic started the season in excellent form scoring goals for fun. On the opening day they racked up eight and by the time November came around they were already top of the table, 14 points ahead of Dartford in fifteenth and had a superior goal difference of 29 compared to the Darts. Now it’s Dartford at the summit eight points clear of fourth place Dover Athletic.

Aside from the heavy defeat earlier in the campaign, the Darts were on a hot streak against their Kent rivals winning the previous six in all competitions. Dartford completed a league double over the Whites in the last two seasons recording a 2-0 win at Princes Park last term. Luke Coulson set up James Golding and Lewis Manor for their first competitive Dartford goals. The scoreline could have been more, but Coulson blasted his penalty over the crossbar.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On the weekend the return of Olly Box was crucial in Dartford’s 1-0 win at Whitehawk. Out with injury for the draw against Folkestone Invicta, the forward was named as a substitute, came on in the second half and popped up with the all important goal. Box and Samir Carruthers were deemed not fit enough to play the full ninety minutes, but both made an impact. Although Carruthers was introduced in the second half, he had to be replaced 25 minutes later due to a rib injury. The midfielder still had enough time to drive forward and make a key pass to Sam Odaudu, who set up Box for his 14th goal of the season.

As Dartford’s creative pair were named on the bench that meant Duane Ofori-Acheampong was given his first start since December, this weekend the striker could face one of his former clubs. Whilst defender, Luther Williams was missing from the matchday squad with injury for the third match running.

The Whites looked in control of Isthmian Premier at the turn of the year leading the way with 15 wins from 23 outings. However, from January to mid-March they picked up just three victories all against sides currently in the relegation zone. Leberl’s side have since rallied winning four in a row and are beginning to display their firepower again. The division’s top scorers, the Whites have a golden boot contender in George Nikaj, who has netted 21 league goals and is currently four off the lead. Both Baptiste and Soares-Junior have notched 19 league goals this term.

Dover Athletic’s current run began with a gritty home win against Dulwich Hamlet in which Luca Cocoracchio scored the only goal of the game, the Whites went on to record consecutive 2-1 victories. The Whites came out on top in the Kent derby with Cray Wanderers by coming from behind. Joshua Williams opened the scoring for the Wands at Flamingo Park, but George Nikaj and Soares-Junior handed the away side maximum points. A week later, the scoring took the same pattern as the whites went a goal down at home to Cheshunt. This time Baptiste equalised and Nikaj was the match winner.

Last weekend it was a bit more commanding for Dover Athletic as they defeated Hendon 4-2 at the Crabble. The Whites went ahead when goalkeeper Matteo Salamon scored an own goal and a second followed through Baptiste. The visitors halved the deficit when Kofi Anokye-Boadi was at the back post to score. A seven minute second half spell pulled Dover Athletic further away when Baptiste netted his second and Ryan Hanson go in on the act. Late on, Tope Fadahunsi grabbed a consolation for the Greens.

Current League Table (Top 5)

Team

Played

Points

GD

DARTFORD

39

80

+29

Billericay Town

39

78

+34

Horsham

39

78

+33

Dover Athletic

39

74

+35

Cray Valley (PM)

39

71

+21

Current League Form

Dartford (LWWWDW) Dover Athletic  (LLWWWW)
Whitehawk A 1-0 Hendon H 4-2
Folkestone Invicta H 2-2 Cheshunt H 2-1
Dulwich Hamlet A 3-0 Cray Wanderers A 2-1
Bognor Regis Town A 2-0 Dulwich Hamlet H 1-0
Hastings United H 2-0 Chatham Town H 0-1
Lewes A 1-3 Cray Valley (PM) A 1-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 18 / Dover Athletic wins: 12 / Draws: 12

Previous Six Meetings

Dover Athletic 5 – 1 Dartford (07/09/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (17/02/2024 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Dover Athletic (28/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National South)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just once at home in the league versus the Whites (W6, D4) and have won the last five.
  • Substitutes have contributed to 14 league goals for the Darts this season earning 10 points from losing positions.
  • Josh Hill celebrated his 100th start for the club last weekend by contributing to a fourth clean sheet in five for the Darts

On This Day

Dartford hit Truro City for five for a second time in a season on this day in 2017. Ofori-Acheampong was awarded Player of the Match, but it was Andy Pugh who scored a brace in an entertaining 5-3 win. Andrew Neal put the Cornish side ahead until Pugh levelled. Elliot Bradbrook unleashed a 25-yard effort to put the Darts in front before Neal got Truro City back on level terms. Luke Wanadio made it 3-2, but Truro City couldn’t be shaken off as Jamie Richards equalised. Finally, the Darts wrapped things up with goals from Pugh and Tom Murphy.

Whitehawk v Dartford

April 10, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to keep their advantage at the top of the Isthmian Premier when they visit Whitehawk this weekend.

Having already secured a playoff place, victory in Sussex this Saturday will guarantee the Darts a two point lead heading into the final three games. A slip up could see Adrian Pennock’s side relinquish top spot to either Billericay Town or Horsham such is the closeness of the title race. Whitehawk need all three points to be mathematically safe. A draw will see the Hawks stay in the Isthmian Premier should Hendon fail to win against Dover Athletic.

Pennock made one change to the side in the Kent derby at home to Folkestone Invicta last time out. Olly Box was rested after picking up a knock, so Eddie Dsane started. Luther Williams wasn’t in the matchday squad, but Louis Dunne returned making a substitute appearance.

The Darts had to show plenty of character and calmness to fight back from two goals down. Invicta’s Amadou Kassarate scored a first half brace to put the hosts in a spot of bother. First, he hooked the ball beyond Jacob Marsden, then the midfielder headed in former Dartford player Ade Yusuff’s cross.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In the second half the picture changed. Defender, George Whitefield scored from close range to net his eighth of the season. Meanwhile, either side of Whitefield’s strike, Billericay Town went two down at Cray Wanderers. So, when Denzelle Olopade was brought down in the box inside the final ten minutes of normal time, Samir Carruthers stepped forward, slotted home the penalty and Dartford’s lead at the top increased. The draw extends the Darts unbeaten home record to 13 games stretching back to October, their best undefeated league run at Princes Park since the 2021/2022 season.

Pennock was delighted with getting the draw considering the situation at the half time, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “To come back to 2-2 and maybe nick one at the end, it was just great. I thought it was a fantastic point and one everyone should be proud of and positive. We’ve extended the lead in the table, so I wouldn’t be too downhearted as it was a fantastic point”.

With Folkestone Invicta leading and disrupting the game, the Dartford boss praised his players, he added: “I think we did well second half and didn’t lose our focus, we kept pushing and pushing and pushing”.

Eventually rewarded with two goals in response it sets the Darts up for the rest of the title run-in, he commented: “We’ve got so many hard games in the four we have got, they are so tough. We’re in a good position, obviously it’s up to us. It’s going to be very tough, but we’re having a good go at it”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford dropped points in consecutive away games losing to Cheshunt and Lewes in February and March. Since then, the Darts have got back on track with victories on the road at Bognor Regis Town and Dulwich Hamlet. Even better is that Marsden kept clean sheets in both of those games. At home, the draw with Invicta may have ended a three game winning streak, but it has taken the Darts to four matches unbeaten home and away. Prior to last weekend’s point, Pennock’s side also won at Princes Park against title rivals Horsham and relegation battlers Hastings United.

At the turn of the year, Josh Hill scored a goal of the season contender against Whitehawk in the reverse fixture. The Dartford captain hit a screamer from long range in a 4-1 win. Striker, Callum Jones increased the lead before Josh Nandhra halved the deficit for the Hawks. In the closing stages the Darts sealed the three points during injury time. First Carruthers won a penalty, dusted himself off and put away the spot kick. Then another substitute, Dsane scored a wonderful solo effort.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts won both games against Whitehawk last time the two sides were competing in the same division. Their last visit to the Enclosed Ground in September 2017 finished with the Darts running out 4-0 winner. Alfie Pavey scored after eight minutes and by half-time the visitors had three when Ryan Hayes and Elliot Bradbrook added another two. It took until the last minute for the lead to be extended further when Lyle Della-Verde grabbed the fourth. The reverse fixture continued Dartford’s good recent run against the Sussex side. The Darts won 3-1 at Princes Park with a goal from Ronnie Vint and a brace from Andy Pugh.

Shaun Saunders returned to the Whitehawk managerial post at the back end of November. It was the Darts that halted his unbeaten start of five games, but Saunders has guided the Hawks out of trouble in his time there. Since taking over at the Enclosed Ground, the Hawks have climbed off the bottom of the table and are now sixteenth. Saunders has managed to win almost half of the league games since his appointment and looks set for another year in the Isthmian Premier.

At home the Hawks have won their last two without conceding beating Bognor Regis Town and Carshalton Athletic. Nandhra netted twice against the Rocks either side of Geofrey Okonkwo’s goal. Whilst against the Robins, Jordan Maguire-Drew bagged both in a 2-0 victory. However, their last outing ended in defeat at Hashtag United. Maguire-Drew found the back of the net again, but the Tags came from behind with goals from Andronicos Georgiou and Joe Christou condemning the Hawks to a fourth defeat in six.

Current League Table (Top 5)

Team

Played

Points

GD

DARTFORD

38

77

+28

Billericay Town

38

75

+32

Horsham

38

75

+30

Dover Athletic

38

71

+33

Cray Valley (PM)

38

68

+19

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWWWD) Whitehawk  (LLLWWL)
Folkestone Invicta H 2-2 Hashtag United A 1-2
Dulwich Hamlet A 3-0 Bognor Regis Town H 3-0
Bognor Regis Town A 2-0 Carshalton Athletic H 2-0
Hastings United H 2-0 Folkestone Invicta A 0-1
Lewes A 1-3 Chatham Town H 0-2
Horsham H 2-1 Wingate and Finchley A 1-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Whitehawk wins: 3 / Draws: 0

Previous Six Meetings

Dartford 4 – 1 Whitehawk (04/01/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
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)

Statistics

  • Sam Odaudu made his 100th appearance for the Darts last weekend (95 starts, 5 goals)
  • Josh Hill will make his 100th start if selected this weekend (made 107 appearances and 9 goals)
  • Dartford have won the last four fixtures against Whitehawk with an aggregate score of 14 – 3
  • The winning side has kept a clean sheet in all three fixtures at the Enclosed Ground (W2, L1)

On This Day

Dartford moved closer to the Isthmian Division One North title on this day in 2008. A five star display in front of 1338 supporters saw the Darts ease past Tilbury. Eddie McClements curled the hosts ahead and Jay May scored a couple of headers before the break. Jamie Coyle added two more in the second half and a week later the Darts were crowned champions. In 1975, Dartford recorded their highest ever scoring draw when they drew 5-5 with Stourbridge in the Southern Premier League. That wasn’t even enough to break the club record as games against Reading Reserves (1926 – Southern League East Section) and Erith Avenue (1891 – Kent Junior Cup) ended with the same scoreline!

Dartford v Folkestone Invicta

April 3, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Title ambitions continue for Dartford when they host Folkestone Invicta in the Isthmian Premier this weekend.

Leading the table by a single point, the Darts have five games to hold their nerve as they bid for a return to the National South at the first attempt. Although a draw will secure a playoff place on Saturday, Adrian Pennock’s side know realistically a victory will move Dartford one step closer to their target.

Folkestone Invicta will be the first of three Kent derbies remaining for the Darts in the regular season. Invicta are mid-table and set for a tenth consecutive campaign in the Isthmian Premier when August comes around again, by which time they will have Jay Saunders in charge.

The Darts recorded another away win last time out when they beat Dulwich Hamlet 3-0 in front of a full house. George Whitefield returned to the starting lineup replacing Luther Williams, who along with Louis Dunne wasn’t in the matchday squad. Dunne has now missed the last two games with a strain. Although it took a while to settle into the match, Dartford ran out comfortable winners and were set on their way when Hayden Bullas opened the scoring. Callum Jones doubled the lead before the interval and the striker netted another to seal the victory. Since defeat at Lewes, the Darts have taken maximum points in their last three fixtures taking pole position.

Assistant manager, Roland Edge called last weekend’s result ‘a fantastic victory’, and was pleased with his team’s display, he told Dartford FC TV: “You know when you come to Dulwich, if you don’t perform you go away with nothing. I thought as a team performance it was one of the best of the year so far, which means loads as well because pressure is coming. We know where we are in the league, and we know what we’ve got to do”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

For the final promotion Dartford’s management team are sticking to the same message for their squad, Edge commented: “You’ve got to go out there and believe first and foremost. They have done well; they are top of the league for a reason. If they can maintain what they have done for the majority of the season, then they will end there”.

Despite the pressure a title race can bring the assistant boss urged his players to ‘go and enjoy’ the run in and work hard, he added: “In the next five games they’ve just got to roll their sleeves up and fight. Everyone is tired, everyone in the league is tired, mentally and physically now. We’ve just got to work as hard as we can and see where we end up”.

Dartford won the reverse fixture against Folkestone Invicta just before the Christmas period. The Darts had started to find their groove, approaching the match unbeaten in ten, but were made to scrap it out at Cheriton Road and take a 1-0 away victory. In an even contest it took until almost ten minutes from time for Jones to break the deadlock. Invicta struggled to clear their lines, Michael Olarewaju kept the ball alive to find Jones, who scored the winner from close range.

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Match Highlights courtesy of Invicta TV

It’s been just over 21 years since Dartford last hosted a league game against Folkestone Invicta and that didn’t end well at all. In the days when the Darts played their home games at Stonebridge Road, Invicta ran out 6-1 winners during the 2003/2004 Southern League Division One East campaign. Just over a fortnight later Dartford lost the return match 1-0.

Sandwiched between those fixtures and this season’s win, the Darts have met Invicta in cup competitions. Most notably the Kent Senior Cup Final in May 2022 when Dartford lifted silverware after a 6-2 triumph. Samir Carruthers was part of that side with second-half goals coming from Luke Allen, Ali Mansaray, Connor Essam, a brace from Ade Azeez and Danny Leonard.

In the early part of March and with Folkestone Invicta still hoping for a playoff push, the club parted company with Andy Drury. The former boss was at Cheriton Road since November 2023 and steered Invicta away from relegation last term. Since Drury’s departure, former Folkestone Invicta player Tim Dixon has been in charge. This week the club announced former Tonbridge Angels boss, Jay Saunders as the new manager on a four year deal. Originally due to take charge in August, the Angels have since let Saunders leave early. At the time of writing it has yet to be confirmed if he will be in the away dugout this weekend.

In the time Dixon has been interim manager he has guided his team to a single victory in four matches at the helm. Dixon’s first match finished in a 3-1 defeat at home to Chichester City, in which former Dartford midfielder Jack Jebb came off injured and has not featured since. Jebb made 67 appearances for the Darts scoring nine goals during his time at Princes Park. At the same venue Invicta beat Whitehawk four days later with Daniel Smith scoring the only goal of the game.

Since their last victory Folkestone Invicta have lost two in a row. They were beaten 1-0 on the road by Cheshunt and last weekend they lost against Chatham Town. In a squad that featured former Darts, Ade Yusuff and Luke Allen, Invicta went down 3-1 with Amadou Kassarate netting for Invicta. Yusuff was with Dartford this season and scored one goal in six appearances, whilst Allen departed in the summer after playing 123 games for the Darts and scoring 15 times.

Current League Table (Top 5)

Team

Played

Points

GD

DARTFORD

37

76

+28

Billericay Town

37

75

+34

Horsham

37

72

+29

Cray Valley (PM)

37

68

+17

Dover Athletic

37

66

+32

Current League Form

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

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Folkestone Invicta wins: 10 / Draws: 4

Previous Six Meetings

Folkestone Invicta 0 – 1 Dartford (21/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
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)
* played at Chatham Town
** Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have won their last four games against Folkestone Invicta in all competitions
  • The Darts beat Invicta in December for the first time in the league since 1998, ending a run of five straight league losses against their opponents
  • Callum Jones was the first Dartford player to score more than once in a game since Boxing Day, when Olly Box bagged a brace against Cray Wanderers.
  • The Darts have kept three clean sheets in a row for first time since October 2020. Last time Dartford kept four in a row was in April 2018.

On This Day

Charlie Sheringham and Ryan Hayes helped Dartford into the Kent Senior Cup Final on this day in 2011. Sheringham scored twice against Ramsgate before Hayes added a third. The Darts went on to lift the county cup a month later.

Three years ago in the same competition, Dartford defeated Margate 4-2 in the quarter final. Luke Allen opened the scoring, but that was cancelled out by Margate’s James Bessey-Saldanha. In the second-half, Kalvin Kalala put Dartford back in front, Ade Azeez added a third and Ody Alfa a fourth. There was still time for Vance Bola to pull one back for Margate. Once again the Darts went on to win the Kent Senior Cup.

Dartford’s last home game on this day was back in 2010 when they beat Canvey Island in the Isthmian Premier. Danny Harris and Elliot Bradbrook both scored to move the Darts within three points of claiming the title.

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