Tag: Isthmian Premier (Page 4 of 6)

Canvey Island v Dartford

December 27, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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

December 23, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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

December 19, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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

December 16, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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

December 12, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

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.

Dartford v Bognor Regis Town

December 6, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return to league action against bottom side Bognor Regis Town this weekend.

The Darts have managed to put their poor run behind them and are now looking towards the playoff places. Dartford are just a win away from the top five, but sit in ninth place after a run of seven league matches without defeat. Victory on Saturday will make it three in a row in the Isthmian Premier for the first time since August. Bognor Regis Town are four without a win and suffered a heavy defeat last time out to leave them at the foot of the table without a permanent manager.

Adrian Pennock’s side are beginning to enjoy playing hosts again turning their fortunes around over the last month. A creditable 0-0 draw against high flying Cray Valley Paper Mills set Dartford on their current unbeaten home run in the league to three. A wonder strike by George Whitefield turned out to be the winner versus Cheshunt in a 2-1 triumph and a fortnight ago the defender scored again. Olly Box and Whitefield were on the scoresheet in the last home outing, which the Darts won 2-0 against playoff chasers Lewes.

A couple of away games have taken place since and after dispatching struggling Hastings United 3-0 with goals from Samir Carruthers, Jez Pinder and Eddie Dsane, Dartford were in League Cup action at Isthmian South East side Sheppey United on Tuesday night. Pennock made nine changes to the side with only goalkeeper, Jacob Marsden and defender George Whitefield remaining the starting eleven. Whilst academy player Blu Husthwaite was given his first start for the Darts and reserve goalkeeper Josh Atkinson came on to make his debut.

The Dartford boss used the opportunity of a cup fixture to give experience to a very youthful side. Nine academy players and recent graduates featured before the final whistle signalled the end of Dartford’s League Cup run. Sheppey United led by a goal at the break and despite the visitors attempts to force penalties, the Ites added two stoppage time goals to go through to the quarter-final.

Now out of all cup competitions the Darts are left to concentrate on pushing for a playoff place. If Pennock’s side claim victory this weekend they could enter the top five. However, they will also need Lewes to fall to defeat and for Carshalton Athletic and Folkestone Invicta not to win.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Bognor Regis Town evokes memories for the Darts, mainly the title celebrations in 2010 and a championship decider in 2018, but those meetings were down in Sussex. At Princes Park, it was less about the occasion itself and more about an individual performance by an opposition player. During the Isthmian Premier winning campaign table toppers Dartford hosted rock bottom Bognor Regis Town and Jason Prior scored a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw. The striker must have impressed the Darts enough as he joined Dartford on loan in March 2013 before making a permanent move that summer.

Blushes were spared by the hosts due to a late Billy Burgess goal, but it was Prior’s hat-trick of headers that saw the Darts having to come back twice. Danny Harris netted a brace to level at 2-2 before Prior secured the match ball and put Bognor Regis Town ahead again. In stoppage time, Burgess scrambled home the equaliser on an entertaining afternoon.

Eight years later, Dartford scored three again at Princes Park and this time a stronger defence made sure of maximum points. Ryan Hayes took a quick throw which found its way to scorer Alfie Pavey via Andy Pugh on seven minutes. The visitors were level before the break, Kristian Campbell equalised and like Prior he went on to play for Dartford later in his career. In the second half the Darts pulled away with a successful penalty from Elliot Bradbrook and a header by Pugh.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s last meeting with the Rocks ended in heartbreak despite victory in April 2018. Needing to better Havant and Waterlooville’s result to win the National South on the final day, the Darts went 2-0 up in the 77^th minute after goals from Danny Mills and Ronnie Vint. The hosts pulled a goal back when Ollie Pearce scored from the spot. Meanwhile, Havant and Waterlooville let a two-goal lead slip and were level. Until that man Prior, then at the Hawks, scored a last gasp winner snatching the title away from Dartford.

In 2010, the visit to Nyewood Lane was less nervy and one of celebration. Dartford were already Isthmian Premier champions ahead of the last game of the season. Jamie Coyle scored the Darts’ 100^th league goal of the campaign and Lee Noble sealed a 2-0 triumph.

Bognor Regis Town departed with manager Robbie Blake after a heavy defeat to Chatham Town last weekend, David Birmingham and Craig Robson have been left in charge in the interim. The Rocks were 6-0 down by half-time on their own patch before losing 7-1. The former Burnley forward was in his seventh year at the helm after taking over at the Sussex club when they were relegated from the National South over six years ago.

Having lost eight of their last ten in the league, the Rocks have picked up just four points from the last 30 available. On the road, they have a solitary victory against Bowers and Pitsea and a draw at Hastings United, both sides are struggling in the Isthmian Premier this term. The Rocks have been leaking goals and have conceded 42 in the league, eleven of those have been in the previous two outings. Former Dart, Tommy Block is part of the Bognor Regis Town set up. The midfielder made 17 appearances at Dartford during last season but struggled with injuries in his time at Princes Park.

Current League Form

Dartford (DWDWDW)			Bognor Regis Town (LWLDLL)
Hastings United	A	3-0	Chatham Town	H	1-7
Chichester City	A	2-2	Folkestone Invicta	A	1-4
Lewes	H	2-0	Carshalton Athletic	H	1-1
Hashtag United	A	3-3	Lewes	A	1-4
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Bowers and Pitsea	A	1-0
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Cheshunt	H	0-4

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Bognor Regis Town wins: 1 / Draws: 4

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (28/04/2018 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (07/10/2017 – National South)
Bognor Regis Town 0 – 2 Dartford (24/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 3 Bognor Regis Town (07/11/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 1 Bognor Regis Town (02/05/1981 – Southern League South)
Bognor Regis Town 2 – 2 Dartford (13/12/1980 – Southern League South)

Statistics

Dartford are currently on a six game unbeaten run against Bognor Regis Town stretching back 34 years (W3, D3)
The Darts have won the last three meetings between the two sides
Dartford are unbeaten at home against the Rocks (W4, D2)
Adrian Pennock will equal his longest unbeaten home record as Dartford boss if he avoids defeat at Princes Park for a fourth time in a row this weekend.

On This Day

Dartford have only tasted defeat twice at home on this day in ten outings, but this fixture will be the first at Princes Park. The Darts last home match on 7 December ended in a 1-1 draw with Folkestone Invicta in 1998. Two years earlier, also in the Southern League South, Dartford won 2-1 against Bashley. The Darts are currently on an unbeaten run of five at home on this day. The last five outings have all been on the road and in that time the Darts have won once. Another fixture against Folkestone Invicta ended 4-1 in 2011 with goals from Jacob Erskine, Tom Bonner and a double from Richard Graham in the Kent Senior Cup second round. Five years ago, Dartford drew 1-1 at Dulwich Hamlet, Elliott Romain netted from the spot.

Hastings United v Dartford

November 28, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return to Sussex this weekend to take on Hastings United and hope to maintain their unbeaten run.

The Darts picked up another draw on Tuesday night down at Chichester City and are now six without defeat in the Isthmian Premier. Now just four points away from the playoff places, Adrian Pennock’s side need to start turning draws into wins to aid a push towards the top five. Hastings United were also in action midweek determined to recover from their heavy loss last Saturday. The U’s started the evening in the relegation zone, but ended up climbing out.

Pennock named an unchanged side against Chichester City starting with the same lineup that secured a 2-0 win over Lewes last weekend. It looked as though his decision would pay off as the Darts took a two goal lead going into half-time. Olly Box scored for a third game in a row to move onto x goals for the season, then an own goal from Ben Pashley doubled Dartford’s lead. In the second half the hosts fought back to earn a 2-2 draw. First, Ethan Prichard scored then Isaac Bello equalised leaving the spoils shared.

Pennock felt despite losing a two goal lead it was still a positive result, he explained to Dartford FC TV: “It’s a point gained, I’m telling you now, it’s a hard place to come. Billericay lost here 3-1 on Saturday, so it’s a point gained for me”. The Dartford boss wants his side to be optimistic ahead of the visit to Hastings United’s Pilot Field this weekend, he said: “We’ve got to be positive and look forward to Saturday now, it’s another good game. I know they lost 9-0 on Saturday, but it’s all about us, how we turn up on the day and put good effort in”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Over the last month the Darts have stopped a winless run of seven games and turned that into a run of seven without defeat in all competitions. Up front Dartford have started to add goals to their tally. The Darts have netted ten in their previous five league matches compared with only two in four games previously. However, on the road Dartford are winless in five in the Isthmian Premier and in search of a first league victory on their travels in three months.

Hastings United will be Dartford’s third opponents in a row from Sussex and the last time the Darts made the trip to Pilot Field was 15 years ago years ago. This time Pennock will be without Michael Olarewaju (hamstring) for the trip south, but Eddie Dsane may be in contention. Duane Ofori-Acheampong was back in the squad on Tuesday after completing his suspension. Ade Yusuff is no longer on dual registration terms with the Darts and Gabe Campbell has joined Ashford United on loan.

Louis Dunne will be available after signing a two month loan deal from National South side Chelmsford City. The midfielder missed a large part of pre-season with a knee injury and is just returning from a hamstring issue. He will be familiar to some faces in the Dartford squad having played with Jacob Marsden, Samir Carruthers and Callum Jones last season. Dunne scored the late winner for Chelmsford City against the Darts in December 2022.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

There is plenty of Southern League history between Dartford and Hastings United from the fifties through to the mid-eighties. Saturday will be the 88^th meeting between the two sides, but the last was 14 years ago in this very division. On that day the Darts ran out 4-3 winners at Princes Park as they edged nearer to the Isthmian Premier League title. Ryan Hayes scored directly from a corner to get Dartford’s 100^th competitive goal of the 2009/2010 season, Ade Olorunda equalised, but Danny Harris nodded the hosts back in front. In the second half, Hastings United went in front when Liam Bellamy and Olorunda scored. Tony Burman’s side fought back after Harris made it all square again. Then late on Elliot Bradbrook grabbed a dramatic winner.

The last visit to Pilot Field came in August 2009 and the Darts scored three that time. Keeping up their perfect start to the title winning campaign, Dartford took the lead courtesy of Lee Burns. The advantage was doubled before half time thanks to Rob Haworth’s header. A third goal arrived after the break, Burns getting his second of the game. There was also time for a Hastings United consolation through Matt Maclean.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

The U’s secured a 1-1 draw with Carshalton Athletic on Tuesday night to move out of the bottom four. Determined to show their character after a humbling last weekend when they lost 9-0 to Hendon, Hastings United took the lead against the Robins inside ten minutes. A swift counter attack ended with Will Harley opening the scoring. The U’s held out until the stroke of half-time when they conceded the penalty that David Smith scored for the visitors.

The Sussex club started with Danny Bloor in charge this season, however the former Welling United manager left at the end of October. With just three wins in his opening eleven games, the U’s were down in sixteenth place on 12 points. In came Sean Ray and Bobbi Deegan who won their opening game against struggling Whitehawk but have not managed maximum points since. Single goal defeats arrived at Wingate and Finchley and against Cray Valley Paper Mills before the loss at Hendon and Tuesday night’s draw. Aside from the Isthmian Premier, the U’s made progression in the League Cup defeating Deal Town 2-0 just over a fortnight ago.

Among the scorers in the cup tie was former Dartford forward Davide Rodari. He spent the first half of the 2022/2023 season on loan from Crawley Town and made 21 appearances for the Darts scoring three goals. The 25-year-old scored 28 goals for Hastings United last term and is already in double figures in all competitions this season. During the same campaign, midfielder Adam Lovatt spent a short loan spell with the Darts making just five appearances, he is also part of the Hastings United squad.

Current League Form

Dartford (DDWDWD)			Hastings United (DWLLLD)
Chichester City	A	2-2	Carshalton Athletic	H	1-1
Lewes	H	2-0	Hendon	A	0-9
Hashtag United	A	3-3	Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-1
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Wingate & Finchley	A	1-2
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Whitehawk	H	2-0
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Cray Wanderers	A	0-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 38 / Hastings United wins: 29 / Draws: 20

Previous Meetings

Dartford 4 – 3 Hastings United (27/03/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Hastings United 1 – 3 Dartford (22/08/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Hastings United 0 – 0 Dartford (03/03/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 2 Hastings United (13/09/2008 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 0 – 2 Hastings United (23/08/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Hastings United 1 – 2 Dartford (14/04/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)

Statistics

Dartford have won four of the last six games against Hastings United in all competitions (D1, L1)
The Darts are currently four unbeaten at the Pilot Field (W3, D1)
Dartford are on their longest unbeaten run in all competitions under Adrian Pennock (W3, D4).
The Darts are on their longest unbeaten league run since the 2022/2023 season when they went 11 without defeat between September and November 2022

On This Day

Dartford have played Hastings United before on this day back in 1955. The Southern League Cup first round fixture finished 0-0 in Sussex. The two sides had earlier met in a two legged qualifier drawing both fixtures. The unusual format ranked all teams from the two qualifying matches and the top sixteen made it through. The Darts went on to win the replay 2-1 in January played at Gravesend.

The Darts last played on this day five years ago and were beaten 3-0 by Bath City at Twerton Park in the National South. In 2013, Danny Harris scored in a 1-1 home draw with Forest Green Rovers. The F.A Trophy first round tie went to a replay which the Darts lost. Dartford’s last victory on 30 November was in 2002 when they defeated Corby Town 4-0 at home in the Southern League Division One East.

Chichester City v Dartford

November 25, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford face Isthmian South East playoff winners Chichester City for the first time ever on Tuesday night.

The Darts have never visited Oaklands Park and will be keen to extend their unbeaten league run to six. Adrian Pennock’s side moved to within four points of the top five, but are down in twelfth in a tightly congested table. Playing in the Isthmian Premier for the first time in their relatively short history, Chichester City are just a place and point behind the Darts.

Eleven days without a game did Samir Carruthers, Sam Okoye and Oliver Box a world of good allowing the trio to recover from recent injuries and start against Lewes. However, the game came too soon for Michael Olarewaju, who is expected to be out for another four to five weeks with a hamstring injury. Eddie Dsane may be in contention this week after sustaining a shoulder injury in the League Cup win at Erith Town. Duane Ofori-Acheampong missed the Lewes match through suspension, but will be available on Tuesday night. Ade Yusuff, who is on dual registration was unavailable on the weekend as his parent club Hornchurch named the forward in their squad.

After a run of one point from an available 15, Dartford’s form is improving. The 2-0 victory over Lewes on Saturday means Pennock’s side have now won two and drawn three of their last five Isthmian Premier matches. In recent matches, the Darts created plenty of opportunities without taking full advantage. A dominant display against Lewes, who were occupying the final playoff spot ended in a deserved win on the weekend. Carruthers had his free kick tipped onto the post with quarter of an hour gone. Then the Darts edged closer to scoring an opener towards the end of the first half. Box, Callum Jones and Denzelle Olopade had chances before Box scored his fifth of the season.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Early in the second half, Jacob Marsden had to be alert by tipping a deflected cross onto the crossbar, then saving a one on one. However, just before an hour had been played George Whitefield put daylight between the hosts and the visitors. Scrambling in the second goal, the defender has now netted twice in his last two home appearances. Jones went on to hit the post in search of his first goal in ten appearances. Moments later the striker was fouled, leading to Ethan Kaiser’s second yellow card that left Lewes down to ten men.

Pennock is putting trust in his young squad and once again six players with links to Dartford’s academy featured on the weekend. October’s academy Player of the Month, Blu Husthwaite came on as a late substitute making his first league appearance. The youngster had already made his debut as a starter in the Kent Senior Cup tie. With the recent upturn in form and the use of the youngsters, Pennock is happy with progress being made, he told Dartford FC TV after the Lewes win: “We’re going in the right direction, but there is a long way to go and still a lot to do. We’re looking forward to Tuesday, another tough one and then we’ve got Hastings away on Saturday. So the games are coming thick and fast and we need everybody ready”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Looking ahead the Darts could make a push towards the playoff places. After taking on Chichester City they face two more Sussex sides both currently in the relegation zone. On Saturday they visit Hastings United, then a week later host Bognor Regis Town.

Dartford’s fixture with newly promoted Chichester City was due to take place last month. But with the Lillywhites still in the F.A Trophy the game needed rearranging. This means Chichester City play host for a fifth time in a row on Tuesday night. In that time the Sussex club have picked up a win, draw and suffered defeat in the league, as well as losing their F.A Trophy second round tie to Dartford’s F.A Cup conquerors Worthing. The Lilywhites, similarly to the Darts, were dealt a blow by Danny Cashman. The forward netted the winner with three minutes remaining in a game that finished 3-2.

So after a break from league action the Lilywhites faced another tough fixture at Oaklands Park against title challengers Billericay Town. Chichester City’s performance in the trophy was an improvement on their previous Isthmian Premier outing, in which they were beaten 4-0 on home soil against Hashtag United.

The Lillywhites came from behind to beat Billericay Town, who had taken the lead through former Dart, Tyrell Miller-Rodney. In the space of three first half minutes the hosts turned the game around. First, Jimmy Wild equalised and then Ethan Prichard put Chichester City ahead. Prichard scored again in the second half to add a third.

The Sussex side have performed better at home winning half of their Isthmian Premier fixtures at Oaklands Park. Helped by the goals of Wild, who has netted 16 this term, Chichester City have settled into the division during their debut campaign.

Current League Form

Dartford (LDDWDW)			Chichester City (LLWDLW)
Lewes	H	2-0	Billericay Town	H	3-1
Hashtag United	A	3-3	Hashtag United	H	0-4
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Horsham	H	1-1
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Canvey Island	A	3-2
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Bowers and Pitsea	A	1-2
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Cray Valley (PM)	A	2-2

Statistics

Dartford are on their longest unbeaten run in all competitions under Adrian Pennock (W3, D3).
The Darts are on their longest unbeaten league run since February 2023 (5 games)
Dartford have won just one of their last seven away games in all competitions drawing the last two
Oliver Box is now Dartford’s second highest scorer from the current squad with 11 goals. His goal on the weekend took him past Duane Ofori-Acheampong and he’s now two goals behind Samir Carruthers

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook scored a F.A Trophy hat-trick on this day eight years ago to send Dartford into round one. Weston-super-Mare took the lead through Bradley Ash, but before the break Andy Pugh levelled. Bradbrook put the Darts back in front and the tie could have turned after Tom Bonner was sent off. Ash converted the subsequent penalty equalising for the hosts. A replay would have been a good result with ten men, however Bradbrook had other ideas scoring twice to claim the match ball and a 4-2 victory. That win is Dartford’s only triumph on this day in the last six outings. Three years later Dartford went out at the same stage of the competition to local rivals Maidstone United.

In 2022, the Darts secured a 3-1 home win over Concord Rangers to move top of the National South. Carruthers opened the scoring in the first half, but prior the interval the visitors were level from the spot when Mo Bettamer made it 1-1. The Darts ran out winners in the second half with goals from Pierre Fonkeu and an own goal by Aron Pollock.

Dartford v Lewes

November 21, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to extend their unbeaten run in the Isthmian Premier to five when they host Lewes this weekend.

The Darts need to start turning draws into victories if they want to climb the table and move closer to the playoff places. Adrian Pennock’s side have drawn three of the last four league games and are currently seven points from the top five. Although results have improved this month, the Darts have won just once in their last nine league fixtures. Lewes were this season’s early pace setters until a run of five without a victory. However they ended that sequence in their last match in the Isthmian Premier by taking maximum points.

Dartford won their previous home game which featured six academy graduates against Cheshunt. Yet is was experienced midfielder Samir Carruthers who opened the scoring from the spot. The Ambers levelled in the second-half, but George Whitefield’s goal of the season contender earned the Darts a 2-1 triumph.

Only three former academy players featured in the 3-3 draw at Hashtag United, but this time two of them scored. Pennock introduced Ade Yusuff for the suspended Duane Ofori-Acheampong in the only change to the starting eleven. Sam Odaudu netted his third of the campaign to give the Darts a first-half lead. Then Pennock’s side had to show character after falling behind twice in a hectic final 25 minutes. The Tags equalised through Toby Aromolaran and went in front after Joshua Rusoke scored. Three minutes later Denzelle Olopade drew Dartford level before the hosts went 3-2 up in the 87th minute when Ayo Olukoga looked to have won it for the Essex side. In the final moments Oliver Box made it all square again and there was still time for last ditch heroics when Jacob Marsden made an incredible save onto the crossbar.

After picking up an injury in the draw at Potters Bar Town, Sam Okoye made a substitute appearance in that draw against the Tags. Pennock is hoping that last weekend’s break in the schedule can aid the recovery to injured players Michael Olarewaju, Eddie Dsane and Samir Carruthers.

Dartford last hosted Lewes in March 2011 and Charlie Sheringham’s brace secured a 3-0 victory. Danny Harris opened the scoring smashing a looping volley inside Connor Gough’s post to put Darts one up. The crucial second goal arrived on 20 minutes when a corner on the right found Sheringham by the far post and he headed in off the bar. In the final minute a swift three-man move started by Ryan Hayes ended with a third goal, Sheringham hooked his shot home from inside the six-yard box.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Five months earlier the Darts drew 1-1 at the Dripping Pan thanks to a late Tom Bonner equaliser. After Paul Olima had put Lewes in front, a quick free kick made its way to Bonner who fired his shot beyond the goalkeeper to salvage a point. The only other previous meeting between the two sides was back in January 1983. Dartford progressed in the F.A Trophy with a 2-0 away win.

The team occupying the final playoff spot in the Isthmian Premier is this weekend’s opponents Lewes. The Sussex side ended last season as one of the form teams and started this term where they left off. The Rooks won their final five fixtures in April. Helped by the 14 league goals from former Dart, Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala, who has now departed, the Sussex club finished eighth. In August they won their first five extending the winning streak to ten. It took until the end of September for Craig Nelson’s side to lose their first Isthmian Premier contest. Prior the heavy loss to Potters Bar Town, the Rooks had opened up a six-point lead to become the early pace setters.

In the Rooks last league game they were trying to put an end to a five-game winless run in the league, which began at Potters Bar Town. Although Lewes picked up draws against Billericay Town, Chatham Town and Hendon they were beaten for just the second time when they visited Horsham in mid-October. So, a Sussex derby under the Dripping Pan lights against bottom side Bognor Regis Town was just the tonic.

Lewes may have scored early against their local rivals, but they left it very late to secure maximum points. The Rooks completed a double over Bognor Regis Town having beaten the basement boys by a single goal in August. New signing, Gianluca Botti scored 31 goals for Chertsey Town in the Isthmian South Central last term. The forward scored a minute into his home debut to open his goalscoring account. The visitors equalised through Jasper Maher leaving the hosts having to dig deep. In the final three minutes the floodgates eventually opened with goals from Matt Warren, and injury time strikes for Botti and Danny Bassett.

Nelson’s side did suffer defeat on the weekend in the F.A Trophy going out to Southern Premier South side AFC Totton. Former Premier League striker Charlie Austin is back in non-league with the Hampshire side and opened the scoring. In the last minute Tony Lee completed the 2-0 win for the visitors.

Current League Form

Dartford (DLDDWD)			Lewes (LDLDDW)
Hashtag United	A	3-3	Bognor Regis Town	H	4-1
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Hendon	A	0-0
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Chatham Town	A	1-1
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Horsham	A	0-2
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Billericay Town	H	2-2
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Potters Bar Town	A	0-5

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 2 / Lewes wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Dartford 3 – 0 Lewes (26/03/2011 – National South)
Lewes 1 – 1 Dartford (30/10/2010 – National South)
Lewes 0 – 2 Dartford (15/01/1983 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

The Darts are five games unbeaten in all competitions (W2, D3). Their longest unbeaten run since Adrian Pennock took charge
Dartford are also on their longest unbeaten run since December 2022/January 2023 when they won four and drew one in the National South
The Darts are unbeaten in the three matches played against Lewes (W2, D1)

On This Day

Dartford are looking for a first win on this day since 1991. The Darts last victory on 23 November was a 1-0 triumph against Burton Albion, now of League One. Since then they have lost four and drawn two. The last outing on this day was a F.A Trophy Kent derby at rivals Maidstone United. The third qualifying round finished 2-2. In 1974, the Darts were so close to pulling off a F.A Cup first round shock. Facing high flying Plymouth Argyle, who ended up winning promotion that season to the old Division Two (now Championship), Dartford were 2-1 up with five minutes to play. Argyle finished strongly to come from behind and win 3-2.

Hashtag United v Dartford

November 11, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford visit a familiar ground to face their newest opponents when they take on Hashtag United on Tuesday night.

A hop over the Thames to Aveley’s Parkside will be the shortest journey in the league this season for the Darts. Facing a side formed just eight years ago, Dartford take on the Tags who are in their second campaign at this level having placed mid-table last term. Both sides are looking for a consecutive victory in the Isthmian Premier to climb the table.

Adrian Pennock’s side increased their unbeaten run in all competitions to four on the weekend with a first league triumph since the end of August. The 2-1 home win against Cheshunt involved six academy graduates with George Whitefield the match winner. The defender made his eighth start of the season replacing Michael Olarewaju. The only other change to the side that drew 0-0 at Potters Bar Town was Tyler Christian-Law coming in to face his former side. Sam Okoye missed his first league game of the campaign after hobbling of earlier in the week. Olarewaju and Eddie Dsane were out with minor injuries, whilst Ade Yusuff has been featuring for his parent club Hornchurch.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Similar to the Potters Bar Town game, the Darts created plenty of chances on Saturday. Arguably Dartford could have come away with maximum points despite being reduced to ten men against the Scholars, instead they had to settle for a draw. On the weekend, once again missed opportunities could have been costly. However, Pennock’s side did enough to take maximum points and keep up a perfect record against Cheshunt. Assistant manager, Roland Edge would now like his side to improve in the ‘art of killing off a game’.

A dominating first half display saw the Darts deservedly lead at half-time. Cheshunt’s goalkeeper, R’Avan Constable was in excellent form and close to saving a Samir Carruthers penalty, the midfielder’s third goal in four and second from the spot. In an even second half, the visitors equalised through Tommy Wood. Then 19-year-old, George Whitefield scored a stunner from long range, his second goal in his last four appearances. Defensively, Jacob Marsden and Luther Williams made important contributions, but man of the match Whitefield made the biggest contribution of all with a crucial block in stoppage time.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Assistant manager Roland Edge felt the Darts were worth the victory and commented: “I’m very, very happy and I think it’s been coming to be honest. I mean even on Tuesday night I thought we had ample chances to win the game and possibly didn’t take them. I think our performances have got better recently and we’ve deserved to win, but deserved doesn’t get you a win. Today it took a hell of a strike to win it, but we deserved it overall”.

By the end of the afternoon six academy graduates featured for the Darts. Todd Brand came on to make his league debut. In addition to the six who played, Jeremiah Pinder has also made 19 appearances this term. Edge praised the set up at the club, he exclaimed: “It’s fantastic for the club and it’s fantastic for the youth system. Today they have got to take a bow I think, they’ve all come in and done their part and there is more quality in there. They have more than held their own and they are getting better week by week”.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Whilst delighted with scoring the winner, Whitefield urged his team to remain focussed, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “The vibe in the changing room is now unbelievable. I’m just hoping we are able to do it again next week. Hashtag is going to be a tough game; we just need to make sure we don’t get too ahead of ourselves”.

The Darts will be without the suspended Duane Ofori-Acheampong after his red card against Potters Bar Town. The striker, who made his 50th start for the club on Saturday serves his second ban of the season after a previous dismissal.

Hashtag United climbed out of the relegation zone with a 4-0 away win at newly promoted Chichester City. The Tags turned it on in the second half with a goal from Misha Djemaili, a brace by Sakariya Hassan and a fourth was added through Toby Aromolaran. Captained by former Dart, Max Cornhill, Hashtag United moved up to eighteenth with their first league win in five. Cornhill made 66 appearances for the Darts between 2013 and 2015 scoring nine times.

This will only be Hashtag United’s fifth home game in the Isthmian Premier this term. The Essex club have won just once in the league at Parkside and that was a 4-0 win against struggling Hastings United. Although they have picked up three wins on the road, the Tags have earned themselves just 13 points and are ahead of county rivals Bowers and Pitsea on goal difference.

Jay Devereux’s side have fared better in cup competitions recently progressing in the F.A Trophy, League Cup and Essex Senior Cup. Next weekend the Tags have their second round F.A Trophy tie at home to Brackley Town.

The youngest club in the division, Hashtag United gained a large social media following and momentum to aid their rise through the non-league pyramid. The Tags have won two league titles, most recently the Isthmian Division One North. Last season was their debut in the Premier and a mid-table finish was more than respectable.

Current League Form

Dartford (LDLDDW)			Hashtag United (WLDLLW)
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Chichester City	A	4-0
Potters Bar Town	A	1-1	Cray Wanderers	A	0-3
Cray Valley (PM)	H	0-0	Dover Athletic	A	2-4
Wingate & Finchley	H	2-3	Folkestone Invicta	A	1-1
Hendon	H	0-0	Carshalton Athletic	H	0-1
Billericay Town	A	0-4	Cheshunt	A	4-3

Statistics

The Darts are four games unbeaten in all competitions (W2, D2) matching Pennock’s previous best unbeaten run as Dartford boss in August (W4, D0)
Only three of the bottom four have scored fewer goals than Dartford in the Isthmian Premier this season (Dartford – 15 goals, Bowers and Pitsea – 14, Cray Wanderers – 12 and Whitehawk – 11)
The Darts are looking for a first away league win since 24 August (L2, D1)

On This Day

Duane Ofori-Acheampong was in the Dartford side that won 2-0 on this day in 2016. The Darts hosted Hemel Hempstead Town and goals from Danny Harris and Luke Wanadio secured victory. Dartford have lost the last two on the road on 12 November. A trip to Farnborough in 2022 ended in a 3-1 defeat. Kristian Campbell scored for the Darts, whilst Samir Carruthers and Sam Odaudu featured. In 2013, Max Cornhill, now of Hashtag United was in the Dartford team that lost 3-0 at Woking.

Tag: Isthmian Premier (Page 4 of 6)

Canvey Island v Dartford

Dartford v Cray Wanderers

Folkestone Invicta v Dartford

Horsham v Dartford

Dartford v Dulwich Hamlet

Dartford v Bognor Regis Town

Hastings United v Dartford

Chichester City v Dartford

Dartford v Lewes

Hashtag United v Dartford

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