Tag: London Senior Cup

Hendon v Dartford

Dartford can concentrate on reaching a county cup final for the third time in five seasons when they take on Hendon in the London Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

Thirteen times winners of the Kent Senior Cup, Dartford won consecutive titles in 2021 and 2022 and now the Darts will be eyeing a place in the final of the London Senior Cup for the first time. Hendon are six times winners last lifting the trophy four years ago and are hoping to secure a top ten finish in the Southern League Premier South.

When Dartford and Hendon last played at the same level it was in the Isthmian Premier League. Princes Park was still in its infancy and Hendon’s Claremont Road era was coming to an end. After storming to the Isthmian Division One North title and winning promotion, Dartford’s opener the following season was on the road against the Greens. The Darts were humbled 3-0 with Brian Haule, James Bent and Chris Bangura scoring for the hosts. Dartford finished the game with ten men when defender Jon Guest was sent off. The reverse fixture in December 2008 went Dartford’s way when an unlikely source became the match winner. Tommy Osbourne scored a penalty, the defender ended up with 258 appearances and all three of his goals were from the spot.

In the only other campaign together, Dartford won the Isthmian Premier League title. That season the Darts were early pacesetters and won 5-0 at Princes Park, a sixth victory in the opening seven games opened up a five point cushion at the top. It could have been worse for Hendon, but James Reading saved an early penalty. It took until just before the break for the Darts to get the goals flowing when Rob Haworth scored the opener. In the second-half, Lee Burns doubled the lead before Jay May grabbed a brace. In the final minute Lee Noble completed the rout. The penultimate game of the season almost fourteen years to the day was a closer affair. Danny Harris scored both goals in a 2-1 victory.

Dartford have gone full circle since those days climbing up to the top of non-league before their return to the Isthmian Premier next season. Hendon are just about to complete a 45th consecutive year at the same level, but at least they have had a change of scenery switching from the Isthmian League to the Southern League in 2018.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In the final game of the National South season at home to Truro City on the weekend, Adrian Pennock made eight changes to the side that won the quarter final tie a week ago. Sam Odaudu made his first start since mid-February and Oliver Bray who last featured against Truro City a month ago made a substitute appearance against his former side. Odaudu was one of two alterations from the side that lost at Yeovil Town with Taylor Maloney in for Harrison Sodje.

The Darts signed off with a 2-1 victory, their first win in the league since November, a run of eleven games. Joash Nembhard powered home a header midway through the first half from a Luke Coulson corner. Rhys Byrne kept Truro City at bay in an excellent performance, which included a triple save in the second half. The hosts went two ahead after Oliver Bray put in a low cross that was deflected and wrong footed goalkeeper, James Halman for an own goal. Byrne’s performance deserved a clean sheet, but in the final minute Tyler Harvey’s long range drive nestled into his bottom corner. Dartford finished the season fourth from bottom.

Hendon have yet to win this month or even lose. The Greens have drawn all five in April. On Saturday they recorded their sixteenth draw, more than anyone else in the Southern League Premier South and now they occupy eleventh spot with a game to go.

Their latest stalemate was goalless at home to Gosport Borough. A week ago Hendon let a two goal lead slip against Sholing with all four goals coming in a nine minute spell either side of the break. Billy Leonard and Shaun Lucien scored two in a minute on the stroke of half-time, but Sholing pulled one back before the whistle went for the interval. The Hampshire side equalised in the second-half to leave the score at 2-2. A pair of 1-1 draws against Merthyr Town and Walton and Hersham followed the 0-0 at Hayes and Yeading.

London Senior Cup – story so far

Round One
Dartford 1 – 0 Harrow Borough
An own goal sent the Darts on their way in the London Senior Cup, but the narrow scoreline didn’t tell the whole story. The hosts could have been more clinical in front of goal during a dominant display. Henry Lukombo failed to clear Baris Altintop’s cross and the ball ended up in his own net.

Hendon 6 – 1 Glebe
A near post Ethan Light header from a corner opened the scoring against Glebe. Adam Laaref added a second to double the lead before half-time. In the second-half a swift counter attack was finished of by Florian Envoudou-Ada, Kai Brosnan calmly stroked home a fourth and an own goal added another. The Southern Counties Premier East opponents pulled one back prior Laaref’s second of the night.

Round Two
Dartford 1 – 1 Queens Park Rangers Development Team (5-4 on penalties)
Oliver Box was player of the match scoring the winning penalty as this tie went all the way. The young Hoops took the lead with half hour played, Henry Hawkins bundled the ball over the line. The hosts fought back and levelled through a clean Luke Coulson strike. After normal time the match went into penalties and the Darts won 5-4.

Hendon 1 – 0 Wingate and Finchley
The Greens were given a tough second round tie against Isthmian Premier playoff chasers Wingate and Finchley. Hendon came through thanks to a Shaun Lucien winner to send them into the last eight.

Quarter-Final
Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 Dartford
A last minute own goal sent Dartford into the final four after coming from behind. Nyren Clunis put Cray Wanderers ahead after just two minutes. Just before the half hour mark Jordan Greenidge restored parity with a confident finish. With the quarter-final heading for spot kicks, the visitors won it right at the end.

Hendon 2 – 1 Sporting Bengal United
Two goals in injury time turned this quarter-final on its head. An upset was on the cards when Sporting Bengal United took the lead with twenty minutes to play. A high bounce was hit first time by Joe Gregory to give the Essex Senior League side the lead. Hendon fought back and equalised in the 91st minute through Brosnan. Three minutes later Billy Leonard followed up a rebound to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford (LWLLWW) Hendon (LDDDDD)
Truro City H 2-1 Gosport Borough H 0-0
Cray Wanderers (LSC) A 2-1 Sholing A 2-2
Yeovil Town A 1-3 Merthyr Town A 1-1
Worthing H 1-2 Walton and Hersham H 1-1
Havant & Waterlooville A 2-1 Hayes and Yeading A 0-0
Eastbourne Borough H 0-2 Beaconsfield Town H 4-5

LSC = London Senior Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Hendon wins: 2 / Draws: 0

Previous Meetings

Hendon 1 – 2 Dartford (22/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 5 – 0 Hendon (05/09/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 0 Hendon (06/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Hendon 3 – 0 Dartford (16/08/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 3 Hendon (08/11/1952 – F.A Cup)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won their last two matches, last achieved back in November. Their best run all season is three consecutive wins in September.
  • The Darts have won their last three against Hendon scoring eight and conceding one.
  • Own goals are the top scorer in the London Senior Cup for the Darts. There have been two own goals, whilst Luke Coulson and Jordan Greenidge have netted the other two in the competition.

On This Day

Dartford have lost just two of their last ten on St George’s Day and last time out they beat St Albans City. Keiran Murtagh scored twice and set up Marcus Dinanga in a 3-1 victory at Princes Park. Elliot Bradbrook helped the Darts come from behind twice at home to Oxford City in 2016. The captain equalised twice including a late minute penalty to rescue a point.

Between defeats against Fisher Athletic in 2005 and Margate in 1997, the Darts beat Langley Sports (now Eastbourne Borough) 2-1 in 2001. Dartford also won four in a row on this day with a 3-0 win versus Dagenham in the National League back in 1985 and a 1-0 triumph at home to Leicester United in the 1988 Southern Premier League. A year later, the Darts went to Bromsgrove Rovers and won 2-0 and in 1994 they recorded the same score versus Beckenham Town in the Kent League.

Cray Wanderers v Dartford

Dartford will need to pick themselves up against Cray Wanderers in the London Senior Cup quarter-final on Tuesday night.

Relegation back to the Isthmian Premier League was confirmed at the weekend with a loss at newly crowned National South champions Yeovil Town. The Darts will be meeting the Wands next season as they return to the third tier of non-league for the first time in 14 years.

Needing at least a point to potentially take their campaign to the last day, Adrian Pennock stuck to the same side that beat Havant and Waterlooville, but lost to Worthing. In the end nothing more than a victory was required as their closest rivals claimed three points on Saturday. All that was immaterial though because the Darts finished their travels in the league with a 3-1 defeat.

Yet Dartford did have the smallest glimmer of hope when they took a shock lead through top scorer Luke Coulson. The captain netted his eleventh in all competitions in the fifth minute. Yeovil Town we’re back on level terms just three minutes later through Sam Pearson and before half-time Dylan Morgan put the champions ahead. In the second-half, Rhys Byrne saved Frank Nouble’s penalty and Alex Fisher added a third for the Glovers.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts have negotiated their way through two rounds of the London Senior Cup so far starting out in September. Drawn against Harrow Borough of the Isthmian Premier League, Dartford won 1-0. Despite the low scoreline the Darts were dominant, but still had to rely on an own goal by Borough’s Henry Lukombo. In the second round the tie went all the way to penalties against Queens Park Rangers U23’s. Oliver Box scored the equaliser that forced spot-kicks and then netted the winner in the shootout.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s last four meetings against Cray Wanderers have been in cup competition and on three occasions the Darts have progressed to the next round. The most recent of those ties came in December 2021 in the F.A Trophy third round. A Jake Robinson brace and a Danny Leonard goal in the space of five first-half minutes earned a 3-1 victory. Cray Wanderers came out on top in the previous county cup clash though. In the Kent Senior Cup the Wands won 4-2 in round one back in September 2017. At the same stage a year earlier Andy Pugh and Duane Ofori-Acheampong helped Dartford to a 2-1 triumph. The same score in the 2011 F.A Cup third qualifying clash saw the Darts progress with goals from Ryan Hayes and Danny Harris.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Former Dartford captain Tom Bonner could feature for the Wands. The defender come out of retirement and after a spell with Havant and Waterlooville, he signed for Cray Wanderers in November. Bonner made 456 appearances for the Darts and won two Kent Senior Cups and the National South playoffs whilst at Princes Park. David Ijaha and Ellis Brown are also part of the Wands squad, Ijaha played 12 games for Dartford and Brown started just six and made 15 appearances from the bench.

Neil Smith’s team have secured a sixth season in the Isthmian Premier league and are currently in 16th place. The Wands had a slow start to their campaign losing their opening five whilst scoring just once. Then they went to promotion contenders Chatham Town and won 5-1. Inconsistency and a glut of draws from November to January left the Wands’ season in the balance. A positive period in February saw Smith’s side take 17 points from 21 available making life more comfortable. Since then form has taken a dip and they have won just one league fixture in their last nine outings.

Cray Wanderers’ London Senior Cup journey began in November at home against Tooting and Mitcham United. The Wands beat the Combined Counties Premier South side 4-2.  Yahya Bamba, who scored twice against the Darts for Eastbourne Borough just over a fortnight ago bagged a brace, while Gary Lockyer and Nyren Clunis added a third and fourth. In round two Cray Wanderers defeated Fisher 3-0 to move into the last eight. Tayo Oyebola, Alfie Evans and Anthony Cook all scored to overcome their Southern Counties East Division opponents.

Some silverware for Dartford will provide a small amount of consolation and victory on Tuesday night will set up a semi-final against Hendon of the Southern Premier League South.

Current Form

Dartford (DLLWLL) Cray Wanderers (LDDLLL)
Yeovil Town A 1-3 Horsham A 0-2
Worthing H 1-2 AFC Hornchurch A 0-2
Havant & Waterlooville A 2-1 Hashtag United H 1-3
Eastbourne Borough H 0-2 Margate A 1-1
Chelmsford City A 1-4 Chatham Town H 2-2
Truro City A 0-0 Folkestone Invicta H 0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 35 / Cray Wanderers wins: 21 / Draws: 11

Last Six Meetings

Cray Wanderers 1 – 2 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)
Dartford 1 – 1 Cray Wanderers (026/12/2009 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won 17 of their last 22 away games against Cray Wanderers (D2, L3)
  • In county cups (all Kent Senior) the Darts have progressed on eight occasions when drawn against the Wands (W8, D3, L2)
  • Dartford have a 72.5% win rate versus Cray Wanderers over the last 40 meetings in all competitions (W29, D6, L5)

On This Day

On the penultimate game of the 2012/2013 National League campaign the Darts enjoyed a 3-2 win against Forest Green Rovers on this day. Victory lifted Dartford into seventh place with goals from Danny Harris and a brace from Elliot Bradbrook. Although Tony Burman’s side dropped one place on the final day they were crowned the best part-time team in the country. After a mediocre season in the Southern Division One East, Dartford recorded a 6-2 triumph over basement boys Tilbury in 2005. The last fixture on this day for the Darts ended 0-0 versus Basingstoke Town in the National South eight years ago.

Dartford v Queens Park Rangers

Dartford will be hoping to progress into the last eight of the London Senior Cup for a third year in a row when they host a Queens Park Rangers development side on Tuesday night.

The Darts won their last county cup tie in the Kent competition beating Sevenoaks Town a week ago. Victory against the Oaks booked a place in the semi-final. That winning feeling didn’t last long though as they fell to defeat on the weekend at Farnborough in the National South.

Tony Burman made six changes to the side won in the Kent Senior Cup. Coming straight into the side, Fumnaya Shomotun made his debut after lining up against the Darts as a Sevenoaks Town player. Tommy Block made his first league appearance since the end of August. Approaching the National South fixture, both Dartford and Farnborough were without a win in four league matches, Boro were looking for their first points of 2024.

It was all square at the break, but five minutes into the second-half Farnborough won a penalty at Cherrywood Road. Aaron Kuhl stepped up and scored from 12 yards. The lead lasted just two minutes as the Darts got back on level terms. Tyrell Miller-Rodney scored his third goal for the club. However, Burman’s side were unable to hold on and with 12 minutes remaining Reggie Young scored the winner for Boro. Dartford have now gone five league games without a win for the first time since the start of the 2019/2020 season under Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle.

The Darts made it to round two of the London Senior Cup back in September. Drawn against Harrow Borough of the Isthmian Premier League, Dartford won 1-0. That was Block’s last start for the Darts before his return on the weekend. Despite the low scoreline Dartford were dominant, but still had to rely on an own goal by Borough’s Henry Lukombo.

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Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

QPR under 21’s are going strong in the Premier League Professional Development division under former player Paul Furlong. The R’s are unbeaten in their last eight league matches and have not lost at home. Sitting in third place they are two points away from Sheffield United under 21’s and six points behind Birmingham City under 21’s, although they have three games in hand over the Blues.

A week ago, QPR’s development side beat Cardiff City under 21’s with a couple of second half strikes from Harry Murphy and Micah Anthony. Their league victory came after making it through the first round of the London Senior Cup at Corinthian Casuals. The R’s included first team player Albert Adomah in the line up against the Isthmian Premier League side. Whilst Murphy and Anthony found the back of the net again, Lorent Talla and Arkell Jude-Boyd also got themselves on the scoresheet in a 4-1 win.

Current Form

Dartford (DDLLWL) QPR Development Team (WDDLWW)
Farnborough A 1-2 Cardiff City U21 A 2-0
Sevenoaks Town (KSC) H 3-2 Corinthian Casuals (LSC) A 4-1
Weymouth H 0-1 Exeter City U21 (Fr) H 1-2
Maidstone United A 1-2 Ipswich Town U21 A 3-3
Weston-super-Mare A 2-2 Swansea City U21 A 0-0
Welling United H 1-1 Colchester United U21 A 6-3

KSC – Kent Senior Cup / LSC – London Senior Cup / Fr – Friendly

Statistics

  • This will be the third campaign in the London Senior Cup for the Darts. On the previous two occasions they reached the quarter-finals.
  • Dartford have won five of their seven London Senior Cup ties scoring 19 and conceding six
  • The Darts have kept four clean sheets in the London Senior Cup and only failed to score once, versus Brentford B, another development team

On This Day

Dartford have progressed in four of their five cup games on this day. The last was 11 years ago which sent the Darts to within a two legged tie of Wembley. In the F.A Trophy last eight replay against FC Halifax Town. After falling behind before the break, two goals in as many minutes had Dartford ahead. First, Lee Noble equalised and then Elliot Bradbrook scored. Ryan Hayes scored a trademark curler, but the Darts were hanging on after the Shaymen netted late. In 1982, Dartford were knocked out of the same competition at the second round stage losing 2-0 versus Northwich Victoria. Other cup ties on this day include a 4-0 win at Tonbridge in the 1979 Eastern Floodlit Cup quarter-final, a 1-0 Kent Senior Cup victory against Bromley in 1935 and a 4-0 triumph in the Chatham Charity Cup last eight in 1909 at home to Sheppey United.

Dartford v Harrow Borough

Dartford start their London Senior Cup campaign this weekend in a home tie against Southern Premier South side Harrow Borough.

The Darts have reached the last eight of the competition on both occasions in which they have entered the competition. Since Alan Dowson has taken charge, Dartford’s only cup victories have been in London Senior Cup beating Tooting and Mitcham United then Metropolitan Police before going out to Haringey Borough. Harrow Borough were knocked out at the first hurdle last season losing to Cockfosters.

Dartford have been drawn against Harrow Borough twice before, both in the F.A Cup at the second qualifying round stage. On each occasion the Darts swept Borough aside with the last encounter coming 12 years ago. Charlie Sheringham is the only survivor of the current squad to have featured in that cup win and he found the back of the net in a 5-0 victory.

The striker scored Dartford’s third as early as the 25th minute to end any signs of a cup upset developing. Borough suffered a massive setback on three minutes when Danny Leech was sent off and the Darts took full advantage. James Rogers opened the scoring, and the lead was doubled by Elliot Bradbrook before Sheringham’s finish. Tom Bonner and Lee Burns added two more in the second half on a comfortable afternoon for the hosts. The other cup tie came in 1970 when the Darts ran out 7-0 winners on the road.

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Highlights courtesy of sonytino

During Dartford’s short stay in the Isthmian Premier League the two sides met four times with both teams completing a double over each other. After winning promotion, the Darts lost both encounters the following season in November 2008 and March 2009. The lively Cody McDonald volleyed Burman’s side in front in the away clash, but goals from Kurt Morlese and Robin Shroot handed Harrow Borough victory. The reverse fixture at Princes Park was settled by Borough’s Dean Fenton who scored the only goal of the game.

The Darts went on to lift the 2009/2010 Isthmian Premier League title and picked up six points against Harrow Borough. Lee Burns found the net twice in a 2-0 triumph at Princes Park, the Darts recording an eleventh win in their first 12 matches. Burns scored a cheeky lob before completing his brace and it could have been three had Adam Flanagan put his penalty away. Three days after clinching the title with a 6-2 away win at Kingstonian, the champions beat Harrow Borough 1-0 in April 2010. Allan Tait was on the end of a slick Dartford move to secure another win.

Dartford’s F.A Cup exit left a gap in the fixture list allowing this cup tie to be brought forward. The Kent derby defeat came at the end of a four game losing streak, which the Darts put behind them with a National South win over Tonbridge Angels last time out. Dowson made four changes to the starting eleven from the team that lost to Welling United. Brandon Barzey, Tyrell Miller-Rodney, Luke Coulson and Harvey Bradbury all came into the side. Paul Rooney netted his first for the club since joining in the summer, the midfielder was alert after Coulson’s shot was blocked. The ball fell to Rooney who struck his shot beyond the Angels goalkeeper to score the decisive goal.

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Highlights courtesy of sonytino

On Tuesday night, Dowson had a look at a number of players in a friendly against a Gillingham B Team. Tom Wray, who has started four of the six cup games under Dowson started as well as Tommy Block, who is returning from injury. Manny Adebowale and Jay Boulton were also given game time having not featured this season so far. The Dartford boss also took the opportunity to observe some trialists.

The squad could be utilised again as usually in the county cups Dowson opts to mix experienced players with those on the fringes of the first team. Two players who will no longer be available are Marvin Herschel, who has departed the club after four years, 12 Dartford appearances and three goals. Whilst defender, James Golding has been recalled by his parent club Oxford City after ten appearances and one goal. Block, Luke Allen, Alex Wall and Maxwell Statham have all been on the treatment table recently so will be hoping for minutes.

Harrow Borough have continued to play at the same level ever since Dartford’s promotion in 2010. The only difference is they have moved across to the Southern League from the Isthmian League resulting in more travelling. Still, they have posted consistent league positions except for a fifth place finish the year after the Darts went up and reached seventh place in their first season in the Southern Premier South.

A tough start has seen Borough on the back foot as they took just one point from their opening five games, at one point conceding 13 in three games as they lost heavily to Waltham and Hersham and Basingstoke Town before a 4-2 defeat at home to Poole Town. However, they lost just one more in the league in their next four outings picking up a point at Hendon before beating Sholing at home. Harrow Borough went on to bounce back from their loss at Hanwell Town with victory versus Plymouth Parkway on the weekend. Two late goals saw Borough turn around a one goal deficit after they fell behind to a Jack Crago strike. With seven minutes to go the hosts were level when Lonit Talla scored from close range and five minutes later Mack Miskin won the match for Borough.

On Tuesday night they faced Hayes and Yeading United and former Dart, Norman Wabo gave United the lead from the penalty spot. Six minutes after the interval Harrow Borough found themselves two down when Ronan Silva doubled the deficit. In the final minute Borough conceded a third when substitute Steve Ngunga wrapped up victory for Hayes and Yeading United.

Current Form

Dartford (WLLLLW) Harrow Borough (DLWLWL)
Tonbridge Angels H 1-0 Hayes & Yeading Utd A 0-3
Welling United (FAC) H 2-3 Plymouth Parkway H 2-1
St Albans City A 0-1 Hanwell Town A 1-2
Slough Town H 1-2 Sholing H 3-2
Taunton Town A 0-1 Bracknell Town (FAC) H 0-2
Dover Athletic H 2-0 Hendon A 2-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Harrow Borough wins: 2 / Draws: 0

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 5 – 0 Harrow Borough (01/10/2011 – F.A Cup)
Harrow Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (13/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 0 Harrow Borough (03/10/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 1 Harrow Borough (14/03/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Harrow Borough 2 – 1 Dartford (08/11/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Harrow Borough 0 – 7 Dartford (17/10/1970 – F.A Cup)

Statistics

  • The Darts have won each of their last three meetings versus Borough
  • Dartford have kept three consecutive clean sheets against Harrow Borough
  • Only once have both teams scored in this fixture. Dartford have kept four clean sheets to Harrow Borough’s one

On This Day

Alfie Pavey’s first-half hat-trick inspired Dartford to a comfortable 6-1 win over Needham Market in 2017. The F.A Cup third qualifying round was a breeze for the visitors with Tom Murphy, Andy Pugh and Ryan Hayes all finding the back of the net. After just two wins in ten on this day, the Darts are now four unbeaten. In the National League nine years ago Peter Sweeney and Elliot Bradbrook both equalised in a 2-2 draw with Welling United. Two late goals in 2012 earned a 2-1 victory over Hyde at Princes Park. Harry Crawford scored with six minutes on the clock and Richard Rose grabbed the winner with a delicious lob. Dave Martin was the match winner in 2006 against Croydon Athletic in the Isthmian Division One South.

Dartford v Haringey Borough

Dartford have the chance to reach the London Senior Cup semi-final for the first time when they host Haringey Borough.

However, in the only other meeting between the two sides, the Borough scored in the last minute to cause a cup upset back in December 2020. The Darts with home advantage and a division higher were beaten 1-0 in the F.A Trophy third round, Alfred Bawling was the Haringey hero when he headed in from Roman Michael-Percil’s cross. The Borough went on to lose the next round to Dartford’s last opponents, Oxford City.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Haringey Borough (19/12/2020) – Dartford FC TV

Alan Dowson made one change to the team that beat Slough Town 1-0 a week ago bringing Maxwell Statham back into the side for winger Malachi Napa. Guaranteed second spot regardless of their result against an in form Oxford City, the Darts were hoping to gather momentum and add to their four match unbeaten run in the National South. Dartford’s mission was accomplished and although they were unable to breach the visitor’s defence, they did manage to keep a fourth clean sheet in a row at Princes Park. Since joining the Darts, goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski has yet to concede at home and against Oxford City he can thank his teammates in front of him for a solid display.

The 0-0 draw keeps Dartford six points clear of Oxford City in the league and moves them seven ahead of Havant and Waterlooville in fourth. The Darts have now won three and drawn three in their last seven outings in all competitions. The only reverse coming in the Kent Senior Cup against Ebbsfleet United who are now 13 points clear at the National South summit.

Haringey Borough had lost five of their last six games in all competitions ahead of their home match against relegation strugglers Brightlingsea Regent on the weekend. After defeating Hastings United towards the end of last month, the Borough were beaten by title chasers Bishop Stortford then drew versus Potters Bar Town in the Isthmian Premier. Another clash with the Scholars three days later finished in a League Cup exit, then three league defeats on the spin at home to Bognor Regis Town and Canvey Island plus one on the road at Billericay Town has seen the the London club going through a dismal patch.

However, the Borough ended their poor run of form in style on Saturday with a 6-1 victory. Six different scorers found the back of the net and it was Erald Desa who started the rout when he tucked away his own rebound to send the hosts a goal up at half-time. Two goals in five early second-half minutes open the floodgates, first Rakim Richards then Ben Allen made it 3-0 and just past the hour Stef Georgiou added a fourth. The goals kept flowing as Callum Ismail and Josiah Bridgeman extended the lead before Brightlingsea Regent’s Jermaine Anderson managed a consolation.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Tooting and Mitcham United (18/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

The Darts progressed to the last eight of the London Senior Cup with a victories over Tooting and Mitcham United in October and Metropolitan Police a month ago. Dowson has used the county cups to rest players and integrate academy stars and so far they have performed well. Goalkeeper Tom Wray and defender George Whitefield have started in every senior cup game this term, whilst Jayden Boulton, Ali Mansaray, Jude Russell, Sam Archibald, Archie Panyi and Ollie Box have all featured at some point.

Yet to concede in the London Senior Cup, the Darts progressed from round one thanks to a winning goal from Alex Wall against Tooting and Mitcham United. It took until the 63rd minute for Dartford to break the deadlock and it came when Davide Rodari’s excellent pass was finished by Wall. The players patience paid off in the end after having tow efforts ruled out for offside prior Wall’s winner. In the second round Dowson’s side were able to end Metropolitan Police’s cup run. Once again the Darts had to wait until just after an hour for their opener. This time midfielder, Keiran Murtagh got on the end of Luke Allen’s ball to give the hosts the lead. Virtually from the last kick of the game the advantage was doubled through Pierre Fonkeu from close range.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Metropolitan Police (31/01/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Haringey Borough had a bye in the first round and won 3-1 against Glebe in round two. Chaynie Fage-Burgin bagged a brace and Scott Durojaiye added one from the penalty spot before the visitors pulled a goal back. The Borough negotiated their way past the Southern Counties Premier East division side avoiding an upset to reach the quarter-final. Last term, Haringey Borough went one step further by getting to the semi-final, but defeat to Hendon denied them a final appearance against Dartford’s conquerors Brentford B.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Haringey Borough wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford
(DLWDWD)
    Haringey Borough
(DLLLLW)
   
Oxford City H 0-0 Brightlingsea Regent H 6-1
Slough Town H 1-0 Billericay Town H 1-3
Braintree Town A 1-1 Canvey Island H 1-2
Chippenham Town H 2-0 Bognor Regis Town H 2-5
Ebbsfleet United (KSC) A 1-2 Potters Bar Town (LC) A 1-3
Welling United A 2-2 Potters Bar Town H 2-2
KSC = Kent Senior Cup / LC = League Cup

Previous Meeting

Dartford 0 – 1 Haringey Borough (19/12/2020 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

  • Dartford have kept four home clean sheets in a row for the first time since December 2019/January 2020
  • The Darts last kept five consecutive home clean sheets during the 1990/91 season
  • In cup competitions, Alan Dowson has won two and lost three as manager of Dartford

On This Day

Dartford posted a 7-0 win on this day 36 years ago when they thrashed King’s Lynn in the Southern Premier League. In contrast not a single goal was scored in their last outing on this day, a 0-0 Kent derby draw with Welling United in 2017. The Darts beat Tooting and Mitcham United at Princes Park in 2009 with Rob Howard scoring a brace in a 3-1 triumph. In 1934, a 3-0 semi-final replay win over Northfleet United saw the Darts reach the Kent Senior Shield final.

Dartford v Metropolitan Police

Dartford are back in county cup action when they host Isthmian Premier League South side Metropolitan Police in the second round.

After two postponements of this fixture it’s third time lucky on Tuesday night. The Darts reached the quarter-final stage last season. Their opponents went out at this stage of the competition last term and are hoping to go one better this time.

This fixture has produced plenty of goals over the years stretching back to the seventies and most recently the 2006/2007 Isthmian Division One South season. Since the first ever meeting, when the Darts won a friendly 5-2 in 1939, there has been a 5-3 Dartford victory in 1975, a 6-2 triumph in the Southern League Division One South during the same season, and the last time the two sides played it ended 4-3 in Metropolitan Police’s only win over Dartford. The final game of the campaign in front of 239 at Met Police saw Brendon Cass score twice and Ryan Hayes net the other. Hayes was also on the scoresheet in December 2006 along with Richard Avery in a 2-2 draw at Princes Park.

The most famous clash had the Match of the Day cameras visiting Imber Court back in 1984, when the Darts beat Metropolitan Police in the only cup meeting between the two sides, George Borg scoring a wonder goal in a 3-0 win. The reward for John Still’s side was a second round tie with AFC Bournemouth in which Dartford lost in a replay, missing out on a dream draw against Manchester United.

Both sides negotiated their way through the first round without conceding. It took Dartford just over an hour to break the deadlock against Isthmian Division One Central side Tooting and Mitcham United, when Alex Wall was on the end of Davide Rodari’s pass across the goal. Metropolitan Police strolled to a 4-0 win over Combined Counties League Premier Division North side Hilltop FC. Jasper Mather opened the scoring with a tidy finish just 15 minutes into the cup tie and ten minutes later he added a second. Scoring his first goal since returning to the club, Ollie Knight increased the lead. The game was wrapped up six minutes from time when Josh Keeya completed the rout.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Tooting & Mitcham United (18/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s outstanding form did take them them to the top of the National South before their last two outings, which both ended in defeat. Alan Dowson has selected the same team for the last four games which included completing a double over Ebbsfleet United and beating Cheshunt before defeat at home to Hemel Hempstead Town and away to Worthing. However, the Darts boss is expected to make changes in the county cup to give fringe and academy players an opportunity.

New signings Jamar Loza and Jernade Meade made a substitute appearance on the weekend, but Tommy Block awaits his debut. Charlie Sheringham was missing through illness whilst midfielder, Luke Allen and defender Sam Odaudu are still recovering from injury. Dartford had an awful afternoon down at Worthing conceding three times for the second consecutive league game. Misery was compounded when Alex Wall was sent off late on, now the striker will be facing a suspension. Two early goals from the hosts put the Darts on the back foot and they never recovered. Maxwell Statham scored an own goal in eighth minute and three minutes later Ollie Pearce doubled the Rebels lead. In the second half, former Dartford loanee, Davide Rodari made it 3-0 before Wall was dismissed for an off the ball incident.

Metropolitan Police moved into the Southern League Premier South playoff places with a fifth straight win in their last match. It was a case of better late than never for Metropolitan Police in their game versus Hanwell Town on the weekend. Two goals from substitute Louis Degand in the final five minutes secured a 2-0 at Imber Court. The midfielder was only on the pitch for ten minutes when he netted his first and right at the end he added a second.

Martell Taylor-Crossdale’s goal at home to Plymouth Parkway was enough to earn all three points just over a fortnight ago. The Met had scored two in each of the three victories leading up to Saturday’s triumph, keeping a clean sheet at Harrow Borough before beating both Hendon and Winchester City 2-1. However, a couple of postponements has seen the Met slip out of the playoff zone. The Darts will need to watch out for Herson Rodrigues-Alves if selected, the striker has scored 17 goals in the league this term.

In cup competitions, the Met have beaten Corinthian and Burgess Hill Town in reaching the third qualifying round of the F.A Cup. Their cup run was ended by National South side Chippenham Town. They reached the same stage of the F.A Trophy going out at the first hurdle on penalties to Hastings United. Like Dartford, Metropolitan Police have entered two regional competitions this term. In the Surrey Senior Cup, they comfortably defeated Westfields 3-0 and will take on Banstead Athletic or Dowson’s old club Woking in the next round.

The winner of this second round tie will host Haringey Borough of the Isthmian Premier League in the last eight.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Metropolitan Police wins: 1 / Draws: 1

Current Form

 

Dartford
(WWWWLL)
    Metropolitan Police
(LWWWWW)
   
Worthing A 0-3 Hanwell Town H 2-0
Hemel Hempstead Town H 1-3 Plymouth Parkway H 1-0
Cheshunt A 3-1 Winchester City H 2-1
Ebbsfleet United H 4-0 Hendon H 2-1
Ebbsfleet United A 4-1 Harrow Borough A 2-0
Havant & Waterlooville A 3-1 Yate Town A 0-1

Previous Meetings

Met Police 4 – 3 Dartford (28/04/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Met Police (16/12/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Met Police 0 – 3 Dartford (17/11/1974 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 6 – 2 Met Police (29/11/1975 – Southern League Division One South)
Met Police 0 – 2 Dartford (09/09/1975 – Southern League Division One South)
Met Police 3 – 5 Dartford (14/01/1975 – Mid Surrey Floodlight League)
Dartford 3 – 1 Met Police (08/10/1974 – Mid Surrey Floodlight League)
Dartford 5 – 2 Met Police (11/11/1939 – Friendly)

Statistics

  • There has been 43 goals in 8 matches in this fixture at an average of 5.37 goals per game
  • Dartford have always scored two or more goals against Metropolitan Police hitting 3+ goals in six out of eight meetings
  • The Darts have won 11 of their last 12 county cup ties (includes penalties)

On This Day

Dartford have never lost at home on 31 January winning eight and drawing two. One of those stalemates came in their last fixture on this day which ended 2-2 at home to Bristol Rovers eight years ago. The Darts came from behind twice thanks to two goals from Ryan Hayes. In 2009, Rob Haworth was the hero against rivals Maidstone United in a 1-0 Isthmian Premier derby day win at Princes Park. That was the seventh consecutive home victory on this day for the Darts, which included two county cup wins against Herne Bay in 1959 (4-2) and Snowdon Colliery Welfare in 1953 (1-0).

Dartford v Tooting and Mitcham United

The Darts begin their London Senior Cup campaign on Tuesday night when they host Tooting and Mitcham United for the first time in almost thirteen years.

Dartford crossed paths with the Terrors during the Isthmian League days meeting twice in the Division One South then four times in the Premier Division. These two sides have cup history between them as well with previous in both the F.A Cup and F.A Trophy during the seventies, eighties and nineties.

The last time Dartford hosted their round one opponents was the year the Darts clinched the Isthmian Premier League title, but the Terrors gave the league leaders a fright going two goals up through defender Jamie Byatt and striker Paul Vines. Before the interval, Ryan Hayes marked his 150th starting appearance in style bending a free-kick past Dave King in the Tooting and Mitcham United’s goal. Hayes was at it again with another fine finish early in the second-half to level the match, then late on substitute Rob Howarth scored the winner.

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Highlights – Dartford v Tooting and Mitcham United (24/11/2019) – courtesy of sonytino

In the reverse fixture, Tooting and Mitcham United inflicted one of only seven defeats Dartford suffered that season. At the Imperial Fields, Simon Parker coolly finished early on to put the hosts in front. The Terrors had to wait until the final ten minutes for their second when Vines got on the end of a long ball. Three minutes later Vine scored again, but there was still time for Allan Tait to grab a consolation for the Darts.

A win a piece sums up the head to head between these two sides. In cup competitions it’s all level with two victories each and a stalemate. In league fixtures the Darts just edge it with three wins, two defeats and a draw. Out of the eleven meetings over the years this game has often produced plenty of goals averaging just under four a game.

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Highlights – Tooting and Mitcham United v Dartford (13/03/2010) – courtesy of sonytino

Last season Dartford participated in the London Senior Cup for the very first time and reached the last eight losing to Brentford B. In the two rounds leading up to the quarter-final, the Darts racked up 14 goals beating Athletic Newham 5-2 and Cockfosters 9-0. Although Dartford entered the competition in 2020/2021 they were forced to pull out before playing their first round tie, Tooting and Mitcham United went on to win the competition that season for the eighth time beating AFC Wimbledon in the final. Last term the Terrors went out in the second round in their attempt to retain the cup, they beat Redbridge 4-1 at the first hurdle before losing 2-1 against Haringey Borough.

After Saturday’s triumph, Alan Dowson has now guided the Darts to six straight league victories, however the last cup outing during that sequence ended in a cup upset. On the weekend, goals from Samir Carruthers, his sixth of the season and Pierre Fonkeu, the striker’s fifth goal of the campaign gave the Darts a 2-0 derby day win over Tonbridge Angels to leave them third and four points from the top. The National South fixture saw the return of Sam Odaudu after a six week absence.

Tooting and Mitcham United lost 2-0 to Westfields on the weekend conceding just past the hour when John Adebiyi scored. Then in the last minute Troy Walters clinched the win for the visitors. The result leaves the Terrors down in 16th place in the Isthmian Division One Central. In cup competitions the London based club won their extra preliminary tie against Cobham before being knocked out by VCD Athletic. In the F.A Trophy the Terrors fell at the first hurdle on penalties against Kent club Corinthians. Finally, leading up to their last league outing Tooting and Mitcham United lost a third consecutive cup match in the Isthmian League Cup. A 2-1 defeat at Sevenoaks Town halted their progress in the second round of the competition.

The Terrors now have the league and London Senior Cup to concentrate on. Without a win in September and October, Tooting and Mitcham United are winless in six attempts. The last time they tasted victory was away at Guernsey at the end of August and their only other victory was at the beginning of that month, the extra preliminary F.A Cup triumph.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Tooting and Mitcham United wins: 4 / Draws: 2

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford
(LWWWWW)
    Tooting & Mitcham United
(DDLDLL)
   
Tonbridge Angels H 2-0 Westfield H 0-2
Dulwich Hamlet A 2-1 Sevenoaks Town (LC) A 1-2
Hungerford Town H 2-0 South Park H 1-1
Eastbourne Borough H 2-1 Hanworth Villa H 0-3
Hampton & Richmond H 2-1 Southall A 1-1
Beckenham Town (FAC) H 1-2 Corinthian (FAT)* H 0-0

FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy / * – lost 7-6 on penalties / LC – League Cup

Last Six Meetings

Tooting and Mitcham United 3 – 1 Dartford (13/03/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 2 Tooting and Mitcham United (24/11/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 1 Tooting and Mitcham United (28/02/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Tooting and Mitcham United 0 – 2 Dartford (25/10/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Tooting and Mitcham United (27/02/2007 – Isthmian Division One)
Tooting and Mitcham United 2 – 1 Dartford (17/10/2006 – Isthmian Division One)

Statistics

  • There has been 3.72 goals a game in the 11 meetings between Dartford and Tooting and Mitcham United.
  • The Darts have won three of the last four meetings against the Terrors, however they lost last time they met
  • Dartford have never failed to score against Tooting and Mitcham United.

On This Day

Ryan Hayes scored his 50th Dartford goal on this day in 2008 which turned out to be the winner in a F.A Trophy tie against Harlow Town. The Darts have won each of their last five cup games on this day and Hayes’ goal came after Adam Flanagan’s superb volley from outside the box. Harlow Town pulled a goal back, but it was Dartford who progressed into the next round. Three years earlier the Darts beat Kent rivals Dover Athletic in a five goal thriller. The F.A Trophy first qualifying round replay ended 3-2 to Dartford after the sides played out a 1-1 draw. In 1988, Dartford won a Southern League cup fixture against Hastings United and in 1983 beat Sittingbourne 4-1 in the F.A Cup third qualifying round after a replay. In the less prestigious Eastern Floodlit Cup back in 1977, the Darts beat Maidstone United 2-1 in the semi-final, but went on to lost the final to Chelmsford City.

Dartford v Brentford B

Dartford could move into the semi-final of the London Senior Cup and set a new club record on Tuesday night when they host Brentford B.

The Darts can stretch their unbeaten home run from the start of a season to nineteen matches in all competitions, surpassing the record set in 1908/1909. Dartford have gone longer unbeaten home, but not from the beginning of a campaign and over one season.

In their way will be a young Brentford B side who have just returned from the Atlantic Cup in Portugal and in their last outing narrowly lost to AS Monaco. Although Dartford entered the London Senior Cup last term, this is the first campaign in which they have completed any fixtures. In the hunt for the National South title and still in two county cups, the Darts have a real opportunity to get some silverware to add to the belated Kent Senior Cup triumph back in November.

Dartford’s eight game unbeaten run in the league and five match winning streak came to an end last week. The Darts visited Bulpit Lane to take on Hungerford Town knowing that winning their game in hand would close the gap at the top to four points. Despite creating excellent chances in the first half Dartford couldn’t break the deadlock, then in the second half found themselves two down and a man down when Junior Tiensia was sent off. Jake Robinson scored a consolation, his 16th goal in 21 appearances in all competitions.

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Highlights of Dartford’s defeat at Hungerford Town – Dartford FC TV

Steve King spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and commented: “The score line flattered Hungerford…it’s not a true reflection of the game. We should have been out of sight in the first half, we missed five unbelievable chances”. Although his side remains seven points from the league leaders, King is pleased with how February turned out, he added: “We’ve taken 15 points out of the last 18, we’d have taken that if anyone offered us that six games ago, so we’ve had a good month”.

Taking their chances has been problematic at times this season and King is still waiting to find the right type of striker, he explained: “We need a forward, we need a certain type of forward. We’ve got to pick the right one’s, I’m not going to add numbers for the sake of adding numbers”. One of those forwards, Marcus Dinanga missed the Hungerford Town defeat through injury and midfielder Jack Jebb was suspended. Dinanga is hopeful for a return for the crucial top of the table clash with Dorking Wanderers, whilst Jebb’s suspension has been served so he could feature against Brentford B. In other injury news, Josh Hill remains a long term absentee and Jernade Meade is progressing in his recovery and is about three weeks away from a return to training.

The squad has also been reduced recently allowing King to bring in replacements, Luke Wanadio’s loan stay at Folkestone Invicta has been extended until the end of the season. Former Brentford full back, Josh Clarke left the club to focus on resolving some injury issues and getting fit for next season, the 27 year-old played ten times for Dartford. D’Sean Theobalds short stay has ended with the Darts after seven appearances and he remains in Kent to play for Welling United. Michael Kedman has also departed to get more game time, he only managed eight appearances this term.

Brentford B scraped through the last round on penalties beating Harrow Borough, but it was just a week ago they were taking on AS Monaco who fielded the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Kevin Volland and Aleksandr Golovin. The young Bees were beaten 2-1 with their goal coming from Nathan Young-Coombes, the in form striker who scored twice in this year’s Atlantic Cup out in Portugal.

The mid-season tournament serves as a competition for European clubs from national leagues which do not play over the winter months. The Bees picked up a solitary win from their three games beating Danish side Brondby IF 1-0, the winning goal coming from Young-Coombes. Either side of that victory, Brentford B lost both games 2-1. In the opening game Tristan Crama’s goal wasn’t enough against Icelanders, Breidablik and in the final fixture Young-Coombes netted again versus Swedish outfit Halmstads BK.

Story so far…

First Round
Dartford 5-2 Athletic Newham
Finally Dartford made their London Senior Cup debut after having to pull out last term. The Darts twice came from behind to eventually go through with goals from George Porter and a pair of braces from Emmanual Sonupe and Dan Roberts.

Fisher 0-2 Brentford B
Dom Jefferies and Tristan Crama scored the goals to take Brentford B into the next round. Jefferies was on the end of Val Adedokun’s cross to open the scoring. Crama scored from a well worked free-kick to ensure a passage into round two.

Second Round
Dartford 9-0 Cockfosters
The Darts recorded their biggest win since 1975 to reach the quarter-final. Sonupe took home the match ball with a hat-trick. Tyrique Hyde scored on his return from a loan spell before an own goal made it 2-0. D’sean Theobalds and Sonupe doubled the score going into half-time. Connor Essam made it five then Sonupe completed his trio of goals. Jake Robinson and Dan Roberts capped off the dynamic display.

Harrow Borough 1-1 Brentford B (Brentford B won 5-4 on penalties)
Jude Russell put the Bees ahead goal in the first half, but the Boro equalised through James Ewington’s strike. Nathan Young-Coombes scored the winning penalty kick in a match that featured Josh Dasilva, who was lining up against Arsenal recently and was sent off on the weekend against Newcastle United.

Current Form

Dartford
(WWWLWL)
    Brentford B
(WWLWLL)
   
Hungerford Town A 1-2 AS Monaco A 1-2
Bath City H 2-0 Halmstads BK N 1-2
Needham Market (FAT) A 0-1 Brondby IF N 1-0
Havant and Waterlooville A 1-0 Briedablik N 1-2
Welling United H 4-2 Harrow Borough (LSC)* A 1-1
Ebbsfleet United H 1-0 Hanwell Town (MSC) A 4-1

(FAT – F.A Trophy / LSC – London Senior Cup / MSC – Middlesex Senior Cup / N -Neutral venue / * Brentford B won 5-4 on penalties)

Stats

  • Dartford’s record unbeaten home run in competitive matches stands at 31 games. The run includes all 18 home matches in the 1908-1909 campaign plus 13 of the following season. (W28, D3)
  • The Darts are the top scorers in this season London Senior Cup with 14 goals in two games

On This Day

An injury time Jamie Coyle penalty earned Dartford all three Isthmian Division One North points in 2008 against Waltham Forest. In the title winning campaign, the Darts left it late to maintain their position at the top. Three years later Dartford stretched their unbeaten home run on 1 March to five thanks to a Basingstoke Town own goal. The Darts have also beaten Tonbridge in a Southern League Cup third round replay 4-0 in 1988, Faversham Town 1-0 in the Kent League Cup third round in 1995 and drew 2-2 against Waterlooville in the Southern League Southern Division (1997). Dartford’s last two meetings on this day were on the road and ended in a 3-0 loss to Southport (2014) and 2-2 draw with Hayes and Yeading United (2016), the Bradbrook brothers scoring a goal each.

Dartford v Cockfosters

Dartford’s debut in the London Senior Cup continues with a round two tie against Essex Senior League side Cockfosters.

The Darts have never met Tuesday night’s opposition, but have experience of what a step five side has to offer from the previous round. Cockfosters progressed by beating a team bottom of their division.

With the fixture schedule becoming more demanding over the next week, Steve King is likely to use the opportunity to rotate his squad. In the previous round he made eleven changes and had a look at some academy prospects. The Darts beat Athletic Newham 5-2 with a goal from George Porter and braces for Emmanuel Sonupe and substitute Dan Roberts. Although Dartford hit five they were made to work for victory having gone behind twice in the tie.

On the weekend the Darts earned a point against Oxford City at Princes Park to extend their lead at the top of the National South to three points. However, in close pursuit with three games in hand and a victory behind are St Albans City and Ebbsfleet United. King was without the injured Jordan Wynter, suspended captain Tom Bonner and midfielder Noor Husin who was on international duty. Luke Allen who came in to start the match was stretchered off meaning a debut for former Tonbridge Angels midfielder D’Sean Theobalds, who has returned to the National South after a spell in Poland. Another blank in front of goal despite a strong second half means the Darts have failed to score in four of their last five games, defensively it was Dartford’s seventh clean sheet of the season.

After this second round London Senior Cup tie, Dartford are back in league action on the weekend at Hemel Hempstead Town, then in mid-week they play Whitstable Town in last season’s Kent Senior Cup final. A chance for King to win his first piece of silverware with the Darts.

Cockfosters overcame Sporting Bengal United in their London Senior Cup opener. Fosters scored one fewer than the Darts in a 4-2 win, a goal for Daniel Ungundi, two from Jack Hockney and another by Reece Barrett secured their passage to round two.

Fosters have found some form since their last defeat, to the side Dartford knocked out in the last round. Since the 4-1 reverse against Athletic Newham, Cockfosters have gone six unbeaten winning their last four games. Helping them to hit top form is their attacking duo George Beattie and Reece Mosanya. Both netted a brace on the weekend in their 5-1 victory over St Margaretsbury, taking Fosters to ninth in the Essex Senior League. Beattie is their top scorer with 14, including an opening day hat-trick and has netted six in his last five games. Mosanya has also managed six goals lately, but over his last four matches.

The London based club has had plenty of cup action this term starting in the extra preliminary round of the F.A Cup. Beattie and Mosanya were on hand to score, as well as Ryan Wade in a 3-0 win over Sawbridgeworth Town. In the next round they went out to Dartford’s conquerers AFC Sudbury. In addition to the London Senior Cup triumph in the previous round, Fosters have also began their F.A Vase campaign. beating Sawbridgeworth Town again, this time it was 3-1. In the next round Fosters saw off Whitton Town 4-2 and face Tring Athletic on the weekend.

Formerly a Hertfordshire Premier League side, Cockfosters moved to the Spartan South Midlands League in the late nineties. The club made the switch to the Essex Senior League, but their only two season’s in the division have been cut short. Whilst in the Hertfordshire Premier the club won three titles in the late seventies and early eighties.

The winners will wait to see who they will face in round three. Harrow Borough and Corinthian Casuals need to complete their first round tie, the winners will be rewarded with a tie against Brentford. If the Darts progress they will play one of those three teams in the next round.

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford
(DDLLDL)
    Cockfosters
(WWWWDW)
   
Oxford City H 0-0 St Margaretsbury H 5-1
Chippenham Town H 3-3 West Essex A 2-0
Concord Rangers A 0-1 Sporting Bengal United H 5-0
Dorking Wanderers A 0-1 Whitton United (FAV) A 4-2
Chelmsford City A 0-0 Enfield H 1-1
AFC  Sudbury (FAC) A 1-3 Sporting Bengal United (LSC) A 4-2

Stats

  • Dartford have won their last four county cup matches, three in the Kent Senior Cup and one in the London Senior Cup.
  • The aggregate score for those four matches is 15-3 (1-0 v Maidstone United, 4-0 v Folkestone Invicta, 5-1 v Phoenix Sports and 5-2 v Athletic Newham)
  • The Darts have won nine, lost one county cup game in normal time (Cray Wanderers in 2017) and two on penalties (Welling United in 2016 and Maidstone United in 2019) in their last 13 county cup outings.

On This Day

Captain, Tom Bonner sparked a late comeback against rivals Maidstone United two years ago. Princes Park was silenced when Dan Wishart then Ibby Akanbi scored within three second half minutes of each other. The Stones leading with three minutes remaining looked destined for all three points until Tom Bonner then Darren McQueen scored late on to rescue a point.

Also on this day, the Darts beat Gillingham on their way to winning their last county cup in 2015. Tom Wynter cancelled out Brennan Dickinson’s goal and Jack Simmons netted the winner. Dartford went on to beat Herne Bay, Greenwich Borough and Charlton Athletic to lift the Kent Senior Cup.

For a second year in a row the Darts drew AFC Bournemouth in the F.A Cup. In the 1984-85 campaign the Poppies won the replay to set up a famous third round tie with Manchester United. On this day in the following campaign the teams were drawn together again in the first round. Once more Dartford drew, but history repeated itself in the replay with AFC Bournemouth winning and this time set up a match with Dagenham.

Eleven years ago, Dartford travelled to Burslem for their F.A Cup first round replay against Port Vale. The Darts had come so close in the 1-1 draw, but this time they were no match for the then League Two side losing 4-0.

Dartford v Athletic Newham

Dartford make their long-awaited London Senior Cup debut on Tuesday night with a home tie against Essex League club Athletic Newham.

Last season the Darts pulled out of the competition after their season was halted, but the cup did finally conclude in May. It is expected that this year’s edition of the London Senior Cup will provide Dartford with an extra opportunity to rotate their squad, now they have more depth than previous campaigns.

Goalkeeper Craig King has been limited to one game this term, whilst others like Luke Wanadio, George Porter, Luke Allen, Ronnie Vint have started less than half of the league matches so far. Steve King confirmed in an interview with Dartford FC TV last week he will use “players that need minutes”, he also said: “We’re going to get some third years in as well, one’s that are too old for the F.A Youth Cup game the following night”. Jake Robinson has been out with injury and will need more time to recover, Jordan Wynter is likely to be rested after playing with a groin strain over the last few matches and Jake Jebb missed Dartford’s last game after picking up an achilles injury.

The Darts won their last cup match beating Hythe Town 5-1 in the F.A Cup and on the weekend they demolished Welling United in the National South. Ade Azeez made it nine goals in eight games for the club with a hat-trick in the cup and another two against the Wings, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if the striker is given a rest. Noor Husin opened the scoring within a minute on Saturday before Azeez and Danny Leonard gave Dartford a three goal lead going into the break. In his first league start of the season, Luke Allen netted a brace within a two minute spell, then Azeez rounded off a memorable afternoon with number six. Dartford have now scored eleven goals in their last two games, something they last did when they went on to win the Isthmian Premier League.

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Dartford’s last cup match against Hythe Town in the F.A Cup – highlights available on Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s confidence is at a high and King described his side’s performance in the 6-0 derby demolition of Welling United as “something special”, he commented: “That was the best we’ve ever played across a ninety minutes. The amount of chances we created, that should have been double figures. Some of that football was top level”.

Athletic Newham were only formed six years ago as a youth team and began their quest into senior football a year later by joining the Essex Alliance Football League. The Kings won promotion to the Essex Senior League last term based on results of the last two abandoned seasons.

In 2019/2020, the Kings were in second place in the Eastern Counties Division One South. The London based club were in a strong position, five points behind with three games in hand. Last term they were second again and point behind the leaders, but enough to move up a division. Athletic Newham have started life in the Essex Senior League with six wins, three draws and two defeats and are amongst the league’s top scorers with 28 goals, Richard Kone impressing with 17 goals in his first ten games. The striker sparked interest from Billericay Town in the summer before landing a trial with Colchester United.

In their last league outing, Athletic Newham had to switch the venue to their opponents Redbridge, who they already played earlier in the season, and for a second meeting in a row the pair drew 2-2. That result came off the back of a 3-1 home win over Saffron Walden Town and their only league defeat in eight against league leaders Stansted. There was a period earlier in the campaign where goals flowed, the Kings racked up 16 in four games losing 6-3 to Takeley before beating Southend Manor 4-3, St Margaretsbury 6-1 and Ilford 3-2.

The Kings have already had some cup experience this term having made history in the F.A Cup. Making their debut in the competition they won their preliminary round tie 3-1 versus Virginia Water in a replay. In the next round Athletic Newham went out to Hanwell Town losing 5-0.

Head to Head

No previous meetings

Current Form

Dartford
(WWDWWW)
    Athletic Newham
(DWLDWW)
   
Welling United A 6-0 Redbridge H 2-2
Hythe Town (FAC) H 5-1 Saffron Walden Town H 3-1
Tonbridge Angels H 1-1 Stansted H 1-2
Bath City A 3-1 Little Oakley A 1-1
Eastbourne Borough H 3-1 Clapton H 2-1
Dulwich Hamlet A 2-0 Ilford A 3-2

Stats

  • Dartford’s 6-0 away win over Welling United is their biggest on the road since 1997 against Clevedon Town in the Southern League South.
  • Last time the Darts scored five or more in consecutive games was 2009 (won 5-0 versus Hendon in Isthmian Premier League then 6-1 against Chipstead in the F.A Cup).
  • Dartford have not scored five or more goals in three consecutive games since 1975 (the Darts beat Crawley Town 10-0, drew with Stourbridge 5-5 and defeated Hillingdon Borough 5-0).

On This Day

Dan Roberts scored a brace two years ago, unfortunately it sparked a come back for Slough Town as the Darts threw away a two goal lead to lose 3-2. Charlie Sheringham then Josh Hill scored in a two minute first half spell, but Roberts pulled a goal back almost immediately. Roberts equalised in the second half and Matthew Lench scored the winner. Tuesday night will be the eighth consecutive home game on this day, the Darts winning three and losing four of the last seven. Adam Birchall was the match winner in 2013 as he netted the only goal of the game versus Southport in the National League. Dartford’s last cup match on this day was a 2-1 F.A Cup second qualifying round home defeat against Staines Town in 1997. Dartford did win their last away fixture on 28 September at the same stage of the F.A Cup back in 1991 winning 1-0 over Ford United.