Tag: National South (Page 10 of 14)

Taunton Town v Dartford

August 19, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford’s second away game is back in the West Country this weekend when they take on Southern Premier South champions Taunton Town for the first time.

Successful in their first trip to Somerset on the opening day, the Darts will be aiming to bounce back from Tuesday night’s defeat and record a third win of the season. Taunton Town have yet to record a victory failing to score in their first three fixtures, the Peacocks will be hoping to record their first ever triumph in the National South.

Alan Dowson has opted for a stability in his selection policy making just one forced change to the starting eleven in the three games so far. Injured in the 2-0 win at Bath City on the opening day, Kristian Campbell has been out with Luke Allen starting the last two matches. The midfielder has impressed and has been linking up well in the centre of the pitch with Samir Carruthers. However, the pair were unable to help the Darts avoid defeat on Tuesday night against a strong Havant and Waterlooville side.

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Highlights – Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville (16/08/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Jason Prior just loves scoring against Dartford and the Hawks striker was at it again giving the visitors an early lead. The Darts were level with Davide Rodari netting his first goal since joining from Crawley Town in the summer. Havant and Waterlooville’s, Oscar Gobern won it for the Hampshire outfit with a second half winner condemning Dowson’s men to their first loss of the campaign. Despite picking up no points at home and a ‘slow start’ the performance was still good enough according to the Dartford boss.

Striker, Pierre Fonkeu had netted all of Dartford’s goals leading up to Tuesday’s match so it was a relief to see Rodari open his account. Dowson has called upon his players to help out with increasing the goal tally so they don’t rely on Fonkeu too much. The Dartford boss feels improvement can be made in defence as well as attack and is hoping to look at the loan market to provide more competition within the squad.

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Interview – Alan Dowson talks to Dartford FC TV after the Havant and Waterlooville game

After two victories and a loss, the Darts turn their attention to a first ever trip to Wordsworth Drive. The long journey means the squad will be travelling down the day before to aid their preparations against Taunton Town.

The Peacocks claimed the Southern League South on the final day last season. A late winner versus Farnborough, who could have snatched the title was enough to see the Peacocks cross the finishing line in first place. The same two sides were up against each other on Tuesday night and it was Boro who came out on top this time, Omar Rowe scoring the winner for the Hampshire club.

Rob Dray’s side entered their first ever National South campaign with momentum winning 19 of their last 22 fixtures. However, the opening three games this term has yielded no goals and one point. A 0-0 draw in the first game against Welling United was followed up by a single goal defeat versus Concord Rangers. The Peacocks have used the summer transfer window to sign experienced players at this level including ex Bath City trio Dan Ball, Lloyd James and Dave Sims-Burgess. Another new signing, Nat Jarvis finally got international clearance in time to make his debut on Tuesday, the striker played for Chippenham Town before moving to Barry Town United.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWL)			Taunton Town (DLL)
Havant and Waterlooville	H	1-2	Farnborough	A	0-1
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Concord Rangers	A	0-1
Bath City	A	2-0	Welling United	H	0-0

Statistics

Dartford last won their opening two away games in consecutive seasons in 2005 and 2006.
The Darts have scored in their last 11 away games in all competitions stretching back to their F.A Trophy exit last season in February.
Dartford have failed to score in the league just once on the road in 2022, the North Kent Derby defeat to Ebbsfleet United on 2 January.
The Darts have kept three clean sheets in their last four away matches in the league.

On This Day

Dartford have won their last four fixtures on this day with the most recent in 2016 against Weston-super-Mare. Luke Wanadio and a Ryan Hayes goal six minutes from time helped the Darts to a 2-1 victory. In fact the last three matches on 20 August have ended with the same score. In 2011, Charlie Sheringham and Elliot Bradbrook netted first-half goals against Hampton and Richmond Borough. Future Dart, Jacob Erskine pulled a goal back for the Beavers at Princes Park. In the Southern League Division One East back in 2005, Dartford defeated Stamford Town and two years earlier they beat Burgess Hill Town 1-0. On the road, the Darts have won five and lost two on this day.

Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville

August 16, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 1 Comment

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

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

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

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Highlights – Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville (19/03/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

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

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

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Interview – Martin Tyler talks to Dartford FC TV after the Cheshunt win

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

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

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

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

Head to Head

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

Last Six Meetings

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

Statistics

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

On This Day

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

Dartford v Cheshunt

August 11, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will want to keep up their winning start in their first home game of the season against newly promoted Cheshunt.

The Darts made Princes Park a fortress last season going 17 league games unbeaten, their best home run from the start of a campaign since the 1925/26. However, home form towards the end tailed off as they lost two of their final three fixtures and also fell short in the playoffs on home turf. Dowson and his team will want to get back to the excellent home form that served Dartford so well last term and make it consecutive victories to begin 2022/2023.

Last weekend, new Dartford signing Pierre Fonkeu had a debut to remember in Bath. Likewise, the Cheshunt made a statement in their first ever National South fixture helped by two former Darts.

Alan Dowson gave first league starts to Davide Rodari, Sam Odaudu, and Fonkeu and was rewarded with a 2-0 victory in the opener against Bath City. It took Fonkeu 65 minutes to open his account and he was involved again forcing an own goal five minutes later. Goalkeeper Dan Wilks provided the assist for the first goal when he played a long pass into plenty of space from a free kick on the edge of his box. Fonkeu used his pace and strength to get through on goal and side footed a confident first time shot into the roof of the net. The second goal came from the striker setting Carruthers on a charge through the centre and after the ball found its way out wide, the midfielder continued his run, received the ball and squared it across to Fonkeu who applied enough pressure on Bath City defender Zac Bell.

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Highlights – Bath City v Dartford (06/08/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Assistant manager, Christian Jolly was delighted with the way Dartford handled a tough Bath City side, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It was a professional performance, we were really pleased. We traveled overnight, we tried to do things as properly as possible, the boys were on board and they took on the information we gave them and they delivered”.

Jolly praised Fonkeu on his debut, commenting: “He had closest to the complete performance for ninety minutes. First half he did all of the dogged stuff and the ugly stuff. Second half, he then had the opportunity to show his quality and score some real individually quality goals”. The assistant boss also singled out the adaptability of Odaudu and Luke Allen in midfield. Allen had to replace Kristian Campbell at half-time who picked up a shoulder injury. Whilst Odaudu started out in midfield then filled in for Campbell at full back, whose injury will be assessed ahead of this weekend’s fixture. Striker, Alex Wall continued his return from injury with a substitute appearance, whilst Charlie Sheringham was not ready to make the squad.

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Interview – Christian Jolly after the Bath City victory – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Cheshunt arrive in the National South with momentum knowing they have already created history. The Ambers are guaranteed their highest ever league position and on the opening day were not deterred by the step up. Manager, Craig Edwards can be delighted with his team’s attitude last weekend after they went two down versus one of Dowson’s former clubs Hampton and Richmond Borough. It turned out to be one of the results of the day with Cheshunt staging a comeback in the final fifteen minutes.

Dajon Golding, once of Dartford’s academy set the Ambers on their way on his debut after signing from Worthing in the summer. The striker made two substitute appearances for the Darts and scored in the Kent Senior Cup almost seven years ago. The equaliser came from last season’s joint top scorer Rowan Liburd, another ex-Dart who made three appearances during a loan spell in 2019/2020. In the final minute, the other top scorer from last season, Reece Beckles-Richards netted a dramatic winner to get the Hertfordshire off the mark. There was one more Dartford connection in goal, Preston Edwards who was signed by the Darts as back up in July 2020.

Craig Edwards summed up the day when he spoke to www.cheshuntfc.com, he said he had: “Mixed emotions really. I was really disappointed with our first half performance. I thought we were timid, I thought we were off the pace. It looked like for the first time ever for this group, the occasion had got to us a little bit”. The Ambers boss was pleased with the change of attitude after the break, leaving him excited about the challenges ahead. Coming into this fixture on Saturday, Edwards said: “I expect 100% from the boys and 100% from me and the staff, giving it everything we’ve got. If we do that then we’ve got a chance with anyone”.

The Ambers came fifth in Isthmian Premier League South last term and won the Isthmian Promotion Final against Hornchurch to cap off a brilliant campaign. The Hertfordshire club won the county senior cup for the first time and reached the last sixteen of the F.A Trophy. It was only three years ago when they won the playoff final to get into the Isthmian Premier making it back to back promotions in their last two fully finished seasons.

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in their last seven home openers of the season winning their last two (W4, D3)
Charlie Sheringham could make his 100th start for the club if selected in the starting eleven

On This Day

Charlie Sheringham was on target twice in a convincing 4-0 opening day victory over Weston-super-Mare in 2011. Elliot Bradbrook scored the first of the afternoon and another current player, Tom Bonner also found the back of the net. That win made it four out of four on 13 August after a 2-1 win against Guildford City in 1969, a 3-1 triumph over Whitstable Town in 1994 and a 1-0 victory over Arlesey Town in 2005. The run came to an end in 2013 when the Darts lost 4-0 to Aldershot Town in the National League. Dartford drew their last game on this day six years ago against Chelmsford City. Luke Wanadio put the Darts ahead in Essex only for Shaun Jeffers to equalise.

Bath City v Dartford

August 4, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford kick start their National South campaign at Bath City this weekend with Alan Dowson taking charge of his first competitive game for the club.

The Darts will be hoping to recreate the last time they visited Twerton Park on the opening day when they came home with a 2-1 victory four years ago. Last season Dartford completed a league double over the Romans and knocked their opponents out of the F.A Trophy on penalties, meaning the Kent side have lost just one of their last 13 outings against Bath City.

Dowson is confident his players will be ready when it matters on Saturday after his side’s final pre-season fixture. The Darts lost to Canvey Island, but despite defeat the new boss believes the current squad is the strongest he has worked with for a while and is glad his players’ poor performance is out of their system. Midfielder, Luke Allen completed a full match and new signing, Alex Wall managed some game time to help the striker get fit after injury.

Wall will start his third spell at Dartford, in his first he scored six goals in 11 appearances, but his second failed to materialise after he was moved on before the season began. Charlie Sheringham, back for a fourth time missed the Canvey Island defeat after re-joining the Darts. Injured in the draw at Chatham Town, the striker has previously scored 54 goals in 119 appearances for Dartford.

Latest signing Pierre Fonkeu arrives from Hemel Hempstead Town, the forward scored in the pre-season draw against Boreham Wood whilst on trial with the Darts. The 25-year-old will be one of several players integrating into the squad, which includes Davide Rodari, Maxwell Statham and Luke Coulson. Fonkeu linked up with Samir Carruthers last term for a small period in February and March, the pair can form a partnership again now Carruthers has made a permanent switch to Princes Park.

Prior the final warm-up game, Dowson spoke to Dartford FC TV and is pleased with how the squad is shaping up, he said: “The lads have been brilliant in training, they have been excellent to work with, they’ve worked very hard. We’re trying to get the standards as high as we possibly can on the training ground which leads to on the pitch”. The 52-year-old is also highlighting the pathway for the academy by adding Cameron Brodie, Sam Odaudu and Marvin Herschel to the squad.

As the new era begins, Dowson is looking forward to the opener against Bath City, he commented: “It’ll be fantastic getting everybody ready for the first game of the season, everybody is excited, I’m excited as well and I’m looking forward to a good season hopefully”.

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Highlights – Bath City v Dartford (04/09/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A trio of now departed players found the back of the net the last time Dartford visited Twerton Park in the National South just under a year ago. Ade Azeez, now with local rivals Welling United opened the scoring and Jake Robinson, now at newly promoted Worthing doubled the lead. Bath City’s Alex Fletcher pulled a goal back, but George Porter, now at Dulwich Hamlet made it 3-1. The return fixture at Princes Park in February finished 2-0 to the Darts with goals coming from Kalvin Kalala, who joins Porter and Josh Hill at Hamlet and Marcus Dinanga, who is back with his parent club Altrincham. Other players moving on this summer include Jack Jeeb to promoted Dorking Wanderers, Danny Leonard returning to Sheppey United, Jernade Meade joining Hemel Hempstead Town and Olumide Durojaiye switching to Hereford, whilst Tyrique Hyde links back up with Azeez at Welling United.

Bath City manager, Jerry Gill is also pleased with how preparations have turned out for the new campaign, he spoke to Bath City Radio last weekend and said: “We look ready, the one thing I wanted was to have peace of mind that we’re fit. We’re strong, the shape looks good and we’re ready to go”. The Romans have had a good pre-season winning their last two warm-up games against Bristol City’s under 23 side then Yate Town, but Gill acknowledges that results only really matter when the league begins.

Summer signings provide extra depth to the squad that was perhaps missing last term, when the Romans recorded their lowest finish for seven years. Gill has delved into the Football League by bringing in seven players from higher divisions including Chris Lines from Stevenage and Scott Wilson from Dagenham and Redbridge. Both Zac Ball and Tommy Blackwell arrive from Bristol City, Joe Wright from Millwall, Luke Spokes from Grimsby Town and Jordan Dyer from Exeter City. Providing plenty of experience of National South football, Kieran Parselle made the switch from Chippenham Town and teams up again with Danny Greenslade, whilst Rex Mannings and Dan Hayfield join from lower league sides Frome Town and Tiverton Town respectively.

The Bath City boss is relishing the opportunity to take on the Darts on the opening day with a home crowd in support, he commented: “Dartford will be one of the favourites in the league. Dowse has built a strong squad down there, knows the National League South inside out, so he knows what players to bring in and his recruited well, so it’ll be a tough challenge. You have to play these teams at any point, we’re really excited we’re playing at home”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 26 / Bath City wins: 46 / Draws: 20

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Bath City (19/02/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 0 Dartford (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
Bath City 3 – 0 Dartford (30/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Bath City (09/02/2019 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have lost just once in their last 13 games against Bath City (W10, D2)
In those 13 matches, the Darts have kept eight clean sheets and only once have the Romans scored more than one goal
At Twerton Park, Dartford have only been defeated once in their last eight visits (W4, D3)

Eastbourne Borough v Dartford

May 5, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford’s final game of the National South season against Eastbourne Borough will decide who both sides will face in the playoffs.

These two sides could easily be going head-to-head again as early as mid-week depending on this weekend’s results. If the Darts finish lower than third, they will be taking on the team that finishes sixth or potentially seventh in the playoff eliminator round.

Dartford are currently fourth and to avoid the eliminator round they must beat Eastbourne Borough and hope Ebbsfleet United drop points at home to Chelmsford City. Any other outcome will see the Darts start their playoff campaign on Wednesday 11 May, if they finish fifth or Thursday 12 May, if they stay in fourth. The Darts can only finish fifth if they lose to Eastbourne Borough and Oxford City beat Bath City at Twerton Park, there also needs to be a three-goal swing.

Eastbourne Borough are likely to finish sixth and can only be caught by seventh place Havant and Waterlooville. For that to happen, the Hawks will need to win their clash for the last playoff spot against eighth place Chippenham Town. Danny Bloor’s side have a six-goal advantage over Havant and Waterlooville.

Playoff fixtures
Wednesday 11 May 2022 – Eliminator Match A (5th v 6th)
Thursday 12 May 2022 – Eliminator Match B (4th v 7th)
Saturday 14 May 2022* – Semi Final (2nd v Eliminator Winner Match A)
Sunday 15 May 2022 – Semi Final (3rd v Eliminator Winner Match B)
Saturday 21 May 2022 – Promotion Final
*Subject to change to Sunday 15 May if both clubs are in agreement

Third place was in Dartford’s hands after an impressive 6-0 away win at Slough Town last weekend. With a Bank Holiday fixture also scheduled, Steve King chose to make six changes in the final home game of the regular season and saw his side come undone in a poor display against lowly Braintree Town. The Dartford boss was without Player of the Season Dan Wilks, so Reice Charles-Cook continued in goal. Keiran Murtagh, who managed to score three times in his last two games looks likely to be out for the playoffs after injury at Slough Town. Jordan Wynter is also struggling with injury, whilst Jernade Meade is being carefully reintroduced after a period on the sidelines, he started in the 1-0 defeat on Monday. In form striker Marcus Dinanga made a substitute appearance against Braintree Town, suggesting King is being cautious about his fitness ahead of the playoffs. Dinanga has scored 11 goals in his 14 appearances for the Darts and could be key to their success.

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Highlight’s of Dartford’s last game against Eastbourne Borough – Dartford FC TV

The reverse fixture took place on August Bank Holiday and in only his second start for the club Jake Robinson opened his account with a brace. The first after seven minutes was a predatory finish and the second came from the penalty spot, after some sublime build up play led to a handball. The Sports hit back immediately after the break when Greg Luer made the most of a lack of concentration to cut Dartford’s lead in half. Ade Azeez was brought on and his well-placed header secured victory for the Darts.

Victory over Eastbourne Borough came six months after losing to the Sussex side at Princes Park. The winning goal for the Sports came from Chris Whelpdale. Nine days later the National South 2020/2021 campaign was declared null and void. In fact, Eastbourne Borough were one of the very few teams the Darts played twice that season. Dartford’s last visit to Priory Lane in December 2020 resulted in a 3-1 loss. Charley Kendall, Whelpdale and Joe Rollinson all scored for the hosts, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong netted a consolation.

Eastbourne Borough have had a very good season under Danny Bloor and in the club’s last three full campaigns they had finished eighteenth. The Sports manager joined the Sussex side around the same time King started his Dartford journey, so it’s also his first full season in charge at Priory Lane. Perhaps with the knowledge of almost certainly making the playoffs, their form has dipped since the start of April. Currently on a run of three straight defeats after a pair of draws, the Sports are winless in five league outings, but they had already done enough to guarantee a top seven place.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Eastbourne Borough first lost in what was an important game at the time for Billericay Town. The Sports fell to their first home loss since early February and only their fifth on their own patch this term in the National South. Two early goals gave the visitors hope of staying in the division, although that hope was ended two days later. Eastbourne Borough pulled a goal back through Charlie Walker, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat to the team bottom of the table. Then on Monday they lost 2-0 at Tonbridge Angels to leave them in sixth place but guaranteed their highest finish since returning to the National South in 2011.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 13 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 8 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (DWLWWL)			Eastbourne Borough (WDDLLL)
Braintree Town	H	0-1	Tonbridge Angels	A	0-2
Slough Town	A	6-0	Billericay Town	H	1-2
St Albans City	H	3-1	Havant and Waterlooville	A	0-3
Maidstone United	H	0-1	Welling United	H	3-3
Billericay Town	A	2-0	Slough Town	A	2-2
Hemel Hempstead Town	H	1-1	Concord Rangers	H	2-0

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 3 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (09/02/2021 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 3 – 1 Dartford (05/12/2020 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (22/02/2020 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 0 – 2 Dartford (02/11/2019 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 6 – 0 Dartford (20/04/2019 – National South)

Stats

After going 12 games unbeaten against the Sports, Dartford have won three of the last seven meetings (D0, L4)
Dartford have won just two of their last eight final matches of the season (D2, L4) both on the South coast (Poole Town and Bognor Regis Town)

On This Day

Dartford were beaten in the National South playoff semi-final against Chelmsford City five years ago. Two goals in the final twenty minutes put the Clarets 2-0 up on aggregate, Duane Ofori-Acheampong scored a last minute consolation. That defeat is one of only two on this day, the Darts also lost 1-0 to Bath City in 1977. Dartford have won six and drawn two in the ten outings on 7 May. The last victory came in 1983 when Dartford won on the road at Enderby Town in the Southern Premier League. Between 1927 and 1955, the Darts won all five on this day including a 7-0 Southern League East victory over Bournemouth and Boscombe Reserves in 1932. Dartford are unbeaten when away from home on this day, winning three and drawing the other.

Dartford v Braintree Town

May 1, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford prepare for the National South playoffs in their last home league game of the season against Braintree Town this Bank Holiday.

The Darts secured a place in the playoffs after their Good Friday victory. Since then they have been jockeying for a league position to get as much home advantage as possible for the end of season finale. Braintree Town managed to turn their fortunes around this season after looking like they were in serious relegation trouble.

A convincing win on Saturday at Slough Town will give Steve King’s side plenty of confidence ahead of this Bank Holiday fixture. Two changes were made to the last league outing which the Darts won 3-1 against St Albans City. After his goal in the Kent Senior Cup semi-final, Jordan Greenidge started as well as Olumide Durojaiye. In form striker, Marcus Dinanga took barely any time at all to open the scoring and the advantage doubled when Keiran Murtagh flicked in Jack Jebb’s corner. Murtagh waited until his 39th appearance for his first goals for the club last weekend, now he has three in his last two. However, the midfielder’s afternoon was cut short when he went off injured. By half-time the Darts were three up through Dinanga, his 11th goal in only 13 appearances. Kalvin Kalala got in on the act with his second league goal for the Darts. Greenidge justified his selection in the starting line up with Dartford’s fifth, since arriving from Weymouth the striker has scored five in seven games. To wrap things up, Durojaiye scored his first goal for the Darts, to make it 6-0.

Back in December, Dartford visited Cressing Road to take on Braintree Town who were second from bottom. The Darts who were joint top at the time came away with a point but only just. Perhaps that gave Braintree Town the belief they needed to improve results over the next three months. Kalvin Kalala made his Dartford debut and his new side had to wait until the last kick of the game to snatch a point. A stunning stoppage time free-kick from Jack Jebb completed a two goal comeback after a Jake Robinson penalty halved the deficit. The visitors went two goals up through Gabriel Piorkowski and Gio Crichlow.

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Highlight’s of Dartford taking on Braintree Town in December – Dartford FC TV

Over the years Dartford have found victories rare against Braintree Town with only three in 15 attempts. In fact the Essex side went eight unbeaten against the Darts, until the last time they visited Princes Park in August 2019. On that day, a late Norman Wabo goal was decisive in a 2-1 win for the Darts. Former Dartford academy player, Femi Akinwande put the Iron in front before Luke Wanadio missed a penalty. However, the hosts recovered with goals from former Braintree Town midfielder Luke Allen and Wabo’s winner. Tony Burman was in charge in the only other home win against the Essex side back in 2011, Elliot Bradbrook netting the only goal of the game.

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Highlight’s of Dartford’s last win over Braintree Town – Dartford FC TV

The 2-2 draw at the end of last year was the start of four draws in five for the Darts, a period that saw them lose ground at the top. Although King’s side made up ground with five straight victories, away defeats at Hungerford Town and Chippenham Town dented their title aspirations. The Darts were hanging in the title race until a pair of draws early last month and since Good Friday’s win over Billericay Town they have also reached a second Kent Senior Cup final in a row.

During that same period Braintree Town tightened up at the back going through a spell of eight clean sheets in eleven games. Between mid January through to mid March, the Iron only lost twice picking up six wins and five draws including a victory over Ebbsfleet United, their only victory against a top six side this season. That’s not to say they have fared badly against the teams at the top because they have drawn five against those teams.

In April, the Iron could have easily been dragged back in to the relegation battle after three straight defeats without scoring. However four points in their last two outings, a draw with Oxford City followed by Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Hemel Hempstead Town guarantee National South football next season.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Braintree Town wins: 7 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford (DDWLWW)			Braintree Town (WLLLDW)
Slough Town	A	6-0	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	3-1
St Albans City	H	3-1	Oxford City	A	1-1
Maidstone United	H	0-1	Concord Rangers	H	0-1
Billericay Town	A	2-0	Havant and Waterlooville	A	0-4
Hemel Hempstead Town	H	1-1	Hampton and Richmond	H	0-1
Oxford City	A	1-1	SloughTown	A	2-0

Previous Meetings (last six)

Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (28/12/2021 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Braintree Town (24/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (06/05/2018 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Braintree Town (23/12/2017 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (08/08/2017 – National South)

Stats

Dartford are yet to lose to a team in the bottom six (W8, D3)
The Darts have lost just once at home in the league this season (W10, D8, L1). The last time they lost one at home in the league was in the 1995/96 Kent League First Division campaign (W16, D2, L1)
Dartford have scored in their last three games against Braintree Town. The Darts have never scored in four consecutive matches against the Iron.

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last ten games on this day recording eight victories in that time, including a Kent Senior Cup final win and a National South semi-final playoff victory. The Darts won promotion to the National League ten years ago and the 1-0 playoff semi-final win at Basingstoke Town helped set them on their way. Lee Noble scored an important winner in the first leg, but not quite as important as the winner he scored 11 days later in the final. A year before saw Dartford lift the county cup for the first time in 23 years by beating Bromley 4-1 in the final. Elliot Bradbrook, Ryan Hayes, Danny Harris and an own goal ensured the Darts picked up some silverware. Heartbreakingly, it was 26 years ago that Dartford lost the Kent League First Division title on goal difference in tense and dramatic circumstances. Needing to beat league leaders Furness on the final day of the season, the Darts only managed a 1-1 draw after Sean Bristow equalised.

Slough Town v Dartford

April 29, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to build momentum ahead of the playoffs and next up is an away trip to Slough Town on the weekend.

A runner up spot is out of reach for the Darts and so their attention turns to moving into third and receiving a bye into the semi-finals of the playoffs. Although mathematically they can still draw level on points with second place Dorking Wanderers, the Darts will need a massive goal swing. After victory in their last league outing, Steve King’s side are sitting in fourth just a point behind rivals Ebbsfleet United and level on goal difference.

Slough Town can still make the playoff places but were hindered by Tuesday night’s result at Concord Rangers. The Rebels are four points from a top seven finish with two games remaining. The Berkshire club enter this weekend’s game unbeaten in their last five league matches drawing their last two.

The Darts can go into Saturday’s fixture with confidence after beating St Albans City last weekend and then reaching a second Kent Senior Cup final in a row. In their penultimate home game of the regular National South season, Steve King’s side put their derby day defeat against Maidstone United behind them. Four changes were made to the starting eleven with goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook making his third appearance. Kristian Campbell, Ade Azeez and Keiran Murtagh all returned to the line-up with Murtagh making an important contribution to the game. The midfielder scored twice and set up Marcus Dinanga in a 3-1 victory which saw the Darts pass 100 goals in all competitions since the start of the campaign. Dinanga will be hoping to maintain his scoring streak having scored in five of his last six appearance, taking his tally to nine in 12 appearances for the season.

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Dartford make it into the Kent Senior Cup Final – Dartford FC TV

A further eight changes were made in the Kent Senior Cup semi-final against Welling United on Tuesday night in a tie that went to penalties. Former Slough Town forward, Dan Roberts returned to the squad on the bench and made an impact in a dramatic twist at the end of the game. The Darts found themselves two goals down by half-time when Henry Burnett scored twice. Dartford rallied in the second-half and Jordan Greenidge scored his 4th for the club in seven appearances to provide hope. Deep into stoppage time, Dan Roberts won a penalty, up stepped Jake Robinson to net his 17th of the campaign. Dartford scored all five penalties and Charles-Cook made a crucial save to secure a 5-3 shoot-out victory.

The reverse fixture against Slough Town in August ended with Dartford earning a comfortable 3-0 triumph. In the first competitive game in front of home fans since March 2020, Noor Husin gave a masterclass in midfield and his man of the match performance was rewarded with a goal. Against his old club, Dan Roberts impressed with a key pass for the opening goal and a couple of assists, whilst Ade Azeez and George Porter netted the other two goals.

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Dartford’s win against Slough Town earlier in the season – Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s last visit to Arbour Park came in December 2020 when they drew Slough Town in the F.A Trophy second round. Like Tuesday night’s county cup win, Dartford came from two goals down to take the game to penalties. Josh Jackson and Warren Harris put the hosts in command, but goals from Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong and Moussa Bakayoko within three minutes of each other forced spot-kicks, Dartford won 6-5 in the shoot-out. That was the third time the two sides met in that campaign over a two-month period. The Rebels won a F.A Cup tie 1-0 at Princes Park and in the league, Dartford triumphed at home with both goals from Chris Dickson.

The Darts last visited the Rebels in a National South fixture back in January 2020. On the scoresheet that day for Slough Town was Dan Roberts, he also netted in the reverse fixture that season as his former club completed a league double. However, the two sides were to meet again in the playoffs and this time the Darts won 3-0 thanks to Charlie Sheringham’s brace and Luke Wanadio’s strike.

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Dartford’s last visit to Arbour Park courtesy of Slough Town FC

Slough Town have put a positive run together to try and gatecrash the playoffs, however in their current sequence of five without defeat they have drawn three and those dropped points could be decisive. On Tuesday night they went to Concord Rangers knowing victory will give them a better chance of a top seven finish. It looked good for the Rebels just past the hour mark when Ben Harris scored, but the Beachboys were level when Mamadou Jobe netted in the 1-1 draw. The result was a repeat of their weekend game against Chelmsford City in which Slough Town threw away a lead, this time whilst the Clarets were down to ten men. Prior the two draws, the Rebels put back-to-back wins together beating Tonbridge Angels 1-0 and Hemel Hempstead Town 2-0.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Slough Town wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Current League Form

Dartford (WDDWLW)			Slough Town (LLDWWD)
St Albans City	H	3-1	Chelmsford City	A	1-1
Maidstone United	H	0-1	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	2-0
Billericay Town	A	2-0	Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0
Hemel Hempstead Town	H	1-1	Eastbourne Borough	H	2-2
Oxford City	A	1-1	Dorking Wanderers	A	0-5
Hampton & Richmond	A	1-0	Braintree Town	H	0-2

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 3 – 0 Slough Town (21/08/2021 – National South)
Slough Town 2 – 2 Dartford (15/12/2020 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 2 – 0 Slough Town (21/11/2020 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Slough Town (03/10/2020 – F.A Cup)
Slough Town 0 – 3 Dartford (19/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
Slough Town 1 – 0 Dartford (18/01/2020 – National South)

Stats

Dartford are unbeaten in their last three matches against Slough Town (W2, D1)
Five of the six visits to Arbour Park have ended with three or more goals scored, the Darts have won 3, drawn 2 and lost 1. The defeat being the only game with less than three goals scored.
The Darts have kept three clean sheets in their last five games against the Rebels having previously gone seven consecutive fixtures without keeping a clean sheet when playing the Berkshire club.

On This Day

The last four games played on this day were all end of season fixtures, the most recent ended in a dismal 4-0 defeat at St Albans City six years ago. However, five years earlier the Darts enjoyed an entertaining 3-2 win at Maidenhead United with goals from Charlie Sheringham, Jack Pallen and Ryan Hayes. Barton Rovers were beaten 2-0 on their own patch to close out the 2005/2006 Southern League Division One Eastern campaign and 12 months earlier Dartford lost their last home game on this day 3-0 against East Thurrock United in the same division. In 1988, Dartford kept their Southern Premier League title hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over VS Rugby. However, the season ended in heartbreak the following week as they lost on goal difference to Aylesbury United by just four goals. Two years earlier, Dartford said goodbye to the top tier of non-league as they were relegated from the Alliance Premier League. The Darts lost 5-0 at Runcorn and had to wait 26 years to return to the non-league top flight.

Dartford v St Albans City

April 22, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are in action this weekend when they host St Albans City in their penultimate home game of the National South regular season.

With a National South playoff place secured, the Darts will be aiming for home advantage, which is dependent on where they finish at the end of the season. Steve King’s side lost their first home game in the league on Easter Monday against rivals and league leaders Maidstone United and will be determined to bounce back. St Albans City still have a shot at making the playoffs despite a dip in form since the beginning of last month.

The reverse fixture against the Saints was played on the opening day of the season. At the time the prospect of taking on St Albans City to begin the campaign seemed difficult. Saints had a strong 2020/2021 and after 15 games were only behind league leaders Dorking Wanderers on points per game, before the season was cut short. However, the Darts passed with flying colours setting off on a fantastic run of seven victories and a draw in their first eight National South games.

Ade Azeez and Dan Roberts scored on debut at Clarence Park in a 3-1 win. The Darts scored at the end of either half to claim all three points and it was another debutante, Danny Leonard who provided the cross for Azeez’s first goal for the club. A former Dartford player, Tom Bender equalised for the hosts, but two late goals from substitute Dan Roberts secured the win. Keiran Murtagh, Jake Robinson and George Porter also made their first appearances.

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Highlights of the opening day meeting courtesy of SACFC TV

St Albans City won on their last visit to Princes Park when Shaun Jeffers scored a late wonder goal. The striker put in a fine performance capping it off with the match winner. Dartford’s form over the Saints has improved in the last three years with three victories and a draw in the last five meetings. Prior this current run the Darts had won once in six, failing to score in five of those.

Dartford had a mixed Easter with a comfortable victory against Billericay Town and a narrow defeat to Maidstone United. King made two changes to the team that beat Billericay Town 2-0 on Good Friday. Goals from Jack Jebb and Marcus Dinanga secured a playoff place. For the Easter Monday fixture full back, Jernade Meade made his first league start since the beginning of the year and Samir Carruthers was back in midfield. Kristian Campbell and Murtagh were named as substitutes.

However, it was former Dartford striker, Jack Barham who came back to haunt his old side again. After netting a hat-trick in the reverse league fixture, the striker scored the winner putting an end to the Darts unbeaten home run in the National South. The Stones looked the better side and also missed a penalty when Dan Wilks saved from Barham. The closest Dartford came was when Carruthers hit the post, but the Darts were unable to derail their rivals title push.

Defeat means that the Darts have dropped to fourth in the table relinquishing a bye into the playoff semi-final and home advantage. With four games remaining they are only a point of a top three finish just behind local rivals Ebbsfleet United. If King’s side can climb above the Fleet and stay ahead of Oxford City and Eastbourne Borough then they can avoid that extra playoff match.

St Albans City need to make up three points just to get into the playoffs and on current form they will be pleased to sneak in. Although their last three outings have ended in a draw, a defeat and a win they had just lost six in a row and taken just one point from 21 available. On Monday they drew 0-0 with Hampton and Richmond Borough and on Good Friday lost 3-0 to lowly Chelmsford City.

Former Dart, Tom Bender was a substitute in the goalless draw with Hampton and Richmond Borough. He was part of Dartford’s 2014/2015 campaign and made 20 appearances in the National League for the Dartfs. The defender moved on to Forest Green Rovers before joining St Albans City during the 2015/2016 season. As well as scoring against the Darts on the opening day this term, Bender also grabbed a goal at Princes Park in November 2016 when the Saints won 2-0. Almost a year later he also netted an own goal which handed Dartford a 2-1 victory in October 2017.

However, the Darts will have to watch out for striker, Shaun Jeffers who has scored 25 league goals and 32 in all competitions, way more than anyone else for the club this term. Jeffers signed for St Albans City in the summer of 2020 and has so far scored 44 times in 67 appearances for the Saints. He also scored for his former side against the Darts whilst at Chelmsford City back in August 2016.

After taking on the Darts this weekend it doesn’t get any easier for the Hertfordshire side. The Saints host title chasing Dorking Wanderers, travel to playoff certainties Oxford City before ending at home to Tonbridge Angels. It’s been against the top sides that St Albans City have struggled to gain points on the road by failing to beat any of the top six on their travels.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 10 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford (DWDDWL)			St Albans City (LLLWLD)
Maidstone United	H	0-1	Hampton & Richmond	A	0-0
Billericay Town	A	2-0	Chelmsford City	H	0-3
Hemel Hempstead Town	H	1-1	Hungerford Town	A	2-0
Oxford City	A	1-1	Maidstone United	A	2-3
Hampton & Richmond	A	1-0	Concord Rangers	A	1-2
Havant & Waterlooville	H	1-1	Ebbsfleet United	H	0-1

Previous Meetings (last six)

St Albans City 1 – 3 Dartford (14/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 St Albans City (17/11/2020 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 2 Dartford (07/03/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (06/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 2 St Albans City (12/01/2019 – National South)
St Albans City 2 – 0 Dartford (01/09/2018 – National South)

Stats

Tom Bonner has now made 400 starts as a Dartford player and 403 appearances in total. The defender is now 9th on the all time appearance list for the club.
Dartford have won three of the last five fixtures against St Albans City, drawing twice and losing once.
The Darts had scored in their previous 14 league games before the blank at home to Maidstone United.

On This Day

Dartford are playing on St George’s Day for only the second time in 17 years this weekend. The last fixture on this day was in 2016 when the Darts drew 2-2 at home against Oxford City. Elliot Bradbrook’s scored a brace as the Darts levelled twice, the last equaliser coming from a late penalty. Dartford’s last win on 23 April was in 2001 when they beat Langley Sports 2-1 in the Southern League Division One East. In the same division four years later, the last defeat on this day came against Fisher Athletic by the same score line.

Dartford v Maidstone United

April 17, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford can have a say in the National South title race on Easter Monday when they host rivals Maidstone United.

A bumper crowd is expected for this Kent derby and with the Darts protecting their unbeaten home run and the Stones top of the table there is plenty up for grabs. Dartford secured a playoff place on Good Friday and they will want to derail their rivals bid for the title and promotion back to the National League after a three year absence.

Steve King has led the Darts to 17 home games in the National South without defeat and are currently on a seven match unbeaten league run home and away. However, with five fixtures remaining they are ten points adrift from the Stones and six behind second place Dorking Wanderers. Dartford warmed up ahead of the Kent derby with an away day at Billericay Town in which former Maidstone United defender started for the first time in over a month. Midfielder’s Luke Allen and Keiran Murtagh were back in the starting eleven and Jake Robinson was preferred to Ade Azeez up front. Two second-half strikes from Jack Jebb and Marcus Dinanga earned the Darts a 2-0 victory. Dinanga has now scored in four consecutive league games and has eight in just ten appearances since joining Dartford.

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Dartford make it a Good Friday against Billericay Town – Dartford FC TV

The Darts will want to put behind them and avenge the defeat suffered at the Gallagher Stadium back in December. Maidstone United won 4-0 that day and to rub salt into Dartford’s wound, former striker Jack Barham scored a hat-trick and he has three of those this term. Defeat ended a run of seven unbeaten at the time and displaced the Darts from the top of the table. Instead, the Darts will want to reproduce the kind of performance that earned them a 3-0 victory at the same venue in the F.A Cup two months earlier. Goals from Noor Husin, Danny Leonard and Ade Azeez ensured King’s men had the bragging rights back then and a foot in the next round.

Since Dartford’s cup victory the tables have turned as Maidstone United’s form since late November propelled them to the summit. The Stones have won 18 of their last 22 league games, drawing twice and losing twice. A sticky patch for the Darts from October to January saw them playing catch up, but an excellent win against title challengers Dorking Wanderers got them back in with a shout a month ago. However, a loss at Chippenham Town and few more draws mean they are likely to finish in the playoffs.

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Dartford win the F.A Cup tie at the Gallagher Stadium – Dartford FC TV

In this fixture the Darts are unbeaten at home in the league since 1978 and a former Maidstone United player could help them maintain that record on Monday. Jake Robinson could potentially make an impact in front of goal if selected against the Stones, the striker had a brief spell with Maidstone United between December 2018 and March 2019 scoring just twice in eleven appearances.

Prior the heavy reverse four months ago, the Darts had completed a three game winning streak against their rivals in all competitions without conceding. What is more impressive is all those matches came on the road. The aforementioned F.A Cup triumph came after a 2-0 victory at the Gallagher Stadium last season in which Tom Bonner and Charlie Sheringham scored in the final twelve minutes. In January 2020, the Darts progressed in a Kent Senior Cup tie with a 1-0 win, Ky Marsh-Brown scored the decisive goal. Dartford went on to lift the cup with the final being played this season. It was the fourth time the two teams faced each other in that campaign, the previous three came within a space of ten days.

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Dartford’s last game against Maidstone United – Dartford FC TV

A pair of 2-2 draws, firstly in the National South then in the F.A Trophy proved it was difficult to separate the two rivals. In the league game, Dartford made a dramatic late comeback at home after Dan Wishart and Ibby Akanbi scored in three second-half minutes. However, Bonner scored with just three minutes on the clock and Darren McQueen levelled with a minute to go in the last league meeting played between the two at Princes Park.

In the F.A Trophy, Elliott Romain scored twice against his former club as Dartford came from behind twice. Maidstone United took the lead through Wishart and again when Justin Amaluzor scored. The replay back at Princes Park was decided when Iffy Allen netted the winner.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 46 / Maidstone United wins: 46 / Draws: 19

Current League Form

Dartford (WDWDDW)			Maidstone United (LWWWWW)
Billericay Town	A	2-0	Chippenham Town	A	2-1
Hemel Hempstead Town	H	1-1	Havant & Waterlooville	H	4-0
Oxford City	A	1-1	St Albans City	H	3-2
Hampton & Richmond	A	1-0	Braintree Town	A	2-1
Havant & Waterlooville	H	1-1	Dulwich Hamlet	H	2-0
Chelmsford City	H	2-1	Slough Town	A	1-2

Previous Meetings (last six)

Maidstone United 4 – 0 Dartford (11/12/2021 – National South)
Maidstone United 0 – 3 Dartford (02/10/2021 – F.A Cup)
Maidstone United 0 – 2 Dartford (14/11/2020 – National South)
Maidstone United 0 – 1 Dartford (21/01/2020- Kent Senior Cup)
Dartford 0 – 1 Maidstone United (26/11/2019 – F.A Trophy)
Maidstone United 2 – 2 Dartford (23/11/2019 – F.A Trophy)

Stats

Dartford are unbeaten in their last eight home league games against Maidstone United (W4, D4)
The Darts can equal their unbeaten home run of 18 back in April 1979 to February 1980 if they avoid defeat on Easter Monday.
Dartford last went 18 home league games unbeaten from the start of a campaign in 1925/26 when they finished the Kent League First Division without defeat at home (W15, D3).

On This Day

Dartford have beaten Maidstone United twice on this day, 1-0 in the Southern Premier League back in 1977 and 3-0 in a Kent League fixture in 1913. The Stones won the other fixture also in the Southern Premier League winning 3-1 in 1974. That home defeat 48 years ago was the last time the Darts lost on their own patch on 18 April. Since then they beat Nuneaton Borough 1-0 in 1978 and drew 1-1 in the Southern League Cup Final first leg against Burton Albion. Under Peter Taylor, Dartford went on to win 2-0 in the second leg to lift the cup. Newport AFC were beaten 4-2 in the Southern League South (1998) and the Darts hit four again in 2009 against Ramsgate. A Rob Haworth brace as well as goals from Ryan Hayes and Lee Noble gave Dartford three Isthmian Premier League points.

Billericay Town v Dartford

April 13, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford start the Easter weekend with a visit to relegation threatened Billericay Town on Good Friday.

In a commanding position to reach the playoffs, the Darts can stretch their unbeaten run in the National South to six ahead of a big Kent derby on Easter Monday. Billericay Town are in a scrap at the bottom of the division hoping to survive the drop to the Isthmian Premier League.

Steve King’s side continued their unbeaten home run in the league with a last gasp 1-1 draw against Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday. Although the Dartford boss wasn’t impressed with his side’s performance against Hemel Hempstead Town, he did praise the ‘never say die’ attitude of his players.

Dartford made five changes to the side that drew their last league game at Oxford City by the same score. Dan Wilks returned in goal, Kalvin Kalala, Ody Alfa and Ade Azeez were back in the line up, whilst Tyrique Hyde replaced Samir Carruthers who was unavailable against his parent club. The Darts had a difficult afternoon falling behind when Gus Scott-Moriss gave the visitors the lead. Dartford’s unbeaten home run looked like it was about to end, but in the last minute Marcus Dinanga popped up with the equaliser, the striker’s seventh goal in nine appearances for the club. The draw leaves Dartford six points behind second place and two in front of rivals Ebbsfleet United in fourth.

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A late goal preserves Dartford’s unbeaten home run. Highlights of last weekend’s game – Dartford FC TV

On the road, Dartford are unbeaten in three with a 1-0 triumph over Hampton and Richmond Borough followed by a 1-1 draw against playoff contenders Oxford City. Confidence was boosted with a Kent Senior Cup quarter-final win over Isthmian Premier League side Margate, in which King gave minutes to players returning from injury and others who have lacked game time. Training on a 3G surface may help the Darts like it did with the visits to Oxford City and Margate. As well as this fixture with Billericay Town their final two away days in the regular season will be on artificial grass too.

Dartford’s last visit to Billericay Town was in September 2018 and it took a last minute equaliser by Jamie Philpot for the Darts to avoid defeat. Since then the last four meetings in this fixture have all Dartford’s way at Princes Park with the previous two ending 1-0 to the Darts.

With ten league goals this term, Jake Robinson could make a return to his previous hunting ground where he had plenty of success in front of goal. The striker joined the Darts in the summer from Billericay Town where he set a record for goals in a season for the Blues back in 2018. He also netted 82 league goals in 113 appearances for the Essex club over two spells. In this campaign Robinson has scored 16 times in 27 games in all competitions.

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Jake Robinson scores against his former club. Highlights of the previous meeting – Dartford FC TV

Also potentially facing former clubs will be Femi Akinwande and Bagasan Graham who manager Jody Brown has selected in recent games. Akinwande came through Dartford’s academy before making it into the senior team. The forward left Princes Park and in his time away gained Football League experience with Colchester United and Stevenage before returning to the Darts last season. The 25-year-old is in his second spell with Billericay Town. Graham’s Dartford career was short lived and it seemed so long ago that he made his solitary appearance this season against Tonbridge Angels in September. Norman Wabo, who featured at Princes Park as a substitute for Billericay Town in the reverse fixture, is currently out on dual registration at Potters Bar Town and Denilson Carvalho last played in the first team in February.

Billericay Town boss, Jody Brown took over October from Kevin Watson with the Blues in deep trouble at the foot of the table. The Blues boss didn’t have to wait long for his first victory as he watched his new side beat Dulwich Hamlet then Slough Town. However, Brown was still shaping his squad and a run of seven straight defeats followed leaving the Essex club in a precarious position. Being allowed the time to build a team and implement his ideas, Billericay Town have lost just five times since in 18 matches. The fact they have drawn eight of those games suggest their is room for improvement.

Lately, Billericay Town have started to find important victories picking up four wins from the last nine outings, but they have lost their last two. In their last home game they were beaten 1-0 by Chippenham Town and on the weekend they went down 2-0 at Hampton and Richmond Borough. However, the Essex side still have everything to play for, as it’s pretty tight at the bottom. The Blues are second from bottom on goal difference just ahead of Welling United. They go to Essex rivals Chelmsford City on Easter Monday with their local rivals just one place and three points ahead of them. Another six pointer is on its way when they take on Bath City who are immediately above the Clarets. Throw in two fixtures against playoff hopefuls Eastbourne Borough and Ebbsfleet United, then an Essex derby on the final day against Braintree Town and it’s going to be quite a tense run in for Brown’s side.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Billericay Town wins: 2 / Draws: 1

Current League Form

Dartford (LWDWDD)			Billericay Town (WWWDLL)
Hemel Hempstead Town	H	1-1	Hampton & Richmond	A	0-2
Oxford City	A	1-1	Chippenham Town	H	0-1
Hampton & Richmond	A	1-0	Havant & Waterlooville	A	2-2
Havant & Waterlooville	H	1-1	Oxford City	H	3-1
Chelmsford City	H	2-1	St Albans City	H	2-1
Chippenham Town	A	2-4	Hungerford Town	A	4-1

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 1 – 0 Billericay Town (04/12/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Billericay Town (12/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Billericay Town (14/12/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Billericay Town (22/04/2019 – National South)
Billericay Town 1 – 1 Dartford (15/09/2018 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 4 Billericay Town (06/03/2010 – Isthmian Premier)

Stats

Despite nine meetings, the Darts have only played three away games in this fixture. The first and last victory at New Lodge was 1-0 in 2008 with a Lee Noble winner (W1, D1, L1).
Dartford have kept two clean sheets in a row against the Blues, which they also achieved in 2008 and 2009.
The Darts have only failed to score once against Billericay Town back in 2010, their only away defeat in this fixture.

On This Day

Dartford’s Wembley dream ended on this day in 1989. After a 0-0 draw at Watling Street against Macclesfield Town in the F.A Trophy semi-final, the Darts travelled to the Silkmen and lost 4-1, Kurt Davidson registering Dartford’s goal. The last game on this day was a 4-0 Isthmian Premier League triumph at Waltham Abbey. James White, Lee Noble, Carl Rook and Lee Burns netted that day, the Darts ended the campaign as league champions. In 1939, the Kent Senior Shield was lifted with a handsome 4-0 victory over Northfleet United. Silverware glossed over a terrible campaign in which Dartford finished bottom of the Southern League conceding 119 goals.

Tag: National South (Page 10 of 14)

Taunton Town v Dartford

Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville

Dartford v Cheshunt

Bath City v Dartford

Eastbourne Borough v Dartford

Dartford v Braintree Town

Slough Town v Dartford

Dartford v St Albans City

Dartford v Maidstone United

Billericay Town v Dartford

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