Tag: National South (Page 11 of 14)

Dartford v Hemel Hempstead Town

April 7, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Kent Senior Cup semi-finalists Dartford return to league action on the weekend when they host Hemel Hempstead Town in the National South.

The Darts continued their aim to retain the county cup on Tuesday night after beating Margate in the last eight. Comfortably in the playoff places, Dartford are hoping to make a strong finish to their campaign. Despite a slow start to their season, Hemel Hempstead Town are not too far away from a top seven place but could do with a maximum themselves at Princes Park.

Steve King made seven changes for the cup tie with Margate on Tuesday to give game time to those who have been patiently waiting for their chance. Kelvin Kalala, Che Krabbendem, Jordan Greenidge, Ody Alfa and Ade Azeez all started the quarter-final tie. The Darts also welcomed back Jernade Meade and Luke Allen from their injuries and it was Allen who made an immediate impact scoring after just six minutes, his fifth of the campaign in all competitions. The midfielder played the first half before being replaced by Tyrique Hyde at half-time. Meade had a bit longer on the pitch and came off for 16-year-old academy player Jayden Boulton who made his senior debut. The lead was short lived though as the hosts levelled six minutes later when James Bessey-Saldanha made it 1-1.

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Highlights of Dartford’s Kent Senior Cup win on Tuesday night – Dartford FC TV

In the second-half, Kalala put Dartford back in front and Azeez added a third just past the hour mark. Ody Alfa got in on the act with his first goal for the Darts, whilst George Porter was another to return from injury with a substitute appearance. There was still time for Vance Bola to pull one back for Margate, but in the end it was a positive night for King’s men who made it through to the semi-final despite a makeshift defence.

Dartford’s 1-1 draw in their last league outing at Oxford City means winning the title will now be a stretch. The Darts will need to focus on finishing in the playoffs and preferably gaining home advantage. A 14-point cushion with seven matches remaining makes it very likely Dartford will end up in the top seven, but aiming for second will give them home ties in the semi-final and if they progress the final. To do that King’s side need to make up seven points on Dorking Wanderers, but the Darts do have a game in hand. A home playoff tie could be crucial seeing as the Darts are unbeaten at Princes Park in the league winning nine out of 16. They had previously won five in a row before the 1-1 draw with Havant and Waterlooville in their last home match.

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Highlights of Dartford’s last National South match last weekend – Dartford FC TV

Tyrique Hyde made the headlines last time Dartford faced Hemel Hempstead Town in November. The midfielder was recalled from his loan spell with the Tudors and on his return to Vauxhall Road made an impact. Claiming a first league win since early October, Dartford won 3-2. It was Hyde who opened the scoring before Alfie Cerulli equalised for the hosts. Ade Azeez netted a penalty, then Hyde gave the Darts a two-goal cushion. Hemel Hempstead Town grabbed a late consolation when Cerulli added his second of the afternoon. Samir Carruthers made a substitute appearance for the Tudors; the midfielder is currently on loan with the Darts.

Last season this fixture wasn’t played at Princes Park as Dartford only played Hemel Hempstead Town once at their place. Craig King was Dartford’s goalkeeper that day in a 3-1 victory which saw former Tudor, Connor Essam score. However, the defender is likely to be out for the rest of the season through injury. This time King will be trying to stop Dartford’s attack, the 24-year-old switched allegiances initially on loan, then his impressive performances earned him a permanent deal with Hemel Hempstead Town. King made 18 appearances for the Darts before Daniel Wilks displaced him as Dartford’s goalkeeper.

Hemel Hempstead Town last visited Princes Park in August 2019 and went home with a draw. A late goal from substitute Norman Wabo rescued the match for the Darts after falling behind. Sam Ashford chipped Mark Smith to give the Tudors an early lead. Dartford then squandered a great opportunity to level when Adam Cunnington missed a penalty. With six minutes to go in the second-half Wabo found the equaliser and although the Darts pressed for a winner, they couldn’t find it.

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Watch highlights of the last time Dartford hosted Hemel Hempstead Town – Dartford FC TV

Former Oxford City boss, Mark Jones was appointed Hemel Hempstead Town’s manager in September after the Tudors picked up one point in their opening six games under Lee Bircham. Now the Hertfordshire side are mid-table and five points adrift the last playoff place, with seven games to go. The last two games have resulted in some high scoring affairs, the last being a 2-2 draw at home to Chelmsford City. The Tudors showed character to come back from two down, former Dartford striker Charlie Sheringham, then Matt Rush put the Clarets in command. With fifteen minutes remaining the hosts clawed back the deficit with two goals in six minutes, first Charlee Hughes then Pierre Fonkeu completing the comeback.

If four goals in a game isn’t enough then the home match against Tonbridge Angels produced even more. The Tudors ran out 4-3 winners with Fonkeu scoring his first for the club to get things underway. Sam Mantom missed a penalty conceded by former Dartford defender Craig Braham-Barrett, the spot kick saved by former Tudor, Jonathan Henly. The Angels levelled when Teddy Perkins headed into the net, but Craig Fasanmade had the hosts ahead at half-time. James Taylor made it all square again in the second-half before Jack Westbrook restored Hemel Hempstead Town’s lead. The game had just about everything including a red card after Fasanmade was sent off which handed an advantage to Tonbridge Angels. They made it count with a third leveller, Taylor once again. However, the entertainment wasn’t over because in the 94^th minute Chris Paul won it for the Tudors. A minute later the Tudors were reduced to nine men when Joash Nembhard was dismissed.

On the road, the Tudors’ form has seen them lose all five matches against those in the top six with only Dartford left to play. The last two on their travels have resulted in a pair of 2-1 defeats against Dorking Wanderers and Bath City.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Hemel Hempstead Town wins: 1 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWDWD)			Hemel Hempstead Town (LWLLWD)
Oxford City	A	1-1	Chelmsford City	H	2-2
Hampton & Richmond	A	1-0	Tonbridge Angels	H	4-3
Havant & Waterlooville	H	1-1	Bath City	A	1-2
Chelmsford City	H	2-1	Dorking Wanderers	A	1-2
Chippenham Town	A	2-4	Welling United	A	2-1
Dorking Wanderers	H	3-2	St Albans City	H	0-2

Previous Meetings (last six)

Hemel Hempstead Town 2 – 3 Dartford (20/11/2021 – National South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 1 – 3 Dartford (10/11/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Hemel Hempstead Town (31/08/2019 – National South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 1 – 2 Dartford (05/03/2019 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Hemel Hempstead Town (11/08/2018 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Hemel Hempstead Town (17/03/2018 – National South)

Stats

Dartford are unbeaten in ten games in this fixture (W6, D4). Hemel Hempstead Town’s only victory was in their debut National South season in 2015.
The Darts are unbeaten at home against the Tudors (W2, D3)
Dartford have scored two or more against Hemel Hempstead Town in nine of the 12 meetings
If the Darts avoid defeat they will surpass the 1987/88 unbeaten home run from the start of a campaign (16 matches).
Dartford will also record their longest unbeaten home run in the league since April 1979 to February 1980 (18 matches).

On This Day

Lee Burns ended up between the sticks in the Kent derby against rivals Maidstone United six years ago. The defender played the last few minutes in goal after Deren Ibrahim suffered an injury. On loan midfielder Nathan Ferguson scored a cracking winner after Elliot Bradbrook’s penalty put Dartford ahead, which was cancelled out by Keaton Wood’s own goal. Dartford’s last home match on this day was a 2-1 loss against Grimsby Town in 2013, the Mariners coming from behind in the National League after Jack Evans scored for the Darts. The last home win on 9 April was a 3-2 victory over Woking in the National South, Bradbrook, Sheringham and Jack Pallen scoring for Dartford.

After a 1-1 draw against Yeovil Town in the Southern League Cup Final first leg in 1977, Vic Akers went on to become the first Dartford captain to lift the Southern League Cup when the Darts won the second leg 2-0 on this day. Three years later Dartford reached the final again drawing 0-0 in the first leg on the 9 April against Kidderminster Harriers. The second leg finished 4-1 to the Harriers.

Oxford City v Dartford

March 31, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford continue their push for a National South title challenge on the weekend when they visit playoff hopefuls Oxford City.

The Darts maintained pressure on the top two in their last outing with victory over Hampton and Richmond Borough to go three unbeaten. This weekend’s host have slipped off the pace after suffering a second defeat in a row.

Last time the two sides met in November, Dartford were going through a period of dropping points after opening the season with seven wins and a draw. The 0-0 draw at Princes Park was the last of a five-game winless streak in which goals dried up. It was the fourth game in that sequence without a Dartford goal and the inconsistent results continued up to the end of January. However, the Darts have got back on track, but whether there is enough time to catch the league leaders remains to be seen.

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Highlights of this season’s reverse fixture between Dartford and Oxford City – Dartford FC TV

Beating Hampton and Richmond Borough last Saturday helped Dartford close the gap on second place Dorking Wanderers. The weekend almost turned out perfectly as league leaders Maidstone United were being held, however a winner deep into injury time means the Darts remain nine points adrift with a game in hand. The two Kent rivals are due to face each other on Easter Monday.

Steve King gave new signing Samir Carruthers his debut, Kristian Campbell his first start and Olumide Durojaiye his maiden appearance as a substitute. The Dartford boss explained that a change of tactics and a limit on loan players allowed to start was the reason Campbell was selected ahead of Jayden Sweeney, who has impressed King during his loan spell. Danny Leonard, Keiran Murtagh and Jake Robinson also returned to the side helping the Darts claim victory, Marcus Dinanga scoring the winner pouncing on a loose ball to score his fifth goal in only seven appearances.

Speaking after the win, King was pleased with the performance and praised the defence, he commented: “We were good, defensively we were fantastic. We dominated the majority of the game, they had a right go as well, we had to be on it all the time. We were more than worth our win”. The form of Kory Roberts has also impressed the manager especially as the defender has moved to full back, King added: “He’s been a great acquisition since he has come in and I think he has grown and got better and better and better”.

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Watch highlights of Dartford’s win over Hampton and Richmond Borough – Dartford FC TV

All four remaining away games will be played on a 3G surface starting with the visit to Oxford City. King believes the pitches may suit Dartford’s playing style, but he is expecting a tricky afternoon in Oxfordshire, he said: “All we can do is look out for ourselves. We’ve got to keep trying to win games of football, this will be a tough game. Oxford are a good side, they have been up there in the top seven the whole season, so when you’ve been in the top seven the whole season, you’re a good side. We’ve got to go there with the same attitude we did against Hampton and Richmond Borough”.

Dartford’s last visit to Marsh Lane was in October 2019, the final league match before King took charge at Princes Park. Ben Greenhalgh’s run down the right wing was finished when he cut inside to curl the ball into the Hoops net for the decisive strike. The return match that season ended more comfortably for the Darts as they won 3-0 with goals from Darren McQueen, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong and Luke Wanadio. The two sides didn’t meet in the following campaign which was cut short due to the pandemic.

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Steve King speaks to Dartford FC TV after Saturday’s 1-0 win at the Beveree

Up until January and under former Oxford City boss David Oldfield, who left to manage National League side Weymouth, had only lost twice in the National South and those defeats came against the current top two, Maidstone United and Dorking Wanderers. Ross Jenkins stepped up after Oldfield’s departure and early last month he was announced as the new first team head coach. This week Jenkins led Oxford City to the Oxfordshire Senior Cup Final beating North Leigh 4-1 in the semi-final. Joe Iaciofano scored the first two goals for the Hoops either side of North Leigh’s equaliser and Jacob Bancroft added two more. Oxford City will play their city rivals Oxford United in the final and hope to win the county cup for a 38^th time.

In the National South the Hoops are going through a sticky patch as they aim to maintain a playoff place. Back-to-back 3-1 defeats to Billericay Town and Ebbsfleet United leave them in sixth, but still with a healthy advantage over eighth place St Albans City, who are nine points further back. Oxford City have only been beaten twice by teams below them in the standings, both against Billericay Town. However, their form versus those in the top five has yielded just one win, two draws and six defeats. On their own patch they have won their last three including a handsome 5-0 win over Tonbridge Angels.

Oxford City manager, Jenkins has called on supporters to help his side ahead of the home match on the weekend, he told www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk: “They’ve supported us up and down the country this season and to get a good crowd here on Saturday and everyone getting behind the boys would be massive for us”, he continued: “I think Dartford will bring a few fans too, they’re doing well and they’ve got a few good results. Every game is going to be a tough one, including Saturday. Hopefully we can please everyone but we’re going into the game to put on a good performance and win a game of football, like they are as well, so it should be competitive”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Oxford City wins: 3 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (LWLWDW)			Oxford City (LWWDLL)
Hampton & Richmond	A	1-0	Billericay Town	A	1-3
Havant & Waterlooville	H	1-1	Ebbsfleet United	A	1-3
Chelmsford City	H	2-1	St Albans City	A	1-1
Chippenham Town	A	2-4	Tonbridge Angels	H	5-0
Dorking Wanderers	H	3-2	Chelmsford City	A	2-1
Hungerford Town	A	1-2	Maidstone United	A	1-2

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 0 – 2 Oxford City (13/11/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Oxford City (11/01/2020 – National South)
Oxford City 0 – 1 Dartford (12/10/2019 – National South)
Oxford City 2 – 1 Dartford (27/04/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Oxford City (13/11/2018 – National South)
Oxford City 4 – 1 Dartford (06/10/2018 – F.A Cup)

Stats

Dartford have kept three consecutive clean sheets against Oxford City.
The Darts have only lost once in the league versus the Hoops back in April 2019 (W6, D3).
Only once have Dartford failed to score in this fixture and that was in the meeting earlier this season.
The Darts have also scored in their last eleven league matches.

On This Day

Dartford drew at Yeovil Town 1-1 in the Southern League Cup Final on this day back in 1977. The first leg finished even, but Vic Akers went on to become the first Dartford captain to lift the Southern League Cup when the Darts won the second leg 2-0 a week later. Dartford have won their last five games on 2 April, the most recent triumph came six years ago against Maidenhead United. Two goals in three minutes by Danny Harris and Elliot Bradbrook secured a 2-0 win. In 2011, Lee Burns scored a bizarre long range header at St Albans City in a 2-1 victory, the winner coming from a young Jack Pallen. In the Southern League Division One East, the Darts beat Barton Rovers 4-0 in 2005 and Rothwell Town 1-0 in 2003. In the Kent League in 1994, Dartford defeated Cray Wanderers 2-1.

Hampton and Richmond Borough v Dartford

March 24, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will be hoping to celebrate Non-League Day this weekend by coming home with vital points from their away trip to Hampton and Richmond Borough.

The Darts are currently third in the National South and trying to chase down the top two heading into the final stretch of the season. Hampton and Richmond Borough still have a chance of reaching the playoffs and are unbeaten in four.

Hampton and Richmond Borough did Dartford a favour on the weekend, but there was no such favour from a former Dart at Princes Park. Whilst Steve King’s side were held at home, the Beavers put in a fine display against league leaders Dorking Wanderers. King made two changes to the team that beat Chelmsford City in mid-week bringing in Ody Alfa and Marcus Dinanga for Danny Leonard and Kalvin Kalala. The squad was also bolstered with the signing of Kristian Campbell from Welling United, he made a substitute appearance early on replacing the injured George Porter. Steve King has known Campbell for a while, and he believes the full back compliments the side.

The Darts took the lead when Kory Roberts headed back across the goal and into the net for his first in a Dartford shirt. The Hawks were level shortly after as former Dartford striker Alex Wall slid in to make it 1-1. However, the Darts squandered a big opportunity to close the gap on Dorking Wanderers when Ade Azeez had his penalty saved by Ross Worner. King felt his side should have taken their chances and won the game. He also praised the man of the match performance from Roberts and Jack Jebb’s deliveries into the Havant and Waterlooville box, but acknowledges the Darts need to finish the opportunities in front of goal.

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Highlights of Dartford’s last game against Havant and Waterlooville – Dartford FC TV

Meanwhile, Hampton and Richmond Borough drew with league leaders Dorking Wanderers. Josh Taylor sneaked a shot past Beavers goalkeeper, Reice Charles-Cook at the near post to give the hosts the lead after half an hour. Hampton and Richmond Borough fought back in six second-half minutes; first Kyron Farrell brilliantly scored direct from a free-kick then Dean Inman headed the Beavers in front from another set-piece. With fifteen minutes remaining Wes Fogden popped up with the equaliser as his side dropped important points. Come full-time the Darts had not lost any ground on the former league leaders, however Maidstone United have now taken over at the top and hold a nine-point advantage over King’s men.

Entering the final seven games of the campaign, Dartford will have to maintain some pressure on the top two starting against Hampton and Richmond Borough. Steve King’s side then travel to fifth place Oxford City and host mid-table Hemel Hempstead Town before their game in hand versus Billericay Town. Hopefully the Darts will still be in touch when the potentially big Kent derby arrives with Maidstone United on 18 April. To be able to maintain that pressure, the absentees of six players last weekend means King is looking to sign some new players before they face Hampton and Richmond Borough. One of those to have joined the Dartford ranks is Samir Carruthers, who will be hoping to make his debut after arriving from Hemel Hempstead Town, the central midfielder has made 24 appearances in the National South this term. Carruthers started his senior career at Aston Villa making three Premier League appearances. The 28 year old gained further experience at Milton Keynes Dons, Sheffield United, Oxford United and Cambridge United before joining the Tudors in the summer of 2020.

Keiran Murtagh will be available after serving his suspension, Jernade Meade and Josh Hill remain out injured, whilst Leonard and Jordan Wynter were unable to play in the draw last Saturday. George Porter was taken off early in the match against Havant and Waterlooville and Luke Allen has been out for the last four league matches.

Allen was involved in the reverse fixture against Hampton and Richmond Borough back in January. In Dartford’s first game without creative midfielder Noor Husin, who had left the club for National League side Southend United, Allen was back in the first team and since then the central midfielder has shown his qualities until picking up his injury in the defeat at Hungerford Town. A couple of months ago, the Darts were off to a great start scoring after five minutes against this weekend’s opponents, Connor Essam headed the ball for Jake Robinson to score. The Beavers equalised through Sam Deadfield, but Dartford were back in front with a carbon copy of the first goal as Essam and Robinson combined again. Hampton and Richmond Borough were level once more ten minutes into the second half, Jack McKnight converting a penalty to make sure the points were shared. Last season Dartford only managed to play the Beavers once and that was a 0-0 draw in October 2020 at the Beveree. The stalemate extended Dartford’s unbeaten run at Hampton and Richmond Borough to four.

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Highlights of the last time the Darts played Hampton and Richmond Borough – Dartford FC TV

Hampton and Richmond Borough have won their last two home games in the National South beating relegation threatened Welling United. A game which saw the new Wings boss Warren Feeney take charge of his first game. The Beavers yet again made their set-pieces count with both James Roberts and Farrell scoring direct from free-kicks in the 2-1 victory. Ten days earlier the Middlesex club had recorded the same score against Dulwich Hamlet, but this time they came from behind. Former Dartford goalkeeper Alan Julian was unable to keep out Jordan Green’s penalty after just two minutes. The Beavers were level before half-time when Zach Robinson levelled. Then in the second-half Hampton and Richmond Borough won a penalty of their own resulting in Quade Taylor’s sending off for handball, Roberts stepped up to score the winner. Sandwiched between the two victories, Gary McCann’s side suffered the same fate a Dartford by getting knocked out of a county cup to Brentford B. This time it was the Middlesex Senior Cup semi-final, with the Bees going on to win 1-0.

The Beavers are on their best current run in the league since the seven unbeaten near the start of the campaign. After a spell of one defeat in ten between the end of August and through to the end of November, the Middlesex club took just three points in the next 21 available before the 2-2 draw with Dartford in January. They followed up with a 4-0 victory over Bath City before going on a four-game losing streak, which was ended with a 1-1 draw against Chippenham Town and started this current run Hampton and Richmond Borough are on.

McCann has managed to strengthen his squad ahead of the transfer deadline giving new signing Wassim Aouachria his debut in the draw with Dorking Wanderers. The forward is on loan from Charlton Athletic joining fellow Addick, Lucas Ness who extended his loan spell until the end of the season.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWLWD)			Hampton & Richmond (LLDWWD)
Havant & Waterlooville	H	1-1	Dorking Wanderers	A	2-2
Chelmsford City	H	2-1	Welling United	H	2-1
Chippenham Town	A	2-4	Dulwich Hamlet	H	2-1
Dorking Wanderers	H	3-2	Chippenham Town	A	1-1
Hungerford Town	A	1-2	Chelmsford City	A	0-1
Bath City	H	2-0	Oxford City	H	0-3

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (22/01/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (08/02/2020 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 – 2 Dartford (05/11/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (23/03/2019 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (17/11/2018 – National South)

Stats

Dartford have scored in this fixture in 11 of their last 12 meetings, the only time they failed to score in that spell was in the last visit to the Beveree
The Darts have lost the fewest games in the National South this season, all six coming away from home.
Dartford have scored in their last ten league games, their best streak of the season and longest since the 2019/2020 season (13 games between 17 August 2019 and 16 November 2019).

On This Day

Charlie Sheringham scored twice in 2011 as the Darts beat Lewes 3-0 at Princes Park. Danny Harris scored the other that day in Dartford’s only win on 26 March in five attempts since 1994, when they beat Faversham Town 2-1 in the Kent League. The last away outing for the Darts on this day was in 2013 when they went to Hereford United in the National League and lost 1-0, the fourth consecutive away defeat on 26 March, the other three being 3-0 at Chelmsford City in 1999, 1-0 at Gosport Borough in 1983 and 2-1 against Canterbury City in 1968. Dartford’s last victory on their travels on this day was in 1958 when they beat Headington United 4-3 in the Southern League.

Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville

March 18, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Title hopes remain just about alive for Dartford and they need to keep up the pressure on the weekend when they host Havant and Waterlooville.

Unbeaten at Princes Park in the league, the Darts claimed another home victory in mid-week stretching their run to fifteen. On the same night league leaders Dorking Wanderers lost meaning Steve King’s side are now seven points behind the top two with a game in hand. Havant and Waterlooville had promotion aspirations of their own at the start of the campaign, the Hampshire club are two points adrift of the playoffs in tenth after victory on Wednesday.

On Tuesday night, King was back in the dugout after having surgery and missing the previous game. The Dartford boss made four changes to the side that were beaten by Chippenham Town. Jordan Wynter hobbled off in the 4-2 loss against the Bluebirds so in came Kory Roberts. Whilst Tyrique Hyde made his first league start in over a month and Ade Azeez and Danny Leonard were selected for their first league outing since defeat at Hungerford Town. Dropping to the bench, Ody Alfa, Jordan Greenidge and Kieran Murtagh were joined by Jake Robinson and Marcus Dinanga, the latter pair missed the trip to Wiltshire on the weekend. Murtagh will be unavailable this weekend as he serves a one match ban for his red card against Chippenham Town.

Two first-half free-kicks gave Dartford the advantage when dead ball specialist Jack Jebb scored directly in the sixteenth minute. The midfielder was at it again from a set-piece when he put one in the box for Danny Leonard to finish, his tenth goal since joining the club in the summer. The Clarets pulled a goal back in the second-half when Tom Blackwell scored. However, the visitors had Eduino Vaz sent off after a foul on George Porter. The Darts held out to claim their ninth home league win of the campaign.

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Dartford’s last game against Havant and Waterlooville – Dartford FC TV

Victory once again showed the character within the squad to bounce back from defeat, but now it’s up to the Darts to show enough consistency to close the gap on Dorking Wanderers and Maidstone United, the latter they still have to play next month. King spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and commented: “We’ve shown different sides to the team. Dorking we was unbelievable, then we go away to Chippenham and it was disappointing that we lost with four goals”. The Dartford boss accepts that his side need to pick up the points by any means possible, he said: “A win is a win, I think that is the important thing this time of year. If we can add some fantastic performances in between that’s brilliant, if we can’t then I don’t really care”.

In the reverse fixture Ody Alfa made his debut after arriving on loan from Queens Park Rangers, but it was Luke Allen’s strike on the stroke of half-time that secured a 1-0 win. Although Havant and Waterlooville rarely threatened in front of goal, Dartford’s solid defensive display helped them through to the final whistle with all three points. The triumph extended the Darts unbeaten run against the Hawks to six. The last meeting at Princes Park was behind closed doors in October 2020. Jack Barham scored twice on Halloween as Dartford recorded a 2-1 win. The striker netted a penalty then headed a Jack Jebb cross home. Josh Taylor pulled a goal back before Billy Clifford was sent off in this niggly affair.

There is every reason for Dartford to be cautious in this tight division. When they played at Westleigh Park last month the Hawks approached the fixture on a poor run. This time Paul Doswell’s side enter this weekend’s game in better form. A loss at Concord Rangers after the Dartford defeat was the last of a four-game streak without picking up a point, in fact the Hawks had picked up just three draws in a run of nine games. This time they come off the back of victories against Ebbsfleet United, a draw at Slough Town and back-to-back wins versus Chelmsford City and Dulwich Hamlet.

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Dartford’s last home game against the Hawks in October 2020 – Dartford FC TV

Last month’s signing, Manny Duku scored his first goal for the club in the 4-2 win over Ebbsfleet United and scored the winner against Dulwich Hamlet. Whilst former Dartford striker Alex Wall came off the bench to score in the 2-1 win over Chelmsford City. Wall made eleven appearances on loan at Dartford in 2014 scoring six times. Wall returned to Princes Park in the summer of 2018 but left before a ball was kicked.

On Wednesday night, Havant and Waterlooville saw that unbeaten run extended to five at home to Hungerford Town, who were a place above the Hawks at the start of the evening. Goalkeeper, Ross Worner returned to the side as did Jake McCarthy. The Hawks scored twice in each half to climb above the Crusaders in the National South.

Stefan Payne opened the scoring from the edge of the box and Duku notched another for the hosts as they looked comfortable at the interval. In the second-half Hungerford Town had goalkeeper Luke Cairney injured, resulting in defender Keith Emmerson going in goal. The Hawks made it count when captain Joe Oastler completed a brace to round of a pleasing night for Doswell’s side.

Head to Head

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

Current League Form

Dartford (WWLWLW)			Havant & Waterlooville (LWDWWW)
Chelmsford City	H	2-1	Hungerford Town	H	4-0
Chippenham Town	A	2-4	Dulwich Hamlet	A	1-0
Dorking Wanderers	H	3-2	Chelmsford City	H	2-1
Hungerford Town	A	1-2	Slough Town	A	1-1
Bath City	H	2-0	Ebbsfleet United	H	4-2
Havant and Waterlooville	A	1-0	Concord Rangers	A	1-3

Previous Meetings (last six)

Havant & Waterlooville 0 – 1 Dartford (09/02/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Havant & Waterlooville (31/10/2020 – National South)
Havant & Waterlooville 1 – 2 Dartford (25/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant & Waterlooville (10/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Havant & Waterlooville (13/01/2018 – National South)
Havant & Waterlooville 0 – 0 Dartford (12/08/2017 – National South)

Stats

Dartford have lost just once in the last ten against Havant and Waterlooville, the Darts have won seven and drawn the other two.
The Darts have yet to lose at Princes Park to the Hawks. Since 2010 Dartford have won four drawn two in this fixture.
Havant and Waterlooville’s only away victories against Dartford came in a league game in 1999 and a F.A cup tie in 2000.
Dartford are 15 home league games unbeaten, the best from the beginning of a season since the 16 set in 1988/89 Southern Premier League.
The Darts current unbeaten home league run is also the best run since the 15 at the end of 1995/96 Kent League season and into the start of 1996/97 Southern League South campaign.

On This Day

Dartford played Havant and Waterlooville six years ago on this day and lost 2-0 at Westleigh Park. Veteran striker James Hayter scored to headers to clinch victory for the Hawks. The previous two outings on 19 March have also ended in defeat, 1-0 at home to Barrow in 2013 and two years earlier 2-0 away versus Staines Town. The Darts last victory on this day was back in 1994 when they beat Tunbridge Wells 1-0 away from home in the Kent League. The last home triumph on this day was 32 years ago against local rivals Welling United, the match finished 2-1 in the Kent Senior Cup quarter final replay.

Dartford v Chelmsford City

March 15, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

The Darts hope to return to winning ways against Chelmsford City at Princes Park on Tuesday night in the National South.

Dartford’s title aspirations took a massive blow on the weekend losing 4-2 at Chippenham Town. Although there is still a quarter of the season to go, the ten point deficit from top spot will be difficult to overturn, especially now the Darts have dropped to fifth place.

Steve King made another five changes to the line up that beat Dover Athletic 2-1 in the Kent Senior Cup a week ago. Jordan Wynter was selected for his 100th appearance in place of Kory Roberts. Whilst Ody Alfa, Kalvin Kalala, Jack Jebb and George Porter were also restored to the side having played in the 3-2 victory against Dorking Wanderers.

New striker, Jordan Greenidge had already made an impression with a brace in the the Kent Senior Cup win. He scored his third goal in just his second appearance to get the Darts off to a great start on seven minutes. Then four minutes after Kieran Murtagh was cautioned, the hosts equalised through Jordan Young. Before the interval Murtagh received a second yellow card and was sent off, the second red card in as many away games for the Darts.

Chippenham Town made the man advantage count in the second period. First, Young put the Bluebirds ahead, then Alefe Santos D’Abadia stretched the hosts lead. Ade Azeez gave Dartford hope by netting his first goal in 20 appearances, his last goals against the same opposition in November. However, Chippenham Town secured maximum points with a fourth scored by Joe Hanks.

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Highlights of Dartford’s visit to Chelmsford City earlier in the season – Dartford FC TV

It’s a good job Steve King’s side remain unbeaten at Princes Park in the National South this term. If the title and automatic promotion remains out of reach then finishing second will guarantee home advantage in the playoffs. King will need to keep his team focussed on booking a playoff spot first, then aim for that runners up position to aid their attempt at promotion.

Standing in Dartford’s way this weekend is Chelmsford City and possibly two former players. Charlie Sheringham and Chez Isaac both had spells at Princes Park with different degrees of success. Sheringham had three spells with the Darts scoring 54 goals in 119 appearances, before joining the Clarets after an impressive loan spell. Chez Isaac spent just two months at Dartford in 2018 and made 12 appearances in that time, the midfielder moved to Chelmsford City where he has been ever since.

Since his appointment as Dartford boss, Steve King is unbeaten in his three previous matches against Chelmsford City, two of those games were at Princes Park. The first time King led the Darts out to take on the Clarets was almost two years to the day, the last fixture of the 2019/2020 campaign before the season was cut short. Dartford won 3-0 that day with goals from Josh Hill, Elliott Romain and Noor Husin. The two sides didn’t have to wait long for the next meeting as the fixture list threw the pair together on the opening day of the following season. This time the Darts won 1-0 with Ky Marsh-Brown scoring the only goal of the game. The reverse fixture this term ended 0-0 in Essex.

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Watch the last time Dartford hosted Chelmsford City at Princes Park – Dartford FC TV

The schedule hasn’t been kind to the Clarets over the last month. Dartford will be the fourth side in the top six to have faced Chelmsford City. In fact Robbie Simpson’s side has yet to taste a win against any team in the top seven with five draws, four one goal defeats and a 2-0 loss at Dorking Wanderers. Despite the number of losses and their current position, Chelmsford City are often competitive and difficult to overcome.

The Clarets under Simpson are down in the bottom five, but have one of the better goal differences in the lower half of the table. Victory for Chelmsford City could propel them up a few positions in the standings, however they have lost four on the bounce. On the weekend their latest reverse was against playoff contenders Eastbourne Borough. With the match heading for a goalless draw, goalkeeper Jacob Marsden put the ball in his own net whilst under pressure from Borough’s Charley Kendall.

Marsden has had two tough moments in his last two games, also conceding a penalty in the 2-1 defeat at Havant and Waterlooville. At home to Oxford City, the Clarets had Dara Dada sent off as they went on to lose 2-1 and before that Chelmsford City fell to Dorking Wanderers. The Clarets will visit Princes Park hoping to break their current poor run.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 40 / Chelmsford City wins: 55 / Draws: 23

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWLWL)			Chelmsford City (DWLLLL)
Chippenham Town	A	2-4	Eastbourne Borough	H	0-1
Dorking Wanderers	H	3-2	Havant and Waterlooville	A	1-2
Hungerford Town	A	1-2	Oxford City	H	1-2
Bath City	H	2-0	Dorking Wanderers	A	0-2
Havant and Waterlooville	A	1-0	Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-0
Welling United	H	4-2	Braintree Town	A	2-2

Previous Meetings (last six)

Chelmsford City 0 – 0 Dartford (25/10/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Chelmsford City (06/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Chelmsford City (14/03/2020 – National South)
Chelmsford City 4 – 0 Dartford (12/08/2019 – National South)
Chelmsford City 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Chelmsford City (07/08/2018 – National South)

Stats

Dartford are 14 home league games unbeaten, the best from the beginning of a season since the 16 set in 1988/89 Southern Premier League.
The Darts current unbeaten home league run is also the best run since the 15 at the end of 1995/96 Kent League season and into the start of 1996/97 Southern League South campaign.
Dartford have won the last three home games against Chelmsford City. The Darts last won four home fixtures in a row against the Clarets between 1960 and 1965.
The Darts have kept three consecutive clean sheets against Chelmsford City. A fourth match without conceding will be a record versus the Clarets.

On This Day

It was a great day for defenders on this day in 2008 when Dartford beat Enfield Town. Not only did the defence keep a clean sheet they were responsible for all three goals. John Guest, Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle all found the back of the net to claim Dartford’s last win on this day. Since then a 0-0 draw with Eastleigh (2011), a 1-1 draw with Cambridge United thanks to a last minute Alex Wall equaliser (2014) and a 2-1 loss against Maidenhead United (2016) means the Darts are winless in three on the 15 March. A 2-0 away victory over Welling United on this day in 1988 set up a Kent Senior Cup final with Maidstone United, the Darts claimed the cup beating the Stones 2-1.

Chippenham Town v Dartford

March 11, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return to league action this weekend and are back on the road to face Chippenham Town in the National South.

The Darts are in a good position to challenge for promotion and after an outstanding display against league leaders Dorking Wanderers last weekend, Steve King has challenged his squad to maintain the levels of performance going into the last quarter of the campaign. Chippenham Town, just outside the playoff places are looking to pick up points to get themselves into the top seven.

King praised his whole team after beating Dorking Wanderers last Saturday and after George Porter grabbed a brace, the Darts boss claimed it was the midfielder’s best game in a Dartford shirt deserving of the man of the match award. Porter scored the first and last goal in the 3-2 victory, whilst the National South’s February Player of the Month, Marcus Dinanga scored the other. Dartford have a game in hand over last weekend’s opponents and rivals Maidstone United in second place and are currently seven points adrift leading into the last few months of the season.

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Dartford defeat league leaders Dorking Wanderers in the last league match – Dartford FC TV

Injury to loanee Junior Tiensia meant a debut for new loan signing Jayden Sweeney, who arrived from Leyton Orient before the Dorking Wanderers match. King was impressed with Sweeney on the weekend and the full back started again on Tuesday night against Dover Athletic in Kent Senior Cup. However, the headlines were written by Jordan Greenidge who scored twice on his debut to help the Darts into the next round to face Margate. The striker was released in January by Newport County and signed by Weymouth; his debut was against the Darts in the F.A Trophy. Greenidge opened his account after eighteen minutes and added a second with fifteen minutes to go. Midfielder, David Ijaha came off the bench to make an appearance after being out injured for the last eight months. Dover Athletic pulled a goal back, but it wasn’t enough for the National League’s bottom side and so it’s Dartford who progress in the competition they won in November.

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Highlights of Dartford’s last match against Dover Athletic in the Kent Senior Cup – Dartford FC TV

This weekend, if the Darts can pick up maximum points, they could either pull away from Ebbsfleet United in fifth or move above Oxford City into third as the pair also play each other on Saturday. King’s side have clawed their way back in contention after five consecutive victories stretched an unbeaten run in the league to eight. However, the last away day put an end to their excellent form as the Darts fell to a 2-1 defeat at Hungerford Town, putting more pressure on the proceeding match against Dorking Wanderers. But once again Dartford proved they can bounce back and after two straight home wins in league and cup, the Darts face a tough away trip to Chippenham Town.

Four months ago, the sides played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at Princes Park. Dartford came from behind to lead at the break, then twice gave up their advantage. Dan Griffiths put the visitors in front, but his goal was cancelled out by Ade Azeez. The now departed Noor Husin put Dartford in front before the interval and in the second-half Ricky Aguiar equalised again for the visitors. Azeez looked like he’d won the match for the Darts with thirteen to go, but in the final minute Luke Russe rescued a point for the Wiltshire club.

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The Darts last meeting against Chippenham Town back in November – Dartford FC TV

Dartford have always come away with something when visiting Hardenhuish Park. Their first trip to play Chippenham Town in January 2018 ended 2-2. Since then, the Darts have won all three visits scoring nine but have yet to keep a clean sheet. Last time out in Wiltshire, Moussa Bakayoko scored nine minutes into his Dartford debut and after Joe Hanks equalised, Tom Bonner netted the winner late in the second half. Just over two years ago the Darts ran out 5-1 winners with all the goals coming in the first half. Darren McQueen opened and closed the rout with goals in between from Liam Nash, Amrit Bansal-McNulty and an own goal. The first of the three victories in a row came in October 2018 when goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 triumph.

Chippenham Town’s playoff aspirations have faltered lately, and they have been consistent in their inconsistency this season with ten wins, draws and defeats. The Bluebirds are only four points away from seventh place, but winless in four National South games. During that spell the Wiltshire club have lost both away fixtures 1-0, first against Welling United at the beginning of the run and then on the weekend at Braintree Town. Their two outings between those defeats ended in 1-1 home draws against Eastbourne Borough then versus Hampton and Richmond Borough. On both occasions Chippenham Town took the lead only to concede late equalisers.

After defeat at Braintree Town, Cook called on his team to be more ruthless in front of goal, but he was pleased with the overall performance and the opportunities they created. Since the start of the year Chippenham Town have failed to score in half of their league games and when they have found the net on the three occasions in their last six outings, they have not scored more than once. Cook has added to his striking options to address the lack of goals. Mohammad Dabre has come in from Swindon Town on loan and Jordan Young has turned his loan into a permanent deal, signing from Gloucester City.

The Bluebirds have been difficult to beat against the top sides this term, picking up home wins against St Albans City and Dorking Wanderers. They have only lost twice to the current sides above them in the National South, but six of those eleven matches have ended in the points being shared including the draw at Princes Park in November.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Chippenham Town wins: 1 / Draws: 3

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWLW)			Chippenham Town (DWLDDL)
Dorking Wanderers	H	3-2	Braintree Town	A	0-1
Hungerford Town	A	1-2	Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1
Bath City	H	2-0	Eastbourne Borough	H	1-1
Havant and Waterlooville	A	1-0	Welling United	A	0-1
Welling United	H	4-2	Concord Rangers	H	1-0
Ebbsfleet United	H	1-0	Chelmsford City	A	0-0

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 3 – 3 Chippenham Town (06/11/2021 – National South)
Chippenham Town 1 – 2 Dartford (27/10/2020 – National South)
Chippenham Town 1 – 5 Dartford (01/02/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Chippenham Town (26/10/2019 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Chippenham Town (13/04/2019 – National South)
Chippenham Town 1 – 2 Dartford (13/10/2018 – National South)

Stats

The Darts are unbeaten in all four visits to Chippenham Town (W3, D1)
In this fixture both teams have scored in six of the eight meetings. Both teams have only failed to net in one game each.
This match as produced 16 goals in four games at Hardenhuish Park averaging four goals a game
David Ijaha’s appearance on Tuesday night means Dartford have used 40 players in all competitions this season
Jordan Wynter can make his 100th appearance for the Darts if selected. The versatile defender has made 90 starts and 9 substitute appearances scoring twice.

On This Day

It has been 25 years since Dartford last won on 12 March and that was a 1-0 victory against Buckingham Town in the Southern League South. That was the last triumph of five in a row on this day stretching back to 1983. The last two away wins on 8 March were both against Slade Green in the Kent League, the Darts won 1-0 in 1994 and 2-0 a year later. Dartford’s last outing on this day came moments after Steve King lost his job at Whitehawk six years ago. Interim manager Pablo Asensio had taken two games in charge before coming up against Dartford, but Burman’s side threw away a two goal lead courtesy of an Andy Pugh brace. Future Dart, Danny Mills scored a hat-trick as the Hawks came back to win 4-2. In 2011, Dartford drew 2-2 with Basingstoke Town at the Camrose, Ryan Hayes and Danny Harris scored the goals. One game to forget was in 2005 when Dartford lost 6-1 at home to Barking and East Ham United in the Southern League Division One East.

Dartford v Dorking Wanderers

March 4, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford can extend their unbeaten league run at Princes Park on Saturday when they host league leaders Dorking Wanderers in the National South.

The Darts have yet to taste defeat at home in the league all season and if they avoid a loss on the weekend that run will stretch to fourteen. However, Dorking Wanderers have a ten point cushion over Steve King’s side and lead the National South by six points after a big victory last weekend.

Over a week ago, Dartford failed to take their chance to move closer to Dorking Wanderers when they lost 2-1 at Hungerford Town. A win would have closed the gap to four points before the Wanderers faced fellow title chasers Maidstone United. Instead, the deficit remained at seven and when Marc White’s side beat their closest league rivals last weekend, the Surrey side increased their advantage.

Despite Dartford creating excellent chances in the first half against Hungerford Town they couldn’t break the deadlock. In the second half the Darts found themselves two down and a man down when Junior Tiensia was sent off. Jake Robinson scored a consolation goal, but it was too late to stage a dramatic comeback. Defeat ended a run of five straight league wins in the National South after victories against Kent sides Tonbridge Angels, Ebbsfleet United and Welling United followed by Havant and Waterlooville and Bath City.

On Tuesday night, the Darts were in London Senior Cup action against a young Brentford B side, unfortunately Dartford were knocked out losing 2-0 to the Bees ending an 18 match unbeaten home run in all competitions. King welcomed back Jack Jebb from suspension, Tom Bonner returned to the line up, Ody Alfa, George Porter, Tyrique Hyde and Jake Robinson were also selected. Junior Tiensia started after his red card against Hungerford Town, the youngster will serve a match suspension this weekend. Jernade Meade and Josh Hill remain sidelined through injury.

Games against Dorking Wanderers are rarely dull and although just one goal separated the sides back in October, Jordan Wynter scoring an unlucky late own goal at Meadowbank, the previous three meetings have yielded an average of over five goals per game. Apart from Dorking Wanderers claiming all three points on their own turf four months ago, the away side has won the other three fixtures.

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Dartford’s last meeting with Dorking Wanderers – highlights from Dartford FC TV

In the first ever meeting between the two sides, Tony Burman returned to the dugout as interim boss before Steve King joined the Darts. Dorking Wanderers’ Niall McManus hit a brilliant long-range effort to start the scoring spree, but a quick-fire Ben Greenhalgh brace had the Darts in front. Former Dartford man Jason Prior scored from the spot before Charlie Sheringham gave Dartford their one goal lead back. The final six minutes saw Giuseppe Sole equalise for the Surrey club, Lee Noble sent off for the Darts and James McShane scoring the winner for the Wanderers with two minutes remaining.

The return fixture was equally as enthralling with a further five goals netted in a 3-2 Dartford victory. Darren McQueen and Elliott Romain gave the Darts a two-goal lead. However, Dorking Wanderers hit back when Jimmy Muitt and then Luke Moore restored parity. After eight minutes of injury time, McQueen won a penalty and scored it to win it at the end for the Darts.

Last season the 3-2 score line was reversed with Wes Fogden opening the scoring for the Wanderers. Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong equalised only for Prior to add another goal to his career tally against Dartford. Jack Jebb levelled with one of his free-kick’s and with fifteen minutes to go Matthew Briggs won it for Dorking Wanderers.

Dorking Wanderers arrive at Princes Park in red hot form winning 13 of their last 14 league outings. Only Tonbridge Angels have stopped the Surrey side winning 3-1 early last month. After a steady start to their campaign, Wanderers were in 13^th on 4 December and trailing Dartford by ten points, the Darts were top of the division after their 1-0 victory over Billericay Town. Since then, White guided them to ten consecutive victories including the 8-0 mauling of Havant and Waterlooville on Boxing Day, a 5-1 triumph in the top of the table clash with Ebbsfleet United in January and a week later a 5-0 victory against Billericay Town.

After the defeat at home to Tonbridge Angels, the Wanderers have dusted themselves down and recorded three wins on the bounce, the most recent a crucial 1-0 win over Maidstone United. A record crowd turned out for the match with the Stones and it was Josh Taylor’s first goal for the club that made the difference.

Former Dartford striker Prior has often done well when facing the Darts, he has scored against Dartford for Dorking Wanderers, beat the Darts to the National South title at Havant and Waterlooville scoring a last-minute winner on the final day and netted a hat-trick whilst at Bognor Regis Town. Unfortunately for Prior he remains a long-term absentee along with Giuseppe Sole, whilst Matthew Briggs was stretchered off against Maidstone United. Returning to the side last weekend, Wes Fogden has recovered from injury and Barry Fuller served his final game of his suspension in the victory over Maidstone United.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Dorking Wanderers wins: 3 / Draws: 0

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWL)			Dorking Wanderers (WWLWWW)
Hungerford Town	A	1-2	Maidstone United	H	1-0
Bath City	H	2-0	Chelmsford City	H	2-0
Havant and Waterlooville	A	1-0	Bath City	A	2-0
Welling United	H	4-2	Tonbridge Angels	H	1-3
Ebbsfleet United	H	1-0	Oxford City	H	1-0
Tonbridge Angels	A	3-2	Billericay Town	A	5-0

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dorking Wanderers 1 – 0 Dartford (30/10/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 3 Dorking Wanderers (07/11/2020 – National South)
Dorking Wanderers 2 – 3 Dartford (04/01/2020 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 4 Dorking Wanderers (07/09/2019 – National South)

Stats

Dartford can set their best unbeaten home run in the league for 13 years. The Darts went 13 unbeaten from 24 March 2009 to 24 November 2009
If Dartford stretch the run to 14, it will be their best unbeaten home run in a single league campaign and best from the start of a season since 2005/2006.
Dorking Wanderers have kept five clean sheets in their last six league games and last failed to score on the opening day of the season.

On This Day

Dartford have won five out of seven recorded home games on this day, but their last Princes Park outing in 2013 ended 1-1 against Stockport County in the National League. Danny Harris rescued a point for the Darts after Mark Cullen put the Hatters ahead. The previous four home matches involved victories without conceding, Dartford racked up 19 goals in the process. Maidenhead United were beaten 3-0 in the National South fixture in 2011, Charlie Sheringham opened the scoring and Elliot Bradbrook grabbed a brace. Back in 1969, Dartford trounced local rivals Gravesend and Northfleet 5-0 in the Kent Floodlight League, thrashed Guildford City 6-0 in 1938 in the Southern League Midweek Section and eased to a 5-0 victory over Norwich City Reserves in 1927’s Southern League East Section. On the road, Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle’s side beat Hemel Hempstead Town 2-1 thanks to Phil Roberts’ late goals three years ago.

Hungerford Town v Dartford

February 22, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford have the opportunity to close the gap at the top in their rescheduled trip to Hungerford Town on Tuesday night.

The Darts can claim a league double over the Crusaders, something they have never managed to do in the previous five seasons since their opponents were promoted from the Southern Premier League. Victory will move Steve King’s side within four points of league leaders Dorking Wanderers after the Surrey club won on the weekend.

In October, Ade Azeez was the match winner the last time Dartford faced Hungerford Town. After a frustrating first-half for the Darts, Azeez well into his purple patch broke the deadlock after the interval netting his eleventh goal in just ten games, helping him win Player of the Month. Since then, the striker has added three more to his total with his last goal three months ago against Hemel Hempstead Town.

In the last two trips to Bulpit Lane the Darts have picked up four points, a vast improvement on the their first three visits in which they came home with nothing and not even a goal. Last season, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong was the star of the show helping Dartford come from a goal down to win 2-1. The hosts went in front through their main goalscorer Ryan Seager, but the introduction of substitute, Berkeley-Agyepong turned the tables. An excellent finish and a wonderful second goal from the midfielder secured the three points for King’s men.

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Footage of Dartford’s last visit to Hungerford Town courtesy of FCVideo.co.uk

Fifteen months earlier, Dartford’s previous visit ended 2-2 with the Crusaders denying the Darts maximum points with two minutes to go. Hungerford Town led courtesy of Zidan Akers then Darren McQueen’s overhead shot levelled the game. Luke Wanadio put Dartford in front until the Crusaders equalised when Conor Lynch followed up a rebound.

Just as Dartford were getting into their groove, unbeaten in eight, they were knocked out of the F.A Trophy against Southern League Premier Central side Needham Market. A second cup upset suffered by the Darts this term and now they are left concentrating on the league, although they do remain in both county cups. When they unexpectedly went out in the F.A Cup, the Darts found it tough to regain their early season form. This time King’s side have shown they can bounce back.

Hosting Bath City on the weekend, the Darts won 2-0 claiming their fifth consecutive league victory in what King described as a ‘workmanlike performance’. Coming in to the starting line up, Kalvin Kalala netted his first goal for the club and towards the end, Danny Leonard won a penalty which Marcus Dinanga scored. King made five changes to the side who lost at Needham Market and gave youngster Junior Tiensia his debut at full back. Che Krabbendam also made his first appearance coming on as a substitute. Tom Bonner made his first start since the Ebbsfleet United win at the beginning of the month, Ody Alfa was preferred up front to Azeez and Hyde replaced the suspended Jack Jebb, who will finish his ban by missing Tuesday night’s fixture.

Continuing to keep the pressure on rivals Maidstone United in second and Dorking Wanderers in top spot, the Darts will want to make this game in hand over the league leaders count before hosting them at the beginning of March. It will not be easy to take full advantage, King commented to Dartford FC TV after the Bath City game: “Hungerford, it doesn’t matter where they are or what they are doing it’s a tough game and they are tough at home to beat. We go there with confidence, five out of five we’ve won in the league, so we’re going to go there and have a right go and see what happens”.

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Watch the full post match interview with Steve King on Dartford FC TV

Hungerford Town have ambitions of their own and are just four points away from a playoff spot. Early season form had the Crusaders in the top seven, after the defeat at Princes Park they went on a five game unbeaten run to move them into fifth place. Since that spell came to an end, the Berkshire club have lost just over half their league fixtures winning five, drawing one and losing eight.

The Crusaders have won their last three home games though winning 3-0 against Hampton and Richmond, 2-1 versus Chelmsford City and 3-1 over Dulwich Hamlet. Although their home and away records are almost matching, Hungerford Town’s away form lately has taken a dip, losing three consecutive matches on the road before a draw at Slough Town. On Saturday the Crusaders lost again on the road this time to struggling Braintree Town. Danny Robinson was ‘proud in defeat’ after his side had to play the majority of the match with ten men. Former Dartford striker, Duane Ofori-Achemapong was sent off for two cautions eight minutes apart early in the first half, and despite the disadvantage manager, Robinson felt his side deserved a point.

Ofori-Acheampong scored his first Hungerford Town goals in the 2-2 draw with Slough Town. He made 61 appearances for the Darts scoring 11 goals and was part of the squad that came runner up in the National League in 2017/2018. The striker also had a month loan at Sittingbourne this season scoring five times including a hat-trick against East Grinstead Town.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Hungerford Town wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Current League Form

Dartford (DWWWWW)			Hungerford Town (LWLWDL)
Bath City	H	2-0	Braintree Town	A	0-1
Havant and Waterlooville	A	1-0	Slough Town	A	2-2
Welling United	H	4-2	Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-1
Ebbsfleet United	H	1-0	Hemel Hempstead Town	A	0-1
Tonbridge Angels	A	3-2	Chelmsford City	H	2-1
Concord Rangers	H	0-0	Eastbourne Borough	A	2-5

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 1 – 0 Hungerford Town (09/10/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Hungerford Town (16/01/2021 – National South)
Hungerford Town 1 – 2 Dartford (28/11/2020 – National South)
Hungerford Town 2 – 2 Dartford (26/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Hungerford Town (22/12/2018 – National South)
Hungerford Town 1 – 0 Dartford (25/08/2018 – National South)

Stats

Dartford are five games unbeaten against Hungerford Town, their best sequence versus the Crusaders since the first meeting back in 2016
The Darts are unbeaten in all four matches at Princes Park in this fixture, winning two and drawing two
Hungerford Town have conceded in each of the last five games against the Darts having previously kept four clean sheets in a row

On This Day

Jack Jebb scored a trademark free-kick on his debut two years ago as the Darts beat Eastbourne Borough. Noor Husin was another debutant, but it was Jebb who opened the scoring. Greg Luer levelled for the Sports, but Darren McQueen’s second-half penalty decided the match. The Darts also won the previous two outings on this day as well, beating Hereford United in the National League back in 2014, Alex Wall and Lee Noble on target. Three years earlier Noble found the net again, scoring the second in a 2-0 victory over Dorchester Town, Danny Harris scoring the other. In the five games prior the three match winning streak on 22 February, Dartford picked up just one point from five matches without scoring a single goal from 1966 to 1997. The biggest score on this day came in 1913 when the Darts racked up eight goals without reply against Rochester in the Kent League.

Dartford v Bath City

February 18, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford can stretch their unbeaten home run in the National South when they host Bath City on the weekend.

The Darts have won six and drawn six in the league at Princes Park this term and after Tuesday night’s game at Hungerford Town was called off, the Darts remain seven points behind league leaders Dorking Wanderers with a game in hand. Bath City are currently in the bottom five, but as the two previous meetings this season suggest this Saturday’s encounter could be a close call.

In September the Darts claimed three points at Twerton Park and although the score was 3-1 Dartford were made to work hard for the victory. The first half belonged to the visitors and with striker Ade Azeez returning to the starting eleven he opened the scoring with a header. On the stroke of half time Jake Robinson doubled the lead, but Bath City’s Alex Fletcher cut the deficit in the second half. George Porter came on as a substitute and made an impact by putting the game out of Bath City’s reach.

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Watch Dartford’s last league win over Bath City earlier this season – Dartford FC TV

The Darts were also drawn against Bath City in the second round of the F.A Trophy in November. A second visit to Twerton Park ended with no goals and so the tie went to penalties, the Darts scored all five penalties meaning Dan Wilks’ save helped the visitors progress 5-3 in the shoot-out. Dartford have form over their opponents winning seven straight matches before Steve King experienced his first league defeat as boss two years ago. The Romans won 3-0 that day, but the Darts have triumphed in their previous two league meetings and won the last at Princes Park when Noor Husin scored the only goal of the game in October 2020.

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Highlights of the F.A Trophy tie in October – Dartford FC TV

Just as Dartford were getting into their groove, unbeaten in eight, they were knocked out of the F.A Trophy last weekend against Southern League Premier Central side Needham Market. A second cup upset suffered by the Darts this term and now they are left concentrating on the league, although they do remain in both county cups. King made three changes to the side that beat Havant and Waterlooville almost a week ago. Danny Leonard returned in place of Kalvin Kalala, Jake Robinson and Azeez were paired up front instead of Marcus Dinanga and Ody Alfa. However, it was Luke Ingram’s second half penalty that decided the tie sending Needham Market through to the last eight. Jack Jebb, who made his 50th appearance for the Darts was sent off after the final whistle and will start a two match suspension.

King has decided to strengthen the squad by signing Junior Tiensia from Millwall, the left back has impressed in the under 23 side and signed a professional contract with the Lions in 2019. Previously, the young defender has enjoyed loan spells at Havant and Waterlooville, Dover Athletic and Sutton United.

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Watch the last time Dartford hosted Bath City – Dartford FC TV

Dartford continue to chase down the front runners in the division and will need to keep pace as they approach their clash with league leaders Dorking early next month. After a tough spell of two wins in ten, following their shock F.A Cup exit in October, the Darts have clawed back some ground with three consecutive draws then four victories in a row in the National South. Dartford will want to avoid another tough run after a shock cup exit.

Bath City have won one league game in their last seven outings and have found goals hard to come by of late. Three blanks in their last four has resulted in one point from the last twelve available. Last weekend they could have done Dartford a favour by taking points off Dorking Wanderers, but like many before them they fell short losing 2-0. The away defeat at Meadowbank extended the Romans losing streak on the road to four.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 35 / Bath City wins: 40 / Draws: 20

Current League Form

Dartford (DDWWWW)			Bath City (LWLDLL)
Havant and Waterlooville	A	1-0	Dorking Wanderers	H	0-2
Welling United	H	4-2	Maidstone United	A	1-2
Ebbsfleet United	H	1-0	Braintree Town	H	0-0
Tonbridge Angels	A	3-2	Hampton and Richmond	A	0-4
Concord Rangers	H	0-0	Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1
Hampton and Richmond	H	2-2	Hemel Hempstead Town	A	1-3

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 0 – 0 Bath City (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)
Bath City 1 – 2 Dartford (04/08/2018 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Stats

Dartford have won their last five home games against Bath City
Bath City have failed to score at Princes Park in their last four visits
The Darts have kept nine clean sheets in their last 15 meetings against Bath City
The Romans have lost all seven games against the current top five

On This Day

Dartford’s last two games on this day ended 4-0 with a resounding victory in 2008 over Arlesey Town and a heavy defeat in 2011 against Hampton and Richmond Borough. Adam Flanagan, Junior Kadi, Brendon Cass and Eddie McClements all netted against Arlesey Town 14 years ago in the Isthmian Division One North. The Darts went on to lift the title by nine points and scored 107 goals in the process. The last home win on this day was a derby victory over rivals Dover Athletic in 1980, the Darts cruised to a 3-0 triumph in the Kent Senior Cup semi-final. Their last three home games on 19 February have ended in defeat versus Hampton and Richmond Borough, Newport Isle of Wight (2000) and Witney Town (1997).

Havant and Waterlooville v Dartford

February 8, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford travel full of confidence when they visit Havant and Waterlooville in the National South on Wednesday.

The Darts have had a fantastic week with three consecutive Kent derby victories to move them fourth in the table, seven points behind the league leaders with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Havant and Waterlooville are going through a tougher spell and are without a win in seven sitting in mid-table.

To add to the recent good form, Dartford are unbeaten in their last nine matches against the Hawks, winning seven and drawing two. The last of those victories was in the previous meeting back in October 2020 at Princes Park. Behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions, Jack Barham scored twice on Halloween as Dartford recorded a 2-1 win. The striker netted a penalty then headed a Jack Jebb cross home. Josh Taylor pulled a goal back before Billy Clifford was sent off in this niggly affair.

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Highlights of Dartford’s last meeting with Havant and Waterlooville – Dartford FC TV

It was Dartford’s second 2-1 triumph against the Hampshire side in a row, the previous came at Westleigh Park in the delayed 2019/2020 playoff semi-final, also behind closed doors. The parallels last season’s meeting being Darren McQueen netting a brace, one of which was a penalty and Havant and Waterlooville being reduced to ten men when Josh Taylor was red carded. This time Dartford came from behind to win after Jonah Ayunga had put the hosts ahead.

Despite the contrasting form between the two sides and Dartford’s recent record over Paul Doswell’s side, manager Steve King isn’t being complacent, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the Welling United triumph and commented: “Havant are not having a great time, but they are good side and they have got some very good players, so if you are not on it they will beat you. They are a capable side, some of their players I would take, they are fantastic players so it’s just not working for them at the moment, but sometimes it takes just one result for you to kick on”.

Dartford took maximum points last week starting with the 3-2 victory over Tonbridge Angels they followed that up with a terrific team effort to beat rivals Ebbsfleet United 1-0. On Saturday they completed a Kent derby hat-trick running out 4-2 winners against Welling United, but it was far from easy. Led by former Dartford player manager Peter Taylor, the Wings took the lead twice making the Darts work hard for their three points. King made just the one change to the side that beat Ebbsfleet United bringing in Connor Essam for the injured Tom Bonner.

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Dartford FC TV brings you highlights of Dartford matches plus post match interviews

Conceding within the opening minutes through Afolabi Akinyemi’s strike, Dartford were on level terms when new signing Marcus Dinanga lobbed Jack Sims in the Welling United goal. However, moments after equalising the visitors won a penalty which Akinyemi scored. It was all level again before the interval when Danny Leonard scored his eighth of the season in an entertaining half. In the second half, the Darts showed their quality and when Luke Allen fired from outside of the box and Dinanga grabbed hos second with a superb finish the points were safe.

King pointed out after the game that the quality of finishing and the ‘game changers’ from the substitutes bench made the difference. He also praised his two goal hero Dinanga and is confident the striker can bring more to the side, he said: “Marcus will score goals for us, give him the right service he will score goals for us. He has got a little bit of everything, wins headers, he’s strong boy, he’s got a good left foot and he took his goals well”.

The trio of competitive derbies have taken its toll on the squad and leading up to the Havant and Waterlooville game Steve King has freshened the squad up. With Tom Bonner and Josh Hill injured on the weekend, the Darts have already brought in Korey Roberts and was forced to field Essam ahead of schedule after his shoulder injury. Jernade Meade remains out, the impressive Leonard was hauled off with a leg issue on Saturday and Josh Clarke hasn’t featured since the home draw with Hampton and Richmond Borough.

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Catch Dartford FC TV speaking to manager Steve King after the Welling United victory

Winless in seven league games, Havant and Waterlooville were expected to be higher in the league standings this term. The Hawks won back to back titles to reach the National League before relegation after their first season back in that division. The Hampshire side were declared runners up two years ago in the National South, losing their playoff against the Darts. Last term their record was that of a mid-table side when the season was cut short after just 14 games.

Confidence took a massive blow on Boxing Day when Havant and Waterlooville were trounced 8-0 by Dorking Wanderers, the Hawks had Paul Rooney sent off after just four minutes. Since then Paul Doswell’s team have picked up three points and their winless run at Westleigh Park is now at nine in the league, stretching back to the 5-2 win against Concord Rangers on 9 October. On Saturday they fell to their second defeat in a row losing at home to St Albans City, that result followed the 3-1 loss at Oxford City. Prior those losses, the Hawks managed to draw two on the spin versus bottom side Billericay Town and lowly Tonbridge Angels. Whilst the New Year started with a return fixture against Dorking Wanderers which ended 3-1 to the Surrey side.

One player who could make a return to Princes Park is Alex Wall. The striker was a used substitute on the weekend and made 11 appearances on loan at Dartford in 2014 scoring six times. Wall returned to Princes Park in the summer of 2018, but left before a ball was kicked. Since then, Wall has had a successful spell with Concord Rangers reaching the F.A Trophy final as well as spells at Hemel Hempstead Town and Woking, before joining Havant and Waterlooville in the summer.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Havant and Waterlooville wins: 3 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (DDDWWW)			Havant & Waterlooville (DLDDLL)
Welling United	H	4-2	St Albans City	H	0-1
Ebbsfleet United	H	1-0	Oxford City	A	1-3
Tonbridge Angels	A	3-2	Tonbridge Angels	H	1-1
Concord Rangers	H	0-0	Billericay Town	A	1-1
Hampton and Richmond	H	2-2	Dorking Wanderers	H	1-3
Dulwich Hamlet	H	1-1	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	0-0

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 2 – 1 Havant & Waterlooville (31/10/2020 – National South)
Havant & Waterlooville 1 – 2 Dartford (25/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant & Waterlooville (10/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Havant & Waterlooville (13/01/2018 – National South)
Havant & Waterlooville 0 – 0 Dartford (12/08/2017 – National South)
Havant & Waterlooville 0 – 2 Dartford (19/03/2016 – National South)

Stats

Dartford are unbeaten in their last four away games against Havant and Waterlooville winning three and drawing the other
The Darts have only lost once at Westleigh Park, the 1-0 defeat in April 2011 is the last time the Hawks beat Dartford.
Havant and Waterlooville won the first five meetings between the two sides from 1999 to 2011, since then Dartford have been unbeaten in the last nine

On This Day

A ‘ghost goal’ earned Dartford a crucial point at AFC Sudbury on this day in a 2-2 draw. John Guest headed the Darts in front, but James Rowe’s brace put the hosts a goal up. Then came the controversy, Brendon Cass tried forcing the ball over the goal line but came up short, but the referee thought otherwise and gave the goal. Only two of the current squad were involved in Dartford’s last win on 9 February. Jordan Wynter and Tom Bonner were part of the defence three years ago as the Darts beat Bath City 3-0 at Princes Park. Goals from Lee Noble, Charlie Sheringham and Phil Roberts cemented a convincing win. Dartford’s last outing on this day was a 1-0 home loss versus Eastbourne Borough twelve months ago. On the road to Wembley in 1974, the Darts negotiated their way into round three of the F.A Trophy with a 2-1 replay victory at Minehead, despite having top scorer John Mitchell sent off.

Tag: National South (Page 11 of 14)

Dartford v Hemel Hempstead Town

Oxford City v Dartford

Hampton and Richmond Borough v Dartford

Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville

Dartford v Chelmsford City

Chippenham Town v Dartford

Dartford v Dorking Wanderers

Hungerford Town v Dartford

Dartford v Bath City

Havant and Waterlooville v Dartford

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