Dartford FC Previews

Tag: National South (Page 13 of 14)

Hemel Hempstead Town v Dartford

November 18, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Dartford return to National South action this weekend at Hemel Hempstead Town and aim to record a first league win for over a month.

The Darts may have suffered single goal defeats in their last two matches on the road, but they can approach this weekend’s fixture with confidence after an emphatic London Senior Cup victory on Tuesday night. Progressing to the next round ended a run of six games without a win in all competitions.

Steve King made seven changes and named a strong side against Essex Senior League side Cockfosters and was rewarded with a 9-0 victory, Dartford’s biggest win since 1975 when they beat Crawley Town by ten without reply. Recalled from his loan spell at Hemel Hempstead Town, Tyrique Hyde made an immediate impact by opening the rout. The midfielder made seven appearances for the Tudors and during his loan spell Hemel Hempstead Town’s form improved. The Darts benefited from an own goal before new D’Sean Theobalds made it three and Emmanuel Sonupe netted on the stroke of half time. The goals kept coming in the second half when former Tudor, Connor Essam got in on the act, Sonupe completed a hat-trick, the returning Jake Robinson got the eighth and Dan Roberts finished the job. The last time Dartford ended a match with nine goals on the scoreboard was the 1972 F.A Cup first qualifying round tie against Hemel Hempstead Town, the final score was 9-2.

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As well as Theobalds, Robinson and Sonupe amongst the changes from the entertaining 0-0 draw with Oxford City, Tom Bonner returned to the starting eleven after serving a suspension, Michael Kedman made only his fourth start, Danny Leonard was in after the winger missed the Oxford City match through illness and there was a first appearance for former Brentford full back Josh Clarke. The 27-year-old spent seven years with the Bees and made 72 appearances and has had plenty of loan spells during that time.

Dartford’s last National South outing saw an improved performance against promotion challengers Oxford City. Although the game finished 0-0 the Darts created plenty of chances to win, instead the stalemate took King’s side to five without victory in the league. Despite the barren spell, King thought his side were ‘fantastic’ on the weekend and deserved the win. King confirmed after the game that Luke Allen needed to be assessed, the midfielder was stretchered off and taken to hospital, whilst Jordan Wynter will continue to be out for the foreseeable future. Noor Husin is expected to return after being away on international duty.

Away from home the winless run is four games in all competitions stretching back to the impressive 3-0 F.A Cup triumph over rivals Maidstone United. The Darts have failed to score in their last three on the road, but after the London Senior Cup goal fest, the three scored at home against Chippenham Town a fortnight ago, the encouraging chances created last weekend and their early season form shows Dartford have enough potential in front of goal.

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The last visit to Vauxhall Road was just over a year ago when Dartford extended their unbeaten run over the Tudors to nine by winning 3-1. Essam caused problems for his former club and opened the scoring. Jack Jebb got his second assist of the afternoon when Nathan Carlyle put in his own net. The Darts went three up before half-time through Elliott Romain before Bernard Christie pulled one back for the hosts in the second half.

Hemel Hempstead Town are searching for their first win against Dartford since August 2015 when they opened their campaign as a newly promoted club with a 1-0 victory. This season started precariously for the Hertfordshire club, but former Dartford winger, Ky Marsh-Brown scored on his debut in a 4-2 defeat against Maidstone United. The Tudors went on to lose their first six in the league including a 6-0 reverse at home to Dulwich Hamlet. A first point was earned at home to Eastbourne Borough and a second consecutive draw this time in the F.A Cup against Ware of the Isthmian South Central division ended Lee Bircham’s time as manager. The Tudors were knocked out in the replay and now they have former Oxford City boss, Mark Jones in charge.

Since Jones’ arrival form has improved and he immediately guided his new side off the bottom of the table. In his first league game in charge, the Tudors recorded their first win against Billericay Town and traded places with their opponents. Despite a heavy 4-0 defeat against his old club Oxford City, Jones has overseen two victories and two draws in the last four outings. In the previous two matches Alfie Cerulli and Craig Fasanmade were the two goalscorers, Fasanmade played under Jones at Oxford City and scored against the Darts back in January for Hungerford Town.

As well as Essam and Hyde having links with Hemel Hempstead Town, Deshane Dalling who has made just one start and three substitute appearances for the Darts turned out for the Tudors earlier in the season. Dartford goalkeeper, Craig King is currently on loan at Vauxhall Road where he has so far made one appearance.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Hemel Hempstead Town wins: 1 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford
(DDLLDW) 		    Hemel Hempstead Town
(WDWDLW)		    
Oxford City H 0-0 Chelmsford City A 2-1
Chippenham Town H 3-3 Dorking Wanderers H 2-2
Concord Rangers A 0-1 Chippenham Town A 2-1
Dorking Wanderers A 0-1 Welling United H 1-1
Chelmsford City A 0-0 Oxford City H 0-4
Hungerford Town H 1-0 Billericay Town A 3-2

Previous Meetings

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)
Hemel Hempstead Town 0 – 3 Dartford (26/08/2017 – National South)

Stats

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last nine games against Hemel Hempstead Town, winning five and drawing four
  • The Darts have won on their last three visits to Vauxhall Road scoring eight and conceding two
  • The last time Dartford went six league games without a win in a season was towards the end of the 2018-2019 campaign 

On This Day

Carl Rook’s brace eleven years ago was enough for Dartford to beat Thurrock in the third qualifying round of the F.A Trophy. Victory was the Darts third away win in a row on 20 November after triumphs against Waltham Forest in 2007 and Stamford in 1999. Jamie Coyle scored twice against Waltham Forest, Ryan Hayes and Brendon Cass added to the score in a 4-2 win, the Darts went on to claim the Isthmian Division North title that season. Dartford’s last away league defeat on this day was back in 1965 against Wellington Town in the Southern Premier League.

Dartford v Oxford City

November 12, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Clinging on to top spot after a dip in form, the Darts have another tough fixture this weekend when they host fourth place Oxford City.

Dartford led the National South table by five points a month ago and were unbeaten, but four winless games later they have seen their advantage cut to just two points having played two games more than their closest challengers. Oxford City visit Princes Park having never won there, however the Hoops are unbeaten in their last six league outings and victory will move them to within a point of the Darts.

Steve King’s side could have had a greater cushion at the summit were they able to hold on to victory on the weekend against Chippenham Town. Dartford came from behind to lead at the break, then twice gave up their advantage in a 3-3 draw. In the build-up the Darts followed up a goalless draw with Chelmsford City with a pair of 1-0 defeats at Dorking Wanderers and Concord Rangers. So, it was a relief to end the goal drought just before half-time when Ade Azeez equalised netting his first in five games to level the match, the striker’s thirteenth of the campaign in fifteen appearances. Chippenham Town’s Dan Griffiths had earlier put the Bluebirds ahead.  Then two minutes after Azeez’s header, later Noor Husin put Dartford in front before the interval. 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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After the loss at Concord Rangers, King made four changes to the starting eleven with winger Luke Wanadio playing at full back, instead of Jordan Wynter who picked up an injury in training. The Dartford boss praised Wanadio for his ‘sterling’ job considering he was playing out of position. The winger himself picked up a slight injury in the draw against Chippenham Town resulting in him being replaced late on in the game. Connor Essam returned at centre half in place of Josh Hill, George Porter and Jack Jebb came in for Luke Allen and Danny Leonard. The Darts are still waiting for the return of striker Jake Robinson who has been out with injury.

King may have been disappointed at dropping two points after back to back losses, but he praised his side’s character, he told Dartford FC TV: “Where we felt a little bit of confidence had gone from a number of players, to show character after 1-0 down to go back 2-1 up I felt was brilliant”.

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Dartford have won the last two meetings without conceding, but didn’t play Oxford City last season. In January 2020, the Darts strolled to a 3-0 win with Luke Wanadio closing the scoring just before the hour mark. Darren McQueen and Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong both scored in first-half stoppage time. The victory completed a double over the Hoops as three months earlier Dartford won at Marsh Lane, Ben Greenhalgh scoring the decisive goal.

At home the Darts have beaten Oxford City five times out of seven, drawing the other two. One of those victories came three years to the day when the Darts won 3-2 in the National South. Craig King was in the opposition goal then and was helpless to stop Andre Coker, Jordan Wynter then Charlie Sheringham all scoring inside the opening half an hour. Joe Oastler scored for the Hoops at two down and in the second half, Zac McEachran netted to set up a nervy finish.

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Highlights of Dartford’s last meeting against Oxford City courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Manager, David Oldfield has so far led Oxford City into a strong league position and have the second best form over the last eight fixtures. Helping the side to rack up the points, striker Joe Iaciofano has scored six goals in the last six league games. The 23-year-old scored against Dartford in August 2019, when he joint top scored in the division with Darren McQueen that season whilst playing for St Albans City. The Hoops have won their last three National South fixtures on the road keeping clean sheets in their last two.

Second in the goalscoring charts this term, level with Dartford, only Eastbourne Borough have netted more. In this fixture, statistics point towards plenty of goal action with an average of just under four goals a game in the fourteen meetings between the two clubs.

Head to Head

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

Current League Form

Dartford
(DLLDWW) 		    Oxford City
(WDWWDW)		    
Chippenham Town H 3-3 Tonbridge Angels A 2-0
Concord Rangers A 0-1 Chelmsford City H 1-1
Dorking Wanderers A 0-1 Hemel Hempstead Town A 4-0
Chelmsford City A 0-0 Welling United H 3-0
Hungerford Town H 1-0 Hampton & Richmond Borough H 1-1
Welling United A 6-0 Havant & Waterlooville A 2-1

Previous Meetings

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)
Oxford City 0 – 2 Dartford (24/03/2018 – National South)

Stats

  • Dartford have won the last four league games at home against Oxford City including a 7-1 victory in 2017
  • The Darts are unbeaten in all seven home games versus the Hoops winning five and drawing two
  • There have been three or more goals in 6 of the 7 games in which Dartford have been at home against Oxford City

On This Day

Premier League striker Danny Ings was part of the Dorchester Town side that brushed Dartford aside in 2010. On loan from AFC Bournemouth, Ings scored one of the goals that handed the Magpies a 4-0 victory at Princes Park. A Tom Bradbrook double and John Guest goal against Aveley put Dartford into the next round of the Isthmian League Cup in 2007. A nine goal thriller was played out in 1993 when the Darts beat Ramsgate 5-4 in the Kent League. Dartford managed to let a 3-1 lead slip to go 4-3 down, then two late goals swung the game Dartford’s way. That wasn’t even the highest aggregate score on this day, back in 1897 the Darts beat former F.A Cup winners and three times runners up, Royal Engineers 8-3 in the Southern League Second Division. In that same competition, twice Dartford progressed to the first round on this day with triumphs over Leyton in 1937 (3-0) and Wimbledon in 1948 (2-1).

Dartford v Chippenham Town

November 4, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Dartford are back at home for the first time in almost a month when they host Chippenham Town on the weekend in the National South.

After starting the campaign on an eleven-game unbeaten run, which included ten wins, the Darts are four games without victory and have failed to score in their last three outings. It’s certainly Steve King’s biggest challenge this season as he aims to begin another positive sequence, starting against a team he faced in his first league game as a Dartford manager. 

King started league life with the Darts against Chippenham Town earning his first point as Dartford boss just over two years ago. A superb late Josh Hill goal rescued a point for the Darts against ten men. The defender was moved up front to try and impact the game and with three minutes remaining he cut inside and unleashed a curling shot into the top corner. The strike came a couple of minutes after Kieran Parselle was red carded for the visitors, the defender had given Chippenham Town a first-half lead.

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Highlights of Steve King’s first league match in charge courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford also won the subsequent two meetings, both on their travels so are unbeaten against the Bluebirds under King. In the last meeting Moussa Bakayoko scored nine minutes into his Dartford debut with one of the best team goals scored by the Darts under Steve King, but Chippenham Town equalised through Joe Hanks. Another late goal settled the game, this time Tom Bonner sent the ball into the back of the net to earn a 2-1 victory. The previous trip to Hardenhuish Park was more comfortable for the Darts as they 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 scored by Liam Nash, Amrit Bansal-McNulty before the midfielder was sent off in the second half and an own goal.

The Darts have good form over the Wiltshire club losing just once out of seven back in April 2019, when Chippenham Town came to Princes Park and won 1-0 thanks to an Adriel George tap in. It turned out to be Elliot Bradbrook’s final game for the Darts after a superb career with the club.

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Highlights of Dartford’s last match against Chippenham Town courtesy of Blue Army TV

Over a month ago, the Darts would be quietly confident facing a mid-table side, but current form has resulted in their unbeaten league start ending with consecutive 1-0 losses to Dorking Wanderers on the weekend then Concord Rangers on Tuesday night. Prior the pair of defeats, the Darts were held 0-0 by ten men Chelmsford and went out to lower league side AFC Sudbury in the F.A Cup. Dartford’s last win was in fact in their last home fixture, a 1-0 triumph over Hungerford Town. But the goals have dried up, after 34 goals in their opening ten outings they have yielded just two in the last five.

Chippenham Town have been consistent in their results since promotion to the National South four years ago. Consecutive thirteenth place finishes followed by fourteenth, the Bluebirds were sixteenth when last season was halted and were matching their points per game from those previous three campaigns. Unsurprisingly the Wiltshire club are at it again in mid-table, clear from a battle at the bottom but not quite close enough to the playoffs.

However, Mike Cook’s side are winless in their last seven outings in all competitions after a bright start to their season. Chippenham Town won three, drew two and lost one of their opening six National South matches, since then they have picked up just three points from draws in their last six and lost to Isthmian South East side Hastings United in the third qualifying round of the F.A Cup.

Last weekend, Chippenham Town picked up a point at home to bottom of the table Braintree Town. Parselle put the Bluebirds ahead, but they were on the back foot in the second half and almost held out for a win until stoppage time when the Iron equalised. It was a second time in a week that Chippenham Town failed to beat a team at the bottom of the league on their own patch. The Bluebirds were beaten 2-1 by Hemel Hempstead Town, who had Dartford’s Tyrique Hyde in their starting eleven.

On their travels they have picked up points against Dulwich Hamlet, St Albans City, Eastbourne Borough and Hampton and Richmond Borough as well as victories over Concord Rangers and Slough Town. Out of the sixteen league goals scored this season they have been shared out with the experienced Marlon Jackson leading the way with three.

Both sides will be hoping to keep unbeaten runs alive with Dartford yet to taste defeat at Princes Park this season and Chippenham Town yet to lose on the road.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Chippenham Town wins: 1 / Draws: 2

Current League Form

Dartford
(LLDWWD) 		    Chippenham Town
(DLDDLL)		    
Concord Rangers A 0-1 BraintreeTown H 1-1
Dorking Wanderers A 0-1 Hemel Hempstead Town H 1-2
Chelmsford City A 0-0 Hampton and Richmond A 0-0
Hungerford Town H 1-0 Eastbourne Borough A 2-2
Welling United A 6-0 Welling United H 1-3
Tonbridge Angels H 1-1 Ebbsfleet United H 2-5

Previous Meetings

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)
Chippenham Town 2 – 2 Dartford (20/01/2018 – National South)

Stats

  • Dartford’s only defeat against the Bluebirds was also the only time the Darts have failed to score in this fixture
  • Both teams have kept just one clean sheet against each other in seven meetings
  • Under Steve King, Dartford are on their longest streak without a goal. The Darts last failed to score in four consecutive matches in August 2018
  • The Darts have never lost three consecutive games under King.

On This Day

Dartford were six minutes away from causing a memorable F.A Cup upset eleven years ago. Elliot Bradbrook headed the Darts ahead against League Two opposition Port Vale in the 39th minute. Tony Burman’s side were hanging on towards the end and when John McCombe equalised the tie needed a replay back at Vale Park, which the Darts lost 4-0. Three years earlier Dartford drew 0-0 with Edgware Town in the Isthmian Division One North, the only other time the Darts have not lost in their last six matches on 6 November. The last victory on this day was way back in 1984 when Dartford beat AP Leamington 2-0 in the Southern League Challenge Match.

Concord Rangers v Dartford

November 1, 2021 / / 0 Comments

A lot has changed since Dartford last played Concord Rangers at Thames Road just over two years ago. On Tuesday night Steve King’s side are back across the bridge to take on the Beachboys. 

With last season unfinished and declared null and void, the two sides were unable to fulfill this fixture which was due to take place in March and May respectively. Since their previous meeting Steve King has turned Dartford’s fortunes around, whilst Danny Scopes led Concord Rangers to a F.A Trophy final before leaving the club. Now the Beachboys have Chris Search in charge of chasing a playoff place.

The Darts will be looking to recover after seeing their unbeaten league record come to an end on the weekend. Dartford were beaten by Dorking Wanderers which saw the advantage at the top reduced to just one point. After scoring 21 goals in the opening seven league games, Dartford have mustered just one in their last three, failing to score in their last two. It’s the first time in King’s era that the Darts have failed to score in consecutive league games.

A major talking point in the loss was whether Stuart Nelson should have stayed on the pitch, the Wanderers goalkeeper went wandering, handling the ball outside of his penalty area. Denying a goal scoring opportunity Nelson was fortunate to continue, which left King bemused, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “When there is not a lot in it you need the big decisions to go your way. Their keeper should have been sent off midway through the first half. He comes out, handballs it, Michael (Kedman) is going to put it into an empty net”. As well as that decision, Ade Azeez had the best chance of the game, the Dartford striker hitting the post. Instead, as the game looked to be heading for a goalless draw, Keiran Murtagh’s attempted clearance hit the unlucky Jordan Wynter to hand the home team victory.

Over the last three games a number of calls have gone against the Darts, Tom Bonner’s red card at AFC Sudbury and their free-kick that didn’t cross the line, Azeez’s disallowed goal at Chelmsford City and the incident at Dorking Wanderers. Despite the decisions, the Darts have found it difficult to breakdown these teams in recent weeks, but they are still top of the table with the fourth best average goals per game and have the tightest defence in the division. King commented: “It’s still a great start, but we have to pick ourselves back up”.

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Steve King’s post match interview after the Dorking Wanderers defeat is available on Dartford FC TV

Concord Rangers started their campaign brightly with three victories in their first five games and King expects Tuesday night’s match to be challenging, he explained: “It’s a good opportunity, but we have to mindful as they are a good side. They beat Dorking already, they’ve beaten some good sides. They are top half of the table this year, so we’re in for another tough game”.

Since then the Beachboys form has dipped with just one league win in six. The goals against column has also been racking up with heavy defeats against Hungerford Town and Havant and Waterlooville, but on the weekend the Beachboys managed to stop the rot with a 1-1 draw versus Slough Town. A last minute equaliser from Danny Green rescued a point for the Essex club after they fell behind to a first-half goal. Manager, Chris Search was pleased with the character shown by his players and felt his side dominated the second-half to deserve at least a point.

Less than half of the current squad made an appearance in Dartford’s last trip to Concord Rangers. Jordan Wynter, Josh Hill, Luke Allen all started as well as Ronnie Vint, who is currently out on loan at Dulwich Hamlet and Luke Wanadio came off the bench in the 2-0 victory. Last week, Charlie Sheringham was lining up against the Darts for Chelmsford City, the striker opened the scoring against Concord Rangers in that win and Alex Flisher added a second. The away triumph in November 2019 was the first at Thames Road since 2015, when the Darts came from two goals down to win 3-2. Andy Pugh pulled a goal back in the second half and went on to equalise with five minutes to go, then Tom Bradbrook scored a last-minute winner on a dramatic night. In the three trips to Concord Rangers between the pair of wins, the Darts drew 1-1 twice and lost 2-0.

The Essex club did claim victory the last time the two met back in December 2019, coming away from Princes Park with a 1-0 win. The National South fixture was defined by two penalties, first Elliott Romain missed for the Darts and in second half, Joel Nouble scored from the spot for Concord Rangers. The Beachboys claiming only their third triumph over the Darts in eleven attempts. 

Over recent years various personnel have represented both the Darts and Concord Rangers and at the start of the 2018/2019 campaign two current players were donning the oppositions shirt. Dartford defender, Connor Essam spent a loan spell with the Beachboys whilst at Dover Athletic and made 24 appearances for the Essex club. In that same campaign Billy Roast started with Dartford and made just four starts and three substitute appearances before leaving in September 2019, the defender re-joined Concord Rangers in June 2019.

A win for Dartford will extend their lead to four points ahead of the home fixture against Chippenham Town on Saturday.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Concord Rangers wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Current League Form

Dartford
(LDWWDW) 		    Concord Rangers
(DLLWLD)		    
Dorking Wanderers A 0-1 Slough Town A 1-1
Chelmsford City A 0-0 Hungerford Town H 1-4
Hungerford Town H 1-0 Havant and Waterlooville A 2-5
Welling United A 6-0 Tonbridge Angels A 3-2
Tonbridge Angels H 1-1 Chippenham Town H 0-3
Bath City A 3-1 Maidstone United A 2-2

Previous Meetings

Dartford 0 – 1 Concord Rangers (21/12/2019 – National South)
Concord Rangers 0 – 2 Dartford (14/09/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Concord Rangers (26/01/2019 – National South)
Concord Rangers 2 – 0 Dartford (14/08/2018 – National South)
Concord Rangers 1 – 1 Dartford (06/01/2018 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Concord Rangers (15/08/2017 – National South)

Stats

  • Dartford have won just one of the last five against Concord Rangers, drawing two and losing the other two
  • In the last four matches that resulted in a win, the victorious team has kept a clean sheet
  • The Darts won the first two meetings versus the Beachboys, since then the honours have been shared with three wins each and three draws
  • Dartford last failed to score in three consecutive league games in August 2018 when they didn’t score for four matches.

On This Day

Steve King recorded his first victory as Dartford boss two years ago. After a F.A Cup loss to Kingstonian and a draw with Chippenham Town, King got off the mark with a 2-0 away win at Eastbourne Borough. Goals from Norman Wabo and Elliott Romain made sure of King’s maiden victory in the National South fixture. Eight of Dartford’s last ten games on this day have been away from home with the most recent a 1-0 defeat against Forest Green Rovers in the National League back in 2013. On two occasions, the Darts progressed to the first round of the F.A Cup by beating Boreham Wood at home 2-1 in a replay in 1982 and defeating Guildford 1-0 in 1968. In 1996, the Darts recorded their second biggest win on this day when they won 4-0 against Fleet Town in a Southern League Southern Division fixture. The Darts’ biggest victory on 2 November was a 6-1 triumph over Northampton Town Reserves during the 1929 Southern League East campaign.

Dorking Wanderers v Dartford

October 29, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Last season’s top two battle it out this weekend as Dartford go back on the road and visit Dorking Wanderers in the National South.

When last season was declared null and void in February, Dorking Wanderers led the National South after eighteen games and were five points clear of the Darts who had played a game more. This time, it’s the Darts in pole position and guaranteed to remain the league leaders regardless of other results on Saturday. The Wanderers are down in sixth place, six points behind having played an extra match.

Leading up to this weekend’s fixture, Dartford dropped points for only the second time on Monday night as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Chelmsford City. The Darts had a man advantage for the majority of the match and dominated possession, creating enough chances to win, but an outstanding defensive display by their hosts denied King’s men victory. It’s been a theme over the last three games with Hungerford Town frustrating Dartford, AFC Sudbury defending in numbers and Chelmsford City being forced into defensive tactics. A new challenge the Darts need to face partly because of their superb early season form.

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Check out highlights of Dartford’s last game – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

However, it’s yet to be dull when the Darts play Dorking Wanderers and on past meetings we could see some attacking football from both sides. Goals, sending offs and late winners have all added to the exciting encounters with Wanderers, who marginally lead the head-to-head record.

In the first ever meeting between the two sides, just over two years ago, Tony Burman returned to the dugout as interim boss before Steve King joined the Darts. Dorking’s Niall McManus hit a brilliant long-range effort beyond Mark Smith 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, this season his long-term injury rules him out of this weekend’s clash. Charlie Sheringham gave Dartford their one goal lead back, but the final six minutes saw Giuseppe Sole equalise for the Surrey club, Lee Noble sent off for Dartford and James McShane score Dorking’s winner with two minutes remaining.

The return fixture was equally as enthralling with a further five goals netted in a 3-2 Dartford victory. By now King was in charge and his side’s domination had them two up through Darren McQueen and Elliott Romain. However, Dorking Wanderers hit back when Jimmy Muitt and then Luke Moore restored parity. After eight minutes of injury time, McQueen won a penalty, dusted himself off and scored again 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. For a third consecutive match between the two sides the away side went home with three points.

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Steve King’s thoughts after the Chelmsford City draw – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dorking Wanderers have more than settled in since promotion finishing in the playoffs in their maiden National South season losing out to Weymouth, who beat the Darts in the final. Last term, Wanderers lost just twice at home and this season they have won four out five at Meadowbank.

On Tuesday night, Dorking Wanderers were close to dropping home points in a thrilling game with Eastbourne Borough. Coming from two goals down, Marc White’s side won 4-3 after their opponents scored twice in the opening half an hour. Returning from suspension Ed Harris halved the deficit just before the interval, but Eastbourne Borough restored the two-goal advantage in the second half. Three unanswered goals by Alfie Rutherford, James McShane and Dan Gallagher turned the game around to earn another Dorking Wanderers victory.

After a slow start for last season’s form team, in which they won just two of their opening seven National South fixtures, the Wanderers are building momentum with three straight league victories over Bath City, Maidstone United then Eastbourne Borough. The Surrey club have had plenty of cup action too, reaching the fourth qualifying round of the F.A Cup before losing on penalties to Hayes and Yeading United. 

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 1 / Dorking Wanderers wins: 2 / Draws: 0

Current League Form

Dartford
(DWWDWW) 		    Dorking Wanderers
(WWWLWD)		    
Chelmsford City A 0-0 Eastbourne Borough H 4-3
Hungerford Town H 1-0 Maidstone United A 2-0
Welling United A 6-0 Bath City H 4-1
Tonbridge Angels H 1-1 Tonbridge Angels A 1-3
Bath City A 3-1 Billericay Town H 2-1
Eastbourne Borough H 3-1 Chelmsford City A 2-2

Previous Meetings

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 have kept three consecutive clean sheets in the league for the first time since October last year
  • The home side has never won this fixture since the first meeting in September 2019
  • This fixture has averaged over 5.66 goals a game in the three meetings so far
  • The away side has scored three or more goals in each meeting

On This Day

Steve King lost his first league match as Dartford boss on this day two years ago. After four unbeaten National South matches which yielded two wins and two draws, the Darts were beaten 3-0 at Twerton Park by a playoff chasing Bath City side. Dartford’s last away win on 30 November came in 1957 when they defeated Yeovil Town 1-0 in the Southern League. Since then the Darts drew 1-1 in the Southern League First Division with Gloucester City in 1968 and 0-0 with King’s Lynn in the Southern League Premier Division back in 1983 before the loss at Bath City in 2019. Notable victories on this day both came at home, a 4-0 Southern League Division One East win over Corby Town in 2002 and a 6-0 victory over Crawley Town in 1974. Eight years ago, Danny Harris scored in a 1-1 F.A Trophy draw against Forest Green Rovers, the Darts lost the replay 1-0.

Chelmsford City v Dartford

October 24, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Dartford return to a venue they haven’t visited in just over two years in a rare Monday night fixture at Chelmsford City.

Unbeaten in the National South so far with only two points dropped, the Darts will be determined to bounce back after their shock F.A Cup exit. On that same day, the Clarets were also knocked out of the competition to lower league opposition and have since been in league action against Oxford City just two days ago.

Steve King’s side have had longer to recover from the 3-1 loss at AFC Sudbury, but they arranged a friendly mid-week against Brentwood Town which ended 1-1. As well as a couple of triallists, academy player Gabriel Duo started, and latest signing Emmanuel Sonupe found the back of the net to add to his two London Senior Cup goals.

After a bit of time to reflect and being ‘hit hard’ by the cup defeat, King spoke to Dartford FC TV before the friendly and was pleased with the way his side dominated until key decisions went against the Darts. Captain Tom Bonner was sent off for a second caution despite appearing to win a clean header and AFC Sudbury’s equaliser didn’t appear to cross the line, he said: “It’s hit me hard, it’s hit me as hard as the playoff final to be honest because I hate unjust in life, some of the decisions contributed to us losing a football match. We were dominant in the first half; they didn’t really come out of their own half”. The Darts were unable to make their domination count and King recognised this, he commented: “A little bit of our play, the final bit wasn’t quite there, but we were dominant”.

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Craig King was selected in goal for the cup tie and so far, he has been restricted to cup matches this season. To get more game time he has joined up with Tyrique Hyde on loan at Hemel Hempstead Town until January, although Dartford do have a 24-hour call back option should they need to call upon the goalkeeper.

As Dartford boss, Steve King has yet to visit Chelmsford City so the last time the side travelled over the Thames to take on the Clarets, Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle were at the helm. It was not a day to remember for the Darts in August 2019 as they crashed to a 4-0 defeat. All the goals came in the second half with Chris Whelpdale scoring the opener before Jordan Wynter was sent off. Chelmsford City took full advantage of the extra man and goals from Sam Higgins, Jonny Giles and an own goal by former Claret, Josh Hill finished off the rout.

Since King has been in charge, Dartford have won both meetings at Princes Park without conceding a goal. On the opening day of last season Ky Marsh-Brown scored the only goal of the game to clinch victory, whilst in the previous campaign the Darts were a little more convincing. After a 3-0 win secured by goals from Hill, Elliott Romain and Noor Husin the regular season was halted due to the pandemic. The three-goal triumph highlighted how far Dartford had progressed under King in such a short space of time. As previously mentioned, the Darts lost the reverse fixture that season under King’s predecessors.

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Chelmsford City enter Monday night’s game having played on the weekend against Oxford City. Former Dartford striker, Charlie Sheringham was involved for the Clarets in their 1-1 draw. A last gasp equaliser from Adam Morgan rescued a point for the Essex club after falling behind mid-way through the first-half. This term Sheringham has been forming a partnership with the experienced Simeon Jackson, the former Gillingham and Norwich City forward made around 300 football league appearances. Sheringham enjoyed a loan spell with the Clarets whilst with the Darts and impressed enough for the Essex club to come calling again, this term he has netted seven times for his new club. As a former Dart, the striker scored a total of 54 goals in 119 appearances over a few spells with the club. Another former Dartford player in the Chelmsford City squad is midfielder Chez Isaac, he made 12 appearances for the Darts and has had limited game time this season with the Clarets.

Like Dartford, a managerial change has taken place at Chelmsford City since they last hosted the Darts. Rod Stringer was replaced by Robbie Simpson, who has the Clarets in sixteenth position, but without a home win in the National South this term. Defeats to Maidstone United and Dulwich Hamlet sandwiched draws with Ebbsfleet United and Dorking Wanderers leaving them waiting for their maiden home league victory. On the road, the Essex club have earned two wins and a draw as well as two defeats to leave them with nine from their opening nine games.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 40 / Chelmsford City wins: 55 / Draws: 22

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWDWWW) 		    Chelmsford City
(DLLWDD)		    
Hungerford Town H 1-0 Oxford City A 1-1
Welling United A 6-0 Hampton & Richmond A 2-4
Tonbridge Angels H 1-1 Dulwich Hamlet H 0-2
Bath City A 3-1 Chippenham Town A 3-2
Eastbourne Borough H 3-1 Dorking Wanderers H 2-2
Dulwich Hamlet A 2-0 Ebbsfleet United H 0-0

Previous Meetings

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)
Dartford 1 – 2 Chelmsford City (10/02/2018 – National South)

Stats

  • The Darts have won the last two meetings without conceding, both at home. The last time Dartford won three in a row against Chelmsford City was between 1992 and 1998.
  • Dartford are winless in their last four visits to Chelmsford City and have won just two of their last 12 away from home against the Clarets in all competitions
  • Chelmsford City have won seven of the last eleven meetings home and away

On This Day

It’s been 39 years since Dartford’s last victory on this day, a convincing 4-0 home win against Gosport Borough in the Southern Premier League. Three draws and three losses later and the Darts are still waiting to notch another triumph on 23 October. The last three outings have all been cup ties, a 4-1 defeat versus Forest Green Rovers in a F.A Cup fourth qualifying replay in 2012, a goaless draw in the 2010 F.A Cup run against Leiston and a 3-0 F.A Trophy loss to AFC Hornchurch in a first qualifying round replay back in 2007.

In the league, the last fixture on this day in 2004 ended with the Darts being held to a 1-1 draw with local rivals Erith and Belvedere in the Southern League Division One East. Five years earlier Bashley won 3-1 in the Southern League South and in 1993, Dartford recorded another 0-0 draw in the Kent League against Folkestone Invicta. Perhaps the most entertaining game came in 1926, Dartford drew 5-5 with Reading Reserves in the Southern League Eastern Section.

Dartford v Hungerford Town

October 7, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Dartford return to National South action against Hungerford Town brimming with confidence after a superb F.A Cup win last time out.

Topping the league table two points ahead of rivals Maidstone United, the Darts knocked the Stones out of the cup last weekend and now face Hungerford Town at Princes Park in the league. Steve King’s side are unbeaten this term winning an impressive nine of their opening ten matches in all competitions. Their visitors also progressed in the F.A Cup on the weekend and have seven points in the league from their first five fixtures.

Steve King is expecting “another tough game” and has respect for their manager Danny Robinson who has been in charge of the Crusaders over the last couple of years, the Darts boss told Dartford FC TV: “Hungerford have got a great manager, for me he has done ever so well in the two years he has been in this league, he’s made them really competitive. They are a group who are together and play in a certain way where you have to be proper on it to get anything from the game”.

Yet to taste defeat at home to the Crusaders, Dartford drew 1-1 back in January at Princes Park after falling behind. Craig Fasanmade put Hungerford Town in front, firing a shot in at the near post, but Josh Hill equalised with a header from a Jack Jebb free kick. The Darts pressed for a winner and were denied on several occasions by the excellent goalkeeping of Luke Cairney. It was the second time Dartford drew with the Berkshire side at home, the Darts were victorious in this fixture in August 2016 and December 2018.

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The depth of Dartford’s squad has been on display over the last month and the positive results have continued. The Darts scored five or more goals in three consecutive games for the first time in 46 years after beating Hythe Town 5-1, Welling United 6-0 and Athletic Newham 5-2. Last weekend they added another three goals to their tally in their F.A Cup third qualifying round triumph over Maidstone United.

Noor Husin’s free-kick, a third goal of the season by Danny Leonard and yet another strike by Ade Azeez earned the Darts a fourth qualifying round tie away at AFC Sudbury. In an interview with Dartford FC TV, Steve King praised the commitment of his players and was impressed with the counter attacking football his side played, he said: “I thought we were fantastic; our performance was like dogged determination. They didn’t cause us too many problems apart from the end when they were throwing balls into the box. We had the perfect game plan, when we broke, we broke out with a purpose and scored the second and third goals. It was a magnificent performance in the way we were solid”.

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Over the last few weeks, Dartford’s squad has been tweaked with the arrival of Emmanuel Sonupe, who made a big impression on his debut in the London Senior Cup scoring twice. However he caught King’s eye sooner in the friendly against Leyton Orient, but due to a shoulder injury Sonupe had to wait to be signed. The former Stevenage and Yeovil Town winger also featured for the Darts as a substitute against Maidstone United and is waiting for a first league start.

Ronnie Vint becomes the second player to go out on loan by returning to Dulwich Hamlet for a few months. The defender has been playing catch up this term after an ankle injury in pre-season. As part of the best defence in the league it has been difficult for Vint to get time on the pitch, he spent a period on loan at Hamlet last season and impressed whilst there. Meanwhile, Tyrique Hyde has been picking up minutes at Hemel Hempstead Town and is due to return at the end of the month.

Hungerford Town have caused problems for Dartford in the past, mainly on their own patch. Although they are waiting for their first home win in the league this campaign, they have won two out three on the road. Last season’s surprise package relied on the goals of Ryan Seager, this term he has managed two in the National South, both penalties.

The Crusaders made a great start to their campaign with a Simo Mbonkwi inspired win away at Welling United. The midfielder netted an opening day hat-trick as Danny Robinson’s side cruised to a 4-1 victory. Another standout performance also came on their travels when Hungerford United came from behind to beat last season’s league leaders Dorking Wanderers. Callum Willmoth scored then assisted Nana Kyei to claim a 2-1 triumph at Meadowbank. In their last league outing, the Crusaders drew 1-1 at home with Slough Town, George Smith scoring a last-minute equaliser to rescue a point. Both defeats this season have ended at home to Tonbridge Angels and away at Dulwich Hamlet.

Having beaten Truro City by a goal to nil in the third qualifying round of the F.A Cup, Hungerford Town were in action against Cirencester Town last weekend. The Crusaders navigated into the final qualifying round but threw away a two-goal lead and needed another last-minute goal, this time against opponents two divisions below them. Ryan Seager proved his worth scoring the second to put Hungerford Town two up and the late winner. The Crusaders have been drawn at home against National League side Bromley.

Head to Head

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

Current League Form

Dartford
(WDWWWW) 		    Hungerford Town
(DLWLW)		    
Welling United A 6-0 Slough Town H 1-1
Tonbridge Angels H 1-1 Dulwich Hamlet A 1-3
Bath City A 3-1 Dorking Wanderers A 2-1
Eastbourne Borough H 3-1 Tonbridge Angels H 1-3
Dulwich Hamlet A 2-0 Welling United A 4-1
Slough Town H 3-0      

Previous Meetings

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)
Hungerford Town 1 – 0 Dartford (09/12/2017 – National South)

Stats

  • Dartford are four games unbeaten against Hungerford Town, their best sequence versus the Crusaders since the first meeting back in 2016
  • Hungerford Town have conceded in each of the last four games against the Darts having previously kept four clean sheets in a row
  • Ade Azeez has scored ten goals in nine appearances for the Darts, the most prolific goalscoring start for a new signing since Cody McDonald in the 2007/2008 season
  • Dartford have scored three or more goals in 80% of their matches this term
  • The Darts have made their best start to a league campaign since the 2009/2010 Isthmian Premier League title winning season (W6, D1, L0). In 2009, Dartford managed 23 goals after seven games compared with 21 so far this season. The four goals conceded this time matches that of 12 years ago.

On This Day

Dartford set up a F.A Cup classic on this day when they conceded in the last minute to draw 2-2 with Canvey Island in 2010. Former Dart, Danny Heale gave the Islanders a shock lead but Ryan Hayes and Elliot Bradbrook had the Darts in front. Rob King netted a last minute penalty to take the tie to a dramatic replay three days later. Tony Burman’s side were taken to penalties in the replay as the sides drew 3-3, but the Darts finally went through winning the shoot-out 9-8.

The Darts started the 1977/1978 with Roy Dwight in charge, John Stevens became caretaker manager and by the time the delayed Eastern Floodlit Cup final was played the following season John Boyle was leading the team. On this day in 1978 the Darts drew 1-1 against Chelmsford City in that final, it wasn’t enough to overturn the 3-1 deficit from the first leg. Boyle was dismissed the following month and replaced with Graham Carr.

Dartford’s last outing on this day ended in a 4-1 home defeat to AFC Telford United in 2012, Elliot Bradbrook scored for the Darts.

Welling United v Dartford

September 23, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Dartford approach their third Kent derby in a row this weekend aiming to maintain their lead at the top of the National South against local rivals Welling United.

Manager, Steve King returns to Park View Road for only the second time as Dartford manager and will be hoping to keep his side’s unbeaten start intact. The Darts have dropped just two points in their six league games and that was in their last National South outing against Tonbridge Angels. The 1-1 draw saw Dartford go behind for the first time this term when Tommy Wood headed the Angels in front, but former Welling United midfielder Jack Jebb equalised for the Darts.

Last weekend Ade Azeez claimed a F.A Cup hat-trick in the second qualifying round against Hythe Town. Azeez took home the match ball in a 5-1 victory which saw Danny Leonard score his first for the club and Michael Kedman play a part in the fourth goal on his debut. Kedman impressed as a triallist in friendlies and has joined the squad along with Deshane Dalling, meanwhile Bagasan Graham has left Princes Park after just one appearance. Tyrique Hyde has also gone out on loan at Hemel Hempstead Town. Azeez secured his hat-trick in the final minute, the 27-year-old has now scored seven goal as many games since arriving at Dartford in the summer and his boss feels there is more to come from the striker.

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Despite a near perfect start, King is still looking for perfection from everyone in the squad including in defence, he told Dartford FC TV after the F.A Cup triumph: “We’ve only had two clean sheets and that was a cornerstone to what we did previously. I know it sounds greedy, we’ve conceded the least in the division, but I know we’re better than what we’re showing in certain times and moments in games”.

King will have assessed the fitness of some of his players over the last week, Jernade Meade and George Porter both missed the Hythe Town fixture with injuries. Jake Robinson came off the bench after missing the Tonbridge Angels draw, whilst Jordan Wynter played in the F.A Cup tie despite carrying an injury. 

Last time King returned to Park View Road he guided the Darts to a 3-0 Boxing Day victory with goals from the front duo of Darren McQueen, who netted a brace and Elliott Romain. The return fixture at Princes Park on New Year’s Day in 2020 ended with Dartford completing a league double over the Wings. The Darts racked up another four goals to make it seven without reply in the 2019/2020 campaign, this time Romain scored the brace with McQueen finishing the goal rush, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong opened the scoring.

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Perhaps those score lines reflect the changes in fortunes between the two clubs with King being the catalyst. The Dartford boss left Welling United in the summer of 2019 after guiding the Wings to the National South playoff final. In the campaign that followed both sides were struggling at the wrong end of the table under new management. King moved to Princes Park in October, got the better of his former side and repeated the playoff near miss with Dartford. Over the last two years the Darts continue to challenge for the title, whilst Welling United have been unable to reach the same heights whilst King was in charge.

So much so that the Wings have just seen Steve Lovell resign as manager after a shock F.A Cup exit to Isthmian Premier League side Harrow Borough. Almost going full circle, Lovell’s first game as Welling United manager was against Dartford the last time the sides met. On that occasion the match ended all square at Princes Park despite the Wings starting the day bottom of the table. The Darts had to come from two down to rescue a point, Luke Allen and Berkeley-Agyepong cancelling out Lyle Della-Verde’s goal, a former Dart who left Welling United this season and Dipo Akinyemi’s strike. Lovell’s encouraging start continued until the season was curtailed.

However, this season began dreadfully with Welling United losing their opening three matches conceding twelve goals in the process. Lovell brought in new signings Pepe Dylan and Teddy Perkins to strengthen the defence and since then the Wings are unbeaten in their last two league games. A 2-1 victory at Concord Rangers was followed by a 2-2 draw with Slough Town and after five games played the Wings are third from bottom.

With no changes to the starting eleven in the last two league games it looked as though Lovell became settled with his best team. Yet he chose to rotate his line-up for the London Senior Cup penalty shoot-out success over Hanwell Town, then again in the F.A Cup. Being taken to penalties by an Isthmian South Central side then losing 2-0 to an Isthmian Premier League team sealed Lovell’s fate. His predecessor, Brad Quinton also lost his job following a shock F.A Cup exit last term when the Wings lost to a Danny Leonard inspired Sheppey United side, Daniel Wilks was Welling United’s goalkeeper. Wilks is not the only former Welling United in Dartford’s squad. Josh Hill, Jebb, Luke Wanadio and George Porter have all spent some time at Park View Road during their career.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 22 / Welling United wins: 10 / Draws: 10

Current League Form

Dartford
(DWWWWW) 		    Welling United
(DWLLL)		    
Tonbridge Angels H 1-1 Slough Town H 2-2
Bath City A 3-1 Concord Rangers H 2-1
Eastbourne Borough H 3-1 St Albans City A 0-5
Dulwich Hamlet A 2-0 Hungerford Town H 1-4
Slough Town H 3-0 Havant & Waterlooville A 0-3
St Albans City A 3-1      

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 2 Welling United (06/02/2021 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 0 Welling United (01/01/2020 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Welling United (01/01/2019 – National South)
Welling United 2 – 0 Dartford (26/12/2018 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 1 Welling United (01/01/2018 – National South)

Stats

  • A Dartford win will make it their best league start since the 2009/2010 Isthmian Premier League title winning campaign. It will also be the first time since 2009 that the Darts have won their opening four away games in the league.
  • The Darts have lost just once in their last fourteen matches against Welling United, winning eight and drawing five
  • Dartford have kept three clean sheets in the last four fixtures against Welling United

On This Day

This week the Darts were drawn against rivals Maidstone United in the next round of the F.A Cup, fifteen years ago the two sides met on 25 September in the Isthmian Division One South. Richard Avery and Eddie McClements scored the goals to earn the Darts a 2-1 Kent derby victory. Two years prior the Darts started their four game winning streak on this day by beating Arlesey Town 3-2 in the Southern League Division One East. Fast forward to 2010 and Dartford edged past Lowestoft Town in the F.A Cup second qualifying round 2-1, Carl Rook and Danny Harris found the back of the net. The most recent game was in the National League when the Darts beat Braintree Town 2-0 in 2012, this time Tom Bonner and Jacob Erskine grabbed the goals.

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels

September 10, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Dartford’s first Kent derby of the season could see them set a Post-war record of consecutive wins from the start of a league campaign.

The Darts host Tonbridge Angels having taken maximum points this term to lead the National South table by two points. Dartford last won their opening five league games in 1989/90 and have not won the first six for 125 years.

In 1896 the Darts recorded seven straight wins from the opening day of the Southern League Second Division championship winning season. Although they did manage six in a row in the London Professional Midweek League in 1933 and the Dartford and District Premier League in 1906, but these were additional competitions alongside the main league Dartford entered.

Last weekend, Steve King’s side recorded their third 3-1 victory of the campaign when they beat Bath City in their last outing. Dartford have now scored three in four of their five games so far with the goals shared evenly between the recognised strikers signed over the summer.

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Ade Azeez returned to the starting line-up and opened the scoring against Bath City, the third time he has scored the opener since joining the Darts. The striker headed in his fourth of the season, which came after the hosts had an effort cleared off the line by Tom Bonner. Josh Hill and Kieran Murtagh came back into the side, but Jake Robinson retained his place and doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time heading from close range, adding to his brace against Eastbourne Borough.

Just like the victory over the Sports, the opposition improved in the second half and halved the deficit Alex Fletcher scoring for Bath City. Once again, the Darts saw off their opponents, this time with the help of goalkeeper Dan Wilks and a third goal scored by George Porter, who came off the bench to calmly score his second Dartford goal since arriving in the summer. 

Steve King spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and commented: “That was the old cliché of a game of two halves. We controlled the game first half; we could have gone in at half-time two or three to the good. We were dominant without excelling, a bit like last week”, he continued: “Second half Bath came out and gave it a right good go, they should have easily scored one, two, maybe three goals. That was the toughest second-half against us we’ve had”. King also praised his squad and was pleased with timing of the substitutes who came on to make an impact. For a fifth match in a row a substitute came on to score a goal. 

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Dartford have won the last six home games against Tonbridge Angels, the last a 1-0 victory in January when Nassim L’Ghoul’s late strike was enough to separate the sides. The previous two matches against the Angels at Princes Park have ended 3-0 meaning the Darts have kept three consecutive home clean sheets in this fixture. Dartford’s have form against their fellow Kent side with ten wins in the last eleven, the only dropped points came in Adam Flanagan’s and Jamie Coyle’s last match in charge when the Darts lost 3-2 at Longmead in September 2019.

Tonbridge Angels made a slow start to their campaign losing a Kent derby in their season’s opener. Steve McKimm’s made the short journey to Stonebridge Road and were humbled 5-1 by Ebbsfleet United. A successive loss followed at home to Bath City, but the Angels got off the mark versus Hungerford Town in a 3-1 victory, Joe Turner netted his 50th goal for the club in his 160th appearance. Unfortunately, their fourth fixture was abandoned late on when St Albans City’s Devante Stanley suffered a double leg break. On the weekend Ibrahim Olutade came off the bench to snatch a point for the Angels in the eighth minute of injury time to earn a 1-1 draw with Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Two former Darts started in their last outing, Ricky Modeste’s performance earned him a place in the National South’s team of the week. The winger made only three appearances in his only season with Dartford last term. Full back Craig Braham-Barrett is also on Tonbridge Angels’ book and he made 13 appearances last season taking his total for the Darts to 29 over two campaigns.

Assistant manager, Barry Moore told Angels TV after the 1-1 draw: “It felt like a win because we should have won, it’s not often that we say that. Hungerford set the ball rolling for a few of the lads, we played a bit more like the Tonbridge sides that we’ve had in the past in terms of getting teams on the back foot, pressing, working hard for each other and not giving up and against Hampton we proved that”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 69 / Tonbridge Angels wins: 38 / Draws: 24

Current Form

Dartford
(WWWWW) 		Tonbridge Angels
(DWLL)
Bath CityA3-1Hampton & RichmondH1-1
Eastbourne BoroughH3-1Hungerford TownA3-1
Dulwich HamletA2-0Bath CityH0-1
Slough TownH3-0Ebbsfleet UnitedA1-5
St Albans CityA3-1

Previous Meetings (last six)

Dartford 1 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (05/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (28/12/2019 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 3 – 2 Dartford (03/09/2019 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 0 – 3 Dartford (15/10/2016 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 3 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (15/12/2012 – F.A Trophy)
Tonbridge Angels 0 – 1 Dartford (03/03/2012 – National South)

Stats

  • Dartford have kept five clean sheets in their last six matches against Tonbridge Angels
  • In seven of the last ten meetings the winning side has scored three or more goals in the game
  • Substitutes have accounted for six of the 14 Dartford goals this season with a sub scoring in each game so far

On This Day

Dartford are looking for their first win on this day for 36 years after taking just one point in their last six outings on 11 September. Way back in 1985, the Darts beat Wycombe Wanderers in the Alliance Premier League, now the National League. It was only one of eight league victories that season as Dartford were relegated back to the Southern Premier League ending a two year stay at the top of non-league. In their last game on this day, Dartford drew 1-1 with Thurrock in 2010 with Elliot Bradbrook rescuing a point in the National South. In 2004, the Darts lost a seven-goal thriller 4-3 to Berkhamsted Town in the Southern League Division One Eastern. Eastbourne Borough (1-2 in 2001), Witney Town (0-1 in 1999), Thamesmead Town (0-4 in 1993) and Rushden Town (2-4 in 1990) were the others who inflicted defeat on Dartford since the Wycombe Wanderers triumph.

Bath City v Dartford

September 2, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Dartford are the only side with a perfect record in the National South this season ahead of their trip to Bath City this weekend.

The Darts made it four straight victories by claiming all six points available over the Bank Holiday weekend and will approach Saturday’s game with confidence. Steve King has so far managed to keep a settled side making just six changes to the starting eleven so far this term. But the depth and quality of the squad has been called upon when needed, substitutes have chipped in with goals in each of the victories.

Four of those changes came in the Bank Holiday Monday win against Eastbourne Borough. Kieran Murtagh missed out through injury but should be okay to travel to Bath City and Danny Leonard was out through illness. George Porter started in the victory, but was substituted after picking up an injury.

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The Darts followed up the 2-0 away triumph over Dulwich Hamlet with a wonderful first half home display against Eastbourne Borough. 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. The striker netted a second from the penalty spot after some sublime build up play led to a handball. Robinson spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “I’m delighted to get off the mark and get going. All the strikers are firing and that’s a good sign”. 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 his third goal of the campaign and another three points for the Darts.

After an excellent first half, King was left frustrated by his team’s second half performance, he told www.kentonline.co.uk: “The first half performance we played like Brazil, the second half we played like rag-arse rovers. It was chalk and cheese”. In his interview with Dartford FC TV the Darts boss gave a balanced appraisal.

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Results wise it has been a brilliant start to the season for the Darts, but they will need to prepare well for their next opponents. Bath City’s heavy reverse on the weekend means that the Romans will want to desperately bounce back. Jerry Gill is one of a few managers to have got the better of King since he was appointed as Dartford boss. The Bath City boss led the Romans to a 3-0 win at Twerton Park in November 2019 inflicting King’s first league defeat as Dartford manager. Last season, the sides only played each other once with the Darts winning at Princes Park thanks to a Noor Husin goal.

Bath City began their campaign with consecutive wins, beating Billericay Town and Tonbridge Angels without conceding a goal. New signing from Weymouth, Cody Cooke scored in each of the opening three games which ended with a defeat in their last home fixture against Chelmsford City. The Bank Holiday period ended with the heavy 5-1 loss at Oxford City, the cause not helped by the sending off of Eddie Jones.

Recently, the Romans have missed the trickery of forward Mo Touray who hobbled off early in the Chelmsford City defeat. On loan from Salford City, Touray had to sit out last weekend’s fixture at Oxford City. Other than that forced change, Gill has only made four changes in total to the starting eleven, since the opening the day, but will be without Jones when his suspension begins.

Gill spoke to www.bathcityfc.com after the Oxford City match, he stated: “We were very good for 35 minutes, we were the dominant side and we scored a fantastic goal”. The Bath City boss was unhappy with key decisions for Oxford City’s opening goals, he commented: “What I can’t defend is two horrendous decisions that lead to the first two goals”, but for Gill it was no excuse, he continued: “I’m not blaming the referee for the result because what happened after that is we folded”. The Romans boss welcomes the visit of Dartford on the Saturday and is determined for his side to put “their own personality on the game”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 34 / Bath City wins: 40 / Draws: 19

Current Form

Dartford
(WWWW) 		Bath City
(WWLL)
Eastbourne BoroughH3-1Oxford CityA1-5
Dulwich HamletA2-0Chelmsford CityH1-2
Slough TownH3-0Tonbridge AngelsA1-0
St Albans CityA3-1Billericay TownH3-0

Previous Meetings (last six)

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 2 – 0 Bath City (21/04/2018 – National South)
Bath City 2 – 1 Dartford (24/10/2017 – National South)

Stats

  • Dartford have won eight of the last nine meetings against the Romans
  • Bath City’s win on 30 November 2019 ended a run of seven straight defeats against the Darts
  • Dartford have never won their opening five league games since reforming. The last time they achieved that feat was in the 1989/90 Southern League Premier season under Peter Taylor.

On This Day

Richard Rose’s injury time winner at Princes Park earned Dartford a 2-1 win over Newport County nine years ago. The Exiles were the pacesetters in the National League and went on to win promotion via the playoffs under the late Justin Edinburgh. Harry Crawford had given Dartford an early lead, but Newport County’s Aaron O’Conner levelled before Rose’s late goal.

Two years earlier the Darts were in the National South and Charlie Sheringham’s brace helped Dartford beat Weston-super-Mare 4-1. The striker opened and closed Dartford’s scoring with James White and an own goal sandwiched between.

The Darts have won their last three on this day all at home with this current run starting in 1999 when they beat Burnham 2-0 in the Southern League Cup. Out of the six away trips on 4 September, the Darts have won once in 1978 beating Tonbridge 3-2 in the Eastern Floodlit Cup. Dartford have never won an away match in the league on this day, the last being a 2-1 loss at Herne Bay in the Kent League.

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