Tag: National South (Page 2 of 14)

Dartford v Taunton Town

February 22, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford search for their first ever victory over Taunton Town this weekend in a vital National South six pointer at Princes Park.

The Darts eased their worries last weekend with an important derby day win against bottom side Dover Athletic. That put Tony Burman’s side eight points clear of the drop zone until a narrow loss at Slough Town on Tuesday night cut the margin to five.

Taunton Town are closer to the bottom four with off field problems making their task even harder. The Peacocks have slid down the National South table and for now are on the right side of the relegation line by a single point. This week the Somerset club had better news, but still face financial challenges.

In mid-week Burman stuck to the starting eleven that beat Dover Athletic on Saturday. Facing a team 17 home games unbeaten the last thing the Darts needed was to fall behind in the first minute. Nathan Minhas was at the far post to take advantage of a long throw to give Slough Town an early lead. The hosts were in front for just five minutes though. Ollie Box scored on his first senior league start on the weekend and netted another on Tuesday night. The youngster’s excellent beginning to life in the first team continued with a composed finish.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Rebels regained their lead when Fumnaya Shomotun conceded a penalty and Johnny Goddard converted. Box’s night got even better to bring Dartford level again with a deft flick. A back and forth first half took another turn approaching half-time. The hosts sent in another long throw, the Darts failed to clear and David Ogbonna made it 3-2. Unfortunately that turned out to be the winning goal and with Joash Nembhard’s late red card, the defender will soon be facing a suspension.

Striker, Ibby Akanbi could make his debut after joining on loan from St Albans City. The 26-year-old has experience in the National South with Kent sides Maidstone United and Tonbridge Angels as well Worthing. Akanbi has also had spells in the National League with Aldershot Town and Dagenham Redbridge. Sam Odaudu, Tommy Block and Luke Allen have all been out injured, Tyrell Miller-Rodney missed the Slough Town defeat through suspension.

Last time the Darts faced Taunton Town was earlier this season. Dartford suffered a narrow defeat down in Somerset which ended an unbeaten run of four. In a close encounter, Dave Sims-Burgess’ goal proved to be decisive for the hosts condemning the Darts to a third consecutive defeat against the Peacocks.

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Highlights courtesy of Taunton Town Football C lub

In the only meeting at Princes Park between the two sides back in April 2023, the Peacocks came out on top once again. The visitors started the better and saw Ollie Chamberlain strike the woodwork before Nat Jarvis tapped in the rebound only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The Darts responded when they hit the post after Allen’s teasing cross and later in the first-half his shot came off the crossbar. Very little happened in the second forty five until Taunton Town’s Cameron Evans netted a winner with three minutes to go.

The reverse fixture in August 2022 ended in a 2-1 loss. Newly promoted Taunton Town came from behind to take all three points down in Somerset. Davide Rodari opened the scoring before Sims-Burgess and Ross Stearn completed the comeback for the Peacocks.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Taunton Town started this season in promising fashion tasting defeat just once in their opening 12 games. By early October they were joint top on points with Yeovil Town and very much the surprise package. Since then the club have been battling to stay afloat as they fell down the league standings. The Peacocks have won just once, a 4-0 home triumph against Farnborough on 9 December, since their excellent start. Now they are winless in 11 and recently against fellow struggling teams, Dover Athletic, Welling United and Truro City they only managed draws. Last weekend the Peacocks were humbled at St Albans City 6-0 stretching their run f failing to score to three matches.

On top of the on field issues the Peacocks have struggled to get home fixtures played and Tuesday night was no exception. Another postponement and with Truro City moving into Wordworth Drive means 20 games need to be crammed in between now and the end of April. Off the field the Somerset were facing a winding up petition from HMRC, had been placed under a transfer embargo and Chairman, Kevin Sturmey has been signed off from work. In January several players departed the club and prior the embargo loan deals and reinforcements from Bridgwater and Taunton College have plugged the gaps. On Wednesday the club released a statement confirming they have settled a HMRC bill and the transfer embargo has been lifted.

The Peacocks will see this weekend’s game as one of three key fixtures coming up. In March they have to travel to Eastbourne Borough after an ‘away’ game against tenants Truro City a fortnight earlier.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLLLWL)			Taunton Town (DLDDDL)
Slough Town	A	2-3	St Albans City	A	0-6
Dover Athletic	A	2-1	Truro City	H	0-0
Chippenham Town	H	0-1	Welling United	A	0-0
Bath City	A	0-1	Aveley	H	2-2
Farnborough	A	1-2	Weymouth	H	0-2
Weymouth	H	0-1	Dover Athletic	H	1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Taunton Town wins: 3 / Draws: 0

Last Six Meetings

Taunton Town 1 – 0 Dartford (09/09/2023 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Taunton Town (13/04/2023 – National South)
Taunton Town 2 – 1 Dartford (20/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have lost their last two league games at home. The last time they lost three consecutive league matches at Princes Park was in March 2015 in the National League
The Darts have only ever lost three in a row in the National South once. That was in their debut campaign back in 2010/2011
Taunton Town were one of three teams to complete the league double over Dartford last season

On This Day

Danny Harris made his 300th start for the club on this day six years ago and celebrated with a 4-1 win against Truro City. Andy Pugh, Alex Brown and Danny Mills all scored before an own goal added a fourth for the Darts. A Kent derby versus Dover Athletic also took place on this day in 2007. Brendon Cass and Mark Green were the scorers in a 2-2 draw at the Crabble in the Isthmian Division One South.

Slough Town v Dartford

February 20, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will hope to gain momentum at Slough Town on Tuesday night and end the Rebels outstanding unbeaten home run in the National South.

The Darts earned a morale boosting victory on the weekend in their attempt to pull away from a relegation battle. Slough Town dropped points but still managed to preserve their recent run at home thanks to two late goals.

Dartford secured an important win in the Kent derby relegation six pointer versus Dover Athletic on Saturday. After a run of five straight league defeats, another against the division’s bottom side would have damaged the Darts morale even more. Instead Tony Burman’s held their nerve when it mattered and collected three potentially vital points.

Three changes were made to the starting lineup. Tommy Block and Sam Odaudu were out with injuries picked up in the loss at home to Chippenham Town. In came Tom Clifford to make his debut and Maxwell Statham. Meanwhile academy graduate Olly Box was preferred to the experience of Alex Wall, a decision that paid dividends. Tyrell Miller-Rodney was missing through suspension and Luke Allen has not been involved in a matchday squad since his injury against Welling United at the end of last year. Winger, Brandon Barzey is still recovering from a hamstring injury picked up in the defeat at home to Weymouth.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford created the better chances in the opening exchanges and weren’t threatened by the hosts in the first half. Box crowned his ever first league start for the club with his first league goal. The youngster scored from the edge of the area.

The second-half was a different story as Dover Athletic searched for an equaliser. After hitting the Dartford crossbar, the Whites levelled when Destiny Oladipo finished past. An evenly poised contest was finally settled from the spot. A handball led to the Darts winning a penalty. Luke Coulson held his nerve to score the winner and complete a league double over the Whites for a second year running.

Burman spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and was relieved his side bagged maximum points, he said: “I’m really pleased for the supporters. I’m pleased for the players as I think they have tried their hardest since I’ve been here. They’ve worked really hard and things just haven’t come off for them. I’m just pleased that for all their efforts over the last few games we’ve actually stopped the run that we were on”. The Dartford boss was also delighted at Box’s first league start, but confirmed he had to substitute the youngster to protect an ankle injury.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s first league win in 2024 has provided an eight point cushion over the bottom four. This weekend the Darts face another relegation threatened side in Taunton Town, but first they must focus on getting a positive result against playoff hopefuls Slough Town.

A task made harder by the fact the Rebels went 17 home games unbeaten in all competitions on the weekend. Despite what manager Scott Davies called a poor performance his side came away with a 2-2 draw against Chippenham Town to maintain their incredible run on their own patch. It’s an incredible turnaround for a team that lost six of the opening seven league matches and were bottom with three points when they played the Darts in September.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A lacklustre performance last time against Slough Town left the Darts losing a lead. Baris Altintop scored his first and only goal in a Dartford shirt to put the hosts in front. However, the Rebels turned the game around when future Darts loanee George Alexander equalised in the twelfth minute. Tyrese Dyce scored the decisive goal which set the Berkshire club on their way to climbing the table. Since the loss to Davies’ side, the Rebels have moved up to tenth in the division and are now just three points away from a playoff place.

Last season the Darts completed a double over Slough Town which included a win at Arbour Park. The Rebels took the lead in the first-half through Josh Jackman and continued to be in front at the interval. In the second-half, Dowson tweaked the side with the introduction of Pierre Fonkeu and that proved pivotal later on. Charlie Sheringham scored to put Dartford on level terms, then Fonkeu won it for the Darts. That secured a fourth consecutive triumph at Arbour Park for Dartford to go with the 6-0 win in April 2022, the penalty shoot-out success in December 2020 and the 3-0 playoff victory in July 2020. At Princes Park just under a year ago, Keiran Murtagh made the difference with an early goal.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Slough Town have showed character to come back from a poor start to the season and on the weekend they had to dig in again. Finding themselves two down against Chippenham Town, the Rebels grabbed a draw after David Ogbonna and Nathan Minhas scored in the 84th and 87th minutes. In their previous outing they were involved in a seven goal thriller at Plainmoor where they beat Torquay United 4-3. Slough Town had to come from behind three times and could have settled for a draw when Dan Bayliss levelled with eight minutes to go. Instead, in injury time Leon Chambers-Parillon netted a winner. Both games featured former Dartford academy defender Temi Eweka, who made three appearances for the senior team. Eweka signed for Slough Town in August from Maidenhead United and was on loan with the Rebels last term.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLLLLW)			Slough Town (DLLWWD)
Dover Athletic	A	2-1	Chippenham Town	H	2-2
Chippenham Town	H	0-1	Torquay United	A	4-3
Bath City	A	0-1	Weston-super-Mare	H	2-0
Farnborough	A	1-2	Yeovil Town	A	1-3
Weymouth	H	0-1	Dover Athletic	A	0-1
Maidstone United	A	1-2	Worthing	A	1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Slough Town wins: 4 / Draws: 3

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 2 Slough Town (05/09/2023 – National South)
Slough Town 1 – 2 Dartford (25/10/2022 – National South)
Slough Town 0 – 6 Dartford (30/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Slough Town (21/08/2021 – National South)
Slough Town 2 – 2 Dartford (15/12/2020 – F.A Trophy)*
Dartford 2 – 0 Slough Town (21/11/2020 – National South)
* – Dartford won 6-5 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one in eight at Arbour Park (W5, D2)
The Darts have won the last two at Slough Town with an aggregate score of 8-1.
Slough Town’s 13 home games without defeat in the National South is the second longest streak currently in the division behind Yeovil Town’s 17 matches.

On This Day

Danny Harris made his 200th Dartford appearance and Andy Pugh scored against Eastbourne Borough on this day eight years ago. The Darts trailed when Nathaniel Pinney netted for the Sports, however Dartford responded at Priory Lane with Pugh’s strike. Tom Bradbrook was sent off leaving the Darts hanging on for a point, whilst Elliot Romain was featuring for the Sussex club. Dartford’s last win on this day was a hard thought 3-2 victory at Princes Park versus Ashford Town (Middlesex) in the Isthmian Premier League. An own goal set Dartford on their way, then Harris and Lee Burns added to the tally.

Dover Athletic v Dartford

February 16, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford have a crucial Kent derby this weekend when they take on Dover Athletic in the National South.

The Darts travel to the Crabble desperate for a win having lost their last five league games. Dartford have yet to record a point during Tony Burman interim spell in charge. Four single goal defeats have left his side in a relegation battle. The Darts are six points clear of the drop but have played more games than the three teams around them in the standings.

Dover Athletic’s woes have continued having just about survived the drop last term. The Whites, who finished last in the National League just under two years ago are bottom again in the National South. Jake Leberl’s side will need to find victories if they are to pull off a great escape.

Tuesday night’s loss at home to Chippenham Town was a missed opportunity for the Darts to put some distance between themselves and the bottom four. Instead, they extended their losing streak to their worst for nine years. It was in that run back in 2015 that Dover Athletic recorded a 6-1 victory over the Darts at the Crabble.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Burman made one change to the side that were beaten 1-0 by Bath City last weekend ahead of the game against Chippenham Town. Midfielder, Jack Smith replaced Tyrell Miller-Rodney, who wasn’t in the matchday squad. In the first-half the Darts were unlucky not to add to their one goal in their last four league games. Several close-range efforts were kept out by the visitors as Dartford looked for an important opener. Instead, it was the Bluebirds who found the winner taking advantage of a defensive mistake in the second-half.

The Dartford boss spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “We’re obviously disappointed with the result again. We’ve had chances in the first half to maybe at least score one goal. We’ve been really punished severely again for a mistake which has cost us. It seems like when that is happening it’s changing the game for us completely and all confidence and belief drains from us. We didn’t do enough to win the game, but I still think we had enough to get something from it”.

Tommy Block was forced off after half an hour in mid-week with a possible hamstring injury and later in the match Sam Odaudu left the pitch injured. The Darts are also waiting for Luke Allen to return, who has not featured since the end of December. However, Burman has signed Tom Clifford on a month’s loan from King’s Lynn Town. The full back spent his youth in Sidcup before Tottenham Hotspur spotted the left sided player where he played in their academy. Clifford signed his first professional contract with Southend United where he made 67 appearances in the Football League and National League. Loan spells at Bishop’s Stortford and Concord Rangers followed before he joined King’s Lynn Town in August. Manny Adebowale and Paul Rooney could also face their former club.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On Bank Holiday August Dartford won the reverse fixture against Dover Athletic at Princes Park. James Golding and Lewis Manor scored in a game that the hosts controlled. Golding stabbed home from close range and Manor headed past Billy Terrell, now Dartford’s goalkeeper. Luke Coulson could have made it three, but missed a penalty.

Last season the Darts completed a double over Dover Athletic which included a 3-1 win at the Crabble. All the goals came in the first-half with Samir Carruthers getting the first, Coulson added a second and Maxwell Statham a third. Just before half-time the Whites pulled a goal back through Luke Baptiste. At Princes Park, Harvey Bardbury had the hosts ahead before Jordan Higgs equalised. With seven minutes remaining Allen popped up for the Darts to score the winner.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dover Athletic have conceded nine goals in their last two outings and six of those were against Worthing last weekend. In a ten goal thriller the Whites put up a fight versus the playoff contenders and league’s top scorers. In the Dover Athletic goal was former Dartford keeper Daniel Jinadu. The Rebels moved into a three goal lead prior the Whites scoring twice before the interval, George Wilkinson and Baptiste scoring the goals. Worthing’s Ollie Pearce completed a hat-trick and added his fourth to put the hosts 6-2 ahead. Yet again Dover Athletic threatened to comeback as Wilkinson netted again and in injury time Archie Hatcher made it 6-4.

A week earlier Dover Athletic lost 3-0 at Braintree Town, however they did win in their last league game at the Crabble. The Whites beat Slough Town thanks to a George Nikaj goal. The Whites who started the campaign with Mitch Brundle in charge have only recorded three victories in the National South. However, they have drawn the most in the division and have only lost six out of 16 at home.

Current League Form

Dartford (DLLLLL)			Dover Athletic (DLLWLL)
Chippenham Town	H	0-1	Worthing	A	4-6
Bath City	A	0-1	Braintree Town	A	0-3
Farnborough	A	1-2	Slough Town	H	1-0
Weymouth	H	0-1	Tonbridge Angels	H	1-2
Maidstone United	A	1-2	Torquay United	A	0-1
Weston-super-Mare	A	2-2	Taunton Town	A	1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 17 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Dover Athletic (28/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National South)
Dover Athletic 1 – 3 Dartford (13/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (08/03/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dover Athletic 1 – 2 Dartford (13/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 1 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/12/2016 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

Dartford have won seven of the last nine league games against Dover Athletic (D1, L1).
The Dart have won the last five matches in all competitions against the Whites, a record run against their opponents.
The Darts have won just three times in the league at the Crabble in 10 attempts (D4, L3)

On This Day

Dartford have won their last two away games on this day with the last victory coming six years ago. The Darts beat Wealdstone 2-1 in the National South but had to leave it late. The Stones were reduced to ten men when Iffy Allen, now part of Dover Athletic’s squad was sent off. Despite the man advantage, the Darts fell behind. Then two goals in three minutes from Danny Mills and Alfie Pavey kept Dartford top of the league. In 1996, the Darts made a short trip to Corinthian where they won their Kent League fixture 3-0. Dartford have met Dover Athletic on this day before back in 1990. The Southern Premier League fixture finished 1-1. Twelve years before Dover folded, the Darts won 3-1 in a Kent Floodlight Cup fixture.

Dartford v Chippenham Town

February 12, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford have the opportunity to close the gap on their opponents Chippenham Town on Tuesday night.

The Darts are just two places above the bottom four and four points behind the Bluebirds with a game in hand. However, Tony Burman’s side are also looking over their shoulder and hoping to put some distance between those below them in the table.

Dartford are on their worst league run in eight years and bottom of the form guide. Just six points above the relegation zone, the Darts need to turn recent improved performances into much needed points. Chippenham Town are not in the greatest form themselves. The Bluebirds have won one of their last eight and haven’t tasted victory on the road this year.

Tony Burman seems to be getting closer to his first points since returning to the dugout. In each of the three league games he has been in charge, the Darts have lost by a single goal. On the weekend it was Bath City’s turn to benefit. Burman made one change to his side that started the 2-1 reverse at Farnborough. In came new loan signing and familiar face Elliott Romain. The striker joins on loan from Isthmian Premier side Horsham to start his second spell with the Darts. Previously the 32-year-old scored 16 times in 45 appearances for Dartford before leaving in June 2020. The match was decided when goalkeeper, Billy Terrell made a mistake and despite Joash Nembhard’s effort to clear the ball off the line, Cody Cooke tucked home the ninth minute winner for Bath City.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Burman spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “In the first half we wasn’t that great. We got caught on the ball trying to play out from the back. Bath should have increased their lead as we were not organised in the first half. We came out second half and had a great response from the players. I thought we put enough pressure on Bath to equalise”. The second-half provides optimism and with three struggling sides to play in the next their next four outings, the Darts will be hoping their luck will change. The Dartford boss added: “We need something to change and hopefully you can just believe and hope that things will go our way”.

After two difficult fixtures on the road, the Darts will be determined to make home advantage count and help them end their current run. At Princes Park they have drawn two and lost one of their previous three in the National South. Dartford’s last home win in the league was their joint biggest in the competition this season, against Torquay United in late November.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Victory on Tuesday night will complete a double over Chippenham Town. When the Darts travelled to Wiltshire in early October they beat the Bluebirds 4-1. Harvey Bradbury scored a couple of penalties to put Dartford in control at Hardenhuish Park. A third was added before half-time when Brandon Barzey was rewarded for his endeavour and his first goal for the club. Owen Windsor pulled a goal back, but Joshua Johnson sealed the win. Maxwell Statham was sent off after picking up two yellow cards.

Chippenham Town last visited Princes Park just over a year ago. Jack Smith scored and assisted for the hosts in a 2-0 win for the hosts. The midfielder opened the scoring in the second minute. Later on, Smith set up Luke Allen to put the game to bed.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Bluebirds have failed to score in their last two outings. On the weekend they were beaten with a former Dart scoring the winner. Fifteen minutes from time Braintree Town grabbed the only goal of the game when Tom Blackwell’s corner was headed home by Baris Altintop.

Just over a week ago, Gary Horgan’s side were in Kent and went home with nothing to show. Kodi Lyons-Foster put Tonbridge Angels in front before Sean Shields added a second. Prior their two match losing streak, the Bluebirds beat Havant and Waterlooville and picked up creditable draws against Torquay United and Aveley.

Current League Form

Dartford (DDLLLL)			Chippenham Town (LDDWLL)
Bath City	A	0-1	Braintree Town	H	0-1
Farnborough	A	1-2	Tonbridge Angels	A	0-2
Weymouth	H	0-1	Havant & Waterlooville	H	1-0
Maidstone United	A	1-2	Torquay United	H	1-1
Weston-super-Mare	A	2-2	Aveley	A	2-2
Welling United	H	1-1	Hemel Hempstead	H	2-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 6 / Chippenham Town wins: 3 / Draws: 4

Last Six Meetings

Chippenham Town 1 – 4 Dartford (07/10/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Chippenham Town (11/02/2023 – National South)
Chippenham Town 2 – 1 Dartford (03/09/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Chippenham Town (12/05/2022 – National South Playoff)*
Chippenham Town 4 – 2 Dartford (12/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 3 Chippenham Town (06/11/2021 – National South)
* Chippenham Town won 3-2 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford’s clean sheet in the home fixture last season was their first against Chippenham Town since the first meeting in September 2017
Dartford are unbeaten in three home league matches against the Bluebirds (W1, D2)
In normal time the Darts have only lost once at Princes Park against the Wiltshire side (W2, D3). Chippenham Town added a penalty shoot-out win in May 2022 to their solitary league victory in April 2019
Dartford last lost five league games in a row during the 2014/2015 National League campaign. The run started on Boxing Day 2014 until 17 January 2015.

On This Day

Dartford have won their last three league games on this day with the last coming 14 years ago. During the Isthmian Premier League title winning campaign, the Darts brushed Tonbridge Angels aside at Longmead. Ryan Johnson, Danny Harris, Elliot Bradbrook and Rob Haworth scored in a 4-1 win. In another title chasing season the Darts beat Crockenhill 1-0 in 1996, but ended up runners up of the Kent League on goal difference. The same end of season fate happened to Dartford in 1988. The Darts beat Shepshed Charterhouse 5-1 that year on 13 February and went on to finish second by four goals. Hopefully goal difference won’t be a factor this term.

Bath City v Dartford

February 9, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford chase their first league win under interim manager Tony Burman this weekend when they visit playoff chasers Bath City in the National South.

The Darts have lost both league fixtures since Burman’s return to the dugout. His side were second best at home to Weymouth a fortnight ago. Last weekend an improved performance saw Dartford narrowly lose down at Farnborough. However, two county cup victories have given players plenty of opportunity to impress and regain some confidence.

Bath City have won their last two National South matches and occupy the final playoff spot. The Romans have games in hand over the teams above them and hope to put some distance between them and those below the dotted line.

Winless in five league outings, the first time since the start of the 2019/2020 campaign, Dartford have sunk to nineteenth and are just six points clear of the relegation zone. The squad has been hampered by the loss of strikers with Harvey Bradbury, Lewis Manor and George Alexander all leaving recently.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Yet the Kent Senior Cup may have been a welcome distraction and has offered Burman a silver lining. In the 3-2 home win over Sevenoaks Town, Fumnaya Shomotun was impressive for the Oaks, so much so that Burman signed the former Barnet winger. The 26-year-old received plaudits in his debut against Farnborough Town and was lively against Queens Park Rangers Development Team in the London Senior Cup.

Six changes were made to the side that lost 2-1 at Farnborough. Academy graduates, Ashton Day was given his senior debut and Olly Box made his second career start for the Darts. Tom Wray and Sam Odaudu made up five players who featured having come through the academy ranks, George Whitefield who made a substitute appearance. Box netted in the Kent Senior Cup game a week earlier and this time he scored the equaliser that took QPR’s youngsters to penalties. The Darts progressed winning 5-4 from the spot and set up a last eight tie with Cray Wanderers.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Whilst Dartford’s attack was potent last time they met Bath City, their defence was leaky in an entertaining 3-3 draw on the opening day at Princes Park. Former manager, Alan Dowson handed out eight debuts to a new look team. One of those debutants, Tyrell Miller-Rodney grabbed the first goal of the season. Captain, Luke Coulson led by example by putting the Darts two up. In the space of three second-half minutes Bath City were level through Ewan Clark and then Scott Wilson. Coulson netted again and despite the Romans being reduced to ten men they equalised once more courtesy of a stunning effort by Jordan Thomas.

Dartford’s previous visit to Twerton Park was more successful. Last season’s opening fixture ended with a 2-1 victory. Pierre Fonkeu’s double brought back all three points. However, it took until 65 minutes to open his account capitalising on goalkeeper, Dan Wilks’ long ball. Five minutes later the striker made it two from close range after applying pressure on Bath City’s defence. The reverse fixture at Princes Park finished 0-0.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Bath City were looking for their first win of 2024 when this fixture was due to take place last month. The Romans won on Boxing Day beating Chippenham Town on the road. The return fixture on New Year’s Day finished goalless and then they were beaten by Yeovil Town and Slough Town. The Romans were also knocked out in the fourth round of the F.A Trophy by Coalville Town.

Since then, Bath City have regained their stride with a pair of 1-0 victories. Cody Cooke scored his 12th league goal of the season in the away triumph over Weston-super-Mare. Four days later Clark was the match winner in the home win against Eastbourne Borough.

Current League Form

Dartford (WDDLLL)			Bath City (WDLLWW)
Farnborough	A	1-2	Eastbourne Borough	H	1-0
Weymouth	H	0-1	Weston-super-Mare	A	1-0
Maidstone United	A	1-2	Slough Town	H	1-2
Weston-super-Mare	A	2-2	Yeovil Town	A	0-2
Welling United	H	1-1	Chippenham Town	H	0-0
Welling United	A	1-0	Chippenham Town	A	2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 37 / Bath City wins: 40 / Draws: 22

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 3 – 3 Bath City (05/08/2023) – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Bath City (10/12/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 2 Dartford (06/08/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Bath City (19/02/2022 – National South)
Bath City 0 – 0 Dartford (27/11/2021 – F.A Trophy)*
Bath City 1 – 3 Dartford (04/09/2021 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

The Darts have lost just once in their last 15 league games against the Romans (W11, D3)
In those 15 league games Dartford have kept ten clean sheets
In the league, the Darts have lost just one of their last eight at Twerton Park (W5, D2) and have won in five of their last six visits there.
Dartford have lost three consecutive league games, they have not lost four in a row in the National South since March 2016.

On This Day

Dartford have played 21 times on 10 February and have lost just three. The Darts have won 14 of their fixtures on this day with the last victory coming in 2007. Steve Hafner and Brad Potter scored as the Darts beat Sittingbourne in the Isthmian Division One South. Dartford’s last outing was a 2-1 reverse at the hands of Chelmsford City six years ago, Ryan Hayes scoring against the Clarets. On the road, Dartford have won six, drawn three and lost one on 10 February.

Farnborough v Dartford

February 2, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford have the chance to move above Farnborough this weekend in their National South fixture at Cherrywood Road.

A win will alleviate some of the recent pressure on the Darts who find themselves seven points clear of the relegation places. Tony Burman’s first league game back in charge last Saturday ended in defeat. However, his team responded in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday night by booking a place in the semi-finals. Farnborough are two points and a place ahead of Dartford and were beaten for a fourth consecutive match in their previous outing.

Dartford were second best when they visited Cherrywood Road last season. Boro took the lead after Hisham Kasimu got the better of Jordan Wynter and finished a one on one with Joe Young in goal. Johnathon Page netted from close range to double the lead. Kristian Campbell scored a header to halve the deficit. However, Farnborough made sure of maximum points when Ollie Pendleberry scored a brilliant free-kick.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In August the two sides met at Princes Park and the Darts came agonisingly close to victory. Former Dartford striker, Alfie Pavey converted a late penalty as the spoils were shared. The deadlock was broken in the 75^th minute with Maxwell Statham scoring at the far post. In stoppage time Brandon Barzey conceded a penalty and the composed Pavey levelled the match. This time Pavey will not be facing his former side as he has since left Farnborough.

Harvey Bradbury and Taylor Maloney featured six months ago and were lining up on opposite sides. Bradbury scored 11 goals in 33 appearances for the Darts before his move to Hampshire last month. Maloney made his debut in Dartford’s 1-0 defeat at home to Weymouth. The 25-year-old came on to replace Barzey, who picked up a hamstring injury. Maloney made his first start on Tuesday night in the 3-2 victory over Sevenoaks Town.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Burman made seven changes for the Kent Senior Cup quarter-final in mid-week. Tommy Block made a return from a long-term absence that has kept him out since October. Having been on compassionate leave, Charlie Sheringham also made a start. Academy graduate, Olly Box was named in the starting eleven for the first time and celebrated with his first goal for the club. Another player to open his goalscoring account was Manny Adebowale, whilst Luke Coulson netted his eighth of the season.

Bromley’s recall of on loan striker George Alexander leaves Burman with two recognised strikers in the squad. Alexander scored two goals in ten games for the Darts. However, the Dartford boss was impressed by Sevenoaks Town’s Fumnaya Shomotun in the county cup tie on Tuesday and decided to sign the attacking midfielder. Shomotun came through the Brentford and then Barnet academies before moving around various non-league clubs. The 26-year-old settled at Sevenoaks Town making over 50 appearances for them since joining in the early part of the 2022/2023 campaign.

Farnborough have been on the slide recently tasting their last victory on Boxing Day. Spencer Day’s side beat bottom of the table Havant and Waterlooville 1-0 to end the day in eighth place and just a couple of points off the playoffs. Now Boro are searching for their first points of 2024 having fallen to a 4-2 defeat in the reverse fixture against the Hawks, then losing three consecutive games 2-1 at the hands of St Albans City, Hemel Hempstead Town and last weekend relegation threatened Eastbourne Borough.

Despite the slump in form, Farnborough have only lost twice in the league on home soil. Boro were unbeaten in their opening nine fixtures at Cherrywood Road picking up six wins and three draws until defeat against Worthing. Their last three games as hosts have seen the Hampshire side win, lose and draw.

Current League Form

Dartford (LWDDLL)			Farnborough (WWLLLL)
Weymouth	H	0-1	Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2
Maidstone United	A	1-2	Hemel Hempstead	A	1-2
Weston-super-Mare	A	2-2	St Albans City	A	1-2
Welling United	H	1-1	Havant & Waterlooville	H	2-4
Welling United	A	1-0	Havant & Waterlooville	A	1-0
St Albans City	H	0-3	Braintree Town	H	1-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Farnborough wins: 5 / Draws: 3

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Farnborough (19/08/2023 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Farnborough (11/03/2023 – National South)
Farnborough 3 – 1 Dartford (12/11/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Farnborough (10/03/2012 – National South)
Farnborough 1 – 2 Dartford (17/09/2011 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 1 Farnborough (22/01/2011 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won one of their last eight league fixtures (D3, L4)
The Darts have won four of the last six league games against Farnborough. Last season’s away defeat their only loss in that time.
Dartford’s only away league win against Farnborough came in 2011 (D1, L2)
In this fixture, both sides have scored in ten of the 12 previous meetings. The Darts last kept a clean sheet against Boro in March 2012. Farnborough’s only clean sheet was in September 1995.

On This Day

Dartford do not travel well on 3 February having lost six out of eight on this day. The only times the Darts avoided defeat was a 1-1 draw at Burton Albion 34 years ago in the Southern Premier League. The other was an abandoned game at Barry Town in 1962. Dartford’s last humbling on 3 February was in 2018 when they lost 4-0 to St Albans City, still that was better than the 10-0 defeat to New Brompton (now Gillingham) in 1897. It’s not all bad though, Dartford have only lost twice in their previous nine outings on this day with the last victory coming in 1996 at home against Herne Bay. Nine years on from the heavy loss to New Brompton, the Darts also hit double figures in a 10-0 win versus Prices Athletic in the Dartford and District League First Division.

Dartford v Weymouth

January 26, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Tony Burman’s much awaited return to the dugout starts with the Darts first home game of the year against Weymouth this weekend.

Freezing temperatures has delayed the beginning of Burman’s fourth spell in charge. Both fixtures against Truro City and Bath City were postponed leaving Dartford without a game for two and a half weeks.

Previously, just over four years ago Burman stood in for a month and before that he spent 13 years at the helm and another three during the nineties. Since his last temporary spell, the Darts have gone through three sets of managers. Co-chairman, Steve Irving is hoping to appoint a new boss by the end of the month, but only if the right candidate is found

Burman inherits an inconsistent side down in eighteenth and the first challenge is to take on the Terras two places and a point ahead of the Darts. The two sides faced each other back in August for Dartford’s first away trip of the season. A mistake from on loan goalkeeper, Jack McIntyre handed the Terras victory down in Dorset after he misjudged Joel Rollinson’s cross.

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Highlights courtesy of Weymouth Football Club

Dartford will be hoping to make it three wins in a row against Weymouth at Princes Park. Last season the Terras were rock bottom when they travelled to Kent in October 2022. The Darts claimed a 3-0 victory with a debut goal by loanee Joshua Johnson, whose strike from long range opened the scoring. Alex Wall came off the bench and scored a brace in the final 15 minutes.

The Darts also hosted the Dorset club nine months earlier in the F.A Trophy fourth round. Dartford headed into the tie as underdogs with Weymouth struggling in the National League. The first half was dominated by the hosts and the decisive moment came when Jack Jebb drilled in a shot that turned out to be the winner. The visitors applied plenty of pressure in the second-half, but the Darts stayed firm.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Since Alan Dowson’s final game in charge, Harvey Bradbury has made the move to fellow National South side Farnborough. The striker made 33 appearances for the Darts scoring 11 goals. Defender, Moussa Diarra’s loan spell ended, and he has started a new loan at Eastbourne Borough. Goalkeeper, Ryan Sandford took the opportunity to move into the Football League by joining Crawley Town.

With the departure of Sandford, the Darts gave a debut to Billy Terrell in their last league outing against Maidstone United. The goalkeeper was on loan at Weymouth last season. Coulson gave Dartford the lead from the penalty spot at the Gallgaher Stadium. However, the Kent derby turned in the space of five second-half minutes. Harry Kyprianou and Matt Rush scored for the Stones to condemn the Darts to defeat. Burman will need to get his side to work on keeping hold of leads, Dartford have now lost 21 points from winning positions this season.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The squad has been bolstered by the return of Brandon Barzey from his loan spell at Hemel Hempstead Town. The winger has played 15 games and scored four times for the Darts since joining in the summer. Taylor Maloney is a new addition to the squad and will be targeting a debut. The striker joins from Farnborough and linked up with George Alexander at Welling United last season.

Dartford know what to expect from Burman who has been successful as a manager of the club previously. In the nineties he got the Darts promoted from the Kent League and won the Kent Senior Trophy. He was back nine years later and was there for Dartford’s homecoming. That became the catalyst for a rise up the pyramid.

Burman led the Darts to the Isthmian Division One North and Isthmian Premier titles before winning the National South playoffs. The return to the National League ended in a F.A Trophy semi-final appearance and becoming the highest part-time team in the country. He also claimed the club’s first Kent Senior Cup in 23 years in 2011 and won it again four years later. His third spell came after the departures of Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle.

If the bottom four weren’t cut adrift, then Tuesday night at Taunton Town would have been a six pointer. The Terras started the evening eight points clear of the drop zone and two ahead of their opponents. An almost full set of National South fixtures mid-week saw Bobby Wilkinson’s side win to move them 11 points clear of the relegation zone and ten points away from the playoffs. Brandon Goodship’s brace was enough to beat the hosts 2-0.

Former Dartford forward Dan Roberts was named on the bench and came on in the second-half. The 25-year-old made 37 appearances for the Darts, just 11 of those were starts and scored six times for the club. Since joining Weymouth in the summer he has netted four league goals in 22 appearances. However, Olumide Durojaiye featured from the start. The defender made 11 appearances for Dartford during the 2021/22 campaign.

It’s been a struggle for the Terras since beating the Darts in the 2020 playoff final. After consecutive promotions, the Dorset club finished eighteenth in the National League before getting relegated back to the National South. Last season the Terras survived on the final day on goal difference. This term, too many draws have prevented them from reaching a higher position. However, against teams currently in the bottom half of the table, Weymouth are unbeaten in 14 games, winning six and drawing eight.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLWDDL)			Weymouth (DWDLWW)
Maidstone United	A	1-2	Taunton Town	A	2-0
Weston-super-Mare	A	2-2	Slough Town	H	3-0
Welling United	H	1-1	Tonbridge Angels	A	1-2
Welling United	A	1-0	Weston-super-Mare	H	3-3
St Albans City	H	0-3	Weston-super-Mare	A	3-2
Tonbridge Angels	A	0-4	Dover Athletic	H	1-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 19 / Weymouth wins: 37 / Draws: 16

Last Six Meetings

Weymouth 1 – 0 Dartford (12/08/2023 – Southern League South)
Weymouth 3 – 1 Dartford (04/03/2023 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Weymouth (29/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Weymouth (15/01/2022 – F.A Trophy)
Weymouth 0 – 0 Dartford (01/08/2020 – National South Playoff Final)*
Weymouth 3 – 1 Dartford (17/08/2019 – National South)
*Weymouth won 3-0 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won just one of the last eight league games against Weymouth (D0, L7)
In the last five home league matches against the Terras there has been 32 goals (6.4 goals a game)

On This Day

Dartford have won their last four home matches on this day. Six years ago, Ronnie Vint and two goals from Andy Pugh handed the Darts a 3-1 victory over Whitehawk in the National South. That was Dartford’s first match on 27 January at Princes Park. The previous fixture was at Watling Street in 1990 when the Darts beat Bromsgrove Rovers 1-0 in the Southern Premier League. Three years earlier Dartford brushed aside Newcastle Blue Star 5-1 in the F,A Trophy second round replay. In 1973, the Darts defeated Romford 2-1. On their own patch the Darts have won seven, drawn one and lost one on this day, the last loss was versus Barry Town in 1951.

Maidstone United v Dartford

January 9, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are in action against local rivals and giantkillers Maidstone United on Tuesday night in the National South.

The Darts are unbeaten in their last three games, but it could have been so much more without the concession of late goals. Victory on Boxing Day at Welling United was followed by consecutive draws to start the New Year. The Stones could move up to second with a win, which would cap off an excellent few days after creating history in the F.A Cup on the weekend.

Alan Dowson will have to work out a way to make his side last the distance. In consecutive matches the Darts have let a lead slip deep into injury time to be denied crucial victories. Just days before the new year, Dartford looked set for a Kent derby league double over Welling United. Luke Coulson put the hosts ahead, but in the 97^th minute the Wings levelled. Then on the weekend, the Darts took the lead twice in a 2-2 draw at Weston-super-Mare. New loan signing Matty MacArthur scored on debut and Alex Wall put Dartford ahead again. This time in the final minute of injury time the Seagulls equalised. The Darts have now dropped 18 points from winning positions this season.

MacArthur made a positive impact on the side on Saturday. The midfielder from Gillingham not only scored the opener, but he also hit the post. The teenager came straight into the side as well as Jordan Wynter to replace the injured Luke Allen and Richard Chin, who has returned to Charlton Athletic to aid his recovery. If selected Wynter will be facing his former club as well as goalkeeper Ryan Sandford. Defender, Sam Odaudu could be making his 50^th Dartford appearance on Tuesday night.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

A last-minute goal knocked Dartford out of the F.A Trophy last time they faced Maidstone United almost two months ago. The second round tie finished 1-0 to the Stones with their goal coming from the now departed Levi Amantchi. That was the third consecutive win for Maidstone United in this fixture without conceding a goal.

During their championship winning season a former Dart came back to haunt his former club. Jack Barham scored a hat-trick at the Gallagher Stadium to humble Dartford. The Stones went on to win 4-0. The striker also netted the winner at Princes Park in a 1-0 win ending a 17-match unbeaten home run in the league for the Darts. Maidstone United went on to lift the National South title in 2021/2022. However, Dartford did prevent the Stones from progressing in the F.A Cup that season with their last victory against them. Noor Husin, Danny Leonard and Ade Azeez all scored on the road to send the Darts into the fourth qualifying round.

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Maidstone United were headline makers on the weekend with a 1-0 cupset against League One side Stevenage. For the first time in the club’s history, they have reached round four of the F.A Cup. George Elokobi’s side won a penalty when former Dartford man Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong was fouled. The midfielder made 26 appearances for the Darts scoring eight goals. Sam Corne stepped up and scored the spot kick, then later he cleared a Stevenage effort off the line.

The Stones are in the hunt to return to the National League at the first time of asking. Whilst Yeovil Town seem to be running away at the top, victory for the Stones could move them up into second place. At home, Maidstone United have the third best record in the division in terms of points per game. Tonbridge Angels were the last side to visit the Gallagher Stadium and were beaten 2-0, Corne again on target five minutes after Kodi Lyons-Foster put through his own net. Victory over the Angels was their seventh at home this season in the National South and ended a three-game winless run. During that run, the Stones suffered just their second league defeat as hosts this term. The 1-0 loss versus Chippenham Town came after a 5-1 away reverse at Worthing.

League Form

Dartford (DLLWDD)			Maidstone United (WWLLDW)
Weston-super-Mare	A	2-2	Tonbridge Angels	H	2-0
Welling United	H	1-1	Tonbridge Angels	A	1-1
Welling United	A	1-0	Chippenham Town	H	0-1
St Albans City	H	0-3	Worthing	A	1-5
Tonbridge Angels	A	0-4	Truro City	H	2-1
Yeovil Town	H	2-2	Havant & Waterlooville	H	3-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 46 / Maidstone United wins: 48 / Draws: 19

Previous Meetings

Dartford 0 – 1 Maidstone United (18/11/2023 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 0 – 1 Maidstone United (18/04/2022 – National South)
Maidstone United 4 – 0 Dartford (11/12/2021 – National South)
Maidstone United 0 – 3 Dartford (02/10/2021 – F.A Cup)
Maidstone United 0 – 2 Dartford (14/11/2020 – National South)
Maidstone United 0 – 1 Dartford (21/01/2020 – Kent Senior Cup)

Statistics

Dartford are on their longest streak without scoring against Maidstone United since the 1920’s. Another blank will set a record of four games without a goal against the Stones.
The Darts were unbeaten in seven away games in all competitions against the Stones (W6, D1) until last season’s defeat
Dartford have won four, drawn one, lost one at the Gallagher Stadium since it opened in 2012

On This Day

Dartford have won one of their last seven games on this day and that was 36 years ago. The Darts travelled to Leicester United in the Southern Premier League and come home with a 1-0 win. The last two matches on 9 January were also on the road but ended in defeat. In 1999, Dartford were beaten 1-0 by Yate Town in the Southern League South. Three years ago, Chris Dickson scored a penalty against Braintree Town in a 2-1 loss.

Weston-super-Mare v Dartford

January 5, 2024 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford begin the year with a cross country trip to Weston-super-Mare this weekend in the National South.

The Darts picked up just one win in December to finish an inconsistent twelve months in thirteenth place. Over the festive period Alan Dowson’s side managed to add four points to their tally against local rivals Welling United. This weekend’s opponents had back to back matches against Weymouth and gained just one point.

Dartford’s festive double header with Welling United saw them win on the road and draw back at Princes Park. On Boxing Day, the Darts claimed a maximum at Park View Road. Richard Chin scored the only goal of the game just before the hour mark.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In the reverse fixture, Dowson made no changes to the starting eleven for the first time in almost two months. However, injuries to Luke Allen and Chin meant the pair were unable to finish the game. As a result, Chin’s loan spell has come to an end for now with an option of returning once fit to play again. After coming back to the club, Jack Smith was named on the bench and made his first appearance since returning. Once again, the Darts went ahead when Luke Coulson volleyed Paul Rooney’s cross. With minutes left of the Kent derby, Welling United salvaged a point in the 97^th minute when Ike Orji’s cross went in off Moussa Diarra.

Weston-super-Mare started this year as they ended the last with plenty of goals. During December the six games involving the Seagulls produced 28 goals. In the F.A Trophy they knocked out Dowson’s old club Woking winning 3-2. They also lost by the same scoreline in the league at home to Truro City the week after, then on Boxing Day versus Weymouth. Scott Bartlett’s side began last month by hitting four in consecutive games beating Welling United 4-2 and Worthing 4-0. The Saturday before Christmas was a relatively low scoring affair. The Seagulls were defeated 2-1 at Hampton and Richmond Borough.

On New Year’s Day the reverse fixture against Weymouth ended 3-3. Another entertaining game left Weston-super-Mare disappointed down in Dorset. The Somerset club twice had a two-goal lead but failed to hang on. Bartlett made two changes to the side that lost against the Terras six days earlier, Jordan Bastin and Alex Fletcher making a start. Dayle Grubb set up Sam Avery for Weston’s first, then a minute later Fletcher scored. In first half-stoppage time Brandon Goodship’s penalty halved the deficit for the hosts. Reuben Reid restored a two-goal cushion ten minutes after the interval with his eighth league goal of the season. However, Goodship and Ezio Touray completed the comeback to leave the match all square. The Seagulls are now two points behind the Darts with a game in hand.

In October, Dartford beat the Seagulls at Princes Park. The first meeting between the two sides in four and half years produced six goals. In a game full of action, Coulson was involved in three goals, Mitchell Beeney saved a penalty and Alex Wall netted and received a red card.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Halfway through the first half Reuben Reid put the visitors ahead. Six minutes later Weston-super-Mare were awarded a spot kick, which was kept out by Beeney. Coulson set up Rooney before half-time as the sides went in level at the break. In the second-half it was Dartford’s turn to win a penalty, but this time Coulson scored. Wall added a third and the striker made it four after finishing Coulson’s cross. Luke Pearce scored a late consolation for the Seagulls in an entertaining match.

Dartford’s last two trips to Weston-super-Mare have ended in defeat. On both occasions the Darts conceded three times. In April 2019, Ryan Hayes scored a consolation. The Seagulls were three up before half-time. In September 2017, Weston-super-Mare scored three without reply.

League Form

Dartford (WDLLWD)			Weston-super-Mare (WWLLLD)
Welling United	H	1-1	Weymouth	A	3-3
Welling United	A	1-0	Weymouth	H	2-3
St Albans City	H	0-3	Hampton & Richmond	A	1-2
Tonbridge Angels	A	0-4	Truro City	H	2-3
Yeovil Town	H	2-2	Worthing	H	4-0
Torquay United	H	3-0	Welling United	H	4-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 10 / Weston-super-Mare wins: 4 / Draws: 4

Previous Meetings

Dartford 4 – 2 Weston-super-Mare (31/10/2023 – National South)
Weston-super-Mare 3 – 1 Dartford (06/04/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Weston-super-Mare (29/09/2018 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Weston-super-Mare (07/04/2018 – National South)
Weston-super-Mare 3 – 0 Dartford (23/09/2017 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Weston-super-Mare (17/01/2017 – National South)

Statistics

The home side has won each of the last six league games in this fixture. The Darts recorded the last league away win in August 2016
The Darts have lost in their last two league visits to the Woodspring Stadium
Dartford have won four of their last six opening games of the year (D1, L1)

On This Day

Dartford have not lost on 6 January for 62 years. Unbeaten in seven on this day, the Darts have drawn their last two. Ben Greenhalgh scored in a 1-1 draw with Concord Rangers in 2018, tbhe last time Dartford played on this day. The previous outing was a goalless affair with Greenwich Borough 28 years ago in the Kent League. Prior the pair of draws the Darts had won five in a row beating Moor Green 4-1 in 1990, Fisher Athletic and Nuneaton Borough 1-0 in 1987 and 1975 respectively and Dover 2-1 two years earlier. The winning streak started against Folkestone with another 1-0 win in 1968. The Darts have only lost twice on this day winning nine and drawing three.

Dartford v Welling United

December 29, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford end the year at home to local rivals Welling United in the National South this weekend.

Just four days since their Boxing Day clash both sides are looking to pick up vital points in the league. Dartford’s inconsistent campaign can go a variety of ways in a tight division. Optimistic in chasing a playoff place, the Darts are hoping to move up the table. Welling United have the same ambitions, but victory for them will help them in their current relegation battle.

The Darts edged the Boxing Day clash thanks to Richard Chin’s third goal of the season. Alan Dowson made two changes to the side that collapsed against St Albans City in their last home game. In came Paul Rooney and Luke Allen to replace Jordan Wynter and Harvey Bradbury. At Park View Road, in a poor first half there wasn’t much between the two sides, the hosts just about the better team. However, Dartford approached the second-half with much more energy and were rewarded just before the hour. George Alexander was put through on goal, but his effort was saved. Chin kept pace and he stroked home the rebound into an empty net.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The first away clean sheet since August helped Dartford to three important points. Victory moved them up five places into thirteenth. Meanwhile, Welling United remain in the relegation zone eight points from safety.

Ahead of Dartford’s final game of 2023, Dowson has re-signed midfielder Jack Smith. The 22 year-old returns after a spell with National North side King’s Lynn Town. He made 35 appearances whilst on loan with the Darts last season scoring four goals.

In Kent derbies Dowson had excelled, winning nine of his first ten in league. Welling United were the only team to stop the Darts with a draw, until defeat at Tonbridge Angels a fortnight ago. The unbeaten Kent derby run in the National South ended emphatically when Dartford were handsomely beaten by the Angels. However, Dartford do have an excellent record in league competition against the Wings.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Yet it was Danny Bloor’s side who won last time out at Princes Park when they met in September. For a second season in a row the Darts exited the F.A Cup at the first hurdle. Antony Papadopoulos was Welling United’s hat-trick hero as the Wings came to Princes Park and won 3-2. Dartford twice took the lead through Lewis Manor. However, Papadopoulos had the answer to send Dowson’s side out of the competition.

Dartford last hosted Welling United in the National South just over a year ago when they were on a crest of a wave. During Dowson’s best spell since his appointment, they won 5-1. Racing into a three-goal lead before the break Pierre Fonkeu, Davide Rodari and former Wing, Maxwell Statham scored the goals to put Dartford well in command. Former Dart, Ade Azeez pulled a goal back for the visitors, but the advantage was later stretched when Jack Smith and Luke Coulson wrapped up a fine display.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The reverse fixture saw the Darts twice go a goal down to come away with a point. George Alexander, now on loan at Dartford scored for the Wings to open the scoring. It took a while for the away team to get going and they were level through another former Wing, Charlie Sheringham. The hosts went back ahead after Ade Azeez smashed a shot in off the underside of the crossbar against his old side, but Malachi Napa confidently finished to level the match at 2-2.

Former players facing their old side is common in this fixture and this term it’s no different. As well as Sheringham, Statham and Alexander, Harvey Bradbury also had a spell at Park View Road. The striker spent some of the 2020/2021 campaign with Welling United scoring twice in eight appearances. Lining up against Dartford could be goalkeeper Charles-Cook and full back Rob Howard. Both spent a short amount of time with the Darts, Charles Cook made nine appearances and Howard seven.

Welling United had a terrible start to their campaign with an opening day thrashing at newly promoted Truro City. The Wings went on to lose their first four matches before getting their first victories. Incredibly Welling United went on a ten-match winless streak involving seven draws. An entertaining 4-3 win at home to Slough Town ended that run before a 4-1 reverse to Braintree Town. Bloor’s side shocked league leaders Yeovil Town with a 4-1 home triumph a month ago, but they are still in need of points as they approach the New Year. One point in their last five outings and no goals in the last three has put the Wings under more pressure.

League Form

Dartford (LWDLLW)			Welling United (WLDLLL)
Welling United	A	1-0	Dartford	H	0-1
St Albans City	H	0-3	Bath City	A	0-4
Tonbridge Angels	A	0-4	Eastbourne Borough	H	0-2
Yeovil Town	H	2-2	Aveley	A	2-2
Torquay United	H	3-0	Weston-super-Mare	A	2-4
Braintree Town	H	0-2	Yeovil Town	H	4-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 26 / Welling United wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Previous Meetings

Welling United 0 – 1 Dartford (26/12/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 3 Welling United (15/09/2023 – F.A Cup)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (04/02/2023 – National South)
Dartford 5 – 1 Welling United (01/11/2022 – National South)
Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (26/04/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 2 Welling United (05/02/2022 – National South)
* – Welling United won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in nine league games against Welling United (W7, D2)
At home, the Darts have taken 22 out of the last 24 points available versus the Wings (W7, D1) and have only ever lost one league match to Welling United in December 2013 (W10, D2)
Dartford have lost just one in the last 17 league matches against Welling United (W11, D5)

On This Day

It’s been 15 years since Dartford played on 30 December. The Darts ended 2008 with a win at Ramsgate, Jamie Day scoring the only goal in the Isthmian Premier League contest. At Princes Park, two years earlier Ryan Hayes scored twice in a 4-2 victory over Whyteleafe. Ryan Briggs and Brendon Cass also netted in the Isthmian Division One South fixture. In 1989, Dartford also defeated Crawley Town 2-0 in the Southern Premier League at Watling Street. Another win to close 2023 will make it four in a row on this day.

Tag: National South (Page 2 of 14)

Dartford v Taunton Town

Slough Town v Dartford

Dover Athletic v Dartford

Dartford v Chippenham Town

Bath City v Dartford

Farnborough v Dartford

Dartford v Weymouth

Maidstone United v Dartford

Weston-super-Mare v Dartford

Dartford v Welling United

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