Tag: National South (Page 4 of 14)

Hemel Hempstead Town v Dartford

October 27, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are on the road again this weekend when they take on Hemel Hempstead Town in the National South.

Improved form has seen the Darts push up the table. Three league victories in their last five leaves Alan Dowson’s side three points away from the playoff places. Avoiding defeat will keep Dartford above this weekend’s opponents.

Hemel Hempstead Town are a point behind in a congested mid-table. The Tudors have a balanced home record and have drawn six of their last nine. In mid-week their unbeaten run of eight league matches came to an end.

On Tuesday, for the first time this season Dartford gained a point after falling behind. Eastbourne Borough scored early in the second-half when Fletcher Holman took advantage of a defensive error. A piece of individual skill from Brandon Barzey made sure the Darts came home with something to show. The draw at Priory Lane was Dartford’s tenth point from the last 15 available, one more than their opening nine games. Dowson made no changes to the starting eleven and no substitutions down in Sussex. After the game the Dartford boss suggested he will ‘freshen things up’ ahead of this weekend’s fixture.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Victory followed a 2-0 home win against bottom of the table Havant and Waterlooville. Joash Nembhard scored against his former team and this weekend will face another of his previous clubs. The central defender played 30 times for the Tudors during the 2021/22 season. His partner at the back Moussa Diarra also had a spell for Hemel Hempstead Town winning promotion to the National South. Over three campaigns, Diarra made 82 appearances. Strikers Alex Wall and Charlie Sheringham have hardly featured this term. The pair have also spent time at Vauxhall Road during their careers. Wall returned to the Dartford squad in mid-week after recovering from injury.

The Tudors have a couple of former Dartford players of their own. Goalkeeper, Craig King wore the number one jersey 18 times. Leaving on loan to Hemel Hempstead Town, he went on to make a permanent switch to the Hertfordshire side. Josh Hill left in the same season and played 68 games for the Darts scoring 7 goals.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The away side won both games last season with Dartford taking the honours at Vauxhall Road. Former Tudor, Samir Carruthers delicately curled the opener into the top corner from just inside the box. The 29-year-old added another scoring directly from a free-kick. The reverse fixture finished 3-1 to Hemel Hempstead Town at Princes Park. Jack Westbrook gave the away team the lead before Connor Essam’s equaliser. Approaching the interval, Kyle Ajayi scored a stunner and late in the match Jeremie Mukendi grabbed a third.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Hemel Hempstead Town won their first two this season, then lost the next two. Since then the Tudors have become draw specialists in the league. Three consecutive stalemates was followed by an away win at Chelmsford City. Bradley Quinton’s side picked up another point before an impressive home win against Torquay United. Two trips to Kent resulted in plenty of goals as they drew on both occasions. Their match at Tonbridge Angels ended 3-3, then they secured a 2-2 draw at Dover Athletic. The Tudors showed plenty of character against Dover Athletic, twice coming from behind with ten men. However, they were unable to repeat the comeback when they lost 2-0 at home to Braintree Town on Tuesday night.

Current League Form

Dartford (LWWLWD)			Hemel Hempstead Town (WDWDDL)
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-1	Braintree Town	H	0-2
Havant & Waterlooville	H	2-0	Dover Athletic	A	2-2
Hampton & Richmond	A	3-4	Tonbridge Angels	A	3-3
Chippenham Town	A	4-1	Torquay United	H	3-2
Tonbridge Angels	H	1-0	Worthing	A	1-1
St Albans City	A	0-1	Chelmsford City	A	2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Hemel Hempstead Town wins: 2 / Draws: 5

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 3 Hemel Hempstead Town (14/01/2023 – National South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 0 – 2 Dartford (29/08/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Hemel Hempstead Town (09/04/2022 – National South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 2 – 3 Dartford (20/11/2021 – National South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 1 – 3 Dartford (10/11/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Hemel Hempstead Town (31/08/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Hemel Hempstead Town won the first and last league meetings against the Darts. In between those defeats Dartford were unbeaten in 12 league matches (W7, D5)
The Darts are on a streak of five consecutive victories at Vauxhall Road and are unbeaten in six (W5, D1)

On This Day

Unbeaten in their last three games on 28 October, the Darts have only lost one of the last nine on this day. Up against his former team, Tom Bender was the unfortunate St Albans City defender to hand Dartford all three points in 2017. Elliot Bradbrook put Dartford in front at Princes Park. Charlie Walker equalised before Bender’s own goal.

Nine years earlier the Darts were involved in a thrilling comeback. AFC Hornchurch went 3-0 up by half-time. However goals from Cody McDonald, Rob Haworth and Jamie Day stunned the visitors in a 3-3 draw.

The last match on the road on this day was back in 2006 when Brendon Cass scored twice. The striker’s brace helped Dartford to a 3-1 win over Corinthian Casuals. Ryan Hayes scored the other goal in the Isthmian Division One South fixture.

Eastbourne Borough v Dartford

October 23, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford travel to the Sussex coast and will take on Eastbourne Borough in the Natonal League on Tuesday night.

The Darts could end up in the playoff places by the end of the evening. A victory and other results going their way will be enough to enter the top seven. Improved form over the last month has led to Alan Dowson’s side winning four of their last five.

Eastbourne Borough made changes on and off the field this summer. A takeover and an injection of cash put the Sports among the favorites for promotion. However, a slow start and inconsistent results leaves Mark Beard’s side in the bottom six.

The Darts got one over their former manager on the weekend with a 2-0 win over Havant and Waterlooville. Yet it was an ex-Hawk who stole the headlines with a brace. Central defender, Joash Nembhard was at the double to continue his goalscoring form. Ever present in the National South this season, the 25-year-old has now scored three in his last two appearances. Dowson made one change to the starting lineup by replacing Jayden Boulton with Jordan Wynter. The versatile midfielder made his 150th start for the club. Meanwhile, Luke Allen featured as a substitute to make his 100th appearance.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dowson praised Wynter’s performance and his midfield partner Paul Rooney after the win. Delighted with recent progress, the Dartford boss was pleased with the back four after a third consecutive home clean sheet. However, Dowson urges his squad to continue their good form now there are no major fitness doubts.

Speaking to Dartford FC TV after the home victory, Dowson commented about Tuesday’s clash with Eastbourne Borough, he said: “It’ll be a tough game, they have a young side and they have got some decent players. But, if we are going to challenge and believe we will be around the playoffs and beyond, we’ve got to go on and get results. We’ve got to make this push and I believe we can do it”.

The 4-3 defeat at Hampton and Richmond Borough has been Dartford’s only blip in a month. Whilst a 4-1 triumph at Chippenham Town means the Darts have netted seven in their last two away games. At home, a pair of 1-0 wins in league and cup kickstarted the current run of form. Tonbridge Angels were beaten with a Rooney goal. Harrow Borough were knocked out of the London Senior Cup after an own goal.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The home side won 2-1 in both of these fixtures last season. Dartford travelled to Priory Lane back in April and took the lead. Harvey Bradbury made a blistering start to his Dartford career heading in his third goal in four appearances. The hosts turned the game around with goals from Leone Gravata and Luke Pearce. Substitutions and further injuries left the Darts down to nine men by the end of the match. In goal for Dartford that day was Eastbourne Borough goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski. The former Dart played 13 times for Dowson keeping five clean sheets before his switch in the summer.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Cup involvements and rearranged games has seen Eastbourne Borough’s fixture list top heavy with away games. The Sussex side will be at home for the first time in the league for over a month. In fact just one of their last six National South matches have been at Priory Lane. The last resulted in a manager returning to BN23 with Welling United. The Sports drew 2-2 with Danny Bloor’s side and took the lead from the spot through Decarrey Sheriff. The Wings scored twice to lead, but Shiloh Remy made sure the points were shared.

The Sports lost on the weekend going down to a 3-1 defeat at Weymouth. Slipping to nineteenth, Beard’s side were below par on Saturday. They fell behind when Tom Bearwish and Ezio Touray scored in the first-half for the Terras. After the break, Fletcher Holman pulled a goal back, but former Dart, Dan Roberts sealed victory for Weymouth. Beard made two changes to the side that beat St Albans City a fortnight earlier. Zak Emmerson earned a place in the starting eleven thanks to a hat-trick against the Saints. The 19-year-old came off the bench at half-time to score his first senior treble. Eastbourne Borough came from behind twice to win 3-2 at Clarence Park.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLWWLW)			Eastbourne Borough (WLDLWL)
Havant & Waterlooville	H	2-0	Weymouth	A	1-3
Hampton & Richmond	A	3-4	St Albans City	A	3-2
Chippenham Town	A	4-1	Taunton Town	A	1-2
Tonbridge Angels	H	1-0	Welling United	H	2-2
St Albans City	A	0-1	Yeovil Town	A	2-3
Slough Town	H	1-2	Havant & Waterlooville	A	2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 15 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 9 / Draws: 4

Last Six Meetings

Eastbourne Borough 2 – 1 Dartford (07/04/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (27/09/2022 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 2 – 7 Dartford (07/05/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (30/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Eastbourne Borough (09/02/2021 – National South)
Eastbourne Borough 3 – 1 Dartford (05/12/2020 – National South)

Statistics

In the last six league trips to Priory Lane the winning side has alternated. Eastbourne Borough were triumphant last time out
Dartford’s last visit to Priory Lane saw a three game winning streak against the Sports come to an end
The Darts have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven versus Eastbourne Borough (W4, L3)
Dartford have scored seven in their last two away games. As many as their previous ten on the road, stretching back to 4 March 2023.

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook scored in each of Dartford’s last three games on 24 October. The Darts have won their last four games on this day with the most recent against Bath City in 2017. Bradbrook’s first-half penalty was added to in the second-half by Duane Ofori-Acheampong in a 2-0 win.

Bradbrook also scored two years earlier when the Darts beat Bishop’s Stortford 2-1. In the opposition lineup that day was Charlie Sheringham. It was Barry Cogan who put Dartford in front before Christian Smith levelled, then Bradbrook netted the winner.

Aveley were swept aside in 2009 despite Adam Flanagan getting sent off. At 1-1, the Darts had to play the majority of the second-half with ten men. Bradbrook opened the scoring, but the Millers equalised through Ryan Edgar. After the red card, Jamie Coyle, Ryan Hayes and Jay May secured the 4-1 victory. Dartford went on to take the Isthmian Premier League title that season.

Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville

October 20, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Plenty of focus will be on Dartford’s next game when they host bottom of the table Havant and Waterlooville and face a few familiar faces.

The Darts thought they had kickstarted their campaign with consecutive league victories until last weekend’s defeat. However, where goals were in short supply, they have managed to find the back of the net more regularly in their last two outings and have lost just once at home this season. Havant and Waterlooville have struggled all season and after Jamie Collins picked up just four points in the opening eight games, the Hawks decided it was time for a managerial change.

So much of the narrative will be surrounding the return of Hawks boss Steve King and the former Dartford players he has taken to Westleigh Park since being appointed. The most surprising on that list of ex-Darts is Tom Bonner who announced his retirement just four months ago despite Alan Dowson’s pleas for the defender to remain at Dartford. Ten years at Princes Park and six years as skipper, Bonner played 456 times to put him sixth in the club’s all-time appearances list. He captained the Darts to back-to-back Kent Senior Cup triumphs whilst King was at the helm. Work commitments may keep the defender out of this weekend’s match, but he has faced Dartford before whilst at Kent rivals Dover Athletic and Ebbsfleet United.

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

When King was appointed Dartford boss in October 2019, they were in a relegation battle. In the same season he took the Darts to a playoff final where they fell short on penalties, his fourth playoff final defeat as manager. Now at Havant and Waterlooville he will be hoping he can steer the Hawks to safety.

Since his arrival King has signed five former Darts including Bonner. Having joined on loan from Dorking Wanderers, Jack Jebb will be threat from set pieces. Adding to the midfield Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong teams up with King for a third time after arriving from Gloucester City. Goalkeeper, Reice Charles-Cook departed Bromley for the Hawks and Michael Kedman from Danish side Aalborg Boldspilklub. In the summer, former boss Jamie Collins signed ex-Dart, Kai Innocent.

Appearances for Dartford

Tom Bonner	456 appearances	19 goals
Jack Jebb	67 appearances	9 goals
Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong	26 appearances	8 goals
Reice Charles-Cook	9 appearances	0 goals
Michael Kedman	8 appearances	0 goals

Dartford have their fair share of former Havant and Waterlooville players too with Joash Nembhard, Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Paul Rooney all joining the Darts this summer. Nembhard has been ever present at the back and captained the side in the loss to St Albans last month. Miller-Rodney scored on his debut and has missed one National South fixture through suspension. Paul Rooney took some time to settle after serving a three-match ban at the start of the campaign but scored the winner against Tonbridge Angels in Dartford’s last home game in the division.

Moussa Diarra was with the Hawks during the 2020/2021 season and has formed a good partnership with Nembhard in central defence. Alex Wall is yet to make a start this term but is the current golden boot holder for the Darts and played for Havant and Waterlooville in 2020/2021. Tommy Block may not have made a first team appearance at Westleigh Park, however he was once part of the Hawks’ academy.

Appearances for Havant and Waterlooville

Paul Rooney	58 appearances	4 goals
Joash Nembhard	28 appearances	0 goals
Alex Wall	25 appearances	5 goals
Tyrell Miller-Rodney	20 appearances	0 goals
Moussa Diarra	15 appearances	1 goal

Dartford had scored on average a goal a game in the league during their opening ten fixtures. A fortnight ago the added four to their goals column and another three last time out. Yet the Darts came away with just one maximum in that time beating Chippenham Town 4-1 on the road. The rescheduled trip to Hampton and Richmond Borough last weekend finished a run of three straight wins in all competitions leaving Dartford down in fourteenth place.

A comeback, two penalties, seven goals and a last-minute winner provided plenty of entertainment, but Dartford came away with nothing from the Beveree. Dowson made three changes to the side that beat Chippenham Town due to the injuries to loanee Joshua Johnson and Jordan Wynter and the suspension of Maxwell Statham. In came academy graduate Jayden Boulton for his first ever league start, the experienced Paul Rooney and Tyrell Miller-Rodney returned from his one game ban.

Despite dominating possession in the first-half, the Darts found themselves two goals down before half-time. Hampton and Richmond Borough went in front through Dean Inman and increased their lead when Isaac Pitblado beat Mitch Beeney at the near post. During the interval Boulton and Rooney were replaced by Archie Woods and Lewis Manor.

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Two quickfire goals had the Darts level, first Harvey Bradbury scored Dartford’s opener for a second game running, then Joash Nembhard headed his first for the club. The Beavers went back ahead after Ben Seymour dispatched his penalty, but once again Dartford found a leveller when Manor outrageously flicked the ball home.

Bradbury had no problems from twelve yards a week earlier by scoring two penalties against Chippenham Town. The striker had the chance to score another from the spot, but his effort went straight down the middle giving Beavers goalkeeper, Adam Desbois an easy save to make. That miss proved costly because in stoppage time Jake Gray scored a dramatic late winner for Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Less than a year ago, Dartford and Havant and Waterlooville were challenging Ebbsfleet United for a potential title race. The Hawks saw former boss, Paul Doswell step down before the season was out and a slide down the table and out of the playoff places. The trend has continued this term with Collins departing leaving the Hampshire side at the foot of the standings. Since taking charge King has had little time to gel his squad and from his opening two league games the Hawks have taken a point.

The goalless draw at Taunton Town was a solid enough start for a side that had lost three in a row. Despite the fact there were no goals in this game there were plenty of chances including a missed penalty by Taunton Town’s Nick McCootie. With the game heading for full-time, the Hawks had Ansu Janneh sent off after he picked up a second caution.

Like Dartford, Havant and Waterlooville’s last game was also against Hampton and Richmond Borough and finished in a late defeat. King’s side gave away a lead to lose 2-1 at Westleigh Park. James Roberts netted the opener from a spot-kick. Ruaridh Donaldson put Hampton and Richmond Borough back on level terms before Kurran-Browne’s winner ten minutes from time.

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Match Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Last season’s fixture at Princes Park over a year ago ended in defeat for Dartford and it was a former Dart, Jason Prior who got his inevitable goal before Davide Rodari equalised. At the time the Darts succumbed to their first defeat of the campaign when Oscar Gobern netted the winner.

Dowson’s side avenged that loss in the reverse game at Westleigh Park, which came at the beginning of a fruitful festive period for the Darts. A top of the table clash saw Wall return to haunt his former club with a brace either side of Josh Passley’s unfortunate own goal. Jake McCarthy halved the deficit for the Hawks, but Wall’s second put the result beyond doubt in a 3-1 win for the Darts. Dowson’s side then went on to beat rivals Ebbsfleet United over Christmas and New Year to temporarily enter the title race.

Current League Form

Dartford (LLLWWL)			Havant & Waterlooville (WLLLDL)
Hampton & Richmond	A	3-4	Hampton & Richmond	H	1-2
Chippenham Town	A	4-1	Taunton Town	A	0-0
Tonbridge Angels	H	1-0	Truro City	H	1-3
St Albans City	A	0-1	Eastbourne Borough	H	1-2
Slough Town	H	1-2	Bath City	A	0-2
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Yeovil Town	H	4-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Havant and Waterlooville wins: 5 / Draws: 5

Last Six Meetings

Havant and Waterlooville 1 – 3 Dartford (14/12/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 2 Havant and Waterlooville (16/08/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (19/03/2022 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 0 – 1 Dartford (09/02/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (31/10/2020 – National South)
Havant and Waterlooville 1 – 2 Dartford (25/07/2020 – National South Playoff)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just once against Havant and Waterlooville in the last nine games (W5, D3)
The home defeat to the Hawks last season was the first loss at Princes Park against the Hampshire side in eight matches (W4, L3)
The Darts have won one of their last four at home against the Havant and Waterlooville (D2, L1)
Luke Allen is now on 99 appearances for the club (71 starts, 28 substitute appearances and 14 goals)
If fit, Jordan Wynter could make his 150^th start for the club

On This Day

Dartford’s only victory in their last five on this day was at home against Burgess Hill Town in 2003. The Darts beat the Sussex side 2-1 in the Southern League Division One East. Six years ago, Chelmsford City won by a solitary Michael West goal. The Clarets then had Kudus Oyenuga red carded after just 19 minutes, but the Darts couldn’t break down the ten men. Prior the run of one win in five, Dartford had won nine and drawn one of the previous ten on 21 October. In 1961 they qualified for the F.A Cup first round with a 4-1 victory over Hastings United. Nine years later the Darts won the first leg of the Kent Senior Shield final 2-1 against Bexley United. Dartford drew the second leg 2-2 to triumph in the county competition.

Hampton and Richmond Borough v Dartford

October 13, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Alan Dowson returns to the Beveree with his Dartford side this weekend to take on one of his former clubs Hampton and Richmond Borough in the National South.

Dartford’s boss spent almost four years with the Beavers winning the Isthmian Premier League before establishing the Middlesex side in the National South. Taking his place in the away dugout on Saturday, Dowson has turned around recent fortunes for the Darts and hopes to continue their current winning streak. After four straight defeats last month, Dartford approach this weekend’s fixture on the back of three consecutive victories.

Paul Rooney scored his first for the club in the 1-0 Kent derby win over Tonbridge Angels, whilst an own goal was the decisive factor in the London Senior Cup tie with Harrow Borough and last weekend Chippenham Town were comfortably beaten.

Dowson made seven changes to the side that won in the cup and three alterations to the team that started the last league game. Tyrell Miller-Rodney was missing through suspension after picking up five cautions, the midfielder should be available for selection on Saturday. Former Hampton and Richmond defender Tommy Block managed 35 minutes against Harrow Borough as he makes his way back from injury, but the defender took no part in the 4-1 win at Chippenham Town. Joshua Johnson is back in a Dartford shirt for his second loan spell with the club. The midfielder from Oxford United made six appearances last season. Lucas Defise made his debut after coming on as a substitute in Wilstshire and goalkeeper Emmanuel Idem was on the bench.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Harvey Bradbury scored a couple of penalties to put Dartford in control at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday. First, Joash Nembhard was clipped in the box giving Bradbury the opportunity from twelve yards to score his first in six games. The striker hit his spot kick straight down the middle to put the Darts ahead. Moussa Diarra won the second penalty when a tangle of legs sent him to the ground, Bradbury opted to fire into the corner and increase the advantage. A third was added before half-time when former Hampton and Richmond Borough winger Brandon Barzey was rewarded for his endeavour with his first goal for the club. Putting pressure on the Chippenham Town defence the Montserrat international charged down the goalkeeper’s clearance and slotted into an empty net.

Sloppy defending allowed the hosts back into the game when Owen Windsor pulled a goal back, but Johnson made it a perfect return to the Darts by firing a shot into the top corner and secure victory. Maxwell Statham played his first league match in over a month, but the full back didn’t finish the game after picking up a red card for two bookings.

Earlier this season, the reverse fixture with Hampton and Richmond Borough ended all square. Dartford went ahead when Block sent in a cross for Bradbury to powerfully header into the top corner. The Beavers levelled with eight minutes remaining after the officials gave a questionable corner. The Darts were unable to clear their lines and when the ball fell to Inman he fired in the equaliser. Barzey was in the thick of the action late on when he received a straight red card for his lunge on an opponent leaving Dartford hanging on in the closing stages.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

It was the second draw in a row against the Middlesex side following a goalless stalemate in April last season. The final game of the campaign had nothing riding on the result, so Dowson elected to rest most of the side in preparation for the playoff semi-final a week later. The Darts were unable to net against Alan Julian, one of their former goalkeepers during a second 0-0 draw in three visits to the Beveree.

Last weekend, Hampton and Richmond Borough secured a late win against bottom of the table side Havant and Waterlooville. Connor Kurran-Browne’s strike saw the Beavers come from behind to win 2-1. The Hawks had led from the penalty spot when James Roberts netted the opener. Ruaridh Donaldson put Hampton and Richmond Borough back on level terms before Kurran-Browne’s winner ten minutes from time. That leaves the Beavers in nineteenth but only one win away from the Darts in twelfth. Victory at Westleigh Park on Saturday ended a run of three without a win for Mel Gwinnet’s side who drew 1-1 with Weston-super-Mare prior two defeats. The Beavers lost to current league leaders Yeovil Town 2-1 and were dumped out of the F.A Cup by Isthmian Premier League side Lewes, losing 3-0 at the Dripping Pan.

Current League Form

Dartford (WLLLWW)			Hampton & Richmond (LLWDLW)
Chippenham Town	A	4-1	Havant & Waterlooville	A	2-1
Tonbridge Angels	H	1-0	Yeovil Town	H	1-2
St Albans City	A	0-1	Weston-super-Mare	A	1-1
Slough Town	H	1-2	Weymouth	H	1-0
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Farnborough	A	1-3
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Aveley	A	0-3

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 6

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (15/08/2023 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (29/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 1 Dartford (26/03/2022 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (22/01/2022 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 – 0 Dartford (10/10/2020 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last 13 league games against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W6, D6) and are unbeaten in the last six (W2, D4)
The Darts have kept three consecutive clean sheets at the Beveree (W1, D2)
Dartford could make it three consecutive league wins for the first time this season and the first time since December 2022/January 2023
There has been just one goal in the last three meetings at the Beveree between Dartford and Hampton and Richmond Borough. The Darts won 1-0 in March 2022.
Jordan Wynter made his 150^th appearance for the Darts in the reverse fixture, this time he could make his 150^th start

On This Day

Dartford have won their last four on this day and are unbeaten in five. In fact, they have only lost one in their last nine outings on 14 October. The last game on this day was six years ago when Alfie Pavey scored the only goal in the F.A Cup fourth qualifying round tie at Burgess Hill Town. In 2006, goals from Richard Avery, Anthony Hogg and Jay May handed Dartford a 3-1 Isthmian Division One South win over Godalming Town. Three years earlier the same score saw the Darts beat Sittingbourne in a Southern League Division One East fixture, whilst in 1989 Heybridge Swifts were beaten 1-0 in the F.A Cup third qualifying round. Dartford have won their last five away games on this day including a 3-1 win against Bexley United in 1970 and a 2-1 victory over Ashford United in 1961. The Darts also beat local rivals Gravesend and Northfleet 2-0 at home in 1967.

Chippenham Town v Dartford

October 6, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return to action in the National South with a visit to Chippenham Town this weekend hoping to build on recent positive results.

Mounting pressure was eased towards the end of the month with a pair of victories in league and cup. Remaining calm and with the backing of the board, Dowson led the Darts to consecutive wins over Tonbridge Angels and Harrow Borough. September was also tough for Chippenham Town, who were without a win in that time until victory down in Devon in their previous outing.

Early F.A Cup exits meant both sides brought forward fixtures last weekend and came away triumphant. Following up a much-needed league win in the Kent derby against Tonbridge Angels, the Darts hosted Isthmian Premier League side Harrow Borough in the London Senior Cup. A week earlier, Paul Rooney netted his first for the club to score the decisive goal against the Angels and end a four-game losing streak. The Dartford boss made seven changes to that winning team in the county cup.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Goalkeeper, Tom Wray, defender Manny Adebowale and academy graduate Jayden Boulton were all given their first starts of the campaign. Maxwell Statham, who has been out for three and half weeks with injury and Tommy Block, a month returned to the side. Block managed 35 minutes of the first half before making way as a precaution. Former Crystal Palace under 18 midfielder Kevin Gonzalez made his debut and Jordan Wynter returned to the starting eleven. A dominant display ensured the Darts progressed to the next round despite the 1-0 scoreline courtesy of Henry Lukombo’s own goal.

Up into eight place and two points behind the playoff places, Chippenham Town took maximum points last Saturday in their trip to Plymouth to face Truro City. The Bluebirds welcomed Luke Haines back from suspension, but Tom Owen-Evans was not up to full fitness following a spell out injured. Matt McClure pulled out of the 4-1 F.A Cup defeat against Hungerford Town in the warmup three weeks ago, but the striker has made an impact since returning to the starting eleven. He scored twice as the Bluebirds won 2-0 against Truro City to claim their fourth league win of the season. McClure, now on five league goals for the campaign, also grabbed the opener in Chippenham Town’s 1-1 draw at Weymouth seven days earlier.

Dartford have lost on their last two visits to Hardenhuish Park having dropped just two points there previously. It’s a game that often brings goals going back to Dartford’s first trip to face Chippenham Town in Wiltshire back in January 2018. Alfie Pavey scored twice in a 2-2 draw that day as the spoils were shared. Sandwiched between a pair of 2-1 victories, in which goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim famously scored the winner in the first of those fixtures, the Darts claimed their biggest ever win against the Bluebirds when they won 5-1 with all the goals coming in the first-half. After four unbeaten matches on the road versus Chippenham Town, the run ended in March last year when the home side put four past Dartford in a 4-2 win. Incredibly the reverse fixture that season finished 3-3 at Princes Park.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Last season’s visit resulted in another 2-1 scoreline, this time in favour of the Bluebirds. A last-minute Jordan Young free-kick clinched three points for this weekend’s opponents, however the talking point came when Chippenham Town equalised before the break. Three defenders combined to give Dartford the lead, Connor Essam’s cross was knocked down by Tom Bonner for Maxwell Statham to nod home. Then the Bluebirds won a dubious penalty. Alefe Santos took the spot kick and a goalkeeping error from Joe Young saw Santos’ effort spilt before the keeper scrambled back to make a save, unfortunately the match officials ruled the ball over the line.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWLLLW)			Chippenham Town (DWDDLD)
Tonbridge Angels	H	1-0	Weymouth	A	1-1
St Albans City	A	0-1	Maidstone United	H	0-2
Slough Town	H	1-2	Taunton Town	H	3-3
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Dover Athletic	A	1-1
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Slough Town	H	2-1
Aveley	A	1-0	Braintree Town	A	0-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Chippenham Town wins: 3 / Draws: 4

Last Six Meetings

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 1 – 2 Dartford (27/10/2020 – National South)
* Chippenham Town won 3-2 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have kept a clean sheet in each of their three victories this season
The Darts have lost their last two visits to Chippenham Town, but were unbeaten in the previous four (W3, D1)
This fixture at Hardenhuish Park has average 4.16 goals a game and no clean sheets. Dartford have netted 14 goals to Chippenham Town’s 11.
Dartford’s clean sheet in the home fixture last season was their first against Chippenham Town since the first meeting in September 2017
If featured, Maxwell Statham will make his 50th appearance for the Darts (46 starts, 3 substitute)

On This Day

Alfie Pavey, Elliot Bradbrook and Andy Pugh helped Dartford to victory on this day in 2017. The Darts beat Bognor Regis Town 3-1 at Princes Park to claim all three points. A crowd of over 5000 witnessed Dartford’s defeat at Bristol Rovers in the National League nine years ago, Matty Taylor scoring the only goal. In 2006, Dartford strolled to a comfortable 4-1 victory in the F.A Trophy preliminary round against Ilford. The last win on this day away from home came in 1989 when Dartford beat Cambridge City 2-1 in the Southern Premier League. Since then the Darts have drawn one and lost three in away games on 7 October.

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels

September 22, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford return to National South action when they host Tonbridge Angels in another Kent derby this weekend.

The Darts were knocked out of the F.A Cup last time out losing to Welling United. Another early cup exit and a fourth straight loss, for the first time in seven years, has arguably put the most amount of pressure on Alan Dowson since his appointment. Tonbridge Angels threatened to make the playoffs last term under Jay Saunders, but they have also started this season slowly. A point better off than Dartford, the Angels were another team to exit the cup last Saturday.

Dowson is confident in his ability to turn results around and in a statement this week has the support of the board. The Darts boss also spoke to www.kentonline.co.uk and said: “I don’t feel under pressure. If anybody else wants to put me under pressure, that’s up to them”. Ten games down and Dowson believes mitigating circumstances haven’t helped the cause. Injuries to players in the early stages of the season has meant he is yet to find the ‘right team’.

Last weekend he made two changes with Paul Rooney coming back into the side and Charlie Sheringham making his first start since the final game of last season. Tyrell Miller-Rodney was named on the bench, but Harvey Bradbury was left out through illness. Alex Wall was among the substitutes after a long spell out injured, alongside Brandon Barzey who returned from international duty. Recovering from injury, Maxwell Statham was not ready to face his former club, neither were Tommy Block and Luke Allen. However, Dowson confirmed the trio could be in contention to return this weekend.

Last weekend, Dartford’s Lewis Manor and Welling United’s hat-trick hero, Antony Papadopoulos were both on target as the Darts twice went in front to lose 3-2. Manor was lurking at the far post to head in the opener from close range. However, after the drinks break Welling United piled on the pressure and just before half-time were level when Papadopoulos scored direct from a free-kick. Route one football led to Dartford retaking the lead in the second half. Mitch Beeney hit a long goal kick which found Manor who volleyed from a tight angle. Once again the Wings equalised when Papadopoulos scored from the edge of the box. The midfielder then completed his treble tapping the winner into the Dartford net.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts will be keen to end a three game losing streak in the league and will draw on their recent Kent derby record for inspiration. In the nine local league fixtures under Dowson, Dartford have won eight and drawn one. The last time they hosted Tonbridge Angels goals from Samir Carruthers and Pierre Fonkeu earned Dartford a 2-0 victory. Carruthers was pivotal in October’s meeting scoring direct from a corner then getting involved in the second goal as well. His flick on for Charlie Sheringham led to an effort on target, which Fonkeu followed up and scrambled over the line. In the return fixture back in April, Malachi Napa netted the only goal of the game to complete a double over the Angels.

Another hat-trick hero influenced Tonbridge Angels’ F.A Cup tie last weekend. Just like the Darts, the Kent side were determined to put the shock exit from a year ago behind them. Jay Saunders named a strong side against Haringey Borough, which included former Darts Jordan Greenidge and Jernade Meade. Greenidge scored six goals in just eight appearances during his short stay at Princes Park, whilst Meade played 40 games for the Darts over two spells.

The headlines were written by Matthew Young, whose three goals helped Haringey Borough to a 4-2 cupset. The unfortunate Greenidge gave away a penalty to present Young with the chance from the spot, which he duly took. Greenidge equalised, however Borough were back in front when Young scored on the stroke of half-time. The match ball was claimed with a third in the second-half and when Gianni Crichlow pulled a goal back the Angels had hope. With seven minutes to go, Walter Figuera made sure to send Haringey Borough into the next round.

That’s now one win in six for the Angels as they struggle to replicate the form that took them to an all-time high of ninth place last season. That solitary victory at the beginning of the month saw Tonbridge Angels put five past Slough Town. Considering they have scored just eight in the league it is clear where improvements are needed, the Kent club have failed to score in six National South matches out of the nine played. Last time in the league, Saunders’ side were comfortably beaten at home by Taunton Town.

Current Form

Dartford (WWLLLL)			Tonbridge Angels (LLWDLL)
Welling United (FAC)	H	2-3	Haringey Borough (FAC)	A	2-4
St Albans City	A	0-1	Taunton Town	H	0-3
Slough Town	H	1-2	Braintree Town	H	0-0
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Slough Town	A	5-2
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Welling United	H	0-1
Aveley	A	1-0	Yeovil Town	A	0-2
FAC – F.A Cup

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 72 / Tonbridge Angels wins: 38 / Draws: 25

Last Six Meetings

Tonbridge Angels 0 – 1 Dartford (15/04/2023 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (15/10/2022 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 2 – 3 Dartford (29/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Tonbridge Angels (11/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (05/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (28/12/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won nine of their last 11 league games against Tonbridge Angels (D1, L1)
In all competitions the Darts have lost just one in the last 16 meetings (W13, D2)
In the league, the Darts have won five of the last six at Princes Park versus the Angels (D1, L0).
In all competitions Dartford have won seven of the last nine at home against Tonbridge Angels (D2, L0)
The Darts have scored in each of the last 19 games in this fixture

On This Day

Rob Haworth scored what turned out to be a Kent derby winner against rivals Maidstone United on this day in 2008. Dartford’s only victory in their last five outings on this day came on the road at Central Park. The Darts led on 18 minutes after Steve Butterworth hit a low drive beyond the Stones keeper. One became two shortly afterwards and some slick build up play was finished off by a Haworth header. The hosts halved the deficit through Meshach Nugent, but the Darts stood firm to claim bragging rights. Way back in 1967, Dartford faced Tonbridge in the Southern League First Division and recorded a 1-0 win.

St Albans City v Dartford

September 8, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will be determined to put last season’s playoff defeat and current form behind them when they travel to St Albans City this weekend.

The Darts suffered heartbreak in May when they lost on penalties to a Saints side who fell short in the final. Dartford slipped down the National South standings in mid-week losing their second match in three days. St Albans City have taken four points in that time without conceding, ending their own barren spell of three defeats on the spin.

Dartford have been unable to replicate their form at the end of last year and so far in 2023 their inconsistencies have led to a slow start. On the weekend the long trip west finished in a 1-0 defeat against Taunton Town when Dave Sims-Burgess was allowed a free header at goal. Aiming to bounce back from the disappointment, Alan Dowson’s side had the chance on Tuesday night against bottom of the table Slough Town and failed to take it.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV – Footage credit: NLTV

Only one change was made to the starting lineup with Dowson opting to play two strikers, Lewis Manor selected ahead of Moussa Diarra. After serving a three-match suspension, Brandon Barzey is now away on international duty with Montserrat, whilst Tommy Block, Luke Allen, Alex Wall and Sam Odaudu are recovering from injury. Charlie Sheringham returned to the squad and made a substitute appearance against Slough Town, but Maxwell Statham suffered an injury and was replaced mid-way through the first half. A lacklustre performance left the Darts pointless and after Baris Altintop’s first Dartford goal cancelled out George Alexander’s twelfth minute strike, the Rebels scored the winner courtesy of Tyrese Dyce.

Alternating wins and losses in their opening three games, St Albans City went on to lose three on the trot ahead of the weekend. David Noble’s side stopped the unwanted run with a 0-0 draw at Welling United on Saturday. Three days later the Saints took on Dover Athletic and secured a 2-0 victory. Zane Banton and George Hoddle were unavailable due to injury, Nathan Carlyle was brought in to replace Dylan Fage. Forward, Mitchell Weiss assisted and scored to inspire his side. The 30-year-old set up Andronicos Georgiou in the first half and doubled Saints’ lead in the second. Former Dartford midfielder Bobby Dunn featured coming on as a late substitute.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In the three meetings last season the honours were even with Dartford drawing in their last visit to Clarence Park. Loanee, Jack Smith scored his first goal for the Darts to open the scoring. However, Saints equalised through Shaun Jeffers. In the return fixture, despite Dartford winning 2-1, it will be the goal scored by Jeffers that sticks long in the memory. First, Richard Chin provided the pass for Samir Carruthers to finish and put the Darts in front. However, Saints were back level when Jeffers acrobatically struck the ball beyond Ben Dudzinski. The hosts found a winner thanks to a pair of substitutes. Luke Coulson’s free-kick was saved only for Fonkeu to pounce and net the winner.

The crucial playoff semi-final clash came a fortnight later and this time St Albans City prevailed in a shoot-out. Harvey Bradbury gave Dartford the advantage when his clever lob beat the onrushing goalkeeper, Dylan Berry. The Darts were five minutes away from going in at the break with a one goal lead, but a low corner was converted by Aidan Francis-Clarke to draw level. No further goals were scored in the second-half or during extra time and so it came down to the pressure of penalties. When Berry saved Carruthers’ effort from 12 yards it was an advantage the Saints wouldn’t relinquish. St Albans City went on to score all five kicks to win 5-3 and progress to the final.

Current Form

Dartford (DDWWLL)			St Albans City (WLLLDW)
Slough Town	H	1-2	Dover Athletic	H	2-0
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Welling United	A	0-0
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Bath City	H	0-2
Aveley	A	1-0	Taunton Town	A	2-3
Farnborough	H	1-1	Torquay United	H	0-1
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Havant & Waterlooville	A	2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 12 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 7

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (07/05/2023 – National South Playoffs)*
Dartford 2 – 1 St Albans City (22/04/2023 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 1 Dartford (22/10/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 1 St Albans City (23/04/2022 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 3 Dartford (14/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 St Albans City (17/11/2020 – National South)
* – St Albans City won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford are unbeaten in their last four league games against St Albans City (W3, D1) and have lost just once in the last eight league matches (W5, D2)
The Darts are unbeaten in three league games at Clarence Park (W2, D1) after losing the previous four without scoring
Both teams have scored in the previous five competitive meetings
Dartford have gone 15 games without a clean sheet against St Albans City stretching back to February 2016

On This Day

Ryan Hayes set up two goals and scored the other in a 3-0 home win over Chippenham Town six years ago. The winger’s accurate cross was headed in by Alfie Pavey in the first-half. After the interval, Hayes picked out Andy Pugh at the far post to double the lead. To wrap things up, Hayes got his goal sweeping the ball home into the bottom corner.

In 2014, the Darts came back from two goals down to clinch a last-minute draw with Eastleigh at Princes Park in the National League. The Spitfires scored twice inside 22 minutes through Jamie Collins and James Constable. However, the hosts fought back after the break with goals from Elliot Bradbrook and a ninetieth minute equaliser by Harry Crawford.

Dartford’s last away game on this day was 23 years ago when they lost 1-0 to Spalding United in the Southern League Division One East. The last victory on their travels on 9 September came in 1998 when the Darts beat Reading Town 3-0 in a F.A Cup preliminary round replay.

Dartford v Slough Town

September 5, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford will want to get back to winning ways when they host bottom of the table Slough Town on Tuesday night.

After securing their first victories over the Bank Holiday weekend, the Darts were beaten on Saturday by a single goal leaving them three points off the top seven. Slough Town prop up the National South with just a solitary win to their name. The Rebels have lost their last three and have the leakiest defence in the division.

The Darts have got the better of Slough Town over the last three years claiming maximum points in the last five National South meetings. Throwing in a playoff victory and a penalty shoot out triumph in the F.A Trophy, the Darts have had plenty of joy in this fixture. The Rebels did manage to defeat Dartford in the F.A Cup during that period, but their only ever victories in the league came in the 2019/20 campaign when they completed a double over the Darts.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Kieran Murtagh scored the winning goal in last season’s fixture against the Rebels. Justifying Alan Dowson’s decision to select the midfielder in the starting lineup, Murtagh headed home Luke Coulson’s cross. Alex Wall also had an opportunity ruled out for offside, but Dartford went on to win 1-0.

Just under a year ago the Darts also won against the Berkshire side on their travels. Slough Town took the lead in the first-half through Josh Jackman, however Dartford showed character after going behind. Charlie Sheringham put the Darts on level terms in the second-half. Then the introduction of Pierre Fonkeu proved pivotal, the forward completed the turnaround with the match winner.

On the weekend Dartford suffered a narrow defeat down in Somerset ending an unbeaten run of four. In a close encounter with Taunton Town, Dave Sims-Burgess’ goal proved to be decisive for the hosts condemning the Darts to a second loss this season. Dowson made two changes to the side that beat Aveley 1-0 and Dover Athletic 2-0 over the Bank Holiday period.

Moussa Diarra made his debut after signing on loan from Barnet until January and Maxwell Statham returned to the starting eleven. Red carded against his former club Hampton and Richmond Borough last month, Brandon Barzey served the last of his three match ban. Tommy Block was unfit for Saturday, Sam Odaudu was out injured and Alex Wall is returning to fitness having yet to feature this season. Luke Allen was not involved in the squad despite coming back from injury against Dover Athletic, Lewis Manor was ill and Charlie Sheringham had been away all week.

Dowson reverted to playing one up front at Taunton Town, but has acknowledged he’d prefer an extra striker, he told Dartford FC TV after the game: “We had thirty balls in the box today. If Lewis Manor would have played it would have been a lot different because I think he would have had a hat-trick to be honest”, he added: “I know I’ve got too many players who are a bit of the same up front. I’m not daft, I am looking very hard to get a little nippy one because I wanted to go two up top”. The Dartford boss is hopeful new loan signing Archie Woods will add more creativity to help out the forwards, Dowson was impressed by the youngster and commented: “In the final third we didn’t create anything, but I thought when young Archie came on he created things and he looked lively”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Woods was named on the bench and came on to make his debut. The 19-year-old has been signed from West Ham United until the end of the season. The midfielder made 22 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers under 21 side last season after securing a professional contract in the summer last year.

Slough Town have had a tough start to their campaign with one win in seven. Although the Rebels have scored in each game they have the worst defence in the National South, form highlighted by their 5-2 home defeat against Tonbridge Angels on the weekend.

It was the Rebels who went in front with player manager, Scott Davies leading by example by scoring. At the break the sides were level after an attempted clearance from a James Fielding header found the back of Slough Town’s net. Ibby Akanbi started the second-half scoring spree for the Angels, Kodi Lyons-Foster added a third and Ruben Soares-Junior a fourth. Slough Town’s Rohun Luthra saved a penalty before it became 5-1 when Nathan Wood scored with his first touch. In the final minute George Alexander netted a consolation for the hosts.

Former Dartford player Temi Eweka took part in the defeat versus Tonbridge Angels and could face his old side. The defender played for the Rebels on loan last season from Maidenhead United and signed for the Berkshire club in the summer. Coming through the Darts academy, Eweka made three appearances for Dartford during the 2017/2018 campaign before leaving for VCD Athletic.

Davies has led his side to one victory this term and that was against newly promoted Weston-super-Mare. Alexander, who scored against the Darts for Welling United last season netted a first-half hat-trick in a 3-0 win. Either side of that triumph the Rebels have lost three in a row, opening their campaign with a 2-1 loss at Maidstone United. Beaten by the same scoreline at home to Dover Athletic, Slough Town went on to get soundly defeated 4-1 by Worthing. Another pair of 2-1 losses to Torquay United and Chippenham Town followed the win in Weston, and their sixth defeat was recorded on the weekend.

Current Form

Dartford (LDDWWL)			Slough Town (LLWLLL)
Taunton Town	A	0-1	Tonbridge Angels	H	2-5
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Chippenham Town	A	1-2
Aveley	A	1-0	Torquay United	H	1-2
Farnborough	H	1-1	Weston-super-Mare	A	3-0
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Worthing	H	1-4
Weymouth	A	0-1	Dover Athletic	H	1-2

Head to Head

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

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 0 Slough Town (21/02/2023 – 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 won five consecutive league games against Slough Town with an aggregate score of 14-1
The Darts have kept three clean sheets in a row against the Rebels in the league at Princes Park
Luke Coulson has now made 50 appearances for the Darts (42 starts, 8 sub, 9 goals)
Slough Town have lost all three games this season against Kent sides

On This Day

Dartford have not conceded a goal on this day in 36 years, scoring 18 without reply. Unbeaten in their last seven games on 5 September the last five fixtures have seen the Darts keep consecutive clean sheets. The most recent was the 4-0 victory at Whitehawk six years ago in which Alfie Pavey, Ryan Hayes, Elliot Bradbrook and Lyle Della-Verde all scored. The only team to hold the Darts to a draw in that spell was Bath City in 2015 at Twerton Park. Hendon were soundly beaten 5-0 in 2009, goals from Lee Burns, Rob Haworth, a brace from Jay May and Lee Noble secured three Isthmian Premier League points during the title winning campaign. The same score was recorded five years earlier in the F.A Cup preliminary round win over Horsham YMCA, and in the F.A Vase back in 1995 Steyning Town were beaten 4-0.

Taunton Town v Dartford

September 1, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are eyeing up a third consecutive National South victory this weekend when they make the long journey across the country to face Taunton Town.

The Darts climbed the table after a series of draws and a defeat left them winless in the opening four fixtures of their campaign. However, back-to-back victories over the Bank Holiday period has moved Dartford up ten places and into eleventh. Now just a point from the playoff zone, things are looking up for Alan Dowson’s side and victory will take them above Taunton Town. The Peacocks enjoyed a solid debut in the league last term and have begun this season even better. Rob Dray’s side have a perfect home record at Wordsworth Drive and hope to keep that momentum going.

Searching for a winning formula Alan Dowson tweaked the forward line last weekend and finally hit the jackpot. The Dartford boss then stuck with the same side two days later and was rewarded with maximum points over the August Bank Holiday. Opting to play two up front, Lewis Manor was given his first start in the late 1-0 win over Aveley. However, it was his strike partner Harvey Bradbury that made the headlines with an injury time header to snatch Dartford a first victory of the season. A first clean sheet was also welcomed by the defence, especially goalkeeper Mitch Beeney.

In the derby clash at home to Dover Athletic on Monday, James Golding and Manor both opened their accounts for the Darts with their first competitive goals. The hosts controlled the game and went into the lead after the visitors were unable to clear Luke Coulson’s free-kick. Eventually the ball found its way to Golding who stabbed home from close range. Coulson caused more problems in the second-half when his corner found Manor, who powerfully headed the ball beyond Billy Terrell in the Dover Athletic goal. The scoreline could have been more and Coulson could have easily made it three, but the captain blasted his penalty over the crossbar. Another shut out by Beeney in goal means the Darts have kept consecutive clean sheets.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Taunton Town were one of three teams who completed the double over Dartford last season. Just over a year ago, the Darts last visit to Wordsworth Drive ended in a 2-1 defeat. Davide Rodari scored the opener when he chased down Sam Odaudu’s long ball, but a mix up at the back between goalkeeper Jack Bycroft and centre half Dan Ball allowed Rodari to get between the pair, round the keeper and slot into an empty net. Another long ball caused problems with 15 minutes to go, this time for the Darts. Tom Bonner was caught out and substitute Dave Sims-Burgess took advantage to equalise. Then four minutes later another sub won it for the Peacocks, Stearn netting from close range.

In the return fixture the visitors started better, Nat Jarvis having a goal ruled out for offside. The Darts responded when Luke Allen twice struck the woodwork. With very little happening in the second-half Taunton Town’s Cameron Evans scored with three minutes to go to hand the visitors a 1-0 triumph.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Taunton Town boast a perfect home record starting with the opening day victory against Braintree Town. The Peacocks fought back from a goal down to win 2-1 against the Iron. Taunton Town conceded early, which was not an ideal start for debutante goalkeeper Dan Lavercombe, whose clearance rebounded off Nnamdi Nwachuku and into the empty net. The Peacocks recovered well and were level in first half stoppage time through Nick Grimes. In the second-half, manager Dray introduced Ross Stearn and barely a minute later he netted the winner.

The Darts will be the second Kent club to visit Wordsworth Drive this season. After the Peacocks lost their first game on their travels to Aveley and drew at Weymouth they hosted Welling United and bagged all three points. Nick McCootie’s shot from the edge of the box proved decisive in the 1-0 victory.

Taunton Town took four points out of the Bank Holiday weekend fixtures which began with an entertaining 3-2 win over playoff finalists St Albans City. Stearn’s last gasp winner was valuable giving Saints no time to respond like they had done twice in the game. The scoring was opened when Stearn capitalised on Michael Johnson’s fumble, but the Hertfordshire club drew level courtesy of the alert Giorgio Rasulo. Heading towards the break Grimes put the Peacocks back in front, but once again St Albans City found an equaliser, Mitchell Weiss firing beyond Lavercombe. In the closing stages Stearn backheeled a clever effort into the corner of the net to clinch all three points.

On Monday, the Peacocks picked up another point on the road drawing 1-1 with Maidstone United. Grimes scoring the equaliser to move to the top of Taunton Town’s goalscoring charts with three.

Current Form

Dartford (DLDDWW)			Taunton Town (WLDWWD)
Dover Athletic	H	2-0	Maidstone United	A	1-1
Aveley	A	1-0	St Albans City	H	3-2
Farnborough	H	1-1	Welling United	H	1-0
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Weymouth	A	1-1
Weymouth	A	0-1	Aveley	A	1-4
Bath City	H	3-3	Braintree Town	H	2-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Taunton Town wins: 2 / Draws: 0

Last Six Meetings

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

Statistics

Dartford’s win over Dover Athletic was their 200th victory in the National South (P397, W200, D94, L103)
The Darts kept a consecutive league clean sheet on Monday for the first time since February 2023. The last time Dartford kept three clean sheets in a row in the league was back in September/October 2021

On This Day

Dartford came from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Alan Dowson’s Hampton and Richmond Borough on this day in 2017. Max Kretzschmar bagged a brace inside half an hour, but Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook made sure the Darts took home a point. Dartford’s last away win on 2 September came in 2006 as they swept aside Tunbridge Wells 5-0 in the F.A Cup preliminary round. On their travels, the Darts are unbeaten in six with three wins and three draws on this day stretching back to 1963.

Dartford v Dover Athletic

August 27, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford host their first Kent derby of the season when Dover Athletic visit Princes Park this weekend.

An outstanding record in Kent derbies last term earned the Darts an impressive 22 points. Alan Dowson led his side to seven league victories against local rivals, only dropping points in the draw at Welling United. Meanwhile Dover Athletic failed to notch a single derby day win last term, two of those defeats against the Darts.

Unbeaten in the league at Princes Park against Dover Athletic for 15 years, Dartford have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture. The most recent was back in April when the Darts secured the double over the Whites. Harvey Bradbury helped Dartford on their way after just five minutes. The striker capitalised on a defensive mix up to score and had the ball in the back of the net again moments later, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Dover Athletic gained control and before the first-half was out Jordan Higgs equalised. The Darts got to grips with proceedings in the second-half and with seven minutes remaining substitute Luke Allen finished superbly to win it for the hosts.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

In the previous meeting at the Crabble, the Darts won 3-1 with all the goals coming in the first-half. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers scored the first of three goals in an 18-minute spell to put the Darts in command. Coulson assisted Carruthers for the first goal and scored the second. Maxwell Statham made it three before a lapse of concentration just before half-time let Dover Athletic back in the game. A controlled second half from Dartford saw the score unchanged and three points secured.

The Darts are looking for a first home win of the campaign after drawing their opening three from winning positions. Bath City pegged Dartford back twice in a 3-3 draw, whilst Hampton and Richmond Borough and Farnborough equalised to leave the Darts sharing the points. Dowson had to contend with the absence of Paul Rooney for the opening three games. The summer signing returned to make his debut at Farnborough. Brandon Barzey began his Dartford career brightly, but he was sent off against Hampton and Richmond Borough and gave away the penalty in the last home match. The winger missed the weekend trip to Aveley through suspension.

Dowson tweaked the forward line on the weekend preferring to play two up front. Therefore Lewis Manor was given his first start and teamed up with Harvey Bradbury. The only other change saw Baris Altintop in for Maxwell Statham. Meanwhile, winger Brandon Barzey sat out through suspension. Sam Odaudu (hamstring) and Luke Allen were other noticeable absentees, Charlie Sheringham came on to make his 150th Dartford appearance.

New loan signing from Barnet, Moussa Diarra was named on bench and took no part in Saturday’s victory. The defender will have to wait a bit longer to make his debut. The 33-year-old joins from the National League side until January and has previously played under Dowson at Woking as well as Hampton and Richmond Borough. If selected on Bank Holiday Monday he will face one of his former clubs having spent time at Dover Athletic during the 2018/19 season where he made 20 appearances.

Dartford had enough chances in the first-half, but Aveley came closest when they hit the crossbar from a free kick. In the second-half the Darts persisted and when a penalty decision was overturned and a goalmouth scramble wasn’t converted, it felt like it was going to be another one of those days for the Darts.

Late goals had become a thorn in Dartford’s side, but it was their turn to profit. In the fifth minute of added time Bradbury headed the winner to grab a first win of the season for the Darts and a first clean sheet for goalkeeper, Mitch Beeney. Victory doubled Dartford’s points tally for the season, a point ahead of Dover Athletic.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

On the weekend, the Whites went down to league leaders Worthing. Manager, Mitch Brundle made two changes to the side that drew with Braintree Town a week earlier. New signing Dontai Stewart went straight into the starting lineup to make his debut. Whilst Iffy Allen returned from injury, the pair replacing Nick Dembele and Luke Baptiste. Dover Athletic fell behind on eight minutes when Nicky Wheeler hit a long range shot beyond Billy Terrell. The Whites were still in the game, but with eight minutes remaining Reece Meekums found space inside the box and slotted in to double the Rebels lead.

The Whites had a difficult summer which saw players make u-turns and an assistant manager change his mind. Dover Athletic avoided relegation last season on goal difference adding to the challenge presented to Brundle ahead of his first full campaign in charge.

On the opening day, Dover Athletic fought back from two down inside 20 minutes to draw 2-2 against league favourites Torquay United. An injury time winner by Baptiste earned the Whites their first win on their travels when they beat Slough Town 2-1. However, the Kent derby trend continued in the following match when Brundle’s side lost 1-0 at Tonbridge Angels. Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, Dover Athletic picked up another point in the 1-1 draw against Braintree Town before defeat at home to Worthing.

Current Form

Dartford (DLDDW)			Dover Athletic (DWLDL)
Aveley	A	1-0	Worthing	H	0-2
Farnborough	H	1-1	Braintree Town	H	1-1
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Tonbridge Angels	A	0-1
Weymouth	A	0-1	Slough Town	A	2-1
Bath City	H	3-3	Torquay United	H	2-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 16 / Dover Athletic wins: 11 / Draws: 12

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Dover Athletic (10/04/2023 – National League)
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)
Dover Athletic 6 – 1 Dartford (17/01/2015 – National League)

Statistics

Dartford have won six of the last eight league games against Dover Athletic (D1, L1). They have also won the last four matches in all competitions, a record run against the Whites.
The Darts have won the last four league meetings against Dover Athletic at Princes Park with an aggregate score of 11-3
Dartford’s three consecutive home draws from the start of a season is a record
The Darts last drew four home games in a row back in 2016. Dartford drew their final two matches at Princes Park during the 2015/16 season, then their opening two of the next campaign

On This Day

A last minute Tyrique Hyde goal secured a 2-0 away win against Dulwich Hamlet on this day two years ago. Josh Hill had opened the scoring as early as the seventh minute. Hyde rounded off the match with a fine individual effort to double the lead. Dartford’s last home match on 28 August ended in a 1-0 defeat to East Thurrock United in 2017. After 18 years of waiting for a North West Kent league derby, the Darts drew 1-1 with Ebbsfleet United in 2010. Michael West headed the fleet in front, but Charlie Sheringham’s successful spot kick made sure the spoils were shared.

Tag: National South (Page 4 of 14)

Hemel Hempstead Town v Dartford

Eastbourne Borough v Dartford

Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville

Hampton and Richmond Borough v Dartford

Chippenham Town v Dartford

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels

St Albans City v Dartford

Dartford v Slough Town

Taunton Town v Dartford

Dartford v Dover Athletic

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