Tag: National South (Page 5 of 14)

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.

Aveley v Dartford

August 25, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford search for their first win of the season when they travel to newly promoted Aveley to start the Bank Holiday weekend.

The Darts have made a slow start in Dowson’s second campaign in charge having drawn three of the opening four games. Now they face an Aveley side full of confidence and second in the National South. In their debut season at this level the Millers have gained momentum from back to back promotions and have a perfect record at home.

If true to form in this fixture, Dartford’s first visit to Aveley in nearly 14 years could provide goals. During the Isthmian Premier League title winning season, the Darts won 4-1 despite playing the majority of the game a man down. Elliot Bradbrook guided the away side into the lead directing a low cross into the net. The Millers equalised through Ryan Edgar’s long range drive which deceived Andrew Young in the Dartford goal. Adam Flanagan was then dismissed for an off the ball incident just before half-time, however that didn’t faze Tony Burman’s side in the second-half.

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Highlights courtesy of sonytino

Jamie Coyle nodded in at the far post from a deep corner to regain Dartford’s lead and from there on the Darts pulled away. After a goalmouth scramble Jay May ensured the ball crossed the line and in injury time Ryan Hayes exquisitely volleyed his own rebound over the stranded goalkeeper. In the same season the reverse fixture finished 2-2 at Princes Park and a league cup clash ended 5-4 to Aveley.

Frustratingly for Dartford they are currently six points behind the front runners, the same number of points they have dropped from winning positions. Although their only away fixture ended in a 1-0 defeat down in Weymouth, the Darts led twice versus Bath City to draw 3-3 and conceded equalisers in the 1-1 stalemates against Hampton and Richmond Borough, then Farnborough.

Impressive in his first two games for Dartford, Brandon Barzey has been in the thick of the action in his previous two outings. The winger was red carded against his former club Hampton and Richmond Borough and will start his suspension this weekend. Unfortunately, he also gave away a needless last minute penalty resulting in Farnborough’s equaliser. However, summer signing Paul Rooney is now available after he made his debut last weekend. Meanwhile, Jack McIntyre and Joe Rabbetts have returned to their parent clubs after being recalled.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Aveley began their maiden season in the National South with a 1-0 away defeat at Chippenham Town. The Millers were undone by a Tyreke Johnson cross that sailed over goalkeeper Jonathan North. Manager, Danny Scopes handed out six debuts in an historic game for the Millers and since the loss they have adapted quickly to their new surroundings. Three consecutive victories has put Aveley in second place, a run which also halted Worthing’s perfect start.

At Parkside the Millers have won two out of two, starting with the 4-1 thumping of Taunton Town. Siju Odelusi’s hat-trick rounded off a memorable afternoon and e opened the scoring from the penalty spot. Malachi Linton levelled for the Peacocks, but Odelusi had Aveley back in front before the break. Charlee Hughes extended the Millers lead and in the last minute Odelusi secured the matchball. Full timers, Eastbourne Borough were next to visit and were beaten 2-0 by a Jon Benton strike and Matt Rush goal.

Last weekend Aveley’s first away victory followed when they defeated Worthing, who had won their opening three. Benton scored for a second game in a row and Eduino Vaz made it two before half-time. Worthing pulled a goal back, but it was merely a consolation for the Rebels.

Current Form

Dartford (DLDD)			Aveley (LWWW)
Farnborough	H	1-1	Worthing	A	2-1
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Eastbourne Borough	H	2-0
Weymouth	A	0-1	Taunton Town	H	4-1
Bath City	H	3-3	Chippenham Town	A	0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Aveley wins: 2 / Draws: 3

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 2 Aveley (17/04/2010 – Isthmian Premier League)
Dartford 4 – 5 Aveley (15/12/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)
Aveley 1 – 4 Dartford (24/10/2009 – Isthmian Premier League)
Aveley 2 – 2 Dartford (29/12/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Dartford 3 – 0 Aveley (13/11/2007 – Isthmian League Cup)
Dartford 4 – 0 Aveley (27/08/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)

Statistics

The Darts are unbeaten in their last three trips to Aveley (W2, L1)
In the ten previous meetings, an astonishing 4.5 goals a game have been scored in this fixture
Charlie Sheringham could make his 150th appearance if selected (116 starts + 33 sub)

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last four on this day drawing 2-2 in their last match on 26 August. In 2019, the Darts battled back from a goal down to lead 2-1 thanks to goals from Darren McQueen and Luke Wanadio, however an 88th minute equaliser denied Dartford a win at Hungerford Town. Two years earlier a Bradbrook brace and Alfie Pavey goal earned a 3-0 away victory over Hemel Hempstead Town and in 2013, Danny Harris and Kenny Clark scored in a 2-0 win at Tamworth.

Dartford’s last home game on this day resulted in 1-0 triumph over Kingstonian in 2006, Jay May netting the winner. The last away defeat on the 26 August was back in 1985, meaning the Darts have gone five without loss on their travels. The other two wins on the road include a 3-2 victory against Bromsgrove Rovers in 1989 and a 3-1 win over Egham Town in the F.A Cup preliminary round 28 years ago.

Dartford v Farnborough

August 18, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford hope to claim their first win of the season when they host Farnborough this weekend.

The Darts have drawn both of their home games so far picking up just two points from the opening three fixtures. Whilst Farnborough recorded their first victory of the campaign on Tuesday night.

Last season’s fixture at Princes Park saw Harvey Bradbury score on his debut in a 3-1 win back in March. Maxwell Statham got Dartford off to a great start by poking the ball over the line for the opener. The defender almost added a second later on, however his effort was ruled out for offside. Coulson started to run the show and in the second-half doubled the lead. After Bradbury was introduced as a substitute, the striker added a third. Farnborough managed a consolation when Harry Parsons pulled a goal back.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

The Darts were involved in an entertaining six goal thriller on the opening day. Squandering the lead twice against Bath City left Alan Dowson disappointed with just a point, but pleased with his side’s attacking intent. However, defensively the Dartford boss has been unhappy with individual errors. That led to a 3-3 draw and goalkeeper Mitch Beeney being dropped for new loan signing Jack McIntyre. Central defence was also strenghtened with James Golding arriving from Oxford United. Although goals were at a premium against Weymouth, the Darts still fell to a 1-0 defeat, another mistake proving costly.

On Tuesday night Bradbury found the back of the net again. His goal wasn’t enough as a late Hampton and Richmond Borough equaliser denied the Darts maximum points. Dowson made one change to the starting lineup bringing back Baris Altintop. Jordan Wynter dropped to the bench, but it wasn’t long before he made his 150th appearance for the club. Sam Odaudu was substituted with an injury in the first half and replaced by Wynter. Despite the setback the hosts were ahead after Tommy Block’s cross was headed home by Bradbury. The striker has now scored seven goals in 13 appearances for the club. With eight minutes remaining Dean Inman levelled for the Beavers. Dartford were reduced to ten men when former Hampton and Richmond Borough winger Brandon Barzey was sent off.

Summer signing Paul Rooney has yet to make his debut after serving a three match ban. The former Havant and Waterlooville man picked up a suspension after an incident at his former club. He was shown a red card in Dartford’s first pre-season friendly against Charlton Athletic. Dowson will have to assess the extent of Odaudu’s injury ahead of this weekend’s fixture.

Farnborough finished in a respectable 12th place last term after winning promotion back to the National South. Although they have lost last season’s top scorer Mason Bloomfield they signed former Dart, Alfie Pavey. Boro’s new striker scored the club’s first of the campaign when he nodded in the opener against Eastbourne Borough. Pavey’s goal was cancelled out by Stefan Vukoje in a 1-1 draw. Spencer Day’s side earned their first point after losing 1-0 on the opening day versus Chelmsford City. Pavey scored 29 times in 58 appearances for the Darts winning the golden boot in 2017/2018.

On Tuesday night Pavey scored another making it two for the season. He gave Boro the lead against Hemel Hempstead Town. The hosts were pegged back before the interval after Arnit Krasniqi scored from long range. Manager Spencer Day decided to start with Connor Cullen. His selection was justified when the forward won the game with a header.

Current Form

Dartford (DLD)			Farnborough (LDW)
Hampton & Richmond Borough	H	1-1	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	2-1
Weymouth	A	0-1	Eastbourne Borough	H	1-1
Bath City	H	3-3	Chelmsford City	A	0-1

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Farnborough wins: 5 / Draws: 2

Last Six Meetings

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)
Farnborough 2 – 1 Dartford (21/08/2010 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won four of the last five league games against Farnborough. Last season’s away defeat their only loss in that time.
The Darts are on a three match winning streak at Princes Park in the league versus Borough
Jordan Wynter has made 150 appearances for the Darts (140 starts + 10 sub)
Charlie Sheringham could make his 150th appearance if selected (116 starts + 33 sub)

On This Day

Warren Mfula scored a second-half hat-trick in a 7-1 victory over Oxford City on this day. The striker netted three times in a 19 minute spell after the Darts had already bagged four. Richard Sho-Silva, Lyle Della-Verde, Alfie Pavey and Lee Noble were the other goalscorers. Dartford opened their 2006/2007 season in style on 19 August with a 6-1 win. An away trip to Burgess Hill Town posed no problems as Brendon Cass claimed the match ball with a hat-trick. Jon Farley and a Jay May brace also featured in the convincing triumph. The Darts have won six of their last nine on this day. Other notable results include the 5-2 Southern League Cup first round win over Corinthian in 1981 and a 6-2 victory 20 years earlier against Trowbridge Town in the Southern League First Division.

Dartford v Hampton and Richmond Borough

August 15, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are hoping to record their first win of the season when they host Hampton and Richmond Borough on Tuesday night.

The Darts failed to win a pre-season game in the build up to the new campaign and have taken just one point from their opening two outings. The Beavers got off the mark on Saturday with a draw having lost their opening fixture.

Last season Alan Dowson got the better of his former club when the Darts won 2-1 at Princes Park. Marvin Herschel had a day to remember making his first ever start in a Dartford shirt and scoring the winner. However, it was Charlie Sheringham who made an impact scoring within a matter of minutes of coming on as a substitute. The striker was involved again setting up Herschel for his first Dartford goal. With three minutes remaining Jake Gray’s deflected effort set up a nervy finish.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dowson handed eight debuts out on the opening day and added another two to that list down in Weymouth. After a shaky defensive display in the 3-3 draw at home to Bath City, the Dartford boss made two loan signings to strengthen the backline. Goalkeeper, Jack McIntyre went straight into the starting eleven to begin his one month loan from Accrington Stanley and James Golding made his fist appearance after arriving from Oxford United. Mitchell Beeney and Baris Altintop made way and were named on the bench. Paul Rooney served the second match of his three game suspension.

The game was decided by a moment of indecisiveness from McIntyre. The loanee looked to have Joel Rollinson’s deep cross covered, but fumbled the ball into the net. Tyrell Miller-Rodney, who recorded his first goal on his debut versus Bath City tested Weymouth’s goalkeeper in the first half. Luke Coulson, who netted an opening day double also came close. Making his first appearance of 2023/2024, as a substitute, Maxwell Statham had an opportunity with ten minutes to go. McIntyre’s double save kept the score at 1-0 later on. After showing attacking intent by scoring three against Bath City on the opening day, the Darts drew a blank.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

One of the stand out performers in Dartford’s last home match was Brandon Barzey. The winger will face his former club Hampton and Richmond Borough after making the switch this summer. Barzey isn’t the only former Beaver, Tommy Block signed for the Darts last season from the Middlesex club. Tyrell Miller-Rodney also had a spell at the Beveree. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Alan Julian is a former Dart, however new signing from Cheshunt Adam Desbois has started between the sticks for Hampton and Richmond Borough’s first two games.

Mel Gwinnett’s team were narrowly beaten by Eastbourne Borough just over a week ago. Billy Vigar’s header was the difference between the two sides. However, the Beavers recorded their first point on the weekend picking up a 1-1 draw at Chelmsford City. Despite falling behind to a Callum Jones strike, it took just a couple of minutes to pull level when Ruaridh Donaldson scored from close range. The Beavers boss felt his side were more competitive against the Clarets despite having to reshape his starting lineup.

Last season Hampton and Richmond Borough were heading for a relegation battle, which led to the departure of Gary McCann and the appointment of Gwinnett in February. A successful spell in March and victories in crucial six pointers saw them win eight of their last eleven to stay up with plenty of time to spare. Over the summer the Middlesex club signed Mason Bloomfield from Farnborough, who managed 11 league goals last term. From the National League, Robert Hall and Jordan Cheadle arrived from Barnet and Dorking Wanderers respectively. George Hunt made his switch from Slough Town to remain in the National South. Alex Solomon and Ben Seymour have made the step up from Kingstonian and Plymouth Parkway. Georgian, Teimouraz Vasagkasvilli also joined the club.

Head to Head

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

Last Six Meetings

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)
Dartford 1 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (08/02/2020 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last 12 league games against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W6, D5) and are unbeaten in the last five (W2, D3)
The Darts have lost just once in their last seven home league games against the Beavers (W4, D2)
Dartford have scored in each of their last seven home games against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W4, D2, L1)
The Darts last failed to win their opening three league games in the 2019/2020 season

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten on this day winning three out of five. In 2017, the Darts defeated Concord Rangers 2-0 at Princes Park when Elliot Bradbrook scored in the first half and Lyle Della-Verde netted in the second half. Bradbrook’s brother Tom scored twice two years earlier in a 2-2 draw with Sutton United. An exciting opening day encounter against Horsham in 2009 ended 3-2 to the Darts with Elliot Bradbrook grabbing a brace and Adam Flanagan getting on the scoresheet. In the National League, Dartford comfortably won 3-0 at Stafford Rangers back in 1981 and in 1970 the Darts drew 1-1 with Gloucester City in the Southern Premier League.

Weymouth v Dartford

August 11, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford embark on their first away trip of the season this weekend when they make their way down to the Jurassic Coast to face Weymouth.

The Darts will be searching for a first victory at the Bob Lucas Stadium in 33 years, a ground where they have only won once since it opened in 1987. Four league defeats in a row at Weymouth and a penalty shoot-out loss in the playoff final should give Alan Dowson’s side the determination to put an end to such a barren spell.

In March, an inconsistent Dartford side were beaten 3-1 against a Weymouth team battling to avoid the drop. The hosts went in front when Akheem Rose was fouled in the box, then stepped up to take the penalty to score. Just before half-time, the now departed Pierre Fonkeu netted his tenth in all competitions to level for the Darts. The second forty-five belonged to the Terras and goals from top scorer Bradley Ash and a free kick by Tom Blair sealed the points. This time Bobby Wilkinson’s side will be without Ash and Blair, the pair left in the summer for Torquay United and Havant and Waterlooville respectively.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s season opener last weekend provided plenty of entertainment as they drew 3-3 against Bath City at Princes Park. Dowson handed competitive starts to six players, whilst another two came on as substitutes. Brandon Barzey was the pick of the debutants causing Bath City problems with his directness and pace, but it was Tyrell Miller-Rodney who grabbed Dartford’s first goal of the season. The former Havant and Waterlooville midfielder smashed home a rebound in first half stoppage time after Barzey’s shot was cleared off the line. Luke Coulson was handed the captain’s armband and led by example with a man of the match performance, the winger doubled Dartford’s lead with an excellent first time shot from the edge of the box.

At 2-0 up the Darts defensive frailties began to show and in the space of three second-half minutes Bath City were level. First Ewan Clark took advantage of some poor defending, then substitute and last season’s top scorer Scott Wilson was allowed to swivel and shoot to equalise. The Darts continued to show quality going forward and when Coulson converted Luke Allen’s cross it looked as though three points had been wrapped up, especially after Bath City’s Jack Batten was sent off for a second caution. The visitors had one more trick up their sleeve, Jordan Thomas cut inside unleashed an effort from outside the box and beyond debut goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney. It was a tough afternoon for Tommy Block, Baris Altintop and Joash Nembhard in their first games for the Darts, whilst substitutes Lewis Manor and Joe Rabbetts had little time to make an impact.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Alan Dowson was pleased with his side’s attacking play, but acknowledges work needs to be done defensively, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the match and said: “Going forward we looked alright, but defensively we were awful. I’m working very hard on the defence between my keeper and the back four. We’ve had chances and we look exciting going forward”. The Dartford boss is confident Maxwell Statham will return this weekend and is hoping to bring in another defender and a goalkeeper to challenge Beeney. Paul Rooney will have to wait longer for his debut after joining from Havant and Waterlooville in the summer, he serves the second of his three-game suspension.

Weymouth opened their campaign with a defeat at last season’s playoff runners up St Albans City. Manager, Bobby Wilkinson steered the Terras to safety on the final day last term and over the summer has rehauled his squad. Six new players started at Clarence Park plus the return of Brandon Goodship who enjoyed a prolific first spell in Dorset. The striker is back for a third time and his assist on Saturday turned out to be merely a consolation. Former Dartford man, Dan Roberts was given his first start after leaving Princes Park over the summer. The forward made 37 appearances for the Darts of which 26 were as a substitute and scored six goals. Another ex-player, Norman Wabo also came on for his debut, he played 18 times for Dartford making just six starts and scored four times during the 2019/2020 season.

St Albans City scored either side of the break to lead 2-0 with goals from Dylan Fage and Giorgio Rasulo. Terras goalkeeper, Gerard Benfield initially saved a penalty before Rasulo put away the rebound. Weymouth’s Tom Bearwish halved the deficit and Wilkinson’s side had the chance to level from the spot, only for Bearwish to have his penalty saved.

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Highlights courtesy of St Albans City FC

Wilkinson was delighted with his team’s response at going two down and the overall performance, he told Terras TV after the loss: “I’ve never seen such a one-sided domination in the second-half. We kept our shape well in the first half, but I wasn’t happy with goal. I’m so pleased as that is the standard we have to set in the second-half as we were against a good side and dominated”. Looking ahead to Weymouth’s first home game of the season against the Darts he added: “It’s another tough challenge against a team that were in the playoffs, but I’m loving that, my boys are ready for it”. Max Hemmings was taken off injured at Clarence Park, the Weymouth boss will assess the midfielder’s fitness.

A superior goal difference kept Weymouth up last term avoiding a return to the Southern Premier South, which they won four years ago. After climbing to the National League, the Terras just about avoided consecutive relegations in April, beating Dover Athletic to stay up despite starting the final day in the drop zone.

There has been plenty of comings and goings at Weymouth during the summer and they will have to replace the goals scored by Ash. Calvin Brooks is one of three who have made the move from Salisbury, whilst Chris McQueen made his way down from north of the border having played for Stenhousemuir. Charlie Rowan won promotion with Oxford City last season and moved to the south coast. Anthony Cheshire arrived from Bracknell Town, Tyrique Clarke from Kings Langley, Leo Hamblin from Carshalton Athletic and Tom Stagg from Grays Athletic. Most recently Josh McQuoid has returned to the club from Aldershot Town.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 19 / Weymouth wins: 36 / Draws: 16

Last Six Meetings

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 2 – 0 Dartford (27/12/1997 – Southern League South)
*Weymouth won 3-0 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won just one of the last eight league games against Weymouth (D1, L6)
The Darts have won just six away games out of 37 against Weymouth (D7, L24)
Dartford have won their last two first away games of the season beating Bath City last season and St Albans City in 2021.
The Darts last won three away openers in a row back in 2005, 2006 and 2007 against Arlesley Town, Burgess Hill Town and Wivenhoe Town respectively

On This Day

Dartford have yet to win a competitive match on this day drawing three of their five matches, all away from home. Jordan Wynter was sent off against Chelmsford City four years ago in a heavy 4-0 defeat. Chris Whelpdale gave the Clarets the lead in the second-half and after Wynter’s dismissal the Darts collapsed. Sam Higgins and Jonny Giles netted for the hosts before Josh Hill scored an own goal. In 2017, Dartford drew 0-0 at Havant and Waterlooville and three years earlier gained a point at Woking in a match that ended 1-1, Rory McAuley put Dartford ahead in the National League fixture only for Giuseppe Sole to level in second-half injury time. Dartford played out a goalless draw at Herne Bay in 1995 during their Kent League days and lost 1-0 at Bedford Town in 1972.

Dartford v Bath City

August 4, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford kick start their National South season against Bath City at Princes Park on Saturday.

It’s the third time the Darts meet the Romans on the opening day in five years. On the previous two occasions Dartford won at Twerton Park, this weekend Alan Dowson will be hoping his reshaped squad will bag maximum points at home.

Almost a year to the day, Dartford went to Twerton Park to begin the 2022/2023 season and Pierre Fonkeu’s double brought back all three points. 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.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Five years earlier, Dartford came from behind on the opening day. The Romans took the lead in the tenth minute when Adam Mann scored on debut, then Bradbrook levelled in first-half stoppage time. A late Delano Sam-Yorke penalty decided the match after Elliot Bradbrook missed his spot-kick minutes earlier.

Last season’s fixture at Princes Park ended 0-0 as a well organised Bath City side prevented the Darts claiming a seventh consecutive home win over their opponents. Malachai Napa was handed a debut in a match with very few chances. In the second-half both sides had the ball in the net, but Charlie Sheringham’s effort was ruled out for a foul and Bath City’s Callum Ebanks goal was deemed offside.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s pre-season has been about getting players fit and Dowson’s new look squad to gel. Results have been disappointing as the Darts finished without a victory, but with the retirement of captain Tom Bonner, the departure of fellow centre back Connor Essam, both goalkeepers Wilks and Ben Dudzinksi leaving as well as full backs Jernade Meade and Kristian Campbell, virtually the whole back line has been rebuilt. In the first half of last season the creativity of Samir Carruthers was influential, however the midfielder made his switch to Chelmsford City over the summer and the hardworking Fonkeu has been signed by National South playoff winners Oxford City.

It is likely a number of new signings will make their Dartford debuts, although Paul Rooney starts the campaign suspended after an incident at his former club Havant and Waterlooville. Following Rooney from the Hawks, the Darts secured the services of Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Joash Nembhard as well. Brandon Barzey has impressed in friendlies and his arrival from Hampton and Richmond Borough will provide width, Baris Altintop will hope to make at least the playoffs again after joining from Braintree Town and Joe Rabbetts will be trying to stand out on loan from Dorking Wanderers. Lewis Manor and goalkeeper Mitch Beeney were both relegated with Concord Rangers last term, the duo will get another chance in the National South. Harvey Bradbury has already tasted life with the Darts and has made his move permanent from Dorchester Town, the striker scored six goals in ten games for Dartford towards the end of last season.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Bath City will commence their twelfth successive National South campaign this weekend and last time out they finished eleventh, although manager Jerry Gill did guide the Romans to a county cup triumph. Up front Cody Cooke formed a decent partnership with Scott Wilson, the pair are back for another season. Luke Russe has been added to the squad from Chippenham Town along with Ben Morgan from Gloucester City and Jordan Thomas from Southern Division One Central side North Leigh. Goalkeeper, Ollie Wright and Ewan Clark both join for season long loans from Southampton and Bristol City respectively.

Pre-season has gone well for the Romans finishing their warm-up with consecutive victories. Cooke scored twice last weekend in a 2-0 win over Yate Town and Gloucester City were beaten by the same score four days earlier. Those wins followed three draws in a row against Exeter City, Tiverton Town and Westbury United. The only defeat came versus a Bristol City under 23 side, however prior that loss Bath City drew with Shaftesbury and defeated Frome Town.

Pre Season Results

Dartford (LDLLLDLL)			Bath City (DWLDDDWW)
Leatherhead	A	1-3	Yate Town	A	2-0
Billericay Town	A	0-1	Gloucester City	H	2-0
Phoenix Sports	A	2-2	Westbury United	A	1-1
Bromley	A	1-2	Tiverton Town	A	2-2
Gillingham	H	0-5	Exeter City	H	0-0
Margate	A	0-2	Bristol City U23	H	1-2
Dunston UTS	A	2-2	Frome Town	A	2-0
Charlton Athletic	H	1-2	Shaftesbury	A	0-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 37 / Bath City wins: 40 / Draws: 21

Last Six Meetings

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 1 – 0 Bath City (17/10/2020 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won their last three season openers and four of their last five (W4, L1)
The Darts have lost just once in their last 14 league games against the Romans (W11, D2)
Dartford have kept four consecutive clean sheets in all competitions against Bath City
Dartford dropped points at home against Bath City for the first time since 1990 in December. The Darts had won six in a row before the 0-0 draw.
The Darts have won seven of the last nine home games in all competitions against the Romans (D1, L1)

On This Day

Only twice have Dartford played a competitive match on 5 August and both times the Darts kept a clean sheet. The most recent was a 0-0 draw on the opening day of the 2017/2018 season at home to Hungerford Town. Whilst that match took place at Princes Park, the other fixture on this day was at Watling Street in 1980. The Darts won 2-0 in their belated Eastern Floodlit Cup semi-final versus Barking. A day later Dartford went on to lift the cup beating rivals Maidstone United 1-0 in the final.

Dartford v St Albans City

May 5, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are two wins away from a return to the National League as they begin their playoff campaign against St Albans City at Princes Park on Sunday.

The two sides met just a fortnight ago and it was Dartford who claimed maximum points to secure second place and home advantage in the playoffs. This time the stakes are higher with a place in the final up for grabs and a shot at promotion.

Last time at Princes Park, the Darts got off to a quick start against the Saints going in front after just three minutes. Richard Chin had an excellent afternoon and the loanee set up Samir Carruthers for his tenth goal of the season. It took until the 72nd minute for St Albans City to equalise with Shaun Jeffers acrobatically striking the ball beyond Ben Dudzinski for yet another goal against the Darts, his third in as many appearances. Luke Coulson and Fonkeu may have started from the substitute’s bench, but the pair made an impact five minutes after St Albans City equalised. Coulson’s free-kick was saved by Dylan Berry and Fonkeu pounced to net the winner, his tenth league goal of the campaign.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (22/04/2023) – Dartford FC TV

The reverse fixture back in October ended with honours even. Jack Smith scored his first goal in a Dartford shirt and although it was an easy tap in, the Darts worked the ball forwards swiftly after gaining possession on the halfway line. St Albans City equalised after catching Dartford out with a quick throw in and when the ball fell to Jeffers, he took an air shot before drilling his second attempt beyond Joe Young.

Hosting the playoff semi-final could benefit Dartford who picked up 50 points at Princes Park this season, the second best in the division. However, the Kent side have lost their last three playoff matches at Princes Park. One of those defeats was against Chelmsford City in 2017, who the Saints defeated on Tuesday night. Manager, David Noble made one change to the side that beat Farnborough 2-0 last weekend bringing in Chay Cooper for Kyran Wiltshire. Once again the prolific Jeffers, who has scored 28 times in the National South this season was named on the bench. After ninety minutes neither side could break the deadlock forcing the tie to go into extra time. Finally it was Jeffers once again who prodded the ball into the Chelmsford City net to decide the tie in the 95th minute. The striker has now scored in each of his last three appearances after coming on as a substitute.

Both sides have experience of making it to playoff finals and Dartford will want to draw on the positive outcome back in 2012 when they beat local rivals Welling United, Lee Noble’s early strike sent Tony Burman’s side up to the National League. Whilst under Steve King, the Darts reached the final two years ago and lost on penalties. St Albans City have won the playoffs three times as far back as when the non-league pyramid was restructured in 2004. That year they were involved in two epic playoff encounters to earn entry into the new National South league, a 4-3 victory against Heybridge Swifts followed by a 5-4 triumph over Bedford Town. Two years later they won promotion to the National League with a win versus Histon and in 2014, the Saints made their way back to the National South by defeating Chesham United.

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Match Highlights – St Albans City v Dartford (22/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Since the turn of the year Dartford have been inconsistent and will need to win back to back matches for the first time since the festive period if they want to go up. On the final day of the season, Alan Dowson decided to rest nine players with only Richard Chin and Jernade Meade retaining their place in the starting eleven. That gave minutes to Charlie Sheringham who made his return from a long term injury just over two weeks ago. The striker, who had a successful spell with Chelmsford City, has scored seven times this season and is behind fellow forward Alex Wall, midfielder Samir Carruthers and Pierre Fonkeu all of which have hit double figures in all competitions. Dowse can also look towards Harvey Bradbury as an option, his short time at Dartford has yielded five goals in nine appearances. At the back Tom Bonner and Connor Essam have forged a strong partnership and it looks as though Ben Dudzinski is the preferred choice in goal. The trio were rested last weekend and with Dan Wilks in between the sticks, academy graduate George Whitefield and Emmanuel Adebowale making their National South debuts for the club, the Darts kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with Hampton and Richmond Borough.

St Albans City finished their campaign strongly with a home win against Farnborough. That made sure David Noble’s side finished the season in sixth spot. Difficult to beat in the first couple of months of the season, St Albans City were too inconsistent and by the end of October they were in twelfth. However, the Hertfordshire side saw out the rest of 2022 with seven wins from nine, including a 6-0 away trouncing of Hampton and Richmond Borough and moved into fifth. A mediocre start to the New Year and a difficult February meant the Saints dipped below the dotted line, but they would rise again. The Saints have tasted defeat just twice in their last eleven outings winning seven of those.

Head to Head

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

Current Form

Dartford (WLWLWD)			St Albans City (LWWLWW)
Hampton & Richmond	A	0-0	Chelmsford City*	A	1-0^
St Albans City	H	2-1	Farnborough	H	2-0
Concord Rangers	A	2-3	Dartford	A	1-2
Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0	Welling United	H	3-0
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Concord Rangers	A	2-1
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Braintree Town	A	0-2
* Playoff eliminator round / ^ After extra time

Last Six Meetings

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 1 – 2 Dartford (07/03/2020 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have not recorded consecutive win, draws or losses in their last 17 games
The Darts have the best defence at home conceding the fewest in the division (19)
Dartford scored in 87% of their games (40 out of 46), the second best in the National South
Dartford finished with the third best defence in the league (50)
St Albans City picked up the second most points away from home in the division (40)
Against fellow playoff contenders St Albans City have the worst record (W2, D2, L6)

On This Day

A year ago, Dartford cruised to a 7-2 final day win down on the Sussex coast. The Darts brushed aside Eastbourne Borough in a dazzling display, and it all started when Dan Roberts opened the scoring. The Sports levelled through Charley Kendall, but with half an hour played Marcus Dinanga put Dartford in front, then six minutes later Kory Roberts extended the advantage. In the second-half Dartford netted three goals in a five-minute spell, Dinanga scored his second and Kalvin Kalala grabbed a quickfire brace. A seventh was added by Jordan Greenidge before Chris Whelpdale managed a consolation goal for the hosts. Six years ago, Dartford lost 2-1 against Chelmsford City in the playoff semi-final second leg. Louie Theophanous and Chris Dickson put Chelmsford City in command and there was only enough time for Duane Ofori-Acheampong to claim a consolation for the Darts.

National South Playoff Preview

May 1, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

The National South playoffs begin this week with the eliminator round taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday night. We take a look at the six sides who made the end of season finale and the potential opponents Dartford could face.

2nd – Dartford – 83 points
W25 D8 L13 F82 A50 GD+32

Securing second place for the Darts may be crucial because they hit the 50-point mark at Princes Park, the second-best home tally in the division and best out of the playoff teams. A strong period from September to November and a festive double over the champions set Alan Dowson’s side up for a title push. All that fell away in the second half of the season as inconsistency left Dartford battling for home advantage. In the end they secured a runners up spot with a game to spare by beating St Albans City, who they could face in the semi-final. A fifth playoff campaign in seven years, the Darts have previously lost to Chelmsford City in 2017 and Braintree Town a year later. Their last two attempts ended in penalty shoot-out defeats against Weymouth in the final and Chippenham Town 12 months ago. This squad will hope to take inspiration from the team that won the National South playoffs back in 2012, whilst Dowson has experience of winning promotion via the playoffs as boss of Woking six years later.

Record vs playoff contenders (W2 D4 L4)	Home	Away
Oxford City	0-0	1-1
Worthing	1-2	0-3
Chelmsford City	1-2	0-1
St Albans City	2-1	1-1
Braintree Town	4-1	1-1

Playoff route
Sunday 7 May (12:30) – home vs Chelmsford City or St Albans City
Sunday 14 May (12:30) – home vs Oxford City, Worthing or Braintree Town

3rd – Oxford City – 83 points
W21 D15 L10 F83 A56 GD+27

Whatever division Oxford City end up in next season they have managed to put long unbeaten runs together in 2022/2023. The Hoops have only lost three times in 2023 and come into the playoffs as one of the form teams. Within those undefeated streaks Oxford City have drawn the second most in the National South. On the road they have a defence difficult to breach, but lack goals at the other end. At home they have only lost three times which will provide them with a semi-final advantage. Ross Jenkins’s side make the playoffs for a second year in a row and will hope to repeat the final they won to get into the National South in 2012, rather than the semi-final loss last season. Against the teams who made the playoffs, Oxford City are unbeaten at home and on their travels results have been extremely close. Promotion will take them to the National League for the first time, but failure could see them remain in the South or move across to the North.

Record vs playoff contenders (W4 D4 L2)	Home	Away
Dartford	1-1	0-0
Worthing	3-0	0-1
Chelmsford City	3-1	0-1
St Albans City	2-1	1-0
Braintree Town	2-2	0-0

Playoff route
Sunday 7 May (15:30) – home vs Worthing or Braintree Town
Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford or home vs Chelmsford City or St Albans City

4th – Worthing – 78 points
W22 D12 L12 F92 A72 GD +20

The Isthmian Premier League champions could make it back-to-back promotions after an outstanding first season in the National South. They could follow in the footsteps of fellow south coast teams such as Weymouth and Havant and Waterlooville, who also made the move from step three to step one in consecutive campaigns. In Ollie Pearce they have a goalscorer and the second best attack in the division totalling 92 league goals, however at the back they have also conceded an astounding 72, the same as bottom club Hungerford Town. Approaching the playoffs in good form, the Rebels beat Concord Rangers 7-0 to start April and won six of their last seven games. The Sussex club have been consistent in that their home and away form is nearly identical and with the number of goals scored in each net they could be providing the playoffs with plenty of entertainment.

Record vs playoff contenders (W5 D0 L5)	Home	Away
Dartford	3-0	2-1
Oxford City	1-0	0-3
Chelmsford City	1-3	2-4
St Albans City	4-5	1-0
Braintree Town	2-1	1-2

Playoff route
Wednesday 3 May (19:45) – home vs Braintree Town
Sunday 7 May (15:30) – away vs Oxford City
Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford or home vs Chelmsford City or St Albans City

5th – Chelmsford City – 78 points
W23 D9 L14 F67 A49 GD +18

Robbie Simpson has done an excellent job to turn Chelmsford City’s fortunes around. A year ago, they finished down in 19^th avoiding relegation to the Isthmian Premier League. This time, the Essex club were tussling for second place and if it wasn’t for a sticky winter period, they may well have accrued enough points. The Clarets finished strongly with only Oxford City and Taunton Town beating them in their final nine games. At home, Chelmsford City have managed to perform when it comes to fixtures against those around them dropping just two points when up against fellow contenders. The Clarets are taking part in their seventh playoff campaign at this level since 2009 and only once have they reached the final, when they beat Dartford on the way.

Record vs playoff contenders (W6 D2 L2)	Home	Away
Dartford	1-0	2-1
Oxford City	1-0	1-3
Worthing	4-2	3-1
St Albans City	1-1	0-3
Braintree Town	2-0	2-2

Playoff route
Tuesday 2 May (19:45) – home vs St Albans City
Sunday 7 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford
Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Oxford City or Worthing or home vs Braintree Town

6th – St Albans City – 75 points
W22 D9 L15 F71 A51 GD +20

Three times playoff winners, St Albans City won in 2004 to enter the National South when the non-league pyramid was restructured. Two years later they triumphed against Histon to reach the National League where they stayed for a season only. After another relegation they returned to the National South in 2014 when they beat Chesham United in the final. This season they head into the mini-competition with the best away record out of the contenders and a top striker in Shaun Jeffers. Just two defeats in their final ten outings, one of which against Dartford, who they could play in the semi-final, saw the Hertfordshire club finish just as strong as Worthing and Chelmsford City. On the other hand the Saints have the worst record against fellow playoff sides, but they won’t be put off by being on the road.

Record vs playoff contenders (W2 D2 L6)	Home	Away
Dartford	1-1	1-2
Oxford City	0-1	1-2
Worthing	0-1	5-4
Chelmsford City	3-0	1-1
Braintree Town	0-2	0-1

Playoff route
Tuesday 2 May (19:45) – away vs Chelmsford City
Sunday 7 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford
Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Oxford City or Worthing or home vs Braintree Town

7th – Braintree Town – 74 points
W20 D14 L12 F66 A55 GD +11

Slipping down to seventh on the final day of the season meant the Iron lost any chance of home advantage at all. This could be a deciding factor to a successful playoff campaign as Braintree Town only lost two at Cressing Road all season, going 19 unbeaten in the league before their first home reverse. Form really picked up at the turn of the year when the Essex club went undefeated in the National South for three months over 13 matches. They finished by losing half of their last eight games, but did manage to beat champions Ebbsfleet United. Braintree Town made their playoff debut in 2016 when they played for a place in the Football League, however they lost to Grimsby Town in the semi-final. Their last appearance was triumphant in 2018 winning on penalties against Hemel Hempstead Town, beating Dartford with a Billy Crook goal then they defeated Hampton and Richmond Borough on spot kicks to return to the National League.

Record vs playoff contenders (W3 D4 L3)	Home	Away
Dartford	1-1	1-4
Oxford City	0-0	2-2
Worthing	2-1	1-2
Chelmsford City	2-2	0-2
St Albans City	1-0	2-0

Playoff route
Wednesday 3 May (19:45) – away vs Worthing
Sunday 7 May (15:30) – away vs Oxford City
Sunday 14 May (12:30) – away vs Dartford, Chelmsford City or St Albans City

Hampton and Richmond Borough v Dartford

April 27, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Pressure is off for Dartford for one weekend only as they take on Hampton and Richmond Borough in the final league game of the season.

The Darts secured the runners up spot crowning their final home game of the regular season with a win. Victory earned Alan Dowson’s side home advantage in the playoffs and a bye into the semi-finals which starts next weekend. The Dartford boss used to manage Hampton and Richmond Borough and his success there will see him welcomed back to the Beveree. The Middlesex club can finish as high as sixteenth in the division with all three points.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Hampton & Richmond Borough (24/09/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Marvin Herschel scored on his debut in the reverse fixture back in September and it turned out to be the match winner. However, it was Charlie Sheringham that made an impact by scoring and assisting after coming on as a substitute. After Carruthers and Luke Allen combined, Sheringham was sent through and slotted home the opener. The striker then set up Herschel nine minutes later to see Dartford go two up with 18 minutes to play. Searching for a first home clean sheet of the season, the Darts were unable to hold out when Jake Gray fired past Joe Young. Last time at the Beveree, Carruthers made his Dartford debut last season and found himself on the winning the side. Marcus Dinanga scored the only goal of the game just over a year ago.

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Match Highlights – Hampton & Richmond Borough v Dartford (26/03/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Dowson will need to decide on whether to rest players or maintain the side that beat St Albans City at Princes Park last Saturday. The Darts suffered a disappointing defeat on the road just two days earlier against relegation threatened Concord Rangers but bounced back with a hard fought 2-1 win against the Saints. Four changes were made to the side with Jordan Wynter, Richard Chin, Luke Allen and Samir Carruthers returning to the starting eleven, the latter returning from injury and making an early impact against St Albans City. Striker Alex Wall who returned from injury against Concord Rangers as a substitute only to be substituted in the same game was out on the weekend as well as former Hampton and Richmond Borough defender Tommy Block.

Saturday’s win was a good test for what is to come in a weeks’ time as the Darts could be facing last weekends opponents again. Chin had an excellent afternoon and the loanee set up Carruthers for his tenth goal of the season. The Darts had an advantage after just three minutes and had to hold firm as the first-half progressed. It took until the 72nd minute for St Albans City to equalise with one of the best goals scored at Princes Park from an opposing side. Shaun Jeffers acrobatically struck the ball beyond Ben Dudzinski for yet another goal against the Darts. Luke Coulson and Pierre Fonkeu started from the substitute’s bench and the pair made an impact five minutes after St Albans City equalised. Coulson’s free-kick was saved by Dylan Berry and Fonkeu pounced to net the winner, his tenth league goal of the campaign.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (22/04/2023) – Dartford FC TV

Dartford’s form has been sketchy to say the least as they approach the playoffs, they have alternated between wins and losses for the last nine games. Whilst they have suffered late defeats to Chelmsford City, Taunton Town and Concord Rangers as well as the reverse at Eastbourne Borough, the Darts also beat Farnborough, Dulwich Hamlet, recorded their sixth and seventh Kent derby wins of the season against Dover Athletic and Tonbridge Angels respectively and overcame St Albans City.

Hampton and Richmond Borough were heading for a relegation battle in February compounded by a heavy defeat to Ebbsfleet United. A month earlier Gary McCann departed and Mel Gwinnett was appointed as boss. The new man couldn’t buy a win in his first six games in charge, but the Beavers rallied and swam to safety showing excellent form throughout March in particular. After the 6-2 reverse against the Fleet, Hampton and Richmond Borough won eight of their next eleven fixtures beating the sides down at the bottom such as Dulwich Hamlet, Cheshunt, Dover Athletic and Hungerford Town. Keeping their cool during those six pointers lifted the Middlesex club away from the battle at the wrong end of the table with plenty of time to spare.

On Tuesday night, with the shackles off they were beaten for a third away game in a row having been beaten by Chippenham Town and Concord Rangers, although they did win their last home match in between versus Weymouth. A 3-0 reverse at Welling United means the Beavers have now lost three in four, but all the hard work has already been done.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 9 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 5 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (LWLWLW)			Hampton & Richmond (WWLWLL)
St Albans City	H	2-1	Welling United	A	0-3
Concord Rangers	A	2-3	Concord Rangers	A	0-2
Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0	Weymouth	H	2-1
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Chippenham Town	A	1-2
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Hungerford Town	H	2-0
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	Taunton Town	H	3-1

Last Six Meetings

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)
Dartford 1 – 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough (08/02/2020 – National South)
Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 – 2 Dartford (05/11/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last 11 against Hampton and Richmond Borough (W6, D4)
The Darts are unbeaten in their last five visits to the Beveree (W3, D2)
Dartford have kept three clean sheets in their last four visits to Hampton and Richmond Borough

On This Day

A dramatic late win down in Poole helped Dartford secure a third-place finish and a bye in the playoffs. Needing to beat Chelmsford City’s result at Hungerford Town, the Darts came from behind to leapfrog the Clarets on the final day. Andy Pugh gave Dartford a lead which was extinguished when Poole Town scored twice through Marvin Brooks and Steve Devlin. Two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game Tom Murphy equalised and with virtually the last kick Lee Noble completed the comeback. The Darts have won their last two on this day and both games were on the road, Tonbridge Angels were beaten 4-2 in the Southern League South back in 2000. Ricky Bennett scored four in a 6-0 win over Faversham Town in 1995. Dartford’s opponents were forced to field a young side after several players had walked out of the club. In a subsequent match, Faversham Town lost 13-0 against Folkestone Invicta.

Dartford v St Albans City

April 21, 2023 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford have a tough final home game of the regular season when they host playoff hopefuls St Albans City this weekend.

The Darts will be hoping for another two home matches, but that depends if they can secure second place and make it through to the playoff final next month. A runners up finish will mean a home tie in the semi-final against the side who finishes in either fifth or sixth, that side could be St Albans City. The Saints have a four-point cushion over eighth place with two games remaining.

Victory will bring up 50 points at Princes Park for Dartford this term, who have the second-best home record in the league. St Alban City have fared better on their travels accumulating the second most points on the road. Little separates the two teams and that was the case back in October when they played out a 1-1 draw at Clarence Park. Jack Smith scored his first goal in a Dartford shirt and although it was an easy tap in, the Darts worked the ball forwards swiftly after gaining possession on the halfway line. St Albans City equalised after catching Dartford out with a quick throw in and when the ball fell to Shaun Jeffers, he took an air shot before drilling his second attempt beyond Joe Young. The Darts will have to keep an eye on St Albans City’s top scorer, Jeffers has managed 25 league goals this term and top scored last season with 27.

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Match Highlights – St Albans City v Dartford (22/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

The prospect of facing St Albans City since Dartford returned to the National South used to be daunting for the Darts, the Saints won five out of six with an aggregate score of 14-2. However, the tide has turned in recent years as Dartford have lost just once in the last seven meetings, winning four of those. The last time the Hertfordshire club came to visit Princes Park was a day shy of a year. Dartford surpassed a century of goals for the season in all competitions and Keiran Murtagh scored his first two for the club. The midfielder’s glancing header from Jack Jebb’s corner set the host on their way, but Jeffers levelled for the Saints. Murtagh put the Darts back ahead when his volley beat goalkeeper, Michael Johnson at the near post. Marcus Dinanga slotted in a third to complete a double over St Albans City after the reverse fixture on the opening day also ended 3-1.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (23/04/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Up until the festive season the Darts were well within a chance of challenging for the National South title. After victories against Havant and Waterlooville then completing a double against local rivals Ebbsfleet United, Dartford were top of the table on New Years Day. Rising to the summit was helped by a run of ten victories and a draw in eleven matches from September to early November. After the fantastic spell over Christmas and New Year, the Darts beat Cheshunt to make it four wins on the bounce, but form has not been that good since. Now the National South title has been sewn up, Dowson’s side are left scrapping for second with Oxford City and Chelmsford City.

On Thursday night the Darts missed an opportunity to go five points clear of the chasers losing 3-2 at Concord Rangers. Only one change was made to the starting eleven after the 1-0 away win at Tonbridge. Luke Allen made way for Pierre Fonkeu. Alex Wall and Charlie Sheringham were named on the bench. Wall had been out with a calf strain picked up against Eastbourne Borough on Good Friday. Although the striker made a ten minute appearance on Thursday he was taken off and may have returned from injury too soon. Sheringham’s injury kept the striker out for over two months and he was introduced later on in the game. Samir Carruthers didn’t feature in the matchday squad and has been recovering since the Easter period, although Dowson did state the midfielder is back training.

Dartford suffered a disappointing defeat in Essex against a Concord Rangers side hoping to pull of a great escape. In a topsy turvy game the hosts went ahead when Lewis Manor scored. Within six minutes the Darts were level and it was Harvey Bradbury yet again with his fifth goal in eight games since joining last month. Dartford edged in front when Sam Odaudu scored his first for the club on his 26th appearance. The Beachboys fought back in the second half, Ben Steward equalised then with two minutes left Manor scored a vital winner for Rob Small’s side.

A second place finish is still in Dartford’s hands but they will most likely need points against St Albans City this weekend. Dowson’s side are two points ahead of their closest challengers Oxford City and Chelmsford City and can still be caught by Worthing.

Dartford (79pts)	Oxford City (77)	Chelmsford (77)	Worthing (72)
St Albans (H)	Havant & W (H)	Hemel (A)	Taunton (A)
			Cheshunt (A)
Hampton & R (A)	Bath (A)	Taunton (H)	Hemel (H)

St Albans City have hit form at the right time to get into the top seven and they hope to stay put. If the Saints can make the playoffs it will be the first time in this division since they won promotion to the National League in 2006. Difficult to beat in the first couple of months of the season, St Albans City were too inconsistent and by the end of October they were in twelfth. However, the Hertfordshire side saw out the rest of 2022 with seven wins from nine, including a 6-0 away trouncing of Hampton and Richmond Borough and into fifth. A mediocre start to the New Year and a difficult February meant the Saints dipped below the dotted line, but they would rise again. Currently David Noble’s side have tasted defeat just once in their last eight outings winning five of those and their last two matches. A 3-0 triumph over Welling United last weekend followed up a 2-1 win at bottom club Concord Rangers and now St Albans City are hoping to stay above that dotted line.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 11 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 6

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWLWL)			St Albans City (WWDLWW)
Concord Rangers	A	2-3	Welling United	H	3-0
Tonbridge Angels	A	1-0	Concord Rangers	A	2-1
Taunton Town	H	0-1	Braintree Town	H	0-2
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Chippenham Town	A	1-1
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	Havant & Waterlooville	H	2-0
Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-0	Dover Athletic	H	1-0

Last Six Meetings

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 1 – 2 Dartford (07/03/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (06/08/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have won 50% of their home games against St Albans City in all competitions (W6, D4, L2)
The Darts have gone 13 games without a clean sheet against the Saints stretching back to a 2-0 win in February 2016
Dartford have alternated between wins and losses for their last eight games

On This Day

Two late goals from substitute Tom Murphy turned the final home game of the 2018/2019 season around for the Darts. After finding themselves a goal down at home to Billericay Town, Murphy was introduced and scored in the 88th and 90th minutes to win it for Dartford. Two years earlier, the Darts cruised to a 4-0 triumph over Bishop’s Stortford in the last home league fixture of the 2016/2017 campaign before the playoffs. Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook gave the Darts a commanding 2-0 lead before the break. Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Alfie Pavey added another two in the second-half. Bromley beat the Darts 4-1 at Hayes Lane in 2011 on this day and Danny Harris netted a brace a year earlier in a 2-1 victory over Hendon with the Isthmian Premier League title already secured. Dartford claimed a fourth Kent Senior Cup in five seasons with a 3-2 win over Folkestone back in 1935.

Tag: National South (Page 5 of 14)

Dartford v Dover Athletic

Aveley v Dartford

Dartford v Farnborough

Dartford v Hampton and Richmond Borough

Weymouth v Dartford

Dartford v Bath City

Dartford v St Albans City

National South Playoff Preview

Hampton and Richmond Borough v Dartford

Dartford v St Albans City

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