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Havant and Waterlooville v Dartford

December 14, 2022 / / 0 Comments

A win for Dartford will take them back above Havant and Waterlooville as the two sides meet at Westleigh Park on Wednesday night.

The Darts gained a point on the weekend but dropped a place in the league standings after Havant and Waterlooville picked up maximum points in their fixture. Dartford have won just one in their last five since their eleven game unbeaten run ended a month ago, now they face the top two in the National South in their next three games. The Hawks bounced back from only their third defeat of the campaign with a victory on the weekend.

Both sides have been capable of stringing impressive runs together, the Darts took an incredible 31 points from a possible 33 between September and early November. Whilst the Hawks opened their season with nine wins and two draws in their first 11 fixtures. One of those victories for the Hampshire side came at Princes Park in August.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Havant and Waterlooville (16/08/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Former Dartford striker, Jason Prior missed Havant and Waterlooville’s last match, but he didn’t miss the target four months ago. Prior opened the scoring in the last meeting and although Davide Rodari scored his first for the Darts since joining from Crawley Town in the summer, Havant and Waterlooville went on to win 2-1 when Oscar Gobern scored. Prior, who tends to find the net regularly against Dartford will be determined to get fit from his shoulder injury and face his former club.

The Darts were successful in their last visit to Westleigh Park. Luke Allen’s strike on the stroke of half-time was enough to secure a 1-0 win. Dartford’s defensive qualities shone through as Havant and Waterlooville rarely threatened in front of goal. The subsequent meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw at Princes Park, Korey Roberts’ goal was cancelled out by Alex Wall, who is now back with the Darts and could face his former club on Wednesday night. Dartford squandered a chance to win though when Ade Azeez had his penalty saved by Ross Worner, the shot stopper is currently on Havant and Watewrlooville’s injury list.

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Match Highlights – Havant and Waterlooville v Dartford (09/02/2022) – Dartford FC TV

On Saturday, Malachi Napa was handed his Dartford debut in a 0-0 draw with Bath City. The winger is on loan from Wealdstone and has been on Dartford’s radar for a while. After a spell at Dowson’s former club Woking, Napa played for Maldon and Tiptree before joining Wealdstone in the summer. However the new signing was unable to make an impact as the Darts drew a blank for a second game in a row, the first time under Dowson.

The Dartford boss spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “I’m delighted with a point to be honest as I thought we got battered”. Despite losing to Chelmsford City the week before the 0-0 draw with Bath City, the performance was better against the Clarets. Looking ahead to taking on Havant and Waterlooville then the festive double header over Ebbsfleet United, Dowson commented: “I can’t wait to get the games done, but I think we need to make one or two adjustments. If we play like that we’ll get done in all three games, but if we play how we did last week then we’ll have a go”.

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Interview – Alan Dowson’s thoughts after the 0-0 draw with Bath City – Dartford FC TV

Havant and Waterlooville are two points behind league leaders Ebbsfleet United having played two extra games. The Hawks suffered a surprisingly heavy defeat in their last home games losing 5-1 to Worthing. Yet the won by the same score in the home fixture before that brushing Dulwich Hamlet aside and bounced back with a 3-1 victory at Slough Town on Saturday. The Hawks had to come from behind to beat the Rebels with a first goal for the club for Charlie Ruff. The experienced Danny Wright put Havant and Waterlooville in front before Billy Clifford wrapped up the three points.

The Hawks have been potent in front of goal with only leaders Ebbsfleet United scoring more in the league this term. Helped by the know how of Prior and Danny Wright, the Hawks also have Muhammadu Faal, James Roberts and Jake McCarthy chipping in with goals.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / Havant and Waterlooville wins: 5 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford
(WLDWLD) 		    Havant and Waterlooville
(WWWDLW)		    
Bath City H 0-0 Slough Town A 3-1
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Worthing H 1-5
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Tonbridge Angels A 1-1
Oxford City A 1-1 Chippenham Town A 3-0
Farnborough A 1-3 Dulwich Hamlet H 5-1
Braintree Town H 4-1 Hemel Hempstead Town H 2-0

Last Six Meetings

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)
Dartford 1 – 1 Havant and Waterlooville (10/08/2019 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are unbeaten in their last three visits to Westleigh Park winning the last two (W2, D1)
  • The Darts have kept two clean sheets in their last three away games againsgt the Hawks
  • Defeat to Havant and Waterloville earlier in the season was Dartford’s first against the Hampshire side in eight games.

On This Day

Tom Champion was the hero on this day in 2010 when he scored the winning goal in a F.A Trophy replay against then National League side Crawley Town. The midfielder’s stoppage time goal caused an upset versus the Sussex side who went on to easily win promotion to the Football League. Strike duo Elliott Romain and Darren McQueen combined to help Dartford to a 3-2 win over Billericay Town three years ago. McQueen opened the scoring putting past former Dartford goalkeeper Alan Julian. Romain doubled the lead before half-time. Another ex-Dart scored for Ricay when Femi Akinwande pulled a goal back, but Romain restored the advantage before future Dart, Jake Robinson made it 3-2. Dartford’s last away game on 14 December was in 1999 when they drew 1-1 with Hastings United in the Southern League South. The Darts last away win was in 1976 against rivals Maidstone United in a Southern League Cup replay, Dartford won the entertaining tie 4-3. Finally, before Havant and Waterlooville’s merger, the Darts drew 0-0 with Havant Town on this day in 1996.

Dartford v Bath City

December 9, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford can make it another double over Bath City this weekend when they host the Romans at Princes Park in another earlier kick-off.

The Darts slipped off the top of the table in their early kick off last weekend and a fifth straight league win over Bath City will maintain some pressure on league leaders Ebbsfleet United. The Romans have found the last couple of months tough, but a win for Jerry Gill’s side can help keep their playoff push going.

The two sides battled it out on the opening day back in August and in a tightly contested affair, the Darts ran out 2-0 winners. Striker, Pierre Fonkeu had a debut to remember striking twice in the second-half to earn Dartford all three points. Alan Dowson also gave first league starts to Davide Rodari and Sam Odaudu at Twerton Park. It was goalkeeper Dan Wilks who provided a wonderful assist for Fonkeu’s opener and his second came after a generous deflection off Bath City defender Zac Bell.

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Highlights – Bath City v Dartford (06/08/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Last season, former boss Steve King described the Darts performance against Bath City as ‘workman like’ in another 2-0 win. Kalvin Kalala netted his first goal for the club and towards the end, Danny Leonard won a penalty which Marcus Dinanga scored. The reverse fixture was won 3-1 in September 2021 with Jake Robinson scoring twice and George Porter netting Dartford’s third. Bath City’s Alex Fletcher scored in that match, the forward suffered a serious injury last month and needed emergency neurosurgery. We all wish Alex Fletcher well in his road to recovery.

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Highlights – Dartford v Bath City (19/02/2022) – Dartford FC TV

With the chance to remain top of the National South, Dartford fell to a late goal at Chelmsford City last weekend. Alan Dowson named an unchanged side for the third game running, but they were unable to breakdown the Clarets defence and for the first time this season Dartford failed to score in the league. Dowson spoke to Dartford FC TV after the games and commented: “I thought we were excellent, I thought we were the better side against a good team, I thought we were unlucky”. The Darts manager felt his side were defensively sound, but needed more from his strikers, he added: “We had some good possession and good chances in the area, but we’ve got to do better”.

After an 11-game unbeaten run in the league only dropping two points, Dartford have now just won once in their last four National South fixtures. That means they occupy second place but are now four points from the top having played three games more than league leaders. Chasing the Darts down are Havant and Waterlooville and Chelmsford City who have games in hand.

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Highlights – Chelmsford City v Dartford (03/12/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Although Bath City was beaten on the opening day, they began their campaign strongly going on to win four and drawing one of their next five league games. A defeat at Ebbsfleet United put an end to their early good form and since then the Somerset club have shown some inconsistencies. However, Bath City had only lost once on the road in the National South, now they have lost twice in a row on their travels. On Tuesday night, former Dartford striker Elliott Romain scored the only goal as the Romans fell to the Hemel Hempstead Town.

A consecutive away day without scoring, manager Gill doesn’t want drawing blanks to become a habit. Although he was pleased with his side’s display, he told Bath City FC TV: “I thought we deserved to win to be honest. We have to give credit them (Hemel Hempstead Town) for taking the three points because they hung in there”. The forward duo of Fletcher and Cody Cooke have found themselves on the scoresheet regularly, Cooke is top scorer for the Romans with 12 in all competitions this season.

It’s no surprise that with the pair currently out of action, the Romans have been lacking composure and that clinical edge in front of goal, Gill explained: “We do miss the two lads, of course we do, because that’s all our goals in our team. When you got someone like Cody Cooke and Alex Fletcher who stay so calm and just slot balls in in and around that 18-yard box it makes a huge difference”. The Bath City boss is hopeful that Jordan Dyer and Joe Raynes will return to action after missing the defeat in mid-week and the experienced Chris Lines recovers from a “few knocks”. Ahead of Saturday’s match against the Darts, Gill commented: “We’ve got to look forward to Dartford, which will be an extremely tough game. We’re going to have to defend against some real strong physical boys there and we’re going to have to, when you get your opportunities, take them”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 27 / Bath City wins: 46 / Draws: 20

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWWLDW) 		    Bath City
(LLWLDL)		    
Chelmsford City A 0-1 Hemel Hempstead Town A 0-1
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Welling United H 1-1
Oxford City A 1-1 St Albans City A 0-3
Farnborough A 1-3 Tonbridge Angels A 2-1
Braintree Town H 4-1 Chelmsford City H 0-1
Welling United H 5-1 Dover Athletic H 0-1

Last Six Meetings

Bath City 0 – 2 Dartford (06/08/2022 – 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)
Bath City 3 – 0 Dartford (30/11/2019 – National South)
* – Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just once in their last 14 games against Bath City (W11, D2)
  • In those 14 matches, the Darts have kept nine clean sheets and only once have the Romans scored more than one goal
  • Dartford have now lost four and drawn one to goals scored in the last ten minutes

On This Day

A Ronnie Vint equaliser in a F.A Trophy first round derby with rivals Dover Athletic took the tie into a replay on this day six years ago. The Darts went on to win at the Crabble three days later and Vint scored again in a 2-1 victory. Five years earlier Jacob Erskine scored a brace and Elliot Bradbrook netted from the spot as Dartford won 3-0 against Brackley Town, also in the F.A Trophy first round. Dartford’s last league outing on this day ended 4-2 versus Enfield in the Southern League Division One East. The last league defeat on 10 December was back in 1994 when Dartford lost 3-1 to Furness.

Chelmsford City v Dartford

December 2, 2022 / / 0 Comments

League leaders Dartford face a tough away day in Saturday’s early kick off when they face fourth place Chelmsford City in the National South.

The Darts returned to the top of the table in their last outing with a victory over Concord Rangers. Although Alan Dowson’s side have played more games than their closest rivals, they have a one point advantage of Havant and Waterlooville and are three ahead of Ebbsfleet United. Chasing the leading pack, Chelmsford City make up the top four in the division after winning last weekend at Worthing.

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Highlights – Dartford v Concord Rangers (26/11/2022) – Dartford FC TV

December and into the New Year will be a huge test to Dartford’s promotion credentials. After taking on Chelmsford City they will be up against Bath City before visiting second place Havant and Waterlooville, then the festive double header against league favourites and local rivals Ebbsfleet United. However, Robbie Simpson’s side stand in the way first and the Darts will be focused on this weekend’s game at the Melbourne Stadium where they picked up a point last season in a 0-0 draw. Dartford rarely return home with a victory and on previous trips to CM1 they have taken maximum points just once in their last eleven league outings there, back in 2015. Winless in their last five at Chelmsford City, the Darts have failed to score in four of those matches.

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Highlights – Chelmsford City v Dartford (25/10/2021) – Dartford FC TV

Dartford put the disappointment of losing at Farnborough and Swindon Supermarine behind them by picking up four points from their last two matches. After conceding seven goals in those two away days, the trip to Oxford City tested the character of the side. Tom Bonner headed the Darts in front and Dowson’s men almost held on to all three points until Oxford City’s Canice Carroll equalised four minutes from time. Last weekend they hosted Concord Rangers with Dowson naming an unchanged side for the first time since August. The influential Samir Carruthers stood out again and opened the scoring in the first half to claim his ninth of the campaign. Prior the interval the visitors were level from the spot when Mo Bettamer made it 1-1. The Darts ran out winners in the second half with goals from Pierre Fonkeu and an own goal by Aron Pollock. The win also saw the return of midfielder, Luke Allen from off the bench who has been carrying an injury this season. Scorer of the second goal Fonkeu spoke to Dartford FC TV after the victory and said: “It was a really good performance from the team, we worked hard. After the last three games where we’ve struggled to get a win, it feels good to get back to winning ways”.

Assistant manager, Christian Jolley was also pleased with the performance and character the Dartford players showed, he added: “It was a great win, it was a good test. Concord Rangers came to Princes Park and made it difficult for us and had a lot of bodies behind the ball, so we had to be patient. The boys showed great character and good energy, especially off the back of Tuesday where we could have been a bit deflated after conceding after the 85th minute, but we came into this game with good energy and the boys recovered well”. Looking towards this weekend’s clash with Chelmsford City, Jolley added: “They’re all big games, at the moment it’s so tight, especially the top end of the table. The league is not going to be dictated by one weekend, but it’s a big test. They are a good outfit and they are having a good spell at the moment. We’re going to have just focus and do our due diligence to make sure we know exactly what they are going to be doing and how we can set up and find a way to win at their place. 

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Interview – Christian Jolley’s thoughts after the Concord Rangers match – Dartford FC TV

Only Ebbsfleet United and Havant and Waterlooville have lost fewer games in the National South than Chelmsford City making the Clarets difficult to beat. Robbie Simpson has steadily improved the Essex club’s fortunes since taking over in March last year. In the summer he signed former Dart, Jazzi Barnum-Bobb who will return to Princes Park after a spell with Dulwich Hamlet. Barnum-Bobb played 18 times for the Darts under Steve King. Another signing pre-season, Harry Lodovica scored the winner against Dartford last season for Braintree Town.

The Clarets began their campaign unbeaten in their opening six games providing a platform to build. They went another six without defeat following an entertaining 4-3 defeat at home to Havant and Waterlooville in September. On their own patch the Clarets won six out of eight before recently being held 0-0 by Dover Athletic and losing 2-0 to Hampton and Richmond Borough. However, they bounced back from defeat in their last game with an away victory over Worthing last weekend. Kai Yearn and Cameron James put Simpson’s side in command, but the deficit was halved before the break. The three points were wrapped up in the second half when Tom Blackwell tapped home a third.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 41 / Chelmsford City wins: 55 / Draws: 23

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWWLDW) 		    Chelmsford City
(LWWDLW)		    
Concord Rangers H 3-1 Worthing A 3-1
Oxford City A 1-1 Hampton and Richmond H 0-2
Farnborough A 1-3 Dover Athletic H 0-0
Braintree Town H 4-1 Bath City A 1-0
Welling United H 5-1 Eastbourne Borough H 5-0
Weymouth H 3-0 Tonbridge Angels A 0-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 2 – 1 Chelmsford City (15/03/2022 – National South)
Chelmsford City 0 – 0 Dartford (25/10/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Chelmsford City (06/10/2020 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Chelmsford City (14/03/2020 – National South)
Chelmsford City 4 – 0 Dartford (12/08/2019 – National South)
Chelmsford City 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2019 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are on their best unbeaten run home and away (W3, D1) against Chelmsford City since a six game unbeaten spell between 2011 and 2016
  • The Darts are winless in their last five trips to Chelmsford (D2, L3) and have only won twice in their last 13 away games against the Clarets (D4, L7)
  • Keiran Murtagh made his 50th start for the Darts last weekend against Concord Rangers

On This Day

Dartford beat rivals Dover Athletic at Princes Park on this day in 2011. Adam Green’s first-half penalty was cancelled out by Augustin Battipiedi before Ryan Hayes and Elliot Bradbrook’s second-half goals earned the Darts bragging rights. Six years ago, two goals in four first-half minutes by Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Luke Wanadio helped the Darts to a 2-1 home win over Poole Town. On the road Dartford lost their last fixture on this day getting knocked out by Forest Green Rovers in a F.A Trophy replay in 2013. The last victory away from home came in 2002 when Dartford defeated Chatham Town 1-0 in the Southern League Division One East.

Dartford v Concord Rangers

November 25, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford a back in action at Princes Park this weekend when they host Concord Rangers in the National South.

It’s been three weeks since a home game for the Darts and after losing in their last league outing they picked up a draw on Tuesday night. Under a new manager Concord Rangers have started to pick up crucial points as they begin to move up the table.

Dartford went into the Oxford City game on Tuesday on the back of two defeats, in which they conceded seven goals. A 3-1 loss on the road at Farnborough was followed up by a cup upset against Swindon Supermarine in the F.A Trophy. After that 4-0 reverse to the Southern Premier South side, Alan Dowson and company travelled to Marsh Lane to face a team who had only lost once in the league at home.

The central defensive partnership of Connor Essam and Tom Bonner was reunited after a two game absence. It was the captain Bonner who headed the Darts in front in a well earned 1-1 draw. Dartford came close to returning home with all three points but were denied by Canice Carroll’s late equaliser three minutes from time. Dowson made five changes in total from the team that exited the F.A Trophy bringing in goalkeeper, Archie Mair on a months loan from Norwich City’s under 21 team. As well as Essam returning to the starting eleven, Keiran Murtagh, Samir Carruthers and Davide Rodari were back in the side. There was no Josh Johnson after completing a month of his loan and Joe Young who missed the Swindon Supermarine game on the weekend.

Dartford picked up just one point against Concord Rangers last term and that was at Princes Park in January. Despite Jake Robinson hitting the crossbar late on, the game ended 0-0 in Ronnie Vint’s last appearance for the Darts. Both meetings in 2021/2022 were close encounters and it was the Beachboys who came out on top at Thames Road just over a year ago. The match was settled when Lamar Reynolds scored the only goal just past the hour mark.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Concord Rangers (25/01/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Concord Rangers have improved over the last month since a change of manager. The Beachboys were down in 22nd when Chris Search departed having won only twice in the opening 14 fixtures. With eight points on the board, the Essex club felt it was time to make a change in the dugout. In came Rob Small who took Bowers and Pitsea from the Essex Senior League to the Isthmian Premier division and after losing his opener, the Beachboys have since gone unbeaten in the National South. Small had success in his eight years at Bowers and Pitsea and also took then to the F.A Cup first round for the first time ever losing narrowly to Lincoln City 1-0 at Sincil Bank. Small also took the Essex club to the semi-final of the F.A Vase in 2016.

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Unbeaten in the National South in their last four games, the Beachboys strung three consecutive wins together since a 3-0 defeat at Hampton and Richmond Borough. Concord Rangers won by the same score in the following match defeating Dover Athletic with goals from Ryan Blackman, Nana Kyei and Aron Pollock. Another three were netted at home versus Chippenham Town after falling behind at Thames Road. Alex Bray, Saleem Akanbi and Blackman were all on the scoresheet to pick up maximum points.

The last two league games for the Beachboys involved Kent sides Tonbridge Angels and Welling United. Ben Williamson scored the winning goal against the Angels in a 1-0 victory and four days later Concord Rangers drew with the Wings. With home advantage and playing 70 minutes with an extra man, the Beachboys were unable to take advantage of Welling United’s Sid Nelson’s sending off. Instead the visitors took the lead when Taylor Mahoney netted for the Kent side. Concord Rangers managed to get a grip on the game and were rewarded with an equaliser by Louis Ramsey.

Since then, Small’s side have been in cup action losing to lower league opposition Harrow Borough 4-2 in the F.A Trophy. The Southern Premier League South side caused an upset going three up inside the opening 35 minutes. Blackman scored in first-half stoppage time and when Harrison Day grabbed another for the Beachboys the comeback was on. However in the last minute Harrow Borough regained a two goal lead to send the Essex club out.

On Tuesday night they took on Aveley in the Essex Senior Cup, a team representing the Isthmian Premier League and were taken to penalties. After a 1-1 draw the Beachboys won the shootout 4-2. Former Dart midfielder D’Sean Theobalds was named on the bench, but ex Dartford winger Ricky Modeste was not included, the pair could return to Princes Park on the weekend. Theobalds played seven games under Steve King during last season and scored one goal, whilst Modeste signed in August 2020 and made only three appearances for the club.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Concord Rangers wins: 4 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford
(DWWWLD) 		    Concord Rangers
(LLWWWD)		    
Oxford City A 1-1 Welling United H 1-1
Farnborough A 1-3 Tonbridge Angels H 1-0
Braintree Town H 4-1 Chippenham Town H 3-1
Welling United H 5-1 Dover Athletic A 3-0
Weymouth H 3-0 Hampton and Richmond A 0-3
Slough Town A 2-1 Bath City H 0-2

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 0 Concord Rangers (25/01/2022 – National South)
Concord Rangers 1 – 0 Dartford (02/11/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Concord Rangers (21/12/2019 – National South)
Concord Rangers 0 – 2 Dartford (14/09/2019 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Concord Rangers (26/01/2019 – National South)
Concord Rangers 2 – 0 Dartford (14/08/2018 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won just one of their last seven games against Concord Rangers (D3, L3)
  • The Darts are winless in three at home versus the Beachboys (D2, L1)
  • Dartford have failed to score in their last three matches against Concord Rangers

On This Day

Elliot Bradbrook scored a F.A Trophy hat-trick on this day to send Dartford into round one. Weston-super-Mare took the lead through Bradley Ash, but before the break Andy Pugh levelled. Bradbrook put the Darts back in front and the tie could have turned after Tom Bonner was sent off. Ash converted the subsequent penalty equalising for the hosts. A replay would have been a good result with ten men, however Bradbrook had other ideas scoring twice to claim the match ball and a 4-2 victory. That win is Dartford’s only triumph on this day in the last six outings. Three years ago they went out at the same stage of the competition to local rivals Maidstone United in a replay. In the twelve home matches on 26 November, the Darts have won just three, 4-0 against Faversham in 1898, 3-2 versus Chelmsford City in 1960 and the last win at home came in 1988 when Dartford beat Worcester City 2-0.

Oxford City v Dartford

November 22, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford will be eager to bounce back from a difficult week when they take on Oxford City on Tuesday night in the National South.

After an unbeaten run of 11 games in all competitions and picking up an impressive 31 points from a possible 33 in the league, the Darts lost twice in a row to see their good form come to an end. Oxford City have been have not lost at home in the league since the opening day and will fancy their chances.

The journey to Marsh Lane last season ended in a 1-1 draw with goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook making his debut. The shot stopper was unable to keep out Joe Iaciofano’s equaliser that day after the Darts had taken the lead in the third minute through a Marcus Dinanga penalty. The two sides couldn’t be separated in the earlier meeting at Princes Park either playing out a 0-0 stalemate. In October 2019, the Darts won 1-0 in Oxford with Ben Greenhalgh’s curling shot being the decisive goal in the game. Overall, Dartford have avoided defeat against Tuesday’s opponents in their last four matches, winning two and drawing two.

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Match Highlights – Oxford City v Dartford (02/04/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Alan Dowson has plenty of work to do ahead of the visit to Marsh Lane. Last weekend they were beaten on the road at Farnborough missing an opportunity to top the standings. Instead they ended the day in third after falling to a 3-1 loss against the Hampshire side. After acknowledging the poor performance, Dowson made four changes to the team to face Swindon Supermarine on Saturday in the F.A Trophy second round.

Kristian Campbell scored a consolation goal against Farnborough and he was named in the starting eleven alongside goalkeeper Tom Wray and loanee Joshua Johnson. Once again the Darts missed the central defensive partnership of Tom Bonner and Connor Essam. Bonner was suspended versus Farnborough, but the captain returned on the weekend. This time Essam was unavailable and the unfortunate Wray conceded four as the Darts failed to score. Yet another cup upset went against the Darts and having conceded seven goals over the past week, Dowson needs his players to respond on Tuesday night.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Oxford City (13/11/2021) – Dartford FC TV

Oxford City were also dumped out of the trophy against lower league opposition. Last season, Plymouth Parkway were two divisions below the Hoops. After winning promotion, the Devonshire club have now claimed an cupset beating Ross Jenkins’ team on penalties. Iaciofano had put City ahead only for Harrison King to level and take the tie to spot kicks.

In the National South, Oxford City have one of the best home records in the division tasting defeat just once and that was on the opening day. Since then they have gone a dozen home games unbeaten winning eight and drawing four. Oxford City have dished out a 5-0 hammering of Concord Rangers, were the first team to take points off league leaders Ebbsfleet United and have won three of their last four at Marsh Lane. Form on the road has not been as great and explains why City are ninth in the table, but just a point from a top seven spot.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 8 / Oxford City wins: 3 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford
(WDWWWL) 		    Oxford City
(WLWLDW)		    
Farnborough A 1-3 Dover Athletic H 3-1
Braintree Town H 4-1 Hemel Hempstead Town H 2-2
Welling United H 5-1 Worthing A 0-1
Weymouth H 3-0 Hungerford Town H 2-0
Slough Town A 2-1 Farnborough Town A 1-2
St Albans City A 1-1 Taunton Town H 2-1

Last Six Meetings

Oxford City 1 – 1 Dartford (02/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 0 Oxford City (13/11/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Oxford City (11/01/2020 – National South)
Oxford City 0 – 1 Dartford (12/10/2019 – National South)
Oxford City 2 – 1 Dartford (27/04/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Oxford City (13/11/2018 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford are four games unbeaten against Oxford City (W2, D2) and have kept three clean sheets in those matches
  • Dartford have scored in each of their eight visits to visiting Marsh Lane and are unbeaten in their last two there (W1, D1)
  • If the Darts avoid defeat it will be their best unbeaten run when visiting Oxford City.

On This Day

Dartford have failed to win on this day since 1988 when they beat Crawley Town 4-0 in the Southern League Cup second round. In league football you have to go back two years earlier when they defeated Folkestone 5-0 in the Southern Premier League. In 1989, the Darts took Football League side Exeter City to a F.A Cup first round replay, but lost the away tie 4-1. Dartford’s last six games on 22 November have been away from home, the last was a 2-2 draw at Welling United in 2016 in the Kent Senior Cup. Goals from Ryan Hayes and Keaton Wood weren’t enough as the Wings went through 4-1 on penalties.

Farnborough v Dartford

November 10, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford can extend their unbeaten run to a dozen matches when they visit Southern Premier South playoff winners Farnborough this weekend.

The Darts have won ten and drawn one of their last 11 games and have the potential to top the National South standings when the full-time scores roll in on Saturday. Farnborough may have taken a while settling in on their return to the division but are enjoying an unbeaten streak of their own.

Dartford were in pole position come the end of last weekend’s results and they have found their scoring boots of late. Only once had the Darts scored more than twice, in the Kent derby win over Dover Athletic two months ago, now they have scored twelve in three games hitting Weymouth for three, Welling United for five and most recently Braintree Town for four. Alan Dowson made one change to the side that thrashed local rivals Welling United for the game against Braintree Town, Charlie Sheringham was back in attack replacing Davide Rodari. The Dartford boss will need to reshuffle again this weekend, this time in defence due to the one game suspension picked up by captain Tom Bonner.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Braintree Town (05/11/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dowson’s side have showed character this season, firstly overcoming a spell of five defeats in seven earlier in the campaign, then with comeback wins over Eastbourne Borough, Dulwich Hamlet and Slough Town and on Saturday they had to play out half an hour with ten men. The Darts often struggled against Braintree Town in the past, but this time they won 4-1 with an outstanding second-half display. Sheringham netted from the spot five minutes after the break and the game could have turned after Bonner was sent off for a second caution. However, Dartford stretched their lead when Luke Coulson scored potentially the goal of the season. His second in as many games since coming back from injury was a spectacular volley from outside the box. Braintree Town pulled a goal back with just over ten minutes to play, the header from Kyran Clements testing Dartford’s resolve. Dowson introduced Samir Carruthers and Keiran Murtagh and the pair combined for a third in the last minute, Carruthers finishing off a fine move. Then there was time for Carruthers to score the second penalty of the afternoon for his eighth of the campaign.

Martin Tyler spoke to Dartford FC TV afterwards and said: “No one could have written the scenario like this to be honest and we’ve ended up singing in the Dartford rain, but the scoreline doesn’t in any way reflect what a tight game it was and what Braintree brought to the match”, he added: “The reason we’ve had a recent run of good results is the competition for places has been that much hotter, so even someone like Samir (Carruthers) who has played in the Premier League cannot be guaranteed a start”.

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Match Highlights – Farnborough v Dartford (17/11/2011) – courtesy of sonytino

The last time Dartford won 4-1 and were reduced to ten men was 11 years ago against Farnborough. On that day Sheringham scored twice including one from a penalty. Tom Champion and Danny Harris were the other scorers, Lee Noble was sent off when the scores were level at 1-1. In the reverse fixture five months earlier Noble scored a last-minute consolation in a 2-1 defeat. The next season Dartford won promotion to the National League via the playoffs and completed a double over Boro winning 2-1 at Cherrywood Road thanks to goals from Sheringham and Lee Burns, then at Princes Park Jacob Erskine netted twice and Tony Garrod sealed a 3-0 victory.

Farnborough are on a nine-game unbeaten streak in all competitions and wrote some F.A Cup headlines last weekend by upsetting League Two Sutton United. Last term, Dartford signed Michael Fernandes on loan from Colchester United before the campaign had started, however he didn’t manage a competitive game before moving to Farnborough. The winger scored with three minutes to go in the F.A Cup tie and a second was added by Francis Amarty in injury time. Confidence has been growing at Boro since their promotion and slow start to this season. In cup games they have beaten last season’s promotion rivals Hayes and Yeading United, brushed aside Dartford’s F.A Trophy opponents Swindon Supermarine in a 5-1 win, hit Biggleswade Town for seven and in the Hampshire Senior Cup defeated Cove 7-2 as well.

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Match Highlights – Dartford v Farnborough (10/03/2012) – courtesy of sonytino

In the National South, Farnborough lost seven of their opening ten games ending September down in the relegation zone. Spencer Day’s side have climbed five places over the last month picking up 11 points out of a possible 15, their latest a 0-0 draw at home to Eastbourne Borough. Day spoke to Farnborough TV after the Tuesday night’s game, he commented: “I think it was a fair result, it was a very poor performance from us, very much the cliché after the lord mayor’s show at the weekend”. Attention now turns to hosting the Darts and Day said: “It’s a massive game, it’s a hell of a challenge, it’s the first team right at the top of the table that we’ve faced at home, it’s a massive challenge. Dowse is doing a great job there and it’s going to be a very difficult game”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Farnborough wins: 4 / Draws: 2

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWDWWW) 		    Farnborough
(LWDWWD)		    
Braintree Town H 4-1 Eastbourne Borough A 0-0
Welling United H 5-1 Oxford City H 2-1
Weymouth H 3-0 Weymouth A 1-0
Slough Town A 2-1 Dover Athletic A 1-1
St Albans City A 1-1 Worthing A 2-1
Tonbridge Angels H 2-0 Chelmsford City H 0-1

Last Six Meetings

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)
Dartford 1 – 2 Farnborough Town (23/11/1998 – F.A Trophy)
Farnborough Town 1 – 1 Dartford (21/11/1998 – F.A Trophy)

Statistics

  • The Darts have never won at Farnborough in five attempts (D2, L3)
  • Half of Dartford’s games this season have ended 2-1 (W5, L5)
  • Farnborough have won four times in this fixture, three of them were 2-1 victories.

On This Day

Danny Harris and Luke Wanadio scored the goals to claim a 2-0 win over Hemel Hempstead Town on this day six years ago. The last away day on 12 November came in 2013 with the Darts being humbled by Woking 3-0 in the National League. Dartford’s last victory on their travels on this day was in 2005 when they beat Margate in the F.A Trophy 1-0. The Darts have only tasted victory two other times away from home on 12 November. In 1996 they beat Tooting and Mitcham United 3-2 also in the F.A Trophy and in 1921 they defeated Bexley Heath 3-1 in the Kent Senior Cup.

Dartford v Braintree Town

November 4, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford hope to continue their excellent form and maintain the pressure at the top of the National South when they host Braintree Town this weekend.

The Darts have put themselves in contention at the summit of the National South by winning nine of their last ten league games. Next to arrive at Princes Park is Braintree Town, who have often been a thorn in Dartford’s side and this season the Iron are currently in the playoff places arriving on the back of four straight victories.

In all competitions Dartford have only beaten their opponents twice at home in nine attempts. Including trips to Cressing Road, then the Darts record over the Iron makes for grimmer reading. In 16 matches between the two sides Dartford have just three wins to their name.

Under Alan Dowson, the Darts have grown in confidence and prior the last week were not quite the finished article. Time will tell whether their potential will be reached, but six points and eight goals over the last week shows promising signs. On Saturday the Darts overcame bottom club Weymouth 3-0 with Josh Johnson scoring his first for the club on his home debut and Alex Wall netting a brace from off the bench. Influential midfielder, Samir Carruthers was replaced for the second-half and missed Tuesday night’s 5-1 win against Welling United, his replacement on the weekend Luke Coulson was given the nod to start the Kent derby. The only other change involved Davide Rodari making his first start in almost a month in place of Charlie Sheringham.

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Highlights – Dartford v Welling United (01/11/2022) – Dartford FC TV

The Darts were three up by half-time with Pierre Fonkeu and Rodari recreating the goalscoring exploits from earlier in the season. The pair shared Dartford’s first six goals this term and on Tuesday they scored the opening two. Fonkeu now has two in his last three games, whilst Rodari scored for the first time since August. Before the interval there was time for Maxwell Statham to draw level with Rodari in Dartford’s scoring charts with his third of the campaign. Early in the second-half former Dart, Ade Azeez kept the Dowson’s side on their toes by pulling a goal back. Jack Smith celebrated extending his loan spell from Stevenage until January with a delightful finish as the Darts hit four for the first time under Dowson. It got even better with three minutes to go when Coulson added a fifth to send Dartford top of the National South by the end of the evening.

The Darts only took a point from Braintree Town last season losing the corresponding fixture 1-0 in May, ten days before the playoff campaign. Whether the Darts were resting players or not, the performance was under par resulting in the defeat. Braintree Town’s Harry Lodovika scored late on just minutes after coming off the bench. The Iron also made things difficult earlier in the campaign at Cressing Road. Dartford were forced to come back from two goals down with a last gasp equaliser. A stunning stoppage time free kick from Jack Jebb earned a point after a Jake Robinson penalty halved the deficit. The visitors went two goals up through Gabriel Piorkowski and Gio Crichlow.

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Highlights – Dartford v Braintree Town (02/05/2022) – Dartford FC TV

The Iron are having a fantastic season compared to their seventeenth-place finish last term, for long periods they were in a scrap to beat the drop and ended up the lowest scorers in the division. The man partly responsible for the upturn in performances is manager Angelo Harrop, who masterminded AFC Sudbury’s run to the F.A Cup first round giant killing Dartford on the way. The Essex club are one of three unbeaten teams at home and sit in fifth place with the fourth highest goal tally. Although the Iron will be without home advantage, they have picked up four league victories on the road, winning their last two away fixtures 3-0 against Hampton and Richmond Borough and 2-1 at Eastbourne Borough. Those triumphs on their travels have helped Harrop’s side claim four straight wins home and away for the first time in the league since April 2018, when they were promoted to the National League via the playoffs.

Braintree Town’s last away outing saw them negotiate their way past Hampton and Richmond Borough despite several injuries and suspensions to first teamers. The reshuffled side took the lead through Jon Benton and waited until two minutes from time to add a second. Levi Amantchi scored his sixth of the season since joining in the summer from Potters Bar Town. To wrap up a good afternoon for Harrop’s team the Beavers netted an own goal to make it 3-0. Former Concord Rangers forward Lemar Reynolds has notched four league goals this term and so has ex-Welling United midfielder Alfie Matthews, who will serve a one match ban this weekend.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 3 / Braintree Town wins: 8 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWDWWW) 		    Braintree Town
(WLWWWW)		    
Welling United H 5-1 Hampton and Richmond A 3-0
Weymouth H 3-0 Welling United H 4-1
Slough Town A 2-1 Eastbourne Borough A 2-1
St Albans City A 1-1 Worthing H 2-1
Tonbridge Angels H 2-0 Dover Athletic A 1-3
Dulwich Hamlet A 2-1 St Albans City H 1-0

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (02/05/2022 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 2 Dartford (28/12/2021 – National South)
Braintree Town 2 – 1 Dartford (09/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Braintree Town (24/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Braintree Town (06/05/2018 – National South Playoff)
Dartford 1 – 1 Braintree Town (23/12/2017 – National South)

Statistics

  • Dartford have won just once in their last 12 games against Braintree Town (D4, L7)
  • The Darts have gone 13 games without a clean sheet against the Iron
  • The Iron have kept eight clean sheets versus Dartford, in half of the games they have played the Darts.

On This Day

Dartford led twice to win against Hampton and Richmond Borough three years ago. Ky Marsh-Brown opened the scoring, but minutes later Tyrone Lewthwaite levelled for the Beavers. Elliott Romain won a penalty, picked himself up and netted from the spot to grab the winner. The Darts suffered heavy F.A Cup first round defeats in consecutive seasons on this day, both at Princes Park. In 2016, Dartford pegged National League side Sutton United back three times with two goals from Elliot Bradbrook and one from Duane Ofori-Acheampong. However, the Darts ran out of steam as the U’s rattled in three without reply in the final half an hour to win 6-3. A year later, Dartford were outclassed by League Two side Swindon Town losing 5-1, Richard Sho-Silva scoring the consolation goal. Other big scores on 5 November include Dartford’s 5-1 win over Aveley in 2005 at Stonebridge Road and a 6-2 Kent League Cup triumph against Greenwich Borough in 1994. The Darts were also on the end of an 8-0 reverse at Cambridge City in 1960.

Dartford v Welling United

November 1, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford could move to the top of the table if they win their rescheduled Kent derby against Welling United on Tuesday night.

The Darts moved to within two points of league leaders and local rivals Ebbsfleet United on the weekend extending their unbeaten run in the National South to nine. Victory will guarantee top spot for at least 24 hours and the Darts will remain at the summit if Havant and Waterlooville inflict a first defeat of the season on Ebbsfleet United on Wednesday evening.

Dartford are seven without defeat against the Wings and eight unbeaten at Princes Park in all competitions. However, Welling United will desperately want to undo that record with a win, potentially moving back in to the playoff places.

Fortunes have changed for Alan Dowson’s side, when this fixture was scheduled originally the Darts had just lost a fourth league game in five. Whilst, Welling United were in sixth place having won four of their last five. The form table has turned for Dartford as they have not lost in the league since the defeat at Chippenham Town in early September. In the opposite dugout Welling United boss, Warren Feeney has seen just two victories since the 5-0 triumph versus Oxford City, beating Eastbourne Borough before going six without a win until the weekend when they beat Hungerford Town.

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Highlights – Dartford v Weymouth (29/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Dowson made two changes to the side that beat Slough Town a week ago when they faced bottom side Weymouth on Saturday. Tom Bonner returned after be rested as a precaution, the captain took the place of Keiran Murtagh. Whilst the match winner in the 2-1 win over Slough Town, Pierre Fonkeu started ahead of Marvin Herschel. The Darts secured a ninth league win in eleven with a 3-0 victory over the Terras. Joshua Johnson scored from a delightful long range effort on his home debut and Alex Wall came off the bench to claim a brace and double his tally for the season in all competitions. The fourth consecutive league victory at home was also Dartford’s biggest score this term.

The Darts boss stated that the performance was “alright”, he spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and said: “It was a good win with three goals, but I don’t think it was that margin to be honest”, he added: “We were probably losing them games earlier on the season, but it was just alright”. Looking ahead to the Tuesday evening derby, Dowson commented: “They have a decent team on paper, but we have as well so we look forward to the game. A local derby and it’s only round the corner, it’s what you’re here for really. That’s the games I like and I’m sure the players like it and we’re in a good position. We look forward to the game”.

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Inetrview – Alan Dowson’s views after the win against Weymouth – Dartford FC TV

Dartford did the league double over the Wings last term and knocked them out of the Kent Senior Cup on penalties. At Princes Park, the Darts had to show their character to come from behind twice after Afolabi Akinyemi scored both of Welling United’s goals. Marcus Dinanga netted his first for the Darts to make it all square at 1-1 and Danny Leonard restored parity after Dartford fell behind again. Luke Allen enjoyed this fixture last season scoring the third at home, the midfielder also found the net at Park View Road. Dinanga went on to complete the 4-2 win with his second of the afternoon.

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Highlights – Dartford v Welling United (05/02/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

It was much more convincing earlier in the season when Dartford recorded an impressive away victory. Azeez scored a brace against his future employers and Allen also scored twice. Noor Husin and Leonard were the other scorers that day in a resounding 6-0 win. Towards the end of the campaign the two sides were drawn against each other in the Kent Senior Cup semi-final. Again, Welling United led with both goals from Henry Burnett, but Jordan Greenidge and Jake Robinson last minute penalty forced spot kicks which the Darts won 5-3.

Several players are likely to face their old team in this local derby. Statham signed for the Darts this summer from Welling United, whilst Kristian Campbell moved from Park View Road to Princes Park during last season. Charlie Sheringham scored 19 in 39 games way back in 2008/2009 for Welling United before his first spell with Dartford in 2010/2011. Goalkeeper, Dan Wilks was also at Welling United previously, but an ankle injury means he has not played since late August.

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Highlights – Welling United v Dartford (25/09/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Meanwhile, Ade Azeez who scored 18 times for Dartford last season is now part of the Wings strike force and returns to Princes Park for the first time. The forward has scored seven league goals so far this campaign including a hat-trick against Oxford City. Rob Howard had a brief spell on loan in late 2019 making seven appearances, he could also face his former club.

The Wings have had a reliable start to their campaign, but have yet to taste victory against a side in the current top six. Welling United picked up one point in their opening two fixtures then went on a solid run of five wins in six outings. A number of draws, including stalemates in Kent derbies against Dover Athletic and Ebbsfleet United as well as at home to high fliers Havant and Waterlooville, and defeats against St Albans City and Braintree Town has seen the Wings drop out of the playoffs.

However, the Wings were back to winning ways on Saturday beating Hungerford Town 1-0 at Park View Road. Devonte Aransibia’s penalty was decisive and despite Amadou Kassarate’s late sending off Welling United held on. Despite what Feeney called a ‘flat’ first-half, the Wings dominated in the second forty five but only managed one goal. The Wings boss spoke to www.wellingunited.com post match ahead of their clash with the Darts and said: “We respect everyone we play, but for me it is just another game of football. It’s a local derby but we have got to make sure we take confidence from today (win against Hungerford Town) and give the fans something to cheer about”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 24 / Welling United wins: 10 / Draws: 11

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWWDWW) 		    Welling United
(DDLDLW)		    
Weymouth H 3-0 Hungerford Town H 1-0
Slough Town A 2-1 Braintree Town A 1-4
St Albans City A 1-1 Ebbsfleet United A 1-1
Tonbridge Angels H 2-0 St Albans City H 0-2
Dulwich Hamlet A 2-1 Hampton and Richmond A 1-1
Hungerford Town H 2-0 Dover Athletic H 1-1

Last Six Meetings

Welling United 2 – 2 Dartford (26/04/2022 – Kent Senior Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 2 Welling United (05/02/2022 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 6 Dartford (25/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 2 Welling United (06/02/2021 – National South)
Dartford 4 – 0 Welling United (01/01/2020 – National South)
Welling United 0 – 3 Dartford (26/12/2019 – National South)
* Dartford won 5-3 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have lost just one of their last 17 against Welling United in all competitions (W10, D6)
  • The Darts are unbeaten in the last eight games at home against the Wings (W7, D1) in all competitions
  • The Darts have won by an aggregate score of 10-2 against Welling United last season eclipsing the previous best of 7-0 in the 2019/2020 campaign
  • Dartford have kept four clean sheets in the last six league fixtures against Welling United
  • The Wings have only won three times in 21 attempts when visiting Dartford (D4, L14)

On This Day

Cody McDonald hit a Princes Park hat-trick in the F.A Trophy on this day in 2008. The striker still didn’t end up on the winning team though as the Darts drew 3-3 with Oxford City. Dartford have to go back to 1975 for their last victory on 1 November. Months after visiting Wembley in the F.A Trophy final they returned to the area to beat Wembley 1-0 in a F.A Cup fourth qualifying round tie. Since then, the Darts have drawn three and lost two on this day. The last time Dartford played on 1 November was eight years ago when they fell to a 3-0 away defeat at Grimsby Town in the National League.

Dartford v Weymouth

October 28, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to keep the pressure on the top two when they host bottom of the table Weymouth in the National South this weekend.

Unbeaten in the league since the start of September, the Darts have won seven of their last eight and approach Saturday’s game in great form. Weymouth have recorded just one win in the league this season and based on current form gives Dartford a chance to end a 32 year wait for a league victory against their opponents.

For a third time in a month, the Darts showed character to come from behind to claim all three points on Tuesday night. Alan Dowsn’s side have taken nine points from losing positions this term against Eastbourne Borough at the end of September, at Dulwich Hamlet and then at Slough Town. After suffering four defeats in five near the start of the campaign, Dowson’s side is now full of confidence after just one defeat in the last ten league outings.

Earlier in the week one change was made to the starting eleven with Tom Bonner rested as a precaution meaning a start for Kieran Murtagh. Slough Town took the lead in the first-half through Josh Jackman and continued to be in front at the interval. In the second-half, Dowson tweaked the side with the introduction of Pierre Fonkeu and that proved pivotal later on. Charlie Sheringham scored to put Dartford on level terms, the striker’s fourth in all competitions this term. Then Fonkeu won it for the Darts with his sixth of the campaign to take him level with Samir Carruthers. Over the last seven days Dartford have picked up four points with Tuesday’s win adding to the creditable 1-1 draw at St Albans City.

Dartford avenged their playoff heartbreak when they last played Weymouth by knocking the Terras out of the F.A Trophy. Last season Jack Jebb’s well drilled shot from outside the box was enough to put the Darts into the last sixteen of the competition. Goalkeeper, Dan Wilks was in top form to keep Weymouth at bay in the second-half and help his side hold on.

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As the head to head record suggests Weymouth have enjoyed taking on the Darts, especially during the Southern League years of the sixties, seventies and nineties as well as the Conference years in the mid-eighties. The Terras have won almost twice the amount of times as Dartford, one of those victories was in the playoff final in August 2020. After a 0-0 draw, Weymouth clinched promotion to the National League on penalties, the Darts missed all of their spot kicks to lose 3-0. In that campaign the two sides met just once in the league and yet again the Dorset club came out on top. Norman Wabo’s last minute goal was merely a consolation for the Darts as the Terras scored three.

Weymouth have struggled with life back in the National South following relegation last season. David Oldfield started the campaign in charge, but after just two points in the opening eight matches the former Oxford City boss exited by mutual consent. Bobby Wilkinson was lined up to take over and arrived at the Bob Lucas Stadium with a good reputation. Wilkinson led Hungerford Town to promotion to the National South and has also won the Isthmian League South Central with Bracknell Town. A spell at Wealdstone saw the Middlesex club reach the F.A Trophy and playoff semi-finals and he is no stranger to working within a tight budget.

Losing his first four league games in charge of the Terras, Wilkinson finally posted a win for the Dorset club at their twelfth attempt. Victory over Slough Town came against the odds in that Weymouth were reduced to ten men away from home, but Cam Murray’s late winner recorded a first maximum. Yet they almost threw the three points away having led by two goals scored by Bradley Ash and Teddy Howe. Slough Town fought back when Arnold Matshazi pulled a goal back before Nathan Carlyle was sent off for the Terras. Scott Davies equalised direct from a free-kick, but with two minutes left on the clock Cam Murray netted the decisive goal.

On Tuesday night, Weymouth hosted Farnborough and by the end of the evening they were left still looking for their first home win in the league. The Terras were level for most of the first-half but conceded with virtually the last play. Jack Ball headed in at the far post to give Farnborough the advantage which they kept until the final whistle. The contrast between Weymouth’s league and cup form is stark. Whilst the Terras having struggled to buy a win in the National South they have reached the first round of the F.A Cup with victories over Winchester City, Welling United and an impressive win against Havant and Waterlooville. Their reward is a home tie against AFC Wimbledon next week.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 18 / Weymouth wins: 35 / Draws: 16

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWWWDW) 		    Weymouth
(LLLLWL)		    
Slough Town A 2-1 Farnborough H 0-1
St Albans City A 1-1 Slough Town A 3-2
Tonbridge Angels H 2-0 Eastbourne Borough A 1-5
Dulwich Hamlet A 2-1 Havant and Waterlooville H 0-2
Hungerford Town H 2-0 Dover Athletic H 0-2
Eastbourne Borough H 2-1 Bath City A 1-2

Last Six Meetings

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)
Dartford 3 – 2 Weymouth (23/08/1997 – Southern League South)
Weymouth 2 – 1 Dartford (15/02/1997 – National South)
*Weymouth won 3-0 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have not beaten Weymouth in the league for 32 years (D1, L5)
  • The Darts ended a 32 year run without beating the Terras in all competitions last season (D2*, L6) *lost one on penalties
  • Dartford’s clean sheet last season was the first time they have kept consecutive clean sheets against Weymouth

On This Day

Dartford belatedly lifted the Kent Senior Shield on this day in 1970. Continued over from the previous season the Darts drew 2-2 with Bexley United in the second leg to win 4-3 on aggregate. Nine years ago, Dartford knocked out rivals Ebbsfleet United in the F.A Cup fourth qualifying round with Elliot Bradbrook scoring the winner from the spot. The 1-0 win in the replay came after a 1-1 draw in the first game. It wasn’t the first time Dartford qualified for the F.A Cup first round on this day. The Darts won fourth qualifying round ties by beating Tooting and Mitcham United 2-0 in 1983, then in consecutive season’s against Slough Town 2-1 in 1988 and Dagenham and Redbridge 3-1 in 1989. Dartford’s last outing on 29 October was six years ago, Andy Pugh scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win at home to Oxford City.

Slough Town v Dartford

October 25, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Dartford could climb to second in the National South if they manage to beat Slough Town at Arbour Park on Tuesday night.

Alan Dowson’s side closed the gap on Havant and Waterlooville on the weekend and with the Hawks playing on Wednesday, the Darts can overtake the Hampshire club. First, Slough Town stand in their way looking to bounce back from three straight defeats in the league.

Dartford completed a double over Slough Town last season scoring nine goals without reply. The previous visit to Arbour Park ended 6-0 to the Darts. Marcus Dinanga took barely any time at all to open the scoring and the advantage was doubled when Keiran Murtagh flicked in Jack Jebb’s corner. By half-time the Darts were three up through Dinanga and on cruise control. Kalvin Kalala got in on the act, Jordan Greenidge added a fifth and Olumide Durojaiye scored to wrap up the comprehensive victory.

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In August, the Darts faced Slough Town at Princes Park and claimed a comfortable 3-0 win in the first competitive game in front of home fans since March 2020. Noor Husin’s performance was rewarded with a composed finish for the opening goal. Ade Azeez and George Porter added the other two.

Dowson made nine changes to the team that beat Tooting and Mitcham United in the London Senior Cup, only Sam Oduadu and Jack Smith remained in the starting line up. It was Smith who opened the scoring on Saturday in the 1-1 draw at St Albans City, his first goal for the Darts during his loan spell. However, the Saints equalised through the prolific Shaun Jeffers. The result stretched Dartford’s unbeaten run to seven in the National League keeping them in third place.

Dartford coach, Steve Haughney spoke to Dartford FC TV after the draw at his former club St Albans City and said: “The first forty five minutes were a bit of a basketball match as in end to end, both sides looked dangerous going forward and opportunities were created both ends”. Once again, Dowson made use of the interval and in the second-half Haughney thought the Darts were “good value, but without creating too much”.

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Signed on loan from Oxford United, Josh Johnson was given his debut at Clarence Park, he was the only change to the team that won Dartford’s last league game 2-0 against Tonbridge Angels. Haughney was pleased with his debut, he commented: “He brings energy, he brings enthusiasm. I don’t think he’s played competitively for a while but you can see what’s coming, I think he’s a good player”.

Looking ahead to Tuesday night Haughney trusts the Dartford players to put in a shift, he added: “We know it’s opportunity knocks again, another ninety minutes and I know for a fact that group have worked so hard and they’ll go to Slough on Tuesday and work hard again. It’s in their make up, it’s in their DNA and they are buying in to what the management team are doing”.

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Slough Town suffered a disappointing result on Saturday losing 3-2 to bottom side Weymouth. Their opponents were also reduced to ten men before grabbing a winner late in the games. The Terras took the lead when Bradley Ash converted a spot kick and in the second-half Teddy Howe made it two for the visitors. Slough Town fought back from two down with Arnold Matshazi scoring first before Nathan Carlyle was sent off for Weymouth. Scott Davies made the man advantage count equalising direct from a free-kick. However with two minutes left on the clock Cam Murray won it for the Terras.

Dan Roberts made his third league appearance for the Rebels in his one month loan spell. The forward was a favourite in his first spell at Arbour Park making 58 appearances scoring 13 goals. His hard work and pace earned him a move to the Darts in the summer of 2021 and so far he has started just 11 games under Steve King and now Dowson. The 24-year-old has the highest substitute appearances in the current Dartford squad with 26 and has scored six times for the Darts.

Slough Town have had a patchy start to their campaign highlighted by the fact they are mid-table with almost identical home and away records. Opening the season with one point from a possible nine, the Rebels went on to lose just once in the next seven, a 5-1 hammering at Bath City. In that spell they managed to pick up five wins and a draw and by the end of September were ninth and just a point behind Dartford in seventh. However, three losses in a row has seen the Berkshire club lose ground, but Neal Baker and Jon Underwood will be determined to get the Rebels back on track.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / St Albans City wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Current League Form

Dartford
(WWWWWD) 		    Slough Town
(WDWLLL)		    
St Albans City A 1-1 Weymouth H 2-3
Tonbridge Angels H 2-0 Dover Athletic A 0-3
Dulwich Hamlet A 2-1 Hemel Hempstead Town H 0-2
Hungerford Town H 2-0 Chippenham Town A 1-0
Eastbourne Borough H 2-1 Braintree Town A 1-1
Hampton & Richmond H 2-1 Taunton Town H 1-0

Last Six Meetings

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 0 – 1 Slough Town (03/10/2020 – F.A Cup)
Slough Town 0 – 3 Dartford (19/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
* – Dartford won 6-5 on penalties

Statistics

  • Dartford have won the last three league games scoring 11 without reply
  • The Darts have gone four games unbeaten in all competitions against the Rebels, winning three and going through on penalties in the F.A Trophy
  • Dartford are unbeaten in three away games against the Rebels

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last eight games on this day, but five of those have been draws. The last outing on 25 October ended without a goal as the Darts drew 0-0 at Chelmsford City a year ago. Harry Crawford scored twice and Elliot Bradbrook netted from the spot in 2014 to help Dartford qualify for the F.A Cup first round by beating Burgess Hill Town 3-1. That victory was the last in a sequence of three straight victories on this day. In 2011, Jacob Erskine, James Rogers and Jack Pallen scored in a 3-0 win across the River Thames against Thurrock. Three years earlier, the Darts beat Tooting and Mitcham United 2-0 thanks to Cody McDonald and Rob Haworth finding the back of the net. Prior the run of three consecutive wins, Dartford drew four in a row versus Barking and East Ham United (2-2 in 2005), Fleet Town (0-0 in 2003), Newport Isle of Wight (1-1 in 2000) and Bashley (2-2 in 1997). The last defeat on this day came back in 1988 against Sutton United in the first round of the Club Call Cup. The same season the U’s recorded that famous F.A Cup win against Coventry City in the third round.

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