Tag: Ramsgate

Dartford aim to finish the evening back on top when they welcome Ramsgate to Princes Park on Tuesday night.

The Darts were in F.A Cup action on the weekend and suffered an upset, bringing their outstanding run of seven straight wins to a crashing halt. At the same time they slipped off the summit in the league due to results elsewhere. However, Ben Greenhalgh’s side will be desperate to return to winning ways and claim a fifth consecutive victory in the Isthmian Premier.

Ramsgate manager Adrian Pennock returns to Princes Park with a number of former Darts looking to avenge the Kent Senior Cup defeat a fortnight ago. The Rams are outside the playoff places after a defeat on the weekend.

They Think It’s Call-eva

For the fourth time in eight years Dartford bowed out of the F.A Cup to lower league opposition on Saturday. The Darts visited Tadley Calleva in the third qualifying round and despite leading through an early George Whitefield goal, the hosts came from behind with a late winner.

Greenhalgh made four changes to the side that beat Whitehawk with Adrian Gyamera, former Ramsgate loanee Jordan Higgs, Lorenzo Duncan and Jez Pinder returning to the starting eleven.

Whitefield scored his first of the season heading the Darts in front from a Greenhalgh cross after four minutes. In the second half, Ryan Sandford saved Kieran Rodgers’ penalty. Tadley Calleva equalised with 15 minutes left, Charlie Barlow levelling. The Romans caused a shock in the 88th minute with Brad Passfield netting the decider.

Defence v Attack

Although disappointing to have fallen to defeat on Saturday, Dartford have been in great form. After consecutive losses leading up to the Bank Holiday, the Darts have shown before that they can bounce back. Greenhalgh’s side went on their seven match winning streak across four separate competitions.

Four of those wins have been in the league with the Darts overcoming Chatham Town, Carshalton Athletic, Enfield Town and Whitehawk. In those fixtures only the Hawks have managed to breach Dartford’s defence, the joint best backline in the league.

However, the defence will be tested against Ramsgate, the division’s second highest scorers. Former Dartford striker Callum Jones has scored six of those goals and sits joint top in the league’s goalscoring charts.

Future Darts Shine

Dartford have successfully kept Ramsgate out already this season beating them 2-0 in the Kent Senior Cup. Both teams made plenty of changes with the Darts displaying a youthful side. Greenhalgh handed six debuts to academy players during the 2-0 win. Lorenzo Duncan netted the opener and his maiden Dartford goal. Wrapping up the win, Louis Atkins celebrated his first senior start with a first senior goal for the club.

Narrow Kent Derby Win

Pennock was in the Dartford dugout in the last league meetings between the two sides. The former Darts boss claimed a home win when Denzelle Olopade scored the only goal of the game. Also lining up for Dartford that day was Jonny Henly, Callum Jones and Dave Winfield. The trio followed a Pennock to Ramsgate over the summer. A further three have also represented the Darts in the past, Jacob Bland, Rowan Liburd and Tom Clifford.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Eight Goal Thriller

The reverse fixture on the Kent coast was a more dramatic affair. Nine man Dartford earned an entertaining 4-4 draw helped by an Eddie Dsane hat-trick. The Darts came back from 3-1 down at half time, then after falling behind again they needed a stoppage time strike from Dsane to take a point. The Rams also ended the game one player short due to a red card.

Ram Raided

Ramsgate were in league action on Saturday and lost 3-2 to Carshalton Athletic. The Robins led twice in the first half yet still went in at the break all square. Nathan Young-Coombes put the Surrey side ahead only for Alfie Paxman to equalise. Carshalton Athletic went in front again through Tope Fadahunsi, but this time Cameron James pegged the visitors back. Finally, the Robins edged into the lead once more and this time they made it stick after Hani Hechachena scored five minutes from time.

Ady’s Familiar Woes

Pennock’s poor cup and away record last season with Dartford has seemed to have resurfaced on the Kent coast at Ramsgate. Winless in their previous four outings, the Rams have already exited the F.A Cup, the Kent Senior Cup and F.A Trophy.

The former Darts boss may have gone one better in the F.A Cup by beating Bracknell Town, the side he lost to a year earlier at Dartford, but Ramsgate were beaten in the next round against National South side Tonbridge Angels. In the F.A Trophy his side lost to Leatherhead on penalties.

Away from Southwood Stadium, the Rams won their first road trip of the season against newly promoted Stanway Rovers. Since then, they are winless in six attempts in all competitions.

Manager’s View

A disappointed Ben Greenhalgh spoke to Dartford FC TV after Saturday’s cup upset, he said: “The second half was inexcusable. We didn’t show enough energy, we didn’t win enough second balls and we didn’t battle enough. We got beaten up”.

By contrast the first half was better for the Darts, but missed opportunities cost the side especially after a poor performance in the second half, the player manager added: “I said at half time, I was happy with where we were at because we needed to be patient and we were creating loads of chances. I believed if we had continued in that manner we’d have won the game, but looking back now we have got to score those chances”.

Greenhalgh does not want to see a repeat of what happened after the interval, he continued: “We’ve been on a brilliant run, so I’m not going to question too many things, but that can’t be seen again”.

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Team News

Emmanuel Oke was a late withdrawal on Saturday and will need to be assessed to see if he can take part on Tuesday. Ben Swift and Joe Tennent remain out injured.

Current League Form

DARTFORD (LLWWWW)			RAMSGATE (WLWDWL)
Whitehawk	H	2-1	Carshalton Athletic	H	2-3
Enfield Town	A	2-0	Maldon & Tiptree	H	2-0
Carshalton Athletic	A	3-0	Burgess Hill Town	A	2-2
Chatham Town	H	1-0	AFC Whyteleafe	H	5-1
Burgess Hill Town	A	1-2	Welling United	A	0-1
Welling United	H	0-3	St Albans City	H	4-0

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 23 / Ramsgate wins: 15 / Draws: 9

Previous Meetings

Dartford 2 – 0 Ramsgate (22/09/2026 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dartford 1 – 0 Ramsgate (03/03/2026 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 4 – 4 Dartford (25/08/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 0 – 3 Dartford (05/04/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 2 Dartford (10/11/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Ramsgate (18/04/2009 – Isthmian Premier)

Statistics

• Dartford are unbeaten in their last seven matches against Ramsgate (W5, D2)
• The Darts are unbeaten in eight at home against the Rams (W6, D2)
• Dartford have won the last four home games against Ramsgate without conceding (an aggregate score of 10-0)
• Dan Smith could make his 50th Dartford appearance. The striker has scored 16 goals in 39 starts and ten substitute appearances.

On This Day

Dartford’s first ever fixture took place on this day in 1888 at Brent Recreation Ground, a 3-1 friendly defeat at home to Erith. Alf Mace made history as Dartford’s first ever goalscorer.

The latest ever opening league game took place on this day six years ago. Covid delayed the start of the 2020/2021 season and when the campaign finally got underway, the Darts beat Chelmsford City at Princes Park. Lockdown prevented any supporters from attending the 1-0 win, Kyjuon Marsh-Brown scoring the only goal of the game.

In 2012, the Darts claimed a memorable victory over Grimsby Town in the National League. Dartford went up to Blundell Park and came home with all three points thanks to goals from Tom Champion and Adam Birchall.

Dartford host the rearranged fixture against Ramsgate on Tuesday night with both teams eyeing up a playoff spot.

A third Kent derby in the row for the Darts comes just days after scraping a win at Welling United. League Cup finalists Ramsgate arrive at Princes Park unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions.

Victory for the Darts could lift them into the top five depending if Billericay Town lose at Lewes in midweek with a four or five goal swing. As for the Rams, they can only move closer to their target, but a win on the road by more than two goals will take them above Adrian Pennock’s side.

Loanee’s Late Derby Day Strike

Dartford needed another late goal to earn some much needed points on the weekend. This time it was Rohan Vaughan’s winner at local rivals and relegation strugglers Welling United. The on loan striker from Queens Park Rangers pounced from close range to give the Darts a 1-0 win over the Wings.

Pennock made two changes to the team that needed a late equaliser to draw at home to Cray Wanderers a week earlier. In came Dan Carter and Dan Smith for Eddie Dsane and Vaughan. Vaughan came off the bench with six minutes to play and was alert to net his first senior goal five minutes into injury time.

Keeping In Touch

Although the Darts have been unable to put in the prettiest performances recently they are still within touching distance of the playoffs. The win on Saturday was only Dartford’s fourth on the road this campaign and the clean sheet was only their second on the road all season.

At home, the Darts are a different prospect having tasted defeat only twice in the league this term. Pennock’s side are unbeaten in the last four at Princes Park and have won ten of the sixteen Isthmian Premier matches on home soil. With three away matches coming up, Dartford will be keen to get maximum points this Tuesday.

Bank Holiday Classic

Tuesday night’s match has plenty to live up to compared to the last meeting between the two sides. On Bank Holiday August a classic encounter was served up when Dartford visited Ramsgate. The reverse fixture had it all, eight goals, three red cards, a hat-trick and late drama as the points were finally shared.

The Darts battled with nine men to earn the 4-4 draw with the tone being set in the early stages of the entertaining clash. Mitchell May put the Rams in front within seconds of the kick off. The hosts almost doubled the lead before Dan Smith scored with only six minutes on the clock. Ramsgate were back ahead through Tijan Jadama and stretched the lead before the half was out courtesy of Ryan Kingsford. Things got worse for Dartford five minutes into the second half. Sam Smith picked up another yellow card to leave his side down to ten men.

Dsane’s Treble

Pennock made a crucial substitution soon after the red card by bringing on Eddie Dsane. The striker halved the deficit and went on to have a fine afternoon, but not before Sam Okoye was sent off followed by Ramsgate’s Harry Webster.

Three goals in the final ten minutes created late drama. Dsane equalised with a stunning long range shot, then former Dart, Tom Clifford looked to have won it for Ramsgate. However, two minutes into stoppage time Dsane won a spot kick and kept his cool to score it. There was even time for a strong penalty appeal for the Darts to be waved away by the referee.

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Highlights courtesy of Ramsgate FC

Mart-In

When the Rams lost 5-0 to Aveley to start November it spelt the end of Ben Smith’s second spell in charge. The Isthmian South East title winning manager resigned after a seven game winless run.

A month earlier Lee Martin departed Welling United after just two months in charge and a poor start. He took up a coaching role with the Rams and was appointed interim boss when Smith stepped down. Martin was given the permanent role after taking seven points in his first three games.

Ram-ping It Up

Ramsgate have hit great form and are one of a few clubs gathering just below the top five. The Rams are growing in confidence thanks to a perfect start to 2026. Martin guided the Kent side to five consecutive victories in all competitions. In that time the club moved closer to the League Cup final, racked up 16 goals and conceded once.

Last month, between the 1-1 draws with Cray Wanderers and Aveley, the Rams won three in a row against Brentwood Town, Hashtag United in the League Cup semi-final and Carshalton Athletic.

Since a last gasp defeat at runaway leaders Folkestone Invicta in late December, Ramsgate are undefeated. The loss against Invicta left them in fourteenth, seven points from the drop zone and ten adrift from the playoffs. Now they are ninth in the league, six points shy of the top five.

Unbeaten Run Continues

On Saturday, the Rams took another point in their home game against Aveley. Martin’s team may have lost ground on those above them and dropped a place behind Burgess Hill Town, but taking a draw against second place Aveley is still a good result. The Kent side took the lead two minutes into the second half through Solomon Ogunwomoju. The Millers levelled just past the hour when Anthony Church scored.

Rams Up for the Cup

Ramsgate are aiming to win the League Cup for a second time having done so in 2008 at Princes Park, when they beat AFC Sudbury on penalties. Their route to this season’s final has involved victories over Ashford United, Welling United, Binfield and Hashtag United. The Rams will find out their opponents in the final next week when Redbridge host Wingate and Finchley.

Manager’s View

Adrian Pennock was pleased his side could get through a challenging Kent derby at Welling United and praised the substitutes, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “It was a really good derby, obviously it was going to be scrappy and lively at times. They are battling for their lives, so it was going to be a difficult game”.

He added: “Our subs again came off the bench at the right times and made an impact. That’s what you want as a manager and we got a clean sheet as well, so I’m really proud of the boys”.

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Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Team News

George Whitefield could be available after being left out on the weekend. Jacob Bland (broken nose) has been unavailable since defeat at Potters Bar Town and Samir Carruthers is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Current League Form

 

Dartford (WLWLDW)			Ramsgate (WDWWWD)
Welling United	A	1-0	Aveley	H	1-1
Cray Wanderers	H	1-1	Carshalton Athletic	A	2-1
Potters Bar Town	A	0-1	Hashtag United (LC)	H	1-0
Brentwood Town	H	3-2	Brentwood Town	H	3-0
Burgess Hill Town	A	1-2	Cray Wanderers	A	1-1
Aveley	H	2-0	Wingate and Finchley	A	1-0

(LC – League Cup)

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 21 / Ramsgate wins: 15 / Draws: 9

Previous Meetings

Ramsgate 4 – 4 Dartford (25/08/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 0 – 3 Dartford (05/04/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 2 Dartford (10/11/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Ramsgate (18/04/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 0 – 1 Dartford (30/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 2 – 1 Dartford (31/02/2006 – Kent Senior Cup)
* Dartford won 5-4 on penalties

Statistics

• Olly Box could make his 100th appearance for Dartford. The forward has scored 34 goals in 79 starts and 20 substitute appearances.
• Dartford are unbeaten in their last five matches against Ramsgate in normal time (W3, D2)
• The Darts are unbeaten in six at home against the Rams (W4, D2)
• Not since the Rams were known as Ramsgate Athletic have Dartford lost at home against their opponents back in 1972 (W3, D1)
• Dartford have never lost a home game to a side known as Ramsgate (W7, D2 – Pre World War Two and post 1972)

On This Day

Dartford have played in five semi-finals on this day and on each occasion went on to reach the final. Four of those finals were in the Kent Senior Cup and it was six years ago that the Darts thrashed Phoenix Sports in the last four. Jordan Wynter, a Liam Nash brace, Elliott Romain and Amrit Bansal-McNulty all scored in the 5-1 win. Steve King’s side went on to lift the county cup the following season. In 1987, a 1-0 victory of Ashford Town put the Darts into the final where they beat Maidstone United.

On the other two occasions Dartford lost the final, but they beat Sheppey United in a semi-final replay after a 0-0 draw on this day in 1979 and defeated New Brompton, only for the Darts to lose the 1894 final to Royal Ordnance Factories. The other semi-final was in the 1923 Chatham Charity Cup, which Dartford won 2-1 against Royal Naval Depot. The Darts lifted the title by beating Chatham 1-0.

Dartford will make the coastal trip to Ramsgate on Bank Holiday Monday attempting to record a first away win of the season.

Fresh off the back of claiming their maiden victory of 2025/2026 on Saturday, the Darts will be hoping to climb further up the league table. However, Adrian Pennock’s side are pointless and goalless on the road after defeats at Dulwich Hamlet and St Albans City. In both away games Dartford were reduced to ten men.

Isthmian Division One South East champions, Ramsgate started with an opening day win. Back in the Isthmian Premier for the first time in 16 years, the Rams have failed to add to their tally since.

Darts off the Mark with a Quickfire Treble

On Saturday, Sam Okoye made his first start of the season after returning from injury. The full back gave away a penalty, which was scored by Carshalton’s Tommy Bradford. Another defensive change saw Ben Frempah back from his one match ban. Luther Williams dropped to the bench and Michael Olarewaju served his one game suspension. The Darts finished the first-half strongly. In stoppage time, Olly Box levelled from the edge of the box and moments later Callum Jones had his effort disallowed for offside.

Dartford started the second half how they finished the first. Three goals in a 12 minute spell put the hosts in control. Dan Smith headed home his first for the club to put the hosts in front. Jez Pinder opened his account for the season with a free kick that went straight through former Dartford goalkeeper Matt Kerbey. Box then made it four with a superb curler from outside the box into the top corner. Academy graduates Hugo Taylor and Albie O’Mara-Knapp both came on to make their debuts.

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Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Welcome to the Premier

The momentum of winning the Isthmian Division One South East with 109 points continued into the new season for Ramsgate, for one game at least. The Rams beat Whitehawk on the opening day 3-2. An injury time winner from the spot by Alfie Paxman gave Ben Smith’s team maximum points.

Yet the step up a division without prolific scorer Joe Taylor, who left in the summer, has seen Ramsgate lose three consecutive matches. Paxman was at the double in defeat at Chatham Town. His brace wasn’t enough as the Rams were beaten 4-2. Four days later former Dart, Luke Wanadio scored twice to condemn the newly promoted side to defeat at home to Dulwich Hamlet.

On Saturday, the Rams conceded another four handing Cray Valley Paper Mills their first win of the season. Another former Dartford player, Marcell Barrington scored followed by Dan Ajakaiye and Tom Beere. From a penalty again, Paxman netted his fourth of the season in the last minute. There was still time for another ex Dart, Ibby Akanbi to get on the scoresheet.

Long Time No See

Dartford last faced Ramsgate in the league when the Rams were previously in the Isthmian Premier. Under the guidance of Tony Burman, the Darts completed a league double over their opponents during the 2008/2009 campaign. Ramsgate exited the Isthmian Premier that year after finishing bottom.

Jamie Day scored the only goal of the game in the away match back in December 2008. The reverse fixture at Princes Park four months later saw Rob Haworth grab a brace and goals from Ryan Hayes and Lee Noble.

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Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino

The two sides have met in cup competitions since with Dartford progressing in the Isthmian League Cup and Kent Senior Cup. A 2-2 draw in November 2009 ended with the Darts winning 5-4 on penalties. Two years later, Charlie Sheringham scored twice and Hayes in a 3-0 victory that sent Dartford to the county cup final, which they lifted after beating Bromley, now a League Two club.

Manager’s view

Pennock was ‘delighted all round’ at the 4-1 win against the Robins. The Dartford boss spoke to Dartford FC TV after the game and felt his side “just needed that little bit of belief in the first twenty minutes, but it came. I just thought we grew in confidence and we scored some really good goals”.

The Darts manager admitted that a strong first half finish and some half time adjustments helped the side go on to claim maximum points. Pennock was also pleased with the character of his players after going a goal down against a tough side, he commented: “That was a really good team effort, squad effort and overall it’s just nice to get three points for everybody involved in the football club”.

Looking ahead to Dartford’s first Kent derby of the campaign against Ramsgate, Pennock said: “We know it’s going to be tough, we respect them a lot. They had a fantastic season last year and they’ve got a very good side there”.

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Team News

Olarewaju will be available after completing his one match ban for the red card against St Albans City. Samir Carruthers is out with a groin injury. Sammie McLeod and Dean Nayler are out injured. Denzelle Olopade is likely to face his former side. If selected, George Whitefield will make his 50th start for the Darts.

Current Form

Dartford (LDLW)			Ramsgate (WLLL)
Carshalton Athletic	H	4-1	Cray Valley Paper Mills	A	1-4
St Albans City	A	0-2	Dulwich Hamlet	H	0-2
Billericay Town	H	1-1	Chatham Town	A	2-4
Dulwich Hamlet	A	0-4	Whitehawk	H	3-2

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 12 / Ramsgate wins: 7 / Draws: 3

Previous Six Meetings

Ramsgate 0 – 3 Dartford (05/04/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 2 Dartford (10/11/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Ramsgate (18/04/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 0 – 1 Dartford (30/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 2 – 1 Dartford (31/02/2006 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 1 Dartford (21/08/1999 – F.A Cup)
* Dartford won 5-4 on penalties

Statistics

• Dartford are unbeaten in their last four matches against Ramsgate (W3, D1)
• The Darts are unbeaten in three away matches versus the Rams (W2, D1)
• Dartford have failed to score in their opening two away games for the first time since 2019
• Olly Box’s two goals on Saturday moved him to 23 Dartford goals. He has now gone ahead of Samir Carruthers as the highest scorer currently at the club.

On This Day

Dartford secured their first win back in the National League on this day in 2012. Having lost their opening three matches, the Darts hosted Kidderminster Harriers with Lee Burns scoring the only goal of the game. Three years earlier, Dartford made a massive statement in the Isthmian Premier when they thrashed Kingstonian 5-0 at Princes Park. Burns netted a hat-trick that day with goals from Elliot Bradbrook and Ryan Hayes in front of K’s boss and future Dartford manager Alan Dowson.

In 2009, the Darts recorded their last away win on this day beating Harlow Town 2-1, Haworth and another future Dartford boss, Jamie Coyle scoring. That was the last time the Darts won on the road on 25 August. Since then, they have lost twice away from home. In 2014, the Darts lost 4-0 at Barnet in the National League and in 2018 they were beaten 1-0 at Hungerford Town in the National South.