Tag: Taunton Town

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Current League Form

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

Head to Head

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

Last Six Meetings

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

Statistics

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

On This Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Current Form

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

Head to Head

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

Last Six Meetings

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

Statistics

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

On This Day

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

Dartford can secure a playoff place with a win in their penultimate home game of the regular season against Taunton Town on Thursday night.

With a top seven spot all but guaranteed, the Darts are aiming to finish second to earn them home advantage in the playoffs and a bye into the semi-final. A third home win in four on Easter Monday in the Kent derby against Dover Athletic edged Alan Dowson’s side closer to their target. Taunton Town have hit good form winning three on the bounce to virtually make sure they will be playing National South football next season.

Dartford are two points ahead of closest rivals Oxford City with two games in hand and five to play. Three more wins will make sure the Darts claim second and keep the rest of the playoff contenders at bay. So Dowson’s men will be eager to avoid double defeat against Taunton Town who won the reverse fixture back in August.

Eight months ago, Davide Rodari scored the opener at Wordsworth Drive even though he looked second best when he chasing down Sam Odaudu’s long ball, but a mix up at the back between goalkeeper Jack Bycroft and centre half Dan Ball allowed Rodari to get between the pair, round the keeper and slot into an empty net. Another long ball caused problems with 15 minutes to go, this time for the Darts. Tom Bonner was caught out and substitute Dave Sims-Burgess took advantage to equalise. Then four minutes later another sub won it for the Peacocks, Ross Stearn poked home from close range.

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On Monday, Dowson made one change following the 2-1 Good Friday defeat at Eastbourne Borough. Striker, Alex Wall picked up a calf strain during the loss in Sussex meaning Pierre Fonkeu was selected in the Kent derby against Dover Athletic. Wall joined an injury list which already included Charlie Sheringham, Samir Carruthers and Tommy Block. Despite Jernade Meade’s red card at Eastbourne, the full back will not start his suspension until Saturday against Tonbridge Angels.

Harvey Bradbury helped Dartford on their way to a sixth Kent derby win in the National League after just five minutes. The striker capitalised on a defensive mix up to score for the second game in a row, his fourth in five appearances since joining the club. Bradbury had the ball in the back of the net again, but his effort was ruled out for offiside. From that moment 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 to go substitute Luke Allen finished superbly to win it for the hosts.

Taunton Town have been playing catch up after a series of postponements throughout the season. The Peacocks now have a heavy fixture list and their trip to Princes Park will be their fifth game in April out of ten scheduled. At the beginning of the month a modest points total had the Somerset side looking like they would be involved in a relegation battle, however realistically having played fewer matches they were really in a false league position. Five wins in seven has seen Rob Dray’s team on the verge of securing National South football for only their second ever season. Taunton Town need just four points from their remaining six fixtures.

Over Easter, one of the tightest defences in the division kept a consecutive clean sheet on Good Friday. Following a 1-0 win against bottom side Concord Rangers in which Lee Lucas netted the winner, the Peacocks kept out Bath City in a 2-0 victory. It took the Somerset club 76 minutes to break the deadlock when Cameron Evans scored from close range. Victory was secured with eight minutes on the clock, Dylan Morgan finishing from just inside the penalty box.

Dray was forced to make two changes for the Easter Monday clash with Slough Town. Suspensions to Lucas and Nat Jarvis meant Nick McCootie and Morgan were handed starts. Jarvis will be available to return against the Darts, but Lucas still has two games to serve. A last minute winner was enough for the Peacocks to claim a 2-1 victory. The hosts took the lead from a corner headed in by Jake Wannell. Slough Town hit back on the stroke of half-time when Matt Lench levelled. Then during second-half injury Morgan grabbed a winner for Taunton Town.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 0 / Taunton Town wins: 1 / Draws: 0

Current League Form

Dartford (DWLWLW)			Taunton Town (WLLWWW)
Dover Athletic	H	2-1	Slough Town	H	2-1
Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2	Bath City	A	2-0
Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-0	Concord Rangers	H	1-0
Chelmsford City	H	1-2	Ebbsfleet United	H	0-1
Farnborough	H	3-1	Hampton & Richmond	A	1-3
Hungerford Town	A	1-1	Braintree Town	A	2-0

Previous Meeting

Taunton Town 2 – 1 Dartford (20/08/2022 – National South)

Statistics

• The Darts have won all ten home games against sides currently 14th and below in the league, Taunton Town are 15th.
• Dartford have conceded one fewer than the best defence in the league. Taunton Town have conceded the fewest goals (44) in the division, joint with champions Ebbsfleet United.
• The Darts have not gone three unbeaten at home in the league since their eight game winning streak from 24 September 2022 to 26 November 2022

On This Day

Paul Sawyer lifted the Kent Senior Trophy on this day in 1996 after the Darts beat Chatham Town 3-0 in the final. Dean Bowey, Ricky Bennett and Sean Bristow all scored at Park View Road to give Tony Burman’s black and white army some deserved silverware. Dartford’s last outing on 13 April was four years ago and ended in defeat at Princes Park. Nat Jarvis and Nick McCootie, now of Taunton Town were in the Chippenham Town side that won 1-0. Defeat in 2019 ended a three game winning streak on this day without conceding a goal. In 2009, Lee Noble, Adam Flanagan, Rob Haworth and Ryan Hayes all scored in a 4-0 win over Canvey Island in the Isthmian Premier League. A year later in the same division Allan Tait scored the only goal of the game against Harrow Borough and in 2013, Charlie Sheringham netted the winner as the Darts beat Stockport County 1-0 in the National League.

Dartford’s second away game is back in the West Country this weekend when they take on Southern Premier South champions Taunton Town for the first time.

Successful in their first trip to Somerset on the opening day, the Darts will be aiming to bounce back from Tuesday night’s defeat and record a third win of the season. Taunton Town have yet to record a victory failing to score in their first three fixtures, the Peacocks will be hoping to record their first ever triumph in the National South.

Alan Dowson has opted for a stability in his selection policy making just one forced change to the starting eleven in the three games so far. Injured in the 2-0 win at Bath City on the opening day, Kristian Campbell has been out with Luke Allen starting the last two matches. The midfielder has impressed and has been linking up well in the centre of the pitch with Samir Carruthers. However, the pair were unable to help the Darts avoid defeat on Tuesday night against a strong Havant and Waterlooville side.

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Jason Prior just loves scoring against Dartford and the Hawks striker was at it again giving the visitors an early lead. The Darts were level with Davide Rodari netting his first goal since joining from Crawley Town in the summer. Havant and Waterlooville’s, Oscar Gobern won it for the Hampshire outfit with a second half winner condemning Dowson’s men to their first loss of the campaign. Despite picking up no points at home and a ‘slow start’ the performance was still good enough according to the Dartford boss.

Striker, Pierre Fonkeu had netted all of Dartford’s goals leading up to Tuesday’s match so it was a relief to see Rodari open his account. Dowson has called upon his players to help out with increasing the goal tally so they don’t rely on Fonkeu too much. The Dartford boss feels improvement can be made in defence as well as attack and is hoping to look at the loan market to provide more competition within the squad.

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After two victories and a loss, the Darts turn their attention to a first ever trip to Wordsworth Drive. The long journey means the squad will be travelling down the day before to aid their preparations against Taunton Town.

The Peacocks claimed the Southern League South on the final day last season. A late winner versus Farnborough, who could have snatched the title was enough to see the Peacocks cross the finishing line in first place. The same two sides were up against each other on Tuesday night and it was Boro who came out on top this time, Omar Rowe scoring the winner for the Hampshire club.

Rob Dray’s side entered their first ever National South campaign with momentum winning 19 of their last 22 fixtures. However, the opening three games this term has yielded no goals and one point. A 0-0 draw in the first game against Welling United was followed up by a single goal defeat versus Concord Rangers. The Peacocks have used the summer transfer window to sign experienced players at this level including ex Bath City trio Dan Ball, Lloyd James and Dave Sims-Burgess. Another new signing, Nat Jarvis finally got international clearance in time to make his debut on Tuesday, the striker played for Chippenham Town before moving to Barry Town United.

Current League Form

Dartford (WWL)			Taunton Town (DLL)
Havant and Waterlooville	H	1-2	Farnborough	A	0-1
Cheshunt	H	2-1	Concord Rangers	A	0-1
Bath City	A	2-0	Welling United	H	0-0

Statistics

• Dartford last won their opening two away games in consecutive seasons in 2005 and 2006.
• The Darts have scored in their last 11 away games in all competitions stretching back to their F.A Trophy exit last season in February.
• Dartford have failed to score in the league just once on the road in 2022, the North Kent Derby defeat to Ebbsfleet United on 2 January.
• The Darts have kept three clean sheets in their last four away matches in the league.

On This Day

Dartford have won their last four fixtures on this day with the most recent in 2016 against Weston-super-Mare. Luke Wanadio and a Ryan Hayes goal six minutes from time helped the Darts to a 2-1 victory. In fact the last three matches on 20 August have ended with the same score. In 2011, Charlie Sheringham and Elliot Bradbrook netted first-half goals against Hampton and Richmond Borough. Future Dart, Jacob Erskine pulled a goal back for the Beavers at Princes Park. In the Southern League Division One East back in 2005, Dartford defeated Stamford Town and two years earlier they beat Burgess Hill Town 1-0. On the road, the Darts have won five and lost two on this day.