Dartford begin their F.A Cup campaign on the road at Westfield in the first qualifying round this Saturday.
Ben Greenhalgh takes charge of his first F.A Cup game as the Darts boss and will want to avoid a slip up against the Isthmian South Central side based in Woking.
The Darts have gone out at the first hurdle in two of the last three seasons, losing at this stage last term. Westfield will equal a club record should they progress to the next round by causing an upset.
Late Winners
Dartford have won four out of six league games this season, good preparation for the cup tie this weekend. The latest victory came on Bank Holiday Monday in the Kent derby against Chatham Town.
Three days earlier, the Darts lost to a last minute goal at Burgess Hill Town. This time it was Dartford’s turn to benefit from a late winner. Two substitutes were pivotal in the 1-0 win over the Chats. Louie Atkins won the penalty and Dan Smith kept his cool to score from the spot.
Highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV
Up for the Cup
It is likely Greenhalgh will utilise his squad considering the potential absentees in defence. Whilst players like Gianluca Botti, who made his first start on Monday, may get a chance to impress at the other end of the pitch. Other available players yet to make a start this season include Louie and Richie Atkins as well as Tyler Ibe.
The Dartford player manager will also know a bit about Westfield having come up against the Surrey side last season as Margate boss. The Yellas knocked out the Gate in the F.A Trophy first qualifying round winning 4-2 just under a year ago.
Yellas Progress
Westfield started out in the F.A Cup preliminary round when they hosted a side they faced last season. Hassocks were relegated and are now a division below the Yellas, but they managed to take the Surrey club to a replay. Manolis Gogonas showed his pace and finishing ability when he put Westfield in front, but his goal was cancelled out by Devon Fender’s curler.
The replay was more straightforward with Westfield securing a 3-0 win. Sam Folarin scored mid way through the first half to hand the visitors a lead at the break. Four minutes into the second half, Alex Cruikshank doubled the advantage. The tie was wrapped up with ten minutes to go through Aderi Dede.
Double Header
Last season’s Isthmian South Central runners up have taken seven points from their opening four fixtures this term to leave them fourth in the table. The Yellas have already exited the F.A Trophy in the first qualifying round, going out to Egham Town on Saturday, the side they also played in the league on Monday.
The Bank Holiday double header began with a 2-1 reverse in the trophy. George Hedley’s injury time goal was merely a consolation. Forty eight hours later, Westfield had the chance to avenge their opponents and they did with a 4-0 win. Sam Folarin grabbed a brace, Hedley added a third and Kameron English finished the scoring.
Westfield have now claimed two victories in the league this term after beating Littlehampton Town 3-1 as well. Previously, the Yellas were beaten by early pacesetters Winchester City and drew their opening match at AFC Portchester.
Manager’s View
Victory over Chatham Town on Monday was Dartford’s best display under Ben Greenhalgh according to the player manager, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and explained: “I thought that was probably our best performance out of all six games. I thought we really controlled the ball well and we didn’t force things. We were patient and I think everybody was that little bit braver”.
Despite consecutive defeats prior Bank Holiday Monday, Greenhalgh is pleased with his side hitting the targets set out at the beginning of the season, he said: “We would have liked more after the first few games, but all along it was 12 points. We’ve had two clean sheets, and we wanted a lot of goals from set pieces and we’ve had that”.
This weekend gives the club a respite from league action, Greenhalgh commented: “It’s good to go into the F.A Cup and have a separate buzz. We know how the F.A Cup runs have gone in the past. We are a new team so sometimes that could work because we haven’t felt that pressure in the past”.
Although Westfield sit in the division below Dartford are not to take their opponents lightly, he added: “They’re an effective team and their pitch is a difficult pitch. So, we’re going to respect them, but at the same time we want to have a good F.A Cup run”.
Interview courtesy of Dartford FC TV
Team News
Dartford have defensive concerns with Joe Tennent out of action. The defender has had surgery on his facial injury. Emmanuel Oke is suspended for this game and will be available next weekend. Ben Swift came off injured against Chatham Town. Adrian Gyamera not been involved in last three squads, whilst Hugo Taylor and Luke Exal have been recovering from injury.
Current Form
| DARTFORD (WWWLLW) | WESTFIELD (LWDWLW) | ||||
| Chatham Town | H | 1-0 | Egham Town | H | 4-0 |
| Burgess Hill Town | A | 1-2 | Egham Town (FAT) | A | 1-2 |
| Welling United | H | 0-3 | Hassocks (FAC) | A | 3-1 |
| Maldon & Tiptree | A | 2-1 | Hassocks (FAC) | H | 1-1 |
| Brentwood Town | H | 1-0 | Littlehampton Town | A | 3-1 |
| Three Bridges | A | 3-2 | Winchester City | H | 0-4 |
FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy
Statistics
- If selected George Whitefield will make his 100th appearance. Out of the current squad the defender is the club’s top scorer with 13 goals, joint with Dan Smith.
- Dartford’s exit at this stage last year was the first time in 19 years they failed to get beyond the first qualifying round
- Prior last season’s F.A Cup defeat, the Darts had progressed from their previous four first qualifying round ties, scoring 20 goals in those victories.
- Westfield have played in the first qualifying six times. The Yellas have progressed on two occasions, in 2022 and last year
On This Day
Dartford have played three F.A Cup ties on this day. The last was 22 years ago when they beat Horsham YMCA 5-0. In 1981, the Darts drew 2-2 with Redhill, but lost the replay three days later. They also beat Cray Wanderers 5-0 in a Kent derby back in 1964.
On their way to the 2009/2010 Isthmian Premier title, the Darts swept aside Hendon 5-0 on this day. Goals from Lee Burns, Rob Haworth, two for Jay May and another from Lee Noble made it six wins and a draw in their opening seven matches.
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