Unbeaten at home in the league this season and in their last seven Isthmian Premier outings, the Darts can edge in front of the Hawks on goal difference should they pick up maximum points. In fact Adrian Pennock’s side could finish the evening as high as seventh.
The Hawks will be aiming to break their five game losing streak against Dartford. Victory in Kent could take the Sussex club into the playoff places, a vast improvement to their form last season.
A Point at the Leaders
Pennock’s side will have gained confidence after coming home with a point at the league leaders on the weekend. Another draw for Dartford brought an end to Brentwood Town’s eight game winning streak and 100% home record in the league.
New signing Jacob Bland made his debut, whilst Leyton Orient loanee Dan Carter was named on the bench and featured later on for his first appearance. Samir Carruthers returned to the starting lineup and Ben Frempah was back in the squad.
Pennock was forced into an early substitution with Denzelle Olopade departing the action. The Darts went into the break goalless against the league leaders.
Carruthers made an impact by opening the scoring direct from a free kick ten minutes into the second half, the midfielder’s first goal of the season. Brentwood Town hit back equalising through Charlee Hughes. Dartford have now drawn five of their last six league matches.
Goal of Last Season
Former captain Josh Hill scored Dartford’s goal of the season against Whitehawk back in January. The defender unleashed an unstoppable long range effort to open the scoring at Princes Park. Callum Jones doubled the lead before Josh Nandhra pulled a goal back for the visitors. Maximum points were secured late on when Carruthers won a penalty and scored the spot kick. Eddie Dsane added a fourth with a fine solo effort and finish.
The Darts completed a double over the Sussex side in the reverse fixture in April. Pennock’s side were deep in a title race and after dropping points in the previous game were under pressure to secure victory. Olly Box came off the bench to score the only goal of the game.
On the weekend, Whitehawk picked up their first win in the Isthmian Premier since Bank Holiday August. Like the Darts, the Hawks have only lost twice in the league. However, the Sussex side have picked up victories, this time at home against Carshalton Athletic.
Whitehawk were handed a great opportunity to take the lead when Noah Nzuzi conceded a penalty in his first start for the Robins. Charlie Lambert scored from the spot despite the efforts of former Dartford goalkeeper, Matt Kerbey. The Hawks doubled the lead when substitute Harry Bridle finished one-on-one with the keeper.
A Positive Return
This time last year the Hawks were down in seventeenth and a fortnight later they parted ways with their manager, Ross McNeilly. Almost 12 months on from the start of his second spell as boss, Shaun Saunders has improved Whitehawk’s fortunes.
Despite an opening day defeat to Isthmian South East champions Ramsgate and a goalless draw at home to Chichester City, the Hawks went on to win three in a row. In that run they ended early pacesetters Dulwich Hamlet’s perfect record.
September began with a loss at Folkestone Invicta, but since then the Hawks are three unbeaten, drawing with St Albans City and Hashtag United prior to a win on the weekend.
Team News
Olly Box returns from suspension. Denzelle Olopade will be assessed after coming off early on the weekend. Dean Nayler and Sammie McLeod remain sidelined with injury.
Dartford have won their last five games against Whitehawk
The Darts have won their last three home games versus the Hawks
Dartford have scored three or more goals in four of the last five matches against Whitehawk
On This Day
Dartford qualified for the F.A Cup first round on this day in 2017. Alfie Pavey scored an early goal to win the tie versus Burgess Hill Town. The Darts went out in the next round when they came up against League Two side Swindon Town.
Two years ago, the Darts were on the end of a seven goal thriller when they lost 4-3 at Hampton and Richmond Borough. Dartford’s last home match on this day was back in 2006 when Richard Avery, Anthony Hogg and Jay May scored in a 3-1 win over Godalming Town in the Isthmian Division One South.
