The Darts have won four in a row to extend their unbeaten league run to 11 matches. Two Kent derby victories over the last fortnight have pushed Adrian Pennock’s side into the top five.
Wingate and Finchley picked up just one point in their opening six games, but over the last month the Blues have climbed out of the relegation zone after an unbeaten run of six games in the Isthmian Premier.
Double Derby Delight
Momentum is building for Dartford which has coincided with a defence that has tightened up and a front three that has clicked. After putting three past Whitehawk and scoring four against Potters Bar Town on home soil, the Darts recorded a first win and clean sheet on the road this term when they beat Cray Wanderers by two.
A week later Pennock stuck with the same starting lineup for the next Kent derby against Welling United, but his side were shell shocked early on. The Darts went a goal down inside the opening minutes after Ruben Shakpoke hit a shot in off the post. Dartford’s best first half chances came through George Whitefield, who had one cleared off the line and another that hit the post. Eddie Dsane also saw his effort excellently saved.
The in-form striker didn’t have to wait long in the second half. Dsane grabbed a quick-fire brace to make it six goals in his last three appearances. First, he finished to level after good work from Olly Box, then he hit a low drive to put the hosts in front. The three points were sealed once Box curled a third into the top corner.
Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TVA Wakeup Call
Last season the second half at home to Wingate and Finchley was arguably a turning point in Dartford’s season. Despite ending in defeat, the Darts showed they had the battling spirit and character that would help them go on an impressive unbeaten run equalling a club record of 21 league games.
That fixture back in October 2024 began disastrously when the visitors went three up in the opening 21 minutes. Ben Frempah lined up for the Blues that day and he scored as well as Andronicos Georgiou, who netted a brace. As the Darts hit a low point it also served as a wakeup call. Dartford fought back with two second half goals from Box and Ade Yussuf.
Match highlights courtesy of Dartford FC TV
The return fixture in January saw roles reversed as it was Dartford’s turn to build up a lead with goals from George Whitefield and a spot kick from Sami Carruthers. The Blues pulled one back through Camilo Restrepo but couldn’t find an equaliser.
Blues Shock Leaders
Wingate and Finchley stunned league leaders Brentwood Town last weekend with a brilliant 5-0 victory in Essex. Whilst the Darts halted Brentwood Town’s perfect home start four weeks ago, Wingate and Finchley went one better by becoming the first side to beat the early pacesetters on their own patch.
Two goals in the opening eight minutes set the North London side on their way. Ryan Lowe and Kyron Horsley-McKay made sure the visitors got off to a fast start and Restrepo made it three before half-time. An early second-half goal from Gianluca Botti put the game beyond doubt and Romeo Akinola added some extra gloss in the final stages.
Late, Late Show
Ahmet Rifat’s side were brought back down to earth on Tuesday night against bottom side Canvey Island. In a tight contest it took until eight minutes from time for Wingate and Finchley to go in front with a goal from Loic Hernandez. However, the Gulls managed a late leveller through Elliott Ronto to share the points. The Blues still gained a couple of places in the league table moving up to sixteenth.
Manager’s View
Pennock was pleased with the way his side turned Saturday’s game around, he told Dartford FC TV his players needed to earn the right to play good football, he said: “We had a couple of good chances in the first half and Jonny made a really good save with his feet. I just wanted us to be more on the ball and people wanting the ball in the second half and that’s what we done”.
The Darts fans were rewarded in the end, the Dartford boss added: “The second half of football was very pleasing to watch. That was one for the fans, they’ve really enjoyed that as well, but we’re not getting too carried away, but it’s obviously nice to win a derby”.
Former Wingate and Finchley defender, Ben Frempah last featured as a substitute for the Darts in the win over Whitehawk. The defender hasn’t been involved in the last two matchday squads. Sam Odaudu has been missing through injury since that Whitehawk game. Dean Nayler and Sammie McLeod have been long term absentees. Ikechi Eze has gone out on loan to Potters Bar Town and Albie O’Mara- Knapp has had his loan spell extended at Erith Town.
Wingate and Finchley 1 – 2 Dartford (18/01/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 3 Wingate and Finchley (19/10/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 – 0 Wingate and Finchley (26/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 0 – 2 Dartford (03/11/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 3 – 2 Dartford (18/03/2006 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Dartford 2 – 1 Wingate and Finchley (17/12/2005 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Statistics
Dartford have won four of their last six games against Wingate and Finchley (L2)
The Darts have lost just one at home against the Blues (W2, D1)
If selected Sam Okoye will make his 50th start for Dartford
Dartford’s eight unbeaten home games from the start of the season is their longest unbeaten home start since 2021 (17 games)
The Darts have won three league games in a row at Princes Park. A fourth consecutive home league victory will equal Adrian Pennock’s best since taking over as boss.
On This Day
Dartford reached the second round of the F.A Cup on this day in 1961 and 2014. The most recent first round tie ended up with seven goals as the Darts beat Bromley 4-3 at Hayes Lane. Louis Dennis started the goal action for the hosts before Danny Harris equalised. Tony Burman’s side took the lead twice through Ryan Hayes and Elliot Bradbrook, but the Ravens hit back on both occasions when Moses Ademola and then Danny Waldren scored. The match winner turned out to be Tom Bradbrook who nodded home with nine minutes to go to help the Darts into the second round for the first time in 30 years.
In 1961, the Darts shocked Football League opponents Exeter City of Division Four. Days earlier Dartford took the Grecians to a replay after coming back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3. Bob Taylor scored a brace and Ray White got the other goal that day. The replay back at Watling Street on 8 November finished with the Darts winning 2-1, Jimmy Fletcher netted one and Taylor scored again.
