The Darts have only been beaten once in the Isthmian Premier at Princes Park this term winning four of their last five. Adrain Pennock’s side held their place in the last playoff place on Tuesday night, but will want to strengthen their credentials on Saturday. Dulwich Hamlet are the current draw specialists on the road and one of the sides aiming to break into the top five.
Box on the Spot
Olly Box once again caused Whitehawk problems on Tuesday night with his second brace against the Hawks this season. The forward opened the scoring with a low strike after former Hamlet man, Dan Smith set him up for his first of the evening. The lead didn’t last long though because five minutes later Grant Hall equalised for the home side.
In first-half stoppage time both sides were reduced to ten men, Harry Lodovica was dismissed for the Hawks and Michael Olarewaju sent off for the Darts, the defender’s second red card this term.
In the second half, Dartford went on to claim all three points. Box won a penalty with ten minutes to go, stepped up and scored his fifth in his last three games against the Sussex club.
Pennock had to use the depth of his squad to get through the mid-week win. Luther Williams was recalled from Burgess Hill Town and put straight into the starting lineup, his first Dartford start in over two months. Whilst Sammie McLeod made his long awaited debut and academy player Elliot Oviave made his first league appearance, both coming on as late substitutes.
More Reds on the Road
Suspensions have played their part in Dartford’s campaign caused by poor discipline away from home. Olarewaju became Dartford’s eighth red card this campaign and seventh on the road. Worryingly the Darts have only played nine away matches in the league.
In total, games involving Dartford have resulted in 15 red cards and on four occasions both sides have had a player sent off. They will be hoping this trend doesn’t spill over into their home matches.
Magic Wands
Luke Wanadio has been a thorn in Dartford’s side and to rub insult to injury he enjoyed three spells as a Dart. The winger destroyed Pennock’s side on the opening day of the season with a hat-trick in a 4-0 win. Not only that, the ex-Dart was the match winner in last season’s F.A Trophy tie and also scored in Hamlet’s last league visit to Princes Park. Wanadio scored 18 times in 99 appearances for Dartford. At Hamlet he has scored five in four games against his former employers.
Opening Day Disaster
The Darts got off to their worst start to a campaign in six years when they were comfortably beaten at Champion Hill in August. Hamlet debutant, Lonit Talla had the hosts in front and six minutes later Wanadio scored his first of the afternoon. Ben Frempah’s debut ended early when the defender was sent off and from the resulting free-kick Wanadio had his second. The hat-trick was completed in the 66th minute to sink gthe Darts.
This fixture last season saw Dartford in control before losing a lead, then salvaging a point. Callum Jones ended a barren spell in front of goal with a first goal in 13 appearances. On the stroke of half-time, Wanadio equalised. Hamlet took the lead in the second half when Ralfi Hand put the visitors in front. However, Box took centre stage with a leveller to save a point.
The reverse fixture was more comfortable for the Darts as they were pushing for the Isthmian Premier title. Hayden Bullas set Dartford on their way before Jones doubled the lead in the first half. The striker went on to add his second to complete the 3-0 victory.
Early Pacesetters
Dulwich Hamlet not only enjoyed a handsome opening day victory, but they kept that momentum going until Bank Holiday August. In their opening four league games Hamlet took maximum points without conceding a goal to sit at the top of the table. Wingate and Finchley, Ramsgate and Canvey Island were all defeated in the opening month of the season with Wanadio finding the net five times in that period.
Hamlet’s Slide
Whitehawk were the first team to take points from Dulwich Hamlet, and although Hamlet bounced back with a victory over Welling United, they have only won once in their last 13 league matches. In that time the London side have picked up five draws in a row, gained 11 points, but have dropped outside of the playoff places down to eighth spot. Mark Dacey’s side are without an away win in six league games, but have drawn their last four. Former Darts, Jordan Wynter and Danny Mills were involved in Hamlet’s last league outing, a 1-1 draw with Hashtag United.
Team News
Injuries kept Sam Odaudu, Eddie Dsane, Dan Carter and Jacob Bland out of the squad on Tuesday night and suspension ruled out Sam Okoye. Dean Nayler remains a long term absentee. Michael Olarewaju will begin his second suspension of the season in Dartford’s next match against Lewes.
Dulwich Hamlet 4 – 0 Dartford (09/08/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dulwich Hamlet 0 – 2 Dartford (29/03/2025 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Dulwich Hamlet (14/12/2024 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (05/10/2024 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 3 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (01/04/2023 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 1 – 2 Dartford (08/10/2022 – National South)
Statistics
The Darts are unbeaten at home in the league versus Hamlet (W3, D3)
Dartford have failed to win their last two home matches against Dulwich Hamlet in all competitions (D1, L1)
The winning side has kept a clean sheet in four of the last five meetings with both sides winning twice
On This Day
Dartford have won their last four home games on this day with the most recent fixture in the F.A Trophy. The Darts hosted Eastbourne Borough in the third qualifying round 14 years ago and goals from Tom Champion and Danny Harris in the replay secured a 2-1 win. Three years earlier Dartford defeated Boreham Wood 3-0 in the Isthmian Premier. Cody McDonald netted a brace and Ryan Hayes scored the other.
In 1947, Dartford were in the Southern League and held Football League side Bristol City to a 0-0 draw in the F.A Cup first round at Watling Street. The replay didn’t go quite as well as the Robins, then in the Division Three South won 9-2. Dartford’s last game on this day was a National League 2-1 away defeat to Forest Green Rovers in 2014.
