Dartford Women v Croydon Ath: Match Report

DARTS WOMEN SCORE FOUR TO ADVANCE IN COMBINED COUNTIES WOMENS CUP!

Combined Counties Women’s Cup fixture, played on Wednesday 18th March 2026.

Darts Women were back under the lights of Princes Park on Wednesday night, as they faced AFC Croydon Athletic Women in the Combined Counties Cup.

The home side began the game with real intent and went close early in the contest. In the 3rd minute, Shauni Griffiths’ shot from the edge of the box went just past the post.

The visitors created their best goal scoring opportunity minutes later, as in the 7th minute, Croydon forward, Kaydence Kabadaki saw a shot on goal go crashing against the crossbar. An early let off for the home side.

The Darts continued to create the better chances in the first period, but had to wait until midway through the half to make the breakthrough. In the 27th minute, a cross from the right caused problems in the Croydon box. Darts forward Molly Smith reacted quickest of all and turned the ball home from a tight angle to put the hosts ahead.

The team went close to doubling the lead 10 minutes before the break. In the 35th minute, a fine strike from distance from Izzy Franklin looked to be heading into the roof of the net, only for the shot to come back off the woodwork.

The home side were to double the advantage minutes before half time. In the 43rd minute, a corner from Lottie Cunningham found Mercedes Bromfield at the front post. The Darts defender headed home from close range to double the lead for the hosts.

The Darts began the second half searching for goal number three, but had to wait until the 70th minute before the goal came. Darts substitute, Leila Awan, got in behind the Croydon defence, and fired a shot on goal into the far corner to put the Darts firmly in control of this cup tie.

The Darts sealed their place in the next round in added time. In the 92nd minute, the referee pointed to the spot after spotting a hand ball in the area. Darts forward, Elsa Ejupi stepped up from 12 yds and calmly slotted home to score her first goal for the Darts and send the Darts through to the next round of the cup.

FT Dartford FC Women 4-0 AFC Croydon Athletic Women

The Darts go through to the next round of the Combined Counties Women’s Cup, where they will travel to Sutton Utd Women FC in the next round. We will see you all back at home on Sunday, as we welcome Dorking Wanderers to Princes Park. Up the Darts!

Team: Harriet Kwok (GK), Cristina Caseriu, Izzy Franklin, Lizzie Adams, Shauni Griffiths, Xayla-Rae Alberts, Rochelle Mayne, Lottie Cunningham, Molly Smith, Mercedes Bromfield, Elsa Ejupi.

Subs: Jade Charlton, Georgie Davis, Mya Lewis-Powell, Leila Awan, Ellie Dolby.

Connor Brennan

Pics: Joe Kwok