Dartford look to extend their unbeaten run to four in the league when they travel to Concord Rangers this weekend.
The Darts maintained their position at the top of the National South over the festive period and have a two point cushion. Tony Burman led his side to double victory over local rivals Welling United, but will face a stern test against a Concord Rangers side unbeaten in their last twelve league outings.
In what will be the seventh meeting between Dartford and the Beachboys, the Darts kept up their good record against the Essex club back in August with a 2-0 win at Princes Park. Searching for the maiden win of the campaign, Dartford entered the match on the back of three consecutive draws. A goal in either half by Elliot Bradbrook and Lyle Della-Verde gave the Darts their first three point haul of the season.
On Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, Andy Pugh and Alfie Pavey came back to haunt their former club Welling United in both sets of fixtures. In the 3-2 Boxing Day victory, Pavey’s last minute scissor kick won the match in style, Pugh had earlier put Dartford two up. In the return fixture, Ryan Hayes opened the scoring and after conceding an equaliser the Darts could rely on Pugh to put them back ahead. Pavey came off the substitutes bench once more and this time netted a brace, taking his tally to 18 for the season. Dartford’s performance drew praise from former Dartford defender Jamie Coyle, now in charge at Welling United. Coyle tips the Darts for the title.
Much has been made of whether Alfie Pavey should start instead of Danny Mills, considering Pavey’s recent form from off the bench since returning to action. Burman backs Mills who is on loan from Ebbsfleet United, he told www.kentonline.co.uk: “I’d like to have him here rather than being at another club,” said Burman. “The whole division wants to sign him so we can’t be wrong, can we? I’d like him to stay”. To add further competition to the front line, Duane Ofori-Acheampong managed to get some minutes on the pitch after a long term injury.
Concord Rangers had their Boxing Day game abandoned at 1-1 with East Thurrock United, but the two sides managed to finish the New Year’s Day meeting. Former Dartford play Femi Akinwande scored twice in a 3-2 win that stretched the Beachboys unbeaten run and move them into sixteenth. The Beachboys recent run of a dozen unbeaten matches only includes four wins, which have come in the last five outings in the National South.
Head to Head
Concord Rangers wins: 1 / Dartford wins: 4 / Draws: 1
Current League Form
| Concord Rangers (WDWWWD) | Dartford (WWDLWD) | ||||
| East Thurrock United | A | 3-2 | Welling United | H | 4-1 |
| Hemel Hempstead Town | A | 1-1 | Welling United | A | 3-2 |
| Wealdstone | H | 3-1 | Braintree Town | H | 1-1 |
| Bognor Regis Town | A | 2-1 | Hungerford Town | A | 0-1 |
| Chippenham Town | H | 4-2 | Poole Town | A | 1-0 |
| Welling United | A | 3-3 | Wealdstone | H | 3-3 |
Previous Meetings
| 15.08.2017 | Dartford | 2 | Concord Rangers | 0 |
| 11.03.2017 | Concord Rangers | 1 | Dartford | 1 |
| 24.09.2016 | Dartford | 2 | Concord Rangers | 1 |
| 27.02.2016 | Dartford | 1 | Concord Rangers | 2 |
| 18.08.2015 | Concord Rangers | 2 | Dartford | 3 |
| 27.01.2009 | Concord Rangers | 1 | Dartford | 3 |
Stats
Alfie Pavey has now scored 14 league goals this season in just 16 starts and three substitute appearances. The striker has scored three in his last two appearances both off the bench.
Andy Pugh has scored four in his last three league appearances and has eight league goals from nine starts and seven substitute appearances. Pugh also made his 100th start for the club on New Year’s Day to go with the 42 substitute appearances, in that time Pugh has managed 45 goals for the Darts.
On This Day
For the first time in 22 years Dartford play on 6 January, a date in which they have been unbeaten for 56 years over six games. Greenwich Borough were the only side to take points off the Darts during that time, in a 0-0 Kent League draw back in 1996. Before then, Dartford won five in a row beating Moor Green 4-1 (Southern Premier League in 1990), Fisher Athletic 1-0 (Southern League Cup in 1987), Nuneaton Borough 1-0 (Southern League Cup in 1975), Dover Athletic 2-1 (Southern Premier League in 1973) and Folkestone Town 1-0 (Southern League First Division in 1968). The last defeat on this day was a 1-0 loss in 1962 against Ramsgate Athletic.
DATE: Saturday 6th January 2018
VENUE: Aspect Arena, Thames Road, Canvey Island, SS8 0HH
KICK OFF: 3:00pm
ADMISSION: Adults £12, Concessions £7, 12 – 16 £3, Under 12 FREE.
TURNSTILES: Open from 1:00pm
TRAVEL: By Road from the West: Exit the M25 at junction 30 and merge on to the A13 travelling east towards Tilbury and Basildon. Remain on the A13 until you reach Sadlers Farm roundabout (after approx. 13 miles). At the roundabout take the exit signposted to Canvey Island (Canvey Way, A130). At the end of the road, take the third exit at the roundabout on to Canvey Road, and at the next roundabout take the first exit and remain on Canvey Road. Continue forward as the road becomes Long Road, then turn right on to Thorney Bay Road, then right again on to Thames Road. The Aspect Arena is towards the end of the road on your left hand side.
For those on the team coach, the coach will be leaving at midday – Spaces still available; contact Mick Austin 07969 181 796