The Darts are back at Princes Park this weekend heading the National South table and hosting fourth place St Albans City.
Dartford started the week down in seventh place and one win saw a huge leap up the standings into pole position. With the top four separated by goal difference, Tony Burman will be hoping to improve his record against Saints boss Ian Allinson, to ensure the Darts maintain their lead in the National South. Victory at home will almost guarantee top spot as Dartford’s goal difference is seven goals more than their closest rivals.
However, the Darts have lost their last three meetings against St Albans City without even scoring a goal. The last of which came in March when Charlie Walker’s goal was enough to complete the double over Dartford. Earlier in the campaign St Albans City won 2-0 at Princes Park to end the Darts unbeaten home start that season. Sam Merson headed in the opener and former Dart, Tom Bender grabbed a second. At the end of the 2015/16 season, the Saints recorded their first ever victory over Dartford with a comprehensive 4-0 win on the final day.
After a second consecutive away defeat in the league last weekend without scoring, the Darts travelled to Bath City on Tuesday night. Having been beaten 3-0 by Weston-super-Mare then 1-0 by Chelmsford City on the road, the Darts were hoping to break their barren spell. Richard Sho-Silva was missing from the squad against the Romans meaning captain Elliot Bradbrook paired up with Ronnie Vint in central defence.
The match began with Ryan Hayes trying his luck immediately shooting straight from kick off and hitting the crossbar. In form striker Alfie Pavey looked lively and when Lee Noble crossed the ball on 32 minutes Pavey headed home. The lead lasted almost up to the interval but Tom Smith equalised before half-time. Dartford failed to break down ten men Chelmsford City on Saturday, but this time the Darts had to be resolute after Andy Pugh was dismissed. Despite the disadvantage Pavey pounced again to win the match 2-1 and keep up his record of almost a goal a game.
St Albans City, unbeaten in six prior to their Tuesday night fixture took on Hampton and Richmond Borough at the Beveree. The hosts took the lead on half an hour when Charlie Wassmer headed the opener which turned out to be the decisive goal, denying the Saints a place at the summit of the table.
Allinson’s side were the fastest out of the blocks this season winning their opening six, before losing to Braintree Town and Gloucester City back to back. Since then they remained unbeaten in the league until their mid-week reverse at Hampton and Richmond Borough.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 6 / St Albans City wins: 3 / Draws: 4
Previous Meetings
| 25.03.2017 | St Albans City | 1 | Dartford | 0 |
| 08.11.2016 | Dartford | 0 | St Albans City | 2 |
| 30.04.2016 | St Albans City | 4 | Dartford | 0 |
| 06.02.2016 | Dartford | 2 | St Albans City | 0 |
| 02.04.2011 | St Albans City | 1 | Dartford | 2 |
| 22.03.2011 | Dartford | 2 | St Albans City | 2 |
Current League Form
| Dartford (WLWLWW) | St Albans City (LDWDDW) | ||||
| Bath City | A | 2-1 | Hampton & Richmond | A | 0-1 |
| Chelmsford City | A | 0-1 | Hungerford Town | H | 0-0 |
| Bognor Regis Town | H | 1-0 | Bath City | H | 2-0 |
| Weston-super-Mare | A | 0-3 | East Thurrock United | A | 1-1 |
| Eastbourne Borough | H | 4-2 | Whitehawk | A | 1-1 |
| Chippenham Town | H | 3-0 | Havant & Waterlooville | H | 2-1 |
Stats
Only St Albans City (17 points) have picked up more points at home this season than Dartford (16).
The Darts are the top scorers in the league with 32 goals and only Chelmsford City (9) have conceded fewer than Dartford’s 14 goals.
The Saints have failed to win any of their last four away games in the National South (D2 L2). Their last away win in the National South came on 19 August 2017 against Poole Town.
On This Day
Nine years ago Dartford were involved in a thrilling come back when they drew 3-3 with AFC Hornchurch in the Isthmian Premier League. Dean Green scored the opener for the Urchins and set up the second when his cross found Simon Parker. AFC Hornchurch went three up when Green netted his second before half-time. Early in the second half Cody McDonald’s pace helped him to start the come back, Rob Haworth scored by getting on the end of Ray Powell’s corner and Jamie Day completed the turnaround with a 25 yarder.
DATE: Saturday 28th October 2017
VENUE: Princes Park, Grassbanks, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1RT
KICK OFF: 3:00pm
TURNSTILES: Open from 12:30pm
ADMISSION:
Adults: £14, Concessions £7, Youth ( 13-17) £5, Children:£2, Under 5’s FREE
SEATING: Seating is available on a first come first served basis in certain areas of the stadium.
FACILITIES: Bar and food open from 12:30pm
PARKING: Parking is free of charge in the clubs car park but is a first come first served basis.
MATCH UPDATES: Available on Twitter @dartfordfc and on website www.dartfordfc.com
MATCH SPONSOR: Green Inc – They are the football clubs recommended supplier for all Printing & Stationary including our match day programmes for more info CLICK HERE
PROGRAMMES: £2.50
SWINDON TICKETS: Tickets go on General Sale tomorrow at midday. They will be available to purchase from the Club Shop and the Park Suite. Cash and Card is accepted. We will also be open 9am – 1pm on Sunday from the Club Shop.