Chippenham Town
Founded: 1873 / Ground: Hardenhuish Park
A new entry into the National South, Chippenham Town are the Southern League champions and set their highest ever points tally last season, with an impressive 103, a league record. The Bluebirds spent 15 years in the Southern Premier League reaching the playoffs on four occasions and suffering heartbreak in the final three times. So when the Wiltshire club took all the glory last term, the long wait was certainly worth it for club officials and supporters.
Last Season
Southern Premier: 1st
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
League Top Scorer: Andrew Sandell (27 goals)
Average Attendance: 459 (8th in league / 86th in non-league)
The Manager – Mark Collier
Responsible for guiding Chippenham Town to thee highest level they have ever played, Collier gained experience at Swindon Supermarine. He led the Marine to the F.A Cup second round seven years ago and three months later left the club. Since then Collier has been learning his coaching trade at Wootton Bassett and Abingdon United. The current Bluebirds boss has a championship winning side to work with and hopes his team can repay the trust he is giving the players.
The Summer
Not too much action in the transfer marker and that is because Collier has retained 16 players believing his squad will be competitive. The three signings he has made, Dean Evans, Mark Cooper and Jason Matthews have all come from Weymouth. Most importantly the Bluebirds have kept hold of Andrew Sandell, the Southern Premier League top scorer for the last two season’s. The striker used to play for Bristol Rovers and Newport County. On loan for the season, Chelsea teenager Jared Thompson could gain experience between the sticks. Jake Andrews has been added on a two month loan from Bristol City. Attacking midfielder, Scott Donnelly will provide more experience having played for numerous clubs at Football League and National South level.
Next Meetings
Saturday 9 September 2017 at Princes Park
Saturday 20 January 2018 at Hardenhuish Park
Concord Rangers
Founded: 1967 / Ground: Thames Road
A well run club who have moved up the divisions from the Essex League in a short space of time. Despite small crowds the Beachboys continue to hold their own in the National South and will now participate at this level for a fourth consecutive year. Last term was their lowest finish since promotion to the National South as the Essex club started poorly, but a decent recovery lifted them away from the drop zone to safety.
Last Season
National South: 18th
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
League Top Scorer: Steve Cawley (18 goals)
Average Attendance: 287 (22nd in league / 140th in non-league)
The Manager – Adam Flanagan
Former Dartford defender Adam Flanagan impressed in his first two season’s as Concord Rangers manager. He had replaced Danny Cowley who guided the Beachboys up the non league pyramid so had big shoes to fill. The 38 year old previously managed Brentwood Town where he won promotion to the Isthmian Premier League via the playoffs. As a player he captained the Dartford side who clinched the Isthmian Premier League title five years ago, making a total of 145 appearances for the Darts and scoring 14 goals.
The Summer
Steve Cawley has been the club’s top scorer regularly and will get help from Jordan Cox, who signed from National South champions Maidenhead United. Lewis Taafe returns to Thames Road and Khale Da Costa will be a Beachboy too. Flanagan has returned to a former club in Maldon and Tiptree to sign up Jordan Sanderson and Billy Roast. From Southend United, Jason Williams joins Concord Rangers and Jordan Brown from Welling United. Last season their were a fair few former Dartford players around Thames Road, now that has been cut down with the departures of James White and Jordan Chiedozie.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 3 / Concord Rangers wins: 1 / Draws: 1
Previous Meetings
| 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 |
Next Meetings
Tuesday 15 August 2017 at Princes Park
Saturday 6 January 2018 at Thames Road
Dartford
Founded: 1888 / Ground: Princes Park
After a season of consolidation, the Darts went a step further by reaching the playoffs losing out to their season’s nemesis Chelmsford City in the semi final. Considering the budget available to the top two Maidenhead United and local rivals Ebbsfleet United, Dartford finished the best of the rest pipping the Clarets on the final day. Once again, captain Elliot Bradbrook led by example in midfield top scoring, but a small, solid and flexible squad had the togetherness to almost challenge for the title in February. However the strength of the top two left the Darts behind in a respectable third place.
Last Season
National South: 3rd
F.A Cup: 1st Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
League Top Scorer: Elliot Bradbrook (14 goals)
Average Attendance: 998 (3rd in league / 37th in non-league)
The Manager – Tony Burman
It seemed like Tony Burman rediscovered the Dartford spirit of old last season. Overseeing title winning sides in the Isthmian Leagues and a triumphant National South playoff team, Burman guided the Darts to eighth in the National League back in 2014/15. From then on Dartford spiralled downwards with a reprieve then relegation leaving supporters in the doldrums. Consolidation has now been followed by optimism again and with Burman’s experience, the Darts are eyeing up promotion again.
The Summer
The nucleus of last season were tied down early doors largely due to the team spirit Burman has once again created. The ‘core’ of Elliot Bradbrook, Ryan Hayes, Danny Harris and Lee Noble have stayed on. The hole left by goal scoring winger Luke Wanadio to Bromley has been filled by Lyle Della Verde from Concord Rangers. Full back, Tom Wynter who moved down a division to relegated Margate has been replaced by Mark Onyemah from Thurrock, who played 24 times whilst on loan at Princes Park from Luton Town back in 2015/16. Scorer of 44 goals last term for AFC Croydon Athletic in the Southern Counties East League, Warren Mfula impressed enough for Burman to take a gamble.
Eastbourne Borough
Founded: 1964 / Ground: Priory Lane
It’s time for Eastbourne Borough to show some progression after Tommy Widdrington’s five year tenure. The Sports finished between 10th and 17th during Widdrington’s spell in charge and are only on their fifth manager in 34 years. Stability is a word Eastbourne Borough are used to but the new boss wants more. Last term the Sussex club ended in a predictable mid-table spot and will continue life in the National South once more.
Last Season
National South: 11th
F.A Cup: 1st Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: Semi Final
League Top Scorer: Elliot Romain (20 goals)
Average Attendance: 541 (10th in league / 67th in non-league)
The Manager – Jamie Howell
After ten years as a player at Bognor Regis Town and seven years as a manager, Howell shocked the Rocks with his switch to Sussex rivals Eastbourne Borough. The 40 year old played over 400 games for last season’s Isthmian Premier playoff winners taking his former side to their highest ever level. Howell now wants to take Eastbourne Borough back to the National League by playing attractive football and in the long term have a team of local players from the county.
The Summer
Sergio Torres is the main signing this summer joining the Sports from Whitehawk. The 35 year old Argentinian made his name at Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough before being part of Crawley Town’s rise. Jamie Howell, also went back to a former club to get Leon Redwood to sign from Burgess Hill Town. Replacing Josh Hare at full back will be ex Wothing player Will Hendon and Matt Drage comes in from Dulwich Hamlet. Yemi Odubade returns to the Sports after spells with Oxford United and Maidstone United.
Head To Head
Dartford wins: 8 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 4 / Draws: 2
Previous Meetings
| 08.04.2017 | Dartford | 4 | Eastbourne Borough | 3 |
| 16.08.2011 | Eastbourne Borough | 2 | Dartford | 3 |
| 20.02.2016 | Eastbourne Borough | 1 | Dartford | 1 |
| 11.08.2015 | Dartford | 1 | Eastbourne Borough | 0 |
| 03.04.2012 | Eastbourne Borough | 0 | Dartford | 1 |
| 29.11.2011 | Dartford | 2 | Eastbourne Borough | 1 |
Next Meetings
Tuesday 12 September 2017 at Princes Park
Saturday 14 April 2018 at Priory Lane
East Thurrock United
Founded: 1969 / Ground: Rookery Hill
The Rocks had a fine season last time out consolidating in the National South in their first ever campaign at this level. The Essex club will be one of four representing the county and they have their fair share of former Darts in their squad. A similar season to last term will be the aim for the club and success will be signs of improvement at this level.
Last Season
National South: 13th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: Second Round
County Cup: Runners up
League Top Scorer: Tom Wraight (19 goals)
Average Attendance: 305 (19th in league / 129th in non-league)
The Manager – John Coventry
East Thurrock United needed rebuilding following relegation to the Isthmian Division One in 2008. The astuteness and coaching experience of John Coventry has had a large part to play in the Rocks rise to the National South. Four years ago, the Essex club won the playoffs to reach the Isthmian Premier League. Last term provided consolidation after winning promotion via the Isthmian Premier playoffs.
The Summer
Three former Dartford players join East Thurrock United and will team up with ex Dart Lee Burns, who was signed a year ago. Max Cornhill left Chelmsford City and James White moved on from Concord Rangers. The Rocks have also signed Lewis Smith, who Dartford gambled on a few years ago only for the striker to move out to Australia shortly after agreeing to sign for the Darts, he was later banned for 17 months by the F.A which ends next month. George Allen also joins East Thurrock United from fellow Essex side Canvey Island. Leaving Rookery Hill this summer wsa top scorer Tom Wraight who secured a move to Maidstone United.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 1 / East Thurrock United wins: 2 / Draws: 1
Previous Meetings
| 07.01.2016 | Dartford | 6 | East Thurrock United | 1 |
| 10.09.2016 | East Thurrock United | 1 | Dartford | 1 |
| 30.04.2005 | Dartford | 0 | East Thurrock United | 3 |
| 28.08.2004 | East Thurrock United | 2 | Dartford | 1 |
Next Meetings
Monday 28 August 2017 at Princes Park
Monday 2 Monday 2018 at Rookery Hill