Oxford City
Founded: 1882 / Ground: Marsh Lane
The Nomads had an ordinary campaign last time out and will spend their third season in the National South, following their sideways step from the North in the summer of 2015. Justin Merritt resigned halfway through last term and Mark Jones took over in December to ensure a mid-table finish. This season, Oxford City will be playing on a 3G pitch after their Marsh Lane ground was renovated.
Last Season
National North: 14th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: Semi Final
League Top Scorer: Jefferson Louis (8 goals)
Average Attendance: 302 (20th in league / 132nd in non-league)
The Manager – Mark Jones
Already on the coaching staff, Jones was promoted from within the club to take on his first managerial role (??). He represented the Nomads over 100 times during his playing days and also played for Aylesbury United, Harrow Borough and Thame United. Jones is hoping the new playing surface can help attract new players as he builds a competitive squad for the National South.
The Summer
Justin Bennett hammered in the goals at this level before with Gosport Borough and after a spell with Salisbury City he’s back. He will partner Matt Paterson who left Havant and Waterlooville, the pair enjoyed a successful spell together at Borough which could be pivotal in Oxford City’s latest campaign. Joe Oastler, formerly Aldershot Town and Gosport Borough will be part of the squad as will David Pearce from Chesham, Eddie Jones from AFC Telford United, Zac McEachran from Banbury United and Horatio Hirst on loan from League One champions Sheffield United. Mamadou Fofana joins as a free agent having played for Barrow. Veteran striker Jefferson Louis has departed the Nomads at the age of 38.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 2 / Oxford City wins: 1 / Draws: 3
Previous Meetings
| 25.02.2017 | Oxford City | 1 | Dartford | 1 |
| 29.10.2016 | Dartford | 1 | Oxford City | 0 |
| 23.04.2016 | Dartford | 2 | Oxford City | 2 |
| 15.09.2015 | Oxford City | 2 | Dartford | 1 |
| 04.11.2008 | Oxford City | 2 | Dartford | 4 |
| 01.11.2008 | Dartford | 3 | Oxford City | 3 |
Next Meetings
Saturday 18 August 2017 at Princes Park
Saturday 24 March 2018 at Marsh Lane
Poole Town
Founded: 1880 / Ground: Tatnam Ground
The surprise package of 2016/17 finishing in the top five but denied a playoff place due to required ground improvements. The Dolphins kicked on from their Southern Premier League title campaign with consistency and a decent brand of football. Now the ground grading has been resolved, the Dorset club will be hoping their time comes round again. With the expansion of the playoffs, Poole Town will want to prove last term was no fluke.
Last Season
National South: 5th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: Quarter Final
League Top Scorer: Steve Devlin (14 goals)
Average Attendance: 570 (9th in league / 60th in non-league)
The Manager – Tom Killick
Poole Town have been on the up since Tom Killick joined the Dorset club 13 years ago. Although he has won three Wessex League titles in a row, three Southern League Division One South and West championships, promotions and the Southern Premier League, last season was arguably up their with the best as the Dolphins exceeded expectations finishing in fifth.
The Summer
Marvin Brooks will be missed at the Tatnam Ground, the midfielder decided to join Salisbury City and drop two divisions. Tony Lee comes in from AFC Totton, but there has been very little change. Manager Tom Killick put trust in his Southern Premier League squad and will be content in doing so again. With new Chairman, Chris Reeves calling it a massive task to keep up with operational costs, Killick may well have to work with what he already has.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 16 / Poole Town wins: 15 / Draws: 5
Previous Meetings
| 29.04.2017 | Poole Town | 2 | Dartford | 3 |
| 03.12.2016 | Dartford | 2 | Poole Town | 1 |
| 14.03.1992 | Dartford | 4 | Poole Town | 0 |
| 02.11.1991 | Poole Town | 0 | Dartford | 0 |
| 06.04.1991 | Poole Town | 1 | Dartford | 0 |
| 24.11.1990 | Dartford | 0 | Poole Town | 0 |
Next Meetings
Saturday 2 December 2017 at Tatnam Ground
Saturday 10 March 2018 at Princes Park
St Albans City
Founded: 1908 / Ground: Clarence Park
Two years ago, St Albans City were battling at the wrong end of the table until a tremendous run of form helped them steer to safety. The Saints survived with games to spare and their form continued into last term. The Hertfordshire club became promotion contenders and with Louie Theophanous netting the goals a top five finish looked good. Then, the striker left and the squad struggled in the second half of the campaign sinking down the standings to tenth.
Last Season
National South: 10th
F.A Cup: 1st Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: Semi Final
League Top Scorer: Louie Theophanous (15 goals)
Average Attendance: 703 (6th in league / 46th in non-league)
The Manager – Ian Allinson
The man responsible for turning the Saints fortunes around last season, Ian Allinson now has a full campaign under his belt with the Hertfordshire club. The former Arsenal player has 28 years managerial experience and was very successful at Boreham Wood, leading them to the National League via two playoff triumphs. In October 2015, work commitments saw Allinson resign and take up a tough role at St Albans City. After guiding the Saints to safety, the 59 year old almost turned his side into title contenders, but early season promise dwindled.
The Summer
Former Dartford defender Tom Gardiner has been retained, the 22 year old moved to St Albans City due to work commitments in January. At the back he will join Tom Bender who also played for the Darts. Zane Banton has turned his loan spell from Luton Town into a permanent place at Clarence Park and former Cambridge City duo, Rhys Murrell Williamson and Dean Snedker have been added to the squad. Looking towards the divisions below, Percy Kiangebeni and Harold Joseph join from Enfield Town and Layne Eadie from Harlow Town.
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 |
Next Meetings
Saturday 28 October 2017 at Princes Park
Saturday 3 February 2018 at Clarence Park
Truro City
Founded: 1889 / Ground: Treyew Road
From playoff semi-finalists to a tussle against the drop, the White Tigers have experienced the highs and lows of football in recent seasons. Relegated from the National South in 2013 and promoted as Southern Premier playoff winners in 2016, the Cornwall club have had two more contrasting campaigns since. Last time out they conceded 99 goals and must tighten their defence to avoid looking over their shoulder this time.
Last Season
National South: 19th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
League Top Scorer: Andrew Neal (16 goals)
Average Attendance: 402 (16th in league / 97th in non-league)
The Manager – Lee Hodges
Leading the White Tigers to Southern Premier League glory was a highlight for Hodges seven years ago. Then the club’s financial situation worsened and their grip on National South stability loosened, eventually returning to the Southern Premier. Hodges lost his managerial role as the White Tigers couldn’t afford to keep him. After returning to the National South, the former Plymouth Argyle midfielder came back to Treyew Road reaching the playoffs before last season’s battle with relegation.
The Summer
Truro City welcome back forward Stuart Yetton who played over 300 games for the White Tigers, the 32 year old comes back after a spell with Torquay United. Also coming back to the club, Jordan Copp from Weymouth, Ed Palmer from Taunton Town and Ben Gerring from Bideford Town. Ben Harding switched this summer from Gosport Borough. Finally work begins on a new stadium due to be ready for the 2019/2020 season. Designed to share with rugby club Cornish Pirates, their new home is expected to be completed to Football League standards. Hard working midfielder Aaron Lamont, ‘busy midfielder’ Noah Keats and full back Bill Palfrey also make up the squad numbers. On loan from Exeter City will be defender Alex Hartridge.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 2 / Truro City wins: 3 / Draws: 1
Previous Meetings
| 18.03.2017 | Dartford | 5 | Truro City | 3 |
| 08.10.2016 | Truro City | 0 | Dartford | 5 |
| 05.04.2016 | Truro City | 3 | Dartford | 0 |
| 19.09.2015 | Dartford | 0 | Truro City | 1 |
| 28.04.2012 | Truro City | 1 | Dartford | 1 |
| 22.10.2011 | Dartford | 1 | Truro City | 2 |
Next Meetings
Saturday 11 November 2017 at Treyew Road
Saturday 24 February 2018 at Princes Park