Dartford could end up top of the table on Tuesday night providing they can beat hosts Bath City in the National South.
The Darts may be down in seventh spot but they are just three points behind leaders Braintree Town. If third place St Albans City lose to Hampton and Richmond, then Tony Burman’s side will head the table once again.
Dartford’s superior goal difference could be the difference and with St Albans City the next team to visit Princes Park, a result over Bath City will hopefully give the Darts momentum. Ending the run of difficult fixtures will be Swindon Town in the F.A Cup first round but for now the attention will be on the league.
On the weekend, Dartford had the chance to beat one of the promotion challengers Chelmsford City. However, an early goal by former Ebbsfleet United midfielder Michael West was decisive enough to earn the Clarets all three points. The Darts failed to break down the Essex club despite playing most the match with an extra player, after Kudus Oyenuga was sent off for Chelmsford City. It was the second defeat in three league games for Dartford.
Last season, the trip to Twerton Park ended successfully for the first time since 1975. After ten attempts Dartford finally recorded an away victory against the Romans but had to leave it late. The only goal of the contest was scored on the counter attack by Luke Wanadio who curled the ball into the Bath City net.
The Romans are eleventh in the National South and a win for them will move them a point behind the Darts. Bath City’s fixture scheduled has also been tough lately but last time out they drew 1-1 with league leaders Braintree Town. George Rigg, who was sent off in the final minutes had the Romans ahead before they conceded with five minutes to go. It could have been better for Bath City had they converted an earlier penalty which was missed by Nat Jarvis. In the previous game the Romans lost 2-0 to St Albans City.
Head to Head
Bath City wins: 40 / Dartford wins: 29 / Draws: 19
Current League Form
Bath City (DLDWWW) | Dartford (LWLWWW) | ||||
Braintree Town | H | 1-1 | Chelmsford City | A | 0-1 |
St Albans City | A | 0-2 | Bognor Regis Town | H | 3-1 |
Wealdstone | H | 0-0 | Weston-super-Mare | A | 0-3 |
Hungerford Town | A | 2-1 | Eastbourne Borough | H | 4-2 |
Concord Rangers | A | 1-0 | Chippenham Town | H | 3-0 |
Oxford City | H | 2-1 | Whitehawk | A | 4-0 |
Previous Meetings
04.03.2017 | Dartford | 2 | Bath City | 0 |
22.10.2016 | Bath City | 0 | Dartford | 1 |
16.01.2016 | Dartford | 4 | Bath City | 1 |
05.09.2015 | Bath City | 0 | Dartford | o |
07.04.1990 | Dartford | 0 | Bath City | 1 |
09.09.1989 | Bath City | 1 | Dartford | 0 |
Stats
Dartford’s failure to score on the weekend means they are now joint top scorers in the National South with Braintree Town on 30 goals.
The Darts have won their last three against Bath City, their best run since 1971/72.
Dartford have kept five clean sheets in their last seven matches against the Romans.
The Darts have won just one of their last eleven at Twerton Park (D4, L6)
Bath City are the only side in the top half of the table with a negative goal difference (-2)
On This Day
Dartford have won their last three games on 24 October with the most recent being against Bishop’s Stortford two years ago. The Darts took the lead through Barry Cogan but the match was level after Christian Smith headed the equaliser. Elliott Bradbrook scored the winner early in the second half. In 2009, Bradbrook, Jamie Coyle, Ryan Hayes and Jay May all found the net as Dartford beat Aveley 4-1 despite ending up with ten men after Adam Flanagan was red carded. Gosport Borough were beaten 1-0 in 1989 in the Southern Premier League meeting.
Date: Tuesday 24th October 2017
Venue: Twerton Park, Twerton, Bath, BA2 1DB
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
TURNSTILES: Open from 6:00pm
ADMISSION:
Adult Standing/Seating: £13.00
Senior (65+) Standing/Seating: £10.00
Student/Under-18 Standing/Seating: £7.00
Under-16 standing/seating: £2.00
Serving Armed Forces: £10.00
SPECIAL DEALS:
FAMILY: £25.00 for 2 parents + up to 2 children (National League matches only)
(for this deal get tickets at the ticket office, not turnstile)
Programme Price: £2.50
SEATING: Seating is available on a first come first served basis in certain areas of the stadium.
MATCH UPDATES: Updates will be Available on Twitter @dartfordfc and on website www.dartfordfc.com