Dartford face Eastbourne Borough for a third time this season when they host the Sussex side in the F.A Trophy third qualifying round replay.
The Darts had to leave it late on the weekend to force a replay after falling behind at Priory Lane on Saturday. The Sports took the lead in the second half when the experienced striker Dean Cox hit a low shot into the bottom corner of Bailey Vose’s goal. With four minutes remaining the Darts salvaged a result to remain in the competition when Kudus Oyenuga equalised to earn a rematch at Princes Park.
History repeated itself on the weekend as seven years ago Dartford drew Eastbourne Borough in the F.A Trophy third qualifying round. The tie went to a replay after a 0-0 draw at Priory Lane, Lee Noble and Tom Bonner were the only members of the current squad involved that day. The Darts won at the second attempt with goals from Tom Champion and Danny Harris, the Sports halved the deficit through former Dart, Carl Rook.
Dartford have already hosted the Sports this season when they met in the league at Princes Park. Playing his first game back at Dartford’s home since returning to the club, Charlie Sheringham scored then later got sent off on a dramatic afternoon. The Darts needed to come from behind twice in September having conceded when ex Dart, Dave Martin opened the scoring on twelve minutes. Sheringham levelled the match converting from the penalty spot, but just after half-time Eastbourne Borough regained the lead through Emmanuel Odubade. Sheringham received his second yellow card leaving the hosts a man short for the final twelve minutes. Against the odds, Elliot Bradbrook equalised in stoppage time to earn the Darts a vital point in the National South.
If the last three home clashes with Eastbourne Borough are to go by then plenty of goals should be expected. As well as the 2-2 draw two months ago, the Darts scored four in the two meetings before that. Last season, the two sides met at Princes Park in a contest that had a major talking point. It was one way traffic in the first half as Alex Brown had Dartford ahead going into the break. Ryan Hayes, on his 400th appearance for the club set up Alfie Pavey on the hour with his corner and Elliot Bradbrook’s header four minutes later made it 3-0. Jamie Taylor pulled a goal back with six minutes remaining, but shortly afterwards it was 4-1. A quick free-kick was taken by the Sports which rebounded off the grounded Hayes, who was a few yards away. The referee controversially played on as the ball broke to Tom Murphy who scored. Eastbourne Borough managed a late consolation when Lee Noble scored an own goal.
In the campaign before that 4-2 victory, the Darts had to hold out in a seven goal thriller. Andy Pugh, Luke Wanadio, Ryan Hayes and Elliot Bradbrook had Dartford 4-1 before the Sports staged a late fightback which fell just short, Dartford hung on to win 4-3.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 10 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 4 / Draws: 4
Current Form (all competitions *-Sussex Senior Cup / ^-F.A Trophy)
| Dartford (DWWWLW) | Eastbourne Borough (DLLWWL) | ||||
| Eastbourne Borough | A | 1-1^ | Dartford | H | 1-1^ |
| Hampton & Richmond | A | 1-0 | Bath City | A | 0-1 |
| Oxford City | H | 3-2 | Concord Rangers | A | 0-3 |
| Gloucester City | A | 2-1 | Hungerford Town | H | 3-1 |
| Truro City | A | 1-3 | Eastbourne United | A | 5-0* |
| Dulwich Hamlet | H | 2-1 | Chelmsford City | A | 2-3 |
Previous Meetings
| 24.11.2018 | Eastbourne Borough | 1 | Dartford | 1 |
| 08.09.2018 | Dartford | 2 | Eastbourne Borough | 2 |
| 14.04.2018 | Eastbourne Borough | 0 | Dartford | 1 |
| 12.09.2017 | Dartford | 4 | Eastbourne Borough | 2 |
| 08.04.2017 | Dartford | 4 | Eastbourne Borough | 3 |
| 16.08.2011 | Eastbourne Borough | 2 | Dartford | 3 |
Stats
Dartford are 12 games unbeaten against the Sports winning eight and drawing four.
Prior this season’s draw at Princes Park, the Darts had beaten Eastbourne Borough five time in a row at home.
Eastbourne Borough last beat Dartford in 2003, the Sports won 1-0 in the Southern League Division One East.
On This Day
Ryan Hayes, Adam Flanangan and Jamie Coyle were all pert of the team that crushed Witham Town 7-2 eleven years ago at Princes Park. It took just five minutes for Jay May to open the scoring and a couple of minutes late Brendon Cass doubled the lead. Hayes made it three before the break from the penalty spot. Eddie McClements had the Darts four up but Witham Town grabbed two to halve the deficit. However, Dartford relentlessly managed three more through Cass, McClements and Coyle.
DATE: Tuesday 27th November 2018
VENUE: Princes Park, Grassbanks, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1RT
KICK OFF: 19:45 pm
TURNSTILES: Open from 17:30pm
ADMISSION:
Adults: £14
Concessions: £9
Youth (13-17) : £5
Children ( u12) £2
SEASON TICKET HOLDERS NOT VALID
SEATING: Seating is available on a first come first served basis in certain areas of the stadium.
FACILITIES: Bar and food open from 17:30pm
PARKING: Parking is free of charge in the clubs car park but is a first come first served basis.
MATCH UPDATES: Full Coverage will on twitter @dartfordfc
MATCH SPONSOR: WJ King
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