Dartford welcome new opponents to Princes Park this weekend when they host one of the National South newbies Gloucester City.
Fifteen and a half years since their last meeting in the Southern League days, the Darts take on the Tigers who spent the last eight seasons in the National North. The Gloucestershire club switched regions in the summer and travel to Princes Park on the back of a three game unbeaten run.
Meanwhile, Dartford have lost back to back fixtures after defeats against Truro City on Saturday and Swindon Town in the F.A Cup the weekend before. The Darts long journey to Treyew Road started in the worst possible fashion when they found themselves three down after just nineteen minutes. Tyler Harvey scored for the host from the penalty spot and Cody Cooke’s three double gave the White Tigers three goals in six minutes. Ronnie Vint pulled a goal back mid-way through the first half in the 3-1 loss. It was yet another slow start after the F.A Cup tie versus League Two side Swindon Town saw Dartford three down inside 26 minutes in a 5-1 reverse.
Elliot Bradbrook missed the trip to Truro after the birth of his son, Duane Ofori-Acheampong is recovering from injury and Andy Pugh is serving a suspension, the second of three games. Lee Noble and Lyle Della-Verde were dropped to the bench whilst Ronnie Vint, Keaton Wood and Tom Murphy were given starts.
Despite consecutive losses, Dartford have won their last four National South fixtures at home stretching over September and October. In that run the Darts gained a crucial three points against St Albans City with a 2-1 win, beat Bognor Regis Town, triumphed over Eastbourne Borough and overcame Chippenham Town scoring 12 goals in the process.
Dartford’s last meeting against Gloucester City in 1992 ended without a goal for either side. However, the Darts did win the home game in the Southern Premier League that season at Watling Street 2-0.
Last weekend, Tigers boss Tim Harris celebrated his 300th game in charge of Gloucester City with a 3-1 away win at bottom club Whitehawk. Three second half goals from Karnell Chambers, Joseph Parker and Jack Storer secured the three points to leave the Tigers sixteenth in the National South.
Victory extended Gloucester City’s unbeaten run to three as they look to make up seven points to reach a playoff spot. However, Harris will be hoping the club can remain in the National South during a difficult time for the club. In the eight years spent in the National North, Gloucester City made the top ten for the first time last season, finishing tenth. Severe flooding of their home a decade ago has left them homeless with crowds of just under 350 each.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 25 / Gloucester City wins: 12 / Draws: 10
Previous Meetings
| 07.03.1992 | Gloucester City | 0 | Dartford | 0 |
| 26.10.1991 | Dartford | 2 | Gloucester City | 0 |
| 16.03.1991 | Dartford | 2 | Gloucester City | 1 |
| 29.09.1990 | Gloucester City | 2 | Dartford | 0 |
| 21.04.1990 | Dartford | 6 | Gloucester City | 2 |
| 20.01.1990 | Gloucester City | 0 | Dartford | 4 |
Current League Form
| Dartford (LWWLWL) | Gloucester City (WDWLLD) | ||||
| Truro City | A | 1-3 | Whitehawk | H | 3-1 |
| St Albans City | H | 2-1 | Concord Rangers | A | 1-1 |
| Bath City | A | 2-1 | Poole Town | A | 3-0 |
| Chelmsford City | A | 0-1 | Welling United | H | 0-1 |
| Bognor Regis Town | H | 1-0 | Braintree Town | H | 1-3 |
| Weston-super-Mare | A | 0-3 | Bognor Regis Town | A | 2-2 |
Stats
The Darts have won their last three home matches against Gloucester City.
Dartford have gone seven league games without keeping a clean sheet going back to 9 September against Chippenham Town.
Another game unbeaten will be the longest run without defeat in the National South for Gloucester City this season.
On This Day
Dartford are unbeaten in their last nine home matches on 18 November with five wins and four draws. Fisher Athletic were the last side the Darts face at home on this day in the Southern Division One East, Dartford won the match 3-1. The run of results include a friendly with an Arsenal XI in which the game finished 4-4 in 1972. The last team to beat the Darts at home on 18 November was Woolwich Arsenal Reserves in the Kent League back in 1899, the London club won 5-0. On the road, Dartford haven’t done so well with their last two results ending in defeat 4-1 away to Tonbridge Angels in 2008 and 4-0 at Cray Wanderers in 2006.
DATE: Saturday 18th November 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 ( u12) :£2
Under 5 : FREE
SEATING: Seating is available on a first come first served basis in certain areas of the stadium.
FACILITIES: Bar and food open from 12:30am
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: Dartford Living
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