Dartford continue to defend their Kent Senior Cup title and will reach the last eight if they beat Welling United.
For the second year in a row the Darts take on the Wings in the county cup. Last season, Dartford started their run to the final with a 3-1 victory over Welling United in round one. In a dominant display, the Darts were forced to wait until the second half when goals from George Sykes, Callum McNaughton and Dajon Golding helped Dartford progress.
This term Tony Burman has already led his side to all four Kent derby victories and Welling United were one of those teams that suffered. A late Elliot Bradbrook winner, after the captain had earlier missed a penalty secured three points. Alex Brown had put the Darts in front by netting the rebound from the spot kick before Welling United’s Adam Coombes scored a free kick.
In the last round, Dartford overcame Cray Wanderers with Burman admitting his side had not reached fifth gear. Falling behind, the Darts were made to work hard for victory, which they managed thanks to goals by Andy Pugh and Duane Ofori-Acheampong.
The Darts remain on excellent form in the league and on the weekend moved into the playoff places with a comfortable 3-0 win at bottom of the table side Bishop’s Stortford. An own goal got Dartford moving and from that moment they didn’t look back. Pugh notched his fourth league goal of the season and Elliot Bradbrook moved on to 11 in all competitions.
Keaton Wood missed the win against Bishop’s Stortford through illness but goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim returned from international duty. Dartford’s number one set a milestone reaching 100 appearances for the club having graduated from the academy.
Welling United’s first campaign since returning to the National South has been a season of struggle so far. Occupying a relegation place at the moment, the Wings are second from bottom and four points adrift of safety. The Wings have lost their last three league matches with the most recent against Hampton and Richmond Borough.
In the previous round Welling United brushed aside Isthmian Division One South side Chatham Town. The away tie became a formality when Dan Walker scored a hat-trick and further goals by Jonte Smith, Lyle Della-Verde and Josh Jackson secured a 6-1 win.
Head to Head
Welling United wins: 6 / Dartford wins: 17 / Draws: 9
Previous Meetings
Dartford 2 Welling United 1 (06/09/2016 – National South)
Dartford 3 Welling United 1 (19/10/2015 – Kent Senior Cup)
Dartford 2 Welling United 1 (11/11/2014 – National League)
Welling United 2 Dartford 2 (30/09/2014 – National League)
Welling United 1 Dartford 1 (10/01/2014 – National League)
Dartford 1 Welling United 2 (26/12/2013 – National League)
Current Form (all competitions)
Welling United (LLLDLL)
Lost 1-3 v Hampton and Richmond Borough (A)
Lost 0-1 v Hungerford Town (A)
Lost 1-2 v Ebbsfleet United (H)
Drew 1-1 v Gosport Borough (A)
Lost 0-1 v Wealdstone (A)
Lost 1-2 v Whitehawk (H)
Dartford (WWLLWW)
Won 3-0 v Bishop’s Stortford (A)
Won 2-0 v Hemel Hempstead Town (H)
Lost 0-2 v St Albans City (H)
Lost 3-6 v Sutton United (H) – F.A Cup
Won 1-0 v Oxford City (H)
Won 1-0 v Bath City (A)
Last Six Meetings
Cray Wanderers 1 Dartford 2 (15/10/2011 – F.A Cup)
Cray Wanderers 1 Dartford 2 (02/01/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 1 Cray Wanderers 1 (26/12/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 0 Cray Wanderers 0 (03/02/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)
Cray Wanderers 4 Dartford 0 (18/11/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Cray Wanderers 1 Dartford 3 (13/12/2005 – Kent Senior Cup)
On This Day
Dartford have to look back 28 years to find their last win on 22 November. In 1988, a Southern League Cup second round tie against Crawley Town ended in a convincing 4-0 victory. Since then, three defeats and two draws later leave Dartford still waiting. A F.A Cup first round replay in 1989 versus Football League side Exeter City ended 4-1, but the Darts pushed them close in the original tie in front of over 3000 supporters. Losses against King’s Lynn (4-1 in 2003) and Lincoln City (1-0 in 2014) came either side of the two draws versus Wivenhoe Town in 2005 and St Albans City in 2008.