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SETO architects / T 888.549.5508 / F 443.927.7331 / info@SETO-architects.com / © 2013 by SETO architects, LLC
Heath Street Lofts
This project transforms an abandoned warehouse into a dynamic residential community. The existing building that had been stripped down to its concrete skeleton will be cladded in a new metal panel skin that creates a pleasing contrast with the existing brick facade. The building will house 62 apartments, a fitness center and an underground parking garage. Two floors of penthouse units will be added atop the structure, and set back from the front of the building in order to maintain a cohesive scale. Moreover, this building was designated as a local Historic Landmark.
Residential- Multi-Family
Wells Street Apartments
Formerly an industrial building surrounded on all sides by residential neighbors, the Architect was commissioned to design two apartment towers fronting Wells Street, plus eighteen 3-story townhouses on the north side of the site. The Architect's primary responsibility, besides designing the building, was to work with the neighborhood associations, adjacent industrial neighbors, Baltimore Department of Planning, Baltimore Development Corporation, City Council and the Mayor's office in order to gain consensus for the project.
Eager Street Apartments


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I had a realization recently that despite all of the rhetoric and even genuine efforts around inclusion in the academy, as an institution, it remains largely inaccessible and exclusionary.
Realization is probably the wrong word. The right word is probably reminder. But as I sat recently across the room from someone who was struggling with a Ph.D.-level assignment, not because she didn't understand the material but because she didn't feel smart enough to articulate her understanding, I realized that we still have not done a good enough job of making the academy a place where everyone feels welcome.
Hiding behind the Numbers
I say we because though I'm not an academic, I have for years coached higher ed leaders around their diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
I've helped leaders dive into the data to figure out what stories the numbers are trying to tell us—despite increases in enrollment of Black and Hispanic students, first-generation students, and others who have been marginalized by society at large, their numbers still remain fairly low at most institutions.
Many have hidden their explicitly anti-Black and anti-Mexican and other Central American cultures behind increases in enrollment of international students, particularly from Asia, and a broad "diversity" blanket. They play shell games with deferred admissions that push some students to spring admission, because the way we collect data in higher ed only tracks first-time, full-time enrollees in the fall, which means thousands of students remain uncounted in the data that exists. In other words, they can continue to serve students poorly, because no one is keeping track.
There are so many stories to be told by the data—including by the data that doesn't exist. And sometimes, with some leaders, I believe they really want to solve the problem and figure out how to do better, to make measurable progress at being more welcoming to students and faculty and staff of all backgrounds. In many instances, I believe their attempts to be much less genuine. More proactive crisis management than a real desire for change.
I'll never forget the time someone told me I needed to root equity conversations in a discussion of the economy, institutions' bottom lines, enrollment goals. Because that's what leaders really cared about. And I've gotten proficient in doing that—one of the marks of a good communicator is being able to embrace the language of the audience to advance one's goals—but it has never stopped bothering me. I've never stopped thinking about how the humanity of whole groups of people is never enough to make a compelling argument. How this country still doesn't see Black people, who the law once recognized as only three-fifths human, or Hispanic people, whom we can continue to dehumanize based on their immigration status, or LGBTQ people, whom we continue to reduce to their sexual orientations, as people.
Persisting Elitism
The truth is that higher education was built on elitism. Education as an institution in the United States was built on who we keep out, rather than who we let in. Emphasis on selectivity continue to drive rankings, which colleges and universities (and the public at-large) continue to use to measure institutional value. And despite attempts to let more people in in recent years—partly driven by a recognition that population shifts in the country mean that if we don't let more of these people in, the business model will crumble—has not translated to making people feel more included in the enterprise. Many institutions and disciplines still embrace a weed-out culture designed to get students to fail fast so they can weed out those they see unfit to serve in the professions, rather than a nurturing culture that surrounds students and helps them be successful in the fields.
For faculty and staff of color, higher education can often feel very isolating; they're on their own in a world not created for them, just like the students. National conferences at which they present their research (a needed component of tenure, another system baked with bias that sees fewer of them promoted) leverage their popularity to boost registrations while still shutting them out and subjecting them to racist attitudes inside the conference community. It's not much different than when Black people were reduced to exhibits at the world's fair or zoos and circuses around the country—used to draw crowds to line the organizers' pockets, while being treated as subhuman and having their personhood devalued.
For first-generation scholars, the feeling of this is not a place for me is even worse.
Exhausted with 'Strong'
On this particular day, as I watched a woman I love dearly passionately explain to me the reading she was working on and the connection to her work while simultaneously struggling to put any of those thoughts onto paper, I found myself reminded that a system that was set up to exclude her and weed her out, that didn't intend for her to make it as far as she has, still has not made her feel competent enough to thrive in the environment.
She is resilient, she is persistent, she is strong and she has an incredible advisor—a Black tenured professor serving as an endowed scholar in her department—who won't let her fail. But she's still battling against others of non-color who discount her lived experiences and who continue to make her feel like this is not a place for me. The work isn't necessarily hard—as I reminded her on that day, you know this stuff. You got this. I'm listening to you, and you got it—but navigating the work and the corresponding battle of belonging is.
And I, for one, am tired of institutions continuing to place the burden of inclusion on those seeking to be included. It is time for colleges and universities to do the hard work to shift their cultures so we no longer have to refer to scholars, especially Black women scholars, as strong, resilient, and persistent.
Author, Teacher Works to Create a 'Humane and Car…
May 10, 2022 • Mary Lou Santovec

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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The Propaganda War against Syria Led by Avaaz and the White Helmets
By Vanessa Beeley
thewallwillfall 1 October 2015
Region: Middle East & North Africa, Russia and FSU
Theme: Media Disinformation, US NATO War Agenda
In-depth Report: SYRIA
Propaganda is the spreading of information in support of a cause. It's not so important whether the information is true or false or if the cause is just or not — it's all propaganda.
The word propaganda is often used in a negative sense, especially for politicians who make false claims to get elected or spread rumours to instigate regime change [my edit]. In fact, any campaign that is used to persuade can be called propaganda.
Russia's involvement in Syria has caused a flurry of "cold war", Assad/ISIS co-dependency propaganda, all being produced by the usual suspects and all with the primary objective of invoking a No Fly Zone in Syria and stoking the "Russian Bear threat" fires that have been smouldering for some time.
I am going to attempt to dismantle this propaganda edifice one brick at a time.
Russia Attacks Moderate Rebels in Syria
In a Telegraph article dated 1st October 2015 with the headline British Troops Head to Saudi Arabia to train Syrian rebels it was stated:
The FSA is considered the most moderate of factions fighting Bashar al-Assad's government, but has been increasingly side-lined on the battlefield by more extremist Islamist factions. It has also been riven by leadership disputes.
American-led attempts to train up moderates to hold ground against Isil are months behind track because of the difficulty of finding groups which were not linked to the extremists.
The term "moderate rebels" has become one of the most significant misnomers of this coming up to five year conflict. The hijacking of any semblance of a legitimate opposition to the Syrian Government by NATO, the US and regional allies including Israel in order to achieve their desired regime change has been well documented.
Who are these elusive "moderate rebels"?
You may well ask. Traditionally it is the FSA that has been marketed as the cuddly, viable alternative to the Assad government which incidentally is the internationally recognised government of Syria, supported by the majority of the Syrian people. However we don't have to dig too deep to reveal the hard line Islamist, Salafi affiliations of this so-called moderate group of brigands.
Journalist Daniel Greenfield puts it most succinctly: "Few media outlets are willing to say that out loud, but it's quite true. There is no Free Syrian Army. It's an umbrella for providing Western aid to a front group run by the Muslim Brotherhood." He deplores the shaky Pentagon math that Obama and Congress have used in an attempt to downplay the reality that even in 2013 Pentagon sources were reluctantly admitting that extremist groups constituted over 50% of Syrian "opposition" and that these numbers were steadily increasing.
This map clearly shows the weakness of this "moderate rebel" argument as it unequivocally demonstrates the minor FSA presence at the frontline of Syrian opposition. They compose of fragmented mercenary groups largely unable to operate without extremist logistical support.
So this rather dispels the "moderate" myth and leads to the conclusion that in reality Russia was targeting areas north of Homs that contained few civilians and is an area controlled by a number of combined Muslim Brotherhood, Jihadist opposition fighters supported by the US alliance. It must also be remembered that the majority of civilians will flee an area infested by such mercenaries and seek refuge in government held areas. This is another fact conveniently omitted from most mainstream media reports. 90% of IDPs are in Government held areas.
It also makes a mockery of Defence Secretary Ashton B Carter's claims in the New York Times yesterday:
"By supporting Assad and seemingly taking on everybody fighting Assad," Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said Wednesday, Russia is "taking on the whole rest of the country that's fighting Assad." Some of those groups, he added, are supported by the United States and need to be part of a political resolution in Syria.
"That's why the Russian position is doomed to fail," Mr. Carter said.
Russia is effectively exposing US policy in Syria as naked hegemony and America is not happy. While the US has been supplying TOW missiles and a variety of arms/equipment to extremists and deliberately funding any group that will secure regime change, Russia is actively deploying its military to target the nests of terrorist mercenaries and opportunists waiting eagerly for the political vacuum that would be created by the "removal" of Assad, in order to inflict their extremism upon the Syrian people. They may not be technically called ISIS but they are cut from the same cloth of US/Israeli proxy terrorism and should be eliminated from any sovereign nation. Failure to do so has catastrophic results as seen in Libya and Iraq.
The Propaganda Trail
Now let's examine the unsavoury marketing aspect of the propaganda campaign being waged by a frustrated and increasingly infuriated US alliance. Of course the usual triad has leapt into action. HRW, Avaaz and the White Helmets. Avaaz has produced one of its most poisonous and misleading petitions to date. The inevitable eyewitness statements claim that Russia targeted civilian areas utterly free of ISIS operatives. These statements are already rendered questionable by the evidence I have submitted above.
When we watch the videos, particularly the longer Liveleak version, it is hard to detect the women and children that are being described. The majority of protagonists appear to be male and of fighting age. There is no evidence of "civilian" life among the deserted buildings, the only movement is of males, some on foot, some on scooters and presumably some taking the time to film events even as the bombs are falling. Not the actions of terrified, innocent civilians.
Live Leak Video of Russian bombing of Homs
There is one other video that does show about 2 seconds of a young boy crying and obviously injured. However this video must be questioned as to its authenticity as the claims are that the initial shot of planes overhead is not even of Russian planes. The quality of the video is poor and apart from the footage of the one child, again demonstrates that the majority of people involved are men of fighting age in a deserted built up area to the north of Homs.
In this disgusting display of blatant propaganda calling for the long sought after no fly zone, Emma Ruby-Sachs, deputy director of Avaaz makes the extraordinary statement "Russia says it's bombing ISIS, but eyewitnesses say their brutal attacks targeted areas way outside of ISIS control. This will only sow instability and radicalisation and should be an urgent wake-up call to the US and its allies to enforce a targeted no-fly zone to save lives, counter ISIS and alleviate the refugee crisis. Syrians civilians need protection now, not further attacks from Russian bombs."
Speaking to one Damascus resident this morning, I asked for their opinion on this statement. His reply was simple, "I am just relieved that the Russian Air Force is in action". The hypocrisy of this statement from Ruby-Sachs perfectly mirrors the hypocrisy of Congress, Obama's Teflon speech at the UNGA, Pentagon's barefaced obscurantism over the US role in creating exactly this instability and radicalisation in Syria and bringing misery, terror and bloodshed to the people of Syria with the sole aim of securing their interests in the region [and those of their staunchest partner in crimes against Humanity, Israel]
If we wish to speak of civilian casualties perhaps we should turn the spotlight on the pre- existing Coalition bombing campaign. The civilian death rates from these strikes is rarely discussed and often concealed by the Pentagon and US/European associated analysts like the SOHR. Where for example was the Avaaz petition calling for a No Fly Zone when the coalition air strikes resulted in a multitude of non-combatant deaths including children? This report from Airwars reveals the disturbing numbers:
Syria has also seen a number of troubling mass casualty events attributed to Coalition actions. On the first night of bombing on September 23rd 2014, US aircraft killed as many as 15 civilians in the village of Kafar Daryan. On December 28th at least 58 civilians reportedly died when the Coalition struck a temporary Daesh prison at al Bab (see report). And on April 30th 2015, 64 civilians died in a likely Coalition airstrike at Ber Mahli. In these three incidents alone, 106 non-combatant victims have so far been publicly named – 38 of them children. It remains unclear whether any of these events have been investigated by the Coalition.
Syria's civilians need a spanner putting in the spokes of this crushing propaganda vehicle that rides roughshod over their genuine needs with devastating consequences. Those needs are simple: stop lying, stop fabricating and stop creating, funding, arming and incubating the terrorist cancer in Syria.
The White Helmet element.
Now we come to perhaps one of the most insidious and damaging elements of the propaganda machine. The White Helmets, created by Svengali of PR giants, Purpose.com. The White Helmets with the debonair, Sandhurst educated James Bond of humanitarianism at its helm, James Le Mesurier, whose CV reads like a NATO regime change itinerary and whose connections delve deep into the Empire's underworld of media manipulation and strategy cultivation.
The first slick photo campaign was hot off the press almost immediately after the first Russian air strikes in the Homs region:
Unfortunately for them, perhaps White Helmets are exhausting their supply of heart string tugging images as their twitter campaign almost immediately came under attack by those who are waking up to this cynical propagandization of human misery.
Quote from Sott.net ~
"The White Helmets in their haste to point the finger of blame at Moscow, managed to tweet about Russia's air strikes several hours before the Russian Parliament actually authorized the use of the Air Force in Syria."
This image was also picked up and run with by RT who accurately pinpointed the deep-rooted deceit that lies at the heart of the majority of White Helmet publicity campaigns. The flurry of activity on the White Helmet twitter page must have taken, even them, by surprise. For so long they have enjoyed the fruits of their marketing campaign depicting them as selfless heroes, saviours of humanity, impartial protectors of kittens and Syrians in equal measure. Unarmed, neutral, demi-saints climbing the "Mount Everest of war zones". Unfortunately so many of their masks have slipped that they can no longer bask in their Purpose reflected glory.
Yesterday like HRW before them they were exposed to be the fabricators and deceivers they really are. Anyone can make a mistake I hear you say, yes sure, one mistake is acceptable, 2 is questionable but a consistent conveyer belt of misleading, perception altering, "nudging" images ceases to be innocent and enters the realm of manipulation on a terrifying scale with horrifying ramifications for the people of Syria who so far, have resisted their country being plunged into the same abyss as Libya or Iraq.
Just one other example of the White Helmet duplicitous image use:
Another image was brought to my attention this morning that further shatters the high gloss White Helmet image. Whilst it is well known that far from being neutral, the White Helmets are in fact embedded with Al Nusra [the Syrian arm of Al Qaeda], it is perhaps not so well known that their southern Damascus depot is situated at the heart of ISIS held territory, to the south of the notorious Palestinian Yarmouk refugee camp.
This image shows their insignia and emblem clearly on the wall and gates behind the selfie taking ISIS mercenary in the foreground. It is becoming harder and harder for White Helmets to maintain their veneer of impartiality, a fact that is borne out quite effectively by the fact that the majority of Syrians in government held areas have never heard of them, even unbiased civilians in Aleppo have not come across them. Their association is exclusively with the extremist elements of the Syrian opposition. Their purpose is to facilitate calls for a No Fly Zone, cue Avaaz, and destabilize the region in the manner demanded by their masters in the US, UK and Syrian National Council.
We can safely conclude that the US, Israel and their allies are furious that they have been out manoeuvred and outsmarted by Russia and Syria. Their No Fly Zone plans have been consistently thwarted and derailed. Russia has effectively demanded a US coalition No Fly Zone which is the ultimate insult to US hegemony and self-proclaimed world police status. Russia, unlike the US IS targeting ISIS in all its distorted guises and nomenclature. And yes Mr Defence Secretary, Russia is bombing US supported "rebels" in Syria for the very simple reason, the US has funded all extremist factions in Syria since they first started down the blood strewn road of regime change.
If we lived in a just world we would see Avaaz and their ilk clamouring for an end to interventionism and demanding diplomatic solutions to support internal, sovereign nation, peace processes [as in fact Russia has unwaveringly called for in Syria]. However we do not live in a world based upon a universal understanding of justice, we live in a world governed by the powerful and the greedy, devoid of compassion, intent only on their geopolitical prowess and humanity exempt colonialism. For the sake of the Syrian people and all other nations being crushed by this well used, well-oiled propaganda machine we must question, we must demand answers, and we must wake up to our responsibility to reject calls for the destruction of nations and peoples who ask only for their basic human right to determine their own futures.
Avaaz, HRW, White Helmets and their associates have no place in that brave new world.
The original source of this article is thewallwillfall
Copyright © Vanessa Beeley, thewallwillfall, 2015
Articles by: Vanessa Beeley


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Eastbourne Borough v Dartford
Posted by :Stuart Maidment On : November 1, 2019
Tags:Eastbourne Borough, Match Preview, National South
Dartford play their first away fixture under new manager Steve King, travelling to Eastbourne Borough this weekend in the National South.
Familiar with the football scene in Sussex during spells at Lewes and Whitehawk, King will be hoping to lead the Darts to their fifth consecutive victory on the road in all competitions. Dartford are just a point from the relegation zone and a triumph at Priory Lane will see them rise above their opponents.
Attempting to make his mark and change the playing style at the Darts, King's squad has been hampered by injuries to key players. Lee Noble faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines whilst Charlie Sheringham, Jordan Wynter and Sam Blackman are a few weeks away from a return. Added to that list, Mark Onyemah who had just got over an operation in the summer, hobbled off against Chippenham Town with what looked like a hamstring problem. However, since taking over the helm at Princes Park, King has managed to sign full back Jordan Gibbons from Chelmsford City and striker Elliott Romain from this weekend's opponents.
Both new signings made their league debuts last weekend in the 1-1 home draw with Chippenham Town. Gibbons had already made his full debut in the F.A Cup reverse against Kingstonian, the right back retained his place in the line up and impressed against Chippenham Town. Initially the Darts played a narrow formation with Billy Crook, Luke Allen and Cameron Brodie as a midfield trio with Andy Pugh behind strikers Romain and Darren McQueen. The visitors took the lead through Kieran Parselle after Dartford failed to clear a controversially awarded free kick, the goalscorer was to make another impact on the game later on. With the Darts chasing at least a point, wingers Ryan Hayes and Luke Wanadio came off the bench to stretch the Chippenham Town defence. With five minutes left, Parselle was sent off and three minutes later central defender, Josh Hill moved up front and expertly curled in the equaliser.
King was left disappointed at the decision to award the visitors the free kick leading up to their goal, he spoke to www.kentonline.co.uk after the game and said: "Their goal I was little bit upset about because it wasn't a free-kick on the far side, the referee even said it wasn't so why did he give it?". However the Dartford boss was pleased with his team adapting to a new style, he commented: "We're keeping good possession of the ball and they'll get braver as it comes along, it's just that last little bit and that will come in time", he continued: "The boys can't do anymore than what has been asked of them, I thought they applied themselves brilliantly and bought into the way we're playing and what we want to do".
The new Dartford boss is likely to continue shaping the squad with new players and one area he has hinted at is left back. The signing of Gibbons on the opposite side of the pitch has given the Darts a flavour of what to expect, he explained: "Jordan on the right will get better as games go and he plays more matches", he added: "Saturday (against Chippenham) was his third 90 minutes in two months so as he gets fitter and stronger he'll be able to do more. We need to be able to do that on the left-hand side as well so we'll get a left-sider in that can do that bit".
As well as Romain returning to Priory Lane, goalkeeper Mark Smith also had a spell with the Sports. Romain joined the Sussex club in the summer and was Lee Bradbury's first signing, however with Bradbury's departure almost a fortnight ago and financial issues at Eastbourne Borough, King snapped up Romain after he was released and his recent comments shows he has faith in the striker, he explained: "I think he's capable of 20 goals in this division. He's done it at other clubs, Eastbourne Borough, Dagenham and Redbridge, Maidstone United, so for this level he's a 20 goal-a-season man. He will get better and better in the system I play as time goes by". Smith spent the first half of last season at Eastbourne Borough before a spell with Billericay Town, Smith has been ever present in the Dartford goal this term.
Seven of the current Dartford squad featured in the humiliating defeat last time the Darts visited Priory Lane. Under the guidance of former managers Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle, Dartford recorded their worst defeat in sixteen years when they went down 6-0. Charlie Walker kept hold of the match ball after his hat-trick, Kane Wills, Michael West and Corey Jordan also found the back of the Dartford net. The F.A Trophy third qualifying tie at the same venue went much better almost a year ago, Kudus Oyenuga's late equaliser forced a replay cancelling out Dean Cox's strike, the Darts went on to lose the replay at Princes Park 3-2.
Eastbourne Borough played on Tuesday night and were denied all three points against ten men Weymouth. Walker gave the hosts the lead before the Terras missed a penalty then had Brett Williams sent off. Weymouth were awarded a second penalty eight minutes from time and this time Alex McCarthy scored. It was the Sport's second 1-1 draw in a row after their stalemate at Hemel Hempstead Town on the weekend, Greg Luer equalising for the Sussex side. Eastbourne Borough have now drawn the most games in the division, seven of their 15 National South fixtures this season.
Dartford wins: 10 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 6 / Draws: 4
Current League Form
Dartford (DWLWLL) Eastbourne Borough (DDWLDL)
Chippenham Town H 1-1 Weymouth H 1-1
Oxford City A 1-0 Hemel Hempstead Town A 1-1
Slough Town H 2-3 St Albans City A 3-1
Concord Rangers A 2-0 Chelmsford City H 0-4
Dorking Wanderers H 3-4 Bath City A 2-2
Tonbridge Angels A 2-3 Slough Town H 0-2
Last Six Meetings
20.04.2019 Eastbourne Borough 6 Dartford 0
27.11.2018 Dartford 2 Eastbourne Borough 3
Dartford have won their last four away games in all competitions, a fifth consecutive victory will be the first time the Darts have achieved this feat since April 2018.
Four of Dartford's five goals against the Sports last season came in the last five minutes of matches.
Prior the F.A Trophy defeat and 6-0 hiding last season, the Darts had gone 12 games unbeaten in all competitions against Eastbourne Borough (W8, D4).
Dartford set up a F.A Cup first round tie with Aldershot on this day in 1968. The Darts travelled to Guildford in the fourth qualifying round and won 1-0 setting up a chance to avenge defeat against the Shots four years earlier in the same competition. Dartford also reached the first round in 1982 having survived a scare at Boreham Wood three days earlier. Aidan O'Sullivan's late equaliser earned a replay which took place on 2 November, the Darts were forced into extra time before going through with a 2-1 victory. The last game on this day came six years ago when the Darts were beaten by Forest Green Rovers in the National League, James Norwood scored the decisive goal in a match that featured Ryan Hayes and Josh Hill. Ten years earlier, Dartford drew a F.A Trophy first round tie with Ashford Town (Middlesex) and two days later went out of the competition after a replay.
Eastbourne Borough – Season Preview 2019/2020
Posted by :Stuart Maidment On : July 18, 2019
Tags:Eastbourne Borough, National South, Season Preview
Eastbourne Borough
National South: 18th
F.A Cup: 4th Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 1st Round
County Cup: Quarter-Final
League Top Scorer: Charlie Walker (11 goals) / Average Attendance: 586
Mark McGhee kept the Sports away from the drop when he took charge in the interim, following Jamie Howell's departure. His vast experience in the Football League and Scottish Premiership will now be taken elsewhere after he set out what the club wanted him to achieve. In came Lee Bradbury, who had spent the last seven years at Havant and Waterlooville guiding them to back to back titles to reach the National League. The former striker made over 500 Football league appearances and had a spell as manager at AFC Bournemouth. Bradbury hopes to bring exciting football to the Sussex to reflect how the fans feel about Eastbourne Borough.
In March 2017, Elliott Romain left the club to pursue a career at a higher level, the striker is back at Priory Lane and was Bradbury's first summer signing. He will partner Charlie Walker who was the club's top scorer last season with 11 goals. The Sports' Player of the Season, Kane Wills agreed to stay at the club as well as left back Kristian Campbell, the experienced Sergio Torres, Mike West and Dan Blackmore. Another player returning to Priory Lane after time away with Woking and Chelmsford City last season is central defender Kiran Khinda-John. The Sports have signed winger, Nick Wheeler who has won two promotions in a row with Billericay Town then Woking, he also had spells with Dagenham and Redbridge and Tonbridge Angels. Ciaren Jones impressed Norwich City whilst at Luton Town and has secured his first loan spell with a temporary move to Eastbourne Borough, the defender was part of the Canaries development squad last term. After a spell with the Sussex club last season, Manny Adebowole joins from National League side Dover Athletic. Moving to Priory Lane with a National South playoff winners medal, striker Greg Luer joins from Woking. Luer showed plenty of promise early in his career when he moved from Burgess Hill Town to Hull City. Playing time was limited with the Tigers and so he had spells with Scunthorpe United, Stevenage and then Maidstone United before Woking. James Ferry will line up as part of the Sports defence having joined from Stevenage, the 22-year-old ended last term with Woking as well. With the loss of goalkeeper Mark Smith to Dartford, the Sports have signed goalkeeper Tom Hadler from League One side Gillingham, he has had loan spells with Folkestone Invicta, Tonbridge Angels, Grays Athletic and Gloucester City.
The Manager – Lee Bradbury
Lee Bradbury is eight years into his managerial career and joins the Sports after leaving Havant and Waterlooville. His playing career spanned sixteen years most notably at Portsmouth, Manchester City and Crystal Palace. The former striker replaced Eddie Howe at AFC Bournemouth as caretaker manager in January 2011 and at that point choose to retire from playing. Although Bradbury reached the playoffs he was dismissed the following campaign after a poor run of results. At Havant and Waterlooville he bounced back from relegation with back to back titles taking the Hawks to the National League, before dropping down to the National South last term.
Dartford had gone eleven games unbeaten against Eastbourne Borough going back to 2011, winning eight of those fixtures.
Eastbourne Borough have won the last two versus the Darts, the 6-0 victory in April was the biggest win in this fixture.
Last Ten Years
Saturday 2 November 2019 at Priory Lane
Saturday 22 February 2020 at Princes Park
Posted by :Stuart Maidment On : April 19, 2019
Dartford have three games to prove they are worthy of a playoff place with the first away to Eastbourne Borough on Easter weekend.
The Darts travel to Priory Lane on Saturday at a time when a lack of form and injuries are testing management duo Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle. Dartford had looked comfortable in the top seven a month ago, but two points out of the last fifteen available has seen them drop out of the playoffs.
Four of the last five league games have been against teams in the lower half of the table, two of which are in a relegation scrap. This weekend will be no different as Eastbourne Borough are above the drop zone by a single point and have not tasted victory in their last fourteen league outings.
However, Adam Flanagan feels a win in Sussex will turn the season around, he told www.kentonline.co.uk: "We just need to get a win, if we get a win then I think we will be settled. We've got a group where they are confident they can beat any team in this league. But we're on a negative run at the moment and we need to flip that round as quickly as we can".
Dartford have also been hit by the news that former captain Elliot Bradbrook will retire at the end of the season. The midfielder started last weekend's 1-0 defeat at home to Chippenham Town as centre back before leaving the pitch with a calf injury inside the first twenty minutes. Bradbrook will be a huge miss especially as he's the second highest scorer in the club's history with 142 goals in 444 appearances. Flanagan also confirmed that striker Phil Roberts will no longer play for the club, Charlie Sheringham is not available for all the remaining fixtures, whilst Billy Crook and Mark Onyemah have been out injured.
On a positive note, Andy Pugh returned to first team action with a substitute appearance against Chippenham Town. The striker has been recovery from pre-season's leg break and managed to complete fifteen minutes. Flanagan commented on Pugh's return, he said: "Ideally if everyone was fit and we had a bench full of players then you'd give him the season off and get him back for pre-season", he added: "It's good to have him back and we'll work closely to make sure we don't force too much out of him. If he can come on and score a goal or two then great and if his leg isn't ready or there is any doubt, then we're not going to push him".
Defeat against Chippenham Town was only Dartford's third at home this season and with one more to play at Princes Park they will need to make their away games count too. Flanagan reflected after the loss: "I actually think we've played worse and won. In possession we were quite good, moved the ball quite well and got lots of opportunities to get balls into the box. We didn't test their keeper as much as we wanted. I thought it was an assured performance apart from not scoring".
Back in September, the Darts had Bradbrook to thank in the reverse fixture against Eastbourne Borough when his last-minute equaliser salvaged a point. Twice Dartford had to come from behind, first when former Dartford winger Dave Martin scored for the Sports, Charlie Sheringham levelled the contest. Then early in the second-half Emmanuel Odubade put Eastbourne Borough ahead before Bradbrook netted at the end.
It's been a year since the Darts last visited Priory Lane in the league when they were battling for the National South title. A sixth consecutive win was secured by a Danny Mills header to keep Dartford top of the table on goal difference with three games to go.
This season the two sides met in the F.A Trophy at the third qualifying round stage. At Priory Lane, Kudus Oyenuga's late equaliser forced a replay cancelling out Dean Cox's goal. In the rematch, the tie ended in dramatic fashion with three goals in the closing minutes. Dean Cox's brace for the Sports had the Sussex side cruising until the 89th minute when Andre Coker pulled a goal back. Academy product, Taylor Fisher equalised two minutes into injury time and with the tie heading for another thirty minutes former Dart, Tom Gardiner headed the winner knocking Dartford out at the first hurdle.
Three former players could be involved on the weekend wearing the Eastbourne Borough colours, Gardiner appeared 75 times, Martin made 71 starting appearances and scored 16 goals and Marvin Hamilton made just one substitute appearance. The Sports have been on a dismal run that is threatening eight year run in the National South. The Sussex side have started to struggle in front of goal with Charlie Walker responsible for the Sports last three goals, scored over the last five games. In fact, in their 14 game winless streak they have failed to net on nine occasions.
The experienced Mark McGhee is now in charge at Priory Lane taking over from Jamie Howell in February. The Glaswegian has plenty of Football League managerial experience winning promotion with Reading, Millwall and Brighton and Hove Albion, the 61 year-old has also managed in the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell and Aberdeen. Whether McGhee will be in the same role next season remains to be seen as the club are looking for applicants for the position.
Eastbourne Borough have lost their last three league games helping Torquay United to the title last weekend. The Sports lost 2-0 to the champions which followed a 2-1 loss to relegation rivals Gloucester City and 3-2 at Hemel Hempstead Town. Their six game unbeaten run at the start of the campaign seems so long ago, now the Sports are in a 'mini-league' at the bottom of the table.
Eastbourne Borough wins: 5 / Dartford wins: 10 / Draws: 4
Eastbourne Borough (LLLDLD) Dartford (LLDDLW)
Torquay United A 0-2 Chippenham Town H 0-1
Gloucester City H 1-2 Weston-super-Mare A 1-3
Hemel Hempstead Town A 2-3 Truro City H 1-1
Bath City H 0-0 Hampton & Richmond H 2-2
Hungerford Town A 0-2 Torquay United A 0-2
Chelmsford City H 1-1 Gloucester City H 2-0
Previous Six Meetings
Dartford have gone nine league games unbeaten against Eastbourne Borough (W7, D2).
Eastbourne Borough's F.A Trophy win in November was the Sports first win against the Darts in 13 attempts.
The Darts are unbeaten in five games at Priory Lane in all competitions, last losing an away match against the Sussex club in 2002.
Five games without a win is the longest winless streak under Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle.
Six years ago Dartford were officially crowned the best part time team in the country. The final game of the season may have ended 1-0 to Nuneaton Borough when Wesley York scored the only goal of the game, but the Darts enjoyed a fantastic campaign finishing eighth in the National League. Lee Noble scored nine years ago in a 1-1 draw at Wealdstone. Already crowned Isthmian Premier League champions, the Darts were held for a second game in a row.
Dartford v Eastbourne Borough
Posted by :Stuart Maidment On : November 27, 2018
Tags:Eastbourne Borough, F.A Trophy, Match Preview
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.
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
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.
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.
The F.A Trophy gets underway for Dartford this weekend when they visit fellow National South side Eastbourne Borough at Priory Lane.
Having lost four from five leading up to the 2-2 draw, the result against Eastbourne Borough marked the start of an upturn in form. Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle have led the Darts to one defeat in nine league games to leave them top of the form guide. On the weekend, Sheringham's winning goal against Hampton and Richmond Borough moved Dartford into fifth place having secured a third consecutive victory. Tom Bonner will face a fitness test before the trophy tie having been taken off at the Beveree with a hamstring strain. Goalkeeper, Bailey Vose has had his loan extended to the end of the season, Delano Sam-Yorke and Tom Murphy have gone out on loan to Kingstonian and Margate respectively.
Flanagan spoke to www.kentonline.co.uk and believes his squad has more to offer, he commented: "It sounds a lot better than it did at the start! We can't complain but Jamie and I believe we're just touching the surface of what we've got at the moment. There are still improvement areas but we're winning games. Eight of those nine games have been by one goal and we want to kick on".
So far, this term Dartford have only played two cup matches and on both occasions, there was plenty of room to improve. The Darts struggled past AFC Uckfield Town in the F.A Cup second qualifying round then were well beaten in the next stage at Oxford City.
Saturday will almost be seven years since 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 reached the third round that year, losing to Wealdstone.
The Darts last enjoyed a decent run in the competition in 2012/13 when they reached the semi-final stage against Grimsby Town. Since then they have only got passed the first round twice, going out on penalties against Boreham Wood in round one last time. Flanagan stated: "The club got to the semi-finals (in 2012/13) and everyone I've spoken to about that run said what a good experience it was. It would be nice to replicate that".
As well as the four goals scored in this season's fixture between the two clubs, there has been plenty of goalmouth action in previous meetings. Almost two years ago at a foggy Priory Lane, Dartford won 3-2 in a match where you could excuse anyone who missed Kaka Dembele's strike and Nathaniel Pinney's consolation. The Darts netted four times in the next two home clashes winning 4-3 then 4-2, however the last time Dartford visited the Sussex club, Danny Mills was on hand to score the winner.
Whilst the 2-2 draw in September was the beginning of Dartford's good form, it was also the start of a decline in results for the Sports. Leading up to the meeting at Priory Lane, the Sussex club had lost just once in eight National South outings. Although the draw extended that run to another game, since then Eastbourne Borough have won just twice in the league in nine attempts. On the weekend, the Sports lost a second consecutive fixture at Bath City. The 1-0 defeat followed a 2-0 loss at Concord Rangers.
In cup competitions, Jamie Howell's side made hard work getting past Brantham Athletic in the F.A Cup second qualifying round two months ago. The Sports nervously overcame Dulwich Hamlet, after racing into a 4-0 first half lead they conceded three times in the second half against ten men and just held on. Eastbourne Borough missed out on the F.A Cup first round when they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Slough Town.
Eastbourne Borough's best performance in the F.A Trophy is reaching the third round, most recently in their 2010/2011 campaign. After their trophy run seven years ago they went out at the third qualifying round four years in a row, including the defeat to Dartford. Last season they beat Royston Town on penalties before going out to Dover Athletic.
Current Form (all competitions *-Sussex Senior Cup)
Eastbourne Borough (LLWWLD) Dartford (WWWLWW)
Bath City A 0-1 Hampton & Richmond A 1-0
Concord Rangers A 0-3 Oxford City H 3-2
Hungerford Town H 3-1 Gloucester City A 2-1
Eastbourne United A 5-0* Truro City A 1-3
Chelmsford City A 2-3 Dulwich Hamlet H 2-1
Hampton & Richmond H 2-2 Chippenham Town A 2-1
Dartford named an unchanged side for the third game in a row last weekend, the first time this has happened this season.
Mark Onyemah is close to making his 100th start for the Darts in his second spell with the club.
Lee Noble will be approaching 450 appearances in total.
Dartford progressed to the second round of the F.A Trophy with a commanding 4-0 win at Kingstonian in 2012. Marcus Bettenelli was called into action after just four minutes as he saved Andre McCollin's penalty, which served as an early warning for the Darts. Jacob Erskine gave Dartford the lead halfway through the first half then K's midfielder Simon Huckle was sent off. The afternoon got easier and so the Darts made sure of victory when Elliot Bradbrook, Danny Harris and Nathan Collier added three more goals to the scoreline. Ryan Hayes celebrated his 150th start nine years ago in style, helping Dartford come from two down to beat Tooting and Mitcham United 3-2. The winger scored a brace including a well taken free kick, Rob Haworth netted the winner to complete the comeback.
Posted by :Stuart Maidment On : September 7, 2018
Four defeats in five games have left Dartford needing goals and much needed points, when they host Eastbourne Borough at Princes Park this weekend.
The Darts have struggled in front of goal this season and have failed to find the net in five of their last six National South outings. After the 2-0 reverse last weekend away to St Albans City, Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle will want their side to make the most of home advantage against this weekend's opponents Eastbourne Borough, the Sports have started their campaign well and are third in the league.
Improving the attacking options has been a priority and the management duo took some steps in addressing the lack of firepower. Charlie Sheringham started his third spell with the Darts making his debut on Saturday, the striker who was with Hemel Hempstead Town last term spent some time in Bangladesh. The 30 year-old made 61 starting appearances and scored 41 times during his previous two spells with the Darts.
Also making his debut was Cambridge United winger Tom Knowles who signed a one month loan deal with Dartford. Jamie Philpot, who came off injured in the East Thurrock United win didn't take part in the defeat at St Albans City and Callum Driver was also missing from the squad.
The latest addition to the squad is Amadou Ba, the on loan French striker from Southend United will be available for selection. The 20 year-old has made five appearances for the Essex club and was part of Le Havre's reserve team before moving across the Channel.
Dartford are not in the best of form and so Coyle has called on his players to match opponents on their work ethic, something that was done against East Thurrock United, he spoke to www.kentonline.co.uk after their previous home triumph and commented: "We have been disappointed because not only have we not got the results but the performances have been poor and that's been a concern", he added: "If we lose games, we can't lose them when we've been outworked by the opposition and that's happened recently".
Statistics point towards a low scoring afternoon and much of Eastbourne Borough's success has been built on a solid back line. However, if previous meetings between the two sides are anything to go by then the low scoring trend could well be broken.
Former Dartford favourite Dave Martin may have scored the match winner in their last game against Weston-super-Mare, but a fourth clean sheet in eight shows how tough it's been to breach the Sports defence, which includes former Darts, Marvin Hamilton and Tom Gardiner.
Martin earned a move to Crystal Palace after impressing at Princes Park, where he scored 16 goals, some of them memorable in 71 starting appearances. The winger enjoyed spells at Millwall and Southend United before returning to non-league, which included a loan spell back at the Darts in 2013 where he made a further 11 appearances.
Gardiner joined the Sports from St Albans City and whilst the defender was at Dartford he played 75 times. Marvin Hamilton spell at the Darts was very brief, the 29 year-old made just one substitute appearance.
Unbeaten away from home, Jamie Howell's side have won two and drawn two on their travels. Their only defeat so far came against the league leaders Woking on Bank Holiday Monday, ending a six game unbeaten run which included wins over Welling United, East Thurrock United and Chippenham Town.
The Sports' squad includes former Ebbsfleet United and Dover Athletic defender Ian Simpemba, ex Ebbsfleet United midfielder Michael West as well as the experienced Sergio Torres and Dean Cox.
A year ago, 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. Victory secured a double over the Sussex club, Danny Mills scored the only goal at Priory Lane in April.
Dartford (LWLLLD) Eastbourne Borough (WLDWWD)
St Albans City A 0-2 Weston-super-Mare A 1-0
East Thurrock United H 2-0 Woking H 1-2
Hungerford Town A 0-1 St Albans City A 1-1
Wealdstone H 0-3 Chippenham Town H 2-1
Concord Rangers A 0-2 East Thurrock United A 1-0
Hemel Hempstead Town H 0-0 Truro City H 2-2
Dartford are unbeaten in their last ten matches against Eastbourne Borough stretching back to 2011 (W8, D2). The Darts have won the last four against the Sussex club.
Under the guise of Eastbourne Borough, the Sports won their first four meetings against the Darts between 2001 and 2003.
The Darts have won their last five home matches against the Sussex club, scoring eight and conceding five in the last two meetings at Princes Park.
Games involving Dartford and Eastbourne Borough this season have been low scoring. The Darts have totalled 14 goals in their fixtures (scored 5 conceded 9) whilst the Sports have seen just 15 (scored 9 conceded 6).
Only East Thurrock United (3) have scored fewer then Dartford this term.
Dartford last won on 8 September way back in 2001 when they beat Grantham Town 1-0 in the Southern League Division One East. The last home win was even further back in 1979, the Darts beat Hastings United 3-0 in the Southern League Southern Division. The last match Dartford played on this day ended in a 2-0 defeat away to Gateshead in the National League six years ago.
National League South Season Preview 2018/2019 – Part Two
Tags:Dulwich Hamlet, East Thurrock United, Eastbourne Borough, Gloucester City, Hampton and Richmond
Dartford | Dulwich Hamlet | East Thurrock United | Eastbourne Borough | Gloucester City | Hampton and Richmond Borough
Founded: 1888 / Ground: Princes Park
A new era begins for the Darts after the resignation of club legend Tony Burman. The former manager left his position in the summer after fourteen years at the helm but will be involved with the academy. Starting out as joint favourites last season, Dartford had a strong squad only to suffer final day heartbreak and lose the title on goal difference. The Kent club did lead the table for long periods of the campaign but just couldn't break away and finished runners up. The Darts were the top scorers in the National South partly thanks to the league's Player of the Season Alfie Pavey. It has been a big summer for the playoff semi-finalists as they look to go one better.
National South: 2nd
F.A Cup: 1st Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
League Top Scorer: Alfie Pavey (22 goals)
Average Attendance: 1053 (1st in National South)
The Managers – Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle
They played in defence for the Darts and won titles together in 2008 and 2010, first the Isthmian Division One North then the Isthmian Premier. Flanagan captained the side during the latter championship victory at centre back, Coyle alongside him at full back. The pair moved into management taking different routes, Flanagan won promotion to the Isthmian Premier League via the playoffs at Brentwood Town, whilst Coyle continued playing going up to the National League with Maidstone United. Coyle moved on to Welling United and in his only campaign as manager guided the Wings to tenth in the Nation South last term. Flanagan came to Dartford after three years with Concord Rangers.
The Summer
The influence Burman had on the players that were at the club is evident in the fact that many have left. Loyal servants Ryan Hayes and Danny Harris depart having played 980 times for the Darts combined. Alex Brown switches to Margate, Lyle Della-Verde to Braintree Town, but the biggest loss was top scorer and National South's Player of the Year Alfie Pavey to champions Havant and Waterlooville. On top of that the trio of Nathan Collier, Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Berti Schotterl all moved to Woking. So, with the squad numbers dwindling new management duo Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle can cease the opportunity to create something new at Princes Park. Attacking intent has been illustrated with the signing of Alex Wall, whio scored six in 11 games whilst on loan at the Darts in 2014, the striker spent last term with Hungerford Town. Forward, Kudus Oyenuga arrives from Chelmsford City and 29-year-old striker Delano Sam-Yorke from Maidstone United. Callum Driver returns to the Darts after three years away with Maidstone United and Welling United and winger Ben Greenhalgh joins from Flanagan's former club Concord Rangers. Simon Mensah will provide competition in midfield having been signed from Whitehawk.
Founded: 1893 / Ground: Imperial Fields
It was only a matter of time before the Hamlet reached the National South. Over the past three season's they made the playoffs, losing two finals in a row. The Greater London club must have feared the worst then when they ended the Isthmian Premier campaign as runners up, even with an impressive 95 points. However, at the fourth attempt Dulwich Hamlet won the playoffs beating Hendon on penalties. It's certainly been a dramatic year for the club having been forced out of their ground, meaning the Hamlet have been playing home games at Tooting and Mitcham United's the Imperial Fields. This season will see the club play at National South level for the very first time.
Isthmian Premier: 2nd
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Qualifying Round
County Cup: Semi-Final
League Top Scorer: Nyren Clunis (19 goals)
Average Attendance: 1381 (1st in Isthmian Premier)
The Manager – Gavin Rose
Hamlet's longest serving manager finally earned promotion to the National South last season. The 39-year-old former midfielder had spells with Wimbledon, Charlton Athletic, Queens Park Rangers, Southend United, Bromley, Gravesend & Northfleet and Walton & Hersham amongst others during his long career. Rose runs an academy which specialises in coaching youngsters and as a manager with Beckenham Town almost won the Kent League. Under his guidance, Hamlet won the Isthmian Division One South title five years ago and the Isthmian Premier League playoffs last season. Helping Rose in the dugout will be former Dartford midfielder Junior Kadi, who was part of Dartford's 2008 title winning team.
Hamlet strengthened their midfield over the break with the signing of former Ebbsfleet United and Chelmsford City man Anthony Cook, the 28-year-old spent four years with the Clarets before playing for Fleet. The attacking midfielder also had spells at Bromley and was on loan at Woking last term. Byron Lawrence made the move up to the National South coming in from Leiston, the 22-year-old previously played for Billericay Town, Ipswich Town, Colchester United and Bishop's Stortford. Hamlet have added former Colchester United defender Magnus Okuonghae and striker Jay May to the squad. Okuonghae played 215 games for Colchester United and spent two years with National League outfit Maidstone United before moving to Welling United last summer. May was also at Maidstone United where he topped scored before spells at Hythe Town and Margate, he was also part of Dartford's Isthmian Division One North and Isthmian Premier League title winning sides, scoring 51 goals in 117 games. Rose also agreed to sign former Chelsea youngster Daniel Pappoe. Dulwich Hamlet will be without Reise Allassani who earned a move to League One Coventry City, after 17 goals in 31 appearances last season. Crowd favourites Marc Weatherstone and Kenny Beaney leave along with Nana Boakye-Yiadom to Concord Rangers and Anthony Acheampong to Welling United.
Dartford wins: 0 / Dulwich Hamlet wins: 2 / Draws: 2
31.03.2007 Dartford 1 Billericay Town 1
19.09.2006 Dulwich Hamlet 3 Dartford 2
04.12.1996 Dartford 0 Dulwich Hamlet 0
Tuesday 30 October 2018 at Princes Park
Saturday 2 March 2019 at Imperial Fields
East Thurrock United
Founded: 1969 / Ground: Rookery Hill
Unbeaten in their first ten league matches, East Thurrock United looked on course to be last season's surprise package. When they were promoted to the National League two years ago they had carried forward their habit of scoring goals. Helped by Sam Higgins, the National South's top talisman last term with twenty-five goals, the Rocks saw plenty of goals once more. This time they scored two less than the champions but conceded eighty-four times, the second highest in the division. As a result of their defensive frailties, the Essex club lost momentum going eight without victory after their excellent start. East Thurrock United concluded their campaign with a six-game losing streak aided by a series of injuries and suspensions.
F.A Trophy: 3rd Round
League Top Scorer: Sam Higgins (25 goals)
Average Attendance: 294 (18th in National South)
The Manager – John Coventry
East Thurrock United needed rebuilding following relegation to the Isthmian Division One in 2008. The astuteness and coaching experience of John Coventry has had a large part to play in the Rocks rise to the National South. Seven years ago, the Essex club won the Isthmian Division One North, in the division above they reached the playoffs in 2013 and three years later won the playoffs. When East Thurrock United won promotion they played an attacking brand scoring 107 times in that campaign. Coventry has now overseen two consecutive years in the National South finishing thirteenth then fifteenth.
Former England international and Premier League full back, Paul Konchesky will take on a dual role as player and assistant first team coach. The ex-Charlton Athletic, West Ham United, Fulham and Liverpool left back has non-league experience with Billericay Town, Hardworking midfielder turned full back Danny Harris leaves Dartford after 400 appearances and 75 goals to join the Rocks. Goalkeeper, Jack Giddens moves from local rivals Billericay Town, Tom Derry comes in from Leatherhead and Ashley Miller re-joins East Thurrock United. Former Darts, James White, Max Cornhill and Lewis Smith have all departed John Coventry's squad.
Dartford wins: 2 / East Thurrock United wins: 3 / Draws: 1
30.04.2005 East Thurrock United 0 Dartford 1
28.08.2017 Dartford 0 East Thurrock United 1
Monday 27 August 2018 at Rookery Hill
Saturday 29 December 2018 at Princes Park
Founded: 1964 / Ground: Priory Lane
A new era began for the Sports last season under a new management team and they started with back to back defeats. An eight-match unbeaten run followed moving the Sussex club up the table and into the top ten. This is when Eastbourne Borough peaked and from September they spent the rest of their campaign picking up the odd victory between losing streaks. They ended the season with four straight losses looking over their shoulders until the penultimate game when they reached safety. In all fairness the Sports picked up the points against the teams that mattered, winning six out of eight against those who finished below them in the National South.
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
League Top Scorer: Jamie Taylor (11 goals)
The Manager – Jamie Howell
Last summer Jamie Howell walked away from Bognor Regis Town after guiding them into the National South. The former defender made over 400 appearances for the Rocks before managing the club for seven years. His last match as boss for the Sussex club was the playoff final win over Dulwich Hamlet, two days later he rocked up at Priory Lane. In his first campaign with the Sports the club survived whilst his former side were relegated back to the Isthmian Premier League. Howell started his management career at neighbours Burgess Hill Town, where he spent a couple of years as player manager. The Sports will be hoping for a more comfortable ride this time under Howell.
Dave Martin used to create excitement amongst the Princes Park faithful and his talent was rewarded with a move to Crystal Palace. The former Millwall winger has made his way back to non-league and will be at Priory Lane this season. Charlie Walker scored 16 goals in 67 appearances for St Albans City and he will be part of Eastbourne Borough's team. Once of Ebbsfleet United and Chelmsford City, experience midfielder Michael West joins the clan and so does 18-year-old centre back Harry Pollard from Charlton Athletic. The Sports may miss the departures of striker Jamie Taylor as well as Kiran Khinda-John, Charlie Harris, Shaun Okojie and Gavin McCallum, who has joined Welling United. Marvin Hamilton made one appearance for Dartford a few years ago. He returns to Priory Lane after spending last term at Whitehawk. Centre back James Harran has left the club trading football for a modelling career.
Saturday 8 September 2018 at Princes Park
Saturday 20 April 2019 at Priory Lane
Founded: 1883 / Ground: Jubilee Stadium
Moved from the National North to the South last summer, Gloucester City found their feet in their new surroundings, but had to wait until the fifth game to secure their first victory. The Tigers didn't fully settle though and were surprised in November when manager Tim Harris resigned after 300 games in charge. Form improved in the New Year with the Gloucestershire club suffering just two defeats in eleven leading up to the Easter period. Although the Tigers couldn't keep the run going and their season petered out, remaining in the National South was never really in doubt. A fourteenth-place finish was very much in keeping with their previous life in the National North where mid-table was the norm.
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: Final to be played 30/07/2018
League Top Scorer: Joseph Parker (12 goals)
The Manager – Marc Richards
Former Gloucester City defender Marc Richards returned to the club four years ago as part of the back-room staff. As a player he had three spells with the Tigers, first signing from Cirencester Town then departing for Australia to play for Manly United. Richards enjoyed a long career in non-league which also included time at Cinderford Town, Weston-super-Mare, Swindon Supermarine, Chippenham Town, Shortwood United and Evesham United. He became assistant to former boss Tim Harris and when he unexpectedly resigned in December, Richards was there to take up the manager's position with the club two points above the drop. By the end of the campaign the Tigers survived with eleven points to spare.
After a strong finish to the campaign, Marc Richards rewarded most of the squad with new contracts. Although he lost the services of Kieran Parselle to Chippenham Town and Robbie Cundy he has signed replacements. Jack Deaman is back with the Tigers after making 11 appearances in 2016/2017, Adam Page returns to the club after two loan appearances in 2017 and Mat Liddiard, a graduate of Gloucester City is back after a spell with Evesham United, where he scored 22 goals last season. Jake Mawford signs after impressing Marc RFichards during pre-season and Exeter City forward, Ben Seymour joins the Tigers on a three month loan.
Dartford wins: 27 / Gloucester City wins: 12 / Draws: 10
10.04.2018 Gloucester City 0 Dartford 1
18.11.2017 Dartford 4 Gloucester City 1
Tuesday 3 November 2018 at Jubilee Stadium
Saturday 9 March 2019 at Princes Park
Hampton and Richmond Borough
Founded: 1921 / Ground: The Beveree
An incredible twenty-one game unbeaten run from the end of August to the end of January made sure the Beavers challenged for the title, until the Good Friday mud bath. A last-minute defeat against title contenders Dartford over ended all hope. The Beavers, along with champions Havant and Waterlooville lost the fewest matches last term, just six. So, dropped points from eighteen outings cost the Middlesex club dearly. Hampton and Richmond Borough earned a playoff spot, this time settled on the field, but once more fell short when they agonisingly lost the final to Braintree Town on penalties. The Beavers will start the new campaign with a new boss after Alan Dowson's departure for Woking.
National South: 4th
League Top Scorer: Max Kretzschmar (14 goals)
Average Attendance: 590 (9th in National South)
The Manager – Gary McCann
There is common ground between the Beavers and their new boss, they both experienced playoff heartbreak last season. Hampton and Richmond Borough had been keeping tabs on the great work McCann was doing at Hendon. When former manager Alan Dowson jumped ship to take over at Woking, the appointment of his replacement was swift. McCann first joined the Greens as a player in 1997 and then became the longest serving manager at the Middlesex club, where he won an Isthmian League Cup. He consistently kept Hendon in the Isthmian Premier League finishing runners up in 2015 and third last season, losing the playoff final to Dulwich Hamlet on penalties.
Rebuilding the squad at the Beveree began with a raid on Gary McCann's former club Hendon. Trusting players, he already knows, the new Hampton and Richmond Borough boss has attracted the versatile Casy Maclaren, who made 358 appearances for Hendon since 2007. Daniel Uchechi has represented Nigeria at under 20 and under 23 level and experienced playing for Charlton Athletic, West Ham United, Sheffield Wednesday, Aberdeen as well as spells in Sweden and Germany, he also joins from Hendon. Also switching from Silver Jubilee Park to the Beveree is Michael Corcoran once of Oxford United, Wealdstone and Chelmsford City, Jake Eggleton, an ever present last term, right back James Hammond, 18 goal striker Zak Joseph, goalkeeper Tom Lovelock and 19-year-old defender Rian Bray. Former Billericay Town pair Oliver Sprague and Josh Mcleod-Urquhart have joined the Beavers along with Shaun Lucien who returns to the club from St Albans City and Ricky Wellard arrives from Wealdstone. Nathan Mavilla signs from Leyton Orient and has previously represented Aldershot, Cambridge City & Wealdstone and made an appearance for West Ham United in the Europa League against Astra Giurgui three years ago. Up front, Chris Dickson has been signed from Chelmsford City and brings experience to the front line. He spent five seasons playing in Cyprus, before moving to China. Dickson also has Football League pedigree, having joined Championship side Charlton Athletic in 2007 and he also has two caps for Ghana. Hampton & Richmond Borough have also completed the signing of Charlton Athletic's Dan Bowry, on a loan deal that will run until January. One big loss will be the goals from midfield scored by Max Kretzschmar, he netted 14 times last term and joins the Beavers former boss now at Woking.
Dartford wins: 5 / Hampton and Richmond Borough wins: 4 / Draws: 1
30.03.2018 Dartford 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough 0
02.09.2017 Hampton & Richmond Borough 2 Dartford 2
Saturday 17 November 2018 at the Beveree
Saturday 23 March 2019 at Princes Park
Dartford are back at the top of the National South and are hoping to maintain their position against Eastbourne Borough this weekend.
The Darts travelled to Evesham on Tuesday night to take on Gloucester City. A hard fought victory was earned thanks to Alfie Pavey's 21st league goal of the campaign. Dartford's win against Gloucester City moved them level on points with Havant and Waterlooville, Pavey's goal edged the Darts ahead on goal difference, the two sides are now seperated by a single goal.
Dartford now face the challenge of two more away games before the penultimate fixture at home then the final day of the season at Bognor Regis Town. Next up though is Eastbourne Borough and the Darts have hit form at the right moment. Tuesday's triumph extended Dartford's winning streak to five meaning they have now won seven of their last eight games. Defensively, Tony Burman's side have also improved having conceded just once in their last four outings.
When Dartford last played Eastbourne Borough in September they ended up moving to the top of the National South back then. The Princes Park crowd witnessed six goals as the free scoring Darts claimed victory. Tony Burman's side dominated the first half and opened the scoring when Alex Brown scored from just inside the penalty area. In the second half, Alfie Pavey headed in Ryan Hayes's corner then Elliot Bradbrook nodded in a third. The Sports pulled a goal back through Jamie Taylor before the Darts scored a controversial fourth. The visitors took a quick free kick which was blocked by the grounded Hayes from close range, presumably to get the winger booked. However, the match official played on as Tom Murphy went through on goal to score. Lee Noble's own goal took the gloss off the 4-2 leaving Burman disappointed at his side conceding two sloppy goals.
Last season, Dartford completed the double over Eastbourne Borough by a one goal margin. Twelve goals were scored over the two fixtures. The Darts won 3-2 in their last visit to Priory Lane on a foggy Tuesday night. In a game that could well have been abandoned, Kaka Dembele scored the winner after goals from Luke Wanadio and Andy Pugh. The return fixture at Princes Park ended 4-3 with Pugh and Wanadio finding the net again. Hayes and Bradbrook added two more to make it 4-1, but the Sports rallied to reduce the arrears late on. In the season before current Dartford defender Nathan Collier was wearing the Eastbourne Borough shirt having left the Darts that summer to move to the Sussex club.
Since the start of March, the Sports run of form has been inconsistent alternating wins and losses for the last seven games. However, it was their victory in the Sussex derby against Bognor Regis Town on Easter Monday which virtually assured them another campaign in the National South.
Last weekend, Eastbourne Borough were beaten by Oxford City when two early second half goals left the Sussex club too much to overturn. Matt Pickering turned the ball into his own net and Matt Paterson scored a penalty, conceded by former Crawley Town and Wycombe Wanderers midfielder Sergio Torres. The Sports set up a nervy finish for the hosts when Yemi Obudabe scored four minutes from time.
At Priory Lane, the Sports have won just twice in the National South in 14 attempts and only five times all season. Defensively, up until last weekend's fixtures only Whitehawk had conceded more in total. The leaky defence has been a weakness for the Sussex club, who have managed to score 57 times at the right end, a similar figure to three of the top four and the majority of mid-table sides.
Eastbourne Borough wins: 4 / Dartford wins: 9 / Draws: 2
Eastbourne Borough (LWLWLW) Dartford (WWWWWL)
Oxford City A 1-2 Gloucester City A 1-0
Bognor Regis Town H 3-0 Weston-super-Mare H 3-1
Chippenham Town A 0-4 Hampton & Richmond H 1-0
Wealdstone A 3-2 Oxford City A 2-0
Truro City H 1-3 Hemel Hempstead Town H 3-2
Bath City A 1-0 Poole Town H 0-1
Andy Pugh has scored in his last three appearances against Eastbourne Borough.
Dartford have gone nine games unbeaten against the Sports stretching back to 2011. The Darts have won seven and drawn two in that time.
If the Darts win against Eastbourne Borough it will be the third time the Darts have completed a league double against the Sussex club, in the last four campaigns they have been in the same division.
Before that, the Sports won the first four meetings in the Southern Division One East to complete the double over the Darts in successive seasons.
Dartford secured a place in the Southern League Cup final thirty years ago in comprehensive fashion. Leading the first leg over Wealdstone 4-0, the Darts won the return fixture 4-1 to record an impressive 8-1 aggregate victory. Dartford went on to turn around a 3-1 first leg loss to Bromsgrove Rovers by winning the second leg 3-0 to lift the cup. The last three games on 14 April have all been away from home, the most recent just a year ago when the Darts lost 2-0 to Hungerford Town. Before that defeat Dartford had gone eight matches unbeaten on this day which included a 4-3 win over Wealdstone in 1979, a 2-1 victory against Ashford United in 1990. In 2007, Carl Bruce and Brendon Cass scored in a 2-1 triumph over Hastings United and in 2012 a Tony Garrod goal helped the Darts beat Sutton United.
Posted by :Stuart Maidment On : September 12, 2017
Dartford closed the gap at the top on the weekend and up next is an Eastbourne Borough side unbeaten in eight league games.
The Darts are gaining momentum and after beating Chippenham Town on Saturday found themselves two points off top spot in third place. In the space of a week, Dartford have hit seven goals without reply and now boast the best attack and second best defence.
Tony Burman stuck Keaton Wood in the first eleven to replace the injured Danny Harris, in the only change from the 4-0 win at Whitehawk. Warren Mfula and Duane Ofori-Acheampong were both unavailable but recovering from injuries, whilst Tom Murphy made a return from off the bench.
Ryan Hayes inspired Dartford to a 3-0 win at home to Chippenham by creating the first two goals then scoring the third. In a man of the match performance the winger provided an excellent cross for Alfie Pavey to head home his fourth in six games. The second assist came from another cross to Andy Pugh who slid in at the far post to extend the lead. With the points secure, Hayes made sure with a calm finish curling the ball into the far corner of the Chippenham Town net, Hayes' second goal in as many games.
Similar to the Darts, Eastbourne Borough prefer stability with only five managers appointed in the last 34 years. So this summer when the Sports changed who's in charge they were also making a statement. After ten years as a player at Bognor Regis Town and seven years as a manager, Jamie Howell shocked the Rocks with his switch to their Sussex rivals replacing Tommy Widdrington at Priory Lane.
Howell made a slow start losing his first two games at the helm with a pair of 3-2 defeats at home to Braintree Town and away to Havant and Waterlooville. Despite the losses, the Sports picked up where they left of last season amongst the top scorers in the league, last term they were the fifth highest scorers. The Sussex club have not tasted defeat since the second game of the season, getting off the mark with a 1-1 draw at Hampton and Richmond Borough, doubling their tally with a 0-0 draw at home to Welling United then winning four of their next five, including the 1-0 away victory over Howell's former club Bognor Regis Town.
On Saturday, the Sports maintained their unbeaten run taking it to eight but had to work hard for a result. Two goals in first half stoppage time put St Albans City in command, former Dart Tom Gardiner scoring the first and Zane Banton the other. Eastbourne Borough came back when former Maidstone United player Emmanuel Odubade pulled a goal back from the spot with the penalty conceded by ex Dartford defender Tom Bender, and in the last minute Sergio Torres turned the defeat into a draw.
The man currently in form is striker Jamie Taylor who has netted five times in his last five appearances. Added to the midfield experience of Torres, who signed from rivals Whitehawk in the summer it's no surprise the Sports can be potent in attack. The Darts will be familiar with goalkeeper Bailey Vose, who had a spell with Dartford last season covering for Deren Ibrahim whilst on international duty. Vose played three times keeping one clean sheet in his loan spell from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Dartford wins: 8 / Eastbourne Borough: 4 / Draws: 2
Dartford (WWDLWW) Eastbourne Borough(DWWWDW)
Chippenham Town H 3-0 St Albans City A 2-2
Whitehawk A 4-0 Concord Rangers H 3-1
Hampton & Richmond A 2-2 Chippenham Town H 4-2
East Thurrock United H 0-1 Bognor Regis Town A 1-0
Hemel Hempstead Town A 3-0 Wealdstone H 1-1
Oxford City H 7-1 Truro City A 1-0
Since going 2-0 down at Hampton and Richmond Borough, the Darts have gone nine goal without reply.
Dartford have kept four clean sheets out of six home league games this season, last achieved in 1988 when they conceded just three times in that spell, This time the Darts have let in just two.
It's still a long way off the record set in 1896 when Dartford scored 36 and conceded once in their opening seven Southern League Division Two home games, which included six clean sheets.
Dartford start their F.A Cup campaign next weekend and eight years on 12 September they began their journey at Chipstead. The Darts led the Isthmian Premier League dropping just two points in their opening seven games and were in no mood to suffer an upset to a side a division below. Tony Burman faced former Dartford striker and team mate Micky Collins in the dugout and watched on as the Darts won 6-1. Ryan Hayes scored a free kick in the first minute and Lee Burns added a second goal five minutes later. Billy Burgess headed his first goal for the Darts before half-time to give the Darts a 3-0 lead at the break. In the second half, Dartford added another three when James White scored before Chipstead netted a penalty, Rob Haworth made it 5-1 and Adam Gross finished the rout with a rasping 30 yard volley.
National League South Season Preview 2017/18 – Part II
Posted by :Stuart Maidment On : August 1, 2017
Tags:Chippenham Town, Concord Rangers, East Thurrock United, Eastbourne Borough, National South, Season Preview
Chippenham Town | Concord Rangers | Dartford | Eastbourne Borough | East Thurrock United
Chippenham Town
Founded: 1873 / Ground: Hardenhuish Park
A new entry into the National South, Chippenham Town are the Southern League champions and set their highest ever points tally last season, with an impressive 103, a league record. The Bluebirds spent 15 years in the Southern Premier League reaching the playoffs on four occasions and suffering heartbreak in the final three times. So when the Wiltshire club took all the glory last term, the long wait was certainly worth it for club officials and supporters.
Southern Premier: 1st
League Top Scorer: Andrew Sandell (27 goals)
Average Attendance: 459 (8th in league / 86th in non-league)
The Manager – Mark Collier
Responsible for guiding Chippenham Town to thee highest level they have ever played, Collier gained experience at Swindon Supermarine. He led the Marine to the F.A Cup second round seven years ago and three months later left the club. Since then Collier has been learning his coaching trade at Wootton Bassett and Abingdon United. The current Bluebirds boss has a championship winning side to work with and hopes his team can repay the trust he is giving the players.
Not too much action in the transfer marker and that is because Collier has retained 16 players believing his squad will be competitive. The three signings he has made, Dean Evans, Mark Cooper and Jason Matthews have all come from Weymouth. Most importantly the Bluebirds have kept hold of Andrew Sandell, the Southern Premier League top scorer for the last two season's. The striker used to play for Bristol Rovers and Newport County. On loan for the season, Chelsea teenager Jared Thompson could gain experience between the sticks. Jake Andrews has been added on a two month loan from Bristol City. Attacking midfielder, Scott Donnelly will provide more experience having played for numerous clubs at Football League and National South level.
Saturday 20 January 2018 at Hardenhuish Park
Concord Rangers
Founded: 1967 / Ground: Thames Road
A well run club who have moved up the divisions from the Essex League in a short space of time. Despite small crowds the Beachboys continue to hold their own in the National South and will now participate at this level for a fourth consecutive year. Last term was their lowest finish since promotion to the National South as the Essex club started poorly, but a decent recovery lifted them away from the drop zone to safety.
County Cup: 3rd Round
League Top Scorer: Steve Cawley (18 goals)
Average Attendance: 287 (22nd in league / 140th in non-league)
The Manager – Adam Flanagan
Former Dartford defender Adam Flanagan impressed in his first two season's as Concord Rangers manager. He had replaced Danny Cowley who guided the Beachboys up the non league pyramid so had big shoes to fill. The 38 year old previously managed Brentwood Town where he won promotion to the Isthmian Premier League via the playoffs. As a player he captained the Dartford side who clinched the Isthmian Premier League title five years ago, making a total of 145 appearances for the Darts and scoring 14 goals.
Steve Cawley has been the club's top scorer regularly and will get help from Jordan Cox, who signed from National South champions Maidenhead United. Lewis Taafe returns to Thames Road and Khale Da Costa will be a Beachboy too. Flanagan has returned to a former club in Maldon and Tiptree to sign up Jordan Sanderson and Billy Roast. From Southend United, Jason Williams joins Concord Rangers and Jordan Brown from Welling United. Last season their were a fair few former Dartford players around Thames Road, now that has been cut down with the departures of James White and Jordan Chiedozie.
Dartford wins: 3 / Concord Rangers wins: 1 / Draws: 1
11.03.2017 Concord Rangers 1 Dartford 1
24.09.2016 Dartford 2 Concord Rangers 1
Tuesday 15 August 2017 at Princes Park
Saturday 6 January 2018 at Thames Road
After a season of consolidation, the Darts went a step further by reaching the playoffs losing out to their season's nemesis Chelmsford City in the semi final. Considering the budget available to the top two Maidenhead United and local rivals Ebbsfleet United, Dartford finished the best of the rest pipping the Clarets on the final day. Once again, captain Elliot Bradbrook led by example in midfield top scoring, but a small, solid and flexible squad had the togetherness to almost challenge for the title in February. However the strength of the top two left the Darts behind in a respectable third place.
National South: 3rd
F.A Trophy: 2nd Round
League Top Scorer: Elliot Bradbrook (14 goals)
Average Attendance: 998 (3rd in league / 37th in non-league)
The Manager – Tony Burman
It seemed like Tony Burman rediscovered the Dartford spirit of old last season. Overseeing title winning sides in the Isthmian Leagues and a triumphant National South playoff team, Burman guided the Darts to eighth in the National League back in 2014/15. From then on Dartford spiralled downwards with a reprieve then relegation leaving supporters in the doldrums. Consolidation has now been followed by optimism again and with Burman's experience, the Darts are eyeing up promotion again.
The nucleus of last season were tied down early doors largely due to the team spirit Burman has once again created. The 'core' of Elliot Bradbrook, Ryan Hayes, Danny Harris and Lee Noble have stayed on. The hole left by goal scoring winger Luke Wanadio to Bromley has been filled by Lyle Della Verde from Concord Rangers. Full back, Tom Wynter who moved down a division to relegated Margate has been replaced by Mark Onyemah from Thurrock, who played 24 times whilst on loan at Princes Park from Luton Town back in 2015/16. Scorer of 44 goals last term for AFC Croydon Athletic in the Southern Counties East League, Warren Mfula impressed enough for Burman to take a gamble.
It's time for Eastbourne Borough to show some progression after Tommy Widdrington's five year tenure. The Sports finished between 10th and 17th during Widdrington's spell in charge and are only on their fifth manager in 34 years. Stability is a word Eastbourne Borough are used to but the new boss wants more. Last term the Sussex club ended in a predictable mid-table spot and will continue life in the National South once more.
County Cup: Semi Final
League Top Scorer: Elliot Romain (20 goals)
Average Attendance: 541 (10th in league / 67th in non-league)
After ten years as a player at Bognor Regis Town and seven years as a manager, Howell shocked the Rocks with his switch to Sussex rivals Eastbourne Borough. The 40 year old played over 400 games for last season's Isthmian Premier playoff winners taking his former side to their highest ever level. Howell now wants to take Eastbourne Borough back to the National League by playing attractive football and in the long term have a team of local players from the county.
Sergio Torres is the main signing this summer joining the Sports from Whitehawk. The 35 year old Argentinian made his name at Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough before being part of Crawley Town's rise. Jamie Howell, also went back to a former club to get Leon Redwood to sign from Burgess Hill Town. Replacing Josh Hare at full back will be ex Wothing player Will Hendon and Matt Drage comes in from Dulwich Hamlet. Yemi Odubade returns to the Sports after spells with Oxford United and Maidstone United.
Dartford wins: 8 / Eastbourne Borough wins: 4 / Draws: 2
Tuesday 12 September 2017 at Princes Park
The Rocks had a fine season last time out consolidating in the National South in their first ever campaign at this level. The Essex club will be one of four representing the county and they have their fair share of former Darts in their squad. A similar season to last term will be the aim for the club and success will be signs of improvement at this level.
F.A Trophy: Second Round
County Cup: Runners up
League Top Scorer: Tom Wraight (19 goals)
Average Attendance: 305 (19th in league / 129th in non-league)
East Thurrock United needed rebuilding following relegation to the Isthmian Division One in 2008. The astuteness and coaching experience of John Coventry has had a large part to play in the Rocks rise to the National South. Four years ago, the Essex club won the playoffs to reach the Isthmian Premier League. Last term provided consolidation after winning promotion via the Isthmian Premier playoffs.
Three former Dartford players join East Thurrock United and will team up with ex Dart Lee Burns, who was signed a year ago. Max Cornhill left Chelmsford City and James White moved on from Concord Rangers. The Rocks have also signed Lewis Smith, who Dartford gambled on a few years ago only for the striker to move out to Australia shortly after agreeing to sign for the Darts, he was later banned for 17 months by the F.A which ends next month. George Allen also joins East Thurrock United from fellow Essex side Canvey Island. Leaving Rookery Hill this summer wsa top scorer Tom Wraight who secured a move to Maidstone United.
Monday 28 August 2017 at Princes Park
Monday 2 Monday 2018 at Rookery Hill
Maidstone United v Dartford
Slough Town v Dartford
Dartford v Oxford City
Dorking Wanderers v Dartford
Dartford v Welling United
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