It’s a short journey across the Thames tomorrow as Dartford travel to bottom half Billericay Town in the National League South.
Both teams will be looking to bounce back from league defeats last weekend with Dartford losing at home to Hampton and Billericay falling at league leaders Wealdstone. The blues, however, will no doubt be on a high after booking their place in the Essex Senior Cup final midweek.
Dartford’s defeat at home meant they remained in 7th place in the table but will no doubt be feeling the pressure from those below. Billericay’s position in 17th is somewhat misleading as they have played the joint least amount of games in the league.
With only a loss to Hampton in the FA Trophy, it is very much a case of home comfort for Billericay. No visiting team has taken all 3 points in the league so far this season. Dartford will be looking to be the first and have won three of their last four on the road.
Last season this fixture ended in a 1-1 draw, Jake Robinson putting the home side ahead from the penalty spot with Jamie Philpot rescuing a point late on.
Earlier this season Dartford won 3-2 at Princes Park, Darren McQueen and Elliott Romain scoring first half goals. Femi Akinwande pulled a goal back in the second half before Romain got his second. A penalty converted by Jake Robinson narrowed the scoreline but Dartford held out for the win.
Dartford’s top goal scorer Romain will be suspended after his sending off last week meaning manager Steve King will be forced into one change. With Amrit Bansal-McNulty returning from suspension and Jordan Wynter recovering from injury competition for places is fierce.
Dartford have struggled against teams that are organised and stop them playing but with clean sheets a rarity for Billericay, the visitors will be confident of breaking down the home defence.
If they can cut out their own defensive errors then this may well be the first league away win at New Lodge this season.