Following the conclusion of a rigorous preseason schedule, Dartford turn their attention to the opening day of the Isthmian Premier season, as they travel to Cray Valley PM.

The Darts’ summer has seen a complete overhaul at the club. Manager Adrian Pennock, who took the reins at Princes Park with just 11 games to go of the 23/24 season, has recruited 13 new players, while also embedding seven academy players into the first team squad. That numbers contains a host of trialists, as well as returning players to the club, such as Josh Hill, Samir Carruthers, and Duane Ofori-Acheampong. The former, Josh Hill, has also been awarded with the captain’s armband ahead of the upcoming season.

Despite the upheaval, preseason has gone fairly well for Pennock’s side. They managed to pick up wins against Ashford and Sutton United, while also performing well against Charlton Athletic and Boreham Wood. Most of all, fans are excited to see a clear on-pitch identity again, with the managerial turnover of last season leading to a mismatched squad and poor performances throughout, which resulted in the club’s relegation.

However, it hasn’t been all plain sailing. The returning Carruthers, who worked his way into the National League South ‘Team of the Season’ in his last Dartford stint, has been injured throughout the summer, and not yet made an appearance for the Darts. New goalkeeper Jacob Marsden also suffered an injury against Boreham Wood and has been subsequently replaced by loanee Matt Kerbey from Sutton. Summer signing Dwight Pascal also departed the club on the basis of personal reasons shortly after arriving. Former Dart Sanchez Ming trialled to replace Pascal at right back, but the club eventually decided on Samuel Okoye.

While the Darts do have some momentum behind them, Cray Valley PM will provide a stern test for the new-look side. The Millers have had a very productive preseason, winning four of their seven games against Corinthian, Sevenoaks, Welling and East Grinstead. 23-year-old striker Freddie Parker has been their biggest threat, scoring six goals throughout the summer, while Lyle Della-Verde has also proved dangerous.

Steve McKimm’s side certainly proved their mettle last season. They impressively held Charlton to a 1-1 draw at The Valley in the first round of the FA Cup, forcing a replay at the Artic Stadium. While the Millers did lose 6-1, they (much like Maidstone United) gave a good account of the country’s non-league game.

Kick-off is at 3pm on Saturday, with tickets priced at £12 for adults and £7 for concessions.