Old rivals renew their acquaintance on Saturday afternoon when Cray Wanderers host Dartford in the FA Trophy Third Round at Hayes Lane.

The Wands are currently nineteenth in the Isthmian League Premier Division with 15 points form 18 league games, Danny Kedwell’s side are one level below The Darts who sit second in National League South with 31 points from 16 matches played under manager Steve King.

Cray lost 1-0 at home to Bishop’s Stortford last weekend, while Dartford suffered a 4-0 loss at Maidstone United, their first defeat in five games. 

The Wands have beaten Kings Langley 4-1, Bedfont Sports 2-1 & Ebbsfleet Utd on penalties following a 2-2 draw to reach this stage, which is the furthest the club has ever gone in the FA Trophy, while The Darts started two rounds later and overcame Bathy City on penalties after a 0-0 draw.      

Dartford played their home matches at Cray’s old Oxford Road ground when they re-started in the Kent League back in 1993 and they were both regular opponents in cup matches way before that.

Both teams have since moved up the pyramid with The Darts now challenging for a return to the National League, while The Wands battle to stay in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Former Cray player George Porter is now playing for Dartford, while Cray midfielder Cameron Brodie is on loan from The Darts meaning he and Bromley loanee Sam Skeffington will be unavailable for Danny Kedwell to select.

The Wands have added a few new faces to the squad recently with keeper Bailey Vose the latest arrival replacing Jack Turner between the sticks.       

This looks set to be an entertaining cup tie between local rivals with added incentive of a trip to Wembley Stadium in May 2022 off the horizon.   

Entrance for the game is £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, with an excellent printed programme for £2, kick off 3pm.