After triumph in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday, Dartford return to league action on Saturday as they travel to Farnborough.
Following another disappointing loss last weekend, Dartford switched their attention to the Kent Senior Cup Quarter finals.
The Darts faced up against Sevenoaks Town, who thrashed Welling United 7-1 in the previous round to book their trip to Princes Park. Despite a nervy end to the match, Tony Burman’s side edged the game, and have secured their place in the Semifinals.
Goals from youngster Olly Box, who scored his first competitive goal for the Club, Manny Adebowale and Luke Coulson proved decisive in a 3-2 win, with vital saves from Tom Wray maintaining the score in the dying embers.
Brandon Barzey will certainly be out of the matchday squad, as Burman confirmed after Saturday’s loss that the winger had picked up a hamstring injury during the game. Luke Allen’s injury status and expected return is also currently unknown, but there have been some returns to the squad in the last few games.
Tommy Block started Tuesday’s game after being an unused substitute on Saturday, and veteran striker Charlie Sheringham is also back with the group, as he returns from compassionate leave.
Another absentee from the squad will be George Alexander. The Club announced on Thursday that Bromley had taken the decision to recall the striker from his loan, likely for a multitude of reasons. Such reasons may include Dartford’s struggling league position, or the inadequate use of Alexander throughout his stay.
Alexander helped the Darts to two important victories during his spell, with goals against former National League outfits Torquay and Yeovil banking four points from the two games.
Farnborough enter the match in a bad run of form themselves – the Hampshire Club have lost their last four league games, with two red card dismissals accumulated in that run of games.
Their most recent loss came away at the hands of an equally struggling Eastbourne Borough, as a penalty converted by Siyabonga Ligendza swung the game in favour of the hosts. Spencer Day’s side sit in 17th, just one place above the Darts, with 36 points accrued in 29 games.
In terms of player news for Farnborough, they have been relatively busy with incomings. In addition to Harvey Bradbury, Millar Matthews-Lewis, Hisham Kasimu and Guy Hollis have joined the Yellows. They have also seen the departure of Jaden Perez to Salisbury, and Taylor Maloney to the Darts.
In the last two seasons, very little separates the teams on a head-to-head basis. The two sides were held to a draw when they met at Princes Park in August, as Alfie Pavey’s late penalty nullified Maxwell Statham’s opener. Last season, the Darts emerged victorious at home with a 3-1 win, while they suffered defeat by the same scoreline in the reverse fixture.
A Dartford win would take them above the hosts, as they lurk one point behind and hold a game in hand.
Kick-off is 15:00 on Saturday, with tickets priced at £15 for adults and £10 for concessions.