League leaders Brentwood Town welcome Dartford to the Brentwood Centre Arena this Saturday, looking to make their unbeaten run in the league 10 games long. Dartford, the former National League South side, have seen a reasonably disappointing start to the season by their standards, but recently their form has taken an upturn.
The Blues
It was FA Trophy action last time out for Brentwood, a competition they had a memorable run in last campaign, and they were able to progress into the first round proper with a 2-1 win away at Westfield.
Tom Dryer put the hosts ahead in the first half, but in typical Brentwood fashion the Blues equalised just before the hour mark through a Billy Nutbeam own goal. It wasn’t until the second minute of stoppage time that the Blues found the winner, with latest signing Alejandro Machado latching onto Max Hudson's corner.
The Blues will face Welling United in the first round proper, a fellow Isthmian Premier side. Alongside this, Brentwood are still unbeaten in the league, having faced some tough opposition already, and Keith Rowland’s squad will be full of confidence heading into this game against the Darts.
The Darts
Dartford have had a patchy start to the season, their last fixture being a loss to step 4 side Hadley in the FA Trophy. They sit 13th in the league, and whilst they’ve only lost two games, they have also only won two, drawing the other five.
In their last match, the Darts took an early lead through Olly Box, however, Hadley came back very late on. Hedley Ogbedor scored in the 73rd minute to equalise, with Finley Aldridge finding the winner in the 82nd minute.
Dartford have a new signing ahead of this game, midfielder Jacob Bland, who will add depth to an injury heavy Darts squad. Key man Olly Box will be absent for this game, picking up a suspension in their last league game against Burgess Hill Town, but in his absence Eddie Dsane is one to watch, having already scored 4 goals this season.
Final Word
Despite their start to the season, Dartford will pose a very tough test for the Blues, with many players returning from injuries. Keith Rowland’s men will have to work hard to keep this side quiet, the visitors already having scored 17 league goals this season.
