The Playoff Semi-Final saw Dartford host Cray Valley PM in a thrilling encounter on a lovely evening in Kent. The matchday programme that evening featured our review of the 2024-25 season. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
As the 2024-25 Isthmian Premier League regular season comes to an end this afternoon, let’s take a look back on what has been a terrific season for Dartford…
AUGUST
P6 W5 D0 L1
Life in the Isthmian Premier League started off quite nicely for Ady Pennock’s Darts, with victories in four of their opening five league fixtures. The month was capped with a comprehensive 6-2 thrashing of Marlow in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round, whereby both Olly Box and Ben Allen scored a brace each. However, the new Darts did suffer defeat against Potters Bar in their first home game of the season.
“This season has been one of learning and growth personally. I’m grateful to have been healthy and fit for the whole season, and to be able to play near enough every game. I’ve enjoyed every second of it. As a member of the team, I’m thankful and blessed to have the changing room that we have this year. To enjoy coming in, and looking forward to seeing the boys is a really good feeling. We all believe in each other and what each of us brings to the table every week, and that hasn’t changed from the manager to us players, even in our down periods during the season. I’ve always had faith in the team and it’s shown in our performances how good we are and can be.” (Sam Odaudu)
“It feels really good to be playing for such a big club like Dartford, especially with our current form. The support from the fans has also been immense, so I take pride in the ability to put the shirt on. I’m grateful for the journey so far.” (Samuel Okoye)
SEPTEMBER
P4 W1 D0 L3
The honeymoon period was certainly over for Ady Pennock during September, with the only win coming against Leatherhead in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round. Dartford would lose out to Worthing in the next round of the competition, despite playing well on the road. Meanwhile, the league form took a hit with defeats at Dover Athletic and against Bowers & Pitsea in front of the Dartford faithful.
“Overall, I have really enjoyed this season. The group is a really good bunch and we all get along with each other, which really helps on the pitch also. I think as an individual my season has been filled with ups and downs. However, I feel considering this has been my first season with a completely new team and coaching staff, it’s been a success. I’ve gained experience playing alongside and learning from experienced and very capable players, as well as the coaching staff such as the captain Hilly and the gaffer.
“As the season has gone on I feel I’ve gotten better as an individual and that’s reflected with some of my performances. Of course, winning is also very important and we’re in a position to do that still. The team has only gotten stronger as the season has gone on. We had a very tough patch of results towards the start of the season and, as all new players, we needed time to gel. However, we’ve turned it around and the additions to the squad have helped with that.
“The 21-game unbeaten run we went on has to be my personal highlight of the season. It’s something that I may not get to experience ever again in my career. And, to be able to play every minute of those games and contribute to the team’s success is something I can look back on and be proud of.” (Luther Williams)
OCTOBER
P5 W1 D1 L3
October started poorly with defeat in the FA Trophy at the hands of Dulwich Hamlet and, in particular, former Dart Luke Wanadio. That was followed by a heavy defeat at Billericay Town and another home defeat against Wingate & Finchley. However, the latter defeat did come after a goalless draw with Hendon and a 1-0 victory at Erith Town in the Velocity Cup. A hard-fought 0-0 draw against Cray Valley PM soon followed on an afternoon which started what would prove to be an excellent run of form for Ady Pennock’s side.
“It’s been a good season. We had that difficult period where I felt like that was the end, but we got through it and now sit at the top of the table with two games left. If we remain focused, I think we can get through it and get promoted.
“I feel that it’s been a great season for me personally. I came back from an MCL injury in 2023, where I didn’t play for a whole year, so this is my first season back. I’ve played a majority of the games and I’ve scored seven goals, so I believe I’ve made a great impact in the squad. For me, that’s a win. But, to get promotion will make it a perfect season.
“As a team, I feel that we have a great changing room. For a gaffer to put a team like this together is rare. To have that good balance of youth and experienced players is rare, especially to be competing at the top of the league. I think we have a good blend.
“My favourite moment of the season has to be Billericay Town at home. It was a big game for us. We all knew it was a big game, and everyone turned up. I couldn’t name a player who wasn’t on it that day. Everyone was on it, it was insane. Especially the energy from the fans that day, everything was right. We got revenge, it was amazing.” (Denzelle Olopade)
NOVEMBER
P7 W3 D4 L0
The month of November saw the Darts remain unbeaten, with three wins and four draws. After a hard-fought 1-1 away at Potters Bar, Dartford beat Cheshunt 2-1 thanks to a wonder strike from George Whitefield. That was swiftly followed by a thrilling 3-3 draw at Hashtag United, where Olly Box levelled in the 90th minute and goalkeeper Jacob Marsden pulled off a wonderful save straight afterwards to secure the point.
There was another draw away at Chichester City, which was in-between two victories… against Lewes at Princes Park and on the road at struggling Hastings United.
“On a personal level, I think I’ve definitely exceeded my own expectations this season. I’ve been very pleased with my own progress, as well as the team’s. I think that we have been superb.
“Despite going through a couple of spells without playing, for various reasons, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the season so far. Scoring THAT goal against Cheshunt has to be my favourite moment of the season!” (George Whitefield)
DECEMBER
P7 W5 D1 L1
The unbeaten run suffered a minor blip in the Fourth Round of the Velocity Cup, where the Darts lost out to Sheppey United. But, five wins and a draw ensured that Dartford’s unbeaten league run continued to ensure that 2024 finished on a high.
Included in the wins was a storming 4-0 drubbing of Bognor Regis Town, followed by two superb victories away at Horsham and Folkestone Invicta. Then a wonderful Olly Box double saw the Darts come from behind to beat Cray Wanderers on Boxing Day, before a tight 1-0 win at Canvey Island finished the year off.
“As a member of the team, the season has been great. The dressing room is a family, the staff and club have been a dream to work with. I think we’ve come a long way since the beginning of the season, and have continued to grow and learn along the way. We’ve got a good balance of young and experienced players. The characters in the dressing room compliment each another, and the togetherness is something you can’t teach or train.
“As a member of the team, who has been in and out of the squad this season, I’ve tried to help all the boys and be as influential as I can be even when not playing… Reminding and encouraging the boys of the end goal this season. Personally, I feel like I have been consistent and have played an influential part in the team. I’m now within touching distance of winning the league back-to-back, which was the goal when I initially spoke to the Gaffer.
“However, it has been frustrating and mentally challenging at times, as I’ve played a majority of the season coming off the bench, and in multiple positions, which hasn’t allowed me to show what I’m fully capable of. But, we’ve all shown character to come from behind at key moments throughout the season, which shows that we are serious about winning this league.” (Tyler Christian-Law)
JANUARY
P4 W4 D0 L0
The new year was celebrated with four straight victories for Ady Pennock’s side, as they raced into the top three of the league table. Victories away at Chatham Town and Wingate & Finchley were each followed by comprehensive victories against Whitehawk and Billericay Town at Princes Park.
Whilst the latter would prove to be one of the best and most complete performances of the season, the Whitehawk game will be remembered for Skipper, Josh Hill’s, 35-yard screamer and contender for goal of the season. The strike, which came in the 23rd minute, broke the deadlock and ignited the Princes Park faithful into mass celebrations!
“Scoring any goal is an amazing feeling Chris. But, yeah, that one felt different. To this day, I don’t even know what I was thinking hitting it from there! Samir told me it was 64-yards out and I believe him!! Poor George though… I thought he had the Goal of The Season trophy in the bag!” (Josh Hill)
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Dartford. I need to add goals to my game, but I feel I’ve been creative and helped the team. As a member of the team, I don’t think it could have gone any better. It’s a pleasure to be a part of a team with a great blend of youth and experience. There have been quite a few favourite moments for me, but Chatham away and Billericay at home really stand out for me.” (Louis Dunne)
FEBRUARY
P4 W2 D1 L1
Further wins at against Bowers & Pitsea, Hashtag United, and Hendon followed during the first couple of weeks in February, together with a 0-0 draw against a spirited Chichester City side at Princes Park.
However, the month ended with a delayed trip to Cheshunt, whereby the Darts’ twenty-one league game unbeaten run came to an end. The game proved to be a rare off day for Ady Pennock’s men, as they fell to a 3-1 defeat in Hertfordshire.
“It has been a great season so far. I can’t believe it’s almost coming to an end! It’s been my first full season in men’s football, and definitely one I won’t forget. The changing room has been a great one for everyone, from the players to all the staff.
“There’s been a few ups and downs, but I believe it’s all happened for a reason. The 2-1 win against Horsham at home is probably my favourite moment of the season. Just seeing everyone putting everything into it, and the passion after the game was great to be a part of.” (Jeremiah Pinder)
“Individually, this has probably been the worst season for me for various reasons. It’s been tough, but off the field I’ve learnt a lot and have come out mentally stronger. As for the team as a whole, it’s been a pleasure to watch the boys grow from where we was at the start of the season.
After the first eight games, it was looking very shakey. But, we had a lot of team meetings behind the scenes and we came together to try to figure it out. There was a lot of emotions and things said, but look where we are now! It’s been a pleasure to watch them grow and go from strength to strength. I’m proud of them all.
“My favourite moment of the season is Hayden Bullas’ goal at Dulwich Hamlet. Hayden is a lovely lad, a very humble lad, and I was delighted for him to score that goal.” (Duane Ofori-Acheampong)
MARCH
P5 W4 D0 L1
That defeat was followed by a brilliant 2-1 victory over high-flying Horsham at Princes Park. The hosts were a goal behind after Jake Elliott’s first-half effort and looked to be heading for a second consecutive reverse. However, both George Whitefield and Eddie Dsane scored within two minutes of each other (89 and 90 minutes) to turn the result on its head.
Yet, the highs of that comeback victory were swiftly ended at Lewes, as the East Sussex outfit condemned Dartford to a second defeat in a row on the road.
However, normal service was resumed as the Darts finished the month of March with three straight wins over Hastings United, Bognor Regis Town, and Dulwich Hamlet. The run was even more special because, goalkeeper Jacob Marsden didn’t concede a single goal throughout the 270+ minutes to take his tally of clean sheets to fourteen for the season.
“It’s been a full-on season, but as it comes to a close, the excitement within is huge. There’s nothing quite like a match day, putting on gloves and knowing you’re going into battle with your teammates in front of our fans. It’s a real privilege.
“This season has been the most enjoyable yet for me. I’m coming out of each game wanting to be better than I was the week before. As a team, we’ve been working hard for one another, which I believe has been shown by our results. The bond between us players, the staff, and fans is strong, which gives me a real sense of belief that we can continue to create unforgettable moments together.” (Jacob Marsden)
“I’m buzzing to be a part of this club. This season has been good. I’ve been privileged to get experience, and to be playing week in and week out. We can create history and success this season, which is what we are pushing for. This has been a season I will never forget, and I hope that I’ve played my part well in it too. Scoring at Dulwich Hamlet, and assisting too is my favourite moment of the season. It was a big game, and I was happy to contribute to the goals.” (Hayden Bullas)
APRIL
P4 W2 D2 L1
Fourteen clean sheets soon became fifteen for Jacob in an extremely tough 1-0 win away at Whitehawk courtesy of Olly Box’s second-half strike. The previous fixture saw Dartford host an extremely unsporting Folkestone Invicta, whereby we were held to a 2-2 draw at the beginning of the month. Samir Carruthers then added another potential goal of the season with a superb first-half free-kick, which set the wheels in motion for the 3-1 success over Dover Athletic in the penultimate league game of the season at Princes Park.
The final away trip saw the Darts make the short trip to Cray Wanderers. However, it turned out to be a difficult Easter Bank Holiday Monday, with a hard-fought 2-2 draw the final outcome.
Dartford’s fourteen-game unbeaten run at home was sadly ended by an excellent Carshalton Athletic side on the final day of the regular season. But the result doesn’t take anything away from what has been a truly remarkable season for this new Dartford outfit, as Josh Hill and Co now prepare for the playoffs, starting with the visit of Cray Valley PM this evening.
“The start of the season was probably the worst one yet for me, what with the injury and setbacks. But, it’s now turning out to be possibly one of the best seasons for me. Being part of such a group and being on the brink of success is amazing. I probably speak for everyone when I say that, we’ve had highs and lows, but the highs have definitely outweighed the lows. It’s brilliant being on the cusp of something so immense, and something we can hold on to. It’s been amazing, a great ride.
“Beating Billericay 4-0 at home is my favourite moment of the season so far. With all the fans, family, and friends there, it was a special Saturday. Hammering Billericay is definitely my highlight of the season.” (Michael Olarewaju)
By Chris Palmer