WALKING WITH THE DARTS

by Chris Palmer

Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on all things related to Dartford FC, courtesy of Dartford Living Magazine.

Quite a lot has happened at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park since I last wrote in these pages, as the new season is only a couple of weeks away from kicking off.

Sadly our Captain, Tom Bonner, has announced his retirement from the game. It has been a privilege watching him play in the heart of our defence, as he continuously lead by example and put his body on the frontline for 50+ games a season. You can read my conversation with him on both the Dartford FC and Dartford Living websites, as he says goodbye to playing for the club he so dearly loves.

As our pre-season preparations continue, Alan Dowson has added more experience and youth to the squad, which is looking ready to challenge the National League South once again.

Both Charlie Sheringham and Manny Adebowale have re-signed for another campaign, while youngster Ashton Day has put pen to paper on his first ever First Team contract. Joining the trio is Dorking Wanderers’ defender Joe Rabbetts, who has signed on loan until January, and Baris Altintop, who has joined the Darts after leaving Braintree Town.

As seems to be the norm when the fixtures are released, we face Bath City early in the season... only on this occasion we will be entertaining The Romans at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park on the opening weekend.

The Darts then make the long trip to Weymouth, before playing two home games on the bounce... as Hampton & Richmond Borough and Farnborough come to town. A trip to newly promoted Aveley is then quickly followed by Dover Athletic at home, as the opening month finishes on Bank Holiday Monday.

If you’re unable to attend in person, don’t worry, as the National League recently announced that both the National League South and North games are to be streamed on National League TV. So, be sure to check out the National League TV website for more information.

As far as the Dartford FC Women’s team is concerned, their pre-season preparations are well under way as well following a 4-3 victory against Chatham Town Women FC last weekend.

The Dartford FC Women Development team also played, beating Billericay Town Women Development team 5-3 in what was an exciting afternoon of football!

Manager, Connor Dymond, has been busy putting his squad together for the season ahead, which sees his side taking on Dulwich Hamlet FC Women at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park on Sunday the 20th of August.

At the time of writing, Jade Charlton, Lizzie Adams, and Charlie Torry have committed to play for another season with the Darts, which means that both the Captain and Vice-Captain remain in Connor’s squad. Be sure to check in on the Dartford FC Women’s social media platforms for further news of retained players and new signings.

As always, thank you for your continued support and thanks for reading.