On Saturday, Dartford host Welling United in a strangely timed Isthmian League Premier Division derby.

Quite often, over recent years, the clubs have met on or around Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. However, that is not the case this term in their first ever meeting in the Isthmian League. 

After picking up one point in their first three matches, Ade Pennock’s Dartford team are top of the current form guide over the last six games having picked up fourteen points. They are unbeaten in the league for ten matches and have won their last three. They are especially strong at Princes Park where they are yet to lose a league game this season. 

In contrast, the Wings have made a torrid start to the campaign and occupy a place in the bottom four. Rod Stringer took over from Lee Martin six games ago to start his second spell at the helm at the club. The interim manager is yet to oversee a match at Park View Road as, incredibly, the encounter at Dartford will be Welling’s ninth consecutive outing on the road in all competitions. 

Neither side were in midweek action. Dartford’s last outing was at Cray Wanderers last Saturday which ended in a two-nil victory, their first away league win of the season. Eddie Dsane gave the Darts a half time lead and Callum Jones added a second midway through the second period. That took them to fifth in the table, one point behind their hosts with a game in hand. 

Meanwhile, Welling were in FA Trophy action at Isthmian League Premier Division leaders Brentwood Town and Stringer’s depleted team were well beaten, going down three-nil.

While Pennock has a settled side at Dartford, a management change inevitably means adjustments to the playing staff and Stringer is in the process of building a new squad suitable for his preferred style of play. Jack Thomas and Luke Allen were cup-tied last week but will be available for selection this weekend. It will be a return to Princes Park for the latter who made over one hundred appearances for the Darts over a five year stay.

Although the odds will favour the hosts greatly, due to both current form and the record between the two clubs at Princes Park, local derbies can throw up unusual results and Pennock won’t be taking anything for granted.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.