Match Details:
PITCHING IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE – PREMIER DIVISION
CRAY VALLEY (PM) v DARTFORD
SAT 10TH 2024 – KICK OFF 15.00pm

VENUE:- THE ARTIC STADIUM, BADGERS SPORTS, MIDDLE PARK AVENUE, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 5HP
Please be aware the ground is situated within the new ULEZ zone so certain vehicles could be subject to charge. Limited parking at the ground although there is plenty of free street parking close by.
Nearest train station: Eltham approx 20 minutes walk to the ground.

ADMISSION: - We recommend buying in advance online via Fanbase at no extra cost to you to help reduce your queuing time with fast track entry. Match Day Tickets:
See link here - https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures
Prices are: ADULTS - £12, CONCESSIONS (+65) - £7, YOUNG PERSONS 16-17/ STUDENTS WITH ID £7 , CHILDREN 11-15 £5 ,
CHILDREN U11 Free
Cash and Card accepted at Turnstile.

PROGRAMME - £3

MATCH OFFICIALS :-
Referee: Kane Dempster
Assistants: Krystian Kaczala and Ricardo Reynolds

Match Preview:
Richard J Green gives a quick overview of our opponents.
DARTFORD – Approx Distance from The Artic Stadium 11 miles - Manager: Adrian Pennock - Nickname: The Darts
Last Three Seasons:
2023/24 National South 21st - relegated
2022/23 National South 2nd
2021/22 National South 4th
"I’ll start with today’s visitors who have made the short trip up the A2 for a return to Isthmian ranks after a 14 year absence. Promoted as Isthmian Premier Division League Champions in 2009/10, followed by a further promotion two years later, “The Darts” enjoyed a three year spell in the National League (Conference) Premier Division, before spending the last nine years in the National League South Division – during which they suffered defeat in the Play-Offs in five of the six previous completed seasons (with the intervention of the “Covid years”). Last season’s relegation will therefore have been a particularly bitter pill to swallow."

The following is an extract from Kent Sports News written by Callum Townsend and published 22nd July 2024 reporting prior to Dartford's pre-season friendly against Gillingham.
"...While the squad being assembled at Princes Park comprises mostly of fresh faces, gelling has not seemed to be an issue. The returns of Josh Hill, Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Samir Carruthers bring prior knowledge and experience of the club, and they have been complimented by the bleeding in of the club’s youth, with George Whitefield, Jeremiah Pinder and Ashton Day given more extensive roles so far. Callum Jones has also been a welcome addition up front, scoring twice and assisting once in his three games in a Dartford shirt.
The only two survivors of the previous squad are Olly Box and Sam Odaudu. Both have been linked with moves away from the Darts in the last two seasons, but the pair have committed to try and restore the club’s status in the National League South. Pennock certainly has not shied away from adding younger profiles to an already youthful contingency, with Ben Allen, Denzelle Olopade, Luther Williams and Gabe Campbell all 23 or under...."

Footnote: On Wednesday the Darts announced three new signings. Following an injury in their last pre-season game on Saturday to goalkeeper Jacob Marsden they have moved quickly to sign Sutton United keeper Matt Kerbey on a month's loan. Kerbey played step 3 football last season for Hendon. Right back Sam Okoye who spent last season at Hastings United has joined after impressing on trial. Finally another player who also played as a trialist pre-season central defender Mert Apat, who stands 6ft 6ins, has signed. Apat played last season for Hendon and Concord Rangers.

The Millers:
And so it begins. The opening league game of the season. Pre-season is done and dusted, a means to an end, confined to history, filed in the irrelevant section. It is what happens from now on in that counts as Steve McKimm and his team embark on the Millers first ever campaign at step 3 as the Isthmian Premier Division beckons. What could be more appetising than the visit of local Non League stalwarts Dartford, smarting from an unexpected relegation but heaped with history and they will be looking to bounce back. McKimm has kept faith with the majority of last seasons championship winning side - just Kyrell Lisbie and Calvin Ekpiteta departing, offset by the arrival of Andre Coker.

Previous Meetings
The two clubs have never met in a competitive fixture.