Canvey Island will look to truly kick-start their season on Saturday, as they make the short trip over the crossing to Dartford in the Isthmian League Premier.

Our Opponents

The Darts are back in the Isthmian League, and Step 3, for the first time since 2010 - something that shocked many in the non league spectrum as they have been not only a mainstay of the National South, but also the league above in the last 14 years. Indeed, their relegation last season was the polar opposite to 12 months earlier, where they narrowly lost to St Albans City on penalties in the playoff semi final.

It'll be a completely different challenge now for the club who, now under the stewardship of Adrian Pennock, will want to bounce back at the first time of asking.
Playing out of Princes Park, one of the more impressive grounds in non league football, they've already experienced the mixed fortunes the Isthmian League can deliver in the space of a week, as they followed up a 2-1 opening day win at Cray Valley PM with a 1-0 home defeat to Potters Bar Town on Tuesday evening.

The season is a long and winding affair however, and the Darts have clubbed a squad together with all the capability needed to challenge. Players like George Whitefield and Olly Box have stayed on with the club after playing at the level above, and experienced Isthmian additions like Eddie Dsane and Tyler Christian-Law know the ins and outs of what it takes to succeed in the division.

Canvey's last competitive meeting with Dartford came 14 years ago, back in the FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round. Goals from Danny Heale and Rob King saw the game at Park Lane end in a desmond, with the replay at Princes Park a true thriller, with the game finishing 3-3 after a brace from Alex Rhodes and a goal from Frank Everett. It would be penalties that decided it, with the hosts that evening coming out victorious in the shootout.

The Gulls
Canvey meanwhile, have not made the start to the season they'd have liked, after suffering their 2nd successive 2-1 defeat on Tuesday evening at home to Hashtag United.

Much like the opening day in reverse, the Gulls stuttered early on and gave away two cheap goals, before a late rally in the last 20 minutes saw them reduce the arrears, with Kane Gilbert grabbing the first goal of his 2nd stint at the club. Sadly though, it wasn't enough, with the Gulls pointless after 2 games.

Brad Wellmen will hope that his side can start picking up points soon in what looks to be an exceptionally competitive campaign across the league, and he has the personnel available to change his starting XI if need be.

A win at Dartford would be a big statement, and the Gulls will go into the game with the determination to get their season up and running.

***
Yellow Army, we thank you for your brilliant support on Tuesday evening. Pre Season never has the same feeling as that first competitive home game. You were loud and proud, and stayed with the team until the end - something they greatly appreciate every single time.

With not much distance in this away day, we hope to see a good number of you on the road again to a ground we haven't visited in a long time. Sing and shout again for the team, and let's cheer on our boys to three points together!

Come on you Gulls!

Kick Off - 3:00pm

Admission Prices
Adults - £15
Concessions / 17s - £10
13-16s - £5
U12s - Free

Advance Tickets
https://dartfordfc.ktckts.com/event/dar2425h02/dartford-v-canvey-island

Address
Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park Stadium
Grassbanks, Dartford
Kent
DA1 1RT

Parking
Free Parking is available to supporters at Princes Park, though is limited in capacity. Nearby parking can be found on the side roads near the stadium, though please be mindful of our opponents neighbours should you use this option.

Please also be aware that the exit to Darenth Road is controlled by traffic lights, so allow extra time when leaving the ground in case of congestion.

Train
Dartford (Thameslink / Southeastern) 1.1m

Bus
Brooklands Lakes (B)