Table Position: 2nd
Top Scorer: Pierre Fonkeu (9)
Manager: Alan Dowson
Nickname: The Darts
2022/23 average attendance: 1,171
This Saturday Concord Rangers will look to return to winning ways as high-flying Dartford make the trip to the Aspect Arena.
In midweek the Beach Boys were unable to follow up last weekends win over Welling as Chelmsford City came from behind to win 2-1.
As a result of this Rob Small's side are now six home games without a win in the Vanarama National League South; a run that stretches back to December.
However there is hope that this will change tomorrow afternoon as the visitors Dartford have been poor on their travels in 2023.
Alan Dowson's men are winless in five games on the road with the Darts last picking up three away points in early January when they beat Cheshunt 3-1.
As well as this Dartford haven't kept an away clean sheet since August.
The reverse fixture in November saw Dartford run out 3-1 winners as Princes Park. Samir Carruthers gave the hosts the lead just before the half hour mark. However Concord responded through a Mo Bettamer penalty in first half stoppage time. Ultimately the Beach Boys couldn't hold on and a Pierre Fonkeu finish twinned with an Aron Pollock own goal sealed a victory for the Darts.
This was Dartford's only win in their past four meetings with Concord.
Rangers have been the better of the two sides when they've faced off in recent years with the Beach Boys winning two of their past four games with the Darts - one of which was a 1-0 win at the Aspect Arena last season.
Three points for Concord could see them go two points from safety provided Taunton Town, Cheshunt, Hungerford Town and Weymouth all lose.
Key Player
Samir Carruthers
Samir Carruthers is a name that will sound familiar to Concord fans as the Irishman was on the scoresheet when the two sides met in November with the midfielder putting in a man of the match winning performance on that day.
Carruthers rejoined Dartford permanently in the summer from Hemel Hempstead Town having enjoyed a successful loan spell at the club from the Tudors last term, and so far the 29 year old has enjoyed a fine return to life with the Darts bagging eight goals.
Carruthers brings with him both Premier League and EFL experience during his time with the likes of Aston Villa, Milton Keynes Dons, Sheffield United, Oxford United and Cambridge United.
During his time at Villa Park Carruthers represented the Republic of Ireland at Under 19 and Under 21 level.
They've played for both
Dan Wilks
Part of a trio of former Beach Boys now with the Darts goalkeeper Dan Wilks made the switch to Princes Park from Biggleswade United in January 2021.
The 26 year old fell out of a favour earlier this season but has re-established his position as the Darts' number one following a loan spell with Hayes & Yeading earlier in the campaign.
Wilks was once with Concord and was on the Beach Boys' bench during their 2020 FA Trophy Final against Harrogate Town.
Previously in his career Wilks has also represented Maldon & Tiptree and Welling United.
Alex Wall
Another member of the Concord FA Trophy squad that now plays their trade with the Darts, Alex Wall re-joined Dartford in the summer from Havant and Waterlooville for a third spell with the club.
Once a folk hero on Canvey Island, Wall was prolific across his two spells at the Aspect Arena including a 21 goal season in the 2018/19 campaign.
Since returning to Princes Park the 32 year old has bagged eight goals - one of which came in the Darts draw with his former club Hungerford earlier this month.
Wall has also appeared for the likes of Luton Town, Bristol Rovers and Woking thus far in his career.
Connor Essam
Another Dartford man in his third spell with the club, Connor Essam returned to Princes Park in 2020 from fellow step six side Hemel Hempstead Town.
At the beginning of his career Essam had two successful loan spells at Princes Park, on loan from Gillingham and Crawley Town respectively.
Now 30 years of age Essam has popped up with three goals in 37 appearances for the Darts.
The defender played for Concord on loan from Dover Athletic during the 2018/19 season making over 20 appearances for the Beach Boys.
Form
Concord Rangers
D - 2-2 vs Chippenham Town (A)
L - 0-2 vs Slough Town (H)
W - 1-0 vs Welling United (A)
L - 1-2 vs Chelmsford City (H)
Dartford
D - 0-0 vs Oxford City (H)
L - 1-3 vs Weymouth (A)
D - 1-1 vs Hungerford Town (A)
W - 3-1 vs Farnborough (H)
Head-to-head
26/11/2022: Dartford 3-1 Concord Rangers
25/01/2022: Dartford 0-0 Concord Rangers
02/11/2021: Concord Rangers 1-0 Dartford
21/12/2019: Dartford 0-1 Concord Rangers
14/09/2019: Concord Rangers 0-2 Dartford
By Nathan Williams
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