Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Man of the Match

Poll ended at Tue Mar 28, 2023 5:51 pm

Dan Wilks
5
13%
Samir Carruthers
0
No votes
Connor Essam
3
8%
Tom Bonner
2
5%
Luke Coulson
14
36%
Luke Allen
0
No votes
Alex Wall
0
No votes
Maxwell Statham
1
3%
Jack Smith
0
No votes
Pierre Fonkeu
0
No votes
Sam Odaudu
14
36%
Malachi Napa (Sub)
0
No votes
Keiran Murtagh (Sub)
0
No votes
Harvey Bradbury (Sub)
0
No votes
 
Total votes: 39

DartfordHero
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by DartfordHero »

Disappointing is a massive understatement. That Chelmsford team is one of the worst I've seen come to us and they still managed to beat us. Our midfield was non existent at times. I dont rate Luke Allen or Smith at all. We've missed Wytner since his injury. Essam didnt look fit from the very start so it was clearly a risk to play him at all. IF that new CB could have played, he should have been on that bench at the very least. Tom Bonner did an amazing job today trying to cover the whole of the backline at times and was let down by people around him. Strikers have been a problem all season and yet again, I think we had 3 meaningful shots all game.

If we win our two games in hand, it should all be okay but thats no guarantee. Just look at Havant now who did have several games in hand.
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Jonty
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by Jonty »

I thought we were a tad unlucky today, had we took our chances we would have been out of sight. We did have the better scoring opportunities but failed to capitalise. As it stands, we are still in the driving seat for that 2nd place.

As for their keeper's antics at the end and their management team running onto the pitch suggests that it was their cup final. They don't have any class and if karma rings true, we will beat them in the playoff final.
Last edited by Jonty on Sat Mar 25, 2023 8:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Ajaxman DFC
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by Ajaxman DFC »

After some well executed sloppy build-up play we somehow managed to force Chelmsford into a rare mistake and found ourselves 1-0 up before the break.
Terrifyingly, the prospect of our exit from the National League South at the end of the season was looming ever nearer.

In the second half we upped the ante with a plethora of miss-timed tackles and bombarded the opposition with long balls to refuel their counter-attacks, eliciting some much needed pressure.
Frustratingly, Chelmo seemed to have left their shooting boots at home.

However, after giving them chance after chance our efforts were eventually rewarded, with minutes remaining, when we finally turned it around by sealing a thoroughly deserved defeat.
Last edited by Ajaxman DFC on Sat Mar 25, 2023 7:40 pm, edited 2 times in total.
rambo
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by rambo »

Obviously a very disappointing result we just didn’t put enough pressure on their defence or keeper. We scored a great goal and put together one or two good moves, so why we couldn’t do it more is a mystery.
Probably the problem is the forwards are not good enough , Bradbury could have come on at half time for Wall.
Also if a gamble was taken on essams fitness a proper plan B should have been on the agenda , and playing murtough at the back was a huge gamble
Dicky Dart
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by Dicky Dart »

With the chances we had, and going 1-0 up we should have won the game, but ultimately it’s no surprise we lost as we invited pressure. First half we played some good stuff, should have been a couple up. But 2nd half we decided to sit back, lump it up into the wind, and let Chelmsford come at us.

We rely so much on Carruthers and Coulson. They ran the show first half but were less effective in the 2nd, particularly Samir. We’re deficient at the back and particularly deficient up front. So if C&C aren’t playing well then we don’t have much.

If we’re honest we’re not good enough. Then again I don’t think there’s a single team in this NLS that could stay in the National League. Today’s result doesn’t really matter too much in the sense we’ll both be in the playoffs. But you want to win to stop others taking the piss. So we want to win the playoffs so we can say we’ve beaten our opponents, and it’ll be us taking the piss. But if the prize is National League football then gawd ‘elp us.
Mark Sweet
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by Mark Sweet »

Love Dowse's interview. Not only because I thought it was an honest evaluation of the game but the fact he calls out and laughs at Chelmsford's pathetic antics not only what we saw at full time but also what went on in the dressing room.
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rick
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by rick »

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rick
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by rick »

Match Report by Chris Palmer

Dartford’s miserable luck against Chelmsford City continued, after a late goal by Giovanni McGregor ensured that the points returned to Essex as the battle for the play-offs heated up.

As 1,504 supporters enjoyed Non-League Day in windy conditions at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park, it was the Clarets that started the game brighter. And, in all honesty, they could have taken the lead as early as the second minute. Freddie Hockey got the better of Maxwell Statham, before sending in a teasingly low cross which neither Ody Alfa nor Michael Folivi could reach.

The hosts took a little time to get going, and we had to wait until the 11th minute for the first attempt on goal. The opportunity came via Samir Carruthers, but he failed to test goalkeeper Jacob Marsden.

Carruthers was at it again seven minutes later, only this time he set up Alex Wall with a delightful cross into the Chelmsford box. Unfortunately, Wall wasn’t able to direct his header on target (18). Yet less than a minute later, the same duo combined in the same order, only on this occasion Ben Brookes was on hand to prevent Wall from opening the scoring with a timely block (19).

The visitors went on to create a few half-chances as a rather tight first-half ran its course. Both Callum Jones (37) and Michael Folivi (38) failed to test Dan Wilks, before the Darts edged their noses in front.

The goal arrived via a good attacking move down the Dartford left-flank, before the lively Luke Coulson was on hand to score his sixth goal of the season in all competitions (40).

The goal lit a spark in the Darts and they should have doubled their advantage five minutes later, after superb work by Samir Carruthers. His brilliant run saw him set himself up for a strike on the Chelmsford goal, but his effort whizzed by the wrong side of Marsden’s upright (45).

The second forty-five saw Chelmsford throwing men forward in an attempt to equalise, and they controlled the midfield for long periods of the half whilst creating opportunities. After a few corners in quick succession, they came close to levelling the score only for a Dartford player to clear Callum Jones’ goal-bound effort off the line amongst a sea of bodies (54).

Dan Wilks then saved comfortably from Tyrese Johnson a minute later, before a good Dartford move saw Luke Coulson smack the Chelmsford post (63)!

A minute before Coulson’s effort saw the first substitutions take place, as both managers made a change at the same time. Chelmsford’s Freddie Hockey made way for Tom Blackwell, while Dartford’s Malachi Napa replaced Pierre Fonkeu (62).

Manager Alan Dowson was then forced into swapping Connor Essam for Keiran Murtagh in the 74th minute, before Harvey Bradbury came on for Alex Wall (83). Meanwhile, the Clarets swapped Michael Folivi with Giovanni McGregor (72) and Arjanit Krasniqi with James Blanchfield (88).

As we return to the action, Tom Bonner and Co were being forced to defend deeply as the visitors continued to press higher up the pitch. The Darts looked defensively resolute though, until a moment of magic from Ody Alfa pulled the visitors level with eight minutes of the ninety remaining.

The youngster collected the ball, made space for himself, before sending a delightful strike in off the post (82). To be fair, the ex-Dartford (loanee) winger who is on loan from QPR, was reserved and respectful to the Dartford faithful with his celebration, but the goal gave his teammates the lift they needed and deep into stoppage time, they turned the game on its head.

Liam Trotter won the ball deep inside the Dartford half, before finding Giovanni McGregor with a neat pass. The substitute then made space for himself, before sending a curling drive beyond Dan Wilks and into the bottom corner to win the game for the visitors (90+3).

Luke Coulson’s performance earned him a deserved Man of The Match award, but that will be of little consolation to him. It’s fair to say that Chelmsford dominated in places throughout the game, yet the hosts defended gallantly. Be that as it may, football can be a cruel game sometimes.

TEAMS

DARTFORD: Dan Wilks, Samir Carruthers, Connor Essam, Tom Bonner (c), Luke Coulson, Luke Allen, Alex Wall, Maxwell Statham, Jack Smith, Pierre Fonkeu, Sam Odaudu.

SUBSTITUTES: Richard Chin, Keiran Murtagh, Harvey Bradbury, Ben Dudzinski, Malachi Napa.

CHELMSFORD: Jacob Marsden, Liam Trotter (c), Adebola Oluwo, Tyrese Johnson, Michael Folivi, Callum Jones, Freddie Hockey, Odi Alfa, Ben Brookes, Frankie Terry, Arjanit Krasniqi.

SUBSTITUTES: Cameron James, Simeon Jackson, Tom Blackwell, Giovanni McGregor, James Blanchfield.

By Chris Palmer
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ozymandias
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by ozymandias »

i wonder if I was at the same game as a few on here. As early as the 2nd minute we could/should have been a goal down. It could have been 3-1 at half time to Chelmo. At 80 minutes I was beginning to think we were going to get away with it.
I agree with Mark in saying that if Conor hadn't have gone off we could have won. But that was only because Chelmsford were mis-firing in front of goal.
Once again our season lurches up and down. Fortunately we have games in hand to hopefully see us into the play-off's. Whether it be 1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th/6th or 7th remains to be seen but whatever, promotion??? Not for me at the moment. But Dowse has been there and done it. If he get's us Promoted the guy deserves a medal of sorts.
Conor and Sam get my votes, the rest? We couldn't keep the ball, and our front line was pretty well non-existent. One lad catches out Dan in goal with a pile-driver and even then I felt Chelmsford were/could win it.
A pretty poor show by a side that's been stuttering all season and amazingly been in the top two since Christmas.
My MOTM Conor only because even Sam was getting the run around second half.
Undercover Elephant
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by Undercover Elephant »

rick wrote: Sat Mar 25, 2023 7:49 pm
One thing you get from the gaffer is honesty, we have seen the antics of the caravan club many times and will never change.
We move on to the next game and keep pushing!
DA1
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by DA1 »

Right I’ve taken a breather after being absolute fuming earlier.

Disagree, wasn’t a fan of that interview about the Chelmsford celebration so I’m glad the videos been taken down (we would’ve done the same celebrating like that after scoring two late goals away at your close rivals).

As for the midfield part I said during the game that we missed Wynter today. The midfield 3 are talented but no one would commit tactical fouls or put a challenge in which meant Chelmsford were running straight through the middle.
Less said about putting Murtagh centre back the better. When he came on he’s cost us, especially that first goal.
Napa had to start for a very ineffective Fonkeu, he created chances and had the beating of their left back. A striker change was needed earlier than the 80th minute.

We need to take our chances and not for the first time this season. Not taking anything away from Chelmsford, they were pretty decent and I’m not surprised they’ve shot up the table, a lot of talented young players.

Onto the next game and we need to started taking some momentum into the play offs!

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The Duke
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by The Duke »

Very disappointed to lose today but Chelmsford fully deserved their win , Dowse/s interview includes the usual deflections whereas the Chelmsford Managers Post Match interview was accurate , the same old faults continue week after week and nothing changes , no doubt we will end up in the play offs and then Dowse will work his magic ????????????
Bkev180
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by Bkev180 »

Totally disappointed to lose these MUPPETS from Essex I can't remember how many times this season I've stated our players are NOT premier league superstars (even tho they think they are ) blind passes WTF
Why do we bring in players and don't play them centre back no cover on bench oh let's play murtagh centre back oh that back fired playing blind passes NOT 1ST time this season COST US why not bring chin on statham has played centre back WAKE UP DOWSE as for Alex wall the blokes 6ft plus hardly ever wins a header midfield never want 2nd ball never commit to a challenge
How many times walks could of helped centre backs out come command area not let the just boot ball 30 ft up in air be lucky to stay in 2nd place way we going
Tony H
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by Tony H »

So very, very dissapointed with that result. What nobody has mentioned here yet is that if that strike from Coulson had gone in rather than coming back out off the post we’d have most probably won that game despite our poor passing, losing possession, or ineffective striking, etc.

Fact - we didn’t do enough to win a game at home against a team that celebrated as if they’d won the league.

Sam was excellent at left back and gets my vote for MoM.
Babylon
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by Babylon »

Disappointed but not surprised.
I have to ask ....do we really look like a team that deserves to go up ?

You could see it coming in the 2nd half ,to me our opponents simply wanted it more.
If we do get in the play offs and somehow win them ...boy we will.have to improve this squad big time to have any hope of surviving in the National league.
Sorry but since we thumped Knobbsfleet twice imo we have not been consistent enough. Dowse is a good manager but something is lacking which imo is the reason we were beaten today.
Tin hat on but that is how I see it.
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Sleightly Deceptive
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by Sleightly Deceptive »

Only positive from this is that it was great to see the ‘yoof’ back and some atmosphere. Sadly, most of the team didn’t deserve it. Shocking passing, questionable selections and appalling substitution decision. It’s almost inevitable that we will meet them in the play offs (again!) and we will have to do much better. I don’t ever wish for us not to succeed, but we’re are a thousand miles off readiness for the National League. C’mon Dowse, lads, wake the fk up!
Tony H
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by Tony H »

Babylon wrote: Sun Mar 26, 2023 2:03 am Disappointed but not surprised.
I have to ask ....do we really look like a team that deserves to go up ?

You could see it coming in the 2nd half ,to me our opponents simply wanted it more.
If we do get in the play offs and somehow win them ...boy we will.have to improve this squad big time to have any hope of surviving in the National league.
Sorry but since we thumped Knobbsfleet twice imo we have not been consistent enough. Dowse is a good manager but something is lacking which imo is the reason we were beaten today.
Tin hat on but that is how I see it.
You’re stating the obvious with “will have to improve this squad…”. As I’ve commented more than once before, we will need to put in place a completely different operating model for the next level up, both on and off the pitch, to compete! Don’t you think the club knows that!? 🤔
KentC
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by KentC »

Tony H wrote: Sun Mar 26, 2023 9:07 am
Babylon wrote: Sun Mar 26, 2023 2:03 am Disappointed but not surprised.
I have to ask ....do we really look like a team that deserves to go up ?

You could see it coming in the 2nd half ,to me our opponents simply wanted it more.
If we do get in the play offs and somehow win them ...boy we will.have to improve this squad big time to have any hope of surviving in the National league.
Sorry but since we thumped Knobbsfleet twice imo we have not been consistent enough. Dowse is a good manager but something is lacking which imo is the reason we were beaten today.
Tin hat on but that is how I see it.
You’re stating the obvious with “will have to improve this squad…”. As I’ve commented more than once before, we will need to put in place a completely different operating model for the next level up, both on and off the pitch, to compete! Don’t you think the club knows that!? 🤔

I do but do you think they’ll do anything differently.
Remember last time, when we finished in the relegation zone the first time and got the reprieve the club said “we will learn from our mistakes “
The next season was at least as bad.
So if we go up who knows but going up would be a brilliant achievement with the competition from a few of the others teams being strong
BrianL
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by BrianL »

Frustrating that we couldn't hold on to the lead, but Conor's injury made a big difference, as the defence was strong until then, particularly with Sam's contribution, and Chelmsford's finishing was poor. Keiron is blamed for losing possession, but he wasn't the only one to do so in the build-up to their equaliser. Ironic that the two former Darts scored.
The first half was fairly even with both sides missing a couple of sitters. Can't work out how Alex missed glancing the header in from a perfect Samir cross. Some nice openings on the left with Samir and Luke combining well, but possession often lost on the more congested right flank. If Luke's second half shot off the woodwork had gone in, we might have secured the win.
However, we are still 2 pts ahead with 2 games in hand, so lets' move on. Others worry that we aren't ready to go up; probably right, but we have to try for it. We can worry about that if and when, otherwise what's the point. Up the Darts!
Taunton Dart
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Re: Dartford v Chelmsford City Sat 25 Mar 2023

Post by Taunton Dart »

KentC wrote: Sun Mar 26, 2023 9:15 am
Tony H wrote: Sun Mar 26, 2023 9:07 am
Babylon wrote: Sun Mar 26, 2023 2:03 am Disappointed but not surprised.
I have to ask ....do we really look like a team that deserves to go up ?

You could see it coming in the 2nd half ,to me our opponents simply wanted it more.
If we do get in the play offs and somehow win them ...boy we will.have to improve this squad big time to have any hope of surviving in the National league.
Sorry but since we thumped Knobbsfleet twice imo we have not been consistent enough. Dowse is a good manager but something is lacking which imo is the reason we were beaten today.
Tin hat on but that is how I see it.
You’re stating the obvious with “will have to improve this squad…”. As I’ve commented more than once before, we will need to put in place a completely different operating model for the next level up, both on and off the pitch, to compete! Don’t you think the club knows that!? 🤔

I do but do you think they’ll do anything differently.
Remember last time, when we finished in the relegation zone the first time and got the reprieve the club said “we will learn from our mistakes “
The next season was at least as bad.
So if we go up who knows but going up would be a brilliant achievement with the competition from a few of the others teams being strong

Sorry you're wrong on that! Last time we went up we finished as the top semi-pro team in the country and then had a number of quality players leave because they were offered full time contracts - Bonner, Champion etc

The next season was the one where we finished in the relegation place only to get a late, late reprieve. Tony had already recruited very well for Conference South to have key players, like Lorraine, leave because they couldn't commit to traveling in the National Division. As a result recruitment was way behind and getting a competitive squad was made nigh on impossible
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