Dartford v Carshalton Athletic Sat 23 Aug 2025

[Sleightly Deceptive]

Dunno what to make of today. I was filled with dread before the game with angst that I haven’t experienced since the Buffoon was in charge. That lasted for 45 minutes when I thought Carshalton might repeat their last mauling of us. Then cue Olly. (More of him later) we coulda, shoulda had a penalty before that and coulda, shoulda, had a second afterwards.

Whatever, it gave us a boost for the second half at the same time that Carshalton seemingly imploded. I wondered if we might get five or six.

Cue Olly, again. What a Worldy! Now then. A word about Olly. His head seems to have dropped. What’s happenned to his goal celebration? I know, I know, we have ‘no right’ BUT, his response has changed. I want my Olly back! Is his head elsewhere? Are others? Just posing the question.

Anyway, we now know we CAN perform. So, no more excuses. Olly would normally be my MOTM with such a great game but he was pipped by Jez. A really solid performance.

Can I just add that we, once more, had an absolute c*nt of a referee, again, well out of his useless depth. Why, why, do we keep getting them. It’s bordering on cheating.

[Park Life]

[Dart of Herts]

Couldn’t make it but great result and lots of positives after our first three games. Lots of chances created in the first half unlike last week where we had more of the ball but didn’t do much. Good to see Olly being a constant threat again as well as others getting on the score sheet. Hoping that can be the turnaround and we can get some results together.

I’m still concerned about inexperience at the back. 20 & 21 is a very young CB pairing and mistakes yesterday would have been punished by stronger teams in the league. I hope this is a “can’t win anything with kids” moment and they prove me wrong!

[ozymandias]

Nothing wrong with young lads playing at the back or up front IMO DoH. Firm believer in youth. They've got to learn somehow.
I didn't go yesterday either, other commitments, but I will be down at Ramsgate tomorrow.
Just a matter of time before we kick started our season and a good performance yesterday. Hopefully we can carry it on tomorrow. Still plenty of time yet for a few hiccups.
I'm not sure on Ramsgate's start to their season, but as said, a lot of teams still bedding in.
As regards Youth, look at Jezza's start this season. Couldn't get 90 at the end of last season, now I think Ade would have a problem not starting him from the off.
Looking forward to tomorrow.
COYD's

[KSTDART]

Great fight back from the lads yesterday but if we are going to be serious challenges I think we need to strengthen.
I would like to see another experienced centre back to come in to help out of young defence and a tough tackling midfielder that can help control the midfield. Thats not a dig at any of our players I just think they can do with some help . Maybe Ade will look at a couple of loan signings like he did last season.

[Dart of Herts]

Nothing wrong with young lads playing at the back or up front IMO DoH. Firm believer in youth. They've got to learn somehow.
I didn't go yesterday either, other commitments, but I will be down at Ramsgate tomorrow.
Just a matter of time before we kick started our season and a good performance yesterday. Hopefully we can carry it on tomorrow. Still plenty of time yet for a few hiccups.
I'm not sure on Ramsgate's start to their season, but as said, a lot of teams still bedding in.
As regards Youth, look at Jezza's start this season. Couldn't get 90 at the end of last season, now I think Ade would have a problem not starting him from the off.
Looking forward to tomorrow.
COYD's

I am totally in favour of starting younger players, and of course they need game time to grow. My point is that both CBs being that young in a back four all under 25 is risky (more risky than a young strike partnership) and we have seen them struggle so far, even in yesterday’s win.

I agree with KST: a more experienced defender in the mix would help shore up our defences and give our younger CBs a mentor figure

[The Futures White]

I don't see the point of bringing in another experienced centre back. We already have Frempah who is 30 and Olawaraju who is 29 so bringing in another player for that position would possibly mean that Whitefield, Smith and Williams will be on the bench. We already have five centre backs and the system that we play means that only three of them will start.

[Tony H]

When fully fit and/or available to play, the squad is more than good enough to challenge for the title imho.

Good performance yesterday. When the Smith & Jones partnership
(couldn’t make it up!!) click up top (not there yet!) they’ll be properly fearsome.

Pinder MoM for me followed by Olly closely in second spot.

[Lars Resort]

I agree TFW, Ben and Michael are more than enough experience with Sam S experienced enough even at his age.