Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
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The Futures White
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Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
Anyone know why Eddie Dsane was absent today?
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Undercover Elephant
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Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
Chatham absolutely clueless.
1. Two days before the game announced a change in ticket policy, yes we have some undesirables but they might have brought tickets before the change was announced.
2. Home fans only in the stand behind the goal, seems they decided to change policy at half time!
3. One part of the car park is the councils the other half is Chatham, not if you read the sign at the entrance that says this car park is owned and operated by Chatham council
4. Who’s bright idea to have the entrance to the ground and then put all the beer pumps so no one can walk into the ground or round it!
Stewards and security no idea what so ever!
On to the game, first half we was better than the second one, we got the result we wanted and we move on.
MOTM - Joe outstanding again!
1. Two days before the game announced a change in ticket policy, yes we have some undesirables but they might have brought tickets before the change was announced.
2. Home fans only in the stand behind the goal, seems they decided to change policy at half time!
3. One part of the car park is the councils the other half is Chatham, not if you read the sign at the entrance that says this car park is owned and operated by Chatham council
4. Who’s bright idea to have the entrance to the ground and then put all the beer pumps so no one can walk into the ground or round it!
Stewards and security no idea what so ever!
On to the game, first half we was better than the second one, we got the result we wanted and we move on.
MOTM - Joe outstanding again!
Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
I really hope we show them the same hospitality when they come to Princes park ! Being told not to use the stand under any circumstances as we entered the ground then being told we can't stand here can't stand there ! Was pathetic ! Also the Chatham fan with the mega phone needs shutting up !
Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
Noticed Ikechi Eze was back with the team today at full time and saw him walking around with Michael Olaweraju during the game.
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Sleightly Deceptive
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Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
Reading all these stories makes me so happy I didn’t go back to that soul-less, class-less, shithole of a place with its anti football surface and unwelcoming atmosphere and crowd inflating antics! They’ll soon be back as a non-club. They simply can’t operate any higher.
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Bagdhad Billy
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Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
The fact they are a full time team I think inflates their fans opinions of the team, on their Facebook page a few have said “Dartford are one of the poorest teams we have played” which I would never comment after losing to a side as it says nothing about their own team does it really!
They may be full time however they are obviously the poorest full time players due to the level they play at and we should count ourselves as having some of the better part time players bcus if we did train full time what would the score have been then !
I thought last year having both sets of fans behind one goal made for a better atmosphere with no trouble however they obviously didn’t like the fact we had numbers so decided to act like it was a professional game etc etc
They may be full time however they are obviously the poorest full time players due to the level they play at and we should count ourselves as having some of the better part time players bcus if we did train full time what would the score have been then !
I thought last year having both sets of fans behind one goal made for a better atmosphere with no trouble however they obviously didn’t like the fact we had numbers so decided to act like it was a professional game etc etc
Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
We came out the blocks fast and took the early two goal lead which proved to be decisive. At that time Chatham looked jittery at the back but to be fair from then on they had the lions share of possession and put us under a lot pf pressure. When they got their goal back in the second half we were all a bit nervous but the substitutions made a big difference as the lads they replaced had worked hard and were tiring, but as soon as Sam, Jez and Samir came on we settled down and got three valuable points.
Similar to last week in a lot of ways where we really had to work hard to grind out the result so well done to the lads for finding a way to win again.
Sam.O had a very good cameo performance but not long enough for MOTM, Denzel played well but in the circumstances the defence are the main contenders. George TOFFED EM UP with his goal but i gave it to Joe. A goal and a real solid composed performance.
As for the off field situation if I'm being honest i couldn't wait to get out of the ground on what was a really unenjoyable experience.
How can you sell online tickets in advance and them only two days before announce under 18's must be accompanied?? I heard a few fans had bought tickets in advance but were then refused entry. I understand the reasons for this but it's the same old tar everyone with the same brush situation.
Regular long standing supporters easily over 18 being being challenged at the gate accusing them of being part of the large contingent they were refusing entry to and keeping outside the stadium.
The only decent terraced covered area to watch the game is reserved for home fans and yes it's their ground so they can do what they want but i must be honest and didn't realise this until it was pointed out to me a long time after loads of us had all entered it during the half time break. So unless this changed this season we have been in that stand before without any issues or objections.
The stewards then decided to eject our fans from this stand and whilst annoyed our fans did leave. I must say as well that some of the older Chatham fans behaviour when this was happening was neanderthal to say the least. I was speaking to the stewards about the situation and said it's poor organisation trying to move/segregate fans halfway through the game and that the sensible decision would have been to segregate before if they felt they needed to. He said they did but when i challenged him on this and said the only official announcement was the under 18 ticket stance and i didn't see how can you segregate with only one entrance/exit he back tracked.
The whole matchday experience for me was poorly organised and the way Chatham have everything set up is chaotic. When you enter the only gate in the ground there are the food outlets, stalls and self serve beer concessions all within a few metres and it's total chaos as it blocks all the walkways in this area.
I'm not sure if or when any conversations may have taken place between the two clubs before the game but i think they have a few safety lessons to learn if they are going to continue to stage well attended games, especially when it's obvious a very large contingent of away fans will be attending as well.
To come away from there with the three points felt really good but was the only thing about the whole days experience which did.
But that was enough
Similar to last week in a lot of ways where we really had to work hard to grind out the result so well done to the lads for finding a way to win again.
Sam.O had a very good cameo performance but not long enough for MOTM, Denzel played well but in the circumstances the defence are the main contenders. George TOFFED EM UP with his goal but i gave it to Joe. A goal and a real solid composed performance.
As for the off field situation if I'm being honest i couldn't wait to get out of the ground on what was a really unenjoyable experience.
How can you sell online tickets in advance and them only two days before announce under 18's must be accompanied?? I heard a few fans had bought tickets in advance but were then refused entry. I understand the reasons for this but it's the same old tar everyone with the same brush situation.
Regular long standing supporters easily over 18 being being challenged at the gate accusing them of being part of the large contingent they were refusing entry to and keeping outside the stadium.
The only decent terraced covered area to watch the game is reserved for home fans and yes it's their ground so they can do what they want but i must be honest and didn't realise this until it was pointed out to me a long time after loads of us had all entered it during the half time break. So unless this changed this season we have been in that stand before without any issues or objections.
The stewards then decided to eject our fans from this stand and whilst annoyed our fans did leave. I must say as well that some of the older Chatham fans behaviour when this was happening was neanderthal to say the least. I was speaking to the stewards about the situation and said it's poor organisation trying to move/segregate fans halfway through the game and that the sensible decision would have been to segregate before if they felt they needed to. He said they did but when i challenged him on this and said the only official announcement was the under 18 ticket stance and i didn't see how can you segregate with only one entrance/exit he back tracked.
The whole matchday experience for me was poorly organised and the way Chatham have everything set up is chaotic. When you enter the only gate in the ground there are the food outlets, stalls and self serve beer concessions all within a few metres and it's total chaos as it blocks all the walkways in this area.
I'm not sure if or when any conversations may have taken place between the two clubs before the game but i think they have a few safety lessons to learn if they are going to continue to stage well attended games, especially when it's obvious a very large contingent of away fans will be attending as well.
To come away from there with the three points felt really good but was the only thing about the whole days experience which did.
But that was enough
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Ring of fire
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Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
We could point out many of Chatham ground's weaknesses and unwelcoming / inconsiderate areas. They are numerous, mostly down to poor, inexperienced crowd organisation and management. Hope we never show these frailties at PP, with downright anti - away, unwelcome fans' attitude and service.
However, despite these, there's also a sense of energy throughout the club, wanting to connect and extend their fanbase. The running of non - football events and facilities seems to be more efficient and vibrant with countless media advertisements, posters around the place and a good sound system.
We presume that these take place, 'as it says on the tin' and not altered as they go along - as with the farcical treatment of the away fans -
It would seem that their matchday income on bars and food alone, would be very decent.
If the locals are attracted to and enticed by their daily attraction of "club - based / sports bar" entertainment to closing time, this would also substantially and swiftly add to their finances.
Therefore, there are indeed negatives to what this club does on match days but the positives lie in their endeavour to make it feel like their own supporters and fan base are wanted and cherished, to build on their relationship with 'their' club, for both both men and women, along with their academy and junior sides.
However, despite these, there's also a sense of energy throughout the club, wanting to connect and extend their fanbase. The running of non - football events and facilities seems to be more efficient and vibrant with countless media advertisements, posters around the place and a good sound system.
We presume that these take place, 'as it says on the tin' and not altered as they go along - as with the farcical treatment of the away fans -
It would seem that their matchday income on bars and food alone, would be very decent.
If the locals are attracted to and enticed by their daily attraction of "club - based / sports bar" entertainment to closing time, this would also substantially and swiftly add to their finances.
Therefore, there are indeed negatives to what this club does on match days but the positives lie in their endeavour to make it feel like their own supporters and fan base are wanted and cherished, to build on their relationship with 'their' club, for both both men and women, along with their academy and junior sides.
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PeteSamson
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Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
Hadn't been aware that Chatham were a full time teams, although I knew their Sid Nelson from his days at Tranmere, where I thought he was an excellent player and even now only 29 years of age.
Seems an excellent start, with that early 2 goal start, although from the commentary, at times we were hanging on, albeit, with some stout defending.
But how slim are the margins. Defeat today would have meant the Darts would have been 9 points behind Chatham. This result meant we are just 3 points adrift of them.
Well played Darts, especially against a full time team.
COYD
Seems an excellent start, with that early 2 goal start, although from the commentary, at times we were hanging on, albeit, with some stout defending.
But how slim are the margins. Defeat today would have meant the Darts would have been 9 points behind Chatham. This result meant we are just 3 points adrift of them.
Well played Darts, especially against a full time team.
COYD
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Undercover Elephant
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Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
Some interesting comments about the club, I used to go and watch games when Dartford were in the National League and couldn’t get to the game.
So I spoke to the Manager before the game he has always been approachable and I asked him what has changed this year, he said that they put the money into players that wanted to play for the club and the trained four days per week (some will say offer a lot of money and they will want to play for the club….), Monday morning, Tuesday night, Thursday day and then a tactics session on Friday night.
They average 1433 attendance, but they have cash coming in from other streams the 3G pitch hire, snack bars, etc.
When you have a lot of people at the ground and are trying to watch a game it’s difficult to find a spot with everything being one level!
So I spoke to the Manager before the game he has always been approachable and I asked him what has changed this year, he said that they put the money into players that wanted to play for the club and the trained four days per week (some will say offer a lot of money and they will want to play for the club….), Monday morning, Tuesday night, Thursday day and then a tactics session on Friday night.
They average 1433 attendance, but they have cash coming in from other streams the 3G pitch hire, snack bars, etc.
When you have a lot of people at the ground and are trying to watch a game it’s difficult to find a spot with everything being one level!
Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
Agree with most of the comments regarding the hospitality at the ground. 3 of us stood behind the goal at the in front of the Chatham stand in the 2nd half and nobody asked us to move.
One steward got up in the face of an elderly gentleman and security threw him out. Even the Chatham fans were blaming the Stewart for instigating the issue. Still we didn't have issues behind the goal until we cheered at the final whistle and got abused from the chats fans
Anyway onto the game, a really quick start was just what the boys needed and the team worked incredibly hard to get the points. First half they hit the woodwork from a free kick and then it seemed their player skied it from an open goal. They also had a free header back post that narrowly went over.
To be honest I feel there was a foul in the build up to the Chatham goal where our player was barged over whilst in the air and landed heavily before they broke and scored. Many refs would have blown for a free kick.
Chatham narrowly missed some big chances towards the end but it was in fact us that found the back of the net again only for it to be ruled offside.
7 minutes extra time turned into 9 for some reason giving Chatham 1 more chance several times, but the boys held on.
Chatham will make the play offs this year so we may well have to go back unfortunately
A well fought 3 points, COYD
One steward got up in the face of an elderly gentleman and security threw him out. Even the Chatham fans were blaming the Stewart for instigating the issue. Still we didn't have issues behind the goal until we cheered at the final whistle and got abused from the chats fans
Anyway onto the game, a really quick start was just what the boys needed and the team worked incredibly hard to get the points. First half they hit the woodwork from a free kick and then it seemed their player skied it from an open goal. They also had a free header back post that narrowly went over.
To be honest I feel there was a foul in the build up to the Chatham goal where our player was barged over whilst in the air and landed heavily before they broke and scored. Many refs would have blown for a free kick.
Chatham narrowly missed some big chances towards the end but it was in fact us that found the back of the net again only for it to be ruled offside.
7 minutes extra time turned into 9 for some reason giving Chatham 1 more chance several times, but the boys held on.
Chatham will make the play offs this year so we may well have to go back unfortunately
A well fought 3 points, COYD
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Lars Resort
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Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
I asked for a gritty performance and we certainly got that. The defence was superb throughout with Joe Tennet my motm, absolutely brilliant.
Got down behind the goal for the first half but at half time I tried to move around to get up the other end but found a few of us had tried the same. We were scattered about.
Even under a lot of pressure during the second half we still had a go at them and Gave them something to think about. With one ruled out for offside (I believe) we took the game. Fully deserved.
Got down behind the goal for the first half but at half time I tried to move around to get up the other end but found a few of us had tried the same. We were scattered about.
Even under a lot of pressure during the second half we still had a go at them and Gave them something to think about. With one ruled out for offside (I believe) we took the game. Fully deserved.
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Lars Resort
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Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
In the second half Callum got stamped on. The ref had a fair game but still missed some obvious fouls.
Their No 14 was a good player going forward but fortunately didn't seem to know what to do as he got to the 18 yard box. MacArthur was their most dangerous and No6 went to ground very easy when under pressure and was constantly moaning.
What I had one gripe with concerning our game was why Nelson was on the pitch? Such a tall lad didn't win one header in fact, didn't try to win one header. He was quick early on to close the keeper down and at times was unlucky not to get something from this but a bit flakey until substituted. Luther, George and Sammy were superb alongside Joe.
Their No 14 was a good player going forward but fortunately didn't seem to know what to do as he got to the 18 yard box. MacArthur was their most dangerous and No6 went to ground very easy when under pressure and was constantly moaning.
What I had one gripe with concerning our game was why Nelson was on the pitch? Such a tall lad didn't win one header in fact, didn't try to win one header. He was quick early on to close the keeper down and at times was unlucky not to get something from this but a bit flakey until substituted. Luther, George and Sammy were superb alongside Joe.
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ozymandias
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Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
Great game of football yesterday, defended well and needed to. Good to get the early goals because we needed that cushion and when they made it 2-1 it was definately squeaky bum time.
The whole team played for each other and the back four were excellent. my MoTM was Luther with Joe and George a close second.
Next up Ramsgate who pushed Folkestone hard, my gym mate will no doubt agree. Another close game in my opinion.
COYD's
The whole team played for each other and the back four were excellent. my MoTM was Luther with Joe and George a close second.
Next up Ramsgate who pushed Folkestone hard, my gym mate will no doubt agree. Another close game in my opinion.
COYD's
Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
Yeah Luther has done really well since he came back from his loan spell considering he"s also played in various positions but still been decent every game.
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Sleightly Deceptive
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Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
Luther is our most improved player in my opinion. I think there’s still more to come from him. Fingers crossed. 
Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
Just wanted to know, is there any plans for us going full time as it seems that now most teams in the nls are and it is now staring to filter down into our league, just wondering if there was any thoughts of this happening,
Im not a new fan have been watching the Darts for a while I remember when we was the best part time team in the country finishing I think 9th in the NL in our first season, and im sure there was talk of it then but nothing seemed to happen?
I just feel we are going to keep struggling when you have teams like Billericay, Chatham, and folkstone now paying big money, one of my mates is friends with a couple of the folkstone players and they are get £750 a week up, how do we compete with teams like that?
Im not a new fan have been watching the Darts for a while I remember when we was the best part time team in the country finishing I think 9th in the NL in our first season, and im sure there was talk of it then but nothing seemed to happen?
I just feel we are going to keep struggling when you have teams like Billericay, Chatham, and folkstone now paying big money, one of my mates is friends with a couple of the folkstone players and they are get £750 a week up, how do we compete with teams like that?
Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
Hopefully these links work - someone kindly posted on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9AUANj1pUY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxuaC8y1nhg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9AUANj1pUY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxuaC8y1nhg
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Lars Resort
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Re: Chatham Town v Dartford Sat 27 Dec 2025
Your last paragraph answers your own question Rixto.