Match Preview: Dartford v Weymouth – FA Trophy Fourth Round – Saturday 15th January 2022 – 15:00
It’s FA Trophy action for the Terras this weekend as the team travel east to face Dartford in the Fourth Round at Princes Park.
THE TERRAS
Weymouth parted company with manager Brian Stock this week with Paul Maitland stepping on an interim basis to oversee footballing operations until a new manager is appointed. It’s a chance for the team to kick start their season once again, with this cup tie a great opportunity to get back to winning ways and gain some confidence ahead of next week’s trip to Boreham Wood in the National League.
The thoughts of Paul Maitland ahead of Saturday’s clash with Dartford
On Dartford: “Following a difficult few days, we travel to Dartford in the trophy for what will be a tough encounter. Steve King has put together a really strong side which sees them fully in the promotion hunt in the National League South and will be a tough opponent on their own patch.”
On preparations: “We trained last night and the vibe amongst the players was good and they are looking forward to getting back on the pitch and moving forward.”
On team news: “Ben Thomson is close to a return, but this game comes a bit too soon for him, Tom Solanke is cup tied having featured for Stourbridge. Harrison Bruton remains sidelined for some time yet. A few are carrying injuries that will mean some late decisions to be made, but we have a clear identity of how we want to set up and will be looking to show plenty of hard work and desire.”
LAST SIX
TERRAS 0-1 SOUTHEND UNITED
EASTLEIGH 3-2 TERRAS
HUNGERFORD TOWN 0-1 TERRAS (FA TROPHY)
WREXHAM 1-0 TERRAS
TERRAS 1-2 TORQUAY UNITED
TERRAS 2-3 WOKING
THE DARTS
Dartford reached the fourth round of the FA Trophy after defeating Cray Wanderers by 3 goals to 1 in December, with two goals from Jake Robinson and another from Danny Leonard. Since then, the Darts have continued their push for promotion from National League South, but have failed to win in their previous three matches, with two draws against Braintree Town and Dulwich Hamlet and defeat to current league leaders Ebbsfleet United. Dartford currently sit in fifth place in the league with 9 wins from 19 games. They have picked up some strong victories against tough opposition so far this season with wins over Hungerford Town and St Albans City, and given their success so far in this competition, will eye this fixture on Saturday as a chance to get back to winning ways and progress further in this competition.
Player To Watch: Ade Azeez
28-year-old striker Azeez has a vast experience of playing for several Football League clubs and time in the Scottish Premiership during his career, including appearances for England U19s. Joining Dartford last summer from Dover Athletic, Azeez has scored ten league goals for the Darts so far, and will certainly be a threat for the Terras back line to deal with.
LAST SIX
DARTFORD 1-1 DULWICH HAMLET
EBBSFLEET UNITED 1-0 DARTFORD
BRAINTREE TOWN 2-2 DARTFORD
CRAY WANDERERS 1-3 DARTFORD (FA TROPHY)
MAIDSTONE UNITED 4-0 DARTFORD
DARTFORD 1-0 BILLERICAY TOWN
HEAD TO HEAD
The Darts were the Terras opponents in the National League South play off final in August 2020, with the Terras earning promotion to the National League via a penalty shootout, with Tom Whelan, Jake McCarthy and Jaidon Anthony scoring the penalties to win promotion.
SUPPORTER INFORMATION
There are no online tickets available for this match, all tickets are purchasable on the gate at Dartford.
