With Gary Johnson’s side back in National League South action tomorrow, United will head for Kent tomorrow looking to secure another important three points on their travels.
Back-to-back wins in the league away at Havant & Waterlooville and in the FA trophy at home to Yeovil represents a promising upturn in form for The Gulls, however Saturday’s opponents will provide Torquay with another significant test of their promotion credentials.
Who’s the Boss?
Dartford’s manager will need little introduction to Gulls fans, with Alan Dowson’s spell in charge of Woking producing a number of feisty duels during the course of his four years at the helm.
2018/19 saw The Cards locked in a two-horse race with United for the National League South title, and although Gary Johnson’s side eventually ran out clear winners, there was little to choose between the two sides in three nip-and-tuck league and cup outings.
The early curtailment of 2019/20 still allowed time for both teams to lock horns in the league, with United winning bragging rights during the festive season, courtesy of a memorable 4-1 at Plainmoor. The following campaign saw Johnson’s side record a late-season league ‘double’ of Dowson’s struggling charges, and although they would gain some revenge in the early stages of 2021/22, it would prove to be something of a swansong in that particular rivalry, as Woking eventually opted for a change in manager later that season.
With successful spells in the dugout of Walton & Hersham, Kingstonian, Hampton & Richmond prior to his stint in Surrey, it was no surprise when The Darts’ board turned to the Gateshead-born former Bradford & Darlington defender in a bid to revive the Club’s fortunes, with immediate reward just eluding in his first season at Princes Park, as they suffered NLS Play-Off heartbreak.
How have they been doing?
After finishing last term in this division as runners-up, Dartford’s currently placing of 11th is probably something of a disappointment for the Club’s supporters, with Tuesday night’s home reverse against Braintree their eighth defeat of the season.
Away wins at the likes of high-riding Aveley and Worthing – both who have beaten The Gulls during the opening weeks of the campaign – have been somewhat betrayed by their erratic form at Princes Park, with the losses to Chelmsford, Maidstone and Braintree leaving them staring at the prospect of a fourth-successive home defeat if United emerge victorious tomorrow.
Player to Watch
Frenchman Moussa Diarra has, like his manager, made the switch from Surrey to Kent – although the experienced defender is currently at Dartford on a temporary basis, on loan from Natioanl League promotion chasers Barnet.
Diarra was a key component of the Woking team that enjoyed success under Dowson, and it was therefore little surprise when the two liked up once again for 2023/24.
A commanding presence in the backline, United’s forwards can expect to know they’ve been in a game tomorrow, with the 33 year-old also able to call upon the experience gained at other previous clubs, including Hemel Hempstead, Dover, Barrow and Havant & Waterlooville amongst others.
Played for Both
Like his compatriot Diarra, winger Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala has also spent time at Dartford, although it’s probably for his two-year spell at Plainmoor that he remains most well-known for is lower-division circles.
Having begun his senior career in the lower reaches of Italian football, it was under United’s current boss that Kalala first sprang to prominence with League Two side Cheltenham Town, and when Johnson departed Whaddon Road for Plainmoor, Kalvin was only too happy to join him on the English Riviera to add some Gallic flair to The Gulls’ National League South title-winning campaign.
Despite his promising moments thereafter, Kalala struggled for consistency, however after a brief return to French shores, he returned to UK shores to continue his career, with Dartford and Dulwich Hamlet his next stops, prior to a move to Lewes last summer.
Previous Encounter
Dartford 0 – 2 Torquay United, 4th December 2018, National League South
It’s nearly five years since United last made the trip to this particular part of Kent, although those members of the Yellow Army that made the trip on that cold winter night will no doubt have happy memories of the encounter.
Following what was a tight encounter, two goals in the last 20 minutes from Ruari Keating and Jamie Reid eventually saw Torquay prevail to not only secure three points, but also take their place at the top of the table for the first time.
And there, they would stay.
Vanarama National League South | Dartford v Torquay United | 25/11/23 | KO: 3pm | Ticketing information available HERE | Live commentary via Official TUFC Radio available HERE