Slough v Dartford

[Game of Throw-ins]

Really looking forward to the game at Arbour Park on Saturday in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round.

 

Dartford are a step above us in the football pyramid, they are currently 7th in the National League South and on a 6 game unbeaten run in all competitions which began with a 0-0 draw against top of the table Maidenhead. This is Dartford's second season in the National League South (finished 8th last season) having been relegated from the Conference National (now the National League) at the end of the 2014/2015 season. Dartford captain, midfielder Elliot Bradbrook, is a key player and talisman for them having played over 300 games for the club and scored 99 goals. He has frequently been the club's top scorer for the season and is currently their joint top scorer this season on 3. Dartford's forwards seem to be struggling to get the goals.  

 

Obviously, it looks a very tough game but I fancy Slough to pull off a cup upset. We are currently on a 9 game winning run and are unbeaten in 11 in all competitions. We've got a number of players banging in the goals; Gavin James 6, James Dobson 6, Warren Harris 6, Charlie Moone 5, injured Lee Barney also has 6. The defence has been solid too conceding only 5 league goals so far. The whole squad have played their part in our fantastic start to the season. At times we have played some very good football with some good passing and attacking, but we have also shown that we can defend solidly as well as scrap and battle when needed. We are looking a very good side at the moment capable of holding our own against anyone in non-league football and shouldn't fear anyone in this form. COYR!

[Reading Rebel]

Seems Dartford supporters (possibly players as well) have ordered a double decker coach for tomorrows game.

[GlenSTFC]

Looking forward to this game, for once the pressure is off as we'll be the underdogs but I do fancy our chances. Hoping for a crowd of around 1,000 (apologies Sue) and with Dartford possibly bringing a couple of hundred a good atmosphere will be created.

[Mr Rebel]

Of course we want to win but being the underdogs in terms of position in the non league pyramid it will make a loss easy to take and move on from compared to if we were to go out to a lower league team, so in that way the pressure is lessened. 

 

not to say we won't give it our all and back ourselves to get a win. I really think we have a decent shout as long as we can continue to dig in defensively as we have been doing against the better opposition. I'm confident we are capable of causing them problems with our attacking play. 

[Curtis]

I think in their last two matches they led 3-0 against Chelmsford and then went defensive and won 3-2 with an edgey last few minutes, and led 2-0 against Concord, conceded late and held on in the last few minutes to win 2-1.

 

So, IF we do happen to concede the first goal it is important that the fans get behind the team and encourage our team.... in a similar manner to the Hayes match.

[Irishadrian]

Im fairly confident having spent some time looking at recent videos of Dartford matches especially their most recent against bottom club Concord large amounts of hoofball little constructive play and Concords goal was played across goal from the by-line three Dartford plays were in line marking no-one and Concords scorer had a free shot under no pressure They certainly didnt look a level higher.

[Irishadrian]

There is an excellent pre match item on the Dartford website detailed and well researched They are hopeful rather than confident and have clearly taken notice of our great start

[Game of Throw-ins]

There is an excellent pre match item on the Dartford website detailed and well researched They are hopeful rather than confident and have clearly taken notice of our great start

 

Here is the match preview:

 

http://www.dartfordfc.com/match-preview-slough-town-vs-dartford-emirates-fa-cup/

[Matt]

And here are the gaffers giving their thoughts:

 

http://www.sloughtownfc.net/article/972/Looking-Ahead:-Dartford

http://www.sloughtownfc.net/article/970/Interview:-Jon-Underwood-on-Dartford

[3spirit]

I think it's a close call for who will come out on top. I just hope we play with freedom and without nerves and take our game to them.

 

They can't underestimate us but we can't underestimate them. A side that played in the Conference Premier only two seasons ago, and now one of the better sides in the Conference South, are going to be no mugs.

 

We gave Mansfield a run for their money, though, a few seasons back and so there's no reason why we can't do the same this season.    

[Game of Throw-ins]

Cheers Matt 

[Fulham Rebel]

Two teams in Slough's league over the last few seasons have come a cropper in the league because of cup success (Daventry Div 1 and Poole Premier) due to having to play catch-up at the end of the season, so although I would like to win it could turn out to be to our advantage, lets wait and see.

[Windsor Rebel]

Difference is we hopefully wont be playing catch up due to weather postponements as we are

not at Beaconsfield any more.

[Curtis]

Two teams in Slough's league over the last few seasons have come a cropper in the league because of cup success (Daventry Div 1 and Poole Premier) due to having to play catch-up at the end of the season

I would like to think that if we were to make it through to the 1st round proper of the FA Cup that we would sacrifice the FA Trophy, League Cup and Bucks and Berks, and focus on the league.

[GlenSTFC]

Still decent money in the FA Trophy and more chance of progressing but certainly agree on those 2 other cups (although useful to give players minutes).

[Stan]

Good point Windsor Rebel. With our 3G pitch we should complete all our home games without interruption and have plenty of time to slot in away postponements when the weather hits or cup run induced delays. That could be crucial at the business end of the season when the pressure is on that we are not playing catch up anymore than anyone else maybe less so.

As for Saturday I'll take the win everytime! Winning is a habit at any level and any competition.

It will be a great occasion, Dartford are on Good form at a higher level we are in great form at a lower level. We have home advantage but Dartford train on 3G so no terrors for them there.

If we play the way we have so far this season Dartford will have to bring their A game. These one off games are great levellers but watch out for the last 15 mins if it's tight. That's usually when the fitness levels of the higher club usually kick in and they can still make good decisions in defensive and attacking positions despite fatigue.

[staines_rebel_Jr]

Only time will tell if the 3G will help us significantly in the winter months as at the moment we only have 2 home games scheduled in January which is the month worst hit by cancelled fixtures. If we do have any home matches to reschedule perhaps trying to replay them in January might be a good time as that is when most clubs will likely have matches cancelled due to weather so a good time for us to get ahead in terms of games played.

[Edinburgh Rebel]

I don't think it's any coincidence that this great run has come around the time of moving back to Slough.  Seems like there's a real feel-good factor now and the future looks bright.  Hoping we can win in the next two qualifying rounds and make it to the first round as I'll try to go down to see it.  

 

Dartford will be favourites as they are in seventh place in the Conference South but Slough are at home and have won nine matches in-a-row so I don't think it would be a huge shock if they were to win it.  Fingers crossed for the win and good luck tomorrow.

[Stan]

You gotta luv the FA

Just seen the alcohol restrictions on the club website for tomorrow. Means no half time beer and drink up by 2.45 . It says we will be closely monitorred by them !, Well thank goodness they have got their priorities right. After all it's not as if they should be monitoring their employees offering advice on how to break the rules or getting suspicious payments as they have got journalists to do that job for them As long as non-league fans don't have half a shandy at 3.01pm we can all sleep safe in our beds. Anyone fancy being the England manager for October .

Edited September 30, 2016 by Stan

[Reading Rebel]

Im fairly confident having spent some time looking at recent videos of Dartford matches especially their most recent against bottom club Concord large amounts of hoofball little constructive play and Concords goal was played across goal from the by-line three Dartford plays were in line marking no-one and Concords scorer had a free shot under no pressure They certainly didnt look a level higher.

 

 

Irish, I shouldn't get too carried away just because you've watched a few minutes of highlights against Concorde and you weren't too impressed with them.

 

Dartford are only a couple of points off the play-offs and they haven't got to that position by playing hoof-ball and not being a good team.

 

Looking at some of their other videos they certainly look more than useful to me.

Edited September 30, 2016 by Reading Rebel