Darts' Dowson And City Boy Charlie Take South Acclaim

He may not have been there 12 months ago, but Alan Dowson is well aware why Dartford fans won’t be getting carried away.

It was about this time last year that fortunes started to subside following a blistering first three months.

Will things be different this time around? Well, they are showing all the signs that they could last the course this time.

In a run that started in September and was still going in November, the club won eight from nine.

The former Woking and Hampton manager’s team recorded four more points than anyone else in the division in October – nobody scored more goals and only one team conceded less.

Dowson was the well deserved Manager of the Month after league wins against Hungerford, Dulwich Hamlet, Tonbridge, Slough Town and Weymouth.

Have they got staying power? We’re about to find out!

After a few seasons to forget, things are now starting to look a lot more optimistic at Chelmsford City.

They have also started doing what many people know them for again - writing some big FA Cup headlines!

A lot of the good feeling is down to the form of Charlie Ruff.

He scored four goals in six games from the middle of the park, including a Man of the Match display as the Clarets sent Aldershot Town packing.

He also hit the target against Hemel Hempstead, Cheshunt and Eastbourne Borough, where he came up with two assists.

City are loving life at the top end this time around and 23-year-old midfielder Ruff is starting to grab the attention.

Well done to our Manager and Player of the Month!