The Isthmian League begins on Saturday afternoon as the Hamlet welcome last years play-off finalists Dartford to Champion Hill to start the campaign.

Dartford set the league alight last season after a slow start which saw many wondering if manager Ady Pennock was the man to get them back to the National League South. When these 2 sides met towards the end of the 24/25 campaign Dartford ran away 3-0 winners and looked like a side set on winning the league title. 

Following a draw at Cray Wanderers in one of the final fixtures of the season the title went down to the final day with Horsham coming out on top. 

In the play-offs Dartford came from behind to defeat Cray Valley (PM) with a 90th minute equaliser before defeating them in extra time. However, in the play-off final they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Dover Athletic as the seasiders secured promotion straight back to step 2. 

Dartford have managed to keep the majority of last seasons squad. Most notably keeping talented academy product Olly Box who has had interest from clubs higher up the pyramied. 

The Hamlet though set out to rebuild over the summer with a new manager and a largely new squad ready to tackle the Isthmian League. Young manager Mark Dacey is a name some Hamlet fans will be familiar with as he was also apart of Gavin Rose's management team. 

Dacey's first signing was the return of the King of Camberwell as new club captain Nyren Clunis re-signed for the club following a few years away from the Hill. A core of last season's squad have remained with fan favourites Luke Wanadio, Michael Chambers and Danny Mills amongst 6 to sign new deals. 

Dacey and his side will look for a stronger showing this season aiming to finish higher up the table than the last 2 seasons. 

SQUAD NEWS:

The Hamlet will be without Anthony Cook and Anthony Jeffrey. Cook will start this season with a 3 game suspension following a straight red card in the final game of last season. Anthony Jeffrey picked up a knock in pre season but should be back before the end of August. 

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