A 7-2 victory away to Newhaven meant Dartford Women got their season off to a flier.
In the starting line-up and on the bench were a host of new faces, with eight new players signing to the Women’s squad for the 25/26 Season so far.
Co-Managers Martin McCarthy and Connor Dymond have had a busy summer, adding some exciting talent with real quality, strength and flair.
Leen Ekwo joined from Bromley Women, where she was the standout player last year scoring a massive 42 goals and impressing in every performance.
Despite offers from clubs playing at higher levels, she chose to sign for Macca & Connor after meeting them this summer.
She said: “The reputation of Macca and Connor in women’s football is immense. I’ve seen how Dartford have been successful and how they make players better. I want to be pushed, challenged, and told the truth.
“Watching Dartford last year, you could see the togetherness. I had higher offers, but in one training session here I saw demands and standards I’ve never experienced before. Many don’t like being challenged…but I do. This is the right club.”
Martin added: “We work hard to bring in players who can make us better. Some want the easy path, that’s not Dartford. Leen is different. She thrives on being challenged and knows our success is built on setting high standards, not luck. She’s exactly what we need to win the league.”
Joining her are:
Mercedes Bromfield: a strong central defender who has joined the club from Bromley FC. Since arriving from Bromley, Mercedes has integrated herself well into the team and has grown in confidence with good performances in pre-season games. A player that brings a real toughness to the game and has strong leadership qualities that will help the team significantly.
Rochelle Mayne: a strong central defender and midfielder, who arrives from London Seaward. Rochelle has thrived in her new surroundings through pre-season, playing in a variety of positions. An exciting prospect who the management team believe will continue to evolve and play a key part in the squad to help it achieve its season’s goals.
Aislyn Kelly: a young central defender who joins the club from Tottenham Hotspur Academy. In her short time with the Club, Aislyn has taken on all the advice from the management team and is starting to develop into an exciting prospect for the Darts squad.
Mya Lewis-Powell: a versatile forward who has joined from Ebbsfleet United. Since arriving, Mya has displayed a great work ethic and has fitted in very well with the group. A player that adds real quality to the squad.
Leila Awan: an attacking midfielder who has joined from London Seaward. Leila can play on either side of the pitch and has grown significantly as a player throughout pre-season. A player with a real eagerness to learn and someone who always wants to get better in every session, whether training or on a match day.
Harriet Hiu Ching Kwok: a promising young keeper who has joined from Billericay Town. Since arriving at the Club, Harriet has settled in well with the group, growing in confidence throughout pre-season. Harriet will provide good competition in the goalkeeping department, and the management is excited to watch her progress in her first season in senior football.
Esmee Kew-Stroud: an exciting new striker that is finding her feet in the new surroundings.
Keep an eye out for the official kit reveal soon – with extra photos and introductions of the new players and squad following shortly. The website photos will be updated with the players in their new kits after the Women’s media day taking place shortly.
Welcome all to Dartford, and good luck in the season! #Upthedarts | #thedartdestroyers @t.ephotography
