The Bulls travel to Dartford on Saturday for a first ever trip to Princes Park.
The two sides haven't met in 40 years since being regular combatants in the Southern League. The Bulls won half of the 40 matches between 1947 and March 1972, when the Bulls won 1-0 at Dartford's old Watling Street ground, with the Darts winning 10. A 1974 attempt by them to follow the Bulls into the Football League failed and they haven't got close since, dropping as low as the 9th level of the pyramid before current manager Tony Burman, and the 2006 opening of Princes Park, resurrected their fortunes.
After losing their opening three matches, the Darts went on a four match winning streak before losing after the long trek to Gateshead last weekend. They have won their last three home games including Newport last time out, and sit just a point behind the Bulls. Former Southend forward Harry Crawford is their main threat with five goals already this term, with the 20 year old having scored two of his three Shrimpers goals against the Bulls in December 2010.
The Bulls travel to Kent looking to quickly right the wrongs of last Saturday's capitulation to Hyde. The arrival of Byron Anthony, whose arrival largely shored up a leaky defence last term, has pleased many with Luke Graham and Stefan Stam yet to look comfortable as a pair in Michael Townsend's absence. The return to fitness of Marley Watkins will also be cheered by the fans, who have missed his trickery in recent games.
Dartford vs Hereford United, Princes Park, Saturday 15th September, 3.00pm.