11thjuly05

Monday 11th July 2005

Darts receive Standard Charter Award

Dartford are on the road for their opening Southern League Division One fixture of the new season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Darts fans knew this as landlords Gravesend & Northfleet were handed a home game against Exeter City on the opening day of their Nationwide Conference campaign on Saturday, 13th August.

So Dartford travel to Arlesey Town before hosting Great Wakering Rovers (Tuesday 16th August) and Stamford (Saturday 20th August) at Stonebridge Road.

Two further signings have been announced with 27-year-old midfielder Kevin Spriggs returning to the club after a spell with Chatham Town last season.

And after spending last season with Kent League neighbours Slade Green, 20-year-old Dave Martin has signed for the Darts.

Former Folkestone Invicta, Margate and Chelsea striker, Ian Pulman, 20, has been with the Darts for pre-season training with a view of joining the club.

Pulman signed for Erith & Belvedere last season following a successful loan period with the Park View Road club from Nationwide South club Margate.

As www.kentishfootball.co.uk pointed out yesterday, midfielder Mark Horan has left the Darts by "mutual arrangement" with manager Tony Burman.

He has signed for Kent League neighbours Erith & Belvedere.

A statement on the club's official statement said: "Work commitments and holiday arrangements will make it very difficult for Mark to make himself available for selection and training on a regular basis.

"We would like to thank Mark for his contributions to the club over the past couple of seasons and wish him well for the future."

Earlier today the clubs Standard Charter Award was awarded to Dartford by representatives of the Kent County F.A. and the F.A.

Also present were members of Dartford Borough Council and club officials.

The award was handed over to director Michael Brett-Smith who was instrumental in collating the information over several months in order to present their successful application.

Several newcomers, who have attended pre-season training, will be given a run-out in tomorrow (Tuesday) night's pre-season friendly at Tilbury.

The game, at Chadfields, kicks off at 7:45pm.