26thoct04

Dartford make forced changes for Chatham cup clash

DARTFORD manager Tommy Sampson has revealed he is going to make forced changes to his team for tonight's Southern League clash at Chatham Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

Speaking after Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Erith & Belvedere, Sampson revealed: "I am going to leave people out.  I am not going to aplogise to anybody but I need Tostao Kwashi and Eddie McClements to have a break but Paul Sykes needs to play and Jim Carter may play a part and I may leave Tommy Osbourne out."

Osbourne has been an ever present in the Darts side this season, Kwashi is leading marksman with nine goals but Sampson feels it's time for them to have a rest.

"Three or four players that have been playing regularly and carrying the rest of the side, I am going to give them a rest.

"It's not going to be a weak side - it won't be the strongest team because needs must.

"I need to go to Wivenhoe next Saturday fit as a fiddle."

Sampson won't be leaving players out for the trip to Maidstone Road on purpose.  Several players in the draw against the Deres were struggling with their fitness.

"I am not playing a weakened side deliberately.  If everybody was fit I would pick my best team.

"I've got so many people not fit.  We are going to play the best side available, which will be short of three-four regular first team players, who just need a break from it."

Sampson, however, won't be making the trip to Maidstone Road as he is on a spying mission on Redbridge - they go there in the FA Trophy first round in two weeks time.

"I have spoken to Paul Sawyer and it's about time one or two of the lads that are playing well in the reserves get a first team shirt and see what they can do."

Chatham Town v Dartford
Southern League Cup First Round
Tuesday 26th October 2004
Kick Off 7:45
at Maidstone Road, Chatham