7thmar05

Dartford unveil new stadium plans

DARTFORD extended their unbeaten run to five games when they came away from Waltham Forest on Saturday with a 1-0 win courtesy of an 88th minute winner from Steve Hafner, writes Stephen McCartney.

On a difficult pitch made worse as the game went on and not helped by rain falling for most of the second half Dartford adapted well to the conditions.  Chances were few and far between for both teams but in view of the conditions the game was a credit to both teams.

Dartford's run has now included four wins and a draw, accumulating thirteen points out of a possible fifteen and also the defence kept their third clean sheet in succession.

Dartford director/manager Tony Burman told the club's website: "After gaining another three points away from home, I think Waltham Forest did well to get the game played.

"Our problems started around 10:30am on Saturday morning when Mark Horan phoned me and said that he had not been feeling too good and would not be able to play.

"Unfortunately, these things happen and you must try and get on with it.

"The condition of the pitch and the wind from goal to goal dictated the play for both sides.  I thought both teams tried their best in poor conditions.

"At half-time, I said to the players that we had cleared two chances of the goal line when six weeks ago they would have gone in.

"I also said "we have a point, lets keep that point and not give it away.  They will have chances this half and so will we.  I don't care if our chances happen in the 89th minute but when it comes take it and we can go home with three points."

"As their confidence grows they will get an "over my dead body" attitude, which can only be good for team spirit.

"Although we had two good chances in the last ten minutes we converted one.  I think we deserved our 1-0 win for our organisation and commitment throughout the game."

This Saturday is a big day for everybody that has been involved with Dartford Football Club over the last 12-13 years, as plans for the club's new stadium are shown in the clubhouse at Stonebridge Road before kick off.

Burman added: "We must all try and encourage family, friends and supporters to attend to view the plans for the new ground.  I hope we can attract over 300 people to this special occasion."

Meanwhile, the club's under thirteen's kept up the feel good factor spreading around the club as they progressed through to the final of the Challenge Cup by beating Bromley 4-1 on penalties, after the game finished 1-1 after extra time.  The Darts will be at home to Greenwich Borough on April 17 (venue and kick off time to be announced),

Dartford v Barking & East Ham United
Southern League Division One East
Saturday 12th March 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Stonebridge Road, Northfleet