A delay of a few weeks is nothing compared to fifteen years, admits disappointed Darts chairman

Friday 21st July 2006

Dartford co-chairman Mr David Skinner will be meeting the builders next week to re-arrange the opening date of Princes Park, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Ryman League Division One South club announced that their game against arch-rivals Maidstone United will be played at Ship Lane, Thurrock on 23^rd September and not the eagerly-awaited grand opening of their impressive, 4,100 capacity Princes Park Stadium.

“The delay was caused by trying to get different contractors working at the same time, with the inevitable hold ups this would cause,” he explained to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this afternoon.

“Playing at Thurrock will inevitably reduce the numbers, but there’s not a lot we can do about it. We will just have to make the best of it,” the disappointed chairman added.

Back on the pitch, Tony Burman’s side defeated Thamesmead Town 3-0 last Saturday and travel to another Kent League side Whitstable Town tomorrow.

Mr Skinner said: “The team looked very sharp and controlled the game for the majority of the time, especially having only had four training sessions.”

Looking ahead to the new campaign, Mr Skinner said: “I don’t like to predict anything for a season, but if we play anything like the type of football we played last year, I believe we will do really well.

Both Dartford and Maidstone United supporters will have to travel through the tunnel to watch the high-profile sell-out clash, instead of opening the new stadium.

But the best things come to those who wait, and Mr Skinner added: “As for the delay, everyone is slightly disappointed, but with the evidence of the ground taking shape before their eyes, a delay of a few weeks is nothing compared to fifteen years.”

LATEST PHOTOGRAPHS OF PRINCES PARK - www.dartfordfc.co.uk

Whitstable Town v Dartford
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 22^nd July 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable