My FA Cup memories with Hornets' have stuck with me, says proud Dartford striker Carl Rook

Monday 01st November 2010

DARTFORD striker Carl Rook says he wants to be the scaffolder who scores the winning goal that dumps League Two high-flyers Port Vale out of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts have taken five games to defeat Lowestoft Town, Canvey Island and Leiston, banking a total of £24,500 in prize money in the process, and now look forward to the visit of Port Vale in what is the club’s eagerly-awaited appearance in the First Round for the first time in 21 years.

Rook, 27, has fond memories of The FA Cup as in 2007 he was playing for Horsham when the Sussex side beat Maidenhead United in the First Round before facing two games against Welsh giants Swansea City in the Second Round.

And that experience will benefit the Blue Square Bet South club ahead of the ALL-TICKET Princes Park clash.

“I played for Horsham a few years ago against Swansea,” recalled the former Tonbridge Angels striker, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“We played them at our place, they turned up maybe thinking they was going to have a walk in the park and they ended up getting a one-all draw and taken back to the Liberty Stadium.

“Hopefully, fingers crossed, by the time Port Vale get here hopefully they’ll be a bit big-time about it and we’ll get amongst them.”

Rook was on the end of some unfair criticism following his move from Longmead Stadium last season - but he has won back the fans with some good form in front of goal.

And he wants to be the semi-professional footballer that plays his part in a FA Cup giant-killing.

“Yes, I’ll be that scaffolder, I don’t mind admitting it,” said Rook.

Rook says he looks back on his Horsham experiences with pride - and wants to create his own history on Saturday with Dartford.

“We actually got into the Second Round with Horsham,” he recalled. These moments and the pictures’ I’ve got have stuck with me ever since and I’m so surprised it’s come around again.

“I just hope I can put a performance in on Saturday. I would love to be apart of it.”

Meanwhile, the Kent club have confirmed that ticket sales are going well and that the last remaining tickets are ONLY on sale from the club shop at Princes Park Stadium between the hours of 12-7pm.

Tickets are priced at £12 (adults), £6 (concessions aged 12-17 or over 60s) and £2 (children up to age 11).

Visit Dartford’s websites: www.dartfordfconline.com & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

Dartford v Port Vale
(THIS MATCH IS ALL TICKET)

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) First Round

Saturday 6th November 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT