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Carter signs on the dotted line

TOMMY SAMPSON, manager of Southern League Division One East club Dartford, has announced striker Jim Carter has now signed for the club, writes Stephen McCartney.

The former Cirencester Town and Swindon Supermarine centre-forward, who lives in Watford, has impressed the manager enough during the pre-season programme.

Sampson revealed: "Jim Carter is officially a Dartford player, putting pen to paper on Saturday.

"I am delighted he has signed.  He has had a really good pre-season.  His fitness is getting closer and closer and he has probably played three full games, minutes wise - all the needs now is to score a goal.

"He is a very honest, hardworking, old fashioned centre-forward, and I am really pleased to have him in."

Sampson, however, is increasing the pace in pre-season friendlies, to get his squad ready for the opening league game at Boreham Wood in two weeks time.

Last Tuesday, his side drew 1-1 at Ryman League Division One newcomers Ashford Town, and Sampson was impressed with what Lymington & New Milton had to offer in Saturday's 1-1 draw.

Sampson said: "For one, they were a very good side.  They are on the strongest sides in Hampshire.

"It was a really good game for us, which is what we wanted.

"We have upped the ante over the last couple of weeks, and like Tuesday night at Ashford, we treated the game like a league match, and went there to try and get a result."

He revealed: "As far as I'm concerned, we are playing for imaginary points, and that's the attitude I want the players to have."

Dartford were without Paul Sykes and Eddie McClements (both attending weddings), Mark Horan, who wasn't risked after receiving a knock to his ankle, and shot-stopper Jimmy Simpson (thigh strain).

Sampson admitted: "Everyone did well, it was competitive, which is what we wanted."

He added: "Richard Avery who scored in the 91st minute, thoroughly deserved his goal.

"However, he missed a sitter seconds before.

"The whole day was good, we played well against a very good side on a good playing surface."

* The Darts travel to Ryman League Division One side Hastings United on Tuesday night, before playing their first friendly at Gravesend & Northfleet's Stonebridge Road ground next Saturday, when Bracknell Town are the visitors.

On Monday 9th August, Dartford are sending a team to British Energy Kent County Premier Division champions Crockenhill - an annual fixture - kicking off at Wested at 7pm.

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