Hume looks forward to Darts derby showdown - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Maidstone United are looking forward to attracting their highest crowd of the season to Bourne Park tomorrow - a promotion showdown against local rivals Dartford, writes Stephen McCartney.

But joint-manager Lloyd Hume, who along with Alan Walker have clinched their second successive manager of the month award, has warned his table topping side have not yet won the title.

The Stones have a five point lead on their fourth placed opponents but they could easily lose top spot if Hastings United win at strugglers Walton Casuals and Darts complete the double over his side.

But Hume paid tribute to his players as it’s their magnificent run of form that has sent them to the Ryman League Division One South summit.

The Stones have won their last six league games and have only lost two games out of their last eighteen - and both were against Tooting & Mitcham United.

With their game at Ashford Town postponed last Tuesday, Walker and Hume were at Princes Park to watch Dartford’s entertaining 2-2 draw against Tooting & Mitcham United on a scouting trip.

“Having watched Dartford on Tuesday we know we will need to be at our best to get something from the game,” Hume told www.kentishfootball.co.uk in an EXCLUSIVE interview today.

“Dartford are a very good side. I add to that they’ve spent a lot of money, paying a lot of money, but I was certainly impressed with what I saw on Tuesday evening.”

But two goals from Vernon Francis in a three minute spell during the first half ensured the Surrey side clawed themselves back from 2-0 down after just eighteen minutes to earn themselves a point.

Speaking about the Terrors, Hume added: “They are a good side but they seem to have spells in games.

“When Tooting beat us they had a good twenty minute spell and dominated the game.

“Dartford dominated the game, had a bad fifteen minute spell and Tooting scored two goals but other than that I thought Dartford were on top.”

Hume knows all about Dartford’s threat and his side will have to keep tabs on 25-goal striker Brendon Cass and right-winger Ryan Hayes.

He said: “I know Brendon very well and I know he won’t miss those chances again - I hope he does against us.

“We know a number of their players and I know they know most of our players.”

Hume was impressed with Darts winger Hayes, but added the former Slade Green winger may not enjoy the conditions at Bourne Park.

He said: “He’s someone who impressed me, a good player but I think he’ll find it harder on our pitch but he certainly impressed me the other night.

Despite losing 2-1 to the Darts at Thurrock’s Ship Lane ground back in September, that game has no bearing on tomorrow’s as Stones are a different, and confident outfit now.

“We didn’t deserve to lose but we’re not the same side now,” said Hume.

And on his side’s championship winning chances, Hume doesn’t want the manager of the month curse to strike during a vital time.

“I repeat, if we lost our next four games I’ll be surprised we’ll be in the play-off place as ten teams can achieve where we are,” he said.

“Hastings can go top tomorrow but we’ve got two games in hand, but there’s still a long way to go - still 39 points for us to play for and a huge amount.

“People are talking it’s the run-in but we’ve still got a long way to go.”

With Dartford missing suspended pair John Guest and Mark Green and midfielder Steve Hafner doubtful with a wrist injury, Hume may also have three players missing.

Sam Tydeman and Lee Shearer are both carrying knocks and may not be risked and Jason Barton will be attending a family wedding.

Hume asks both sets of supporters to turn out in force in Sittingbourne tomorrow to smash their highest crowd of the season when 719 witnessed the goal-less draw against Dover Athletic, in wet conditions back in November.

“I would imagine there will be a few people there,” said Hume. “I hope there is and I hope our supporters get behind the team from the first minute to the last.”

And Hume is delighted that Dartford and Dover Athletic are challenging at the top but is saddened that only two teams (one via the end of season lottery) are promoted.

“I mean from a manager’s perspective when I look at the sides that are vying for play-off’s and winning the title, Hastings, Dartford and Dover are the teams I like to do well.

“For me the perfect scenario will be for us to win the league and either Dartford or Dover to go up as I look forward to visiting their grounds.

“It makes next season interesting for me but only two people can go up not three.

“There’s other good teams like Fleet who are also vying for promotion.”

Visit club websites:

www.maidstoneunited.co.uk 

www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game at Bourne Park tomorrow

Ryman League Division One South (Top eight)

Teams in italic are in the play-off positions

Chatham Town v Kingstonian
Corinthian Casuals v Dover Athletic
Croydon Athletic v Ashford Town
Fleet Town v Cray Wanderers
Godalming Town v Dulwich Hamlet
Leatherhead v Horsham YMCA
Maidstone United v Dartford
Metropolitan Police v Molesey
Tooting & Mitcham United v Sittingbourne
Walton Casuals v Hastings United
Whyteleafe v Burgess Hill Town

Ashford Town v Dartford
Burgess Hill Town v Molesey
Metropolitan Police v Godalming Town
Sittingbourne v Horsham YMCA
Tooting & Mitcham United v Walton Casuals
Whyteleafe v Leatherhead

Dover Athletic v Cray Wanderers

Maidstone United v Dartford
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 3^rd March 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park, Eurolink, Church Road, Sittingbourne ME10 3SB