From Despair to up there

FROM DESPAIR TO RIGHT UP THERE: DARTS PUSH FOR PROMOTION

Three missed penalties in a playoff final. There can’t be a more disappointing way to end a season but for Dartford boss Steve King, that feeling has become all too familiar.

King fell to his fourth defeat at that stage in his managerial career, with Weymouth keeping their nerve in the shootout to claim consecutive promotions, this time to the National League. Despite a miraculous run of form since he took charge of a club flailing at the wrong end of the table, there was a palpable feeling that this was a huge missed opportunity. There may have also been reason to think there could be a hangover from that result into this season; to lose in such a cruel manner is bound to have taken its toll on the players and King admitted even a month later that defeat still hurt.

A huge influx of new signings followed, with King finally able to stamp his full authority on a squad largely inherited from the previous regime. The Darts bade farewell to club legends Ryan Hayes and Lee Noble whilst a whole new set of faces, including England C ‘keeper Craig King and Grenadian international Ricky Modeste, came through the door at the Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park.

Despite not being one of the lucky few to have fans permitted back into their home games so far this season, the Darts have provided a live streaming service of games online. Those who have tuned in have watched a side who have spent much of the season topping the table although performances have been mixed, with consecutive home defeats against Dorking Wanderers and St Albans City particularly disconcerting. King has stated publicly that fans are yet to see the best of his side although there have been glimpses of what his talented squad are capable of. Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong, re-

signed from Aldershot following a loan spell last season, has stood out for the Darts with his excellent, driving runs from midfield often at the heart of his team’s best football.

The departure of last season’s top-scorer Darren McQueen to National League Dagenham & Redbridge has been felt in the forward areas, with Elliott Romain and new signing Jack Barham yet to hit their straps. Alfie Pavey, who scored 22 goals for the club in 2017/18, has rejoined the club on loan until the New Year and will be looking for valuable gametime following a long period out with a broken leg. Defeat at the qualification stage of the FA Cup at the hands of Slough Town was a significant blow to the club both in terms of performances and finances. However, they soon avenged that result by defeating the same opponents on penalties to progress to the next round of the FA Trophy to be played later in December. Derby fixtures played over the festive period against the likes of Ebbsfleet United will be particularly strange without fans. But King will hope his players, guided by experienced captain Tom Bonner, who has been in excellent form, can put on a performance to make supporters watching from afar proud. With much more to come from this team, it looks set to be an exciting few months for Darts fans with dreams of returning to the top tier of Non-League football. A mention, too, to loyal fan John Hoverd who passed away aged 82 in November. Hoverd had supported the club since the late 1940’s and had been a shareholder since 1992. An ever-present at not only first-team but ladies and academy fixtures too, his presence will be sorely missed at Princes Park and across the road at Dartford Cricket Club’s Hesketh Park, where he would often be found enjoying the cricket in the sun.

RIP John.

@HenrWAClark

Photos: Carol White Griffiths photodiva.zenfolio.com