20thmar05

Dartford sign Carter from neighbours Welling

TONY BURMAN was full of praise for the Dartford under eighteen squad for winning the county's first cup final of the season last Wednesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts secured the Under 18 Plaaya Kent Youth League Cup with a 4-3 win over Folkestone Invicta at the Westbourne Stadium in Cheriton Road.

Folkestone started at a frantic pace with didn't suit the Darts' style of play and Invicta took an early lead.

However, the Darts came back into the game and from an infringement inside the penalty box they were awarded a penalty.  Tommy Youle took the spot kick only to see the Folkestone goalkeeper make a splendid save.  The ball, however, rebounded back to him and he headed home the equaliser.

The second half saw the Darts playing their normal style of play.  They were then awarded a second penalty and Nick Reeves stepped up to place the ball just inside the post to hand the Darts a 2-1 lead.

Folkestone responded to equalise before Dominic Elmes - with some first team experience - struck a thunderous shot that crashed into the net off the crossbar and after having a shot hit the post Reeves produced a spectacular shot to give the Darts a 4-2 lead.

There was still time for Invicta to get back into the game, which they did by scoring a third goal inside injury time and although the travelling Darts fans thought they would be in for an anxious few minutes to survive the referee in face blew for full time as soon as the restart had been taken.

Captain Keith Jackson was then presented with the Plaaya Cup and the celebrations began in what could still be the first of three trophies that the team are in line to win.

Burman told the club's website: "I would like to congratulate the under 18's on their success in last Wednesday's cup final against Folkestone Invicta.

"In the games that I have seen, I have been very impressed with the players and the management team of Dennis (Reid) and Cengiz (Ibrahim).

"At whatever level of football you play, and the Kent Youth League is a very good standard, it is an excellent achievement to win a trophy and for people involved it stays in your memory for ever.

"Well done to everybody and good luck for the rest of the season."

Meanwhile, Burman has revealed he has signed Gary Carter from their local neighbours, Welling United.

He added: "Gary is a 19-year-old defender/midfielder who I have known since he was nine years old.

"He has spent six years at Charlton Athletic's academy and one and a half years at Burnley before returning to play for VCD Athletic and Welling United this season.

"I feel Gary will be a good addition to our squad."

* Dartford's Southern League Division One East game against Maldon Town next Saturday has been moved to a 12 noon kick off at Stonebridge Road to avoid clashing with the England international.