21stjan05

Kwashi returns after sitting exams

HIT-MAN Tostao Kwashi returns to the Dartford team for the short trip through the tunnel to Aveley on Saturday after missing Tuesday night's John Ullmann Kent Senior Cup defeat to Folkestone Invicta at Stonebridge Road, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 25-year-old was sitting exams at Greenwich University as his team-mates were knocked out 2-1 by the Ryman Premier League side - James Dryden scoring the winning goal for Neil Cugley's side after 120 minutes of football.

Midfield general Mark Horan, however, is expected to return after recovering from illness and Ted Ansell will play if he passes a fitness test on his Achilles injury.

Meanwhile, five players won't play against the Essex side, giving boss Tommy Sampson a selection headache.

Craig Dennis (knee), Danny Heale (groin), Eddie McClements (foot ligaments), Tommy Osborne (groin) and Keith Jackson (knee) are all out.

The Darts manager added: "It's an important game we would like to win.

"If we were at full strength I would like to think we could get a result.

"We are a bit young Saturday.  It's about time we had a bit of the rub of the green."

Sampson, however, who guided Deal Town to FA Vase glory at Wembley Stadium in 2000, will have one eye on the Kent League side's progress at Jarrow Roofing Bolden CV.

The FA Vase is a competition dear to Sampson's heart following his heroics and he said: "First and foremost they've done fantastic to get to the fourth round.

"The Vase starts in the fourth round when it goes national.

"When I was in the fourth round we played Crook Town (away).

"If Deal go to Jarrow tomorrow and win, it will be a great result.

"Whose to say they can't go further.  I wish them well."

Meanwhile goalkeeper Jimmy Simpson has joined Kent League side Whitstable Town although the Darts still retain his Southern League registration.

Aveley v Dartford
Southern League Division One East
Saturday 22nd January 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Mill Field, Mill Road, Aveley, Essex