29thaug04

Dartford make defensive changes

DARTFORD manager Tommy Sampson has signed nineteen-year-old defender Darren Penfold from Ryman League Premier Division basement boys Kingstonian, writes Stephen McCartney.

Sampson revealed: “I have signed Darren Penfold from Kingstonian, who had became available after their manager Kim Harris left last week.”

Two players have departed the club with 18-year-old central defender Chris Tedder joining struggling Ryman League Division One leaguers Ashford Town and Chris Nunn will be packing his bags in two weeks time to attend Huddersfield University.

Sampson added: “I have let Chris Tedder go – he has gone to Ashford.

“Chris Tedder wasn’t playing football for me – Richard Avery has done very well for me and Paul Sykes has played centre-half and I’ve got Lee Coburn.

 “Darren Penfold is good cover and he may well fight his way into the side.”

Dartford, with only one win in their opening five Southern League Division One East games, will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they entertain Waltham Forest at Stonebridge Road on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm).

Sampson said: “Waltham Forest are another very hard working side, a little direct, and will probably present us with the same problems as East Thurrock United did on Saturday.”

A Vinne John winner two minutes from time sealed the points for East Thurrock on Saturday, beating Sampson’s side 2-1.

After going a goal down after 50 minutes, Darts’ levelled with fifteen minutes left from Mark Horan’s strike before John’s timely winner.

Sampson, however, was pleased with the performance from his side.

He emphasised: “We were terrific!

“We had to do a bit of everything yesterday.

“We had to defend for our lives for the first fifteen minutes, had a foot hold in the game towards half time, and we had to come back from 1-0 down just after half time.

“If everything, we deserved to win!”

On speaking about the 88^th minute winning goal that sealed the three points for the Essex side, Sampson added: “It was a cruel goal – a fortunate bounce for them.”

Sampson admitted when sides are at the top of the league, they always seem to get the bounce of the ball.

He added: “I’ve been top of the league many times and scored last minute goals, and East Thurrock got the bounce.”

Sampson’s side entertain Horsham YMCA at Stonebridge Road next Sunday in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup.

The Sussex side could be a banana skin for the Darts’ as they currently lead the Sussex County League with a 100% record after five games.

Sampson admitted: “Their manager, John Suter, is a great friend of mine.

“I’ve known John for many years, and he has been at the club since man and boy.

“Over the years, we’ve played each other at least six times in the FA Cup and FA Vase.

“I know John ever so well, and they are currently the best side in the Sussex County League.”

Sampson warned Dartford supporters, thinking it’s going to be a pushover: “John always has a tidy side, and they won’t be a pushover.

“I don’t want people to think they will be a pushover, as they are from a lower league.”

Dartford vs Waltham Forest
Monday 30 August 2004
Kick Off 3:00 at Stonebridge Road, Northfleet
Southern League Division One East