3rdnov04

Darts not expecting too much at Redbridge

DARTFORD manager Tommy Sampson is expecting a tough game when they make the trip to Nationwide South club Redbridge in the first round of the FA Trophy on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts will be without Craig Dennis, who is cup-tied, having played for his previous club, Great Wakering Rovers in the preliminary round, and midfielder Mark Horan - who sits out due to a one-match ban, having collected five bookings.

On the injury front, Ted Ansell (Achilles), Tommy Planck (hamstring) and Danny Heale (ankle ligaments) will not take to the pitch, which is adjacent to Barkingside tube station.

Sampson said: "If we win, it will be a giant killing."

Although some might say the Southern League Division One East outfit are clearly the bigger club in terms of support, they take on an Essex side that have recently been forced to reduce their playing budget due to a lack of support, having expected more supporters after changing their name from Ford United in the close season to represent the borough they play in.

The Darts boss added: "They are in the Conference South and we've watched them twice. 

"They are a very competitive side but they aren't good enough to win their league but perhaps they play tougher games than us.

"Being competitive is their strength and it's going to be a difficult, hard day for us."

Sampson, however, is playing down his team's chances of progressing into the second round.

He said: "I regard this as a free day for us.  If we win, great!  if we don't then we didn't expect too - Redbridge are the favourites."


Redbridge v Dartford
FA Trophy First Round
Saturday 6th November 2004
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Oakside, Station Road, Barkingside, Essex