Kent fans raise over £14,000 for Hughes

DARTFORD manager Tony Burman asks the Ryman League top-brass to ensure all Kent derbies in future are played on Saturday’s rather than in midweek, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts travel to Bourne Park tomorrow night to play arch-rivals Maidstone United, but Burman, like the rest of us, feels Kent derbies should be played on Saturday’s to enable clubs to reap the financial benefits.

It would also benefit the profile of the league as no other county in the Ryman League can attract four figure gates when their superpowers meet.

“It’s a Tuesday night, which is a little disappointing,” Burman told www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight. “Hopefully it will be a big crowd and an excellent game for them to watch.”

“It’s the travelling thing for the League’s point of view to get the game’s in midweek, but most of the club’s would like the derbies on a Saturday, as you’d get a better crowd.”

But Burman takes his side to Bourne Park in a confident manner, after thumping Horsham 4-0 at Princes Park - in front of a crowd of 1,006 - on Saturday.

Tomorrow’s game has the making’s off being an exciting one.

“Maidstone United have had a great start to their season,” said Burman.

“We know our start has not been good enough, but things have picked up recently and are starting to go our way, which is nice and we go into the game in fairly confident mood.

“There’s a lot of Kent derbies and hopefully it’s going to be a good game.”

Burman handed goalkeeper Andrew Young, 28, his debut against the Hornets and was pleased that he kept his side’s first clean sheet of the season in the 4-0 romp.

“He signed for Thurrock in July and he was with Bishop’s Stortford for four years before that,” revealed Burman.

“He’s got the experience at Conference South level and for his first game he done very well.”

Reflecting on the game, Burman was pleased that his side took out their frustrations in style.

He said: “We have been threatening to do something like that with the chances that we’ve been creating and on Saturday things came off for us and it worked and it was a thoroughly deserved three points.

“It was our first home league win of the season and obviously a clean sheet for the first time this year, which is nice and positive. With everything that’s gone on, it was nice to get the win under our belt.”

Burman believes Young’s signing will add competition for the injured Tony Kessell and award-winning seventeen-year-old stopper Deren Ibrahim.

Ibrahim made his debut for the Darts in their recent 3-2 home win over Hastings United in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup - and went on to clinch the player-of-the-round award with 40% of the vote.

The rookie goalkeeper was one of five names that were selected by a panel, which included Mark Clemmit of Radio Five Live, Howard Wheatcroft of the Daily Star, Ricky George of the Daily Telegraph, ITV pundit Andy Townsend and E.ON managing director, Graham Bartlett.

Ibrahim and a guest will receive VIP hospitality at the FA Cup Final on Saturday, 30^th May 2009 and will also be presented with a commemorative trophy.

“He has (won the award), courtesy off a lot of Dartford supporters I think,” said Burman.

“He’s only just turned seventeen and to come in and play in front of 1,000 people when things weren’t going too well (for us), he did well. It was his debut and he never let us down.”

Speaking about Kessell, who is currently nursing a groin injury, Burman said: “He was close on Saturday and we’ll see how he feels tomorrow and he could be added to the squad.”

Burman feels the competition will be good for his goalkeepers, adding: “It’s an area we’ve been looking to bring someone in to make competition for the number one spot and we’ve now got that.”

Meanwhile, Maidstone United will be holding a collection at this game in support of Rob Hughes - a Sutton United player and friend of Stones midfielder John Wilfort.

Hughes was attacked while on holiday in Crete back in June. In an unprovoked incident, his head was bottled and stamped on by five youths. He was left in a coma for weeks and only returned to the UK last week after making a miraculous recovery.

The alleged attackers escaped charges because of a loop hole in Greek law but Hughes faces many challenges as he continues his recovery. His family are providing round the clock care as he battles physical and mental injuries.

Wilfort has been helping Rob's family and hopes fans from Maidstone and Dartford will support the fundraiser on Tuesday.

And Wilfort, speaking to www.maidstoneunited.co.uk said: "It's nice to see that people care about other people. It's not just about football, it'll be nice to get this young lad a bit of money.

“He's going to be out of work, will never be able to play football again and the recovery period could be anything up to three years. It's very important that people dig deep and help him."

And Micky Collins, who played in the benefit game at Hayes Lane yesterday, revealed that the Kentish Football family have come together to raise a substantial amount for Hughes.

Over £200 was collected at the game between Tonbridge Angels and Heybridge Swifts on Saturday, and the Angels’ reserve team coach said: “The game went really well yesterday. Rob was there, which made it even more special and over 400 turned out to watch.

“We have raised in total £14,000, which will help him with his recovery.”

Visit Maidstone United’s website:  www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Visit Dartford's websites:  www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

Maidstone United v Dartford
Ryman Premier League
Tuesday 23^rd September 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park Stadium, Eurolink, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB