Princes Park Special: Explosive entrance made my hairs on the back of my neck stand up

The first referee to officiate at Dartford’s Princes Park Stadium on Saturday admitted today that it was a “privilege” to be chosen for Darts special homecoming, writes Stephen McCartney.

New Eltham based referee Mr Ian Crouch, along with his assistants Mr Steve Rowden (Rochester) and Mr Alan Marshall (Gillingham) played their part in Darts return home.

Striker Brendon Cass scored the first ever goal at the stunning £6.5m new home of Dartford Football Club after just 10 minutes and 27 seconds, and his two goals takes his tally to fifteen for the season.

Eddie McClements scored a 35-yard screamer and Dartford born midfielder, substitute Nick Barnes scored with his first touch as Dartford defeated plucky Horsham YMCA 4-2 in front of a capacity 4,097 opening game crowd.

“I and my assistants thoroughly enjoyed the day on Saturday,” Mr Crouch told www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk today.

“You guys at Dartford certainly have a ground to be proud off.

“I feel you will have to be on your metal in future though as other teams will relish the chance to play at such a fine stadium.

“It was an absolute pleasure and a privilege to have been appointed to referee the first game at Princess Park and the last game in exile.”

Mr Crouch was the referee during the Darts last ever game in exile - their 3-0 Kent Senior Cup defeat at Welling United last week.

But Dartford made an extraordinary entrance to their new home, something that thrilled Mr Crouch.

“When we walked out of the tunnel with the fireworks and music it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up,” he said.

“I thank you for the hospitality that we were shown and I would also like to mention the part that Horsham YMCA played in making it such a wonderful sporting occasion.”

With the Ryman League Division One South club dealing with opening day issues such as poor catering and gloomy floodlighting, which can both easily be rectified, Mr Crouch added: “I’m glad to hear that the floodlights are to be adjusted as it was rather gloomy in he middle and the only other negative was that my partner who watched the game from the bar, as she gets cold, said that from inside you could not hear any of the tannoy announcements so maybe internal speakers could be installed to heighten ones enjoyment.

“I wish you well for the future and hopefully I will be appointed to officiate at Princes Park again, as this is a great step, not just for Dartford but for the non-league game that I love being involved in.”

Dartford, third in the table and just one point behind the leaders, welcome Ryman Premier League side Boreham Wood in the fourth round of the Westview Cup on Tuesday night.

The game kick’s off at 7:45pm and fans can pay at the turnstiles.

Dare you miss it?

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

Dartford  v  Boreham Wood
Westview Cup Fourth Round
Tuesday 14th November 2006
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT