Darts squad ready for play-off clash
Dartford
into Sunday’s game without a competitive 90 minutes since that win over Chelmsford that left them sixth in National League South.
Slough’s preparations have been the same, however, so it will be a fitness challenge both teams have to overcome. Their opponents were beaten 3-2 by Brackley Town who are competing in the National League North play-offs.
For the Darts boss, he has been putting his players through a tough fitness challenge, which includes a routine called the Bronco test, a version of the bleep test. It’s an endurance challenge which sees players make shuttle runs at 20, 40 and 60 metres five times as quickly as possible.
Cameron Brodie smashed it with a time of 3mins 30secs while the rest of the squad have now managed to get under the four-minute mark as fitness levels rapidly improve. Dartford’s players and staff have been undergoing regular Covid-19 tests and nobody has tested positive.
They were due another round of tests this week, ahead of their weekend match, which now kicks off behind closed doors at 1.30pm, moving to an earlier start as all play-off matches are to be streamed live.
King’s side were in good form before the halt in play. He arrived as manager with the task of keeping them up but a tremendous run saw them climb into the play-off places. He accepts all form is now out of the window, however.
“Yes, 100% it is,” he said. “If we had continued the season and went into the play-offs I think we would have been favourites to go through, we were flying. “But Slough are capable of beating us, we are capable of beating them. Dorking lost the last six out of seven league games and then went to Notts County (at the weekend) and won 3-1.
“You can’t call it, it’s on the day, everyone has players capable of winning matches.” Havant & Waterlooville will face the winners of Dartford’s game against Slough Town on Saturday, July 25 (3pm). The final will take place on August 1 at the stadium of the highest ranked finalist.
Maidstone United have started their summer recruitment. Well-travelled 33-year-old striker Scott Rendell has joined the National South side along with central defender Joe Ellul.
Rendell has played for the likes of Peterborough, Wycombe and Luton and was top scorer in the National League while at Woking. He hopes to get the Gallagher Stadium rocking next season after a year with Eastleigh. “I’ve worked with the gaffer before and am excited to do so again,” he said.
“I’ve played there before and know how good the atmosphere can be. If we can start with some good football and get some positive results, then this place will be rocking and that will make it a hard place for opposition teams to come.”
Maidenhead defender Ellul is experienced too. The 31-yearold has agreed a one year deal but hopes to be there longer. He said: “I’ve got family who live nearby so was aware of the club and its past.”