PARK IS HOME FROM HOME FOR JEFFERS
SHAUN JEFFERS has fond experiences of Dartford’s Princes Park stadium – now he’s hoping his lucky ground can become a special place in his promotion dream.
Jeffers has already enjoyed play-off success at the home of the Darts, leading his Chelmsford City side to semi-final success in 2017.
Three seasons later, in his first at Clarence Park, Jeffers netted a fine goal at Princes Park before Covid wiped it out – but he made an even better one count just three weeks ago when he produced a stunning overhead kick which went viral, albeit in a 2-1 defeat.
Now, Jeffers is plotting a successful return to Kent this afternoon after having already made his mark in St Albans’ playoff campaign.
His extra-time winner helped the Saints edge past his former club Chelmsford in Tuesday night’s Eliminator and now Jeffers is hoping that could provide the platform for another memorable trip to Kent.
“It’s fair to say Dartford has been a kind place for me over the years,” the 31-year-old former Peterborough United, Newport County and Yeovil Town front man told The NLP.
“The overhead kick was probably one of the best goals I’ve ever scored, even though the result went against us that day.
“It was a really close game at theirs and we felt unfortunate not to come away with anyone. But we back ourselves to go there again and give them another good game on Sunday.
“In the end, there really wasn’t a lot between the clubs in those play-off places. Teams were nicking points off each points in the run-in, it was all about keeping your nerve and thankfully we managed to do that. We have proved we deserve to be there.”
Jeffers is already locked on the radar of a number of top clubs but although the former Coventry City still has ambitions to play higher, he’s determined to do so in the yellow of the Saints.
“Nobby [manager Dave Noble] and Jon [Meakes, assistant] have given us a real identity in the way we want to play,” Jeffers added.
“Everyone in the squad is on a progression and want to play the next level and take the club where we think it should be.
“We have a great mix and a great crop of lads – and we all have the same goals. We’re all in it together.”
“Good things are happening at this club, crowds are increasing, and we’re determined to see the club reach its full potential.”