Dartford boss Steve King happy to see no Terras on empty terraces

Dartford boss Steve King believes his side can make the most of kicking off behind closed doors in the first of Saturday’s National League play-offs at Weymouth.
The ex-Whitehawk, Macclesfield, Lewes boss reckons the empty terraces for the National League South final at the Bob Lucas Stadium will be a bonus after the reception his sides have received on previous visits to Dorset.
King, pictured, has transformed the Darts into promotion contenders since taking over last October with his new charges fifth from bottom and heading in the wrong direction.
After winning away at Slough Town and semi-final favourites Havant and Waterlooville last Saturday, King has high hopes of his Dartford side doing it the hard way to claim a place in the National League with a third win on the road.
Sussex-based King told the Eastbourne Herald on Friday: “That’s frankly a bonus for us. Weymouth is a tough place to go, with a very partisan crowd. But we are approaching it professionally, staying over on Friday night, and I think we have every chance.
“My own record in play-off finals is the one thing I still need to put right, career-wise. Too many near misses. But in play-offs, the club that wins through is nearly always the club that comes into them with momentum. We are that team. We’ve got stronger and stronger, and we fear nobody.
“Havant should have been the favourites, on strength of squad and experience. But we saw them off. Weymouth had a very good win over Dorking, who have been going strong.
“I’ve watched them several times over the season, and they are not spectacular but organised and strong. Their close links with AFC Bournemouth have been useful, especially in their loan defenders.”
The Dartford boss added: “There are no favourites or underdogs on Saturday. It’s all on the day.”
Boston United host Altrincham in the National League North play-off in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday before Notts County and Harrogate Town go head-to-head at Wembley on Sunday in the National League final.
Make sure you get your copy of The Non-League Paper this weekend for all the action from the play-offs and much more as Non-League comes out of lockdown!
In print and online 24/7 as a full digital replica since midnight on Saturday, The NLP’s news pages are the only place to stay informed and entertained while getting the big picture from across Non-League in one place.

Get ahead of the game with our free weekly newsletter and never take a chance on missing your paper on a Sunday or Monday again!
Subscribe today to have the printed edition delivered to your doorstep or enjoy the full digital edition from the comfort of your own home or wherever you are when it pops up on your mobile or device!
The only national paper devoted to Non-League football, as a digital edition The NLP is available whenever and wherever you want it. Try a free sample of a recent edition today if you’re staying home or on the run. You’ll save cash as a one off or regular digital reader and the pages still rustle like the printed paper too!

Images courtesy of The Non-League Paper