As Dartford hosted Carshalton Athletic on the final day of the regular season, our matchday programme featured four players who were chasing the Dartford Golden Boot. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
Regardless of what happens come the end of this season, on the field it has been a success for many reasons.
With a healthy blend of youth and experience, Ady Pennock has put together a solid group of players from scratch. And despite a difficult opening couple of months, Dartford have lost just twice in the Isthmian Premier League since mid-October. Yet, in front of our own supporters at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park, we haven’t tasted defeat since Wingate & Finchley won here back in October.
While the defence must take a lot of the plaudits for this incredible run of form, the other reason is because of goals scored. Ady has instilled a never say die attitude into the players, which has seen the Darts score 76 goals in 41 games on their journey.
At the time of writing, no fewer than fifteen players have scored this season. And, there have been some superb goals scored too! However, four players in particular are in the race for the Dartford Golden Boot. The four in question are Callum Jones, Olly Box, Samir Carruthers, and Eddie Dsane, who all sat down for a little chat over WhatsApp recently.
CALLUM JONES (15 GOALS)
Callum Jones arrived at Dartford from Chelmsford City, and he has really enjoyed his first campaign here…
“This season has been a good one for myself and the team. I’ve played a lot of games and really enjoyed it. The team has been great! We’ve managed to get ourselves into a really good position. The togetherness has been really important, as we had tough spells at the start of the season where results weren’t going for us. But, we stuck together and have got our selves into a great position.”
How does it feel to be the current top scorer for the club this season?
“It’s always good to be amongst the top scorers in the team because, I feel as though I’ve contributed my bit for the team. It’s been a healthy competition between us all, with goalscorers from all positions in the team, and one that has pushed myself and the rest of the boys on to score more.”
Does Callum have a favourite goal of the season so far?
“My favourite goal this season would be the one I scored against Chatham at home. It was in the last 10 minutes and put us in the lead, before Eddie got us a third in stoppage time. It was a great result on the bank holiday Monday for the team and the fans!”
And what about his teammates? Does he have a favourite goal of their’s?
“The best goal from one of the boys this season has to be Hilly’s wonder goal! The strike was perfect, and the celebrations between us all showed how together we are and how buzzing we were for skip!“
OLLY BOX (14 GOALS)
Hot on Callum’s heels is young starlet Olly Box. The Dartford Academy Graduate has had a solid first full season for the club…
“I’m all good thanks Chris. I’m looking forward to our last couple games of the season. The season has been full of highs and lows, from having a bit of a goal drought and getting injured. However, since coming back from injury, I feel that I’ve really kicked on and added good numbers to my game.”
How does it feel to be in the running for the Dartford Golden Boot?
“I’m delighted to be in the race! It’s one of the things you look forward to as a striker trying to be the top goalscorer, and it’s very tight, so it’s all up to play for.”
Does Olly have a favourite goal of the season so far?
“For me, my favourite goal was probably the one against Billericay Town. It was a huge game at the time, and for us to start fast was really important. As soon as I shot and saw it heading towards the top corner, I knew it was our game from then onwards. I also had a lot of friends and family at the game too, so it gave them something to cheer about.”
And what about his teammates? Does he have a favourite goal of their’s?
“For me, my favourite goal from a teammate was George Whitefield’s goal against Cheshunt. George and I have grown close over the last couple of years playing with each other in the Academy, so for him to be playing and getting the recognition that he deserves makes me proud.”
SAMIR CARRUTHERS (11 GOALS)
Also in the running is midfield maestro Samir Carruthers, who has been in superb form recently. Despite battling the odd injury, Samir has been closing in on Olly and Callum for top goalscorer honours…
“This season has been amazing, with the birth of my son Leonardo and the season we are having has been unreal. I could not ask for anything better this year, and to be surrounded with good people at the club and amazing team mates has been unreal.
“It’s honestly been one of my favourite seasons in football. There’s been plenty of bad moments at the start of the season, but I always knew we would come good, as we were always playing well. Just things were not going our way. We have so many young players in the squad and it’s genuinely only a matter of time before they turn into reliable men on the pitch. I’ve been so proud of their growth throughout the season. For the oldies in the squad, we just try and look out for them and try and lead by example, even though I don’t feel like an oldy! Personally, I feel like I’ve had a good season with goals and plenty of assists, but being able to help lead the group on and off the pitch has really been my focus this year.”
How does it feel to be in the running for the Dartford Golden Boot?
“Haha… I really don’t care about the golden boot to be honest. I would much rather my strikers get it, as that means we are scoring plenty of goals. Also, I feel like everyone has contributed this season. I would much prefer it if there was an assist trophy.”
Does Samir have a favourite goal of the season so far?
“My favourite goal this season that I’ve scored might be the Horsham away one… the equaliser. It came at a really important time, as we were away from home and had just conceded. I loved my dink penalty as well… I’d been telling the boys that I’d do it at some point and I did!”
And what about his teammates? Does he have a favourite goal of their’s?
“My favourite goal scored by a teammate has to be Josh Hill’s screamer from 64 yards! He’s not stopped going on about it, and it keeps getting further and further back each time he’s mentioned it!!”
EDDIE DSANE (11 GOALS)
Eddie’s arrival earlier in the season was well received by all involved with Dartford. However, it wasn’t long before Callum and Olly hit form, leaving the striker to wait for his opportunity to come…
“Personally, I feel like I’ve underachieved so far, as I haven’t scored as many goals as I would’ve liked to. I’ve also had an ongoing injury for months. But as a team, it’s been a very good season so far. There’s been some difficult patches this season, but one thing that’s always remained is the team spirit and togetherness.”
How does it feel to be in the running for the Dartford Golden Boot?
“It’s a good feeling to be in the race for the golden boot. I’m happy to be up there, even though I’ve had limited minutes and missed quite a few games this season. It will be an interesting race and I’m up against some serious competition!”
Does Eddie have a favourite goal of the season so far?
“That’s an easy one. My favourite goal is definitely my winner against Horsham. The scenes were unreal.”
And what about his teammates? Does he have a favourite goal of their’s?
“My favourite goal scored by a teammate will probably be Hilly’s goal against Bognor Regis Town. What a strike!”
By Chris Palmer