Last weekend saw Dartford host Havant & Waterlooville at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Noor Husin featured in our matchday programme that day. For those who missed that feature, here is the full article:
Afghanistan International, Noor Husin, arrived at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in February 2020 from Stevenage Borough and swiftly became a vital member of Steve King’s midfield unit. And, even though his Dartford career was rather short, the midfielder genuinely loves the club.
“Before I arrived at Dartford, I was having a really tough time with football. I wasn’t getting a break at all and, I wouldn’t say that the love I had for the game was gone completely, but I was really struggling to enjoy it. When I arrived at Dartford, I got that love back, and the fans at the club were amazing towards me as well.”
He continues, “When Steve King brought me into the club, it really helped me and I began enjoying my football again, and I managed to kick on from there. There’s some amazing people at Dartford, and the way they took me in and supported me was wonderful. It’s a family club and is so welcoming. I really loved my time there.”
After his arrival, Noor soon made his debut against Eastbourne Borough on the 22nd of February in front of the Dartford fans. Does he remember the game?
“Yeah, I do remember the game actually Chris. To be fair, I think I only trained once beforehand, and was thrown straight into the game. I really enjoyed it. We won 2-1 and were flying up the table, until COVID-19 hit….”
With the virus outbreak came the lockdown and, like all footballers (and everyone else), Noor’s progress was halted as all sport was cancelled. The next two seasons were particularly impacted, but the midfielder still managed to make a total of 51 appearances in all competitions during his brief spell, 48 of them in the starting eleven. Yet, one of those appearances stands out the most…
“Oh! I didn’t know that I’d made that many appearances to be honest. To be fair, because it was very stop/start for the first couple of seasons due to the lockdown, and then me leaving in January of my last season (2022), there’s a few games that I really enjoyed. But, my personal favourite would have to be the FA Cup game at Maidstone in October 2021. We won 3-0 away from home, in a derby so, yeah that’s probably my favourite game.”
However, Noor also names another derby fixture as one of his favourites in Dartford colours, Welling United. The game took place in September 2021, and Noor actually opened the scoring in the first minute with his second goal of the season. The Darts went on to hammer their local rivals 6-0 at Park View Road… “We played really well that day. Beating Welling 6-0 in the derby is another big favourite of mine.”
Noor would go on to score on six occasions during his spell at Dartford, and it’s no surprise to hear which one is his favourite…
“My favourite goal for Dartford has to be the one against Maidstone in the FA Cup. It was a free-kick and it flew in, sending the away fans in the corner into wild celebrations.”
During his career so far, Noor has played alongside numerous players. However, when I asked him who he believes is underrated, his answer may surprise some readers…
“The most underrated player I’ve played with is probably Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong (now at Havant & Waterlooville). He was at Dartford with me for a short period. I thought that the way he carried the ball was impressive, and he’s so skilful. He’s one of those players that a lot of people just don’t appreciate how good he is.”
It’s no secret that Southend United came in for Noor during the January transfer window in 2022. With the National League outfit making both him and Dartford offers that couldn’t be refused, the midfielder made the move. How is he finding life with The Blues?
“I’m loving it here to be honest Chris. It’s been a few years since I left Dartford, and I’m back in full-time football now. I’ve actually moved down here to be closer to Southend United, and I’m training full-time now, which is great. I’ve been here for almost two years now. It’s another proper club with a great fan base. Obviously, I’ve played a lot of games since joining, and I’m enjoying my time here.”
And, what are his thoughts about the Darts? “With Dartford, I know they’ve not started too well, but I hope they turn things around, start climbing up the table, and get into those play-off positions. Dartford’s a club that I have great affection for. I hope that, one day, I get to play at the stadium again, or even play for the club again. I always check for the results.”
And now for something completely different to finish with… I asked Noor which five players (that he’s played alongside/against) he’d pick if he was involved in a five-a-side tournament. This is what he said…
“In goal, Paul Farman (at Barrow). My defender has to be Tom Bonner (at Havant & Waterlooville), and midfielders would be Cav Miley (at Southend United) and Jack Bridge (at Southend United). In attack, I’d have Harry Cardwell (at Southend United).”
By Chris Palmer
