John Beales is ready to put his long lay-off behind him by impressing Dartford manager Tony Burman.

The 24-year-old defender, who lives just around the corner from Princes Park, has been out of action since April of last year after suffering a serious knee injury playing for former club Tonbridge against Hendon.

Beales had run-outs in the Darts’ opening two pre-season games against Norwich and Gillingham, and played his first full 90 minutes in the 1-0 victory at Met Police last Saturday.

With Burman away on holiday, his assistants Steve Mosely and Paul Sawyer have liked what they have seen. Mosely said: "John spent time doing his re-hab at the club last season, and has done very well so far.

"He played for an hour against Norwich and had 45 minutes against Gillingham, and his performances have been good.

"Tony will want to look at John himself before he makes a decision."

Dartford were without several first teamers at Met Police. Goalkeeper Andrew Young (dead leg), John Guest (groin), Lee Noble (foot) and Danny Dafter (ankle) all missed out.

Former Ebbsfleet youngster Sam Mott and former Darts keeper Tony Kessell played 45 minutes each while defender Danny Barber played his first 45 minutes competitive football, after recovering from cruciate ligament damage on his debut at Tooting last season.

One blow for the Darts was young midfielder Kiran Dingi pulling up with a hamstring injury which could sideline him for several weeks, while defender Adam Gross is also nursing a slight groin problem.

Elliott Bradbrook scored the winner in the second half at Met Police, converting the rebound, after Adam Flanagan had challenged the Police keeper, following a good run and cross by Adam Burchell.

Mosely added: "It was a good work-out for us against non-league opposition."

Mosely and Sawyer were in charge at the weekend but Burman will be back from holiday for tonight’s (Thursday) hastily re-arranged friendly at home to Welling.

The game had been due to be played on Tuesday but was put back 48 hours after a power failure affected Princes Park.

The Darts then visit Witham this Saturday, a fixture which was part of the original deal that brought Cody McDonald to the club.

Dartford start their second season in the Ryman League Premier Division at home to Horsham on August 15, before trips to Margate and Hastings.

The fixtures, which were released last week, see the Darts face Christmas and New Year derbies against newly-promoted Cray Wanderers.

The Darts end the season with a home match against Aveley before a trip to Bognor Regis.