by Steve Tervet

Dartford captain Elliot Bradbrook has described his side’s flying start to the season as "surreal" after embracing the challenges Blue Square Bet Premier football has heralded on and off the pitch.

While the Darts have received plaudits for taking the top flight of non-league by storm, Bradbrook and his team-mates face the continual challenge of dovetailing day jobs with increased sporting commitments.

Bradbrook (pictured) said: "It’s difficult. There’s a lot more time spent travelling or generally being at football. When you’re working full-time, it takes its toll. In the past, players have had to leave because, ultimately, their main job is their main source of income."

Sure enough, manager Tony Burman had re-signed 11 of last season’s squad by the end of May. However, a question mark appeared to linger over Bradbrook, who works for an investment consultancy firm.

He said: "When Tony offered me another contract, I had no doubts about wanting to stay but there were certain things at work I had to clear first."

Burman has led Dartford to promotion in three of the last six seasons and each time, he has merely tinkered with his playing squad. The formula continues to work. Fearless displays this term have fired the Darts up the table, where they sit alongside Luton Town, Wrexham and Grimsby Town.

"It’s a bit surreal, to be honest," admitted Bradbrook. "At the start of the season, we read all the newspapers and people’s comments on us and lots of people said we were going to struggle.

"That might still be the case but we always knew that we’ve got a decent side and there’s no fear in terms of competing with teams in that league."

Read Elliot Bradbrook's full interview in this week's Dartford Messenger - out now.