by Luke Cawdell

Dartford boss Tony Burman is hoping new signing George Purcell can inflict some damage on his former club on Saturday.

Purcell smashed home 22 goals in 44 games last season for this weekend's opponents, Braintree, to earn a move to Blue Square Bet Premier side York in the summer.

The striker picked up an ankle injury pre-season and has joined Dartford on loan for a month as the last stage of his recovery. The Gravesend-born player made a scoring debut for the Darts last weekend by hitting the equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Woking.

Braintree sit top of the Blue Square Bet South table and Purcell's form could be the difference when the sides meet at Princes Park.

Burman (pictured) said: "He scored plenty of goals last season and he needs match practice. He's got one goal so far and if he can get three or four in his short spell then we'll all have gained.

"He's a quality player and someone I have been trying to sign for two years but it's not quite happened. The opportunity came and it shows how far we have improved that we are able to sign Conference Premier footballers. We wouldn't have dreamed of that a few years ago."

Purcell is not the only player to have appeared for the Braintree team - with six others in last weekend's squad having played for them in recent seasons.

Joe Bruce, Billy Burgess, Lee Burns, Tom Champion, Paul Goodacre and Michael Shinn have all appeared for the side.

Can Purcell fire Darts to three points against Braintree? Have your say below.