by Andrew Gidley

Strikers Donovan Simmonds and Ross Treleavan both featured for Dartford in their 2-0 pre-season friendly win at Thamesmead on Saturday.

Simmonds (pictured), released by Dover at the end of last season, scored one of the goals with ex-Whites midfielder James Rogers getting the other, in a two-minute spell before half-time at Bayliss Avenue.

Treleavan was at Eastbourne Borough last season and assistant manager Steve Mosely said: “We are still looking to add to the squad and both are two players who we were aware of, and have brought in to have a look at. Both done well but at the moment it is all about match sharpness.”

Mosely and fellow assistant manager Paul Sawyer were in charge at the weekend, in the absence of Tony Burman, who returns in time for the visit of Gillingham on Saturday.

Three other trialists involved at the weekend were midfielder Anthony Church, who was at Grimsby last season, defender Henry Muggeridge (Bristol City), and Nathan Collier (Hampton & Richmond). The rest of the Darts squad was made up of under-18 Academy players.

Mosely added: “Many of the players we are talking to have been full-time, there are plenty out there looking for clubs but we have to make sure the ones we bring in are right for us.”

John Whitehouse stepped in to cover for injured Louie Wells at Thamesmead after the Darts No.1 picked up an ankle injury in a 3-1 win against VCD last Thursday – a match switched to Darts’ 3G pitch at Princes Park, as the Crayford club’s pitch was waterlogged. Ryan Hayes, Collier and youngster Eugene Worifah were on target.

Whitehouse, currently without a club, was needed as Deren Ibrahim has joined Maidstone United on a dual registration and played in their friendly against Brighton, while Academy youngster Stevie Sutton was unavailable.

Mosely says seeking long-term cover for Wells is another situation the club are keeping tabs on, with the loan market a possibility.

Wells missed Tuesday’s night’s 2-1 friendly win at Erith & Belvedere but should be fit to return against the Gills. Lee Burns and Ryan Hayes got the goals at Park View Road.