Ryan Hayes in action against Truro City at Princes Park

by Steve Tervet

Winger Ryan Hayes joined an exclusive club last week when he made his 350th appearance in a Dartford shirt.

The 27-year-old has played for the club in six different divisions since manager Tony Burman plucked him from Kent League football eight years ago.

Hayes, a firm favourite with the Princes Park faithful, joined Dartford when they were homeless and struggling to make an impression in Southern League Division 1 East.

But the Darts have risen to the top of the non-league pyramid and Hayes (pictured) has seen his own stock rise too.

Many of his 77 goals for Dartford have been spectacular efforts and his performances in Blue Square Bet Premier this term have left some of the division’s best defenders scratching their heads.

On reaching his latest milestone, Hayes said: "In this day and age, not many people stay at clubs for too long. I just want to keep doing as well as I can for Dartford."

For a full interview with Ryan Hayes see this week's Dartford Messenger.