Dartford boss Steve King refusing to be downbeat despite his side's five-match winning run being ended by Slough Town
Published: 06:00, 23 January 2020
Dartford manager Steve King won’t read too much into their defeat at Slough.
The reverse last weekend ended Darts’ run of five straight victories in National League South.
But it was only the third league reverse of King’s tenure, and they remain seventh in the table – still in the play-off places with 15 games remaining.
“We just didn’t perform on the day, that’s the bottom line,” admitted King.
“But we have still won six out of eight (in the league) and I will take that all day long.
“I don’t get too low when we lose or too high when we win.
"We are still in a good position in the league, as well.”
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Midfielder Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong’s initial one-month loan deal from National League outfit Aldershot will be up after this Saturday’s home game with Dulwich at Princes Park.
King has not ruled out making further additions to his squad, adding: “As a manager, I’m always looking to improve us, but there is nothing imminent.”
King is expecting the Dulwich clash to be an entertaining affair.
Gavin Rose’s men are regarded in non-league circuits as one of the best passing teams but they are only five points above the relegation zone despite a recent upturn in form.
King said: “Dulwich have found a nice little bit of form and got a late equaliser at the weekend against Chippenham.
“It will be a tough game but I think that Dulwich’s style of play will suit us.
“There will be two good teams going at it.”
Dulwich were also in action on Tuesday, losing 3-1 to Havant & Waterlooville.
Influential midfielder Lee Noble made his first outing since October after a knee injury during Tuesday night’s 1-0 Kent Senior Cup win away to Maidstone.
Keeper Mark Smith returned in goal, his first appearance since being injured at Dulwich last month, while Charlie Sheringham and Liam Nash also got valuable minutes under their belt.
Only Sanchez Ming and skipper Josh Hill remained in the starting line-up from the Slough defeat but Darts forward Ky Marsh-Brown scored the winner in the first half against Maidstone, who had defender Lewis Knight sent off for a second yellow card before half-time.
Full-back Ming will begin a four-match suspension this weekend after picking up a red card at Slough.
The extra game is because it is his second red card of the campaign, having already been sent off while he was at Welling.
Colchester loanee Tyrique Hyde has a groin injury and will need to be assessed.
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Thomas Reeves