Andy Pugh found his scoring boots on Saturday after throwing away the pair which put him in the treatment room earlier this season.

Pugh joined the Darts from Cambridge United in the summer and started their first seven games in the Vanarama Conference.

But he only scored once during that run and didn’t start any of Dartford’s next nine games.

After netting in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Aldershot, he revealed why.

Pugh said: "It was something I had a few years back, tendonitis. It can be set off by different things and your footwear is one of them.

"I changed my boots at the start of the season and the heel had irritated it. The heel was higher on the new boots and it had irritated my Achilles. It was starting to get really sore.

"I’ve struggled since Woking, the second game of the season. That was the last time I felt fit. I’ve been playing with that niggle and it’s been getting me down. I felt like I was playing at 60% and I think it showed.

"I was disappointed with the performances I was turning in, so I asked Tony (Burman) if I could have time to get it right and thankfully he gave me that.

"I’ve had to go back to my previous boots. I’m over it now and I just need to get my fitness and sharpness back. I felt a bit lethargic on Saturday but that will come with games and more training.

"I’m just pleased to be back out there, starting, and getting the goal was great for me.”

Read the full interview in the Dartford Messenger.