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Dartford boss Steve King comes up against Hungerford counterpart Danny Robinson this weekend – and there’s already a mutual respect between the pair.
It’s the first time King will go head-to-head with the former Thatcham Town boss.
Robinson’s new-look Hungerford team have started the National League South season in fine form, sitting third in the table with 19 points from nine matches.
Hungerford were bottom of the table when last season was declared null and void, and only avoided relegation by three points the previous campaign, so it's been a remarkable turnaround.
King said: “They are a surprise package when you consider what’s happened to them in the last couple of years.
“They’ve got a new manager in Danny Robinson and have got two good forwards in their team. They are solid and work very hard for each other.
“I don’t know the manager personally but he’s come from another level and been given that opportunity. He has done a fantastic job so far.”
Robinson was equally magnanimous in his view on the Darts. He said: “They don’t get any tougher than this.
“Their manager Steve King is someone I have always admired and if I can do half as well as him then I’ll have done well.
“It will be a big test for us, but we will relish the challenge of playing one of the best teams in the league and hopefully by five o’clock on Saturday there will be another upset.”
Dartford were knocked off top spot in midweek on goal difference by Dorking Wanderers and King’s men will be keen to return with three points.
On-loan Chelsea keeper Ethan Wady made his first start against Slough last weekend. The 18-year-old replaced Craig King between the sticks. “I just felt that it was good to give Ethan an opportunity,” said King. “He has been waiting patiently for an opportunity and he is a good keeper, you don’t get signed up by Chelsea if you’re not a good keeper.”
Darts will have midfielder Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong available. The 22-year-old won his appeal against the red card he was shown late on against Slough.
