DARTFORD’S dreams of unveiling their new stadium with a lucrative derby against arch-rivals Maidstone United have been dashed by construction problems.

The opening of Darts’ multi-million pound Princes Park Stadium is probably the most eagerly awaited event on the county’s football calendar.

They had been scheduled to end their 13-year exile from the borough on September 23 against Maidstone in Ryman League, Division 1 South, but it has emerged that a delay in construction had forced a postponement.

Club chairman Dave Skinner said: "It’s unfortunate but after all the hassle that we’ve been through over so many years, we can wait a little longer."

* See the Dartford Messenger for the full story.