Malachi Napa is open to extending his loan spell at promotion-chasing Dartford.

The lively 23-year-old winger has made a big impact since joining from National League Wealdstone in December, scoring his first Darts goal in the New Year’s Day thumping of rivals Ebbsfleet.

His loan spell is due to end after this Saturday’s trip to Cheshunt but Napa is happy to stay longer if the clubs can come to an agreement.

“I’d love to stay longer as I am really enjoying it but we’ll have to see what happens,” stated Napa.

“The set-up here is very good and it’s been enjoyable. The boys have made me feel welcome around the whole set-up.”

Napa could have made the switch to Dartford in the summer but, quite rightly, opted to try and play at a higher level by joining Wealdstone.

But, having worked with Darts boss Alan Dowson previously at Woking, he still kept an eye on their progress this season.

With Wealdstone doing well when Napa returned from a long-term injury, it made sense to make the loan move.

“There weren’t any issues in the summer,” said Napa. “I wanted to play and the proposition at the time was at a higher level.

“It’s worked out now, I’ve known Dowse for a long time. It was good for me coming back from injury to come here and play, and I’ve been able to help the team as well.

“He’s a great guy on and off the pitch. He’s looked after me and I can’t thank him enough. He’s great with the fans, he supports the community as well and that goes a long way.

“I was looking when I was at Wealdstone and I thought with Dowse in charge that they would be chasing play-offs or automatic promotion. It’s going well now and hopefully we can kick on in the second half of the season.”

On his first goal in Dartford colours, which helped them complete a festive double over much-fancied Ebbsfleet in National League South, Napa beamed: “The first of many, I hope!

“I just knew my time was coming, I’ve been out for a while and now I’ve been getting games in and having that belief from the management team. I’ve been practising a lot in training and it was second nature when I saw the goal, basically. I hit it really sweetly.

“It was one of those moments that you live for. Playing back-to-back derbies and winning 8-1 on aggregate was unreal.

“The fans are excellent, they support you and carried us through these derbies. It was a great atmosphere and they kept us going, so 4-1 and 4-0 is a big achievement for the club.

“They came with a different plan in the second game, they tried to match us with the long balls but we had it in us and gave it back to them.

“I want to add more goals and assists now. It’s coming over time with more fitness and more games, I can support the team more.

“When I first came here, I hadn’t played for about three months and whatever level you are at, it is demanding. Over the month I’ve got fitter and that’s why I’m really thankful to the club.”