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Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli extends loan spell with Blue Square Bet Premier Dartford until Christmas

Tony Burman
Tony Burman

By Steve Tervet

Dartford have brought Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli back to the club for a second loan spell.

Manager Tony Burman (pictured) moved quickly to re-sign the 20-year-old following the Darts’ exit from the FA Cup on Tuesday night.

Bad errors by stopper Louis Wells cost Dartford two goals as they lost 4-1 at home to Forest Green Rovers.

Wells was making only his fourth appearance of the season after Bettinelli – not allowed to play for Dartford in the FA Cup – had returned to Craven Cottage.

Burman insisted Wells should not take all the blame for the defeat but he was frank in his assessment of the goalkeeping situation at Princes Park.

“Louis needs to play games,” Burman said. “He’s very fit, training-wise, but his match practice is not there. Players don’t like to admit that sometimes but I have to take that out of their hands.

“I don’t want everything going onto Louis. He’s come in for the FA Cup games and those were his two practice games. On Saturday [a 1-1 draw at Forest Green], he did excellent, but on Tuesday it wasn’t to be.

“Louis is such a good guy. He’s been brilliant for us and it was just sad to see what happened. I wouldn’t wish that on anybody and I do feel for him.”

Bettinelli is now set to start in Friday’s live televised clash with Mansfield Town at Princes Park.

The Fulham youngster earned rave reviews for his performances in the Darts goal after joining on loan in August. He conceded just 14 goals in 13 consecutive appearances and, even before the FA Cup tie, Burman had hinted at negotiating a new deal with Fulham.

Posting on Twitter, Bettinelli said: “loan has been extended until christmas with dartford”.

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