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Dartford striker Jack Barham comes up against former club Dorking Wanderers on Saturday

Dartford striker Jack Barham is hoping to gun down his former club this Saturday.

Barham spent the second half of last season with Dorking Wanderers, initially joining on loan from Barnet before making the move permanent.

Dartford's Jack Barham in action earlier this season. Picture: Andy Jones (42745521)
Dartford's Jack Barham in action earlier this season. Picture: Andy Jones (42745521)

The striker opted to link up again with Dartford boss Steve King during the summer but he’s got nothing but good words to say about Marc White’s outfit.

“I’m really looking forward to that,” said Barham, who goes into the game with plenty of confidence after his match-winning brace against Havant last Saturday.

“I was thinking before last weekend that if I didn’t score against Havant then I would be going into Dorking after four or five games without a goal, it’s set up for me perfect now.

“I’ve got two goals, I’m off the mark and I believe any chances are going to be goals.

“I’m really looking forward to that. If we win again then that’s two big teams that we’ve ticked off the list.

“They looked after me I can’t fault what they did. Everything about the club was good but it was time for me to move on and have a fresh start under a manager who I know well.

“I’m really looking forward to what’s to come now.”

Barham still believes he is short of full match fitness after picking up an injury during pre-season.

He missed the first week of the campaign but knows he’ll only get better when he reaches his peak again.

“Even when I was at Dorking it took me three or four games to get going,” reflected Barham.

“I picked up the hamstring injury in pre-season so it’s taken me three games just to get fit.

“I’m getting through to 75 minutes now and am carrying through, while the first game at Hampton I got to 60 minutes and my legs were gone.

“I knew it would take me three or four games to get my fitness back and once I hit my peak then in the last 15 minutes I can get in behind defences, get where I want to be and that’s when goals come as the defences are tired and I can keep going.

“Fitness is a big thing. When you play full-time teams you notice the difference. If you know you’ve got that, especially at this level in the last 15 minutes then defences do start to tire.”

On the victory over Havant, Barham believes it sets the standard that Darts need to maintain this season.

“It was really important against one of the favourites to get promoted this season,” he said.

“I’m happy we’ve put down a marker now to show people what we can do this season.

“It was nice to get two goals but I thought it was a great team performance - it was more important to get the three points.”

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