DARTS LOOK IN FINE FETTLE

SURREAL. That’s the only word to describe the feeling going into today’s play-off match with Slough Town.

- STEVE KING

Usually, we’ve come off the back of a busy season and we’re straight into the play-offs with a big buzz in the build-up. With no fans in the grounds, it doesn’t feel like we’re going into a game with so much riding on it. I imagine all the teams involved feel the same way.

But it is what it is and we are going to Slough to give it our best shot. I’m a realist. I know they are very capable of beating us and we are very capable of beating them

Every playoff game I’ve been involved in has been tight. It’s why I’m disappointed with the decision to not have extra-time. I spoke to all six managers in the National League South and they all voted to have the usual 30 minutes if the scores are level at full-time.

You could be battering a team for 85 minutes and go into extra-time with your opponent on the ropes as you try to finish the job. Now there won’t be that opportunity and suddenly you could be out on penalties. We’ve all seen how fine the margins are in shootouts. It’s a shame game could be won that way.

We had a friendly against Boreham Wood last weekend, which was really good. Their pitch is the most amazing surface. Arsenal paid for it because their Women’s and U18 and U23 teams play there and it is absolutely fantastic. It allowed us to play good football and we were really grateful to Luke Garrard and Boreham Wood for the game.