Dartford defender George Whitefield keen to secure regular first-team spot after scoring stunning 30-yard winner against Cheshunt in Isthmian Premier

Academy product George Whitefield opened his Dartford account in style last weekend - but insists his biggest battle is yet to come.

The 19-year-old scored a 30-yard rocket as Dartford beat Cheshunt 2-1 in Isthmian Premier at Princes Park on Saturday.

But defender Whitefield has only started three leagues so far this season and while goalscoring exploits are welcome, his priority is clear.

“That’s my biggest battle of the season,” confirmed Whitefield. “This can give me a boost and hopefully I can get my spot cemented.

“I didn’t play much last season but hopefully I can break through into the first team now.

“I’ve been a bit in and out of the team at the moment. Obviously, that goal is not going to secure my spot but hopefully it will lead me towards that and give me more confidence so I can keep going.

“I’m pleased with how I defended. We were disappointed with the goal we conceded, we’ll look back as a team and see things we can do better both defensively and attacking-wise.

“I thought I won most of my headers. That’s probably the best I’ve played all season so hopefully I can put in a few more performances like that.”

Whitefield has been at Dartford since the age of six so it was no surprise that his spectacular first goal for the club meant so much to him.

“I definitely didn’t think I would score like that,” smiled Whitefield. “Funnily enough I did have a feeling I would score on Saturday but I thought it’d probably be a header or a tap-in from a second ball.

“To score my first goal like that and to win the game on top of it, which is the most important thing, was amazing.

“As soon as I got it, I saw Ollie Box and Sam Odaudu move out of the way so they kind of knew I was shooting.

“I thought I’ve just got to hit it