Dartford defender Max Statham wants to make up for play-off semi-final heartache in National League South this season

Dartford defender Max Statham insists he’s got unfinished business after last season’s play-off heartache.

The Darts were knocked out of the National League South play-offs on penalties by St Albans in May.

It was a cruel end to a promising first season in Dartford colours for Statham, who impressed mainly in a right-back role.

“I loved playing for Dartford last season and I love the club as well,” said Statham, who didn’t take long to agree a new deal with Dartford boss Alan Dowson in the close season.

“I feel like we’ve got unfinished business from last season, I thought we were hard done by in the semi-final to lose on penalties so we’re hoping to go all the way this year.

“It’s still early on in the season. Results haven’t gone our way so far but it’s a long season and we’ll come good.

“We didn’t do it last year but the main aim is to get promoted so we’re going to work towards that.

“It’s a different type of squad but once we get going, I think it will be a stronger squad, a little tougher and grittier but I’m confident we’ll get there.”

Statham’s first goal of the season looked to have been enough to claim Dartford’s first win this campaign last weekend.

But a poor piece of defending from Brandon Barzey gifted Farnborough a penalty which Alfie Pavey tucked away deep into stoppage time.

“We looked solid, it was just one mistake last Saturday and if we can cut those out then we’ll be fine,” said Statham.

“We were a little slow to start but we grew into the game and started to click, it’s a shame about the result at the end as we would have liked the three points.

“It’s the third draw at home so we’re still unbeaten here and it’s something to build on.

“We conceded late on the other week as well so as a group we’ve