Dartford midfielder Denzelle Olopade on winning goal at Cray Valley and aiming for promotion in Isthmian Premier

Matchwinner Denzelle Olopade knew he’d scored on his Dartford debut as soon as the ball left his foot.

The 22-year-old midfielder took centre stage for the Darts after they were wobbling at 1-1 against 10-man Cray Valley in Isthmian Premier.

Olopade didn’t think twice when the ball was laid back to him, curling a brilliant 30-yard right-foot shot beyond the reach of keeper Max Ovenden.

“I knew when I got the cut-back that there was only one place that ball was going – and that was in the corner,” said Olopade.

“You know when you hit the ball from that far out, you can watch it and see it curl in. You can feel it when you kick the ball that it was going to go in, 100 per cent.

“It means a lot to me to score the winner as I just wanted three points by any means necessary – and we got that.”

Olopade started his career at Norwich and Crystal Palace but spent last season at Erith & Belvedere and Phoenix.

It’s a step up and he’s already been impressed by Dartford, who were relegated from National League South last term.

Report: Cray Valley 1-2 Dartford

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“It’s a new team and we’re still gelling together but we’re getting there,” he said. “The team feels good, it feels solid and we’re still trying to understand how each other plays.

“It’s a different environment coming from Phoenix Sports but I’m enjoying it. I like the facilities, we’ve got a gym inside the changing room, and they’ve welcomed me with open arms which is good as well.

“I feel like Dartford should be a National League side, it doesn’t feel like they are meant to be in this step.

“When I’ve gone in there it has felt like a professional environment straight away so that has motivated me even more to put in the work and do