Dartford’s midweek matchwinner Tom Bradbrook has been playing through the pain barrier for the best part of a month.

Bradbrook’s 83rd-minute header earned the Darts a 2-1 win over Kent rivals Dover on Tuesday.

It was his first goal since the first day of what’s been an up-and-down season so far for the 27-year-old striker.

Bradbrook said: “I’m playing with a slight groin injury and I’m getting it sorted at the moment. I’m not making any excuses but it is giving me a little bit of a burden in games.

"I’ve been carrying it for about three weeks so that’s been playing on my mind.

"I’ve been in and out of the side and for me it’s a step up. I’ve been working hard and trying to do the right things. To get that goal on Tuesday is hopefully going to kick me on."

Bradbrook was in the right place at the right time to meet Harry Crawford’s right-wing cross.

He said: "I’ve been waiting for that sort of chance. I’ve had a few half-chances. Getting that goal was brilliant, so I’m buzzing."

Bradbrook was playing for Leatherhead in Ryman League Division 1 South last season, so he’s gone from tackling Corinthian Casuals to mixing it with Wrexham and Torquay.

He said: “It is a big jump. This league’s a lot more physical and there are better players but it’s something I was prepared to do. It’s a level I feel I can play at.

"I’ve got a good job in London and that’s never really bothered me with my football but (playing in the Conference) is almost a full-time job on its own, so I’ve had to get used to that."