18 hours Ago By [email protected] (Matthew Panting)
On-loan midfielder Hayden Bullas insists it’s a privilege to be part of Dartford’s title-chasing squad. The teenager, on loan from League 1 Leyton Orient, has fitted in seamlessly at Princes Park since joining the Darts in December. He joined during Dartford’s 21-match unbeaten run that propelled them into the Isthmian Premier promotion picture.
“It was a privilege to be offered a loan like this, to join a squad that made me feel so welcome,” said Bullas. “It’s like I’ve been here for years, that’s how I feel. “To win games week-in, week-out, it’s a privilege.
The run we went on is something you can’t describe, not many teams go and do that. “I know it came to an end but maybe sometimes these things happen and that kicks you on. Look where we are now, top of the league.
“We couldn’t ask for any more. And five games left, why not? Let's go and win the league. Why not?” It’s not an arrogance from Bullas.
The well-spoken midfielder has great belief in his ability and those around him. He’s improving with every game and that confidence is shining through off the pitch as well. “I’ve met some unbelievable people, even in the changing room,” said Bullas.
“People like Josh Hill, Michael Olarewaju and Samir Carruthers that have played the game. “You just drip-feed basics and learn off them and that’s the main thing I've learned, because they've always told me to just be calm, play your game. “I’ve just took that on each week and tried to perform the best I can and do my job.
” Bullas knows the likes of Jamie Vardy and Jarrod Bowen have progressed from non-league to Premier League. So, there’s no thought that moving away from Brisbane Road on loan is a backward step. Read more: ‘He probably hasn’t got the goals he deserved’ “I love men’s football because you develop so much and I’ve always looked at stories,” he said.
“The big one for me, Jamie Vardy, come through non-league and now he’s playing Premier League every week. They’re the stories you look up to. He’s come through non-league, like Jarrod Bowen, another one.
“You look at these stories and think, why can’t that be me? Why can’t I go on loan, work hard and develop? “Obviously, being smart in certain areas, when to go short, when to go long. These are the things that you kind of learn in the game, in men’s football, where I don’t think you learn as much in academy football. “Don’t get me wrong, academy football is quick and sharp, but the things you don’t learn in that, you learn 100 per cent when playing men’s football.
” Bullas put Dartford on the path to victory last weekend at Dulwich , opening the scoring in a 3-0 victory. The teenager reacted quickest to volley home from the edge of the box, something he’s been working on with assistant boss Roland Edge. “It's one of those that me and Roland talk about,” disclosed Bullas.
“Just trying to get on second balls at the edge of the box. “Can you always strike it first time, or might you take a touch? I thought it was on to strike it, so I did, and it found its way in. “It’s proud to have that moment.
Obviously, words can't describe those type of feelings. If you was to tell me that I was playing week-in, week-out, at Step 3 as an 18-year-old for such a big club like Dartford, I’d rip your hand off, honestly. “I think we need to have more performances like that.
We maybe came out a bit slow but once we got the goal, I think we kind of settled in and just played the way we play. “When we play our way, I don’t think any team can get near us. We’ve still got five more games to go, so we can’t take our foot off the gas now.
“We’ve got to take this into next week and then the rest of the season.”.
