Weekend display convinced Gunn to sanction Darts flight

Striker Cody McDonald's performance for non-League Dartford on Saturday convinced City boss Bryan Gunn to snap him up yesterday. Gunn watched prolific scorer McDonald in the 1-0 Ryman League Premier Division win over Maidstone and, 48 hours later, signed the 22-year-old for an undisclosed fee on a 1�-year contract, with the option of a longer-term deal.

Striker Cody McDonald's performance for non-League Dartford on Saturday convinced City boss Bryan Gunn to snap him up yesterday.

Gunn watched prolific scorer McDonald in the 1-0 Ryman League Premier Division win over Maidstone and, 48 hours later, signed the 22-year-old for an undisclosed fee on a 1�-year contract, with the option of a longer-term deal. McDonald, 22, scored 19 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions for the Darts this season, including four in his last three games.

Gunn brought the striker to Colney for a two-day trial last week before watching him at the weekend.

Said Gunn: "I watched the game on Saturday. I went down as a guest of the chairman, I enjoyed the experience.

"It was a different level of football to what I have watched this season and Cody did well in the game. He didn't score. I've seen him first hand for myself now.

"There were a host of other clubs watching, but I don't think there were any other managers because they were all watching their own games. I was the only manager so I was quite lucky there. He is sought-after property."

McDonald signed for the Ryman League Premier Division side in October 2008 from Maldon Town, one league below. Previously he played for his home town club, Witham Town.

Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace and Reading are said to have also been watching McDonald.