“I’ve got a job to do” insists Durrant ahead of Sherrock show-down

Glen Durrant insists he has “a job to do” as he bids to thwart another Fallon Sherrock fairy-tale in the Premier League in Nottingham on Thursday.

Sherrock will become the first woman to feature in Premier League Darts when she makes her debut as a ‘Challenger’ at the Motorpoint Arena.

The 25-year-old made global headlines during her ground-breaking run to the Last 32 of the recent World Championship, beating Ted Evetts before knocking out world number 11 Mensur Suljovic.

Her run was eventually ended by Chris Dobey in a thrilling contest, and her return to the big stage sees her take on another North East star.

Durrant enjoyed a commanding 7-3 win over Michael Smith on his Unibet Premier League debut a week ago and admits that result has eased the pressure ahead of his clash with Sherrock.

“My first reaction when I found out I was playing Fallon was “oh no” because it wasn’t the game I really wanted but it is what it is,” said Durrant.

“But with two points on the board it makes the game a little bit in my favour now, I won’t be as nervous.

“If I’d have got walloped on the first night it could have been a bit different.

“I’m so proud of Fallon and Lisa Ashton, I’m a big champion of ladies darts and I can’t wait for Thursday.”

Sherrock bounced back from her Q School disappointment by qualifying for the UK Open from a field of more than 200 players at the Rileys qualifier in Wolverhampton.

The former women’s world finalist is now set to play in front of her biggest crowd to date as she aims to upset the apple-cart by denying ‘Duzza’ crucial league points.

Durrant is aware of the one-sided crowd he is likely to have to contend with but says he is fully focused on putting in a professional performance.

“It’s an exciting challenge playing against Fallon, it’s a game I’ve been very aware of since the fixtures came out,” added the Middlesbrough ace.

“I’m proud of Fallon, it’s amazing what she’s done for the sport, but I’ve got a job to do.

“I feel a lot better coming into the game knowing I’ve got two points on the board. If I’d taken a drubbing from Michael the pressure would’ve been on me even more.

“Obviously, the crowd will be right behind Fallon, it will be a new experience for me because I’ve never really had the crowd against me.

“But, you have to enjoy these experiences. Only 18 months ago I was playing in front of 27 people so to be playing in front of thousands every week is absolutely incredible.

“I’m in the elite now and I’ve never, ever been in the elite so I’m keeping my expectations realistic. I just want to get past Judgement Night.”