10thoct05

Monday 10th October 2005

Burman admits: "It's good to get back to winning ways"

Dartford manager Tony Burman was pleased his side got back to winning ways in the Southern League Division One East on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

After collecting 13 points from their first five league games, the Darts recently ended a run of four straight league defeats with a 1-1 draw at home to Berkhamsted Town but came away from Potters Bar Town with a deserved three points in a 4-1 win on Saturday.

Goals from Steve Hafner (2), Ian Pulman and Eddie McClements did the damage in Hertfordshire.

"What a nice feeling it is to get back to winning ways," Burman told www.dartfordfc.co.uk

"I have to say that I am really pleased for the players who have persevered through our poor run of results.

"Straight from the kick off we created our first chance, which unfortunately did not go in, and then you do tend to think "here we go again,"

"But I felt some of our play in the first 25 minutes was excellent and we deserved our two goal lead.

"Ian (Pulman) scored his first goal for the club and Steve (Hafner) scored with an excellent opportunist goal.

"Unfortunately we conceded a goal from a long range shot from outside the box just before half time, which was disappointing.

"At half time I told the players, because of the way they were playing, I felt three points were theirs for the taking.

"No disrespect to Potters Bar, who were trying to play some good football, I felt that the day was ours if we wanted it.

"At the start of the second half, their extra man in midfield again caused us some problems so I had to drop Ian (Pulman) back a little bit deeper and also try and support Jimmy (Carter) who was up on his own.

"I felt that we started to knock some good balls around and got plenty of crosses in the box, which enabled Eddie (McClements) and Steve (Hafner) to add to our tally.

"All in all I think it was a very good performance by the players and the supporters and we came away with the result that we all wanted."

Burman will be looking to build on this victory, when Ilford, fresh from their 0-0 draw with Enfield Town on Saturday, visit Stonebridge Road.

"I need the players to carry on the good work from our last few games and hope we can get the result the fans want.

"Let's not forget we are all in this together and there is still a long way to go," he warned them.

It had been hoped that former Darts Chris and James Tedder would be included in the Ilford squad.

However, Darts supporters would be sad to hear that Chris suffered a fractured scull in their league game against Sittingbourne at the beginning of September and is ruled out for some time yet.

He is, however, making a good recovery and it is hoped he will return to action next month.

Meanwhile, James Tedder could make the squad to play against his former club, but is currently playing for their second string.

Meanwhile, Dartford physio Dave Phillips, whose been hospitalised due to illness should be making the trip to Crabble for their FA Trophy tie at Kent rivals Dover Athletic on Saturday, although as a spectator.

Dartford v Ilford
Southern League Division One East
Tuesday 11th October 2005
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Stonebridge Road, Northfleet