11thfeb05

Burman tells his squad their good and bad points

DARTFORD return to Stonebridge Road where they entertain Berkhamsted Town in an Southern League Division One East fixture having collected four points from Tony Burman's two games in charge after replacing Tommy Sampson as manager, writes Stephen McCartney.

Following tomorrow's game the Darts then embark on a string of away games at Harlow Town, Barking & East Ham United and Waltham Forest before the anticipated game on 12th March when, not only they entertain Barking & East Ham but the long awaited plans for the new stadium will be unveiled by members of Dartford Borough Council.

However, this is the date set for the sixth round of the FA Trophy and should landlords Gravesend & Northfleet progress to that round - they host Slough Town on 26th February - and receive a home draw then the Darts' game will be postponed.

Meanwhile, Dartford's Southern League clash with Maldon Town at Stonebridge Road on 26th March has been brought forward by three hours to start at 12 noon.  This is to avoid clashing with the Live World Cup qualifier between England and Northern Ireland.

Director/manager Burman told the club's website: "This week I have taken another two training sessions, which have both been encouraging.

"I have spoken to the players individually to let them know what I thought was their good points and not so good points from last week's game at Erith & Belvedere.

"Some may not have passed the ball that well and some may have been too quiet.  Some may have let the referee's performance interfere with them.  Some may have got themselves into the wrong position attacking and defending.  Whatever the point, we would have worked on it in the two sessions this week and I hope they can improve on over the coming games."

Burman added: "I was hoping to select from a fully fit squad this week but it is looking doubtful.

"Last week, Eddie (McClements) pulled a ligament in his knee and is doubtful for tomorrow. 

"I am going to be careful with the one.  Eddie is a good player and vital to the squad and we will need him 100% fit to help us over the coming weeks.

"Much better news is that Craig Dennis and Teddy Ansell came through training and will be added to the squad.

"Tomorrow is another very important game for us to try and improve our position in the league.

"You know as well as I do that at home we must try and get all three points.  We must not let our level of performance drop from our two previous games and hope we get the right result."

Dartford v Berkhamsted Town
Southern League Division One East
Saturday 12th February 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Stonebridge Road, Northfleet