18thapr05

Youngsters given chance to shine

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman praised the club's youngsters after they impressed in their 6-2 win over relegated Tilbury at Stonebridge Road on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Burman told the club's website: "There are a few young players who have impressed me since I have returned as manager and I wanted to give them a chance in front of our own supporters.

"I decided to start with James Tedder, Gary Carter, Craig Maguire and Ryan Hayes to see what they could do at first team level."

Maguire had opened the scoring within a minute and Hayes, a pre-transfer deadline day signing from Kent League neighbours Slade Green, bagged a brace in the comfortable win.

Burman added: "Our formation was 4-1-4-1 but with our wide players getting forward at every opportunity.  Our start to the game was excellent with Steve (Hafner) getting behind their full-back and putting in a good cross for Craig (Maguire) to head home - what a great start that was for Craig to impress you!"

However, Burman wasn't happy with his players after they failed to listen to his instructions defending set pieces.

He revealed: "Before we started the game I told all our players that from corners against they will knock everything into the near post so be aware.

"So what happens? Tilbury get a corner, knock it into the near post and it goes straight in. I have to tell you I was fuming.  

"From an early stage the points were there for the taking and I wanted the players to express themselves and be a little bit flamboyant with their play."

Burman has high hopes for Hayes, having watched him in action at The Small Glen on a couple of occassions.

"I went and watched Slade Green on a couple of occasions and felt that Ryan Hayes was a good prospect.  I feel that he's a player that Darts supporters would appreciate as he can get the ball down and take on full-backs."

Burman was pleased with the performance of teenage goalkeeper James Tedder - who tasted first team action last season under Tommy Sampson's reign.

"Whatever our opposition 4-1 up at half-time was impressive and I felt the players had done well," he said.

"In the second half we had more than enough chances to double our score but in true fashion we let Tilbury score a second goal and they could have had a third it wasn't for James Tedder.

"James must be 6'5'' tall and because of his stature people think he is an experienced goalkeeper but we all must realise he is 17 years of age - what a prospect.

"We converted another two chances to finish with a scoreline of 6-2.  Overall I tried something new and gave the players their chance to impress.  I was very pleased with the outcome and at the end of the day we got our three points."

Saturday was, for obvious reasons, going to be a difficult day for everybody connected with Dartford Football Club and Kent football in general after the tragic death of Paul Sykes.

Burman added: "I felt that we all conducted ourselves in an excellent manner on this sad occasion.

"Before the game on Saturday Tilbury were already relegated; they then came to our game and got beat 6-2.  

"However, straight after the game their manager came into our dressing room and handed over £90 from their players to go towards the donation for Paul Sykes.

"I would like to thank everybody who donated to this fund on Saturday - your generosity will be very much appreciated."