21stmar05

Kwashi produces a moment of brilliance

DARTFORD came away from their first ever trip to Leighton Town with a point in a 1-1 draw, which was a vast improvement from their 6-1 thrashing handed out by Barking & East Ham United at Stonebridge Road seven days earlier, writes Stephen McCartney.

With Richard Avery unable to travel to Bell Close due to illness, Craig Dennis filled in for him.  Gary Carter, a recent signing from Nationwide Conference South neighbours Welling United made the substitutes bench.

An uneventful first half, Dartford fans looked for an improvement at the start of the second half.  However, it was eighteen minutes into the second half when a moment of brilliance from Zimbabwean Tostao Kwashi saw him beat the Leighton goalkeeper with a lob from fully 40-yards.  

However, Leighton came back into the game and with only five minutes left the Bedfordshire side scrambled an equaliser.

Darts boss Tony Burman told the club's website: "On Friday I stated that we had another difficult away game and that I wanted something from the game - be it one or three points.

"Playing away is always difficult especially on the back of a 6-1 defeat and the team you are facing next have not lost for five games.

"When we arrive at away grounds I always inspect the playing surface and the weather conditions to determine the way we should play.  On Saturday the surface of the pitch was appalling and if we had tried to play passing football we would have been in big trouble.

"I asked our defenders to meet the ball before it bounced and knock it behind their full-backs.  I have to say that our defenders did this to my instructions but our forward play in the first half after my instructions was awful.

"If I am going to play three players upfront then we must cause our opponents problems.  This did not happen.  

"At half-time, I told the players that we have a point and do not give that point away."

Dart's goalscorer Kwashi was lucky to have stayed on the pitch but the reason why he does was evident when he embarrassed the Leighton goalkeeper with his long range lob.

Burman added: "In the second half I felt that our three forwards gave them more problems than in the first half and believe me Tostao was very fortunate to still be on the park but he produced a moment of brilliance, which I suppose he is all about, and that is why he stays on the pitch.

"When we went 1-0 up, I felt we had enough chances to finish the game but sometimes these things do not happen and in the last five minutes we conceded a goal and kept our one point.

"On reflection, I think this was a fair result after our performance in the first half."

There has been a buzz around the club since Burman has been at the helm.  The club's under 18s secured the Under 18 Plaaya Cup following their 4-3 final success at Folkestone Invicta last week.

He continued: "I have told the players that I want to try and improve them individually and if I can do this they will improve as a team.  I am not one to change things for the sake of it and I will go back seven weeks and say that if the players are happy going onto the field they will be confident on it."

However, since the introduction of fans' forums on internet sites, this has given upset fans a chance to air their grievances in cyberspace instead of talking to players and managers face to face in the bar.

Burman, in his third spell as Dartford manager added: "I have tried to keep supporters informed and have listened and read their comments, which have been very constructive and supportive since I have been in charge.

"I have always mentioned that 100% factor whether it means to players or supporters and believe me getting beat 6-1 (to Barking & East Ham United) was a bitter pill to swallow.

"But reading the words "not bothered", I have to say overrides that result and hurt me a lot more.

"I like you, want the team to win every game but this is not always possible.  My teams, like good support and will always try and give 100% while I am in charge.

"For those who travelled to Leighton and supported the team on Saturday, I would like to say a very big thank you.  For those who could not make it, I know your support was with us."

Southern League newcomers Maldon Town visit Stonebridge Road next Saturday (kicking off as 12 noon) and they will provide the Darts a good test.  Maldon are in third place, in a play-off spot, and have a good chance of replacing big-spending Fisher Athletic in the second promotion place.  Wayne Burnett's side are three points behind leaders East Thurrock United but are only two points ahead of Maldon - who have won their last 15 games.

Burman asks for the fans support more than ever: "This Saturday, we are playing a team that have won their last fifteen games and in my opinion the team need your support as our 12th man more than ever."

WATCH THE DARTS THIS EASTER

Dartford v Maldon Town                                    Wingate & Finchley v Dartford
Southern League Division One East                  Southern League Division One East
Saturday 26 March 2005                                    Monday 28 March 2005
Kick Off 12:00 noon                                            Kick Off 3:00pm
at Stonebridge Road, Northfleet                        at The Abrahams Stadium, Summers Lane
                                                                          Finchley, London N12