22ndfeb05

Darts enjoying a new lease of life

UNBEATEN in the four games he has been in charge following the departure of  Tommy Sampson, director/manager Tony Burman has given Dartford a new lease of life as they bid to climb up the Southern League Division One East table, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts' were flirting with relegation before Burman took over the reigns but they are now looking onward and upward instead of keeping one eye on the sides below them.

Now sitting in sixteenth place, nine points above the trap door, they ground out a 1-0 win at Harlow Town last Saturday.

Reflecting on their win in Essex, Burman said: "It was a good away performance.  Not good football because of the conditions, a swirling wind and the pitch wasn't the best but I have to say the attitude of the players was fantastic."

Top scorer Tostao Kwashi - who has turned down moves to both Welling United and Tonbridge Angels recently - scored the only goal of the game to continue their good form.

Burman said: "The Harlow goalkeeper saved Mark Horan's penalty but Tostao was there for the rebound. He didn't have many chances but he got the ball into the back of the net to get himself another goal."

Although Harlow's ground isn't the best in the world with a running track surrounding the pitch, which makes creating any atmosphere difficult.  However, Dartford's loyal and magnificent supporters - who have raised almost £1,200 for the club through an internet auction - were once against praised by Burman.

He said: "There wasn't much atmosphere because of the running track.  However, I asked the fans on the website and they responded in a good manner to be fair their support was excellent."

And those fans will be pleased to hear Burman's next statement: "I'm pleased with the performances over the four games.  I'm not looking below us, I'm looking at the teams above us.  That's what we have drummed into the players over the past few weeks and we have another chance to catch the teams above us on Saturday."

Dartford make the trip to Barking & East Ham United on Saturday but Burman is anticipating a tough test.

He said: "It's a very difficult game against Barking.  They are up there but they didn't get a result last Saturday, which they wanted and they will be looking to bounce back against us.

"However, we will go over there and do our best and hopefully get something from the game."

With a new stadium being built in the town next year, the club's future is looking brighter.

Burman added: "The future is ok - unfortunately this season we've found ourselves at the wrong end of the table but we've just tried to put a positive attitude on everything since I've been there.

"There's a nice atmosphere at the club.  However, the news on the ground has to take second place as we don't want to get relegated as we need to stay in the division.  There is a new lease of life around the place at the moment.

"It would be a good acheivement if we can get over 300 supporters on the day the plans for our new stadium are being displayed."

Meanwhile, the club's under eighteen's romped their way through to the final of the Plaaya Cup with a convincing win at their landlords Crockenhill on Sunday.

Dominic Elmes netted a hat-trick, Tommy Youle a brace with further goals being scored by Rikki McDonnell and James Day made it an enjoyable weekend for the club.

They will now travel to Folkestone Invicta (South) on a date to be decided in the final.  Invicta had drawn their semi-final tie at Gravesend & Northfleet 2-2 but went through winning the penalty shoot out 5-4.

However, their under 13's semi-final in the League Challenge Cup was postponed due to several of the Darts squad being laid low with 'flu.  Their tie with Bromley will now take place at Princes Golf and Leisure next Sunday (27th).

Barking & East Ham United v Dartford
Southern League Division One East
Saturday 26th February 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Mayesbrook Park, Lodge Avenue, Dagenham, Essex