25thapr05

Dartford batter Fish but still lose game

DARTFORD manager Tony Burman felt his side should have gained all three points at Southern League Division One East champions Fisher Athletic on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Fisher went ahead through a controversial penalty in the 14th minute but Tostao Kwashi levelled for the Darts ten minutes later scoring against his old club.  The Darts must consider themselves unlucky not to be ahead on the number of chances they did not put away.

The second half, however, continued in the same vein and just when it appeared the Darts were to take an unexpected point from the game the Fish snatched the winning goal with five minutes remaining.

Another congratulating Fisher on winning the title, Burman told the club's website: "I hope you felt like I did on Saturday that we gave them a run for their money.  As stated before, when we play away from home I want at least a point.  We didn't get that on Saturday but the performance from all the players and the chances that we created I felt we should have came away with all three points."

Burman, however, was pleased with his team's defensive play and that his goalkeeper, Kevin Hudson didn't have much to do.

"Fisher, with their quality players had a lot of possession throughout the game, but like when we played at Barking I think our game plan was right and our defensive play from the players was excellent an to be fair Kevin did not have much to do," he added.

"I was disappointed with some of the decisions the referee made in the first 20 minutes especially the one which awarded Fisher a penalty.  These decisions over a season or over a game go for you or against you and on another day another referee would have given a penalty but may have sent Teddy off for a bad tackle on their number two."

After Kwashi levelled, Burman admitted his side should have gone on to win the game.

"After Tostao made things level in the first half I felt we had two really good chances after that to come in at half-time 3-1 up, and no I am not kidding.  When we broke down their attacking play our passing and movement going forward was excellent.

"Don't get me wrong, I am disappointed to have lost the game especially after creating so many chances and getting beat in the last five minutes of the game by a shot from outside the box."

Burman, however, has taken many positives from the game and go into their last game of the season next Saturday, at home to second placed East Thurrock United, who need to win to gain promotion with the Fish, on a positive note.

"In the dressing room after the game I told the players that I have no complaints as our tactics were near spot on and there were so many positives to come from the game," he said.

"I have no doubt in my mind that had we been in a better position in our division and not playing the team at the top of the league on another day the chances we created would have gone in.

"I think it would be fair to say that the team are playing in a way that I like to see football being played.

"Unfortunately we only have one game left but I hope the players have taken in what I have told them as many of them are so young but still have a lot to learn.  It would give me great pleasure if they improve as individuals but above all as a team since I have been in charge.

Tomorrow (26th April) sees the launch of the Darts Summer Draw.  This takes place at KC Car Sales, The Brent, Dartford at 7pm and all supporters are invited to attend.

Meanwhile, the club have provisionally arranged three away pre-season friendlies.  Playing at Kent League side Thamesmead Town (July 23), Horley Town (July 30) and Lowestoft (August 6).

Dartford v East Thurrock United
Southern League Division One East
Saturday 30th April 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Stonebridge Road, Northfleet