Burman demands "positive response" after Ware wake-up call - EXCLUSIVE

Dartford boss Tony Burman believes yesterday’s 4-0 defeat at Ware was a “wake-up call” for his underperforming side, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts are finding life in the Ryman League Division One North tough, having picked up four points from their opening three games.

And Burman has endured a depressing weekend, following their defeat at Wadson Park.

But it could have been so different, after a bright opening 20 minutes in Hertfordshire.

“We started well and to be fair, we had two chances cleared off the line, which on reflection, we could have done with going in,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“But I’m afraid, after that, it seemed to lift our opposition and they’ve scored a goal from a corner, which is disappointing, with the defenders that I’ve got.

“The second goal, just before half-time, again was from sloppy defending, where we should have cleared the ball.

“Overall, after the first twenty minutes, I’m going to be kind to our players, and say it was a poor performance, and they know how disappointed I am.”

He added: “I think, maybe, it will teach them a lesson.”

Burman knows Dartford will be a big scalp for their rivals this season.

He said: “We are going to places where were expected to win, and they’ve raised their game and we have to cope with that, and yesterday, we didn’t.

“Ware played well yesterday, they played good football, especially after the first twenty minutes.

“We was poor and I’m really disappointed with the performance and I hope it’s taught us a lesson.”

Aveley make the 12-mile round trip to Princes Park on Bank Holiday Monday, and Burman demands a positive reaction from his side for the “derby” game.

“Aveley are going to come there and want to play and I want the reaction from the players,” he insisted.

“And I know the supporters will want a reaction from the players.

“It’s the same team that played at Wivenhoe, and they were excellent at Wivenhoe, and they’ve got to perform. I will do my best to help them to perform.

“The players have got to take responsibility, they’re were too many that under performed, as simple as that.”

Star-winger, Ryan Hayes (metatarsal) and midfield playmaker, Eddie McClements (ankle ligaments), are still on the sidelines, and are ruled out for the “derby.”

Does Burman’s side expect they will pick up the points by just turning up?

“I hope not!” replied Burman. “But it did give that impression.

“Teams are going to raise their games and if we allow them to score goals as well, it’s the worst thing that can happen.

“But we’ve got a battle on in all our games, so it’s no excuse to thinking we’ve just got to turn up.”

The Essex side will not be an easy ride on their first visit to Princes Park Stadium.

“I’ve seen them play, they’ve had two reasonable results and they will be an useful outfit,” warned Burman.

Visit Dartford’s websites: www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk/wiki

Dartford v Aveley
Ryman League Division One North
Bank Holiday Monday, 27^th August 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT