Burman: FA Cup defeat let down the club

Tuesday 19th September 2006

Dartford manager Tony Burman insists his side must bounce back from their sorry FA Cup elimination by beating Dulwich Hamlet at Champion Hill tonight, writes Stephen McCartney.

A couple of 2-0 defeats at the hands of their Ryman League Division One South rivals Hastings United at Ship Lane saw the Darts lose their unbeaten league record and get knocked out of the FA Cup, at the first qualifying round stage, in the space of just seven days.

“I will not hide my disappointment from our exit from the FA Cup, although in my opinion we were beaten by a good and well organised side,” Burman told www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

“Hastings had caused us many problems seven days before and deserved the take three points from us.

“I felt in the first half my tactics were right to play 4-4-2, instead of 4-3-3, which we played against our opponents the week before and have played so far this season.

“I also think we were the better side in the first half and were unlucky not to have come in 1-0 up for our efforts.

“But in the second half I just cannot understand why we did not come out with, in my opinion, any desire or will to win and our play at times was very embarrassing to say the least.

“Up to our first performance against Hastings the players to be fair, in my opinion, have played well. The same players have played and produced some excellent performances so far this season.

“It is very disappointing that they then put a performance like the second half on Saturday.

“I personally feel very hurt by the display and gutted for want of a better word for everybody involved with the club.”

Dartford will therefore welcome Horsham YMCA for their opening game at Princes Park in 53 days time on 11^th November.

Burman revealed on the morning of the game that he will be without defender John Farley (ankle) for two weeks and solid rock at the back, Tony Henry is doubtful with a back strain.

But popular striker James Carter is between 3-4 weeks from returning from his operation.

Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 19^th September 2006
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Champion Hill Stadium, Dog Kennel Hill, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD