Burman praises squad professionalism

Sunday 23rd August 2009

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman says he’s pleased with the way that his side have started the new season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Kent giants have a 100% record following wins over Horsham (3-2), Margate (4-0) and yesterday’s

3-1 win at Hastings United.

Lee Burns (2) and Rob Haworth scored the goals at the Pilot Field, as title-favourites Dartford get their campaign off to an excellent start.

“It went very well,” Burman told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this evening. “It was nice to get an early goal and nice to get a second goal just before half-time.

“That set the tempo for the second half really and we were fortunate to get a third goal before Hastings scored.

“It was a good result away from home, like it was on Tuesday night (at Margate).”

Burman added: “I’m a pleased manager, having three wins in the first week, but I’ve got to give credit to the players.

“I think they’ve deserved their victories in all three games, worked very hard to get those results.”

Dartford swiftly return to action when leaky Kingstonian visit Princes Park on Tuesday night.

The K’s, who clinched the Ryman League Division One South title last season, arrive in Dartford with a leaky defence, having lost all of their first three games.

They have lost to Ashford Town Middlesex (1-3), Harrow Borough (3-5) and were thumped 6-1 at home to newly promoted side Aveley yesterday.

But Burman added: “Well, the table is irrelevant to be fair at this moment in time. As far as we’re concerned we’ve got another game in a difficult period with six games in 15 or 16 days. It will be our forth game and we’re trying to accumulate as many points in that period.

“It’s another game on Tuesday night; it’s a bonus that we’re at home and hopefully we can secure another three points.”

Kingstonian have realised that there is a big step up from Ryman One South to the Ryman Premier League, and Burman has challenged his side to impose more pain on the Surrey outfit.

“Kingstonian must be disappointed with their start,” he said. “ I’m sure they maybe miscalculated one or two things, similar to us having no points at this stage (last season). They will learn but I’m sure they will come good, as long as it’s after Tuesday.”

When asked which players in his squad have impressed him so far this season, Burman acknowledged that it’s a squad game.

“To be honest all the squad have stood out to me,” replied Burman. “Yesterday I had to leave John Beales out, who played really well Tuesday night. I left him out so Billy Burgess could come back in.

“John’s professionalism was a good credit to us. Three players were in the reserves (including Jay May and Danny Dafter) at Princes Park yesterday.

“Everyone’s impressed me, we’ve got a good squad and I want to keep them happy.

“If we include all the younger lads, there’s 22 players (in my squad). It’s going to be difficult to keep them all happy, but I’ll do my best.

“The way the first week’s gone, it’s gone in an adult fashion with what we’re achieving. We’ve got some good players in the squad and that’s a good bonus for us.”

Burman is delighted to come back from the seaside (Margate and Hastings) with six points in the bag - and knows three points at Princes Park on Tuesday night would be nice.

“We’ve spoken to the players,” said Burman. “We said you don’t get nothing unless you work hard.

“We thoroughly deserved the first three results, the players have worked hard and they’ve deserved nine points after three games - we’ll be difficult to beat this year.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be bringing LIVE COVERAGE of this game.

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

Dartford v Kingstonian

Ryman Premier League

Tuesday 25th August 2009

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT