Burman upbeat despite disappointing opening week

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman is confident his side will bounce back from this week’s disappointment and defeat fellow strugglers Hastings United at Princes Park on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts have yet scored a goal during their first two Ryman Premier League games this season, going down 3-0 at Hendon before losing 2-0 at home to fierce Kent rivals Dover Athletic in midweek.

But Hastings United go into the game one place above bottom side Dartford, having lost to Ashford Town (Middlesex) and Boreham Wood in the first week of the season.

And Burman, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk after his side lost to Dover Athletic, said: “It’s another tough game but we’ve got to, again, pick ourselves up.

“It’s a defeat but we’ve got a lot of positives come out of tonight and we’ll give Hastings a good game.”

Burman has asked for patience from the Princes Park faithful, following Dartford’s disappointing start.

When asked if fans should not panic, Burman replied: “They shouldn’t but they will, that’s what fans do.

“I hope they’ve gone away tonight at least thinking that we’ve had a good go, I hope they see things just haven’t gone right for us.”

Burman’s side report back for training tonight to prepare for their holiday games, against Hastings and Monday’s trip to Harlow Town.

The Hawks have had a tough start to the new season, drawing Sutton United 1-1 on opening day, but were defeated 2-0 by Tonbridge Angels in midweek.

And Burman said: “We come into training and move on again Saturday and we hope to pick up the three points on Saturday.”

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

Dartford v Hastings United
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 23^rd August 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT