Thanet based striker faces decision time - Darts or Rams

Dartford boss Tony Burman is hopeful striker Ian Pulman will stay at Stonebridge Road despite an official approach from Ramsgate, reports www.dartfordtimes.co.uk

The former Chelsea trainee currently lives in Margate and Burman admits location could swing things in Ramsgate's favour.

He said: "Ramsgate have done everything by the book and made a seven-day approach to formally request permission to speak to Ian.

"Nothing will be decided until after our game at Berkhamsted on Saturday, but I don't want to see him go. Ian is a non-contract player and would be perfectly entitled to move on if he wished.

"It could all come down to the fact that Ramsgate is nearer to his home, but we will have to wait and see."

Dartford travel to Hertfordshire on Saturday determined to bounce back after suffering two home defeats in the space of five days.

The latest setback came in last weekend's 1-0 reverse against Rothwell Town - a result which Burman described as "disappointing."

He explained: "Unfortunately our unbeaten home record is now gone after those two defeats and we didn't do ourselves justice in either.

"I don't know if the players are starting to feel the pressure of being in a play-off position, but they have stopped doing the basics well. I wish I could put my finger on it."

Dartford are currently sitting in the final play-off spot but have seen the teams above them pull away following those recent setbacks.

Berkhamsted remain deep in relegation trouble but are fighting their way out of the mire having lost just one of their last seven league games.

"I accept it's the kind of game Dartford need to get something from if we are to reach the play-offs," Burman added. "If we come away with a point I will be happy enough bearing in mind what has happened in our last two matches."

Steve Hafner is still three or four weeks away from a first-team return as he continues his recovery from a knee ligament injury. However, Dartford will be boosted by the return of striker Brendon Cass.