The pressure is off us at Gateshead, says Dartford boss Tony Burman

Wednesday 02nd February 2011

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman has eased the pressure of his side by saying they are going to enjoy their weekend away in the North East, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts make the long trip to play Blue Square Bet Premier side Gateshead with a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Carlsberg Trophy up for grabs.

“We’re going to go up there and enjoy ourselves,” said Burman, ahead of the Third Round clash at the International Stadium.

“We’re playing against a very good side, it’s a Cup game and it’s all on the day. What matters is we’re going to go up there in good spirits but I just want the players to enjoy themselves, there’s no pressure and really have a good honest go.”

Burman added: “They’re in the league above and they’ve had a great result last night and a great result at Luton. We don’t fear them, no, but we go up there with no fear and we’ll just enjoy ourselves and enjoy the day and hopefully things will go right for us.

“We know they’re going to be a good side, I’ve had my reports on them and we’re the underdogs but Cup football is completely different, it’s what happens on the day. The difference in the league’s are irrelevant in Cup football.”

Hundreds of supporters are going to make their way up to the North East, give their side their usual passionate support and enjoy the Newcastle nightlife.

“We’re going to leave Friday afternoon and we’ll stay overnight on Friday,” revealed Burman.

“There’s plenty of supporters going, they’ve got two coaches going and there’s lots that are going by plane and train and for us it’s going to be a great feeling. Hopefully we’ll enjoy not only the day out and over the weekend will be a good time for us.”

Since securing their place in this round with a 1-0 away win over Ashford Town (Middlesex), the Darts have gone four league games unbeaten and as a result have climbed four points clear of the Blue Square Bet South relegation zone.

Last night’s 1-0 win over league leaders Braintree Town was exceptional, especially as you consider that striker Charlie Sheringham was red-carded after only seventeen minutes.

“Yes, it was a good night, especially after getting Charlie sent off after fifteen minutes,” said Burman.

“The players responded in a good manner and although they defended well and they were organised I’m really pleased.”

Burman said he was going to view the video before making any comment over Sheringham’s red-card.

He said: “Well, it was on the other side of the field so I couldn’t actually really see and make any comment really. Charlie just said he didn’t hit him with his elbows, he caught him with his shoulder. A lot of people have said that as well and it shouldn’t be a sending off. I haven’t seen a video so I can’t really know what’s happened.”

Burman is delighted that his side have turned the corner, although he admits there is still plenty of work to do.

He said: “The last six games, we haven’t been beaten and all of the sudden the confidence comes back into the players.

“Beating Farnborough with ten men and winning by four-one, I think the players believed it could be done and at half-time (last night) they were pretty up for it and fair play to them.

“I just think some people were getting so negative around the place and we know the ones who they are. I’d like to thank most of the majority of supporters who realised we were in a situation and the only way to go was be positive and a majority of supporters have done that.

“It’s nice to see some good players playing with a bit of confidence and with that confidence you get the belief and that was the case last night.

“They’re not out of trouble but confidence drains out of the players in some instances and when it comes back it’s a good feeling and it’s good to see.

“We’re moving in the right direction and that’s very pleasing. It’s still a long way to go but we’ve just got to the halfway mark last night and I’m just pleased things have worked out.”

Alex O’Brien, who captained the club to the Ryman League Division One North title during the 2007-2008 season, and is now Tommy Warrilow’s number two at Tonbridge Angels, offered his good wishes for the Darts up at Gateshead on Saturday.

Dartford are Kent’s sole representatives left in the FA Carlsberg Trophy - and with no side left in the FA Carlsberg Vase, Burman’s side are flying the flag for Kent.

“Firstly, I just hope the players and the supporters enjoy the day and thy enjoy the experience,” said O‘Brien.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for Kent and everyone in the county wants them to do well.

“I’m really pleased for Tony (Burman), he’s had a really good week as he’s had a little bad press. He’s turned it around beating Braintree last night and he’s got a little weight of his shoulders and he has to get on the coach and enjoy the day.

“I’d be looking for them to go there and get something, why not? Who says they can’t? Why not! I wish them the very, very best and the whole county, us, me and Tom (Warrilow) will be looking at their result to see how they get on.”

There will be full covergae of the Darts attempt to reach the last 8 right here on kentishfootball.co.uk, and there will be full match commentary of the tie through the BBC Radio Kent website, as well as coverage on Saturday Sport which starts at 2:00pm. Visit Dartford’s websites: www.dartfordfconline.com & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

Gateshead v Dartford

FA Carlsberg Trophy Third Round

Saturday 5th February 2011

Kick Off 3:00pm

At The International Stadium, Neilson Road, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE10 OEF