17thmar05

Barking didn't read the script

WHEN Barking & East Ham United visited Stonebridge Road last Saturday they obviously didn't read the script as they came away with a 6-1 win over Dartford, writes Stephen McCartney.

It was the day when Dartford Borough Council unveiled its presentation on the club's new stadium - to be opened in August 2006 - at Princes Park.

Many tears were shed as everyone connected with the famous Southern League club realised in 17 months time the Darts will play in front of their own fans in an impressive, fully covered stadium, they can call home.

The club has certainly struggled playing at venues such as Cray Wanderers (Oxford Road, Sidcup), Erith & Belvedere (Park View, Belvedere), Purfleet (Ship Lane) and currently at Gravesend & Northfleet.

You can, however, forgive the Darts for losing to the Essex side on a emotionally charged day.

Tony Burman reflected on his first defeat as Darts manager since taking over from Tommy Sampson.

"We knew Barking were a very good side," he said.  "They are the best side we've played since I've returned to the club.

"I think the players attitudes were good.  The events before the game didn't upset them or took their minds of the game in any way."

Darts were holding the Essex side 1-1 at the interval but they fell apart conceeding three goals from set pieces.

Burman added: "I think the first half was a good test for us.  Barking started a lot better and brighter than us.  We conceeded a goal in the first five minutes, which didn't help to be fair to the players."

But the way he saw his side crumble upset Burman.  "To be fair to the players they worked hard in the first half and battled and deserved to be level just before half time.

"Unfortunately in the first 15 minutes of the second half we conceeded three goals from set plays, which was basically awful marking from our players.

"In those 15 minutes the game was effectively over.  And by that time it allowed Barking to grow even more in confidence and they started to play the ball around very well.

"I am just disappointed that all three set pieces were very similar and our marking was not up to standard."

The events prior to kick off, however, attracted 348, which was the highest gate in the division this season.  Burman praises the club's fans on a day the team didn't get the positive result that would have capped a special day in the club's history.

"Since I've come back the fans have supported me and the team," said Burman.

"They have been brilliant.  I think they were obviously disappointed but the fans had so much more on their minds talking about the ground.

"I am a little bit upset we didn't give them a better result."

Looking ahead to their trip to Bell Close, it's back to business for the Darts.

Midfielder Eddie McClements (ankle ligaments) is the only concern for Burman and he added: "Leighton have had a good run of late, haven't been beaten in their last 4-5 games.  They've had a good result away to Erith and again it will be a tough game.

"I have been lifting the players this week and hopefully they will learn from their mistakes and we will try to put things right."

Leighton Town v Dartford
Southern League Division One East
Saturday 19th March 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Bell Close, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire