We must not let our standards drop, says Burman - EXCLUSIVE

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman said his weakened side did well despite being knocked out of the Ryman League Cup last night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts lost the fourth round tie at Heybridge Swifts by three goals to nil but Burman was pleased that the side that he put out acquitted themselves well against the Ryman Premier League side.

“They had nine or ten of their players that played in their previous first team game,” Burman explained when speaking EXCLUSIVLEY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“They’re good players in a higher league and moved the ball about very quickly.

“But I feel that the team we put out done very well. It was a shame that we conceded after about a minute but after that we tightened things up a bit and the lads, to be fair to them, played well.”

He continued: “It was good. They’re a good side. With the team at the moment I think we would have given them a fair game.

“The lads last night were a little unlucky not to make the score one-all at one stage and they scored in the last ten-fifteen minutes - their quality shone through.

“I’m pleased that people got 90 minutes, some of them looked rusty, but that’s our fault.

“We had four lads from the under 21’s, which is all good stuff.”

Dartford play their Kent Senior Cup quarter-final tie at Ebbsfleet United at Stonebridge Road next Tuesday but before that mouth-watering clash, Arlesey Town visit Princes Park on Saturday.

“I think it’s been said that Arlesey’s away record is better than their home record,” warned the boss.

“They’ve changed their manager recently, brought in new players and it will be difficult.

“No games will be easy and we’ve got to do what we’re good at and if we do that we’ll create our chances, which I’m sure we will.

“Our main thing is to keep our clean sheets but we will create chances and score goals.

“The lads are playing well. They mustn’t let their standards drop and if there not going to take nothing for granted.

“If we get beat it will be a team that plays a lot better than us on the day but we’re a good side at home with a good squad at the moment.

“We’re not going to be complacent or arrogant - we’ll just do a job.”

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

Dartford v Arlesey Town
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 26^th January 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT