Burman relishing Stones showdown

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman says the showdown against arch-rivals Maidstone United at Princes Park on Saturday has the makings of an exciting encounter, writes Stephen McCartney.

Both sides go into the game level on 37 points and are four points adrift of Carshalton Athletic, a side that occupy the final play-off berth.

The Robbins travel to Ashford Town (Middlesex), a side in fourteenth place in the Ryman Premier League table, and Burman, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, wants his side to continue their fine form.

The Darts have picked up thirteen points from their last five games and are within touching distance of the play-off’s.

And Burman is relishing the prospect of hosting a Kent rival at Princes Park on a Saturday.

“Obviously it’s nice to have a local derby against our local rivals Maidstone at Princes Park - especially on a Saturday,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to the game, we’re on the same number of points, and we’ve gone above Maidstone for the first time this season - it all makes for a good game.

“Maidstone are full of experienced players - and good players. It’s always a tough game against them, it’s at home and we want to try and get three points.

“If results go our way, we’ll close the gap on Carshalton on the play-off spot, which is nice. It’s a good position to be in, if it happens.”

With a fully fit squad to choose from, Burman believes Dartford are capable of mounting a serious play-off push.

He said: “When we started the season, the results weren’t the ones that we wanted, but the performances weren’t that bad in my opinion.

“The players have worked hard, there’s been one or two changes to the squad and we’ve managed to, all off a sudden, get people back fit again, which obviously helps.

Burman spoke about the latest situation concerning sought-after striker Cody McDonald, who has scored 19 goals in 16 starts for the Kent club.

“Obviously, some of the postponements earlier on in the month haven’t helped clubs wanting to see Cody,” said Burman.

“He’s trained with Norwich this week for a couple of days and there is obviously a lot of clubs who have been watching him over the last few weeks.

“At this moment in time we have had an offer from a League club, which was at the start of the month, but we’re still talking to one or two parties on that.”

When asked whether the Essex based striker will still be at Princes Park once the transfer window shuts for trading at 5pm next Monday, Burman replied, “Well, it’s obviously mixed feelings. I’d love him to still be with us and the signs are he could be.

“Inevitably his aim has got to be League football and if that happens by Monday or not it will happen at some time.”

Luckily, Ryman League managers don’t have to do their transfer dealings during one month during the football season, due to the fact that some clubs get through so many players for one reason or another.

This is not the first time that Burman has had to deal with League clubs and agents during the transfer window - he sold winger Dave Martin to Crystal Palace for £25,000, and other benefits, two years ago.

“I don’t agree with it at our level,” Burman said of the transfer window. “It’s something that the authorities have brought in at the higher level for a reason, to maybe stabilise things at clubs in respects of players knowing where they might be.

“I don’t think it should come down any lower than what it is.”

Back to Saturday’s game against Maidstone United, this is a game that no supporter of these two GREAT CLUBS should miss.

“At this moment in time, we should have a fully fit squad and no suspensions for the first time this season,” Burman was pleased to announce tonight.

“We’d like to continue the form that we’re in; we thoroughly deserve our results. Make no mistake about that, the players have been absolutely superb over their attitude and application over the last couple of months.

“It could be a good pay day but above all the two clubs can produce a crowd of over 1,500, in my opinion, is a fantastic effort by all supporters.

“I just hope that we both put on an excellent game of football - with us obviously coming out the winners.”

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

Dartford v Maidstone United
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 31^st January 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT