Burman wants a perfect Christmas - EXCLUSIVE

Sunday 23rd December 2007

Dartford boss Tony Burman insists nothing less than three points against Canvey Island on Boxing Day will do, after dropping two at Maldon Town yesterday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts go into the festive period behind Edgware Town (41 points), AFC Sudbury (40) on 39 points – but can go top if they win their game in hand.

Despite winger Ryan Hayes playing his part in both Dartford’s goals yesterday – the second coming courtesy of a blunder by the Maldon goalkeeper, punching his corner into his own net, Burman wasn’t happy with the point.

“To be fair, I’m a little bit disappointed we haven’t picked up three points from the game,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“I see it as two points dropped, even though it was probably a fair result in the end.”

The Gulls were playing Conference football just two years ago before Jeff King moved to Chelmsford City, arrive at Princes Park on Boxing Day in ninth place in the Ryman League Division One North table – nine points behind the Darts.

“We know we’ve got a big week ahead of us,” admitted Burman. “We’ve drawn at Maldon, we now need to beat Canvey.

“We know it’s going to be a difficult game but we’re involved in difficult games when you’re at the right end of the table.

“On Saturday we didn’t get out of third gear for long enough and we’ve got to do it for longer periods if we’re going to win the game on Boxing Day.

“Canvey unfortunately fell from grace but their working their way back up and they’re doing well.

“Good luck to them to try to claw their way back up to the top level.”

Defender John Guest, whose been troubled with a thigh injury, came through 90 minutes of Dartford 3-0 Kent League Division One win at Whitstable Town yesterday and will be drafted into the squad on Wednesday.

Despite already beaten Aveley twice this season, Burman knows their trip to Mill Field next Saturday will be tough.

“Six weeks ago I said I would like to be involved with the teams at the top in the festive period,” recalled Burman.

“The plus is we haven’t been beaten for four games. I’m fairly pleased with what we’re doing but we know it’s a big week this week.

“It’s not the be all and end all but the festive period is a big week – I hope we can come out with a full amount of points.

“Aveley, to be fair, we beat them twice this year. Since then they’ve changed their manager, brought in a few new players and had a great result yesterday.

“And I would say to our supporters and players to anyone who feels they think it will be a walkover not to come to the game because it’s going to be one hell of a game for us.

“I’m reasonably happy. I have to say that we dropped two points yesterday. There was an opportunity to take three points from a good side.

“I expect my players’ to be disappointed with that as well.”

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

Dartford v Canvey Island
Ryman League Division One North
Boxing Day, Wednesday 26^th December 2007
Kick Off 1:00pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT