Burman warns against complacency against Dragons

Dartford boss Tony Burman has warned against complacency as his side welcome Wivenhoe Town to Princes Park tomorrow, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Essex side arrive in Kent with just a point from their first 17 games this season, but Burman knows their rock-bottom opponents' will be a tough nut to crack.

The Dragons have made plenty of recent signings of late, including Liam Cockerill, who featured in the Conference for Woking.

“Wivenhoe are at the wrong end of the table and have just changed manager and brought in one or two new players,” warned Burman, when speaking to www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk.

“For reasons we all know they will be up for the game and I have told the players that we must stay focused and as far as we are concerned we are playing another game against a team in our division regardless of what position they are in the table, we want to get three points.”

Dartford lost top spot in Ryman League Division One North this week, two points behind AFC Sudbury, but with one game in hand.

But the Darts look forward to a place in tonight’s Kent Senior Cup quarter-final draw, having defeated Dover Athletic 2-0 in midweek.

The game gave both giants a chance to look at their fringe players.

“It was again nice to progress to the next round of another cup competition in midweek, which gives us all something to look forward to in the new year,” said Burman.

“There was also a lot of positives to come out of the match with some good individual performances from the lads in the under 21s and John Guest and Junior Kadi getting some much needed minutes’ under their belts to try and regain some fitness.

Defender Guest is expected to play for the Darts’ second string at Erith Town tomorrow to gain more fitness.

“Junior Kadi has had the results back from a scan, which shows some slight damage to the knee but no operation is needed,” revealed Burman.

“I hope with training next week these two will be added to the squad for the next weekend, so fingers crossed.”

Burman has also revealed that Jamie Lawrence has signed for Kent League neighbours, Erith & Belvedere, and wishes former Dartford manager Tommy Sampson, a speedy recovery.

“Jamie Lawrence has decided to join Erith & Belvedere this week, a decision that had my full support,” said Burman.

“I have known Jamie for a very long time and would like to thank him for his help and wish him all the best in the future.”

Burman added: “I was shocked to hear last week that Tommy Sampson had suffered a stroke, but what I have been told is he will make a full recovery.

“These things do take time but I have no doubt Tommy will battle through and be back to normal in no time - get well mate you can do it!”

Visit Dartford’s websites:   www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk
Dartford v Wivenhoe Town
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 15^th December 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Darenth Road, Grassbanks, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT