Dartford 3-2 Ashford Town (Middlesex) - We're better than that, insists Burman

Saturday 20th February 2010

DARTFORD 3-2 ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX)
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 20th February 2010
Mike Green reports from Princes Park Stadium

LEE BURNS’ 17th goal of the season three minutes after half time secured Dartford's first home win at Princes Park for more than two months as Tony Burman’s side moved ten points clear at the top of Ryman Premier League.

But Ashford Town (Middlesex) certainly played their part and made life very difficult at times, but in the end Burns’ goal proved to be oh so crucial.

After an opening half that swung one way and then the other, the two sides shared four goals, and when Burns swept the ball home the Darts faced 42 very edgy moments before securing their first home win in 60 days!

A relieved Tony Burman admitted to www.kentishfootball.co.uk after the game that “it wasn’t a great win but it’s a good win. We said before the game that we had to get something out of the game, and it would be even better if we’d have put in a performance where the supporters can go home saying what a great performance that was!

“But,” the Darts boss continued, “It wasn’t to be today! We were sloppy on both goals and created our own problems, but it was probably the best that we played at home for a while, but its just disappointing.

“We should have increased the lead when had the chances in the first half, but second half we panicked again. I’m just sorry that we couldn’t match it with a performance, but I do promise our supporters that we will – I just hope that its soon!

“We’re better than what we played today – we got the points and that what matters, and with no disrespect to Ashford, if we’d have taken them.”

Ashford took the lead on 7 minutes when Brain Haule was brought down by Darts keeper Andy Young, and Jamie England sent the keeper the wrong way to give the visitors the lead – a lead that lasted just seven minutes as the League Leaders levelled.

Ryan Hayes drilled in a free kick from the right, which flicked off the head of Femi Ilesamni’s head and flicked over the diving figure of Paul Burgess in the Ashford goal!

Ten minutes later, Danny Harris headed his 11th goal of the season to put the Darts in front.

Burns did well down the right, and Elliott Bradbrook nodded his cross back across the face of goal and Harris headed the ball into the net.

It should have been three just before half time, when Lee Noble left a square ball for Harris, who’s instinctive first touch released Noble and his lob was fractionally too high.

The interchange and the passing was a joy to behold and if the ball had finished in the net, the goal would have been a firm contender for Goal of the Season.

But then Ashford levelled again on the stroke of half time when England scored his second with a fine low drive, which flew past a statuesque Young into the bottom corner of the net.

The action continued immediately after half time when Burns scored what proved to be the winner when he tapped home at the far post after Harris did brilliantly well down the right.

On 54 minutes Ryan Johnson was only denied a fourth for the home side by a fabulous low save by Burgess after Harris and central defender Vinnie O’Sullivan did their own audition for “Lets Dance for Sports Relief”!

The game then developed into a very cagey affair as the Darts held on for the three points – the closest Ashford came to levelling was through skipper Paul Johnson’s 30 yard drive that just wouldn’t dip enough for the visitors.

The roar that greeted Mr Forrester’s final whistle was certainly one of relief and without doubt these three points were certainly won “ugly”!

Burman now faces a midweek trip to Horsham to prepare for away trip to Horsham.

The boss said, “We’ve got a big squad and need to keep everyone fit and interested, and if we need to change anything at Horsham on Tuesday then we will when we got to another very heavy pitch against another very difficult side.

“There are still 17 games to go, but with Kingstonian losing we’ve had a great day today, but we still must get things right and we can’t rely on people hitting targets and what have you – we want to get back to playing the way were before Christmas, and really have a go for the League title now.”

Dartford: Andy Young, Billy Burgess, Adam Gross, Adam Flanagan, John Beales, Ryan Johnson, Ryan Hayes (Carl Rook 70), Ryan Johnson, Lee Noble, Danny Harris, Lee Burns, Elliott Bradbrook.

Subs: Danny Dafter, Jamie Coyle, James White, Rob Haworth.

Goals: Femi Ilesamni 13 (own goal), Danny Harris 23, Lee Burns 48

Booked: Danny Harris 27, Billy Burgess 50, Ryan Hayes 70

Ashford Town (Middlesex): Paul Burgess, Brett Cooper, Femi Ilesamni (Jones Awuah 90), Russell Canderton, Vinnie O’Sullivan, David Haule, Paul Johnson, Warrant Harris. Brian Haule, Jamie England, Jamie McGlashan.

Subs: Scott Weight, Jamie Lawrence, Craig Rose

Goals: Jamie England 7 (pen), 45

Attendance: 1,101

Referee: Mr Lee Forrester (Luton, Bedfordshire)

Assistants: Mr Gareth Viccars (Bletchley, Buckinghamshire) & Mr David Knight