Eighty points will get us promoted, says Burman

Wednesday 09th December 2009

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman says his side’s inactivity is helping his influential players get back to full fitness, writes Stephen McCartney.

Last weekend’s trip to Wealdstone fell victim to a waterlogged pitch, but Burman says this has given his injured stars a chance to continue their battles getting fit.

“Allan Tait has been training but is still a little bit sore with his calf muscle, which is disappointing,” revealed Burman, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“Jay May has got a knee problem and Elliot Bradbrook has started jogging and he’s getting further and further towards fitness, which is good. If we get him back in January it will be like signing a new player.”

Burman admits to feeling frustrated with former Eastbourne Borough striker Tait, who hasn’t had a chance to prove his worth due to niggling injuries.

“We know what he’s capable of but when you have injuries in non-league it suffers a little bit,” said Burman.

“It’s frustrating, more than anything else, as he wants to do so well. He’s working so hard to get his fitness sorted, so hopefully he will be available for Saturday.”

League leaders Dartford welcome third-from-bottom side Waltham Abbey to Princes Park on Saturday and Burman wants maximum points to bounce back following their only defeat of the season when AFC Hornchurch completed a smash-and-grab raid two weeks ago.

“The relegation zone seems to get larger every season, they’re not that many points between the teams,” said Burman.

“Bognor came to our place and drew 3-3 and it was a very creditable performance from Bognor so we just want to get back to playing.

“Whoever we play we’ve got three points available to put into the bank so to speak. We failed to do that against Hornchurch so we want to do that against Waltham Abbey.

Burman expects total professionalism from his squad throughout the festive period and with 41 points already bagged from 16 league games wants his side to continue their excellent form into the new year.

He said: “We spoke about this already, we have re-arranged games on nights when they might be having the office party. Unfortunately they have to play their games. It’s a little bit different from a few years back and I’ve got no problem on that score whatsoever.”

Burman added: “The sooner you get over 80, I think when you’re over 80 points you’ve got a chance off getting promoted.”

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

Dartford v Waltham Abbey

Ryman Premier League

Saturday 12th December 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT