Every player has been excellent for us this year, says Burman

Sunday 14th February 2010

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman says striker Allan Tait has come into his thoughts ahead of their trip to Wealdstone on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The former Eastbourne Borough striker has only started seven games for the present Ryman Premier League leaders this season and is battling back to full fitness following a niggling calf injury.

Tait scored four goals for the Darts second string yesterday, beating Margate 8-1 at Princes Park in a Bulmers Cider Kent League Division One fixture.

“Allan Tait played in the reserves and scored four goals and he’s a quality player,” Burman told www.kentishfootball.co.uk, following his side’s 4-1 win at Tonbridge Angels.

“He’s won league’s and been up in the Conference and he’s an intelligent guy and I think for his sake and for all our sakes we haven’t seen the best of him and for the last three months (of the season) he will be an asset to this club.”

The Darts remain seven points clear at the top of the table (with three games in hand over their nearest challengers Kingstonian and Hastings United), courtesy of an inspirational half-time team talk from their manager.

Fourth-from-bottom Tonbridge Angels dominated the first half and deservedly went in at the break a goal-up courtesy of Paul Booth’s fourteenth goal of the season.

Burman felt his side “had reached rock bottom” following back-to-back defeats to Billericay Town and Sutton United and a poor first half showing at Longmead Stadium, where the Angels tore them apart before the break.

Burman added: “I was fuming at half-time, but there wasn’t no shouting or anything. I just told them how I felt and they responded in an excellent manner and I think they showed what good players they actually are.”

Dartford proved exactly why they’re on course to clinch the Ryman Premier League title this season as goals from Ryan Johnson (his first for the club), Danny Harris, Elliot Bradbrook and substitute Rob Haworth sent around 400 travelling fans home happy.

The Darts travel to Wealdstone on Tuesday night, before welcoming Ashford Town (Middlesex) to Princes Park on Saturday.

The Stones have dropped out of the play-off zone and are presently in eighth place in the table with Ashford Town (Middlesex) one place higher.

“I just want to carry on what we do and pick up points from each game,” said Burman.

“I’ve been and watched Ashford and they’re a good side, although they got beat the other night, they still play good football. We know it’s going to be a tough game but we have to try and win it.”

But Burman has a quality squad to choose from and added: “I’m confident with the squad that I’ve got. I think every single player has been excellent for us this year.”

Striker, Carl Rook is available for selection again, as he was unable to play against his former club yesterday, following a gentlemen’s agreement between the two clubs.

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

Wealdstone v Dartford

Ryman Premier League

Tuesday 16th February 2010

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 6JQ