Hastings left in the dark as Darts bid for play-off's

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman hopes his side will leave Hastings United in the dark when he takes his side to The Pilot Field on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts bounced back from last week’s disappointment, to beat Tooting & Mitcham United by three goals to one at Princes Park yesterday.

Two goals from striker Rob Haworth and one from winger Ryan Hayes pleased Burman, when speaking to BBC Radio Kent yesterday.

“Delighted with the result, especially after the defeat last week and for the lads to bounce back (was) very pleasing,” he said.

“We started very, very well and we were 2-0 up after ten-fifteen minutes, which is a great feeling.”

Burman added, “The attitude and the response I got from the players was excellent.”

Sixth-placed Dartford are only one point adrift of the Ryman Premier League play-off zone, having now picked up 23 points from their last eleven league games.

Hastings United have failed to win under Tony Dolby in his second spell in charge on the east Sussex coast, but despite that, Burman expects yet another tough game.

“It’s going to be very, very tough, but they all are at the moment,” said Burman.

But he is confident that the Kent club will finish in the top five to qualify for the play-off’s.

He said: “The games are tough and it’s just the teams that stays focused and organised who will creep in there (the play-off’s), that’s for sure.

“There’s loads of points to play for and you’re going to have some good weekends and bad weekend. I just hope we have more good weekends than bad.”

Burman was pleased with Craig Carley’s debut, having snapped him up on a free transfer from Ryman One South side Metropolitan Police on the eve of the game.

“It gets me back up to three strikers and we’re still looking to bring another lad in sometime, if not this week, maybe next week,” revealed the Darts boss.

“We want to improve and push on to get into that top five.”

Meanwhile, Hastings United have been added to the long list of football clubs that are having financial troubles.

Details, posted on the Hastings United fans’ forum, revealed the club need to purchase new floodlights.

“The floodlights will not pass the next inspection as there is corrosion on the top of several pylons, which is leaving the electrics somewhat bare to the elements,” said the message.

“Experts have been called in to the ground and have indicated that the whole lot have to be replaced. The reason, in my limited understanding, is you cannot really put new on top of old.

“Earliest estimates are in the region of £40,000. The club has sought a grant to help with this bill, but even as its most successful, the grant would pay 40% of the cost. This leaves the club with a bill of £26,000.

“The likelihood of the club getting a loan in the current market is slim to non existent. The club are still looking into possibilities though.

“This all means that we have to raise a fair majority of this money by the end of the summer as the new stacks will have to be in place by the start of the new season, as the next inspection is October.

“If we cannot replace the floodlights, we would have to move out of The Pilot Field and groundshare. It’s as simple as that.”

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

Visit Hastings United’s website: www.hastingsunitedfc.co.uk

Quotes courtesy of BBC Radio Kent: www.bbc.co.uk/kent

Hastings United v Dartford
Ryman Premier League
Tuesday 3^rd March 2009
Kick Off 7:45pm
At The Pilot Field, Elphinstone Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 2AX