SEVEN POINTS FROM TITLE: My players must play like O'Brien, says Burman - EXCLUSIVE

DARTFORD manager Tony Burman says his captain Alex O’Brien uses football to take out his frustrations working in customer relations, writes Stephen McCartney.

O’Brien scored a very rare goal last weekend as Dartford fought back from 2-0 down after 82 minutes to grab a point at Potters Bar Town.

And Burman reveals EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk that the former Tonbridge Angels holding midfielder is like Stuart Pearce inside the dressing room.

O’Brien is just the player needed to rally the troops in the north Kent club’s make-or-break last three games of their Ryman League Division One North campaign as they bid to clinch the title.

There were more Dartford fans clicking on their forum than AFC Sudbury and Canvey Island fans at Kingsmarsh Stadium last night.

And the dozen or so Darts fans that made that the trip to Suffolk were sending back good news as former Conference club Canvey Island won 2-0, courtesy of two late goals.

Now it’s time for Burman’s side to wrap up the title and forget all about Sudbury.

Third-bottom side Tilbury - only two points clear of the relegation zone - visit Princes Park on Saturday in another must-win game for the Kent giants, while one eye will be on the Edgware Town’s visit to Sudbury.

Dartford then travel to Edgware the following Saturday before Wingate & Finchley visit Princes Park on the last day of the season (26^th April).

“We’ve been six points in front (of Sudbury) for a while now and we’ve been top of the league for a while, but our last two games have not been the best,” admitted Burman.

“There’s been a little bit of tension come into it as well. We’ve had a fantastic Easter, following by the Bury and Potters Bar games that we didn’t think we played as well as we should have done.

“I think we may have felt the tension a little bit. The Brentwood game, Sudbury lost to Bury in midweek and it puts more pressure on you.

“To be 2-0 down in the 82^nd minute against Potters Bar was nothing short of a disaster.

“At that point I just felt we had just blown everything in 82 minutes.

“We had so many chances on the day, although converting our chances has been our strongest point this season, that’s why we’ve scored 100 goals. But we scored one straight after they scored their second goal.

"When you’re top of the league things happen for you but when you’re bottom they don’t.”

When asked if he’s table-topping side have played their get out of jail card on a few occasions recently, Burman replied: “No! Because we’ve been consistently the best team in the league. If you’re consistency the best team you deserve your little bit of luck now and again.”

Looking ahead to Tilbury’s visit to Princes Park, Burman tells his side to keep their composure and keep their nerves at bay.

He said: “Tilbury are fighting for their lives and will come to our place and raise their game like every team does and they want to do their best.

“We’ve had to win every game for the last 12 games and this is no different. We have to win this game and we will be doing our best to make sure we do that.

“We’ll be drumming into the players to relax and try and play their normal game. They mustn’t tighten up or be nervous.

“I feel they’ve got to take the game by the scruff of the neck and boss the game to the best of their ability.”

O’Brien will ensure his team-mates will get over the finishing line as champions.

Burman said: “It typified Alex as a captain as far as I’m concerned. I think he’s won a lot of people over at Dartford from the terraces and in the changing room.

“He’s passion for doing well and succeeding might be a defining moment, scoring the 100^th (league) goal for Dartford this season.”

A player who grafts in the middle of the park, Burman revealed O’Brien’s character inside the dressing room.

“He’s a Stuart Pearce type,” said Burman. “He works for the FA in their Customer relations, he gets a lot of grief on the phone as he’s in charge of England internationals.

“He’s just a fantastic guy to have around the place. He’s proved every bit of his worth as far as I’m concerned.”

And Burman reminds the Darts faithful to continue their excellent backing of their heroes.

“The crowd that travelled to Potters Bar played their part,” said Burman.

“I’ve asked them to support us better than they’ve ever supported us before because there’s something special that can happen and I think regardless of any team I put out they will be 100% behind it and they know what’s at stake.”

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

Dartford v Tilbury
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 12^th April 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT