We have players to handle the pressure, says Burman - EXCLUSIVE

Monday 18th February 2008

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman insists he is fully focused to clinch the Ryman League Division One North title this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts can heap more pressure on AFC Sudbury with a victory up at Arlesey Town tomorrow night.

The table-topping Kent giants will move eight points clear of the Suffolk side by collecting all three points in Bedfordshire.

“We’ve got twelve cup finals,” Burman said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk. “The most important game at this moment in time is tomorrow night.

“We keep our targets to ourselves and we don’t set anything. We just say to the players what we feel is good enough to one, secure a play-off place and two, maybe, to go up.

“The mood in the camp is first class. We have got some mentally strong players that have won leagues at higher levels and they know what it takes to stay at the top and win games under pressure. They are 100% committed to what we want to achieve.

“I try to keep myself focused on what we want to achieve. I came away from some director responsibilities this year. Last year I got involved in one or two things away from my first team duties, which I felt affected me in the build-up in our run in last year.”

But the Darts will be looking to extend their unbeaten league record to 15 games when they play Arlesey Town at Hitchin Road tomorrow night.

“We played them a little while ago so we know a little bit about them,” said Burman, whose side needed a Adam Flanagan header to defeat Arlesey on less than a month ago.

“We know it’s going to be hard at their place. They’re another side that’s changed their manager.

“Their manager and chairman have gone and they’ve managed to have a good result on Saturday away from home at Potters Bar.

Fifth placed side Redbridge were dispatched 2-0 at Princes Park at the weekend, a side that’s win nine out of thirteen games.



BE MY GUEST:  Darts leading goalscorer Brendon Cass (left) congratulates John Guest after the defender scored against Redbridge on Saturday.
Photograph courtesy of Steven Harrington - www.stevenharringtonphotography.co.uk


“Saturday’s result was a good result,” beamed Burman. “I think there was a bit of pressure on the team to get three points because we’ve drawn our previous two games.

“Redbridge are on a good run at the moment and to take three points from them was a good result all round.”

With striker Jay May (4 games) and defender John Guest (1) suspended, Burman revealed that Tom Bradbrook, Brad Potter and Dave Moore are in contention.

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

Photograph courtesy of Steven Harrington - www.stevenharringtonphotography.co.uk

Arlesey Town v Dartford
Ryman League Division One North
Tuesday 19th February 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Hitchin Road, Arlesey, Bedfordshire SG15 6RS