We've blown it, admits Burman

Dartford boss Tony Burman has admitted his side will be playing Ryman League Division One South football again next season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Saturday’s goal-less draw at home to Walton Casuals means the Darts will remain in the division.

They travel to Metropolitan Police on Saturday, sitting in sixth place in the table and will not qualify for the play-off’s if arch-rivals Dover Athletic claim at least a point from their last two games, against Corinthian-Casuals (away) tomorrow night and at home to Horsham YMCA on Saturday.

“With us drawing at home on Saturday, our play-off chances have all but gone for this season,” Burman admitted in his twice weekly website notes on www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk.

“Although it would be nice to take things into the last game of the season, I just cannot see that happening.”

Dartford missed out on the Southern League Division One East play-off’s by just a point this time last year, and Burman is “disappointed” that history has repeated itself.

He said: “To come out of the top five for the first time in the last two weeks of the season is very disappointing after the season that we have had.

“I realise that the league does not lie, but in football you don’t always get what you think you deserve.

“I have no doubt that this league has been stronger than last season and I felt we were good enough for a play-off place, which would have been an improvement on last season.

“For me, not to finish in the top five will be a major blow but we have to pick ourselves up and prepare again through the summer for next season.

“Over the last two seasons I think we have improved immensely and with the new stadium at Princes Park, there is so much to look forward to In the future. In my opinion, there will be no better place to be next season!”

Visit Dartford's websites:

www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk/forum