Kentish Football 
We want to put on a great game of football, says Burman
Wednesday 18th November 2009
DARTFORD manager Tony Burman says the “BATTLE OF THE GIANTS” clash at Dover Athletic on Saturday will be a great occasion for both sets of supporters to enjoy, writes Stephen McCartney.
A crowd of over 2,000 is expected to flock through the turnstiles to watch the FA Carlsberg Trophy third qualifying round tie, between the two Kent sides that love nothing more than to get the ball down and play.
“It’s a good game for everybody to look forward to in regards to a cup tie,” Burman told www.kentishfootball.co.uk today.
“We’re looking forward to going down there and having a good game of football.”
Unbeaten Dartford are five points clear at the top of the Ryman Premier League table and hosts Dover Athletic are eight points behind Blue Square South leaders Newport County.
“Both clubs are doing very well in their respective leagues,” said Burman. “Dover have had a fantastic three seasons and they’re up there in second place in their league and we’ve been top for most of the season in our league.
“It takes the pressure off getting points in the league, but having said that, it’s games you want to get involved with and hopefully it all gets resolved on the day.”
Dover Athletic go into the game with just one win from their last six games - Andy Hessenthaler’s worst run of form in two-and-a-half years at Crabble.
And Burman said: “I wouldn’t say Dover are in a blip. The season is a marathon and they’re in a great position to get promoted again.
“Their results lately have been against some very good sides. Their level is the level that we’d like to play at . The quality in that league is a much tougher league.
But he added: “The league form sort of goes out of the window.”
With two quality, passing sides on show, Saturday’s game is a must-see game and both sets of supporters will give their sides plenty of passionate support.
“If you can’t be up for that sort of game you shouldn’t be in football really,” said Burman.
“As much as it’s a great game for both sets of supporters, we want to put on a great game of football.
“We don’t want to interfere on our main aim, which is promotion. We hope things get settled on Saturday and we’re quietly confident that we can be in the hat on Monday morning.”
Burman will be without the suspended Adam Flanagan, so Jamie Coyle and John Beales will continue their partnership at the heart of the Dartford defence.
Flanagan would have completed his ban last weekend, but their home game against a resurgent Bognor Regis Town was washed out.
“That was one of the drawbacks of last Saturday’s game being postponed,” explained Burman. “That was Adam’s last game and unfortunately the suspension still carries on. That’s a blow but he will be available for Tuesday night against Tooting.
“Jamie Coyle and John Beales have done excellent for us.”
Burman feels his opposite number, Andy Hessenthaler, has the ability to return to football management further up the food chain.
He said: “I just feel Hessie is a professional manager and he’s a League manager and Dover are very fortunate to have such a talent like him in Blue Square South.
“He’s taken them a long way in the two years that he’s been there. To me, he’s a professional manager and he should be in the League.”
www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game
Visit Dartford’s websites: www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk
Dover Athletic v Dartford
FA Carlsberg Trophy Third Qualifying Round
Saturday 21st November 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0JB
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd