You just won’t meet a braver person than Lee Noble, says Darts boss Tony Burman

Sheringham may have taken the goal scoring plaudits, but just Dartford’s second away League win of the season was undoubtedly inspired by a the Lion-hearted Noble’s majestic performance.
 
Sheringham’s stunning turn and shot seventeen minutes from time truly was one that his famous dad would have been proud of.  Indeed Teddy would have been impressed by the way his son conducted his whole afternoon as he returned to Woodside Park – scene of one of the more unhappy times in his career. 

But even Sheringham would be first to admit the part that Noble not only played in his goal, but was also instrumental in the Darts triumph, despite being bloodied by an ugly body check by Stortford full back Michael Bakare after only 12 minutes, for which the defender was very fortunate to stay on the pitch. 

Indeed, the clash left Noble looking as if he’d gone the distance with heavyweight Champion David Haye! 

And after he returned to the field of play, Noble was sporting a “Terry Butcher” style head bandage and was under the constant eye of the Dartford club doctor who positioned himself behind the Darts dug out to keep a regular check on Noble deep cut just below his left eye! 
 
But it was the little Dartford number seven who was to have the last laugh with an outstanding display which brought glowing praise from his manager after the game, and an admission that Noble was nearly pulled off just before half time. 

Burman said: “We were on the point of pulling him off after he got cut as when he went back on after treatment, he said he felt a bit dizzy and we were a bit worried that his cheek bone might have been broken, but the Doc looked at it and said it was OK! 

“But Lee wanted to stay on – you just won’t meet a braver person than Lee Noble and we’re pleased for him!  He’s come back from loan and a lot of people around and on the pitch have seen him trying to motivate by his terrier play – he’s played today with a bad gash under his eye that will be stitched tonight – there’s no one with a bigger heart and he’s going to be a big loss to us next Saturday in the Trophy at Gateshead! 

“It’s a shame as he’s had a run in side, but after his sending off last week against Farnborough, he’s going to miss three games.  I’m sure he’ll fight to get his place back after his ban’s finished.”

Burman was full of praise for his match winner, Sheringham.

He said: “I think Charlie is a credit because of who he is – I think the way he handles having a famous father when we go to grounds is an absolute credit.  He might get the odd shout but all of a sudden over the past few weeks because he’s scored some important goals for us he’s finding the confidence in him! 

“He is a good player but its just finding the right balance and he’s another one who’s worked his socks off especially in training to put things right and a lot of people don’t realise that and I’m pleased for him.”
 
Turning his attention to undoubtedly his side’s biggest week of the season – league leaders Braintree Town arrive at Princes Park on Tuesday night before the FA Trophy last 16 tie at Gateshead on Saturday, the Darts boss admitted that his side must focus on one game at a time. 

“All our concentration must go onto Tuesday’s game but we’re going to head North on Friday to “enjoy ourselves” – and I mean by that that we hopefully will give a good account of ourselves in the same way as we approached the Crawley game’s and if we can do that we’ll hopefully get something from the game.” 

Burman added: “Having said that the Braintree game is really set up nicely as we’re on a good run and they’re top and playing ever so well and we’ve got to try and beat them, and if my players can’t get up for games like that, even if we are going to Gateshead at the weekend, then you shouldn’t be here! 

“That said I’m quietly confident that the confidence is coming back in slowly to the players and it’s nice to see them play in a more relaxed fashion doing the things that you want them to do as they are good players and it’s nice that they’re getting things together.”

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Dartford  v  Braintree Town
Blue Square Bet South
Tuesday 1^st February 2011
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT