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Dartford manager Tony Burman backs his strikers to end their goal drought against AFC Telford United

Andy Pugh goes close with a header Picture: Andy Payton
Andy Pugh goes close with a header Picture: Andy Payton

Dartford boss Tony Burman has backed his strikers to end their goal drought against AFC Telford this weekend.

More than five hours of football have passed since the Darts last found the net – and that was a header by defender Rory McAuley at Woking.

Tom Bradbrook claimed a deflected effort against Wrexham on the opening day of the season but his fellow centre-forwards, Andy Pugh and Harry Crawford, have yet to get off the mark.

Burman said: "We keep creating enough chances to score. We haven’t scored but I’ve got plenty of confidence in the guys who are playing up front that it will happen.

"We’re so disappointed that we’ve only got two points from five games but it’s close. We’ve got to start to be more clinical."

Tom Bradbrook (on ground) reacts to a missed chance Picture: Andy Payton
Tom Bradbrook (on ground) reacts to a missed chance Picture: Andy Payton

There was more frustration for the Dartford strikers in Monday’s 4-0 defeat at Barnet.

Burman admitted: “They did start to snatch a bit at the chances they had. Away from home, you don’t get a lot of chances.

"We’ve spoken about it and they understand what I’m saying. I’m sure they will come good sooner rather than later."

On paper, Saturday’s home game against newly-promoted Telford represents the Darts’ best chance so far this season to register a victory. Both clubs have yet to win and Burman’s side simply have to make home advantage count.

Burman said: "The important thing is that we’ve got to start picking up more points at home. Our home games are going to be vitally important for us this season. We get a good crowd, the crowd will get behind the players and they’re desperate for the players to do well.

“Until we get that first win, there’s going to be a little bit of pressure. But it won’t be for the want of trying and the guys will go out with the same attitude."

Right-back Lee Burns is close to returning from the rib injury which has forced him out of Dartford’s last three fixtures. He could even be included in the Dartford squad for the match with Telford, but is more likely to be recalled for next weekend’s game at Altrincham.

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