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Dartford manager Tony Burman on play-off semi-final second leg against Chelmsford

Dartford boss Tony Burman wants his team to capitalise on their home advantage in the National League South play-offs.

After a goalless semi-final first leg at Chelmsford on Wednesday night, the Darts host their Essex opponents at Princes Park on Sunday.

Darts only grabbed third place in the league on the final day of the season and Burman now expects his team to complete the job.

Dartford manager Tony Burman Picture: Andy Payton
Dartford manager Tony Burman Picture: Andy Payton

“We’ve played one half and have a second half to play,” said Burman. “You have to be like that.

“It’s not about sitting back and trying to get a point. It’s a one-off game now. We’ve got the home advantage and we’ve got to make sure that works for us.

“I’d like to think the way we’re playing at home, we can create chances and convert them.

“They’ve come to our place and beaten us twice but I think we’ve created a lot of chances in the games at home and haven’t taken them.

“We’ve got a good opportunity. The tie is not over by any means.”

The first leg was the fifth meeting between the two teams this season. Chelmsford are yet to lose in Kent and Burman anticipates a tight affair once again.

“There won’t be too much to change,” admitted the Darts boss. “We’ll have a look at who we can play and can’t.

“Chelmsford play three at the back and five across the middle so they make it difficult for you. When we play 4-4-2 it leaves two guys in the middle of the park.

“It’s difficult when someone is counter-attacking you with that formation, especially when there’s so much at stake.”

The home fans are bound to have a role to play but Burman urged his team to focus on the job in hand rather than be swept away by the occasion.

“We will need a 12th man,” added Burman. “They’ll do that for us.

“Chelmsford enjoy coming to our place and make a lot of noise but hopefully we can drown them out and get behind the boys.

“It’s great to get behind them but the players need to remember there is a game going on and concentrate on getting the right result.”

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