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Dartford manager Tony Burman's reaction to the 1-0 defeat by Poole in National League South

Dartford boss Tony Burman was left questioning his team's desire after they suffered their third home defeat of the season on Saturday.

The 1-0 loss to lowly Poole Town saw the Darts knocked off top spot for the first time since November by Havant, who are now one point clear with two games in hand in National League South.

"There seems to be a lack of desire and that's what's disappointing for me," blasted Burman.

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Dartford's Alfie Pavey tries to force his way through against Poole. Picture: Andy Payton
Dartford's Alfie Pavey tries to force his way through against Poole. Picture: Andy Payton

"Whether it's older players, younger players or experienced players, you've got to want to do things.

"If you don't make it happen you're going to be in trouble.

"You don't win anything in November. I want to get to the end of March and still be challenging for the league.

"We've given every other side an opportunity. They haven't been better than us, we've failed to pick up points and it's been our own downfall."

Dartford never got going against Poole, failing to register an effort on target in the first half against a side with the sixth worst defensive record in the division.

Burman added: "I'm really disappointed with the result and I have to say I'm disappointed with the performance.

"We didn't deserve to get anything from the game, credit to Poole.

"You could see the goal was going to come. They got a lot of people behind the ball but they used the ball well when they went forward.

"It's a bitter pill to swallow. Our first corner was on 35 minutes which is so disappointing when we're at home.

"We've got to try and make things happen, take the bull by the horns. There's too many times where we've lost matches.

Dartford boss Tony Burman was left questioning his team's desire on Saturday. Picture: Andy Payton
Dartford boss Tony Burman was left questioning his team's desire on Saturday. Picture: Andy Payton

"(Against) Chelmsford we lost when we were the better side but today I can't say we were the better side.

"I'm careful not to give people excuses. The tempo wasn't quick enough. When teams play with guys behind the ball, we've got to up the tempo, whether that's taking throw-ins when the ball goes out, or get the game going quickly before they settle. You've got to try and make something happen.

"The tempo from our point of view, we stayed in slow and never got out of slow.

"It's got to be flowing a little bit. I don't think I've been involved with a team when we've been challenging for a team."

Read the match report from Dartford's 1-0 defeat to Poole Town here

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