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Dartford FC supporters have been key to their recent good form

Dartford boss Tony Burman has hailed the club’s supporters as they moved another step closer to the title on Tuesday night.

The Darts made it seven National League South victories in a row by winning 1-0 at East Thurrock, where the away fans outnumbered home supporters in a crowd of 497.

Just weeks after an unprecedented outburst at the terrace boo-boys, Burman admitted things have turned full circle at just the right time.

Dartford supporters have been getting right behind their team Picture: Andy Jones
Dartford supporters have been getting right behind their team Picture: Andy Jones

“The squad is in a good place at the moment and a lot of that is to do with the support we’ve been getting over the last few weeks – since the Poole game,” said Burman.

“The support at East Thurrock was excellent. To me, they’re not worried about what happens next year.

“I know what they want but we’ve got to concentrate on Saturday and that’s the only thing we’ve got to focus on. They can talk about whatever they want to talk about and hopefully it’s all positive.

“It delights me to see the fans like they are now. Supporters have to realise it’s really important to be that 12th man for 95 minutes.

“All the questions can be asked before or after – just support us like you have (during the game).

“There will be a big crowd there on Saturday and we can’t just turn up.”

Dartford have two games remaining in the chase for the title. They host Bath on Saturday before finishing off with a trip to relegated Bognor.

Rivals Havant, who are now three points behind, visit in-form Chelmsford on Saturday before hosting East Thurrock on Wednesday and Concord on April 28.

The league could yet come down to goal difference but Burman is not looking beyond the Bath game.

Happy Dartford fans Picture: Andy Payton
Happy Dartford fans Picture: Andy Payton

“We’re playing against a team who are looking to get into the play-offs if they can win their last three games,” he added. “We can’t under-estimate anything.

“It’s a good feeling but we can’t take anything for granted. We’ve got to take this second chance with both hands. We’ve got to respect that Bath are a really good side.”

Burman believes his young guns are thriving on the pressure of chasing the title.

While the likes of Elliot Bradbrook and Lee Noble have experienced this all before, it is unchartered territory for centre-back Ronnie Vint and leading scorer Alfie Pavey.

“We’ve got a team who I’ve got a lot of people in that changing room who now realise what it’s like to get close to the line, now they’ve got to get over it,” said Burman.

“You can’t do it before it happens. We’ve come up to the challenge (so far) and the most important thing now is Saturday.

“I’m delighted for the players that have been with me for a long time but I’m equally delighted for the younger players who are now getting that taste of maybe being successful.

“All of a sudden, Mark Onyemah, Ronnie Vint and Alfie Pavey have grown in stature. I said about Alfie being a number one striker, and I think he’s doing his best to do that. He has listened and it’s a fabulous thing when the younger players listen to you and the older players on the field.”

Dartford have injury concerns over Lee Noble (ankle) and Andy Pugh (knee) after both came off injured in the second half at East Thurrock.

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