Dartford lost once again on Saturday, as hosts Farnborough took the lead twice to win 2-1. Speaking after the game, interim manager Tony Burman said the character on display can translate into points in the long run.
The Darts went behind early in the second half, as Aaron Kuhl converted from the spot. Tyrell Miller-Rodney equalised shortly after, but a controversial Reggie Young goal restored Farnborough’s lead, and all three points for the host. On the performance, Burman said:
“It was disappointing, we’ve lost the game but on the plus side I thought it was a decent performance from us today. I got a lot of effort and good football from the players, and I got a reaction when we did go 1-0 down from the penalty. The reaction to come back and equalise was good and that will hold us in good stead for the future.”
“We think that the goal was offside, maybe. There’s a shout for offside but I can’t see it until the highlights happen. Its disappointing but there’s a lot of plus points in respect to the way that they worked together and conducted themselves today.”
Debutant Funmaya Shomotun’s performance was certainly one positive to take for Dartford. The winger was signed from Sevenoaks on Friday after an impressive display against the Darts in midweek, and Burman expressed his gratitude for the chance to sign him.
“I thought he done well, he’s been thrown in at the deep end. He did well against us on Tuesday and I wanted to talk to him, and I thank Sevenoaks for letting us take him today and sign him yesterday.”
“I think once he finds his feet and takes this second chance in football for him, he’s going to be a well-liked player at this club. He’s a decent lad off the field and in and around the place in the couple of days he’s been here, and once he gets used to the pace of things, I think he will be alright for us.”
Academy product Olly Box was involved in the squad once again at the weekend and has certainly impressed in recent showings. He scored his first competitive goal for the Club on Tuesday, and Burman was full of praise for the youngster.
“Olly’s one of our academy boys, we’ve got most clubs in the lower leagues after him. I always want to try and give him a little chance; I feel he’s got a good footballing brain and inside the box he can score a goal. I know he’s not the tallest, but he can score a goal.”
“I’ve thrown him on today simply to see whether he got on the end of anything. I thought Alex Wall worked his socks off today on his own up front and I thought he (Box) caused them a few problems and should have had a foul when he went through. Olly’s come on and done okay, he’s one for the future.”
On-loan striker George Alexander departed Dartford on Thursday in a frantic sequence of events. His contract was terminated by Bromley, and shortly after it was announced that he had signed for Chelmsford. Burman shed some light on the move:
“We were notified at about 6 o’clock on Thursday that he was going back. I had a phone call from Bromley out of courtesy, which I’m pleased about. Then I had a phone call with George and I think his contract has more to do with what Bromley are doing with their deals. They’re a loaning club and his main club can do those sorts of things, and that’s the problem when you have a player on loan.”
“Obviously, he’s now gone to another team in our league, and his agent has told him that he wants him to play for a team fighting for promotion.”
Burman was once again asked about the managerial situation at the Club. He refused to share the exact details, but confirmed there has been progress in the Club’s search.
“We’re looking at three or four people and we’re not going to be rushed into anything. Having said that, we’ve got 18 games to go and we do have to realise that there’s a black cloud up there with a big R on it, and we’ve got to stay away from that as best as we can.”
“I am sure that if the players show the commitment that they have done today, and the support that they had was excellent, then I’m sure that we can get the points that we need to climb the table.”