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Dartford FC boss Tony Burman on the title decider at Bognor Regis Town

00:00, 26 April 2018

It’s all about goals for Dartford this Saturday as they aim to win National League South on the final day of the season.

After title rivals Havant won 6-1 at home to East Thurrock on Wednesday night, the title could be decided on goal difference this weekend.

On the back of eight successive victories, Dartford travel to already-relegated Bognor while Havant host Concord just 18 miles down the south coast.

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

Dartford need to better Havant's result - or have a winning margin at least three goals greater than their rivals if both teams win.

The Darts will be roared on by hundreds of travelling supporters at Nyewood Lane as they bid to clinch a return to the top tier of non-league football after three years away.

“We’re in there with a massive shout,” said boss Tony Burman, speaking prior to Havant's midweek win.

“The target was to be challenging for the league title and we’re still in prime position at this moment.

“Against Bognor we’ve got to think about ourselves and what we can do. Bognor is going to be hit with a lot of people from Dartford, it’s going to be a good day and hopefully it goes well for us.”

Goal difference could come into play at Bognor, a scenario that should suit Dartford given they are the division’s leading goalscorers.

Havant have won their last four games to keep pace with Dartford but Burman insisted it will be the first time they’ve been chasing goals during the run-in.

“I’ll be honest with you, I haven’t thought about the goal difference,” claimed Burman. “I’ve just been thinking about the three points.

“I realise we haven’t played brilliant football over those games but we’re at the nitty gritty end of the season.

“It’s about work-rate and just winning games. It’s strange what is happening between us and Havant.

“We’ve got to get on with it and do what we can do. Hopefully it swings our way.”

Goals could mean promotion but Burman insisted it’s their defenders who have got them in pole position. Dartford have conceded just one goal in the last 675 minutes of action.

“Although we kept winning 1-0 away from home, I don’t think we’ve been defensive minded,” said Burman.

“The defenders have been excellent to keep those clean sheets and it’s some run we’re on so you’ve got to give us credit.”

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