Tony Burman wants some Dartford fans to show greater understanding ahead of yet another long away day in the Skrill Premier.

Darts could be without four first-choice players for Saturday’s trip to Hereford, with Tyrone Sterling, Matt Fry, Adam Birchall and Jason Prior all injured.

Burman’s side have returned empty-handed from their recent trips to Gateshead and Grimsby and his team selections have been criticised.

But the Darts boss said: "We have a small squad and we’re not playing our best XI at the moment (because of injuries). I want to have a better choice on that, so people have got to be patient.

"They’ve got to understand lots of different things that go on from Monday to Friday. It would be a help if they did that.

"People pick up injuries and we need to give people a rest. Someone might be a little bit tight in respect of an injury, or they might be feeling not quite right on the night, so we may not play them. They don’t seem to understand that situation."

Centre-back Mat Mitchel-King started his first game for six weeks when Dartford drew 1-1 with Salisbury on Tuesday.

Burman said: "Kingy’s had six games out and he’s a big loss to us. Although Nathan (Collier) has done well, Kingy is going to be influential to us because of his experience.

"People have just palmed that off. You’ve got to be fair in your criticism."