TONY Burman says patience was the key to last weekend's 4-2 success for Dartford against Wivenhoe.

Darts trailed twice in an entertaining game and had to wait until midway through the second half to draw level again at 2-2 before going on to win the game comfortably.

Brendon Cass made yet another telling contribution with a hat-trick as Dartford retained second spot going into the hectic festive season run of fixtures.

The manager said: "I felt we made hard work of it against Wivenhoe, but having said that, they brought a couple of players in who did very well for them.

"If we had got the two or three goals our play deserved in the opening quarter of an hour, then I believe we would have run away with it.

"We didn't and paid the price firstly when they went ahead and then regained the lead on the stroke of half-time, just after we had equalised.

"I was very disappointed at the break, but made it clear if we continued to create the number of chances we had, then we would get a result."

He added: "We had to wait a while to get back to 2-2, but once we did, the chances kept coming and we took another two of them.

"To be fair to the players, they kept their composure and came out winners."

The performance of Cass also drew special praise from the boss.

Burman said: "Brendon is second to none in the 18-yard box and was brought into the side to get goals.

"I think we've made him a better player and he has been excellent for us, although I'm sure Brendon will be the first to admit the service he receives has played a big part in his success."

Dartford travel to promotion rivals Maldon on Saturday and Burman is confident his in-form side can rise to the challenge.

He said: "We played Maldon on the first day of the season and I was impressed with them, so it doesn't surprise me at all they are doing so well.

"They are one of the better sides this year and it will be a tough place to go, but it is exactly the kind of match we will be looking to take three points from because we always seem to do well in the big games."

Burman could also be boosted by the possible return from injury of John Guest and Junior Kadi for the weekend trip.

Meanwhile, Burman denied reports suggesting Dartford have officially signed midfielder Gazmend Dauti.

The manager revealed: "You should not believe everything you read.

"Gazmend has been training with the under-21s for the last couple of weeks and played with them for the first time on Saturday.

"We are taking a look at him, but he is only with us at the moment on Kent League registration forms so he can play for the under-21s."