TONY Burman says it is up to his Dartford side whether they can maintain their lead at the top of the table.

The prolific Darts maintained their impressive run last weekend when two Ryan Hayes strikes secure a 2-0 win at Great Wakering to strengthen their hold on pole position.

And now the manager is urging his players to hold their nerve between now and the end of the campaign to secure a step up to the Ryman Premier.

Burman said: "We've got to try to win every game and I'm confident we are capable of doing so because if we continue to keep clean sheets, then we always look likely to score at the other end.

"There is no chance of complacency or arrogance from us, though. We just feel we can create chances and score."

Hayes was the hero on Saturday and the manager re-emphasised his importance to Dartford's hopes of promotion glory.

He said: "We didn't get Ryan back fit until early October and he is always someone who can change a game for us.

"He certainly did so for us in the first half at Great Wakering and I feel he will go on to become an ever better player."

Dartford went down 3-0 to Heybridge Swifts in the League Cup on Tuesday evening, although the boss was not too despondent afterwards.

He said: "Heybridge didn't have a game on Saturday and had about 10 first team regulars in their side.

"I used it as an opportunity to give some of our under-21s and players who are presently on the bench for us a full 90 minutes.

"We fell behind after about 30 seconds, but I thought we competed well until the final 10 minutes when they finished a lot stronger than us."

Burman also revealed he may take a similar selection approach in next Tuesday's Kent Cup derby meeting with Ebbsfleet.

He added: "We are in a catch 22 situation because promotion is our priority this season and as much as I would like to stay in the cups, we have to be very careful we don't lose any key players through injury."

The first team will be on display this Saturday when Arlesey arrive at Princes Park for a league encounter and Burman feels their opponents will have to produce something special to get a result.

He said: "I saw Arlesey earlier in the season, but there has been a change of manager since then.

"Their results have been a bit hit and miss although their away form seems quite good.

"However, if we play to the best of our abilities we will win and I feel they will certainly need to play to the best of their's to get something."

Dartford have no injury or suspension problems and will be at full strength.