Dartford manager Tony Burman was disappointed after being held to a 1-1 draw by Aldershot Town at Princes Park on Saturday - but pleased with his side’s second half response.

Andy Pugh scored in the 67th minute to cancel out Josh Scott’s first half opener, and a frantic final 20 minutes saw both sides squander chances to grab all three points.

However, the Princes Park chief was far from impressed with how the hosts began the game.

Burman said: “I was disappointed with how we played in the first half, we lacked energy and I felt we invited problems.

“We didn’t get out of first gear. We’re the home team and we should be taking the onus but we didn’t do that.

“We play well when we play at a high tempo but our first thought was to play the ball back to our keeper rather than knocking it forward.

“Why on earth we kept passing it back to him from the halfway line is beyond me.”

Dartford were much improved after the interval and Burman was frustrated the home side were unable to go on and win the match after drawing level through Pugh.

“We played more positively, got the ball forward and started to cause them problems”, he said.

“In the second half we played well until we scored the goal and then for some reason the mental block comes in and we let Aldershot come back and have a go.

“When you get a goal back, you’re looking for your team to kick on but our tempo didn’t increase once we scored and it should do.

“I’m disappointed we’re at home and not taking the three points again, but pleased we at least got something from the game.”

The 56-year-old was impressed with the performances of Pugh, who scored on his comeback from injury, and keeper Jason Brown, who made several fine saves.

He said: “I’m pleased with Pughy, he’s been out for a little while.

“I wanted to give him 70 minutes today.

“The more games he gets, the better he’s going to be.

“I brought him off simply to put some fresh legs on.

“Jason’s pulled off some good saves, especially the one just before half-time.

“He’s been excellent for us all season.”

While Darts dropped into the relegation zone of the Conference following the weekend’s results, Burman remains optimistic that the club can avoid the drop.

“We can’t keep thinking we could have had 10 points more but it’s definitely feasible,” he said.

“At this moment in time the spirit and honesty in the camp is second to none.

“We’ve got plenty of character. They’re disappointed today but we’ve got to keep plugging away.”

Dartford entertain Burgess Hill Town in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday and it is unlikely that the injured Tom Bradbrook and Lee Burns will be available for selection.

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