Dartford Football Club manager Gary Julians ended an eight-year association with the club when he resigned on Thursday.

Dave Skinner, Dartford's chairman, said: "This was a mutually agreed decision and was taken after discussions

between the board and Gary.

"I would like to place on record our sincere thanks for all the hard work that Gary has contributed over the last eight years as manager, coach and player, to the development of the club since its reformation."

Tony Burman has taken over as caretaker manager but his first game in temporary charge ended with a 4-1 defeat at Banbury United a loss which leaves the Darts seventh bottom of the Dr Martens Eastern League.

Missing both Lee Jones and Kevin Spriggs from midfield, Dartford started off brightly when some good work from Simon Roberts found his ball into the area badly defended, and the ball fell to Mike Morgan, who struck an 18-yard left-footed shot which looped over keeper Banbur Simon Tricker.

Dartford should have increased their lead on 35 minutes when Lee Guiver's mazy run down the right flank and subsequent cross found Adam Morrish, but he slipped at the crucual moment and could only prod his shot tamely at Tricker.

Banbury equalised on 39 minutes when Matty Gooderick shot low past Tony Kessell from 10 yards with a well-hit left-footed drive.

Five minutes later, Darts found themselves behind when a poor ball from Roy Godden left the defence in danger and Ben Milner ran through and shot past an unguarded Kessell.

Dartford started to become more and more pressurised by the strong Banbury side, and on 65 minutes, the home team increased their lead when Gooderick rifled home a shot into the top corner from just outside the box.

Dartford began to come back in the game but any hopes vanished on 79 minutes when Tony Joyce's 20 yard free-kick round the defensive wall seemed to hit a divot in the pitch and eluded Kessell.

Dartford's last real chance was on 83 minutes when Lee Guiver's run through the defence and chip was expertly tipped over by Tricker.

The coach to Spalding United on Saturday will leave Overy Street at 10.45am and Watling Street at 11am. To book, call Gary Clark on 01322 221582.

November 27, 2001 12:34