Dartford manager Tony Burman was happy to see his side win their first game in the Conference Premier since December with a 3-2 triumph at fellow strugglers Telford.

An injury time own goal from Danny Ventre gave Darts the three points after Telford’s 10-men had equalised with eight minutes left through Tony Gray.

Andy Pugh’s brace either side of Gray’s first half penalty had twice given Dartford the lead.

And although Pugh was sent off in injury time, the Darts held on to boost their survival hopes.

Burman said: “I’m obviously pleased with the win, it’s a good result against a team around us and it’s given everyone a decent lift.

“I thought for the first half we were in control of the game and then a refereeing decision, which I thought was wrong, allowed them a penalty to get them into the game.

“In the second half I thought we were comfortable with what they were trying to throw at us.

“It was disappointing when we conceded straight after going 2-1 up, because it’s another set piece that we’ve conceded a goal from.

 “But we kept going and we had a bit of good fortune with the goaI.

“I felt it was a decent performance and we deserved to get the points.”

Burman added he never doubted his players despite their winless run before the Telford game and the Darts now lie five points off safety in 22nd place.

He explained: “I’ve never not believed we were in the fight to survive. You can’t write anything off when we had 15 games left.

“You know every game is important and we’ve got to get that little bit of confidence and little bit of belief around the place.

“There’s every chance we can close that gap, that’s for sure.

“You’ve got to believe you can do these things, because if you don’t it will never happen for you.”

Burman added Pugh’s suspension will be a blow for the side’s chances against Gateshead at Princes Park on Saturday.

Although the Geordies are in mid-table, they have several games in hand and Burman was full of praise for this weekend’s opponents.

“It’s the first game Pugh has started after being out for about three months and we’ve missed his goals,” said the Darts boss.

“I think a bit of common sense is needed on both sides, from the referee and from Andy to be perfectly honest.

“Gateshead are one of the best footballing teams I’ve seen in the league over the last two or three years.

“They are a very, very good team and we know it will be a tough game.

“Hopefully the players and supporters will make it very difficult for Gateshead on Saturday and we’ll do our best to get the three points on the board.”

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt