Dartford manager Tony Burman was pleased with his side's desire after they drew 1-1 against Margate at Princes Park on Monday.

The Darts, who had won their last four fixtures, started brightly but fell behind after Freddie Ladapo fired past Deren Ibrahim on 37 minutes.

Burman's side emerged for the second half stronger and equalised when Elliot Bradbrook met Ryan Hayes' cross to level the match on 51 minutes.

The home crowd felt Dartford should have had a penalty when Tom Bradbrook went down on 88 minutes, but it was to no avail with both Kent sides sharing the derby spoils at the final whistle.

After the match, Burman was content with a point: “I felt that it was played at a high tempo.

“They caused us some problems in the first half when they got the ball forward very quickly. I thought the difference in their side was the forward [Ladapo]. He worked his socks off but fortunately for us he ran out of steam.

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“We managed to get back in the game, which shows a lot of character building, and I think all in all, it was a fair result.”

Burman noted the effect their nine-game unbeaten run has had on the unity of his squad.

“They are gelling together and that takes time. The run that we are on is bringing in a little bit of confidence,” he said.

“With the confidence, you get the belief, and once they believed that they can win games, or get back in games, it is heading in the right direction.

“I think that it, slowly but surely, is starting to happen. I am pleased with what we have done over the last few months.

“We have got a hell of a lot of games in January and February, seven I think in January. We have picked up a few injuries but I am pleased with the character.

“I am pleased with the way that things are going.”

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There was a return to the feel-good atmosphere at Princes Park on Saturday that had been absent prior to the Darts' unbeaten stretch, which Burman acknowledged.

“It is the mentality of what is going on on the pitch and also around the stadium,” he said.

“You can sense and feel that people, the supporters, are starting to believe again and looking and seeing now that we are progressing.

“It is not the finished article by a long way but we are going in the right direction.

“We were 1-0 down today but that is the good desire that builds character and bodes well for the future.”

Dartford continue their bumper festive fixture list on Saturday when they host Chelmsford City.

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