Dartford boss Tony Burman expects a response from his players after seeing their superb unbeaten run in Ryman League Premier Division come to an end.

Burman said he thought last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to AFC Hornchurch at Princes Park was undeserved but backed his table-topping players to produce the right response when they visit promotion-hunting Wealdstone this Saturday.

The Stones lie 10th but have up to five games in hand over their rivals in the play-off pack and Burman said he expects them to challenge for promotion to Blue Square South.

He said: "They are a good side and have already taken a point off us. They have had a good cup run but that can affect you in the league.

"The suspensions and injuries will kick in for them as it has for us this month but I expect them to be up there at the end of the season.

"I don’t think we deserved to lose on Saturday –we did enough to have got something from the game."

Burman hopes to have a fully-fit squad with the exception of Elliot Bradbrook, who has started jogging following his ankle injury.

Adam Burchell missed Saturday’s game as he is short of match-fitness after his 90-day suspension but Burman said: "He was out for so long, he needs games. He will play for the under-21s and academy and he will not always be involved for us while he is short of match fitness."