Manager Tony Burman has called on his Dartford players to hold their nerve as they enter the business end of the season.

The Darts suffered a 1-0 defeat against Harrow in the Ryman League Premier Division last Saturday and have picked up just two points from their last three games.

Burman’s side are sixth in the table and remain two points outside the play-offs. They travel to seventh-placed AFC Hornchurch this Saturday.

Burman said: “A week ago they were two games away from us, but they could go above us this weekend.

“It is a big game and we have got to go there and try to win.

“AFC Hornchurch are working with a small squad at the moment and have had some problems off the field.

“They have got a good squad and a lot of credit should go to their manager Colin McBride. At this moment in time they are all pulling in the right direction.”

Dartford have nine games left and Burman knows his side must start picking up wins.

He added: “We have got to try and hit some form. If we don’t in the next couple of weeks then we have got to do it in April.

“Hornchurch have crept up and got themselves near the play-offs. We did a similar thing and once you get there the nerves can kick in. Not only for the players but the supporters as well. Sometimes it is easier getting into the pack.

“Once you are there the nerves kick in and some performances are well below par.

“We have got to try and keep our cool and it is my job to help the players do that.”

Danny Dafter (ankle) and Ryan Hayes (hamstring) are still two weeks away from a return to first-team action. Jamie Day (work) is available.