by Luke Cawdell

Dartford manager Tony Burman insists places are still up for grabs as he takes his side into their final pre-season match on Saturday.

A handful of injuries to key players means an impressive showing against Folkestone at Princes Park could mean a starting role in the Ryman League Premier Division season opener against Horsham the following weekend.

Burman (pictured) will have to select a team that is unlikely to feature strikers Allan Tait (calf strain) and Jay May (groin) together with midfielder Lee Noble.

He said: "I’m getting close to knowing my starting 11 and because of injuries it’s going to be made a little simpler.

"There are still one or two questions to be answered. Nothing is set in stone and there are a few important decisions that I have to make in certain areas."

Not everyone will make the squad but Burman knows with injuries and a busy early season schedule any decision he makes is not a final one.

"There will be one or two who don’t make the squad but they don’t have to leave the club," he said.

Tait made his first appearance of pre-season during last Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Cambridge City but Burman admits there may not be enough time to get him match fit for the Horsham game.

"If he can get some more minutes in then that will help," said Burman.

"There are some training sessions after that (the Folkestone game) but he might not be fit enough to start."

Saturday’s game at Princes Park will be free for all spectators.