Tony Burman celebrates Dartford's victory over Welling in the play-off final Picture: Steve Crispe

by Luke Cawdell

Tony Burman saluted his Dartford players after their play-off final win over Welling on Sunday.

Lee Noble's early goal was enough to win the match and earn them a place at the summit of non-league football.

Burman, who is in his third spell as Dartford manager, said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have gone up. We have been so professional, so consistent and the players worked so hard. I think it is their just rewards.

"We had a great start to the match and that settled us down. They came at us late in the first half but second half our fitness told and I think we could have increased our lead. It wasn't to be but we were playing a good side."

Victory over Welling had followed a semi-final triumph over Basingstoke - a side who had won their previous 10 games before meeting the Darts.

Burman said: "We had produced a great effort to beat Basingstoke, who were on a fantastic run, and we deserve to have beaten them over the two games."

The Darts are back in the non-league top-flight for the first time since 1986 and in between those times Burman knows the club have been on the other side of things.

"We have had dark times," he said. "There were people back then who were just fantastic for the club and to have given them a smile on their face is just fantastic.

"A lot of those guys are not around now and unfortunately can't see this but I am sure they are looking over us. There are supporters who have spent so much money on supporting the club. At Truro two weeks ago we had so many people down there and it was just fantastic. I am delighted for them."