Dartford boss Tony Burman felt winning the battle was key to their Boxing Day derby win.

The Darts moved to within a point of Ebbsfleet after a 2-1 win at Princes Park, watched by a bumper crowd of 2,404.

“It was a good derby,” said Burman. “We had some good spells in the first half and so did Ebbsfleet.

Scroll down for audio

“We got the breakthrough with a set piece and followed it up with a great goal by Duane, making something out of nothing.

“We won the battle in the midfield area. We played against some really good players and a good team as they are going to be up there.

“The response we got from losing at Maidenhead is why I think we’ve got a good group together.”

Burman was full of praise for his opposite number, Daryl McMahon.

“Daryl’s pressure is different to other clubs (in our league),” said Burman.

“There’s a lot of finance put into the club and they are trying to do things right.

“But as a manager I have to give him credit for the way he handles and conducts himself and how he wants his team to play.

“He is a good lad, he was a very good player. He has been a professional and he comes across that way as far as I’m concerned. He has a cup final every week and the way he conducts himself on that is excellent.”