Tony Burman has thanked the loan players who have thrown their full weight behind Dartford’s bid to pull off the Great Escape.

Cambridge defender Rory McAuley and Luton midfielder Jim Stevenson are staying with the Darts for the rest of the season and manager Burman hopes to extend Cambridge striker Andy Pugh’s deal as well.

Dartford have used loan players throughout the season to supplement their squad but these longer-term arrangements have given Burman a real boost.

He said: "It’s like having new signings, players who are your own. They’re good players and they know where we’re at.

"I’m pleased to secure Jim Stevenson and Rory McAuley until the end of the season. They can’t get called back by their parent clubs now.

"With Andy, it’s looking like we will have him for longer. From the talks we’ve had with Cambridge, they’re happy for him to stay longer-term but there will be a call back.

"They’ve all been accepted and they’re all good players. I’m pleased to have them as they’re up for the fight.

"It’s all right getting loan players in but they’ve got to be up for the challenge.

"They know what we’re doing and they were happy to stay and help us out. They’ve come in and they’ve been a breath of fresh air."