Dartford boss Tony Burman hailed the character of his players after they fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Margate on Bank Holiday Monday.

Freddie Ladapo's 37th-minute strike had the Blues in front at half-time but a goal from captain Elliot Bradbrook earned the Darts a point and extended their unbeaten run to nine matches.

Dartford dropped points for the first time in December but Burman was happy enough.

He said: "It was a blood-and-thunder game, played at a high tempo.

"They caused us some problems in the first half where they got the ball forward very quickly.

"The difference between the sides was the forward for them (Ladapo). He’s a decent player and he worked his socks off. Fortunately for us, he ran out of steam in the second half.

"We managed to get back in the game, which is a lot of character building for the guys. All in all, it was probably a fair result."

Injuries and unavailability limited Burman's options before the game and Dartford then lost Lee Noble to an ankle injury on the stroke of half-time.

Burman said: "I’ll have to wait and see what happens with him, whether he’s available for next week or not.

"In all fairness to Tom Bradbrook, with his ankle, he trained on Saturday and came through that so he went on the bench.

"Burnsy (Lee Burns) is struggling a little bit with some tightness in his groin so he’s come on the bench.

"I didn’t really want to use Barry (Cogan) to be perfectly honest (he came on for Noble) because if his hamstring goes, he could be out for the rest of January but he’s come through and that’s a bit of good news for us.

"Andy Pugh didn’t make it (failed a fitness test), which was a blow but fair play to all the lads that came in.

"George (Sykes) did exceptionally well and I’m pleased for him that he got a start."