Tony Burman is hoping one final twist at the end of a crazy season could see Dartford sneak into the play-offs.

Darts end their National League South campaign away to St Albans on Saturday, knowing they must win by five goals to have any chance of snatching fifth place.

They’re two points behind Whitehawk and Hemel Hempstead, who go head-to-head on the final day in Hertfordshire.

A draw in that match would keep the door ajar for Dartford but their inferior goal difference means it’s a tall order.

St Albans still have lots to play for themselves. They’re just one point above Havant & Waterlooville, who occupy the final relegation spot and are at home to Truro on Thursday.

Burman said: "It makes a difference to St Albans what happens on Thursday night, how they’ll be going into the game.

"St Albans are full of experienced players. Ian Allinson’s gone in there and done a great job and he’ll be trying to win the game – but so will we.

"We’re coming in on Thursday just to do attacking play and shooting because we need a lot of goals.

"Who knows? The league’s brought up some funny results and we’ll just have to see what happens come quarter to five.”

Dartford were held 2-2 by Oxford City at Princes Park on Saturday and that followed a goalless draw at home to Basingstoke the week before.

Those dropped points mean the odds are stacked against them this weekend.

But Burman said: "It’s not a disappointment because we’ve had to restructure this year.

"There have been difficulties at the club through lack of FA Cup run and lack of pre-season friendlies.

"Everyone knew, at Christmas time and onwards, we were going to have a fight on our hands. I’m pleased to say we’ve all pulled together behind the scenes.

"There’s a lot of facts people don’t know and I’m sure that if they knew a lot of the facts, they wouldn’t comment and say certain things.

"We’ve bedded some younger players in and I’ve got to say the experienced players have been brilliant with the younger lads.

"There were a lot of people around who thought we were going to be middle of the table or near the bottom. In a quiet sort of way, we’ve proved them wrong.

"We wanted to be in the top half and getting into the play-offs.

"We know we’ve dropped some points that we should have gained and that’s the reason we’re not comfortably in the play-offs.

"But it’s a learning curve for the younger ones and it’s a little bit of a springboard, hopefully, that we can build again for next year."