Dartford manager Tony Burman believes his squad are emerging as genuine title contenders.

The Darts are just one point behind second-placed Ebbsfleet and six points off leaders Maidenhead in National League South.

With so much focus on big-spending Fleet and free-scoring Maidenhead, not many are talking up Dartford’s title credentials.

“If people don’t want to take us seriously, then that’s fine,” warned Burman. “But we’ve been in a really good run of form since September.

“The players are believing in what we tell them. There’s a feelgood factor around the place at the moment.”

Dartford’s 3-2 success at Eastbourne on Tuesday night also means they have moved four points clear of fourth-placed Poole.

“It was our game in hand which we wanted to win,” added Burman. “We did that and it’s put us in a nice position. The way we’re playing we are only going to get better, that’s the good thing.

“There’s a little gap (below us) now but the gap at the top is also closing. When Maidenhead beat us they were 11 points clear but now we’re six behind them."

Dartford have now won their last three league matches and currently meet Burman’s pre-season aim of two points per game. They travel to mid-table Wealdstone on Saturday.

Alex Brown is still suspended and midfielder Lee Noble is a doubt after a knock at Eastbourne.

Burman said: “These games against the likes of Eastbourne and Wealdstone can be more difficult than playing the teams around us and that shows how good a win it was at Eastbourne.”