Burman: Cup competitions are important to us - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Midfielder Anthony Hogg is expected to make his first start in Dartford colours, after a couple of cameo substitute appearances, following his recent move from their Ryman League Division One South rivals Dover Athletic.

But Burman is without Lew Watts (cup-tied), Eddie McClements (groin) but central defender Richard Avery (ankle) will have a fitness test prior to the game.

“We want to progress to the next round if we can,” Burman said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the game.

“We know it will be a difficult game because they are in a higher division than us and they’ve had a great start to the season.”

The Darts booked their place into the first qualifying round of the FA Carlsberg Trophy on Saturday, beating ten-man Ilford 4-1.

They now welcome Horsham YMCA, coached by former Dartford manager Tommy Sampson, to Thurrock’s Ship Lane ground on Sunday 22 October.

The west Sussex side are the first visitors to Dartford’s stunning £6.5m Princes Park Stadium on 11 November.

Dartford Borough Council have announced that over 1,000 tickets for the opening game have already been sold as the club expect to attract a 4,000 sell out for their homecoming after 14-years in exile.

To purchase your tickets for the all-ticket game, visit www.dartford.gov.uk/princespark

Speaking about their win over the Essex side, Burman said: “It was good because we are through to the next round,”

“It was a strange game. We didn’t ignite anything, we done a job on them.

"When they went down to ten men second half we could have scored a couple more, but it wasn’t too be.”

But Burman wants his side to progress in all cup competitions.

“The cup competitions are important,” he said. “We’ve got a strong squad and people sitting on the bench are good enough to be in our first eleven.

The Darts welcome Godalming Town to Ship Lane next Saturday, and Burman anticipates a tough game.

The G’s leaked eight goals against Dulwich Hamlet before bouncing back with a home 3-0 win over Kent side Ashford Town at the weekend.

Burman said: “We’ve got to keep getting points at this stage of the season.

“In this league everyone seems capable of beating the teams at the top,” he warned. “When some of the teams have had a bad result they seem to bounce back with a respectable performance.

“It’s very unpredictable but we’re learning fast - no games are easy.”

John Farley (ankle) is expected to be back in action in two weeks time but midfielder Teddy Ansell will be having an operation on his broken toe on 14 October.

Striker James Carter is “making good progress” in training as he improves his fitness following his cartilidge operation and should be “available for selection in 2-3 weeks time.”

Craig Maguire will have his leg in a brace for a month after picking up a knee ligament injury during a reserve team game at Whitstable Town.

Burman added: “Over the last few weeks we have had many scouts from league and Conference sides attending our games looking at not just one but a few of our payers.

“That shows how far we have progressed as a club in a short space of time. There have been inquiries for these players but nothing to get me too excited about at the moment.”

Visit club websites:

www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk

www.dartfordfc.co.uk

Tonbridge Angels v Dartford
Westview Cup Third Round
Tuesday 10^th October 2006
Kick Off 7:45pm
At the Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge