It's about time that we got into the FA Cup Second Round, says Dartford boss Tony Burman

DARTFORD manager Tony Burman says he wants his side’s to make their higher league status over Bromley count in The FA Cup First Round on Saturday.

The Darts make the 34-mile round trip to Hayes Lane looking to reach The FA Cup Second Round for the first time since 1984.

There are only six teams separating the two Kent clubs, with Dartford sitting in the bottom four (21^st place) in the Vanarama Conference table, with three wins, seven draws and eight defeats.

Mark Goldberg’s Bromley, meanwhile, sit in fourth-place in the Vanarama Conference South table, with seven wins, three draws and three defeats in the league this season.

“Well, obviously we wanted to be drawn at home, that’s one of our wishes but it wasn’t to be,” said Burman. 

“Our next wish was to play a team from a division below us and that wish is there, so we now need to go to Bromley and try to get through to the next round.”

Both sides will fancy their chances to reach the Second Round.  The last time that Bromley achieved that was back in 1945.

“I think it can be won by both possibly yes,” said Burman.

“The six places are only on paper. There’s a gulf in the two divisions in the quality of the whole league but it’s still Cup football and it’s always interesting when teams from different divisions play each other.

“It’s a local derby. The atmosphere is going to be good. I’m expecting a tough game in a good atmosphere but hopefully it’s a good game played in the right manner and hopefully we can progress.”

The Darts suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Grimsby Town last weekend, while Bromley came away from Eastbourne Borough with a 4-1 win.

“It’s about time that we got into the Second Round,” added Burman.

“We know we’re going to be on our guard and perform well. I’m looking for a response from the performance that we had last week and I’m sure the players will do that.

“Every player wants to play in The FA Cup and go as far as they can. The same as every non-league club as well.

“The rewards are there for both sides, I think.  Hopefully we can do a job on Saturday.”

The winners will bank £18,000 in prize money from The Football Association to go with the prize money that has been scooped along the way.

Burman knows plenty about their Kent rivals going into the eagerly-awaited showdown.

He said: “They’re good people at Bromley, that’s for sure.  I go there quite a bit to watch games as well.  I do know about their players and know exactly how they play and it’s a case of putting that over to my own team.

“I want our team to enjoy ourselves and enjoy the atmosphere, which I’m sure they will.  We’re used to that sort of atmosphere as well.

“I just feel that if we’re right on the day, hopefully we can progress to the next round.”

Bromley are looking to attract a crowd of at least 2,000 fans for the game and Burman’s side have experience of playing in front of such crowds.

“Yes, they do, that’s the beauty of The FA Cup and that’s what it does to you.  I know Bromley will have a good crowd there and I know there’s going to be a lot of Dartford supporters there as well,” said Burman.

“We were in a similar position last year when we had to play Ebbsfleet (twice in the Fourth Qualifying Round). My players are used to that sort of atmosphere and hopefully we can do the job that we’re there going there to do.”

The turnstiles open at 12:00 and there is NO segregation in place for the Hayes Lane clash.

It's all pay at the turnstiles and prices are: £12 (adults), £6 (concessions), £5 (students with valid ID) and under 16s can watch the game for FREE.

Visit Dartford’s website:  www.dartfordfconline.com

Bromley  v  Dartford
The FA Cup First Round
Saturday 8^th November 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF