We must progress in the FA Cup, says Burman

Friday 15th September 2006

Dartford boss Tony Burman believes his side will progress into the second qualifying round of the FA Cup by beating Hastings United tomorrow, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts lost their unbeaten Ryman League Division One South record – and top spot – following their 2-0 defeat by the east Sussex side last weekend.

But the Darts bounced back by knocking Folkestone Invicta out of the Westview Cup in midweek, winning on penalties after drawing 2-2 after extra time.

Burman’s side, however, have the added bonus of progressing in the FA Cup this season.

The opening date of their £6.5m Princes Park Stadium falls on first round day, 11 November. However, if they get eliminated en-route they will welcome Horsham YMCA instead.

“This famous competition is so important for non-league clubs to try and progress in, not only financially but for the publicity that it can generate for your club across the country,” Burman told www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

“I think we are in for a tough game after our opponents deservedly won the first meeting last Saturday.

“In between games we managed to play a League Cup game against Folkestone, in which we progressed to the next round.

“I think everybody is in agreement that the performance from the team was far better than the previous Saturday and although we had extra time and won the tie on penalties.

"I think we deserved to go through to the next round, especially with some of the performances from the players who have patiently been waiting for a chance to state their case for a starting place in the team.

“Let’s hope we can put in a decent performance and progress to the next round of this very important competition.”

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www.dartfordfc.co.uk

www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

Dartford v Hastings United
FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Saturday 16^th September 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Thurrock FC, The Thurrock Hotel, Ship Lane, Grays