We want to really cause an upset, says Dartford boss Tony Burman

Thursday 04th November 2010

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman says he would love to mark their fourth anniversary at Princes Park by causing a giant-killing and knock high-flying League Two outfit Port Vale out of the FA Cup on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts have done it the hard way in getting to the First Round for the first time 21 years, needing five games to get past lower-league sides Lowestoft Town (at the first attempt), Canvey Island (on penalties) and Leiston in a fourth qualifying round replay.

But Burman, who was speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, insists his side are capable of creating a shock in front of around 4,000 fans.

“It’s another target we feel we’ve got to, it’s come quicker than we’d thought since we’ve been at Princes Park, but we’ve done alright since we’ve been here with a couple of promotions in four years,” he said.

“Getting into the first round of the FA Cup is another milestone and it’s near to our anniversary of our first game at the new stadium and we’re very pleased.”

Port Vale arrive in Kent sitting in second place in League Two - just three points behind Chesterfield - whilst the Darts haven’t really got going in Blue Square Bet South and are sitting fifth from bottom in the table after 12 league games.

“Anything’s possible in football,” added Burman. “The FA Cup is all based on what happens on the day.

“The expectations are high but we know Port Vale are a good team with real quality players and they’ve got a very good manager in Micky Adams.

“We’ve been favourites in three rounds and the FA Cup challenges the favourites to do what they’ve got to do. We’ve found it difficult with two replays and an unbelievable penalty shoot out but we’re going into Saturday’s game as the underdogs and we’ve had a lot of people who want us to do well.

“We know it’s going to be difficult but on the day, the FA Cup, that’s why it’s such a great competition.”

Burman is desperate for one of his players to steel the limelight, being the semi-professional footballer that topples a Football League club.

“We want to stay in the FA Cup for as long as we can and the media attention on the players, supporters, the club gets, all non-league club‘s love it,” added the Darts stalwart.

“You’ve got to enjoy these times. The players don’t always get into the First Round of the FA Cup or the second round and once you get into the first round you don’t want to get knocked out. You want to be apart of it for a lot longer and they’re in the limelight and deservedly so and let’s see what we can do.”

But Burman warned Port Vale will be a very tough nut to crack - but what a day it will be for the people who were involved or supported the club during their nomadic days. Guys, this game is for you!

“It won’t be a walkover, they’re a good side and it’s going to be a really, really tough game for us, make no mistake,” warned Burman.

“We’ve got to go and enjoy ourselves and express ourselves if we can and we’ll do the best we can and give Port Vale a really good game.

“On paper we’re the real underdogs and we’ve seen them and we know they’re a good side but it’s on the day. The FA Cup is such a good competition and we’ll have big hearts on the day and we want to really cause an upset and I hop we can. It’s possible because it’s a one-off game.”

The interest this game is creating has put a smile on everybody’s faces.

“The interest in the town is great,” added Burman. “For us getting into the first round, we’ve got a home draw, we’ve got an excellent League side coming down to visit Princes Park and the interest is there,” said Burman.

“I just hope we don’t freeze on the day. All I ask for is that we have a real good go.”

Visit Dartford’s websites: www.dartfordfconline.com & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

Dartford v Port Vale
(THIS GAME IS ALL-TICKET)

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) First Round

Saturday 6th November 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT