DARTFORD manager Tony Burman remains upbeat about the Darts' future this season, despite a 3-0 loss at the hands of Eastleigh on Saturday.

Their second consecutive league defeat leaves Dartford 17th in the table but this weekend they can have a break from their poor league form with a FA Cup fourth round qualifying tie away at Leiston.

The manager took a measured approach to the outcome of Saturday's game at Eastleigh, admitting his side lacked a bit of confidence at the minute.

Burman said: “Obviously I'm disappointed.

“The players did well up until just before half-time when Eastleigh scored.

“If we hadn't conceded, we would have kept on coming and it would have been a confidence boost in a way.

“Maybe we would have attacked the second half more than we did.

“I think at the minute there is just a lack of belief and confidence among the players and in the way we're playing.

“Hopefully we can get a win and turn it around.”

Burman is excited at the chance to put his side's name in the history books at Princes Park, with the opportunity for the club to take on Football League opposition in the competition for the first time in more than two decades.

He said: "The FA Cup is a different kettle of fish to the league.

“It's a one off, it's the best competition in the world and if we get into the first round, it will be the first time we’ve done it in 21 years. It will give people a lift around the place, so we're totally focused on this game and league form doesn't come in to it.”

However, Burman doesn't think for a second this weekend's fixture will be an easy rest from Dartford’s troublesome start to the league season.

He said: “We know Leiston very well as a lot of their players are from AFC Sudbury.

“The players and the manager they've got there aren't at that level, they should be at a higher standard, but people are unable to get time off work or travel.

“As a result, they've got a very good side and we are not taking them lightly.

“Anything can happen but we've done our homework.”

While it is easy to get caught up in the glamour of the FA Cup, Burman remains focused on his main objectives.

He explained: “The league for us is a priority, the FA Cup is enjoyment. They're just special occasions.

“The players and supporters like the limelight but deep down everyone knows the league will always have to come first.”

To add to Burman's worries, goalkeeper Andy Young was injured in the defeat at Eastleigh.

He said: “Obviously Andy Young is doubtful for this Saturday and so is Danny Harris.

“On the plus side, Billy Burgess played a full 90 minutes on Monday, as did a lot of other players who haven't been involved as much.

“There is plenty of competition for places.”