TONY Burman is hoping the underdog tag will bring out the best in Dartford when they take on Port Vale in the FA Cup first round.

The Darts will have home advantage against a side flying high in League Two in what promises to be a day to remember for everyone at Princes Park.

Port Vale’s status ensures they will be the firm favourites with the bookies on November 6 but Dartford manager Burman is hoping that can inspire his side.

He said: “We will definitely be the underdogs whereas we have been the favourites in all of our games in the FA Cup so far this year.

“The FA Cup is the best competition in the world and we are just proud to still be part of it in the first round stage, something we haven’t done for more than 20 years.

“Who knows what will happen on the day?

“It is one of those where we could either cause a massive shock or suffer a heavy defeat.

“We will certainly give it our all and although I don’t know too much about Port Vale at the minute, aside from who their manager is and they are second in the table, I certainly will do by the time we play them.

“It is nice we are at home against a big club because that is what we wanted when we began our cup run.

“We want to stay in the competition as long as we can and hopefully we will be in the draw for the next round.”

Dartford required a replay to finally see off Leiston 3-2 last night but the manager was impressed by the display and hopes it will be a turning point in what has proved so far to be a tough campaign for his newly-promoted side.

The boss explained: “It was a better performance than what we’ve had lately, there is no argument about that.

“I’m pleased we’ve got through to the first round proper of the FA Cup but we have Lewes away on Saturday first.

“It will be a tough game but we need to get our first away win of the season at some point and if we can play like we did against Leiston last night, then there is no rason why it can’t happen at Lewes.”