DARTFORD manager Tony Burman is looking for his players to repeat last year’s FA Cup exploits and reach the first round proper of the competition for the second consecutive season.

This Saturday sees the Conference South title hopefuls make the short trip to Hayes Lane to take on Ryman Premier opponents Cray in a third qualifying round tie.

Victory there would put Dartford into the final preliminary stage, meaning they would be just 90 minutes away from a potential meeting with the likes of Charlton, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United.

A year ago Burman’s side enjoyed a memorable cup run which was only ended by League Two Port Vale after a first round proper replay and the boss would love to take on the pros again in 2011.

He said: “It is very important for us to go as far as we can, although I admit I wouldn’t want as many replays as we had last year.

“Everyone at the club wants to be involved in the competition for as long as possible – the players, management, owners and supporters.

“There are obviously big financial rewards involved and it is a chance for the players to get a bit of publicity for themselves on a bigger stage.

“Anyone who says the FA Cup isn’t important isn’t telling the truth.”

But if Darts are to keep the dream alive they know they face a real test this weekend at Cray.

Burman added: “We are expecting a tough game.

“FA Cup games are one offs and the fact we are in a higher division will count for nothing.

“We know the people at Cray very well from over the years and hopefully there will be a big crowd there.”

And Burman is also looking for a positive response from his own side after they suffered a shock 3-1 defeat last weekend in the league at stugglers Boreham Wood.

“I want a reaction on Saturday,” admitted the manager.

“Unfortunately we lost and all the good things we’ve been doing in the previous five games we didn’t produce.

“On Saturday the bad habits came back.

“I don’t think the result is a wake up call for us.

“They scored their goals at good times and there were a couple of individual mistakes from us, which didn’t help.

“We’ve shown that we have improved a lot this season but we went backwards at Boreham Wood.”

Dartford’s only injury concern for this weekend’s FA Cup trip to Cray is Matt Jones (knee), whose fitness will be assessed at training tomorrow.

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