DARTFORD assistant manager Paul Sawyer was in an optimistic mood after last nignt’s impressive 3-1 win over Concord Rangers in the Ryman League Cup.

Sawyer spoke highly of Dartford's prospects in the cup competition and hasn't ruled out winning it.

There were notable changes to Dartford's starting line-up with the omission of star-player Cody McDonald, who was rested and replaced by young Brendon Cass, and Sawyer was quick to applaud the strength in depth the current squad possess.

McDonald has been training with Norwich this week and although he didn’t make the starting XI, he still came off the bench to score twice last night and secure Dartford’s place in the next round.

Sawyer said: “We are very pleased and are looking for a good run this year in the Ryman Cup.

“It's a competition we are capable of winning and so we went over there with a strong team and deserved to come away with a win. It was comfortable, although it was 1-0 for a long period.

“They played well on the night and it wasn't until the later stages of the game that we pulled away from them. Cody came on and made a difference.

“McDonald was on the bench because he has had a busy period.

“It is no secret he has had a couple of days training up at Norwich on Sunday and Monday, so we felt it was advisable to rest him.”

Sawyer added: “We have got other members of the squad who needed a game. Brendon Cass falls into that category and has been very patient.

“We have got a lot of faith in him and we wanted to see him have 90 minutes.”

Sawyer also confirmed Norwich are not the only club interested in signing their star striker and indicated other clubs of similar stature to the Canaries also hold McDonald in high regard.

Manager Tony Burman's phone has been ringing more than ever, especially with the transfer window nearing its close.

Dartford host old foes Maidstone in an eagerly anticipated derby on Saturday and Sawyer reassured fans McDonald will still be a Darts player on the big day.

He said: “Tony has had phone calls from various clubs of similar levels to Norwich, other League One and Championship teams, but no concrete offers at the moment.

“All the indications are he will still be with us on Saturday for the Maidstone game and he will obviously be in the team.

“Ideally it would be great to keep him for the rest of the season, but obviously he has had a great spell with us and created a lot of interest.

“Goal scorers like that are few and far between, so if it doesn't happen for Cody now, I'm sure it will happen in the future. I think we will just have to wait and see.”

Dartford go into the meeting with their play-off rivals on Saturday on the back of a healthy cup win and a full squad to choose from.

With confidence high, Sawyer has faith the Darts can produce another good performance on the big day.

He said: “For Maidstone we have got a clean bill of health, which is unusual.

“It has been a long time since we have had everybody to choose from either through suspension, injuries, or both, so it will be nice to go into Saturday with a full squad.

“We have been on a good run and that has pulled the squad together and proved how strong the squad is.

“People now know there is a belief the team which goes out onto the park should be strong enough to get a result in this league.

“We have put ourselves in a good position for the season.”