The fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup takes centre stage this weekend and in true FA Cup fashion the draw has thrown up a cracking-looking encounter between Dartford and Bromley. The two sides met earlier in the season with the Darts claiming the three league points running out 3-1 winners, including a goal from Charlie Sheringham who joined Bournemouth last week. In the lead up to Saturday, Bromley manager Mark Goldberg insists his side are out to avenge that defeat. “We owe Dartford a response, We owe our fans certainly a response following the last couple of occasions but I thought when we lost 3-1 with fifteen minutes to go we were very much in the game so hopefully we’ve added since the last game at Dartford and we feel we’re going there stronger than before.” Goldberg also commented on the importance of his side regaining confidence, lost after an indifferent start to the Lilywhites league campaign. “As much as it’s a really important game, being The FA Cup, it’s just as important for us to get our confidence back because as a young side confidence is everything.” Bromley’s unconvincing start has seen them slip into the bottom half of the Blue Square Bet South table, but the FA Cup will come as a welcome distraction for the Lilywhites, as they look to reach the first round for the second time in three years.
On the other hand, the Darts successes in the league have coincided with their run in the FA Cup. Dartford currently sit third in the table, and despite losing the services of their top scorer, they confidently swept past Thurrock on Tuesday to record their ninth league win of the season. However Darts boss Tony Burman is content with keeping the two competition distance from one another. Burman said, “There’s no pressure, if you like, for getting points because it’s a Cup game and it is The FA Cup and everyone wants to go as far as we can. We got through to the First Round last year and we enjoyed every minute of it.” Last year’s run in the FA Cup saw Dartford claim a replay against League Two side Port Vale, and without a last minute equaliser they would have conquered their Football league opponents. Despite losing the replay 4-0, there is great belief around Princes Park that this term the Darts can maybe reach round three equalling their best ever performance in English Football’s most prestigious competition.
It’s bubbling up quite nicely ahead of Saturday’s showdown, the prize on offer is appetizing and both sides are ready to perform in front of an expected crowd of up to 2000.
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