Dartford boss Tony Burman unhappy with FA Trophy draw

Burman's side came close to knocking Port Vale out of the FA Cup this season

Dartford manager Tony Burman believes his side got the worst possible tie in the third round of the FA Trophy after being drawn away to Gateshead.

The Blue Square Bet South club face a 600-mile round trip and Burman told BBC Radio Kent: "I cringed because it is a hell of a long way to go.

"Obviously you want a home draw and we haven't got it. We've probably got the furthest tie away from home.

"But you have to get on with it and so we'll look at the best way to travel."

Burman knows his side will go into the game on 5 February as underdogs, but having already knocked Crawley Town out of the competition, the Darts boss believes they can pick off another Blue Square Premier club.

"Hopefully we can pull off a shock, which we've been doing in cup games.

There's a lot of people who are probably mid-table in our league, who went out at the first hurdle, and would rather have the finances that the cups have brought in

Tony Burman

"Yes it's a conference club, and they're obviously going to be a good side as they had a great result on Saturday.

"It's going to be a long journey and it's going to be difficult as well but it's the cup. We've previously knocked Crawley out of the FA Trophy - and deservedly so and these things happen."

Dartford have had a good year in cup competitions, having taken League Two Port Vale to a replay in the first round of the FA Cup.

But in the league their form has suffered and they currently find themselves in the relegation mire, down in 20th.

"You want to do well in the FA Cup and the FA Trophy - but not at the sacrifice of your league position," admitted Burman.

"Unfortunately that's happened and it's a tough time at the moment for us.

"But we've enjoyed it and the finances that the two cups have brought us are good.

"There's a lot of people who are probably mid-table in our league who went out at the first hurdle and would rather have the finances that the cups have brought in."