by Andrew Gidley

Dartford boss Tony Burman gave his players the night off training this week as a reward for their efforts so far this season.

Victory at Worthing in the FA Cup continued the club’s impressive start and Burman knows the form which has taken them eight points clear at the top of the Ryman League Premier Division already makes them the team everybody wants to beat.

The squad gather again on Thursday to prepare for the visit of Harrow Borough to Princes Park on Saturday. Burman said:

"I think the boys deserved a rest after the start we have made.

"We know teams will be raising their game against us. It used to be because of the ground but now it’s also because we are a decent team and we have to handle that. It’s been no fluke what we’ve achieved,

"We know all about Harrow because they beat us twice last season and deservedly so.

"The win at Worthing on Saturday was the second time we have come through against lower division opposition in the FA Cup.

"It’s irrelevant whether we play well or badly, the priority is getting through to the next round."

Burman, whose side will now host Blue Square South Chelmsford in the third qualifying round on October 10, admitted the start to the season has even exceeded his expectations.

Midfielder Jamie Day (pictured) sits out Saturday’s game due to a one-match ban for five bookings. Danny Dafter is set to replace him.