Dartford can reach the FA Cup first round proper for the first time in 21 years when they travel to Leiston on Saturday.

In terms of the two clubs’ respective levels in the non-league pyramid, the Darts will start favourites against the Suffolk outfit who play in the Ridgeons Eastern Counties League Premier Division – three levels below Blue Square Bet South.

But that encouraging statistic for Darts fans doesn’t take into account two factors – Dartford’s poor away form this season and the calibre of the Leiston squad.

Manager Tony Burman (pictured) said: "We have had them watched and they have got several players who could be playing at a higher level but there aren’t many clubs in their area so they tend to stay put."

Leiston’s fourth place in the table is also misleading as they have six matches
in hand on leaders Dereham Town.

Although Dartford’s run of away matches without a win this season now stands at seven, after last Saturday’s 3-0 league defeat at Eastleigh, Burman insisted: "We deserved to win at Canvey in the previous round before beating them in the replay and we will be looking to end that run on Saturday.

"The players and the supporters all know what success in the FA Cup means in terms of publicity and prestige for the club and we want to stay in the competition as long as we can."

Burman will check on the fitness of keeper Andy Young (calf) and striker Danny Harris (hamstring) in Thursday’s training session but rates both as "doubtful."

Tom Champion, however, was able to do a light training session on Tuesday after missing the Eastleigh game because of an ankle injury and Burman expects the midfielder to be available on Saturday.