Tony Burman admits he’s glad to be getting Dartford’s longest away trip of the season out of the way early.

Saturday’s game at Gateshead represents a 600-mile round trip for the Darts, who are travelling on Friday and staying overnight in the North East.

The International Stadium has recently proved an unhappy hunting ground for Burman’s side, beaten there 2-0 last season and having previously lost an FA Trophy tie 3-0 at Gateshead in 2011.

"It’s a really long journey for a game of football,” said the Darts boss. “If we can get something, it makes it a better journey on the way back.

"We’ve not had good times at Gateshead in terms of losing games but I’m hopeful we can do something this time.

"It’s our longest trip and you want to get it out of the way.

"It’s come at a time when there are no cup competitions, so at least we haven’t got to go there in midweek."

Tyrone Sterling is the only absentee for the Gateshead trip, the defender having been ruled out for up to six weeks with a calf injury.

However, centre-back Mat Mitchel-King (knee) was named on the bench against Southport last weekend and is approaching full fitness after being sidelined for five weeks.