Dartford have not reached the FA Cup second round for 30 years and captain Elliot Bradbrook is determined to end that run this weekend.

Local rivals Bromley stand between the Darts and their first appearance in round two since 1984 – when manager Tony Burman was still playing.

Bradbrook has never gone that far in the competition in his career and, having been ruled out of last season’s first-round defeat at Salisbury by a rib injury, he can’t wait to get stuck in at Hayes Lane.

He said: "It’s an important one. We always look forward to playing in the FA Cup and it’s nice to be back in the first round. We’ve been there a few times but never managed to get through to the second round.

"It’s a big opportunity for both sides. Bromley are doing well in Conference South and both teams will see this as a winnable game. They’re at home, so they’ve probably got the upper hand but it’s a pretty even game.

"I missed out last year and that injury plagued me for the rest of the season. I never got over it. That was in the qualifying round against Ebbsfleet and I couldn’t play a part in the first round. This time around, hopefully, I’ll get my chance."

Bradbrook was part of the Dartford side which reached the FA Trophy semi-finals in 2012-13. He admitted it was "now or never" for him in terms of reaching a Wembley final – and the Darts lost 3-0 on aggregate.

Two seasons on, another big chance looms large.

He said: "Some non-league clubs will get into the second round and then one or two will make the third round. That’s the dream, to get a game against one of the Premier League sides in round three.

"Bromley will probably look at this the same way. It’s not a glamour tie but it’s a good opportunity to get through to the next round."

Read the full interview in the Dartford Messenger.