Dartford will not be able to make a "significant" increase to their playing budget this month – despite a good FA Cup run and still being in the FA Trophy.

Reaching the second round of the FA Cup saw the club bank £43,000 in prize and TV money plus sizeable gate receipts from big crowds at Bradford and Bromley.

Darts fans are eager for manager Tony Burman to splash some of that cash during the January transfer window to help their fight against relegation in the Vanarama Conference.

But finance director Jason Outram admitted it was not that straightforward.

He said: "When we set this year’s players budget with Tony, we included an estimate to cover our hoped-for achievement in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy. A risky option but with appropriate contingencies in place, we felt it was worth the risk to try and improve on last year.

"So far, we have met our expectations financially but we have not exceeded them by much. At this time of the year, we review the budget and I would hope to squeeze a little extra for Tony for the rest of the year but this is not going to mean we can afford significant changes.

"We understand and share the fans’ concern over the position in the league. It would be good to be able to increase the players’ budget but without additional revenue the head has to rule the heart and I do appreciate that not everybody wants to hear that.

"My fellow board members are very cognisant of the events of 1992. This does mean we can’t always do what we or the fans want.

"Buying more expensive players does not always guarantee an improved performance and injuries and illness also take their toll.

"The path forward is not necessarily straight but as a club we do want to push forward to the next challenge and do appreciate the loyal fans willing us onward."