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Dartford manager Tony Burman expects a tough test against Wealdstone in the FA Trophy

Tony Burman
Tony Burman

By Andrew Gidley

Tony Burman will not be taking FA Trophy opponents Wealdstone lightly when the former holders visit Princes Park on Saturday.

The old Southern League rivals meet in a third-round tie and, while they are now a league below the Darts, the Dartford boss knows the 1985 winners present a formidable challenge, having put Blue Square Bet Premier side Barrow out in the previous round.

Burman (pictured) watched Wealdstone beat Tooting 2-0 in the Ryman League Premier Division on Monday night and said: "They are a well organised team, who have been on a good run which came to an end on Saturday (they suffered a first defeat in 15 matches at Lowestoft).

"Another home draw is great and we are going into the match on a high because we have been playing well."

Burman says keeping on-loan Gillingham defender Connor Essam at the club was a "massive boost." The young defender was expected to be called back last week but Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler changed his mind.

Burman said: "We were in a little bit of difficulty ourselves as Tom Champion had turned an ankle. Andy did consider taking him back but they still have the option of recalling him at any time."

Essam, whose present loan ends in the middle of the month, was again impressive against Thurrock on Saturday and continues to be a lucky omen, having not been on the losing side since joining the Darts.

Meanwhile, injured centre-half Paul Goodacre is continuing his recovery from a knee injury and could be ready in two to three weeks.

Kent Matchday Live
Kent Matchday Live
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