Hopefully we'll continue our FA Cup success, says Dartford chairman David Skinner

DARTFORD co-chairman David Skinner says he wants his club to reach the First Round of The FA Cup on Saturday afternoon, writes Stephen McCartney.


The Darts welcome their Blue Square Bet South rivals Bromley in a winner-takes-all Fourth Qualifying Round showdown at Princes Park Stadium.

Last season the club reached the First Round when they lost 4-0 at League Two club Port Vale in a replay after conceding a last-gasp goal after Elliot Bradbrook gave the Kent side the lead in the first tie at Princes Park last November.

Looking ahead to the clash against Mark Goldberg’s Bromley’s side, Mr Skinner said: “Yes, it’s always a big game with a big prize for the winners.  Hopefully another adventure for us like last year.

“It was a great time for everyone in the club, everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and everyone even enjoyed the replay defeat because it was a great day for us.

“It’s going to be a tough game.  It’s always nice to have a club from a lower league to put away but any club in your own league are always going to give you a difficult game.”

Princes Park hasn’t been a happy venue for Bromley as they were thrashed 4-1 in the Kent Senior Cup Final last May, and Dartford won the League game 3-1 earlier in the season.

Goldberg has said this week that his Bromley side “owe” Dartford a response.

When asked whether he thinks their Kent rivals will be up for revenge, Mr Skinner replied, “Of course they will, as any club would if you beat them twice on the trot.  Hopefully we’ll continue our success.”

Saturday’s FA Cup tie should attract a crowd nearer the 2,000 mark.  Bromley took around 200 fans to Margate in the Third Qualifying Round and more are expected to make the short trip to Dartford on Saturday.

Mr Skinner said: “It’s very difficult to judge.  If it was a league game you’re looking at 1500-1800.  As it’s a Cup, crowds are always slightly down.  It’s difficult to judge so it would be 1200-1500.  Of course, the more the merrier.

Truro City ended Dartford’s 100% home record last weekend, but Tony Burman’s side bounced back with a 3-0 victory through the Tunnel at Thurrock in midweek.

“Everyone was disappointed after last Saturday but having the good win on Tuesday perked everyone up again so we’re all looking forward to it with great expectations,” added the chairman, who wants his club to be in Sunday’s First Round draw.

He said: “Obviously you look back on the old days’ and the great times we had in the old days so it will be nice to set a few good memories for the newer days.

“A nice home tie against a League club and then we can enjoy similar to what we enjoyed last year.”

Visit Dartford’s websites: www.dartfordfconline.com  & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk  

Dartford   v  Bromley
The FA Cup with Budweiser Fourth Qualifying Round
Saturday 29^th October 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT