Jacob Erskine (left) has been among the goals for Dartford this month

Black eyes and bloody noses were a feature of Dartford’s win against a rugged Boston United in the FA Trophy on Saturday but manager Tony Burman believes it was a valuable learning experience for his players.

A physical contest saw Lee Noble pick up a black eye before limping off in the closing stages after being caught with a late challenge, while Tom Bonner was caught in the face and struggled to stop the bleeding from his nose.

The Darts overcame the Conference North side’s challenge to win 4-2, thanks to a hat-trick from Jacob Erskine and a goal from Noble. Burman was pleased with the way his side dealt with their opponents, setting up a home tie against Ryman Premier Division side Wealdstone in the last 16 next month.

He said: “I’m delighted with the way the players kept their composure and put in a thoroughly professional performance. There were some things going on out there that the young players will have to get used to. We had a bit of blood and a few black eyes going around but at the end of the day my players will benefit from that. They handled themselves in a respectful manner.

“It’s great to get a home draw in the next round. We know all about Wealdstone, the fact they’re a league below us doesn’t mean anything in cup games. I want everyone to look forward to it and enjoy the day. We’ll be favourites but we won’t take them for granted.”

Before taking on Wealdstone, the Darts face three of the Conference South’s bottom four in the space of eight days. This Saturday they visit Hampton & Richmond Borough, before a midweek trip to Staines Town and a home game against Thurrock.

Burman wants a significant points haul to consolidate the club’s position in the play-offs and chip away at Woking’s big lead, but warned against anyone reading too much into the position of their opponents.

He said: “From my point of view and in training this week I want to get through to the players I think the next three games are the most difficult of the season. We’re playing well and have a bit of belief and I want to try and get points on the board. I think these types of games are really difficult because the clubs at the wrong end of the table are fighting for their lives.

“Believe me, no one will be taking anything lightly, it’s a really big week in our season.”

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