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Dartford boss Tony Burman has no regrets about not holding back despite conceding six goals against Sutton

Dartford boss Tony Burman knows he won't be happy with his side's defending when he watches the replay of their 6-3 FA Cup First Round exit against Sutton United.

However he made no apology for going all-out to win the tie, despite the scoreline.

Elliott Bradbrook scored twice, including a penalty, and Duane Ofori- Acheampong the other, after Darts went a goal down inside the first minute, with Max Baimou, Roarie Deacon and Ross Stearn getting two each for the visitors.

Dartford boss Tony Burman Pic Martin Apps
Dartford boss Tony Burman Pic Martin Apps

Burman said: "I told the lads not to leave anything in the dressing room in what was a one-off game.

"I hope everyone went away feeling we had a go to try and get into the next round, we did not hold back, we could have gone defensively, but we didn't, and maybe get criticised because we conceded six goals.

He added: "We needed to take the lead - before it was 3-3 they had a chance to go in the lead, and then we went up the other end and scored.

"At 4-3 Elliot had a chance - I know he scored two goals, but he could have made it 4-4 - it was end to end stuff.

"I know I am not going to be happy with the defending for all the goals, and by the time the last two went in, we had gone a bit then."

Elliot Bradbrook scores one of his 24 goals for Dartford in 2016-17 Picture: Martin Apps
Elliot Bradbrook scores one of his 24 goals for Dartford in 2016-17 Picture: Martin Apps

"It was disappointing, but we caused them problems at the back, and their midfield and up front did the same to us.

"Even at 3-2 down at half-time, we still felt we had a chance if we scored the next goal which we did.

"They then have a shot it takes a little bit of a deflection, Deren (Ibrahim) probably could have held it, but he didn't, and that's cup football.

"Then they get two more in the last 10 minutes, and the scoreline looks like they have smashed us, which they didn't - it was just a proper cup-tie."

Darts have no time to dwell on the defeat with St Albans City due in Vanarama National South on Tuesday night.

Burman added: "Deep down I am very proud of the players and the way they have got us to the first round in the FA Cup.

"We are out now, but have enjoyed what we have done, and we'll go again next year.

"The games have been great, but we know our targets - the league is our bread and butter."

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