Match report from www.dartfordfc.co.uk
The Darts started this FA Cup tie as firm favourites as they entertained Uxbridge who play two levels below in The Evo-stik Southern League.
Although Darts started off brightly and again created a number of chances, they failed to take the lead in the first 15mins. For a lack of concentration in the Dartford defence, the visitors went a goal up to increase their chances of an FA Cup shock.
Although Dartford still played some flowing football they didn’t seem to have the killer instinct to equalise before half time.
Again Dartford started the second half well, but they still could not finish off any chances that were created, and in all fairness the Uxbridge keeper didn’t have a lot to do. On the break Dartford defender Tom Gardiner was caught flat footed and fouled an Uxbridge player, and was shown the red card for a second bookable offence.
This again increased the chances of a major cup upset. Dartford made three changes bringing on Tom Bradbrook, Kaka Dembele and Danny Harris, for George Sykes, Andy Pugh and Jack Simmons.
With 10 men Dartford still pressed forward, with Elliot Bradbrook hitting the bar and opportunities were being missed. It was another very frustrating afternoon in such an important game, but credit must also go to Uxbridge for defending well to keep the Darts out.
It has to be said that it is a very disappointing day for everyone involved with the club, in particular losing out in such a massive competition.
Tony Burman said ‘ I think it’s the first time it’s probably happened to us that we’ve gone out the FA cup so early to a team in the lower leagues. To say its disappointing is an understatement, as I realise how important the competition is for the club. We are just lacking that commitment and confidence in the last third of the field. It’s a massive learning curve for the younger players and very disappointing for the more experienced players. We have got to start putting the ball in the back of the net. I don’t care how it happens I just want to see it across the line in the opponent’s goal and at the moment it’s not happening for us.’
DARTFORD TEAM: Ibrahim, Burns, Wynter, Gardiner, McNaughton, Adams, Hayes, E Bradbrook, Sykes (58), Pugh (76), Simmons (58)
Subs: T Bradbrook (58), Harris (76), Dembele (58), Vint, Francis, Turner (GK), Golding
UXBRIDGE TEAM: McCarthy, Wiseman, Scott, Bailey, Dennison, Warner (78), Cole (70), Bates, Woods, Carter (59), Thomas
Subs: Phillips (78), McCalmon (70), Julienne (59), Howes, Peden
ATTENDANCE: 503