The release of the new Conference Premier fixtures this week brought home the significance of Dartford’s relegation reprieve to manager Tony Burman.

Four of the Darts’ first five games in 2014-15 are against former Football League clubs, starting with the visit of Wrexham on the opening day (August 9).

Relegation from non-league’s top flight in April meant Dartford were contemplating games against Hemel Hempstead and Wealdstone - but now Burman and his players are looking forward to Bristol Rovers and Torquay among others.

Burman said: "It sums it up, why we want to be in this league.

"Opening the season with Wrexham at home, it’s a fantastic fixture and there lies the difference in the two leagues. It’s a tough start but they’re all going to be tough games.

"It’s a proper football division and we’d have missed it, being out of it.

"We’ve got the opportunity to be involved with some big clubs, pitting our wits against them and trying to get results against them."

Dartford visit Thurrock in their first pre-season friendly on Saturday, with a home game against Championship side Millwall to follow at Princes Park on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Full story in the Dartford Messenger.