DARTFORD’S pre-season continued on Saturday with a Princes Park draw against League Two Dagenham & Redbridge.

Pre-season games are primarily for managers and coaches to assess trialists and see how they slot in with the regulars.

Saturday had extra complications as the Dartford team-sheet was rewritten just moments before kick-off.

The game itself was entertaining enough for the almost 500 spectators who braved the sweltering heat and the referee was sensible enough to have two drinks breaks in the first half.

He was also ready to keep the game flowing and stoppages breaks were thankfully few and far between.

Dartford won the toss and kicked to the Academy End. The two new acquisitions from Chelmsford City Kenny Clark and Max Cornhill immediately slotted in, with Clark prominent in central defence.

It was in the 42nd minute he missed his first header, a smart ploy as it turned out. Inside his own six-yard box and facing goal, Clark dummied a header and put off the onrushing Daggers striker ensuring a goal opportunity was missed.

Despite the heat, Darts’ work-rate was monumental as exemplified by the indefatigable Lee Burns, who brought Cornhill into play as often as he could.

There were umpteen changes at half-time and Darts showed a flash of vintage magic as Danny Harris was sent up the left to put in a cross which was struck home in typical fashion by Ryan Hayes on 54 minutes.

Ex-Newport keeper Alan Julian made some excellent saves and looks quite capable of filling the important position between the sticks for Darts this season.

However, there was nothing he could do to prevent Daggers getting on terms with a scruffy own goal from Clark with quarter of an hour remaining.

There were more comings and goings in the second half than in the post-WWII French government, as the heat took its strength-sapping toll.

The one-minute time added on didn't quite happen as the referee wisely called a halt to proceedings with 10 seconds showing on the Prince Park clock.

Dartford’s pre-season continues tomorrow evening at home to Reading.

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Dartford: Julian, Burns, Sterling, Fry, Clark, Bradbrook, Hayes, Cornhill, Ibemerle, Prior, Noble. Subs: Wellham, Vint, Collier, Harris, Monger, Porter, Eisa, Akimwande, da Silva, Aniougbe, Azeez, Kaka. Att: 484.