IF the Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton, then the Wealdstone ‘catch-em-cold’ tactics used from the off by the visitors were devised on the training pitch at Wealdstone.

No game in living memory had a more torrid start. Wealdstone swarmed all over Darts from the off up the wings and through the middle and Andrew Young did remarkably well to save a quick-fire free kick at the expense of a corner.

This was duly swung in and Chris O’Leary nodded the Stones in front on 47 seconds.

Not to be outdone Lee Burns, in the ensuing minute, rattled Sean Thomas’ woodwork twice.

On the back foot, Darts had few chances to launch any worthwhile attacks and when Ryan Hayes, Burns and Elliot Bradbrook did pick up possession, Wealdstone descended upon them in numbers to stifle any threats.

On and on came the visitors but the wise, competent Dartford defence gradually got to grips with the scampering Wealdstone attack.

Sure they created openings, but one inalienable thing about pace is it might be permanent but stamina is not.

Gradually the early bustle faded and the Dartford had more time to control affairs as distribution began to improve.

The second half was an entirely different matter and Wealdstone were reduced to keeping Darts at bay, which included relying heavily on goalkeeper Thomas – who played exceptionally well and saved half a dozen potential goals.

Using the full width of the pitch, Darts showed why they are a force to be reckoned with Hayes and Bradbrook, backed by the midfield until James White went off with a groin strain, turning the Stones inside out.

Darts replaced debutant striker Allan Tait with Rob Haworth and were level within five minutes.

Having had one effort nullified by Thomas, Burns hit a sweet volley from the edge of the box with such force that, though Thomas partially parried it, the ball rolled over the line for Burns' seventh goal in five outings.

Darts sought out a merited winner but Thomas stood between them and that aim. True, he gave a master class in time-wasting – in no way added on by the officials – but he did what he had to do.

Dartford: Young, Burgess, Gross, Flanagan, Coyle, White {Noble 78), Hayes, Day, Tait (Haworth 59), Burns (May 84), Bradbrook. Subs not used: Beales, Kessell. Att: 1,150.