Gateshead 3-0 Dartford

Almost within shouting distance of St James' Park where Arsenal were surrendering a four-goal lead at the same time, Dartford's dream of Trophy glory was shattered by an efficient, if not over-inspiring, Gateshead side which has recently adopted the full-time route for future progress.

The scoreline certainly flattered the hosts who, while always having the edge, had to toil to the end of each half to convert that edge into goals scored.

Gateshead's first goal from Phil Turnbull came three minutes before the break and the other two arrived on 86 and 90 minutes.

Turnbull's had the suspicion of a deflection about it, while the second, scored by substitute Brian Wake, was set up following a surging run from his own half by Nathan Fisher.

Had Darts been like some teams, Fisher would have been stopped in his tracks as he started his run but cynicism is not in the make-up of Tony Burman's side.

The third goal was a mere flourish by Kris Gale.

Without the lively Lee Noble in the side, Darts were not as effective in midfield as they have been in their recent good spell and this resulted in a quiet afternoon for Gateshead keeper Tim Deasy.

The corner count of 11-0 in favour of the Geordies in the first half tells its own tale.

Darts' best first-half effort came when Elliot Bradbrook's angled effort hit Deasy's legs.

The visitors were more effective in the second half and had more than a share of possession but then came the late Gateshead surge and those killer second and third goals.

Finally, the tribute from the 200 plus Dartfordians who made the game and the thank you response from the players.

Darts United have much more work to do.

Immediately coming up in a busy week is a night ride to Weston on Tuesday and a trip to run-away table-toppers Braintree this weekend.

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Dartford: Young, Burgess, Bonner, Bruce, Goodacre, Champion, Harris, White (Hayes 71), Sheringham, Main (Rook 78), Bradbrook. Subs not used: Burns, Foster, Ibrahim. Att:501.