DARTFORD drew a blank in last night’s home encounter with Eastleigh.

But this was a point gained rather than two lost.

Like leaders Billericay, Eastleigh are filled with low-gravity, mercurial players who play knock and run on football.

Aptly named Spitfires from their connection with Supermarine, they caught the eye like the famous fighter catches the imagination.

Darts, on the other hand, were like the Hurricane – not showy but doing the job.

It took Dartford something like 20 minutes to get to grips with the task and they raised their game urged on by a very vocal Tony Burman.

On possession and attempts on goal, Eastleigh should have won but, weakened as they were by injuries, Darts gave everything all night long.

In a team game it is unfair to pick out individuals but Andrew Young, in particular, put in a display which told his doubters exactly why he is number one between the sticks.

Up front Charlie Sheringham ploughed the proverbial lone furrow, aided and abetted by sterling work from Ryan Hayes, who also came back to help relieve the pressure.

Eastleigh hit the woodwork on a couple of occasions which, on another night, would have gone it.

By contrast it was late on before the visiting keeper was forced to make a genuine save, a rasping shot from inside the box by inspiring captain Elliot Bradbrook.

The terraces were quiet for long spells, absorbed by the battle unfolding before them.

However, in the final 20 minutes they sniffed a result and the vocals came on loud and strong.

In the end Darts, were slightly more satisfied with what was certainly a point won.

For Eastleigh it was truly a case of two points lost.

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Dartford: Young, Jones, Bonner, Bruce, Goodacre, Champion, Hayes, White (Main 61), Sheringham, Burns, Bradbrook. Subs not used: Burchell, Eves, Foster. Att: 711.