TWELVE months ago Thurrock visited Princes Park and gave Darts a lesson in battling for points.

Both clubs were at the wrong of the Conference South table but the visitors thoroughly deserved their victory that day.

One year on another lowly Thurrock outfit came to Princes Park, but this time the return journey through the tunnel was somewhat less happy.

Darts were rampant right from the start and only a change down through the gears after the break prevented the Tony Burman’s high-flyers from running riot.

News Shopper: Elliot Bradbrook gets the goal spree under way

There were times when, in possession, Thurrock looked a reasonable side, as they should do, having some decent players in their line-up.

Possession, though, is one thing, what you do with it is something else.

Captain Elliot Bradbrook settled for a brace on his birthday, opening the scoring by side-footing home a pass from the left after just 11 minutes.

News Shopper: Bradbrook celebrates his opener

There was than a 20 minute wait before Danny Harris added the second.

The beleaguered Craig Holloway muffed his handling of a cross and Harris smashed a shot into the back of his net.

Four minutes later a scintillating three-man move was finished off by James Rogers from the edge of the six-yard box.

The second half saw Dartford play exhibition football at half pace and there was plenty to entertain the faithful in the 1,206 crowd.

News Shopper: Thurrock keeper Craig Holloway is beaten as James Rogers makes it 3-0

With less than 20 minutes remaining Lee Burns smashed in blockbuster to remind everyone of his goal scoring capabilities.

Ryan Hayes had just come on for Harris and his first touch was an exquisitely weighted pass which Tony Garrod swept home for his maiden goal.

The rout was completed by skipper Bradbrook from close range in the 79th minute.

News Shopper: Rogers takes the plaudits after his goal

His second, and Darts’ sixth, was greeted with a chorus of 'happy birthday' from supporters behind the 'Other' End’ - somebody please come up with a proper name?

Happy is the man who supports the Darts.

Dartford are back in action at Princes Park on Saturday when they host Wealdstone in the FA Trophy third round at 3pm.

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Dartford: Wells, Jones, Green, Bonner, Essam, Wallis, Burns, Rogers (Garrod 69), Erskine (Graham 69), Bradbrook, Harris (Hayes 76). Subs not used: Champion, Ibrahim. Att: 1,206.