DARTFORD included several fringe players in the starting line-up for the first round Kent Senior Cup tie against Isthmian outfit Faversham Town at Princes Park last night.

Despite a nasty nip in the air, and the Champions League on the box, a reasonable gate of 271 was in attendance to witness Darts progress in the competition.

Manager Tony Burman included Steve Sutton, Nathan Collier and Jay Porter among the starters, while the recovering Adam Green also began the match. The bench, just to indicate the strength in depth of the squad, included Ryan Hayes, Elliot Bradbrook, Jacob Erskine and George Monger.

Captain for the night was all-rounder Lee Burns.

Standard practice prevailed with Dartford attacking the Academy End as the stranglehold was immediately applied.

Faversham felt the weight of the Darts when a third minute left-side corner was missed by visiting keeper Dan Ellis and the ball was hooked away clear.

Collier was up with the attack and back in defence when needed. His two first half goals showcased his versatility which earned him man of the match award. Darts took the lead on 19 minutes when a left-side corner was headed firmly past Ellis by Collier. Nine minutes later the same player got the vital final touch in a goalmouth melee to make it 2-0.

Faversham did have a chance three minutes later when Antonio Ganella shot on the turn but Steve Sutton handled the chance with aplomb.

At half-time Burns was substituted and Tom Bonner assumed the armband for the rest of the game despite the arrival of Bradbrook as a second half substitute.

After the interval it was all decidedly low key and although Danny Hockton pulled one back for Faversham, Darts’ control remained virtually unchallenged. Sadly Green took a knock in the half which impeded his return to full fitness.

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Dartford: Sutton, Burns (Monger 46), Green (Bradbrook 73), Noble, Rose, Bonner, Collier, Wallis, Harris, Crawford (Martin 80), Porter. Subs not used Hayes, Erskine. Att: 271.