DARTFORD put the disappointment of last Saturday’s FA Cup exit behind them on Tuesday evening with a league victory over Tonbridge Angels at Princes Park.

A slightly modified line-up, which included new signing Danny Harris on the bench, swiftly pigeon-holed the Chelmsford upset to overcome Angels in an entertaining match, which stretched Darts’ lead in the Premier Division to 13 points.

The game started at a cracking, end-to-end pace with Ryan Hayes mixing runs and crosses for the hosts, while the shrewd Carl Rook posed threats on behalf of the Angels.

Perhaps the real difference between the two sides was reflected by the goalkeepers.

Visiting Lee Worgan was kept busy throughout, while home custodian Andrew Young eased faultlessly to his eighth shut-out in 14 attempts.

Midway through the first half Lee Burns had the ball in the net following a swift break and clever lob over Worgan, only to have the effort downgraded due to an unseen handball.

For the rest of the session it was enthralling stuff, with Dartford sticking to a plan to snuff out danger man Rook, who had slaughtered Darts 12 months ago.

The second half was more of the same until the 57th minute when Allan Tait was quickest to react in a crowded goalmouth to slam home Darts’ opener.

There was relief around the terraces and the game visibly went Darts’ way thereafter.

A double substitution 18 minutes from time saw Jay May and Harris come on for Burns and Tait and the pair combined to make the score more reflective of the game.

May worked an opening in the left corner, fed Harris who cut into the area and beat Worgan with a dynamic drive off the inside of the far post.

Dartford: Young, Burgess, Gross, Flanagan, Beales, White, Hayes, Day (Noble 88), Tait (May 72), Burns (Harris 72), Bradbrook. Subs not used: Coyle, Dafter. Att: 1,228.