WITHIN the space of less than two weeks, leg-weary Darts took four points from run-away league leaders Braintree.

Saturday’s draw came at the end of eight days in which Darts travelled more than a thousand miles without the suspended Lee Noble.

In the end, it was the only because home keeper made in involuntary stop from Elliot Bradbrook in the final moments of the game Darts were denied a double.

The game was played out on a surface which, in the sense of a normal one taking a stud, instead took a hoof.

Whether Braintree play the same way against all opposition is unknown but, at least against Darts, they set off at a decent lick and feed the compact number seven at every possible moment.

He, in turn, delivers a variety of crosses at goal for a colleague to turn into goals.

On Saturday he got lucky.

In the fifth minute he powered up the right flank and aimed at the far post.

The penalty area was packed and the cross was diverted by the unfortunate Billy Burgess past Darts' Conference South debutant keeper Deren Ibrahim, who had no chance.

Parity and justice was restored shortly before half-time when Ibrahim got his revenge by clearing deep into the Braintree half to Jon Main who exquisitely chipped the advancing home custodian from just inside the area.

Soon afterwards the home danger man was withdrawn from the action.

The second half was controlled by Dartford but the heavy pitch took its toll on both sides and legs became wearier.

Braintree did have a spell midway through the half when they really piled on the pressure during which they missed a sitter.

The memorable moments involved a couple of clashes when a player from each side went for the same ball and boot clashed with boot. The resultant treatment aided five minutes of stoppage time.

Darts returned home having taken four points from the leaders in the process of which they scored all three goals.

The current run stands at four wins and two draws with a goal tally of nine to three.

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt