Darts give Woking run for their money in thriller (From News Shopper)

Dartford 2-3 Woking

2:32pm Wednesday 14th December 2011 in Dartford By Mike Brett-Smith

THE Duke of Wellington called the Battle of Waterloo 'a damned close run thing' - and so was the clash between Dartford and runaway league leaders Woking at a chilly Princes Park last night.

Defending the Academy End, the visitors got off to a flying start with a swift break up the left and a cross beyond Darts’ far post, which was headed away for a corner.

The flag-kick hung in the blustery wind and Woking’s Alan Inns was credited with the headed opener.

For the third successive game, Darts were forced into an early reshuffle. Lee Noble was forced off early at Folkestone, Danny Harris at Brackley and last night it was Paul Goodacre’s turn as he was replaced by Jacob Erskine in the 19th minute.

Erskine became Dartford’s target man and as the game wore on, he proved beyond doubt what an excellent acquisition he is.

Woking are indeed the side to beat in the Conference South and it took Darts some time to get to grips with their mercurial opponents.

They were approaching the interval with the damage limited to one goal until a Woking break three minutes from the half-time whistle saw the visitors double their lead.

Again the goal came following a corner, this time Adam Doyle providing the vital headed touch.

The second half was a revelation and proved Darts have the equipment to maintain their own promotion challenge at the top.

Just after the hour, Erskine found Ryan Hayes out wide on the right and his cross reached James Rogers, who scored from close range.

Woking made a double substitution in a clear attempt to hold on to their narrow advantage, but Darts responded by replacing Rogers with Richard Graham and Lee Burns with Tony Garrod.

The home side piled on the pressure as Hayes delivered a succession of crosses which kept Woking on the back foot.

Despite this, a rare break restored the Cards’ two-goal advantage five minutes from time through Elvis Hammond.

The hosts again hit back and visiting keeper Aaron Howe went down bravely to scoop the ball away from a Dartford boot.

There was time for a Grandstand finish after Erskine won possession from Jack King and flicked it out right before converting the return header.

However, there was to be no final twist and Woking held on for another victory to maintain their nine point lead at the top of the table.

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Dartford: Wells, Jones, Green, Bonner, Goodacre (Erskine 19), Champion, Hayes, Wallis, Burns (Garrod 75), Bradbrook, Rogers (Graham 75). Subs not used: Noble, Ibrahim. Att: 1,230.