Dartford 3-0 Gateshead

Although woefully short of match play, Sheringham had a full work out at Princes Park and his selfish running opened the Gateshead floodgates in the second half.

Much credit for the game getting played is due to the ground staff, aided by volunteer helpers, who worked so hard on the pitch.

So good was their work once the frozen drizzle ceased, the surface was actually drying out.

Ryan Hayes reported sick before the warm-up, so was put on the bench.

To counter this setback, Sheringham was named in the XI and started well.

His running off the ball and general timing were such Gateshead’s rearguard were often drawn out of position and the space left open was excellently exploited by Lee Burns, Lee Noble and Danny Harris.

While defences were on top in the early exchanges, the visitors edged first half possession with Ryan Donaldson, Josh Gillies and Jamie Chandler displaying some deft touches and neat passing.

The home defence, though, was not for opening so away shots at goal were limited.

With the game drifting towards half-time, Darts had one of their dodgy moments when the ball was played sloppily out of defence straight to a Gateshead player who, fortunately, ballooned the chance high over the bar.

Thus Darts went in at the break level rather than, as in recent games, trailing.

Early in the second half it clicked for the home side, with passing going to foot and Darts visibly took control, more so with the 63rd minute introduction of Hayes for Noble.

Sadly for the visitors, they never quite understood you don’t ever let a left-footed right winger cut inside.

Sheringham’s understanding with Jack Evans, which drew defenders to the left and created space up right, finally ensured the goals arrived.

The 66th minute opener came following a melee in the Gateshead penalty area, during which they twice cleared off the line.

But it was a case of third time lucky for Darts as Hayes smashed a shot home.

Hayes was at his best and six minutes later he performed an outrageous dummy which set Burns charging up the right.

The ball was knocked into the path of Hayes, who looped a left-foot curler past visiting keeper Adam Bartlett to settle the game.

With six minutes remaining, Hayes created space for Sheringham in the inside left position and the forward struck a right-footed third goal for the hosts, which was equally as good as Hayes’ second

The long hoped-for magical 50 points had been achieved with games to spare.

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Dartford: Bettinelli, Burns, Bonner, Arber, Green, Evans (Rogers 77), Champion, Bradbrook, Noble (Hayes 63), Harris (Prior 54), Sheringham. Subs not used: Rose, Erskine. Att: 1,020.