DARTFORD were dealt a sickening late blow on Saturday as Gateshead substitute James Brown’s final minute header consigned the Princes Park side to a sixth straight defeat.

A typical school report often includes the phrase ‘must do better’ and Darts certainly did so than in recent weeks.

The inclusion of loan players Phil Smith in goal and former Dart Conner Essam certainly strengthened the erstwhile leaky defence, which was a giant plus after last Tuesday’s 5-1 mauling at the hands of Wrexham.

Asked to defend the Academy End, Darts were encouraged forward by a lively drum-led support which welcomed the return of charismatic captain Elliot Bradbrook.

There had to be a downside for Tony Burman’s side, and so it proved with the loss through injury of striker Matt Godden the previous day together with long-serving winger Ryan Hayes, a case of one step forward and one step back.

Gateshead, who had the luxury of an extra three days of preparation, began with some neat passing moves and created a couple of early openings which the determined Darts easily dealt with.

To be perfectly honest, the passing moves looked more like training pitch football than an attempt to impose themselves on the game.

In view of recent results and defensive collapses, Dartford appeared to be content on containment, which was praiseworthy enough.

The Princes Park crowd sensed the mood and gave the hosts vital drum-led encouragement.

Gateshead did work a couple of openings which were snuffed out, while at the other end Adam Burchall went close with a curling effort.

He was also alone, busy chasing down tirelessly and making the visiting defence look at times flat-footed.

The second half was much the same until 25 minutes from the end when the game swung inexorably Gateshead’s way.

Chasing a 50-50 ball with Gateshead’s Jamie Chandler, Lee Noble, who had scant protection from the referee, was red carded in the resultant collision.

Having accumulated five yellows already this season, the additional dismissal might well mean a lengthy ban for the Dartford player.

It really was backs to the wall for the hosts from then on but Darts’ battling performance was ultimately all in vain as Brown got his head to a fine Lewis Sirrell cross in the final minute, the goal being scored with no time to retaliate.

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Dartford: Smith, Sterling, Clark, Essam, Collier, Noble, Burns, Bradbrook, Harris, Martin, Burchall (Prior 87). Subs not used: Forecast, Cornhill, Mitchel-King, Woodyard. Att: 975.