Gravesham Ladies 4 v 3 HJF Dartford Ladies

South East Counties Women's Football League Division One East

AFTER trying to avenge last week's 3-0 home defeat against neighbouring Gravesham, HJF Dartford Ladies lost this derby by the odd goal in seven, writes Brian Page.

After Darts striker Claire Stork fractured her foot in the opening minutes, the visitors found themselves playing with 10 players before the home side opened the scoring.

Harriet Hill pulled Dartford level, converting a well-flighted corner into the net, amd then the Oakfield Lane side took a 2-1 advantage when midfielder Rachel Elson latched onto Hill's cross.

Gravesham fought back and levelled the scores before Hill put the visitors back in front with a well-taken low drive into the bottom right corner to take a 3-2 lead into the break.

After the interval, Gravesham took advantage of the gently sloping pitch, breaking through Dartford's defence and chipping the ball into the net on 60 minutes.

Hill tried regaining Dartford's lead but no-one was able to pounce on her goalbound attempt with Becky Leigh firing over from close range after Susie Benham had created the chance from deep in midfield.

With 20 minutes left Gravesham took a 4-3 lead, courtesy of a carbon-copy of their third goal.

Dartford restored themselves back to 11 players with Catherine Fitzpatrick coming on for the final 15 minutes, promptly driving over the crossbar after a quick combination from Elson and Leigh.

Late in the game, Gravesham hit the woodwork twice in successive attacks as they looked to seal the win.

Darts went close at the other end as Hill's on-target free-kick was turned round the post for last-minute corner, which proved unfruitful.

Tessa Bird was nominated as Man of the Match.

HJF Dartford Ladies entertain Lloyds on October 2, ko: 2pm.