Witham Town 0-4 Dartford

DARTFORD'S promotion charge continued on Saturday with an emphatic victory at Witham Town.

Darts welcomed Adam Flanagan into the line-up after his tummy upset with Tommy Osborne reverting to the bench.

Tom Bradbrook made his first league start of the season, while Junior Kadi had a seat on the bench.

The bright afternoon soon clouded over and the second half started accompanied by heavy rainfall.

This was a game Darts were determined to win handsomely and ultimately did so.

Kicking against a stiff wind, Darts applied the usual Phil Williams opening gambit and it was soon obvious he was going to enjoy himself.

The home side were up for it and Rob King rattled Tony Kessell's bar after being put through by Cody McDonald.

But Darts weathered the storm and controlled the pace of the game through Alex O'Brien, Ryan Hayes, Eddie McClements and Williams in particular, with the latter receiving some harsh treatment.

Darts took the lead with around 10 minutes of the half left.

Tremendous pressure led to goalkeeper Stuart Crumpen picking up a back pass and, following some argy bargy and a yellow card for Crumpen's dissent, Jamie Coyle threaded the ball through the crowded goalmouth to put Dartford in front.

The second half began with rain at Darts' back and within 10 minutes, the destination of the points was settled when an inspiring run by O'Brien was neatly converted by McClements for his third goal in two games.

Immediately afterwards, a neat build-up ended with a subtle Hayes lob which narrowly missed the target.

Williams was by now enjoying the freedom of Witham and one particular mazy run ended with him levelled out in the penalty area.

Crumpen saved Hayes's spot kick and his follow-up effort, but the Dart had the last laugh later on he jigged his way into the area, drew the keeper, rounded him, skipped past two defenders and side-footed home.

Substitutions were made allowing Kadi a run out and Brendon Cass scored his customary goal, this time with a firm header from a free-kick following a clumsy foul out on the left touch.

Dartford: Kessell, Coyle, Norman, Flanagan, Guest, O'Brien, Hayes (Lewis 83) Bradbrook, Cass (Moore 88), McClements, Williams (Kadi). Subs not used: Green, Osborne. Att: 262