Dartford 4-2 Northwood

NINE minutes into the game radio stations covering the division's clubs crackled with the news Darts' defence had leaked a league goal for the first time in 384 minutes when they fell behind to Northwood.

Similar shockwaves caused hearts to flutter when the half-time 1-2 scoreline was broadcast.

Tony Burman made to changes to his side with Junior Kadi in for the injured Eddie McClements and Richard Avery replacing Tom Bradbrook on the bench.

Northwood employed Arlesey tactics from the start with Phil Williams, back to his speedy best, cutting into the area and receiving a double push for his troubles.

Darts kept the visitors penned back until the opening goal, which was fashioned out of nothing as Abdul Yoki found room to pick his spot before firing into Tony Kessell's top right corner.

Dartford countered the reverse three minutes later when Jamie Coyle dived to head home Ryan Hayes' right side free-kick.

Every Dart naturally sloted into place and set about his business and, for the rest of the half, gradually exerted pressure on the visitors and caused havoc in their ranks.

From one corner a goalmouth melee almost resulted in an own goal but, against the run of play, Northwood retook the lead with a soft goal.

A race for a loose ball was narrowly won by Adrian Abramain and his shot limped over the line.

Half-time adjustments saw Darts out early for the restart.

Kadi took matters into his own hands and brought Darts level using his subtle magic to create space and hit a right-footer off the outside of his boot and beyond visiting keeper Swain.

Vintage Kadi turned deuce to advantage Dartford with a second right-footer six minutes later.

Darts went through their routines and kept Northwood under control using the intuitive football which confidence breeds.

They killed off the game completely when Brendon Cass scored number four after smart work by Steve Norman and hard work by Jay May.

Dartford: Kessell, Coyle, Norman, Flanagan, Guest, O'Brien, Hayes (Moore 80), May, Cass, Kadi, Williams (Lewis 83). Subs not used - Green, Osborne, Avery