AFC Sudbury 2-2 Dartford

DARTFORD maintained their five-point lead at the top of the Ryman Division One North table with a hard-earned point at second-placed AFC Sudbury on Saturday.

The expected large crowd witnessed an enthralling afternoon's football in spring-like weather and on a pitch of deceptive composition, both teams played open, attractive football in the endeavour to pick up the three points available.

Dartford, as usual, were first to impress and the now standard Phil Williams opening ended with an effort skimming the bar.

At the other end, Darts easily covered Sudbury's early excursions.

After a lengthy spell of treatment for Brendon Cass, Sudbury had a shot saved following a lucky rebound.

Darts took the lead midway through the half when a Steve Norman free-kick from half-way was nodded past the home keeper by John Guest.

Stung, AFC hit back with some well-drilled passing down the right ending with a final ball into the Darts' area being swept into the net by top-scorer Jamie Rowe.

Five minutes later, the same player gave the hosts the lead in fortuitous circumstances.

A right-side corner was about to be fielded by Tony Kessell when he collided with Guest and Rowe was on the spot to prod the spilled ball home.

Darts equalised in controversial circumstances right on the stoke of half-time.

A ball from the right was neatly placed and Cass volleyed his shot past the keeper on his line and the referee instantly signalled a goal.

There were protests from the Sudbury players and a subsequent consultation with his assistant, who had not signalled.

However, the referee confirmed the goal and Cass marked appearance number 100 with goal number 68.

Darts had the early advantage in the second half and a deep Ryan Hayes cross to Cass was blocked by the keeper, who dealt similarly with a Jamie Coyle header from a Steve Norman free-kick.

As the game went on, Tuesday's exertions came into play and Sudbury showed neat one-touch moves and the dynamic, but leg-weary, Darts back four kept an eye on Mr Rowe.

Despite the importance of the encounter, both teams played to win and produced a worthy encounter for the large crowd which cheered them both off at the end of a game which did not contain one harsh tackle.

It was, in fact, a credit to two sporting clubs.

Dartford: Kessell, Coyle, Norman, Flanagan, Guest, O'Brien, Hayes (Lewis 86), May, Cass, Kadi, Williams (McClements 75). Subs not used: Green, Avery, Osborne. Att: 738