Dartford recorded their first win under caretaker manager Tony Burman by reaching the quarter-finals of the BOSE-sponsored Kent

Senior Cup with a 2-1 victory over Bass Premier League side Whitstable Town at Stonebridge Road during last midweek.

The Darts started with several good attacks and they could have taken the lead in the 12th minute when Danny Evans' long through ball found man-of-the-match Tony Kyle. He headed the ball across the face of the Whitstable goal, but Adam Morrish shot wide.

But Darts only had to wait seven minutes before taking the lead, when Lee Jones hit a speculative effort which Whitstable goalkeeper Mark Lane could only palm into his own net.

Despite going a goal behind, Whitstable had a good chance to equalise two minutes later, when Joe Shilling's close-range shot produced an unbelievable save from Dartford goalkeeper Tony Kessell.

Dartfordought to have increased their lead seven minutes after the break, when Lee Jones' cross-cum-shot flew across the goal area but Lee Guiver just failed to add the finishing touch.

But Guiver had better luck in the 65th minute, when Roy Godden's effort was too hot for Lane to hold and the ball ran loose to the Dartford forward, who could scarcely miss from four yards. He didn't and it was two-nil.

However, with 15 minutes left, the visitors got back into the game when, yet again, the Darts

appeared to be on the wrong end of a bad refereeing decision.

He decided that Luke Morrish had tripped, although it seemed very questionable, Whitstable's Stephen Sodje in the penalty area and Billy McCarthy drove his spot-kick beyond Kessell.

But the goal galvanised the Darts for a final 10-minute onslaught which nearly brought them two more goals.

First, from Jones' corner kick, Simon Roberts headed against the bar, and then Lee Guiver hit the post after some fine play involving Adam Morrish and second-half substitute Steve

Marriner.

December 4, 2001 13:16