DARTFORD swept aside their recent poor form as easily as they saw off county rivals Tonbridge Angels in the FA Trophy second round at Princes Park on Saturday.

A meagre pre-Christmas gate of 926 forgot the nasty nip in the air and warmed to Darts’ bright start in what could have been a difficult tie.

News Shopper: Elliot Bradbrook makes it 2-0 from the spot

Tonbridge opened well enough but recent Dartford defensive frailties were absent and the Angels were stung by an early opener from the hosts.

Jacob Erskine’s header had already tested the visitors and on six minutes Tonbridge’s defence was prised open as Ryan Hayes fed Harry Crawford, who easily beat Lee Worgan to give Darts the lead.

Despite the setback Tonbridge stuck at it but they tended to make the obvious passes in contrast to, in particular, Ryan Hayes, who skinned one-time Darts trialist Harry Muggridge on the inside and the outside.

Tonbridge also needed an Erskine type.

The Darts target man worked his socks off up front and, when required, defended corners.

News Shopper: Jon Wallis celebrates after adding Dartford's third and final goal

Frannie Collin didn’t really live up to his reputation as a goal-scorer for Angels and the home back four had a welcome quiet afternoon.

Six minutes after the interval it was game over as top-scorer Crawford was clean through an invisible Angels rearguard, only to be pulled down by Tom Davis.

Up strode skipper Elliot Bradbrook to smash the penalty kick irrevocably past Worgan.

There was no way back for the visitors and they were finally put to bed by as good a goal you’d see anywhere when Jon Wallis unleashed an unstoppable 30-yard stunner to round off a flowing four-man move in which Erskine provided a cheeky back-heel for the Wallis collection.

All in all this was a comfortable afternoon for Dartford, with few injury worries and a place in the last 16 booked.

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Dartford: Bettinelli, Burns, Champion, Bonner, Rose, Hayes (Collier 79), Wallis (Rogers 77), Noble, Bradbrook, Crawford (Harris 84), Erskine. Subs not used: Lawrence, Ajayi. Att: 926.