Dartford 0 v 1 Enfield

Southern League Division One East

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DARTS' best home league gate of the season saw an enthralling encounter against high-flying Enfield, writes Mike Brett-Smith.

Parading the same line-up for the third successive time, Tony Burman put youngster Tommy Youle on the bench for a game played on a dry, dusty Stonebridge Road pitch.

The opening 20 minutes was end-to-end with the visitors managing a cross-shot and a strike against the post.

Darts went one better hitting both the post and the bar.

They also had the ball in the net when Brendon Cass received a neat through ball.

He drew the keeper, picked his spot and struck home, however the linesman's was flagging for offside.

Moments later a Dave Martin cross was scrambled away by the sprawling Mark Cousins in the Town goal.

Town, who average over 2 goals a game on the road, countered and a cross from wide on the right eluded everyone and was comfortably fielded by Kevin Hudson.

Darts looked well organised with the central duo of Richard Avery and Anthony Henry keeping a close eye on sharp shooter Rudi Hall.

The full backs drove forward at every opportunity, Eddie McClements worked hard in midfield winning balls in the air and Ryan Briggs, Ryan Hayes and the impressive Brad Potter had the edge in midfield.

After the break Darts created the first opening with Martin, who created problems all afternoon, crossing beyond the far post for Hayes who slightly mistimed his shot.

With 20 minutes left Darts were penalised on the edge of their penalty area for a scuffle and the resultant free-kick hit a bump in front of the diving Hudson and Bryan Hammatt tapped home the loose ball.

Darts strived for an equaliser but the bulk of the remaining playing time was taken up by a series of lectures and yellow cards breaking up the flow of the game.

The introduction of Glen Billenness gave in indication of how he works in harness with Brendon Cass a plus for the future.

Dartford host Potters Bar Town at home on Saturday.

MATCH FACTS: DARTFORD: Hudson; G Carter(Billenness, 80); Osborne; Henry; Avery; Hayes (Olson, 78); Briggs; Potter; Cass; McClements (Ansell, 84); Martin.

SUB NOT USED: Youle.

ATT: 483.