IN an incident packed encounter at Princes Park last night, lowly St Albans rescued a point against a Darts side which destroyed memories of Saturday's poor performance at Staines.

In the death throes of injury time, the woodwork earned the visitors a point when keeper Paul Bastock went to his right as Ryan Hayes spot kick struck the other post with a thwack.

Darts started off unusually brightly to the Academy End with a glancing Charlie Sheringham header and a rasping Lee Burns shot testing the opposing defence.

Saints countered with a surging Inih Effiong run but, generally, it was Dartford on top.

News Shopper: Ryan Hayes misses from the spot. PICTURES BY ALLSPORTSPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

The home side did find the net on 20 minutes when a 20-yarder from Sheringahm caused Bastock to fumble but the follow-up was ruled out for offside.

Saints stole the lead just past the half-hour when Effiong's shot hit Andy Young's right post and rolled over the line.

It was a short-lived advantage.

A 25-yard dummy run free-kick found Sheringham, who clipped his effort past Bastock.

News Shopper: Double goal hero Charlie Sheringham scores

There was time for a 20-player melee to develop following a Matt Jones tackle, the outcome being three yellow cards issued after long discussions between the match officials.

The second half saw Darts start in command and Danny Harris scuffed an early chance.

Respite for the visitors was short-lived for, on 51 minutes, a surging Burns run and shot was parried by Bastock to Sheringham, who promptly knocked a shot home.

Substitutes came and went over the next few minutes and James White departed following a second yellow.

News Shopper: Sheringham celebrates

Saints fashioned a late leveller when Ollie Kelly, on hands and knees, headed an unlikely goal through a forest of legs.

In injury time Darts were awarded a penalty when Bastock impeded substitute Jon Main in an incident which, had he been a defender would have led to dismissal.

No matter!

Hayes, on for Lee Noble, performed the final act and St Albans headed home with a share of the spoils.

News Shopper: Action from last night's game

Dartford are at home to Lewes on Saturday.

The club are keen to remind supporters through the media this game will kick-off at 1pm to avoid a clash with the Wales v England match, which starts at 3pm.

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Dartford: Young, Jones, Bonner, Bruce, Goodacre, Champion, Noble (Hayes 78), White, Sheringham (Main 83), Burns, Harris. Subs not used: Burgess, Burchell, Ibrahim.