MATCH REPORT | DARTFORD 2 TONBRIDGE ANGELS 0
Dartford extended their winning run with a hard-fought victory against Tonbridge Angels in an entertaining encounter at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. There was plenty to celebrate for the Darts and their section of the 1,278 supporters in attendance, as the victory ensured a sixth consecutive maximum points haul. Yet before kick-off, a presentation was celebrated […]
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Dartford extended their winning run with a hard-fought victory against Tonbridge Angels in an entertaining encounter at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park.
There was plenty to celebrate for the Darts and their section of the 1,278 supporters in attendance, as the victory ensured a sixth consecutive maximum points haul. Yet before kick-off, a presentation was celebrated in honour of both Jordan Wynter and Charlie Sheringham having chalked up 100 starts for the club.
Both players were named in the starting eleven for today’s match, alongside the returning Sam Oduadu, as Kristian Campbell missed out due to an injury.
The Angels started confidently, but failed to provide a real threat to the Dartford goal. The lively Jordan Turner sent an early warning when his strike failed to test Joe Young (1), but it would be the hosts who’d get a firm grip on proceedings after a relatively even period.
Angels’ goalkeeper Jonathan Henly was called into action to save from Samir Carruthers (6) and Marvin Herschel (16), as the Darts began to press their opponents back into their own half.
After forcing several corners in a row, the Darts had the Angels on the proverbial ropes, and were rewarded for their efforts in the 30th minute. The goal ironically came from another corner, but nobody expected Samir Carruthers’ set-piece to curl straight into the back of the net!
Having seen his 26th-minute strike excellently blocked by Scott Wagstaff, nothing was going to stop the midfielder from netting his sixth goal of the season, as the number four put in another Man of The Match performance this afternoon.
The goal hit the visitors hard and they just couldn’t seem to get out of their own half, as the Darts continued to seek to extend their advantage. They came close before the break when Charlie Sheringham came close to adding to his tally, only to see his header somehow cleared off the Angels’ goal-line.
Manager Alan Dowson was first to make a change in personnel, as Luke Allen left the field to be replaced by Keiran Murtagh after 48 minutes. That was soon followed by Pierre Fonkeu coming on for Marvin Herschel (56) and Davide Rodari replacing Samir Carruthers (80).
Meanwhile, the visitors would go on to swap Louis Collins and Ruben Soares-Junior with Dylan Gavin and Thomas Fagg (both on 58 minutes), as well as Soloman Tetteh Addy for Jeremy Santos (85). The initial double change would have a positive influence on Tonbridge’s attack, but more on that later.
The hosts continued to control proceedings and could have increased their lead deservedly after Jack Smith found Carruthers inside the Angels box. Unfortunately, the midfielder couldn’t quite find the target on this occasion (62).
Ironically, just as the visitors were beginning to find their mojo once again, Dartford struck! And it was a long-awaited goal for Pierre Fonkeu that doubled Dartford’s lead in the 70th minute.
A terrific attacking move saw the Tonbridge defence all at sea, enabling Charlie Sheringham to direct a header on target. Goalkeeper Jonathan Henly made the save, but the rebound found the boot of Fonkeu who wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to score his fifth goal of the season.
The visitors responded immediately as substitute Dylan Gavin forced Joe Young into a quick double save (72) before the referee, Mr Ross Martin, gifted them a route back into the game.
A seemingly harmless challenge on Jeremy Santos saw the Tonbridge man hit the floor inside the Dartford box, and the referee pointed to the spot. Joseph Turner took on the responsibility, but sent his spot-kick high and wide of Young’s goal (79) to end any hope his side had of a comeback.
Tom Bonner and Co remained solid from then on, as they closed ranks to see out the game and keep the clean sheet despite Gavin and Fagg looking particularly threatening.
The result sees the Darts maintain third place in the National League South table, as they remain firmly in the hunt of the challenge for promotion.
TEAMS
DARTFORD: Joe Young, Jordan Wynter, Samir Carruthers, Connor Essam, Tom Bonner (c), Luke Allen, Maxwell Statham, Jack Smith, Charlie Sheringham, Sam Oduado, Marvin Herschel.
SUBSTITUTES: Alex Wall, Keiran Murtagh, Davide Rodari, Tom Wray, Pierre Fonkeu.
TONBRIDGE ANGELS: Jonathan Henly, Jaden Crowhurst, Craig Braham-Barrett, Scott Wagstaff, Sonny Miles, Joe Tyrie, Lewis Gard, Jeremy Santos, Louis Collins, Ruben Soares-Junior, Joseph Turner.
SUBSTITUTES: Kevin Manuel, Thomas Fagg, Soloman Tetteh Addy, Fynley Rutherford, Dylan Gavin.
By Chris Palmer
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