MATCH REPORT: AVELEY 1 – 1 DARTFORD

Late goal frustration for Darts after spirited performance at Aveley

Dartford players were left on their knees at the end of a match they were desperately unlucky not to win.  Aveley snatched a draw in the final minutes against the run of play,  in a fiery encounter at Parkside that ended 1-1.

It was Eddie Dsane who got the game underway for the visitors, and the Darts settled quickly into the contest. Despite an early free-kick opportunity for the hosts (4), which Callum Jones dealt with superbly by heading behind for a corner, it was Dartford who carved out the first real chance just two minutes later. Winning the ball back smartly in midfield, Jones raced through and unselfishly pulled it back to Dsane, who saw his effort drift narrowly wide (6).

The early energy from the Darts forced Aveley into mistakes, with Suley Zhudu going into the referee’s book for a foul on Dsane (9). The Darts’ number ten continued to cause problems, finding space in the 20th minute only for Aveley’s defence to scramble clear.

The game flared up on the half-hour mark when Aveley’s Albie Armin was shown a straight red card for a reckless foul. Unfortunately, in the melee that followed, Dartford’s Ikechi Eze was also dismissed, leaving both sides down to ten men as the first half drew to a close.

Just before half time (41), the team were unlucky not to go a goal up as Box cut inside and rifled the ball against the bar.

After the restart, Ady Pennock’s side looked the brighter, playing with determination and focus. Callum Jones almost lit up the contest in spectacular fashion on 63 minutes, attempting a clever flick over his head which flew just over the bar. He wouldn’t be denied for long, however.

Three minutes later, Jones was on hand to break the deadlock. After his initial shot was blocked, Dsane kept the move alive before Luther Williams teed up Jones, who span and calmly slotted into the bottom corner (66). It was no less than Dartford deserved after a spell of excellent attacking play.

Aveley rarely threatened as Darts kept the pressure up, creating numerous half-chances – although Alejandro Machado hit one over on 74 minutes.

Dartford introduced fresh legs in the form of Samir Carruthers, who replaced the tireless Dsane (80) and he immediately looked to take hold of the game.

However, with just four minutes of normal time remaining, Aveley snatched an equaliser. Jayden Gibson found space in the box and levelled the score against the run of play (86).

The game ended 1-1, with Aveley the much happier side after a good performance from the Darts unfortunately didn’t bring the rewards it deserved.

Aveley: Wright, Tinubu, Critchley, Armin, Henshaw (Brissett 77mins), Gipson, Peters, Sartorius (Machado 46mins), Charles (Liburd 68mins), Robinson (Harris 84mins), Zuhdu.

Dartford: Henly, S Smith, Whitefield, Jones, Olopade, Dsane (Carruthers 80mins), Box, Lee, Tennant, Williams, Pinder. Subs not used: Sullivan, Atta, O’Mara-Knapp, Atkins.

Myles Thornton