Sunday’s game against Saltdean was an opportunity for the squad to get back on track after a few weeks of inconsistent performances. A convincing victory of 6:2 against a team that came to Princes Park to frustrate us was very satisfying for the management team. The match started slowly and it took 15 mins before we started to impose ourselves on a Saltdean defensive unit that sat very deep.
Lizzie broke the deadlock in the 21st min when she pressed the ball high up the pitch winning a challenge with a Saltdean defender on the edge of their penalty area before calmly slotting the ball under the onrushing goalkeeper. Dartford pressing high and gaining possession was to be a theme of the match.
Our second goal quickly followed after some great work down the left side by Shauni, her low left footed cross across the goal was turned in from 6 yrds by Emily V
Apart from the odd through ball or back pass Jade had nothong of note to do in the first half, Saltdean offered little going forward.
As the first half progressed we played some decent football switching play out to the wide players and pressing high.
The third goal was scored by Emily V, a smart finish after she cut out a poor pass from a Saltdean defender.
The fourth goal came just before half time, Meg played a great ball into Katie’s chest who was inside the opposition’s penalty area, Shauni raced onto the knock down and drilled her shot into the bottom corner giving the visiting keeper no chance.
The second half started as the first ended with a Dartford goal within 5 min of the restart, Issy latched onto a sliced clearance and finished with a great low shot into the far corner from just inside the penalty area.
Saltdean gave us a scare when they hit the cross bar from a well taken free kick but that was their only real chance so far in the game.
We continued to create chances and the 6th and final goal came in the 57th min courtesy of Amy with a great finish from outside the penalty area. Good work from Lizzie and Issy who pressed and regained possession before Emily V layed the ball off to Amy who beat her defender easily before smashing the ball high into the net over the keeper’s head.
A sloppy 15 min spell towards the end of the game gave Saltdean some hope and they scored two late goals. We looked nervous and stopped playing as we had been doing. The players weathered the storm which was pleasing as previously we may have folded and held out for a well deserved victory.
Overall we are happy with the performance and some of the football was a joy to watch. The effort and team work was pleasing to see. As a group we will look to take this into the next game
We go again this Sunday at home in cup action against Hern Bay, please come down and support us
Up the Darts!!
