Match Report: Saltdean Utd Women FC 0-1 Dartford FC
London and South East Regional Premier League, played on Sunday 9th March 2025.
Team: Jade Charlton, Chana Hinds, Abbey Davies, Lizzie Adams, Shauni Griffiths, Amy Russ, Xayla-Rae Alberts, Brionne Fowle, Gabby Howell, Enily Vaughan, Emily Woodhouse.
Subs: Georgie Davis, Poppy Payne, Paris Smith, Amina Hanif, Ellie Dolby.
Following last weekend’s cup success, Darts were back on the road as we headed to the south coast to take on Saltdean Utd Women FC.
The first half began tentatively with both sides trying to get the better of the early exchanges. Darts created a couple of half chances in the early stages. The best of these chances came in the 15th minute. A good one two between Amy Russ and Emily Vaughan inside the Saltdean box saw an effort on goal go just over the crossbar.
The visitors continued to create opportunities as the half went on and went close again 10 minutes before the break. In the 35th minute, a bit of pinball inside the Saltdean box saw the ball fall to Darts midfielder, Xayla-Rae Alberts. A volley on goal went just past the post.
We went even closer to getting ahead three minutes later. In the 38th minute, Shauni Griffiths sent an overhead volley goal bound, only for the effort to be cleared off the goal line by a Saltdean defender.
Darts began the second half brightly and the first real chance of the half came 7 minutes after the restart. In the 52nd minute, the ball fell to Emily Vaughan inside the Saltdean box. The Darts forward sent a volley goal bound, just went inches past the post.
The hosts created their first real opportunity just before the hour mark. In the 58th minute, Saltdean’s No 9 with a volley that came back off the crossbar.
The Darts continued to create the better chances and the persistence paid off 17 minutes from time. In the 73rd minute, a melee in the box saw the fall to Darts midfielder Shauni Griffiths. The initial effort on goal was stopped by a deliberate handball. Luckily, the ball fell to Brionne Fowle who made no mistake from 6 yds out to fire the ball home.
The hosts tried to get back into the game in the final stages, but the Darts defence stood strong to see out the final minutes and earn a big three points.
FT Saltdean Utd Women FC 0-1 Dartford FC
A big win on the road for the Darts! Three huge points! Big thanks to the fans who travelled! Onto the next one!