Dartford v Weymouth
Report
Dartford’s miserable run of form continued, after Joe Cook’s second-half long-range drive stunned the 1,063 supporters inside Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park on a cold Saturday afternoon.
With just one victory during the previous seven fixtures, this game had an air of positivity about it as a new era began under caretaker boss Tony Burman. But, the Terras had found form themselves recently and were determined to spoil the afternoon for their hosts.
However, Joe Cook aside, it was the man in the middle who perhaps could have influenced which way this game was going to go… A brilliant ball released Alex Wall, before goalkeeper Gerard Benfield irrationally took the Dartford striker out as early as the third minute. Yet, Mr George Warren only issued the goalkeeper with a yellow card, much to the dismay of virtually everyone inside the stadium!
Clearly relieved to still be on the pitch, Benfield then saved Wall’s fierce free-kick superbly, before intercepting another set-piece by Wall which was heading towards George Alexander (7).
The game-plan then suffered a setback for Tony Burman, when Brandon Barzey was unable to continue after being injured by a late challenge. His replacement was new signing Taylor Maloney, who entered proceedings after just 26 minutes.
Since we’re on the subject, Dartford would go on to use all three available substitutions this afternoon, as Luke Coulson made way for Jack Smith (81) and Manny Adebowale came on for George Alexander (88).
Weymouth, meanwhile, would only make two changes, both of which came late in the second-half. Jordan Thompson replaced the injured Calvin Brooks in the 88th minute, before ex-Dart Dan Roberts came on for Harry Parsons (90+2).
As we return to the action, we see the hosts come close once again after a brilliant ball by Maxwell Statham is inadvertently deflected towards goal by Calvin Brooks, only for Benfield to manage to prevent the Darts from edging ahead (27)…!
Alex Wall then headed Luke Coulson’s corner over the crossbar (29), before Brandon Goodship tried his luck from distance at the other end (39).
With the hosts being unable to capitalise on opportunities created during the first-half, the second forty-five saw the game appear to swing towards Weymouth, as they dominated the ball for large quantities.
Their swift passing play began to cause problems for the Darts, while their high press prevented Tony Burman’s men getting any movement going as well. Tom Bearwish hit the side-netting after a good attacking move in the 53rd minute, before Joash Nembhard was alert to block Malachi Linton’s effort three minutes later.
Bearwish then fired over the crossbar (64), before Joe Cook stunned the hosts with a delightful long-range drive in the 67th minute to give the Terras the lead. Bearwish then saw another effort scrambled clear by Maxwell Statham sixty seconds later.
Harry Parsons struck the post after 79 minutes, before a dangerous Luke Coulson cross was intercepted brilliantly by Charlie Rowan at the other end with ten minutes to go.
But it wasn’t to be because, the visitors controlled the remainder of the game to secure the points and condemn the Darts to another defeat. Tyrell Miller-Rodney was voted as the Man of The Match, but that’ll be of little consolation to the midfielder who would have preferred the victory instead.
TEAMS
DARTFORD: Billy Terrell, Jordan Wynter, Sam Odaudu, Tyrell Miller-Rodney, Luke Coulson (c), Alex Wall, Paul Rooney, Maxwell Statham, Brandon Barzey, George Alexander, Joash Nembhard.
SUBSTITUTES: Tommy Block, Jack Smith, Tom Wray, Manny Adebowale, Taylor Maloney.
WEYMOUTH: Gerard Benfield, Teddy Howe, Leo Hamblin, Joe Cook, Olu Durojaiye, Tom Bearwish (c), Brandon Goodship, Malachi Linton, Charlie Rowan, Harry Parsons, Calvin Brooks.
SUBSTITUTES: Dan Roberts, Ezio Touray, Keelan O’Connell, Elliott Bolton, Jordan Thompson.
Details
Date | Time | League | Season | Full Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
January 27, 2024 | 3:00 pm | National League South | 2023/24 | 0' |
Results
Club | Goals | Outcome |
---|---|---|
Dartford | 0 | Loss |
Weymouth | 1 | Win |