Title-chasing Dartford came from behind to earn a precious point against Folkestone Invicta, as they stretched their lead at the top of the table to two points.
As 1,211 enjoyed the beautiful weather at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park, the Darts started brightly and Eddie Dsane tried his luck from distance, which didn’t trouble Jonathan Henly (1).
However, despite the hosts seeing a lot of the ball during a rather scrappy first-half, it was Folkestone who took advantage with two good opportunities to lead at the break.
Amadou Kassarate was the player to step up and edge his side ahead with the visitors’ first real effort on goal after just ten minutes, before netting his second with a fine finish on the stroke of half-time.
Dartford tried to respond in-between the two goals, with Samir Carruthers having the best opportunity with a volley after 24 minutes, which flew the wrong side of Jonathan Henly’s upright.
However, the visitors seemed to resort to the so-called “Dark Arts” of football once they had edged in front… While Dartford tried to get back into the game, the Invicta players resorted to fouling their hosts at every opportunity, whilst simultaneously lying on the ground for a rest to waste as much time as possible.
Ady Pennock’s side, meanwhile, came out on the front-foot after the break and within fourteen minutes had pulled a goal back via George Whitefield’s neat finish.
The Darts were well and truly knocking on the door at this point, and Michael Olarewaju saw his strike blocked (63) before Jonathan Henly saved Josh Hill’s effort (64).
The comeback was completed when the ever-reliable Samir Carruthers netted from the spot with seven minutes remaining, after Denzelle Olopade had been fouled inside the Invicta box.
Once we reached stoppage time, the Dartford boss made a swift double change in personnel, with Louis Dunne coming on for Samir Carruthers and Tyler Christian-Law replacing Samuel Okoye.
Eddie Dsane’s performance saw him rewarded with a well-deserved Man of The Match award, as the Darts remain unbeaten at home since October.
TEAMS
DARTFORD: Jacob Marsden, Sam Odaudu, Michael Olarewaju, George Whitefield, Josh Hill (c), Samuel Okoye, Hayden Bullas, Denzelle Olopade, Samir Carruthers, Eddie Dsane, Callum Jones.
SUBSTITUTES: Duane Ofori-Acheampong, Tyler Christian-Law, Louis Dunne, Jeremiah Pinder, Jack West-Astuti.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Jonathan Henly, Gavin Hoyte, Miquel Scarlett, Ian Gayle (c), Joel Odeniran, Amadou Kassarate, Dean Rance, Luke Allen, Evans Kouassi, Ade Yussuf, Joseph Turner.
SUBSTITUTES: Frankie Morgan, Matthias Fanimo, Bradley Walledge, Daniel Kennedy.
Chris Palmer