The Darts went into their third home game of the season looking for that all important win and clean sheet to continue their climb up the National League South table.
Tony Burman’s chosen eleven saw Danny Harris start the game once again at right back, with Duane Ofori-Acheampong up front, and Lee Noble was given the captains armband in the absence of a suspended Tom Bonner. Elliot Bradbrook and Andy Pugh had both taken part in two successful training sessions midweek, therefore both players started the game on the bench.
As a precaution due to the severity of the break to the wrist of Ronnie Vint, he was left out of the squad for a further week, and he is due back at the hospital on the 6th of September for further assessment.
The game started well, with Hungerford handed a number of throw ins within the starting minutes, and the first chance fell early to Duane Ofori-Acheampong who had two chances blocked moments apart.
Tom Gardiner worked hard in defence to stop Hungerford from gaining the early lead when he prevented Nicholas Bignall from getting on the end of a Stefan Brown cross. Another chance fell to James Rusby who volleyed the ball over the goal for his attempt to open the goal scoring.
Dartford went into half time still looking for their first opportunity to convert and take the lead.
No changes at half time for Tony Burmans side, saw The Darts press Hungerford more and forced goalkeeper Legg into a number of saves with goal scoring opportunities falling to Ryan Hayes, Alex Brown and Keaton Wood.
Tony Burman then made two substitutions bringing on Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook replacing Ryan Hayes and Lee Noble, and The Darts upped the tempo looking for the goal that would secure the win.
It was an unlucky afternoon for the Hungerford Keeper when a free kick taken by Darts shot stopper Deren Ibrahim hit the back of the net, subsequently opening the scoring for Dartford for them to take the lead.
The game restarted quickly, and Duane Ofori-Acheampong linked up well with Luke Wanadio who delivered another fantastic cross which was passed to Alex Brown who fired home to make the scoreline 2-0 to The Darts.
With the atmosphere around the stadium lively, Burman made his final substitution of the game seeing Ben Francis replace Ofori-Acheampong on the 88th minute.
Hungerford tried their best to get a late goal, but Dartford held out until the end including the 5 minutes of stoppage time to seal the victorious win and clean sheet.
After a hard fought game, Dartford now look ahead to their match on Monday away at Hampton & Richmond.
Tony Burman said “I was really pleased with the performance yesterday, and we kept our nerve and didn’t panic when our chances were not converted. The goal came from an unlikely source in Deren, but we increased the lead with a good opportunity in open play and we deserved the win.”
Goalscorer Deren Ibrahim added “If I’m honest I thought we controlled the game from start to finish. Hungerford worked hard, however they didn’t really pose any threats to us, and we always looked the stronger side. The front 4 for us were dominating and made their presence known early on, and that for us was a key factor. The team are starting to get the numbers back after the injury plague we have suffered, and it was great to see Bradders and Pughy get some minutes. On a personal note, I experienced a feeling I never thought I would experience in a senior game for Dartford, and I am over the moon to score my first goal for the club!”
Dartford: Ibrahim, Harris, Wynter, Wood, Gardiner, A Brown, Hayes, Noble (C), Ofori-Acheampong, E Brown, Wanadio
Subs: Pugh, Bradbrook, Francis, Dembele, Seixes
Hungerford: Legg, Tyler, John, Jones, Boardman, Rusby, Clark, Herring, S Brown, Bignall, Williams
Subs: Goodger, Rees, Preen, Jarvis, Day
Attendance: 813
MOTM: Luke Wanadio
CLICK HERE for Post Match interview with Tony Burman.