Match Report: Dartford FC 2-2 Saltdean Utd
London and South East Regional Premier League, played on Sunday 13th April 2025.
Team: Jade Charlton, Abbey Davies, Shauni Griffiths, Amy Russ, Xayla-Rae Alberts, Gabby Howell, Beth Powell, Poppy Payne, Emily Vaughan, Emily Woodhouse, Ellie Dolby.
Subs: Kerys Baker, Georgie Davis, Lizzie Adams, Sarah Hill, Amina Hanif.
Following last weekend’s friendly victory against Billericay Town, Darts were back on home soil as we welcomed Saltdean Utd to Princes Park.
Darts began the game on the front foot and went close inside the first minute of the half. In the 1st minute, a shot from Darts forward, Amy Russ, flew just past the post.
However, the visitors took the lead in the early stages of the first half. In the 10th minute, a mix up in the Darts defence saw the ball fall to Saltdean’s captain, Georgie Bridges. The Saltdean midfielder sent an effort from distance beyond the keeper to put the visitors ahead.
The Darts tried to get back on level terms as the half went on and went close midway through the first half. In the 27th minute, a good move from the home side put Ellie Dolby through on goal. The Darts full back sent a shot on goal just over the crossbar.
As the second half began, the visitors continued to create the better opportunities and doubled their advantage midway through the second half. In the 67th minute, another mix up in the Darts defence saw the ball fall to Saltdean winger, Caitlin Sullivan. The winger with a smart finish past the Darts keeper to extend the lead for the visitors.
The home side threw caution to the wind and got a goal back four minutes from time. In the 86th minute, good work from Amina Hanif inside the box saw the ball fall to Lizzie Adams. The Darts midfielder fired home from 4 yds to get a goal back for the hosts.
The Darts continued to create chances and got level with two minutes to go. In the 88th minute, a cross from Abbey Davies evaded everyone in the box and found the far corner to bring the Darts level.
FT Dartford FC 2-2 Saltdean Utd
A much spirited fight back from the Darts but it wasn’t quite enough to get all three points. Onto the next one!