Dartford put on a spirited performance against National League South side Worthing, but eventually fell to defeat in the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup on a beautiful afternoon in West Sussex.
As the 1,263 supporters got comfortable, Danny Cashman opened the scoring with a delightful 25-yard strike in the 6th minute following a bright start from both sides.
The Darts responded in a positive manner though, and came close to equalising after thirteen minutes, only for Eddie Dsane drag is shot wide of Chris Haigh’s far post.
Yet the Worthing attack was always a threat throughout, and only a brilliant rush and save by Jacob Marsden prevented Mo Faal from doubling the hosts’ advantage in a one-on-one situation (27), following good work by Danny Cashman and Jack Spong.
Both goalkeepers were called into action within seconds as, first Samuel Okoye and Samir Carruthers created a good opportunity, which Haigh duly snuffed out (35). A swift counter-attack then followed via the hosts, whereby Marsden thwarted Faal with a fine save.Dartford finished the half strongly, and were unfortunate not to have equalised before the break, as the ball just refused to settle for them inside a crowded Worthing box (39).
That good form continued throughout the second forty-five, but a couple of mistakes in defence let Ady Pennock’s side down during the opening twenty minutes. First, despite Chris Haigh saving Samir Carruthers’ 49th minute free-kick, the Darts fell 2-0 behind after Danny Cashman had scored from the penalty spot following a foul.
Two then became three, after Tommy Willard pounced on a defensive mix-up to put Worthing 3-0 to the good after 65 minutes. However, the Darts didn’t give up…
Ady Pennock moved to swap George Whitefield with Ben Allen in the 67th minute, as the Dartford boss altered his formation. And, the change had the desired effect… albeit, not immediately…
As the visitors pushed forwards in an attempt to get back into contention, gaps appeared at the back, and only a superb double save by Marsden prevented Faal from capitalising on the additional space (68).
Eddie Dsane pulled a goal back for the visitors with a calm finish, following Jeremiah Pinder’s lovely pass (71), before the latter and Ben Allen both saw their efforts blocked three minutes later.
Eddie Dsane then forced Haigh into another fine save, before the resulting corner saw the Dartford striker smack the crossbar in the 82nd minute.
Ben Allen saw Haigh collect his 84th minute free-kick, before Jacob Marsden did well to prevent Danny Cashman from scoring his third of the afternoon (86).
Callum Jones forced Haigh into yet another save (90), as the Darts refused to give up in what was a hard-fought game for Josh Hill and Co.
Tyler Christian-Law came on to replace Samir Carruthers deep into stoppage time, but try as they did, the visitors’ efforts just weren’t enough on this occasion.
TEAMS
WORTHING: Chris Haigh, Glen Rea, Alfie Young, Ollie Black, Kane Wills (c), Tommy Willard, Jack Spong, Danny Cashman, Samuel Packham, Mo Faal, Ollie Starkey.
SUBSTITUTES: Joel Colbran, Joseph Cook, Taylor Seymour, Temilolu Babalola, Harrison Smith, Jack Bates, Arthur Gregory.
DARTFORD: Jacob Marsden, Sam Odaudu, Luther Williams, Josh Hill (c), George Whitefield, Samuel Okoye, Denzelle Olopade, Jeremiah Pinder, Samir Carruthers, Callum Jones, Eddie Dsane.
SUBSTITUTES: Matt Kerbey, Ben Allen, Ashdon Day, Sam Caiger, Tyler Christian-Law, Gabe Campbell, Mert Apat.
Chris Palmer