Dartford 0 v 0 Sittingbourne

Southern League Division One East

DARTFORD outplayed Sittingbourne in every department of the game except scoring goals, writes Mike Brett-smith.

Tony Burman made just the one change with Eddie McClements returning to the team at the expense of Craig Maguire.

Before the start skipper Tommy Osborne was presented with a certificate by the Mayor of Dartford to commemorate the player's 100th game for the club.

This may have been the catalyst which sparked a dazzling display from the hosts and if this is a foretaste for the year then Darts' best home league gate of the season will be surpassed week on week as the news gets out.

Every player chipped in with positive contributions as Darts tore the Brickies to shreds with pacy, inventive and entertaining football.

Eddie McClements was the main architect spraying passes left, right and centre, bringing into play both wings and only a touch of ill-fortune stopped domination becoming a rout.

As ever man-of-the-Match Dave Martin was in unstoppable form and he drove many astute centres which tested the visitors' rearguard.

It was 15 minutes before the visitors mounted a recognisable attack and it ended with a handball out on the right flank.

Darts immediately counter-attacked with Steve Hafner sending in a rasping shot which went narrowly wide.

Then the same player was up-ended 25 yards out and Ryan Hayes' free-kick was tipped over the bar by Steve Williams.

Just before the break Martin was fractionally off target with a looping header and another sweeping Dartford move ended with Hayes firing wide after being set up by Hafner.

After the turn-round Sittingbourne got into the game for a spell but found Kevin Hudson in fine form.

Darts then got their second wind and kept Sittingbourne on the back foot for long periods as Hafner and Ryan Briggs on the right and Martin on the left fed on McClements' astute deliveries.

The game ended as it started with Darts on the rampage with Hafner picking up a long Hudson clearance and forcing a flying save from Williams.

Dartford: Hudson; G Carter; Osborne (Craig, 64); Henry; Avery; Hayes; Briggs; Hafner; Pulman; McClements; Martin.

Subs not used: Maguire; Westerman; Potter; Olson.

Att: 407.