Gravesham 3 v 1 Dartford

SECWFL Division One

DARTFORD Ladies' misery continued as the injury-hit side suffered a 3-1 reverse against neighbouring rivals Gravesham, writes Brian Page.

Returning after a four-week break and wintry conditions, Dartford started strongly with Rachel Elson going close in the first minute.

Both sides had scoring chances in the opening 15 minutes before the home side took the lead firing past an outstretched Kerry Page in Dartford's goal.

Dartford had chances to pull level through Kel Vickers and Claire Stork but a strengthening Gravesham side kept keeper Page busy forcing a fine fingertip save as the interval approached.

Shortly after the break Gravesham applied pressure on Dartford's goal and doubled their lead following a defensive error.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors when Gravesham scored a third heading home from close range on the hour and their first victory in three attempts was all but assured.

With 20 minutes left on the clock Dartford midfielder Laura Donnelly sent a defence-splitting ball through to striker Stork, who comfortably slotted home a consolation goal for the visitors, her fifth of the campaign.

Further efforts from Stork and Donnelly were denied at one end as Page thwarted numerous Gravesham attacks at the other.

Tessa Bird was nominated man-of-the-match for her performance.