Dartford 1 v 1 Corby Town

Southern League Division One East

AN OVERCAST and blustery afternoon was brightened by Darts' best display for some weeks as they were held by fourth-place Corby Town, writes Mike Brett-Smith.

With Eddie McClements injured, Teddy Ansell was drafted in for his first starting appearance and Brad Potter wore the no 10 shirt.

Young reserve Jamie Lawrence was included on the bench.

The game was entertaining end-to-end stuff with Darts having the edge with a cultured approach while the visitors' well-drilled midfield provided Darts' defence with plenty to cope with.

The pattern was set from the outset with Darts having the first attempt on goal when a Brendan Cass header from a left-side free-kick went narrowly wide of the far post.

Darts were soon on the scoreboard when neat interpassing between leading scorer Ryan Hayes and Cass ended with the latter's close range shot being deflected into his own goal by Stewart Marshall on seven minutes.

Corby countered with Brett Darby providing a cross from the left which just eluded two attackers.

The same player then sent in a 25-yarder which was neatly saved by Kevin Hudson.

On 15 minutes Kevin Byrne's snapshot was saved by Hudson before Darts countered with a right-side run and diagonal cross which almost found Cass in space.

Ever-present Anthony Henry was in a positive frame of mind as his good run and curling shot which was held by Darren Watts.

The second half started in rain and Darts quickly went on the attack with Ansell showing terrier-like qualities.

It was Martin's turn to suffer as he was scythed down in full-flight just outside the penalty area.

The resultant free kick reached Richard Avery whose volley rebounded clear.

Corby's fortunes improved with the introduction of former Stamford goal ace Malcolm Ndekwe whose height and neat touches gave the visitors an additional dimension.

A great Dartford break involving Martin set up a Cass header which was scrambled away and, in fact, led to Corby's leveller.

Two raking passes upfield ended with a firm Danny Marlow header which gave Hudson no chance.

With 10 minutes to go Glenn Billenness replaced Hayes and he set Martin skipping past two defenders and sent in a cross but there was nobody in the area to benefit.

Martin was then brought down on the edge of the penalty area but his free-kick was cleared.

MATCH FACTS: DARTFORD: Hudson; Olson; Osborne; Henry; Avery; Hayes (Billenness, 80); Briggs; Ansell; Cass; Potter; Martin.

SUBS NOT USED: G Carter; Westerman; Lawrence.

ATT: 266.