Dartford 0 Hungerford Town 0

We could hardly have had a tougher fixture to start the season than the visit to Dartford. The home side having finished third last season and being favourites for promotion this season. But everyone rose to the occasion and we fought all the way for a well deserved point in front over 900 spectators, the biggest crowd in the division on the opening day.

After all the work carried out on our ground to secure the necessary ground grading, we were reminded of the difference in circumstances between the two clubs by the notice proclaiming that this magnificent Princes Park Stadium was “Built by a Conservative Council". A stark reminder of the difference in catchment area and the resources available.

It was a tight game with few goal-scoring chances and we had to battle hard near the end to hang on to the point we deserved. Lewis Ward was soon in action to pull off a good save from a Danny Harris header, whilst a long ball to Stefan Brown ended up with a fruitless corner. There were a couple of corners at the other end but Ward was again in command of his penalty area and cut out any danger. As half time approached, Matt Day was harshly penalised when no offence appeared to have been committed but Lyle Della-Verde’s free-kick was off target.

The second half continued in much the same vein with the sides evenly matched. We went close when Louie Soares shot into the side-netting following a free-kick from Callum Willmoth and the Darts started to threaten our goal as they pushed forward in a desperate attempt to clinch the points. We held on however with a goal line clearance from Matt Day saving the day and with further good defensive work from the back four and Lewis Ward. It had been a great effort by everyone.

Team; Lewis Ward, Rhys Tyler, Paul Stonehouse, Matt Partridge, Matt Day, Luke, Williams, Callum Willmoth (Ian Herring),James Rusby, Stefan Brown,Stephane Ngamvoulou (James Clark), Louie Soares (Tom Meecham) - Unused subs: Warren Bentley, Scott Rees

Report by Ron Tarry