Darts hit the three points against Hungerford

The playoff contenders were nothing more than average and the visitors, in a relegation battle, couldn’t capitalise on a good opportunity to jump outside the relegation zone with a hard working but toothless display. Dartford came out the stronger pinning the Crusaders back with a succession of corners however James Rusby had the first shot on target at the opposite end with a low strike. But in the 10th minute a deep free kick from the Darts was headed in by the unmarked Jamie Philpott. It was an early blow but Dartford let Hungerford back into the game and Darren Foxley came close to equalising. Josh Martin saw his header cleared off the line from a Richie Whittingham corner before Foxley saw his second attempt saved.
After the break neither side stamped their authority on proceedings as it dragged out almost like a testimonial in a low key start to the second half. However with 20 minutes to go Lee Noble smashes home to all but secure the hosts the three points coming just after a fantastic Weaver save. It didn’t come without controversy as the referee played on despite Martin being down with a clear head injury meaning by laws of the game the ref should’ve stopped play. Despite that Bailey Vose made a good save from a free kick and Romone Rose’s shot which could have started a late fightback. Weaver denied Oyenuga to stop an undeserved third. Then in added time Marvel Ekpiteta leapt up to head home a consolation goal as Hungerford’s search for three points away from home goes on.