Home   Dartford   Sport   Article

Dartford 1 Whitehawk 2 match report

Two second-half goals ended Dartford's FA Trophy interest at the third qualifying round stage on Saturday.

An own goal briefly threatened a revival but Darts were never able to dominate against a Whitehawk side who always appeared to have too much.

Dartford started brightly enough and Tom Bradbrook's early lay-off set up Danny Harris, who forced visiting keeper Craig Ross into action.

Dartford's Elliot Bradbrook collects the ball under pressure from Chris Sessegnon. Picture: Andy Payton
Dartford's Elliot Bradbrook collects the ball under pressure from Chris Sessegnon. Picture: Andy Payton

The visitors started to look dangerous on the break. Jake Robinson's free-kick was turned over and ex-Darts winger Dave Martin saw his near-post shot beaten away by Deren Ibrahim.

Both sides had openings, ex-Ebbsfleet defender Paul Lorraine thwarting a Darts break as Lee Noble tried to send Harris clear before Bradbrook headed wide from a Noble free-kick.

Referee Josh Smith was having a quiet afternoon until four cautions in four minutes at the end of the half. The constant chatter from the Hawks dugout was no doubt a factor as Noble, Harris and Ryan Hayes were all cautioned - along with Whitehawk right-back Chris Sessegnon.

It needed an outstanding save from Ibrahim five minutes after the break to keep the scores level. Martin and Craig Braham-Barrett combined to tee up Scott Neilson, and his right-foot shot from the edge of the box was brilliantly tipped over by the Darts keeper.

Dartford did have their chances, though. Left-back Mark Onyemah cut inside and saw his right-foot shot come back off the bar before Callum McNaughton's header was kept out by Ross.

Lorraine headed wide from a corner before Whitehawk went ahead 15 minutes from time. Referee Smith spotted a handball in the box by Onyemah and Sam Deering blasted home the spot-kick.

Action from Dartford's FA Trophy defeat against Whitehawk last season Picture: Andy Payton
Action from Dartford's FA Trophy defeat against Whitehawk last season Picture: Andy Payton

Darts took just three minutes to make it all-square again. Hayes' right-wing corner caused all problems and was turned into his own net by a Whitehawk defender.

Whitehawk regained the lead with seven minutes left. Onyemah failed to clear down the left and the ball was worked inside for substitute Danny Stevens to expertly fire home from the edge of the box.

Darts couldn't find an equaliser for a second time and left the FA Trophy at the first time of asking.

Dartford: Ibrahim, Gardiner, Onyemah, Vint, McNaughton, Noble, Hayes, E Bradbrook, T Bradbrook (Simmons 65mins), Cogan (Pugh 79mins), Harris. Subs not used: Adams, Wynter, Burns.

Whitehawk: Ross, Sessegnon, Braham-Barrett, Deering, Leacock, Lorraine (Gotta 71mins), Neilson (Stevens 79mins), Torres, Robinson, Mills, Martin (Mendy 53mins). Subs not used: Ijaha, Rose.

Attendance: 601.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More