Dartford's plan to get after Oxford City physically worked a treat on Tuesday night.

City had given everything at Tranmere on Saturday, holding the League 2 side to a 3-3 draw in the FA Cup first round.

Darts, by comparison, were fresh having not played over the weekend.

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They were 2-0 up in 14 minutes and led 3-1 at half-time with Oxford seemingly on the ropes.

"In the first half we were electric," said Dartford joint-boss Jamie Coyle.

"It was probably our best first-half performance of the season and we were unfortunate not to get four or five goals.

"They've obviously travelled a bit, coach journeys in the last three days, and we assumed they were going to start slowly.

"We made sure we came out of the traps really quickly and Charlie had a brilliant opportunity to make it four.

"But we looked like the tired team in the second half and it was all them.

"I've got to congratulate Oxford because they're one of the best teams we've played.

"I know the league table doesn't state that but they're a great footballing side, they've got lots of pace and they caused us a lot of problems.

"We've played against a very good side that's had a great run in the FA Cup and have the replay coming up.

"The boys stuck to the task. We worked really hard on Thursday, trying to nullify their threats in terms of how they play through the thirds.

"We had brilliant shape in the first half and the boys put the game plan together

"In the second half we looked a little bit disjointed and they were on top but I'm really pleased with the result because it's pushed us up the league (into seventh position)."

Dartford's on-loan goalkeeper Bailey Vose made a crucial save

"I don't think Bailey had much to do apart from that really important save.

"It's testament to the players because although they had lots of possession in the final third and our 18-yard box, the players were putting their bodies on the line and defending for their lives.

"We've got to congratulate them for that because a month ago, we probably would have rolled over and could have lost the game.