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Horsham 0 Dartford 2 match report

Goals from Darren McQueen and Luke Allen saw Dartford edge past Horsham in the FA Cup second qualifying round on Saturday.

But the final scoreline was hardly a reflection of a game where Horsham had numerous chances but were thwarted by Darts keeper Mark Smith and their own poor finishing.

Darren McQueen - scored Dartford's first goal. Picture: Sean Aidan
Darren McQueen - scored Dartford's first goal. Picture: Sean Aidan

Darts led just before half-time and then scored a second with virtually the last kick of the match.

Dartford settled quickly with McQueen just unable to get on the end of an early through ball.

But the best chances soon fell to the hosts. Charlie Harris was given acres of space but shot wide from distance, then Joe Shelley turned a corner against the far post at close range.

Horsham should have scored on 18 minutes. Chris Smith and Lee Harding both had close-range efforts brilliantly blocked by the Darts defence before Harris' follow-up was cleared off the line by Josh Hill.

Darts had another escape on 28 minutes, Lea Dawson had the freedom of the penalty area when no-one picked him up from a deep free-kick but his header was turned away by keeper Mark Smith.

It needed a clinical touch in front of goal and McQueen provided it three minutes before half-time. A deep cross by Ryan Hayes was nodded back across goal by Hill and McQueen produced a classy finish.

Darts captain Charlie Sheringham should have made it 2-0 just four minutes into the second half but he failed to get a decent connection after Ben Greenhalgh's glorious cross behind the home defence.

It needed a brilliant tackle by Hill to deny Horsham's Harris a clear sight of goal just before the hour mark as the hosts sliced the Darts apart.

Smith then produced a superb save at his near post to keep out Harvey Sparks after substitute Zac Newton's cross was missed at the far post.

Darts survived a couple of late scares as Horsham looked for an equaliser but they managed to keep a second successive clean sheet to ensure their progress to Monday's draw.

They added a second goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Excellent closing down by the ever-willing Allen saw the ball fall kindly for Sheringham and he then turned in Allen, who curled a delightful right-foot shot into the far corner.

Horsham: James, Metcalf, Sparks, Kelly, Shelley, Miles (Merchant 73mins), Lavery (Newton 60mins) Dawson (Pamment 79mins), Smith, Harris, Harding. Subs not used: Mills, Brivio, Bentley.

Dartford: Smith, Wynter, Vint, Hayes (Wanadio 83mins), Allen, Sheringham, Greenhalgh, McQueen (Cunnington 68mins), Flisher, Hill, Brodie. Subs not used: Bacon, Bonner, Odoudu, Walsh, Wabo.

Attendance: 902.

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