Tonbridge manager Steve McKimm praised his side's bravery on the ball after their excellent draw at National League South leaders Dartford.

Angels took the sting out of Dartford's play as they retained possession well at Princes Park, with McKimm's gameplan working perfectly.

"I felt the application and the understanding of what we wanted them to do and where we could try and exploit them, the bravery on passing the ball, and not just giving it back to them (was great)," said McKimm.

"We had a little spell where we gave it back to them as they pinned us in, they're at home and are expected to do that, but we withstood that and we got back on the ball and started causing them problems down the sides again.

"I couldn't be more pleased with their bravery to get on the ball and work situations where we could attack Dartford.

"We're the first team to take a point off them. They're a good side and have got some very good players but I felt my players stood up and were counted.

"My players were as good as them at stages on the ball and I don't wax lyrical about my sides too much but over the last three or four games my players have done really well and deserve the plaudits that our supporters are giving them, and what I'm giving them behind closed doors."

Tonbridge's excellence was underlined by the fact it took a stunning strike from Dartford's Jack Jebb to deny them a point.

"It took a wonder goal," said McKimm. "That lad possesses so much quality and his technical ability is unbelievable.

"He proved that with the free-kick that hit the post, then he was the player I didn't want that ball to fall to. There was a little mix-up but we won't worry about that until Tuesday, but he's hit it with great technique and you can't do much about that."

Tonbridge nearly won it late on but Ibrahim Olutade's header from Tom Beere's precise free-kick was ruled out for offside.

"I can't see where I was but I was up jumping and celebrating," added McKimm. "If the linesman's put his flag up then it's offside, so there's no point me screaming or shouting at the officials."

Ricky Modeste came off early on against his former club with a hamstring injury.

"He felt it in the warm-up," added the Tonbridge boss. "I just said be honest because I'd rather lose you for the game today than for four or five weeks. He tried but it was too tight."

• Report: Dartford 1 Tonbridge 1

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