Home»All Photographs»Dartford FC 2016-17»Concord Rangers v Dartford

11 March 2017. "It Never Rains in Southern Canvey Island" could be the song title theme today (with apologies to Californians). Almost a delicious spring afternoon. No pongs. No wind to speak of. Quite warm. And the Dartford team were 1 goal up in the first half. Then they went off the boil for some reason, and even gave away a penalty to the home team towards the end for no reason I can think of. So a draw. Hey ho. Can't think of a reason for all those sweet dispensers in the bar, and random signs make me smile. Levitation football? Or a "no drugs policy"?

Dartford 1: Hayes 21'
Concord Rangers 1: Cawley (Pen) 87'

Dartford remain third after the match but will hope to close the six point gap on rivals Ebbsfleet United in second. The five point advantage over fourth place Chelmsford City gives the Darts some stability for the time being. Unbeaten in their last three matches, Tony Burman has strengthened his strike force by signing Alfie Pavey on loan from Millwall. The 21-year-old has had previous spells on loan with Barnet, Aldershot Town, Bromley and Hampton and Richmond.

Concord come from behind to rescue a well earned point at home to title contending Dartford. Visitors showed their class in the opening stages and had a goal ruled out for offside as the ball was turned in at the near post from a knockdown header with the official having raised his flag.

Ryan Hayes gave his side a deserved lead when a counter attack was superbly put together. Hayes was on hand to finish the quick move finishing at the far post from a low centre.

Concord looked to get back on terms and came close as Steve Cawley created an opening and struck powerfully close to Deren Ibrahim who saved well. Jordan Chiedozie almost gave his side parity when he latched onto a good pass and drilled low which Ibrahim got down to make a smart save.

Dartford almost doubled their lead on the stroke of half time, when Wanadio drifted in off the left wing and hit a wonderful right footed effort which crashed hard off the crossbar and away. The Beachboys were much improved in the second half, and started to impose themselves on the game. Numerous attacks amounted to nothing for the hosts until a neat move which saw Chiedozie mercilessly chopped to the ground, referee left pointing to the spot. Up stepped Cawley who sent Ibrahim the wrong way to level the scores. Late sub Lyle Della-Verde was also felled just inside the box but referee waved no penalty this time around before Dartford came close to a fortuitous winner, the ball being flicked on off a Concord shirt onto the upright and wide.

MOTM – Jordan Chiedozie (Concord Rangers)

Concord Rangers: Vose, Girdlestone, Laucys, McKenzie, King, Nasha (Collins 84), Miles (Sembie-Ferris 67), White (c), Chiedozie, Cawley, Wyatt (Della-Verde 78) Subs: Collins, Topley, Della-Verde, Sembie-Ferris, Young
Dartford: Ibrahim, Wood, Wynter, Bonner, Vint, Brown, Hayes (Pavey 83), Bradbrook (c), Ofori-Acheampong, Noble (Harris 65), Wanadio (Pugh 74). Subs: Pugh, Murphy, Harris, Pavey, Coral
Referee: Chris Pollard
Att – 367