With 912 supporters enjoying a lovely October afternoon in Brentwood, there was very little to separate either side in this Isthmian Premier League clash.

Injuries and other setbacks have hindered the visitors during the opening months of the season, which prompted boss Ady Pennock to dip into the transfer market this week. And both new midfield arrivals, Dan Carter and Jacob Bland, would play a big part in today’s fixture, with the latter slotting straight into the starting line-up.

It was an even start to proceedings, with both teams creating an opportunity a-piece in the opening ten minutes. The Blues struck first via Louie Johnson, who forced Jonny Henly into a good save (6), before Eddie Dsane fired straight at Melvin Minter at the other end (10).

Sadly, Denzelle Olopade’s afternoon finished early with what looked like a suspected hamstring injury. He was replaced by Jeremiah Pinder in the twelfth minute.

The battle continued thereafter, with both sides cutting each other out until the 28th minute when Jonny Henly pulled off a superb save to prevent Alejandro Machado’s thumping drive from giving the hosts a first-half lead.

Dartford responded via debutante Jacob Bland, but he couldn’t keep his effort down (32) as the game remained goalless at the break.

The visitors began the restart well and, within ten minutes, took the lead via an excellent Samir Carruthers free-kick after Dan Smith had been fouled on the edge of the Brentwood box (55).

However, the hosts are unbeaten for a reason and threw caution to the wind in a bid to draw level immediately.

First, Emmanuel Ogunrinde smacked the Dartford crossbar with a bullet header from close-range (63), before Charlee Hughes got on the end of Matthew Cripps’ low cross to equalise four minutes later (67).

Ady Pennock moved to swap Eddie Dsane with Dan Carter (70) and Samir Carruthers with Sam Smith (80), as both sides looked for the winning goal.

However, both teams were unable to find that killer touch in the final third and the points were shared in what was a fair result after an entertaining game.

The result means that Dartford remain unbeaten in the league since mid-August, and Ady Pennock will be pleased with the way his players stood up and fought for a positive result at the high-flying Blues.

BRENTWOOD TOWN: Melvin Minter, Wyan Reid, Matthew Cripps (c), Aron Pollock, Daniel Ogunleye, Emmanuel Harvest, Andrew Freeman, Louie Johnson, Charlee Hughes, Alejandro Machado, Fletcher Hubbard.
SUBSTITUTES: Jonathan Nzengo, Romel Royal, Sam Park, Emmanuel Ogunrinde, Charles Edwards.

DARTFORD: Jonny Henly (c), Sam Odaudu, Joe Tennent, George Whitefield, Samuel Okoye, Denzelle Olopade, Jacob Bland, Samir Carruthers, Callum Jones, Eddie Dsane, Dan Smith.
SUBSTITUTES: Sam Smith, Ben Frempah, Dan Carter, Michael Olarewaju, Jeremiah Pinder.

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Chris Palmer