To be honest, the hosts struggled to get any kind of a grip on this fixture, as the 997 supporters watched the visitors’ high press cause all sorts of problems for Michael Olarewaju and Co.

Camilo Restrepo, Casey Shann, and Caiolan McGettigan in particular were finding too much space when going forward, and it was a wonder that the first-half finished goalless.

Jonny Henly was the busier of the two goalkeepers, as he made two good saves to keep the visitors out before the break. Meanwhile, teammate Eddie Dsane had the only real opportunity for Dartford when his 14th minute low drive was saved comfortably by Charlie Grainger.

Ady Pennock’s side did improve during the opening exchanges of the second forty-five and, by the 52nd minute, thought they’d edged ahead. Callum Jones’ excellent work and deep cross was met by Eddie Dsane who scored, only for the goal to be chalked off for offside.

The decision lit a fire in the hosts though, as they moved forward more assertively in a bid to break the deadlock. First, Samir Carruthers saw a long-range shot blocked, before Dsane failed to find the target with the rebound (59).

Charlie Grainger then saved well from Callum Jones (62), before the hosts did indeed take the lead when Jacob Bland was on cue to make sure that Dsane’s initial effort went in over the line (69).

But the goal had the opposite effect and sparked the visitors into life. And following a handful of positive attacks, they were level eight minutes later when Loic Hernandez took advantage of a defensive error (77).

Ady Pennock responded by making a double substitution in the 83rd minute, when Dan Smith and Denzelle Olopade came on to replace Eddie Dsane and Samir Carruthers respectively. They would prove to be the Dartford boss’ only changes this afternoon.

Five minutes later saw Grainger pull off a good save to thwart Callum Jones (89), before Romazuwa Akinola had the last laugh deep into stoppage time at the other end…

The Wingate & Finchley player was given too much space, which enabled him to let fly with a wonderful curling drive to seal the points for the visitors.

Having scored his first goal for Dartford, Jacob Bland was then rewarded for his efforts with the Man of The Match
<span;>award. But like his teammates, he’d rather have won the game instead.

Michael Olarewaju and Co will dust themselves down and go again on Tuesday night, as the Darts travel to Billericay Town.

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

WINGATE & FINCHLEY: Charlie Grainger, Kyron Horsley-McKay, Charlie Stallard, Romazuwa Akinola, William Cracknell (c), Ryan Lowe, Ayyuba Jembang, Camilo Restrepo, Gianluca Botti, Caiolan McGettigan, Casey Shann.
SUBSTITUTES: Rhammar Garrett-Douglas, Loic Hernandez, Mark Chidi, Mackye Townsend-West, Cain Keller.

Match Photos Gallery

Chris Palmer