Dartford moved to the top of the National League South after winning 2-1 away to Chippenham Town on Tuesday night.

An early goal from debutant Moussa Bakayoko was cancelled out by an equaliser from Joe Hanks. With ten minutes to go Dartford’s captain Tom Bonner scored the winning goal to extend the Darts unbeaten league start. 

Before the game Dartford announced the signing of Moussa Bakayoko and he was brought straight into the starting eleven with Elliott Romain dropping to the bench. 

The Darts started well and an early strike from Jebb was straight at Puddy, who saved comfortably. It didn’t take long for new signing Bakayoko to show what he was about as he finished well following a low cross from Barnham-Bobb. The goal was just reward for a great start and came after a slick passing move from the visitors. 

The home side were not about to crumble like they did in this fixture last season as they fought their way back into the game. After a period of sustained pressure Chippenham were level when Hanks headed a free kick into the far corner. 

Chippenham goalkeeper Puddy would have breathed a sigh of relief after spilling a corner that Barham was able to convert, only for the referee to give a free kick to spare his blushes.  

The home side almost took the lead when a free kick from the impressive Stern forced King into a great save as he went diving to his left. It wouldn’t have flattered the hosts but the sides went into half time level. 

The second half started evenly as both teams looked to take control of the game. A free kick for the visitors was headed back across goal by Vint and Bonner sent a half volley wide. Whilst at the other end the home side had an effort that went narrowly wide. 

Dartford then took control of the game as they had chance after chance. Braham-Barrett broke down the left after some good play but his effort was poor and comfortably saved. Noor Husin had a shot that was superbly blocked by the home defence and Bonner fired wide of the far past after controlling in the box. 

With what was his third chance of the game Dartford were able to find the winner from an unlikely source as captain Tom Bonner was able to convert a corner from only a couple of yards out. 

Chippenham were left with only ten minutes to look for an equaliser and having spent a lot of the half seemingly happy with a point they were unable to create any meaningful chances. 

The Darts defence showed why they hadn’t conceded before tonight as they held on to all three points to give them a deserved win that sees them climb to the top of the National League South.

Chippenham Town: Puddy, Jones, Smerdon, Dyer, Parselle, Russe, Phillips (Bray 61), Hanks, Zebroski (Case 70), Ash, Stearn 

Subs not used: Hamilton, Smedley, Hughes 

Dartford: King, Barnum-Bobb, Braham-Barrett, Wynter, Vint, Bonner, Berkeley-Agyepong (Essam 83), Husin, Barham, Bakayoko (Romain 62), Jebb (Ijaha 73) 

Subs not used: Hill, McCallum