A five star first half display from Dartford blew away relegation threatened Chippenham.

In windy Wiltshire Dartford secured the points in the first half with two penalties from Darren McQueen book-ending goals from Liam Nash, Amrit Bansal-McNulty and an own goal.

Steve King made a couple of changes from the team that outplayed Dulwich Hamlet last weekend. Bansal-McNulty came in to replace the departing Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong whilst Nash took Luke Wanadio’s place on the right side of attack.

It didnt take Dartford long to make their early dominance count as McQueen sent Will Puddy, in goal for Chippenham, the wrong way from the penalty spot on 18 minutes.

A couple of minutes later and McQueen turned provider as his direct run at the defence left Nash with the simple task of putting the ball in the net from close range.

Before there was time to breath from Chippenham reduced the arrears. Callum Gunner provided a calm finish into the bottom corner after being sent through from a great pass from George Rigg.

The goal action continued three minutes later as Dartford restored their two goal advantage. Bansal-McNulty put the ball through Puddy’s legs after cutting in from the by-line.

Elliot Romain had a chance with his head to make it 4-1 but saw his effort cleared off the line.

The Darts made it four, when a free kick from the left wing hit a Chippenham defender on the back and nestled in the bottom corner.

Chippenham were on the ropes and in the 38th minute they gave away another penalty, although this time the decision to award it was somewhat controversial. McQueen again stepped up and it was the same result with Puddy going the wrong way.

The home team would have been thankful to hear the half time whistle knowing they would have the slope and wind in their favour in the second half.

The second half was always going to be difficult for Dartford to play as well as they did in the first but they weren’t helped when new signing Bansal-McNulty was sent off for two quick bookings.

Manager King was soon to follow him into the stands after also receiving his marching orders from the referee.

With 20 minutes to go it looked like the game might have a twist but David Pratt had a goal ruled out for offside for the home side.

Despite their man advantage, in truth, Chippenham rarely tested Alhadji Sesay. He pulled off a great save from a shot outside the box and another save led to a late goalmouth scramble but that was the best Chippenham could muster.

After the blistering first half the result was never in doubt and means Dartford carry on their playoff charge as they move up a place in the league to 6th.

Next Saturday Dartford entertain fellow play-off hopefuls Hampton and Richmond Borough.

Chippenham Town: Puddy, Tyler (Hopper 70), Foulston, McDonald, Parselle, Russe, Gunner, Rigg, Zebroski (Chambers 46), Twine, Pratt

Subs not used: Haines, Case, Thompson

Dartford: Sesay, Ming, Braham-Barrett (Arnold 84), Bansal-McNulty, Hill, Bonner, Crook, Hyde, Romain, McQueen (Noble 62), Nash (Sheringham 89)

Subs not used: Vint, Wanadio