A hard earned point for the Darts against league leaders Wealdstone keeps them in playoff contention heading into the last two months of the season.

The visitors came closest to taking all three points hitting the woodwork in both halves, the second time from the penalty spot.

Steve King made five changes to the side that won in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday night. Braham-Barrett, Bonner, Husin, Romain and McQueen all came back into the side.

Both sides started the game brightly showing their intent to play football on the ground. An early counter attack from Dartford led to Romain having an effort deflected wide.

Another chance for the hosts came after a corner was initially cleared but the ball fell to McQueen who controlled the ball well, turned and dragged his shot wide.

A free kick for the visitors midway through the first half led to efforts from Green and Lewis being blocked by the Dartford defence.

The football on display was good to watch and with Dartford’s best move of the half the ball found its way to Ming on the wing who flashed a teasing ball across the box that evaded everyone.

Despite the quality of football on display neither side were able to create a clear chance and it was a couple of defensive errors from the home side that almost led to a goal. Mark Smith came to collect a miscued clearance but was beaten to the ball by Charles whose effort rebounded off the crossbar

Dartford started the second half brightly and a good through ball found McQueen and from a tight angle his effort forced a corner.

Wealdstone came close to breaking the deadlock fifteen minutes into the second half when Lafayette struck the ball towards the bottom corner but Smith produced a fantastic save.

With fifteen minutes to go Wealdstone Lafayette was bundled over in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot. However Lewis’ spot kick hit the post and went wide.

Neither side were ready to settle for a point and both went looking for a winner in the final quarter.

Dartford had their own claims for a penalty turned down when Crook went down in the box. The referee instead showing Crook a yellow card for simulation.

A Dartford free kick was met by Hill but his headed effort went straight at Oxborough whilst at the other end another fine save from Smith kept out a long range effort from Phillips.

Wealdstone should have won the game in the final few minutes after Efete made a great run down the right and put the ball on a plate for Emmanuel but he slipped as he was about to shoot.

An end to end game came to an end which on the balance of play was a fair result. Wealdstone may be more disappointed not to have won with the chances they had, however Dartford put a lot of pressure on the visitors defence without create a golden opportunity.

The point moves Dartford up a place into 6th whilst Wealdstone retain their 6 point lead at the top. Next week The Darts travel to struggling St. Albans.

Dartford: Smith, Ming, Braham-Barrett, Bansal-McNulty (Wanadio 72), Hill, Bonner, Husin (Crook 65), Hyde, Romain, McQueen, Wynter

Subs not used: Nash, Vint, McGregor

Wealdstone: Oxborough, Efete, Mendy, Clifford, Stevens, Okimo, Phillips, Charles (Lafayette 57), Emmanuel (Sheppard 88), Green (Watt 72), Lewis

Subs not used: Everett, McCoy

Attendance: 1403