Dartford returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon after beating Eastbourne Borough in a game that lacked quality.

A match largely affected by the weather saw little goalmouth action and it took a sublime free kick from Jack Jebb to open the scoring for Dartford. Greg Luer equalised for the visitors following a ball over the top a few minutes later. In the second half McQueen converted a penalty after being fouled in the box to seal the win for the Darts.

Before the game Dartford announced two new signings in Jebb and Noor Husin and they were both thrown straight into the starting eleven as Steve King rung the changes from the side that lost to Hampton and Richmond. Nick Arnold, Lee Noble and Liam Nash also came into the team.

Whether it was the weather or the changes to the side, Dartford were not at their free flowing best with Eastbourne having some early pressure. However they were not able to get near the Dartford goal and only forced a couple of good blocks from the defence.

The first shot on target came in the 24th minute and what a shot it was. Eastbourne gave away a free kick about two yards outside their box. Nash and Jebb stood over the ball and it was the new signing that took it, managing to curl the ball over the wall into the top corner for a debut goal.

The lead didn’t last long though as a simple ball over the top to Luer caught out the Dartford defence five minutes later. Alhaji Sesay came rushing out but Luer had the composure to slot beyond him to bring the visitors level.

The rest of the half lacked quality from both teams but it was Eastbourne who came closest to scoring, Sesay having to pull off a smart save at his near post.

In the 53rd minute Darren McQueen had a chance to run at the defence after some quick thinking from Nash. As he got into the area he was tripped by Ian Gayle forcing the referee to point to the spot. McQueen dusted himself down to send Ravizzoli the wrong way and restore Dartford’s lead.

The second half wasn’t much different to the first with both teams struggling to play with any sort of rhythm. Neither goalkeeper could read the wind, often kicking straight out of play.

With Dartford unable to create another chance the result was always in the balance and the inevitable pressure came as the visitors looked for an equaliser. The pressure almost paid off with five minutes to go as they had an effort deflected over the bar by their own player.

In added time Dartford had a chance to put the game beyond doubt with another free kick on the edge of the area but Husin blazed over the bar.

It was a nervy end for Dartford but they held on as Eastbourne were unable to create a chance that tested Sesay. The result keeps Dartford in 7th place whilst Eastbourne drop to 17th.

The Darts will need to be much better when they are at home again next weekend against league leaders Wealdstone but before that they host Folkestone Invicta on Tuesday night in the quarter final of the Kent Senior Cup.

Dartford: Sesay, Arnold, Braham-Barrett, Noble (Wynter 47), Hill, Bonner, Jebb (Crook 82), Husin, Nash (Bansal-McNulty 75), McQueen, Wanadio

Subs not used: Vint, McGregor

Eastbourne Borough: Ravizzoli, Adebayo-Rowling, Domi, Wills, James, Cox, Luer, Skinner (Gravata 60), Ferry, Hanson (Gbolahan 68), Gayle

Subs not used: Khinda-John, West, Hadler

Attendance: 1086