The Darts scored a late equaliser, coming back from two goals down, to earn a replay in the FA Trophy against FC Halifax Town.

In the proverbial game of two halves FC Halifax will have been disappointed not to win it going in at half time two-nil up whilst The Darts’ heroic effort in the second half saw them claw themselves back and then see a last-gasp ‘winner’ chalked off for offside.

Playing on a tough, bobbly surface it was the visitors who looked the more composed and confident side. Despite The Darts’ Harry Crawford being the first to test the respective goalkeepers – A weak left footed effort from the left corner of the penalty area – It was the visitors who took the lead.

Tricky winger Adam Smith was upended on the right hand touchline and Paul Marshall’s inswinging free kick was nodded home from close range at the back post by Richard Peniket.

Smith, proving to be a thorn in The Darts’ side, then linked up well with Kevin Roberts and Scott Boden as the latters’ side footed volley came crashing off the crossbar.

The Darts were certainly looking like a side bereft of confidence and were unable to get a foot on the ball and get a foothold in the game.

However, on the half hour, Lee Noble celebrating his 200^th appearance in a Darts shirt saw his inswinging free kick punched clear by visiting custodian Matty Glennon but only to the edge of the box where Crawford struck a first time shot low towards goal with the defence holding firm and clearing the danger.

Soon after, Crawford, controlling the ball well on the right corner of the box, struck a volley at goal but it was straight at Glennon with little venom in it to seriously test the ‘keeper.

The visitors doubled their lead shortly before half time as Smith, moving to the left wing, got to the by-line and put over an inviting cross which Matty Pearson headed home from close range – Jason Brown getting a hand to it but was unable to keep the ball out.

The Darts came out in the second half from the off much the better side and were rewarded when Lee Burns headed home from close range. It was just what The Darts needed as this proved to be a catalyst producing a spirited second half performance.

The goal certainly changed the complexion of the game as The Darts dominated proceedings and half time substitute Ryan Hayes certainly made a difference on the right hand side.

The Darts’ Rory McAuley was unlucky not to equalise just after the hour mark after good work by Noble earned his side a corner but the defenders’ header in front of goal fell wide of the ‘keepers left hand post.

As the game approached its conclusion space inevitably appeared at the back of The Darts defence with Danny Schofield shooting straight at Brown when well placed on the edge of the box.

But it was The Darts who ended the game the stronger. McAuley, a regular danger at set pieces, saw his header at the back post from a corner tipped over by Glennon and from the resulting corner The Darts got a shot in on goal through a crowd of players which went narrowly wide.

And shortly before injury time The Darts got their equaliser. McAuley pouncing onto Captain Elliot Bradbrook’s flick on from a long throw to lash the ball home.

As five minutes of injury time was indicated The Darts were fortunate as a shot/cross on the right corner of the penalty box by substitute Will Hatfield evaded everyone, going wide for a goal-kick

In the final act of the match The Darts almost finished off an amazing comeback to win it as Luke Daley slammed home a shot into the back of net off the underside of the crossbar but the sub’ was flagged offside.

 

Dartford: Brown, McAuley, Bradbrook ©, Noble, Mitchel-King, Collier, Sweeney (Hayes, HT), Crawford, Driver (Daley, 79), Burns, Doidge (Harris, 67)

Subs not used: Cornhill, Ibrahim

Goals: Burns (49), McAuley (89)

 

FC Halifax Town: Glennon, McManus, M. Roberts ©, Pearson, Smith (Hatfield, 56), Marshall (Jackson, 67), Peniket, Williams, K. Roberts, Boden (Killock, 87), Schofield

Subs not used: Senior, Hillhouse

Goals: Peniket (10), Pearson (44)

 

Referee: Brett Huxtable

Asst Referees: Louis Marks & Michael Taylor

Fourth Official: Paul Yates

 

Attendance: 835