An inspired substitution by Tony Burman changed the course of a hard-fought contest, as Ryan Hayes came off the bench to score with his first touch, curl in a delightful second and set up the returning Charlie Sheringham for a third, as Dartford swept to a 3-0 victory over Gateshead to virtually ensure they retain their Conference National place for next season.
Hayes, dropped to the bench after a poor display in the midweek game against Barrow, although in the winger’s favour Burman said he had been suffering from flu, was at his enigmatic best as he tormented ‘Heed left back, Patrick Boyle and gave the hosts the creativity their play had been craving. Up to this point, Dartford had rarely put a passing move together, instead hoping for one of their forwards to hold the ball long enough for colleagues to join the attack.
All credit for getting this game on has to go to Dartford’s head groundsman, Andy Gibbons, and both sides tried to play football on a heavy surface that held up well all afternoon. Gateshead, showing no signs of the problems – unable to play at their home ground since November, and due to play home games at SIX different venues by the end of the season – that have seen them drop from playoff contention to just above the relegation zone, dominated the opening half, pressing high up the pitch to deny Dartford room to play, but neither side was able to test their opponent’s goalkeeper.
The visitors created two wonderful chances in the first half; the tricky Josh Gillies doing well to hold off challenges from Tom Bonner and Tom Champion, but his effort slid agonisingly wide of Marcus Bettinelli’s left post, and Jamie Chandler did well to work half a yard inside the Dartford area, but a combination of Dartford bodies saw his effort deflect wide.
Sheringham, who was sold to AFC Bournemouth 18 months ago, and has endured a torrid time with injuries after scoring on only his second league appearance, looked at home in a white shirt once more, and his work-rate almost reaped its deserved rewards, but Gateshead’s Ben Clarke and Boyle made sure a sky-blue door was slammed shut as Sheringham weaved into the area.
The start of the second period saw a scrappy period of play, but Hayes’ introduction just after the hour coincided with Dartford’s first period of sustained pressure. Skipper Elliot Bradbrook drove into the Gateshead area and pulled the ball back to Jason Prior, whose shot cannoned off Curtis to Sheringham, who drew a world-class save from Bartlett low to his right, but the rebound fell to Hayes who slammed the ball home with his first touch.
Hayes doubled the lead six minutes later in classic Ryan Hayes’ style. The winger cut inside Boyle on the edge of the area and unleashed a fierce, curling left foot effort into the far corner, giving Bartlett no chance.
In their efforts to get back into the game, and pull further clear of the relegation zone, Gateshead thought they had won a penalty as James Marwood crumpled under a Lee Burns challenge, but the Heed winger was cautioned for simulation, and visiting heads visibly dropped.
The match was sealed as Hayes, counter-attacking from the edge of his own area, produced a wonderful cross-field ball that Sheringham was able to control first time and, in shifting the ball past Chandler, deftly curled the ball to Bartlett’s left in front of the massed ranks of Dartford supporters. The relief that Sheringham must have felt was obvious in his celebration, and his team-mates raced to join in.
There was still time for Sheringham to draw a further stunning save from Bartlett, low to his right with little time to react as the forward latched onto a Mark Arber free-kick, but by then Gateshead knew they were a beaten side.
DARTFORD: Marcus Bettinelli, Lee Burns, Tom Bonner, Mark Arber, Adam Green, Jack Evans (James Rogers 77), Tom Champion, Elliot Bradbrook ©, Lee Noble (Ryan Hayes 63), Danny Harris (Jason Prior 54), Charlie Sheringham.
Subs: Richard Rose, Jacob Erskine.
Goals: Ryan Hayes 63 & 72, Charlie Sheringham 86
GATESHEAD: Adam Bartlett, Mickey Cummins, James Curtis, Ben Clarke ©, Patrick Boyle, Josh Gillies, Jamie Chandler, Phil Turnbull, James Marwood (Liam Henderson 77), Ryan Donaldson, James Brown.
Subs: Jordan Nixon (gk), Lewis Galpin, Jake Fowler, Ryan McGorrigan.
Bookings: James Marwood, Phil Turnbull
Attendance: 1020
Referee: Mr John Hopkins
Assistants: Mr Adrian Quelch and Mr Christopher Wade
4th Official: Mr Nolan Wilde