Despite twice going behind, Dartford won their third game in eight days at the expense of a very competitive Welling United.

When the two teams met at Welling earlier in the season, the Darts won six nil but this game was far more evenly contested and the scoreline was harsh on the Wings.

They shook the hosts by going ahead in just the third minute. Kristian Campbell nicked it away from Kory Roberts and he squared for Dipo Akinyemi to tuck it away. 

Luke Allen shot just wide for the Darts before Campbell met a cross from Aaron Barnes but was unable to guide his header on target. Jack Jebb fired over from well out before a poor Roberts back pass allowed Mason Saunders-Henry to steal in but the referee deemed his challenge on Dan Wilks to be a foul. 

Immediately afterwards the Darts equalised. A long ball forward was allowed to get through and Marcus Dinanga lobbed over the out-rushing Jack Sims and into the net.

Within four minutes Welling were back ahead. Barnes burst into the penalty area and was brought down by Kai Innocent and a penalty was awarded.  Akinyemi stepped up to convert confidently, sending Wilks the wrong way.

Campbell had a shot blocked by Jordan Wynter but Dartford went straight up to the other end and levelled again. Innocent was the creator with a pass across goal and Danny Leonard was in the right place at the right time to finish.

Saunders-Henry fired across the face of goal but Akinyemi was unable to apply the final touch, then Wilks had to dive full length to turn Olu Durojaiye’s shot wide. Ade Shokunbi met Campbell’s corner with a header that went over as Welling searched for a goal however, Jake Robinson had the last chance of the first half when bursting down the right hand side but he blasted over.

After the interval Welling had a lot of possession but the Dartford defence did not allow them to create a clear cut chance until Campbell put a free kick just wide with Wilks rooted to the spot. Then at the other end Kieran Murtagh was not picked up from Jebb’s free kick but he headed wide.

Jebb shot over before Dartford went ahead for the first time with just over fifteen minutes remaining. Allen was given a little too much time outside the area, and he made Welling pay with a pin-point accurate low shot that gave Sims no chance.

Peter Taylor replaced full back Maxwell Statham with striker Tom Derry as Welling gambled when searchng for an equaliser but it gave Dartford more space at the other end and, after heading wide from Ade Adeez’s cross, Dinanga finished the match off with a stunning shot.  

Dartford: Wilks, Wynter, Innocent, Allen, Roberts, Bonner, Murtagh, Jebb, Robinson (Azeez 58), Dinanga, Leonard (Porter 59).

Subs not used: Theobalds, Krabbendam, Hyde.

Goalscorers: Dinanga (17), (86), Leonard (32), Allen (74)

Yellow cards: None

Welling United: Sims, Statham (Derry 82), Ezennolim, Durojaiye, Davis, Penney, Barnes, Shokunbi,  Akinyemi, Campbell (Muscatt 73), Saunders-Henry (Stevenson 62).

Subs not used:, Parish, Jackson.

Goalscorers:  Akinyemi (3), pen (21).

Yellow cards: None

Referee: Callum Walchester

Assistants: Harry Wager and James Hurst

Attendance: 1,802

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.