Despite their barnstorming display on Saturday, Dartford were unable to claim third place so now host Chippenham Town in a Vanarama National League South play-off eliminator tonight.

Steve King’s Darts trounced Eastbourne Borough away to guarantee that Oxford City could not catch them, had they won but Ebbsfleet United defeated Chelmsford City two-one to claim third place and a play-off bye.

Their demolition of the fellow play-off team will mean they enter the game full of confidence. Dan Roberts put Dartford ahead in the fourth minute but Charley Kendall levelled four minutes later. Marcus Dinanga restored their lead just after the half hour mark before Kory Roberts added a third.

Three goals in five minutes early in the second half stunned the Sports. Dinanga scored his second and Kalvin Kalala grabbed a brace. Jordan Greenidge made it seven with fifteen minutes to go. Although the Sports pulled one back, it was far too little too late. 

Visitors Chippenham have as good as had a play-off already as they travelled to Havant and Waterlooville needing to win to leapfrog them into seventh place and that is exactly what they did. It was tight until twenty minutes remaining when Jordan Young broke the deadlock for the Bluebirds. Eight minutes later, Young scored again to claim the last play-off place.

In their meetings in the league, twelve goals were scored over the two games. At Princes Park the spoils were shared in a three all draw and in the reverse fixture in Wiltshire, Chippenham won four-two. It may be a tighter affair this time around.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.