SDFL division one Kingskerswell and Chelston 3, Dartmouth 4

After recovering well from their defeat against Watcombe with a 6-0 triumph over Buckfastleigh Rangers at Longcross, Dartmouth knew a win on Saturday would propel them to the top of division one. They travelled to Kingskerswell, who occupied sixth spot in the league, hoping to replicate the performance that saw them defeat their opponents back in March. Managers Gary Lobb and Chick Havlin wouldn't have been too impressed with the start Dartmouth made after hesitation in the visitors' backline resulted in the home striker, firing confidently over young Dylan Wild, who was deputising in goal for the unavailable Sam Davies. The early goal seemed to shock the Dartmouth players, but the midfield trio of Liam Ford, Scott Mcroy and Mark Forrester began to impose themselves on the game and drag the visitors back into the contest. The first real opportunity the visitors created came courtesy of full-back Ryan Frost, whose cross into the box was headed over by Freddie Smith. The inevitable equalising goal arrived after 25 minutes, when excellent play from lone striker Karl Baker resulted in Ford timing his run to perfection to slot calmly into the net. Much to the frustration of the Dartmouth players, the hosts soon retook the lead, a clearance downfield ricocheting off the Kerswell striker and landing beyond Wild in the Dartmouth goal. The scoreline could quite easily have been increased to three shortly before the break, but after the home defender prodded into the net from a free kick, the linesman adjudged the player to have been offside. Knowing they had to improve in the second half, the visitors returned rejuvenated, with Baker linking up well with Ford and Josh Webber on the left-hand side. On 60 minutes they deservedly levelled the scores once more when the powerful Baker outmuscled two defenders before delicately lofting the ball over the 'keeper. An end-to-end game continued to captivate the watching crowd, and it was the hosts who took the lead for the third time in the match after confusion between Wild and the Dartmouth defence saw a lofted ball forward end up in the back of the net. With 10 minutes remaining the visitors pushed for another equalising goal, and they were rewarded when a brilliant low cross from Webber was steered into the goal by the left boot of Baker. Dartmouth sensed a snatch and grab victory which would see them leapfrog Bovey Tracey into top spot, and after a perfectly weighted through ball from the excellent Ford, Baker finished superbly to notch himself another hat-trick and give the visitors the lead for the first time. A nervy last couple of minutes saw Wild claim a free kick with confidence to see Dartmouth over the finish line, but the visitors could count themselves to lucky to walk away with all three points after a somewhat lacklustre display. Dartmouth reserves drew 1-1 against Meadowbrook in division four, Lee Prestage with the goal. The first team was due to face East Allington on Tuesday night, and host second-placed Bovey Tracey reserves at Longcross on Saturday this weekend. Kick-off is at 2.30pm. The reserves are without a game. D&B Duffy Building Contractors Ltd have kindly sponsored Dartmouth AFC's 1st team warm-up jackets for the cup final on Thursday, May 1, against Exwick Villa at Coach Road, Newton Abbot. Kick-off will be at 7.30pm. Supporters coach will be leaving the clubhouse at 5.45pm, places are still available at £5 a head.