SDFL Division Three
seconds 0,
Dartmouth AFC seconds 4
A trip to struggling Buckfastleigh was the next obstacle in the way of Dartmouth’s title pursuit, and the visitors put in a decent performance to run out comfortable winners.
The victory should have been by a much bigger margin given the missed opportunities throughout, but nevertheless another three points away from home was the main priority.
The home side frustrated the Darts early on and the chances were slow in coming during the opening quarter of an hour.
Kev Causley went close soon after when his header from a James Lee corner rebounded back off the upright.
Cameron Webb and Robbie Chalk then both had stinging drives from distance palmed away by the busy Bucks’ keeper, as Dartmouth looked to turn the screw.
Mark Sneap, who grabbed two brilliant goals last week, was next to fail in front of goal as he put a header over from close range then scooped a Chalk cross over the bar when it seemed easier to score.
The pressure finally paid off in the 23rd minute as Dartmouth took the lead with a rasping drive from the edge of the box by Scott McRoy, who finished off a good move down the right-hand side.
It was 2-0 five minutes later when Chalk raced on to a superb long-range pass from central defender Dan Drury and showed exquisite composure to lob the on-rushing ‘keeper for his first goal of the season.
Dartmouth remained patient in the second period and the chances continued to flow.
Webb was next to get his name on the score sheet when he finished off a brilliant move down the left flank involving Sneap, Rushe and McRoy by drilling his shot into the far corner for 3-0.
Sneap then set up Rushe but the usually deadly striker could only fire over when well positioned.
Liam Wadeson and Teddy Armitage were then brought on in search of more goals and the latter should really have notched a header at the far stick moments after coming on.
The fourth goal arrived with 10 minutes remaining courtesy of Darts midfielder Joe Kirby, whose performance on the day certainly warranted it.
Another well-timed run into the box saw Kirby dispatch the ball into the empty net after the ‘keeper did well to foil his first effort.
Darts ‘keeper Aaron Morrison had to be brave late on to deny a consolation goal for the hosts, while left-back Richard Yeo was excellent throughout, contributing to yet another clean sheet for the team.
Dartmouth AFC Man of the match was Joe Kirby.
The win keeps Dartmouth second in the league table and tomorrow their attentions turn to the League Cup semi-final at home to Upton Athletic. Kick-off at Longcross is at 2pm with Liverton United awaiting the winners.