Dartford’s Conference Premier status is hanging by a thread as they approach their rearranged fixture at Alfreton Town on Tuesday night.
The Darts played the Reds just over a week ago and missed a golden opportunity to close the gap on the Derbyshire club, who are now unbeaten in their last five games.
Tony Burman’s side approach Tuesday’s game on the back of a damaging 2-0 defeat to fellow relegation rivals Southport on the weekend. The loss leaves the Darts ten points from safety with only eight matches remaining. Richard Brodie and a late goal from Paul Rutherford edged Southport, and Alfreton Town, closer to Conference Premier football next season.
Alfreton Town picked up a point at home to Chester, a side the Darts beat a week ago. Tom Shaw who scored the last minute winner at Princes Park, put the Reds in front with a stunning long range effort. The one goal lead wasn’t enough though as it was Chester’s turn to score late on through Ben Heneghan.
Alfreton Town started their campaign with seven straight defeats but have slowly reduced the deficit to safety. The Reds managed to string a four game unbeaten run after their terrible start and have won all their games against the bottom six.
In the two previous visits to the Impact Arena, the Darts have returned home with nothing to show for their efforts. Last season, Elliot Bradbrook scored from the spot to give Dartford a half time lead before Lee Noble was sent off. Alfreton Town took advantage of having a spare player, especially Paul Clayton who fired in two goals in the space of eight second half minutes.
Going in front against the Reds is a common occurrence for the Darts, a feat they managed twice in their first visit to the Impact Arena. Ryan Hayes put the Darts in front with just three minutes on the clock but right before half time Danny Meadows levelled the match. Once again, Dartford went ahead through Nathan Collier but Alfreton Town hit back with goals from Anton Brown and a second from Meadows.
Head to Head
Alfreton Town wins: 2 / Dartford wins: 2 / Draws: 0
Current League Form
Alfreton Town (DDWWWL) | Dartford (LWLDLD) | ||||
Chester | H | 1-1 | Southport | A | 0-2 |
Lincoln City | H | 0-0 | Chester | A | 2-1 |
Dartford | A | 1-0 | Alfreton Town | H | 0-1 |
Kidderminster Harriers | H | 2-0 | FC Halifax Town | A | 0-0 |
AFC Telford United | A | 1-0 | Woking | H | 1-3 |
Aldershot Town | H | 2-3 | Aldershot Town | A | 1-1 |
Last Meeting at the Impact Arena
21 December 2013 – Alfreton Town 2 Dartford 1 – Att: 575
Goalscorers: Bradbrook (16 pen), Clayton (52, 60)
Alfreton Town Lineup: Worsnop, Wood, Fenton, Wylde, Franklin, Rowe-Turner, Bradley, Kenpson, Meadows, Shaw, Clayton (subs used: Wishart, McGrath)
Dartford Lineup: Julian, Sterling, Mitchel-King, Clark, Burns, Bradbrook, Noble, Stevenson, Martin, Birchall, Harris (subs used: Collier, Kamara, Cornhill)
Match Stats
Previous Meetings
21.12.2013 | Alfreton Town | 2 | Dartford | 1 |
10.08.2013 | Dartford | 1 | Alfreton Town | 0 |
05.01.2013 | Alfreton Town | 3 | Dartford | 2 |
01.09.2012 | Dartford | 5 | Alfreton Town | 1 |