Dartford’s new squad continued to gel, as they took on EFL League Two side Gillingham on a gorgeous evening at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park.
Despite this being another stern test for Adrian Pennock’s side, they certainly held their own in front of 1,008 supporters, particularly in the first-half.
As expected, the visitors enjoyed a majority of the possession, as their superior fitness and pace meant that they were able to pass the ball swiftly and accurately. Max Clark and Jayden Clarke, in particular, were causing all sorts of problems on the Dartford right-flank, despite the best efforts of Academy player Dean Nayler.
However, for all their efforts, the Gills couldn’t break down a resolute and organised Dartford defence. Captain Josh Hill, George Whitefield, Luther Williams and Sam Odaudu worked tirelessly, as did Denzelle Olopade and Jez Pinder in the midfield, as they stepped up to thwart their opponents and help Nayler when needed.
Meanwhile, the attacking trio of Olly Box, Callum Jones, and Duane Ofori-Acheampong posed a threat of their own when opportunities were created.
And, it was Box who actually came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when his 13th minute corner forced Gills goalkeeper Glenn Morris into action to tip the ball wide as it was heading in!
The young Dartford player then saw his follow-up corner cleared from the danger area by a Gillingham trialist seconds later, before the visitors created their first meaningful opportunity of the evening. But, Jacob Marsden was equal to Marcus Wyllie’s 15th minute strike.
Jack Nolan then fired wide of the target (19), before the excellent Jez Pinder tried his luck with an audacious 20-yard effort, which failed to trouble Morris on this occasion (26).
The start of the second forty-five saw Adrian Pennock make his first group of substitutions. And, the Dartford boss stuck to his plan of having the odd First Team player remain/come on, as well as Academy players and trialists. Notable names to enter the field throughout the second-half included the likes of Ben Allen, Tyler Christian-Law, Gabe Campbell, Ashdon Day, Joseph Kepka, and Ellis Procter.
As we return to the action, the visitors had definitely upped the tempo since the break, and were beginning to cause no end of problems for the Darts.
The lively Jayden Clarke eventually broke the deadlock after 54 minutes, when his pace proved too much for Jacob Marsden, who had rushed off his line in an attempt to intercept Remeao Hutton’s brilliant cross.
Gillingham had their hosts on the proverbial ropes at this stage, and Clarke netted his second just three minutes later after Marcus Wyllie’s initial effort had been blocked (57).
Two then became three, after Tyler Christian-Law’s poor pass enabled Harry Bridle to pounce (76), before Joe Gbode saw his 85th minute strike well saved by Dartford’s trialist goalkeeper.
However, deep into stoppage time and with the last kick of the game, Harry Bridle scored his second and Gillingham’s fourth goal of the night after getting on the end of Harry Webster’s deep cross (90+3).
With results being meaningless at this stage, Adrian Pennock can be pleased with the efforts put in by his players, how they composed themselves, and how they’re gelling together as a unit, especially against another full-time league outfit.
TEAMS
DARTFORD: Jacob Marsden, George Whitefield, Sam Odaudu, Josh Hill (c), Callum Jones, Jez Pinder, Dean Nayler, Denzelle Olopade, Olly Box, Luther Williams, Duane Ofori-Acheampong.
SUBSTITUTES: Trialist #2, Ben Allen, Ashdon Day, Gabe Campbell, Tyler Christian-Law, Ellis Procter, Joseph Kepka, Trialist #12,:Trialist #27, Trialist #22.
GILLINGHAM: Glenn Morris, Remeao Hutton, Oli Hawkins, Conor Masterston, Max Clark, Jack Nolan, Tim Dieng (c), Stan Skipper, Jayden Clarke, Euan Williams, Marcus Wyllie.
SUBSTITUTES: Jake Turner, Harry Webster, Max Ehmer, Shad Ogie, Sam Gale, Joe Gbode, Robbie McKenzie, Harry Waldock, Aaron Rowe, Harry Bridle, Ashley Wadesan.
Chris Palmer
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