Jake Robinson scored the only goal as Dartford edged past Ebbsfleet United in a predictably tight encounter.

Coming into the game, the local neighbours were fifth and sixth in the Vanarama National League South and, with nearly two and a half thousand spectators in the ground, it was always going to be an edgy affair.

Although there was a contrast in playing styles neither side created many clear chances with the respective defences outstanding.

Kai Innocent had the first goal attempt for Dartford when played in by Robinson but Chris Haigh gathered comfortably at the near post.

At the other end, Lee Martin squared across the six yard box but Elliott Romain could not get a clean hit. Then a Martin snapshot was saved without too much fuss by Dan Wilks.

The deadlock was broken in the twenty-first minute when Innocent’s diagonal cross found Robinson. Although his initial effort was well saved by Haigh it came back out to him and he forced it home via the post.  

Alfie Egan had a shot saved for the Fleet before Robinson had a great chance to double his, and his team’s, tally. Kieran Murtagh fed Danny Leonard and he burst past his man before setting Robinson up with a one on one. Surprisingly, the Darts sharp-shooter tried a first time shot and it trickled wide.

Martin delivered a superb diagonal cross that Romain couldn’t reach with a diving header but he was inches away from a connection when any touch would have been enough. Craig Tanner had a shot saved by Wilks then, with half time looming, Martin fired over.

After the interval the visitors continued to probe and Tanner created a chance for Martin but he miscued. Dominic Poleon then had a great chance but he headed Tobi Adebayo-Rowling’s inviting cross wide.

Robinson had a half chance for Dartford with a flicked header that went wide before Martin had another effort deflected over. 

Poleon came agonisingly close when Martin found him down the left but his lobbed effort, from a tight angle, went narrowly wide of the far post.

Having used all their substitutes, Ebbsfleet were reduced to ten men for the last twelve minutes when Joe Martin injured himself committing a foul. Luke Allen almost made them pay further but his first time shot, from a half cleared corner, flew wide.

Despite six additional minutes being played, Ebbsfleet were unable to fashion another chance and Dartford were able to celebrate claiming the three points that pushed them up into third place.  

Dartford: Wilks, Wynter, Innocent, Allen, K. Roberts, Bonner, Murtagh (Theobalds 70), Jebb, Robinson (Porter 73), Dinsanga, Leonard (D. Roberts 81).

Subs not used: Kalala, Hyde.

Goalscorers:  Robinson (21)

Yellow cards:  Innocent, Wynter

Red cards: None

Ebbsfleet United: Haigh, Adebayo-Rowling, J. Martin, Egan (Monlouis 68), Chapman, Solly, Cundle (Wood 57), N’Guessan, Romain (Poleon 46), Solly, L. Martin.

Subs not used: Paxman, Firth.

Goalscorers: None 

Yellow cards:  J. Martin

Red cards: None

Referee: Jack Packman

Assistants: Ciaran Fidler and Nicholas Metcalfe

Attendance: 2,457

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.