Concord Rangers 1-1 Dartford

(Cawley 16’: Hayes 51’)

From the Aspect Arena

National League South

CONCORD Rangers extended their unbeaten run in the National League South to 13 games after holding leaders Dartford to an entertaining draw in Essex.

The Beach Boys could even have won it but a late strike hit the crossbar and was cleared.

It promised to be an exciting encounter with both in fine form. Concord were unbeaten in 12 league games and the Darts were topping the standings.

But it was the visitors that had the first opportunity to strike first blood. After just five minutes Dartford won a penalty following a clumsy tackle by Lewis Knight on Danny Mills.

But Louis Wells was up to the task and blocked Elliott Bradbrook’s kick down to his right.

And Concord were to make the leaders pay. A 20-yard curling effort from Ben Greenhalgh was tipped away by Deren Ibrahim but Steve Cawley was on hand to strike the loose ball home.

A Mills drive was comfortably fielded by Wells as Dartford looked to respond and they were the width of the post from drawing level.

Ten minutes before the break Mark Onyemah powered a strike at goal from 25 yards which beat Wells but not the post.

Wells clung onto an Andy Pugh strike early in the second half but the Kent team was to draw level.

On 51 minutes Ryan Hayes blazed an unstoppable strike in off the underside of the crossbar to draw parity.

The same man came close to putting Dartford ahead but it was Concord that ended strongly, hitting the crossbar as it ended all square.

Concord Rangers: Wells, Girdlestone, Brown, Lee, Knight, Roast, Da Costa, Nasha, Akinwande, Cawley, Greenhalgh