Cheshunt v Dartford 22/02/25

 Cheshunt           3

Donell Thomas (45+3′)
Kenny Coker (58′)
Vas Vasiliou (70′ pen)

Dartford              0

Attendance      556

Man of the Match             Raul Da Silva  (Cheshunt)

Dartford had gone 21 league matches without defeat and were looking to break records, but a masterclass in absorbing pressure & taking chances saw Cheshunt take a much needed win, and put a dent Dartford’s run to the title.

Dartford started the match on the front foot and signalled their intent early with captain Samir Carruthers at the heart of everything creative, high crosses were cleared by Raul Da Silva & Dequane Wilson Braithwaite working in tandem, low crosses caused more problems but keeper Preston Edwards made two point blank saves to keep his team in the match.  Cheshunt remained patient throughout the first half, cleared their lines well and looked for opportunity from set piece play. Their reward came at the end of the half when a corner won by Vas Vasiliou was flicked to the back post & Donell Thomas span on the spot to volley home into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

Donell Thomas opens his account with the Ambers.        Photo Scott Lear

And is very pleased about it !                 Photo Scott Lear

Dartford thought they had equalised when Callum Jones found himself one on one with home keeper Preston Edwards & slid the ball past the advancing keeper, only to see full back Bradley Roberts slide in & clear off the line via the underside of the bar.

Cheshunt made changes to counter Dartford’s control, switching formation to bolster the threat from direct play, but threaten with their own wide play. The change paid dividends immediately with a low cross after neat passing saw a low cross skid across the Dartford six yard box, then minutes later a throw in won in the final third created panic in the Dartford defence and striker Kenny Coker was on hand to claim his fifth in five games and double the Ambers lead.

The long throw, Raul airborne at the near post, Kenny in the right place to score no2.       Photo Scott Lear

Dartford made multiple changes to bring fresh impetus, but the Cheshunt midfield & defence stuck to the game plan & defended well as an organised unit under the guidance of player coach Preston Edwards. The Ambers put the match beyond the league leaders with a break on the left allowing top scorer Vas Vasiliou to run at the defence at pace, his trickery saw him felled , but get up to send Jacob Marsden in the visitors goal the wrong way from the resulting penalty his thirteenth league goal of the season and Cheshunt’s fiftieth.

Dartford pressed late on but Cheshunt saw out the last quarter comfortably to take all three points.

More photos from Amy Eve available here

An album of Scott Lear photos are available here

Line Ups and Substitutions available in the Match Centre here