Eastbourne hit the Darts with a bullseye

Princes Park Stadium witnessed a snowy, dreamlike glacier descending upon the night gaze, as Eastbourne Borough increased the temperature with a purposeful performance and exited with a much-deserved away win.

Close attention was paid to Dartford forward Nassim L’Ghoul, as the forward had produced a string of good performances, coming in from the right and striking precise efforts with a cultivated left foot, testing opponent goalkeepers.

But it was his teammate Charlie Sheringham who gave the Sports goalkeeper Franco Ravizzoli a scare with the first effort of the game in the ninth minute. Chris Whelpdale replied a minute later with Eastbourne’s first shot on target and received a yellow card for his troubles, for stopping a potential counterattack for the hosts.

Ooof!

As the half wore on the snow increased and L’Ghoul, once on the books of Dover Athletic, sprinkled some magic on the game and produced an overhead kick effort sure to have been applauded should fans have been allowed inside the 4,000 capacity stadium.

“Ooof” one of the few stewards in the crowd groaned as an effort struck what looked to be an arm in the penalty area of the away side, but the referee Jason Richardson stood firm and the ricochet drifted out for a corner.

Towards the end of the first half Dartford’s frustrations grew as Eastbourne began piecing together smart counter attacking moves to nullify any threat the home team had. In the 42^nd minute, Greg Luer whipped in a delicious strike which Whelpdale glanced inside the far post to give Borough a warm half time lead.

Early in the second half, Charlie Lambert had an effort on goal which gave the home side chills, but to his credit, Daniel Wilks was on high alert in goal for the Darts.

L’Ghoul resumed the second half with rejuvenated vigour but this overspilled and he received a cautionary card from the official who did not hesitate, as the tackle was late. It was L’Ghoul again who was the primary source of attack for the home side, twisting and turning the opposition defender at right back but, he stuck to his task.

Four Three Three

Femi Akinwande and Jack Barham came on for the hosts by the 70^th minute and this tactical switch saw Dartford move to a 4-3-3 saw Akinwande move out wide to the right wing, L’Ghoul to the left and Barham as the number nine. This move proved telling, because Dartford put together three great chances within ten minutes of each other which resulted in Ravizzoli working overtime.

In the final few moments of the match, Dartford’s defender Connor Essam had a hectic final five minutes, receiving a yellow card for a late challenge in the opposition half and having consecutive efforts at goal which either went straight to the keeper or helplessly over the crossbar.

Eastbourne Borough’s game management was pleasing to the eye, as they shut up shop and took all three points. This result moved the Sports within five points of league leaders Dartford, and with two games in hand.

Nassim L’Ghoul was rewarded with the man of the match by the home officials.

Next for Dartford Town is an away trip to Billericay Town, whilst Eastbourne Borough are home to lowly Concord.

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