Kentish Football 
Live Coverage: Edgware Town 2-1 Dartford - Recall Darts' title winning day
EDGWARE TOWN 2-1 DARTFORD
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 19th April 2008
Stephen McCartney reports from White Lion Ground
Despite losing 2-1 at Edgware Town today, Dartford celebrated winning the Ryman League Division One North title today, as nearest challengers AFC Sudbury also lost.
If you’re too drunk to recall the events in north London today, here is our intake on the day that the Darts won their first title for 24 years.
TUBE JOURNEY HOME
In the same carriage as four fans, they proudly wear the shirts of Jamie Coyle, Jay May and Adam Flanagan - the Dartford stars throwing their shirts in the crowd during the jubilant celebrations at the final whistle.
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
Fans spill into the Edgware clubhouse to toast their championship winning day and the bar takings rocket as Dartford’s fans forget about their seventh league defeat of the season to party the night away.
CHAMPIONS!
The players return onto the pitch to join in the celebrations in front of the main stand here at the White Lion Ground. We don’t care how AFC Sudbury did - they were 1-0 down - but the Darts will be playing Ryman Premier League football in August. Champagne is flying into the air. Boss Tony Burman joins in with the celebrations.
PITCH INVASION
Despite their side defeated, hundreds of Dartford fans are now on the pitch, celebrating the title with their heroic players. Fans chant “we are champions!” “There’s only one Tony Burman!” chant the fans, in front of the main stand by the players tunnell.
RESULT: EDGWARE TOWN 2-1 DARTFORD
Darts fans run onto the pitch - despite their side losing to a late goal. Edgware players are delighted as it keep their play-off hopes alive.
GOAL: EDGWARE TOWN 2-1 DARTFORD
With 45:49 minutes on the clock, Denis Maharjan drills a right-footed shot past the diving Kessll from 20-yards to give play-off chasing Edgware a late winner.
88 MINUTES
“We are champions, say we are champions!” chant the jubilant Darts faithful.
86 MINUTES
Hayes’ left-footed free-kick, just a couple of yards outside the box, swings in a left-footed free-kick which bounces off the angle of far post and crossbar.
GOAL: MARGATE 3-5 FOLKESTONE INVICTA
GOAL: HASTINGS UNITED 2-3 RAMSGATE
GOAL: MARGATE 3-4 FOLKESTONE INVICTA
81 MINUTES
Ngoyi, on the right-hand side, sprays the ball to the unmarked Wallace but Kessell was alert as ever and came rushing off his line to smother at the feet of the striker, just eight-yards out.
77 MINUTES
A cross from substitute Nick Barnes on the left finds winger Hayes, whose cross was headed towards goal by Barnes, whose header struck the chest of Edgware defender Ben Hayden at the near post.
75 MINUTES
Eddie McClements’ right-footed drilled shot from 18-yards on the right-hand side of the box, brings a comfortable save by Bonfield at his near post as the Kent giants end the game on top.
73 MINUTES
Dartford’s left-back Steve Norman’s almost scores with a left-footed shot from 35-yards, but his shot bounced agonisingly past the far post.
71 MINUTES
Edgware goalkeeper Darren Bonfield makes his first real save of the match to prevent May sealing the victory. Flanagan, up following a previous corner, was released down the left-channel and cut the ball back to May inside the area, whose shot was blocked by the goalkeeper’s legs.
GOAL: HASTINGS UNITED 2-2 RAMSGATE
GOAL: MARGATE 3-2 FOLKESTONE INVICTA
Leigh Bremner scores for Folkestone Invicta.
SUB:
Nick Barnes replaces Junior Kadi in the 65th minute.
LATEST: THAMEMSEAD TOWN 2-0 FAVERSHAM TOWN
Thamesmead Town will be playing Ryman League football next season if they beat Faversham Town at Bayliss Avenue today.
GOAL: HASTINGS UNITED 1-1 RAMSGATE
GOAL: MARGATE 3-1 FOLKESTONE INVICTA
Margate striker Rob Haworth scores his second at Hartsdown Park.
GOAL: REDBRIDGE 2-0 AFC SUDBURY
An announcement over the public address system brings excellent news as second place AFC Sudbury are losing 2-0. THIS WAS IN FACT FALSE AS REDBRIDGE WON THE GAME 1-0. WHY CAN'T PEOPLE/CLUBS GIVE OUT THE CORRECT SCORES AT THIS CRUCIAL STAGE OF THE SEASON?
56 MINUTES
Kessell is shown a yellow card after rushing out of his penalty area to bringing down Ngoyi, some 25-yards from goal on his right-hand side of the box.
GOAL: MARGATE 2-1 FOLKESTONE INVICTA
GOAL: EBBSFLEET UNITED 2-0 ALTRINCHAM
Stacy Long’s 53rd minute goal gives the Fleet a 2-0 lead at Stonebridge Road.
3:36 INTO THE SECOND HALF.
Morton drives a right-footed shot from 35-yards, following a knock down by Adam Wallace, but Kessell keeps his eye on the bouncing ball to make a comfortable save.
SECOND HALF
Darts get the second half underway.
HALF TIME: HASTINGS UNITED 0-1 RAMSGATE
HALF TIME: TONBRIDGE ANGELS 1-1 AFC HORNCHURCH
HALF TIME: EDGWARE TOWN 1-1 DARTFORD
Jay May’s 18th goal of the season gave the champions the lead after 25 minutes but the lively Edgware striker Greg Ngoyi netted his 17th goal of the season, scoring from a tight angle after cutting along the right by-line.
But it’s good news as AFC Sudbury’s wobble continues….
HALF TIME: REDBRIDGE 1-0 AFC SUDBURY
GOAL: MARGATE 1-1 FOLKESTONE INVICTA
Neil Cugley’s side must win at Hartsdown Park to help maintain their Ryman Premier League status, to ensure that they’ll be playing Dartford next season.
41:35
Flanagan gives away a free-kick just outside the penalty area, which is taken quickly and the lively Nigoyi strokes a right-footed shot which rolls just past the foot of the far-post. Edgware must win this game to keep their play-off hopes alive and are not rolling over to give the Kent giants the title.
GOAL: EBBSFLEET UNITED 1-0 ALTRINCHAM
Chris McPhee’s goal gives Wembley bound Fleet the lead in this Blue Square Premier clash at Stonebridge Road.
GOAL: BRISTOL ROVERS 0-1 GILLINGHAM
John Nutter gives the Gills a crucial lead in their bid to fight the drop from League One.
36:21
Flanagan has an effort headed over the Edgware bar and from the resulting corner, taken by Hayes, Flanagan’s knock down is sent past the post by John Guest, who came up from his central defensive duties.
34:04
A cross from Ryan Hayes, who twisted and turned the Edgware right-back, sent over a cross with his left-foot, was knocked down by Kadi, but May poked the ball agonisingly over the crossbar from just four-yards out.
GOAL: DOVER ATHLETIC 0-1 SITTINGBOURNE
GOAL: MARGATE 1-0 FOLKESTONE INVICTA
GOAL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS 1-0 AFC HORNCHURCH
A goal from Michael Phillips has kept the Angels play-off hopes alive.
27:04 GOAL EDGWARE TOWN 1-1 DARTFORD
Edgware striker Ngoyi scores his 17th goal of the season as he cut along the right by-line and somehow finds the net from a tight angle
24: 13 GOAL: EDGWARE TOWN 0-1 DARTFORD
Jay May thumps home his 18th goal of the season to start the championship winning party. Junior Kadi’s free-kick from the left channel was knocked down by Brendon Cass at the far post - taking a knock for his troubles - and May thumped home a right-footed half-volley from 12-yards, which flew into the roof of the net.
21:43
Edgware are keen to spoil Dartford’s party as they call Kessell into action again. Four faced four as the home side attacked and Adam Wallace’s cross from the right was brought under control by 16-goal Ngoyi, whose right-footed shot from twenty-yards was tipped around the post by the former Folkestone Invicta goalkeeper, diving full-stretch to his right.
GOAL: WESTON-SUPER-MARE 0-1 BROMLEY
16:51
Kessell makes a comfortable low save to his left to prevent Rispoli scoring with a free- header from 12-yards, following a deep cross from the left.
15:08
Jay May drills a left-footed shot from the edge of the box wide of the right-post. This follows a chance from John Guest, whose header bounces off the top of the left-hand post, following Hayes’ cross.
GOAL: MAIDSTONE UNITED 1-0 HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS
12:54
Edgware have the first real shot on goal as Dartford goalkeeper Tony Kessell was alert to tip over Edware skippeer Richard Morton’s 35-yard free-kick.
BIG AWAY SUPPORT
“You’re supposed to be at home”, chant the high number of visiting Darts fans as they fill two thirds of the covered terracing opposite the main stand. They also chant “we’re going up as the Ryman champions!”
5:40
Edgware striker Ngoyi drills a shot just past the left-post from twenty-yards.
4:13
Edgware, needing a win to keep their play-off hopes alive, create their first chance when striker Greg Ngoyi sends his header just over the bar following Vince Rispoli’s free-kick from midfield.
TWO EARLY CHANCES FOR CHAMPIONS
Ryan Hayes’ first corner, from the right, is punched away by home goalkeeper Darren Bonfield, and Darts midfielder Junior Kadi unleashes a right-footed volley from 20-yards which deflects just past the left upright.
Hayes’ resulting corner, this time taken down the left-hand side, is met by Adam Flanagan, whose header brings a smart low save from Bonfield, diving low to his left.
SPECIAL MOMENT
A chant of “Can you hear us, can you hear us, over there” bellows out from the Darts fans as Edgware’s team line-up in a guard of honour for champions Dartford to run-out into the pitch, A special moment for the Kent giants. Skipper Alex O’;Brien leads the team out as players clap their fans all around the ground, and the green shirted home side also clap their opponents onto the pitch. Full credit to Edgware Town for doing that!
COVERAGE
We will keep you posted as it happens - keep pressing the refresh button. This is, however, subject to internet connection.
14:55
“The Darts are going up!” chant the travelling contingent.
14:53
One Darts fan drapes his flag over the perimeter fencing - as fans sing their hearts out at the White Lion Ground.
14:51
A stream of Darts fans join their mates in the covered terracing.
14:49
A chant of “come on you Darts” bellows out from the visiting fans located in the covered terracing opposite the high main stand. That is followed by “say, we are top of the league, say we are top of the league.”
14:40
The sprinkler is finally removed off the pitch - Darts fans have already found their voices.
14:25
Dartford manager Tony Burman names the same side that thrashed Tilbury 5-0 last Saturday.
COVERAGE
Subject to internet connection I shall bring you with LIVE updates. Mike Green and Phil Miles will also be bringing live coverage on the BBC Radio Kent website www.bbc.co.uk/kent and regular updates on 96.7fm.
14:05
Dartford players, wearing their usual black and red training tops, start jogging out onto the pitch here at the White Lion Ground. It is clear that they will be wearing their away strip of all yellow. Meanwhile, outside the ground hundreds of Dartford fans must be drinking plenty of pints in local bars, knowing a win and a point will officially make their side Ryman League Division One North champions.
14:01
Coach Steve Moseley walks out onto pitch to join Macrae, holding a bag of footballs, whilst every member of the home side are now out on the pitch warming up.
13:55
Goalkeeper coach John Macrae is the first Dart on pitch, preparing his warm-up with goalkeeper Tony Kessell.
13:44
A trio of Edgware players start their pre-match warm-ups.
13:36
Dartford players are now in the dressing rooms and begin to prepare for today’s game, knowing a point or a win will officially crown them Ryman League Division One North champions.
13:30
Dartford players are now out on the pitch, wearing their black tracksuits, whilst the sprinkler is still spraying water at the other end of the pitch.
13:29
Dartford co-chairman Dave Skinner arrives through the main gate, supported by using a pair of crutches - he cannot miss this historic day. Good to see you back Dave!
13:26
Expectant Dartford fans start flocking through the turnstiles - it’s a pay day for Edgware Town, their biggest crowd of the season.
13:22
Dartford coach Steve Moseley is the first to walk through the turnstiles.
13:19
Jeremy Kite, the leader of Dartford Council, arrives at the ground, followed by the match referee, who asks for directions to his dressing room.
13:18
The chant of “say, we are top of the league” is heard from Dartford fans outside the ground as two coaches - one single decker and one double decker - pull up in the car park, which is shared by a hotel chain.
12:57
A handful of Edgware players are now on the pitch.
12:55
On arrival at the ground and sitting inside the main stand - it’s very high up from the back of this stand, possibly the highest stand that I’ve visited in the entire Ryman League, the grounds man is watering the pitch. “Come on you Darts” is heard from voices lower down - you can’t see the near touchline from my vantage point at the back of the stand.
12:35
On arrival at Edgware tube station, there are 10 jubilant Dartford supporters getting off the same tube as me - the bars in this north London town will be busy today as it’s a day for celebration for the Kent giants today. I pass a handful of more Darts fans on the ten minute walk to the White Lion Ground.
BUILD UP
Clubs are advised to contact us on 07979 418 360 if their games are postponed today. That is also the number for anyone that wants to sponsor this website.
BBC Radio Kent are providing LIVE website commentary of this game on www.bbc.co.uk/kent so join Mike Green and former Chatham Town manager Phil Miles from 3pm if you can’t make the game.
Dartford boss Tony Burman has challenged his team to win the Ryman League Division One North title in style, by winning today’s game at play-off chasing Edgware Town and next Saturday’s game with Wingate & Finchley at Princes Park - which happens to be all-ticket - and the day that the club get their hands on the trophy.
The Kentish football family was saddened to hear the news that Del Deanus, 34, the Edgware joint-manager, has been diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease, which is a terminal condition.
Darts skipper, Alex O’Brien, who knows Deanus, will be playing in a Pro-Am Celebrity football match at the White Lion Ground on Saturday, 10th May (3pm).
At least 500 Dartford fans will be making the trip to north London to see their side officially win the Ryman League Division One North title today. The Darts only need a point to do that as they have a much better goal-difference (+17) than AFC Sudbury, who wobbled during three midweek fixtures - against Bury Town, Canvey Island and Enfield Town - after Easter.
Edgware Town: Darren Bonfield, Fergus Moore, Gavin Hart, Vince Rispoli (Stuart Blackburne 79), Craig McKay, Ben Hayden, Dave Taylor, Richard Morton, Adam Wallace, Greg Ngoyi (Jason Fernee 90), Dennis Maharjan.
Subs: Adil Salih, Jordan Lockie, Rob Blackburne.
Goals: Greg Ngoyi 28, Denis Maharjan 90
Booked: Fergus Moore 85
Dartford: Tony Kessell, Jamie Coyle, Steve Norman, Adam Flanagan, John Guest, Alex O’Brien, Ryan Hayes (Luke Piscina 90), Junior Kadi (Nick Barnes 65), Brendon Cass, Jay May, Eddie McClements.
Subs: Yohance Lewis, Mark Green, Tommy Osborne.
Goal: Jay May 25
Booked: Tony Kessell 56
Attendance: 613
Referee: Mr Barry Holderness
Assistants: Mr Reuden Simon & Mr Aiden Farrelly
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