City slip to narrow Dartford defeat

City once again came up just short against a title-chasing opponent this afternoon, losing 2-0 to Dartford at Princes Park. After an even opening to the game, with chances at both ends, the home side went in front on 18 minutes. City failed to deal with a free-kick and Kalala evaded several challenges to slot the ball past Ryan Clarke. Despite this setback there was still little between the sides and with the final kick of the first half City should have levelled, Joe Raynes side-footing a great chance narrowly wide. The second half continued with chances at both ends, Raynes seeing another effort fly just the wrong side of the post and Jordan Dyer suffering the same fate with a back post header. Dartford also saw chances come and go, the best when Dinanga crashed a 83rd minute shot against the underside of the bar. City continued to push for an equaliser but in the final minute of stoppage time the Darts were awarded a penalty for a pull by Dan Ball on Leonard. Dinanga sent Clarke the wrong way from the spot and immediately the referee’s whistle signalled another frustrating afternoon for the Romans.