AFC U16s 8,
Athletic U16s 3
Dartmouth were back on home turf for the first time in almost two months and in front of a large crowd, they put on a solid performance in tough conditions, to carve out another fine victory.
The opening 15 minutes was blistering from the hosts as they played some excellent football, putting the visitors on the back foot and creating numerous chances in front of goal.
Following a couple of missed opportunities they grabbed the opener in the ninth minute.
A good move down the right involving full-back Charlie Blair and striker Brad Williams saw the latter fizz a great cross into the six-yard box for Tom Matthews to dispatch brilliantly beyond the 'keeper.
Williams then doubled his side's lead with a sublime finish of his own when he raced on to an Aaron Morrison clearance, rounding the on-rushing 'keeper before rolling the ball into the empty net.
Denbury reduced the deficit five minutes later with their first attack of the game. A slip from the unfortunate Zac Fells allowed the dangerous striker to cut inside and smash a rocket past Morrison, who had no chance as it hit the net.
Dartmouth soon composed themselves and two quick fire goals put them 4-1 up.
Matthews doubled his tally with a smart turn inside the area and a drilled finish into the bottom corner. Then Solley Metchette got in on the act when he arrived inside the box to bury a cross from Cameron McClory.
Denbury kept themselves in the match with a second goal, but McClory was soon causing havoc as he set up another goal to make it 5-2.
The little magician picked up possession out on the left wing and weaved his way past four defenders before rolling a cross into he path of Jamie Burrows, who had the simple job of tucking the ball into the net.
The second half was only 10 minutes old when Dartmouth really put the game out of sight of the visitors, two more goals giving them an unassailable lead. Connor Elliott reacted superbly to race on to a through ball and clip the ball past the advanced 'keeper to make it 6-2 and soon after came the goal of the game.
A wonderfully worked move started on the left side with Liam Wadeson and Joe Turner linking up well and when Williams found McClory on the edge of the box, he performed an amazing piece of skill to beat three defenders before passing to Matthews, who in turn fed the ball for Burrows to blast home his second goal of the match.
Denbury then pulled one back with a volley straight from a long throw-in, but the young Darts had the last word with an eighth goal five minutes from time.
A corner from Wadeson landed inside the six-yard box and after a couple of blocked efforts, the ball arrived at the feet of Kieran Doyle, who lashed home via the upright. Fells almost extended the lead even further in the last minute, but his shot rebounded back off the post.
The final whistle brought to an end a highly entertaining match which sees the young Darts remain in second place in the table. The match ball was kindly sponsored by Coast and Country Cottages. This Sunday Dartmouth travel to Broadmeadow for a 1.30pm kick-off, all support is very welcome.