SDFL premier division

Dartmouth ground out a vital 3-1 victory over Newton Abbot Spurs reserves to maintain their push towards the top of the league.

Despite playing on a heavy Longcross surface, Dartmouth started brightly in the opening exchanges and looked to take the game to their opponents.

The first real attack of the game resulted in the home side taking the lead; wing back Freddie Smith picked out the unmarked Dan Broadway in the penalty box and he duly tucked his header into the corner of the net from close range. This early goal gave Dart­mouth real impetus, and Karl Baker was denied a goal after a brilliant save from the visiting 'keeper shortly afterwards.

That said, the visitors looked threatening on the attack and a couple of dangerous crosses into the box were well dealt with by Kurtley Hassall and Ryan and Jordan Frost in defence.

Dan Griffiths in the Dartmouth midfield looked to exploit the space in front of the Spurs' defence throughout the half.

He deservedly got on the scoresheet just before half time after good work from Baker and Broad­way led to him dispatching his left-footed effort across the 'keeper and into the net from 12 yards.

The second half began with the visitors seeking a way back into the match without really troubling Ryan Walton in the home goal, with Mark Forres­ter, Josh Webber and Griffiths dictating the tempo of the game from midfield.

With the hosts struggling to create any clear-cut chances the away side grew in confidence, and they reduced the deficit when a deep cross to the back post resulted in the Spurs winger heading in from two yards.

The away side push­ed for an equaliser and came agonisingly close when a shot rattled the post before being cleared to safety.

They must have thought they had leveled proceedings when the Spurs goalscorer lofted the ball over Walton, but somehow Webber's out-stretched leg cleared the ball off the line.

Dartmouth should have sealed the victory when Webber's excellent through ball saw Smith break clear, but the latter's effort went harmlessly wide.

With 10 minutes remaining wing back Richie Baker received the ball out wide and sent in a brilliant delivery, and after the ball dropped in front of the Spurs 'keeper Broad­way headed in only to be adjudged to have made unfair contact with his opponent.

The home side finally sealed victory with little more than five minutes left on the clock. Karl Baker worked some space on the edge of the area before calmly placing his effort beyond the reach of the 'keeper to restore Dartmouth's two-goal lead.

The whistle sounded to give Dartmouth another victory in the league, and they have another home game this weekend when they face Loddiswell Athletic at Longcross at 2.30pm.

Dartmouth reserves travel to Ashburton reserves in the quarter final of the Fred Hew­ings Cup, kick-off 2pm.