AFC U14s 0,
Athletic U14s 2
Dartmouth welcomed Ipplepen to Longcross last Thursday evening to play under floodlights for the first time, and in front of a large crowd, the visitors took home all three points in what was a very entertaining game.
The Darts defence had a busy night but along with 'keeper Aaron Morrison, they put in a great shift to keep out the skilful Ipplepen forwards.
The closest Dartmouth came to opening the scoring was in the 21st minute when a Liam Wadeson corner was met with a smart header from Cameron Webb, which rebounded off the crossbar before being cleared to safety.
With half-time just seconds away, Ipplepen scored the crucial first goal of the game when an attack down the right wing allowed the big striker to slot the ball past the on-rushing Morrison and into the net.
It was a huge blow for Dartmouth, who until that point had battled so well to stay in the game.
The second period was a complete contrast to the first with the young Darts really taking the match to the visitiors.
Rallied by skipper Wadeson and Solley Metchette in the middle of the park, they began to win a lot of second ball and had Ipplepen camped inside their own half for long periods.
From a couple of dangerous corners Dartmouth almost grabbed an equaliser but on the counter attack Ipplepen broke clear to make it 2-0 midway through the half.
Connor Elliott had a good chance to reduce the arrears late on but failed to get his shot away, and the final whistle brought to an end Darts' hopes of closing the gap on their title rivals.
This Sunday Dartmouth travel to Ugborough looking to bounce back, then they welcome Brixham to Longcross next Friday evening, once again under floodlights for a 7:15 pm kick-off.