Broadmeadow under 16s 0,

Dartmouth AFC under 16s 1

On a very bumpy pitch and in windy conditions the young Darts had to stick together and battle well to grind out a hard fought 1-0 victory.

Playing up the slope and against the strong wind in the first half, the back four of Charlie Blair, Archie Irvine, Ryan Burrows and Joe Turner were superb and along with the very impressive Aaron Mor­rison between the sticks, they handled everything that was thrown at them.

The midfield duo of skipper Liam Wadeson and Solley Metchette both worked hard to slowly gain the upper hand and managed to provide some service to the strikers.

A lovely four-man move involving Brad Williams, Wadeson and Tom Matthews allowed Connor Elliott to get a shot away, which was well saved by the Broadmeadow 'keeper.

The introduction of Jamie Burrows almost had an immediate effect as the lightning winger picked up possession just inside his own half before dribbling through five home players and shooting inches wide of the target.

Kieran Doyle was also introduced midway through the half to shore up the tiring defence and it was an achievement in itself that the score line remained goalless at the break.

Dartmouth enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the second half, but Morrison was still kept busy early on as he made two wonderful stops to preserve his second clean sheet in as many games. Jake Lawrence, on at left-back, linked up well with Williams down the left flank, who caused all sorts of problems for the hosts.

First he dropped his shoulder and let fly with a drive which unfortunately flew straight at the 'keeper, then set up Matthews who could only shoot wide when well positioned.

A cross from Blair was then controlled expertly on the chest by Cameron Webb, who swivelled to volley a thumping shot past the bemused 'keeper, only to see it rebound back off the crossbar.

With 15 minutes re­maining the Dartmouth pressure finally paid off as they grabbed the only goal of the game.

A long throw-in from Irvine was launched into the six-yard box, flicked on at the front post by Williams and headed home bravely from close range by Webb.

The Dartmouth coaches were full of praise for their players at the final whistle, in what was their last away game of the season.

The young Darts finish off with three massive home games, starting with the local derby against KM United at Longcross this Sunday morning, kick-off is 11am and as always all support is very welcome.