Photography by Keeran KDM Photography Limited
Match report written by Baily Shorter
The last time these two sides met at Princes Park, Dartford ran out emphatic 4–0 winners. This time, under the lights for a Tuesday night clash, the atmosphere was tense. The football was cagey in a gripping draw, with both clubs eyeing to pick up from where they left off last season.
From the first whistle, the stakes were obvious, two sides desperate to prove themselves against a promotion rival. The opening ten minutes saw Dartford’s number 9, Dan Smith, hit a well-struck volley that flew just over the bar.
Dartford gradually gained control and broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. A looping long throw into the box was flicked on and met by Ollie Box, whose precise volley found the net to give the hosts a deserved lead. The game started to heat up with both sides clashing on the pitch and in the dugout after an altercation in Billericay’s six-yard box.
The home side nearly doubled their advantage in the 40th minute when Callum Jones raced through and forced a sharp near post save from Sam Donkin in the Billericay Town goal.
The second half told a different story. Billericay emerged the brighter and more dominant side after Gary McCann made a triple substitution. In the 60th minute substitute Liam Nash reacted quickest to a rebound, placing the ball into the back of the net to level the contest.
Billericay could have snatched all three points in the closing stages when Matty Johnsons cross found Nash at the backstick. His effort was brilliantly saved by Jonny Henly.
Deep into stoppage time, Elliot Long went agonisingly close, stabbing the ball just wide from close range.
The match wasn’t without its flashpoints, with a few scrappy exchanges between players and coaching staff, adding to the fiery atmosphere.
In the end, neither side could find the decisive moment to blow their opponents away and take home three points. A cagey Tuesday night affair from start to finish.