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Dartford made hard work of their F.A. Cup match against their Hellenic League opposition but eventually earned a place in the Third Qualifying Round.

Things started very brightly for the Darts and in the opening minute, Mal Pointer, back in the side after returning from holiday, had a shot from just outside of the penalty area which Abingdon's goalkeeper, Carl Wilkins did well to turn over the crossbar for a corner. Just a minute later, Dartford did take the lead when Chris Arnold could not reach a cross from the right from Tom Adlington but striking partner, Lee Guiver, was on hand to glance a header home from close range.

Although the Darts seemed in control of the game, they found themselves going in at half time a goal down. After 28 minutes, a cross from the right was neatly flicked on by Mark Simms and Chris Watkins nipped in between Dartford defenders to slide the ball into the net.

Right on the stroke of half-time, Simms got to the by-line and drew Steve Williams out of goal before laying a square pass to Wayne Harbery who had an easy job to place the ball in the roof of the Dartford net.

The Darts managed to draw level early into the second half and in the 52nd minute, following good work by Arnold in the penalty area, he slotted a pass through to the unmarked Guiver who sidefooted home from six yards out.

Dartford scored what turned out to be the winning goal after 65 minutes when Guiver's persistence was rewarded when he crossed from the left and under pressure from Pointer, Wilkins spilled the ball and Arnold made no mistake and fired home from ten yards out.

The Darts were unlucky not to increase their lead when Wilkins tipped a long-range effort from Pointer around a post after 78 minutes. Three minutes from the end of time, the visiting goalkeeper tipped over another long-range effort from Nick Barnes. Although the visitors threw everything at the Dartford goal in their quest for an equaliser, the Darts managed to keep them out to earn a place in the next round.

Dartford: Williams, Adlington, Evans, Scott, L. Morrish, Roberts, Barnes, Guiver, A. Morrish (Usherwood 45mins), Arnold and Pointer (Cole 82 mins). Subs not used: Holbrook, Brown and S. Johns.

Attendance 165.