Cray Wanderers 2 Dartford 2 match report: Isthmian Premier leaders Dartford drop to third after being held in derby

Dartford’s destiny is no longer in their own hands after they were held by neighbours Cray Wanderers on Monday.

A record crowd at Flamingo Park of 2,088 saw the Darts denied victory in Isthmian Premier.

It means Dartford go into the final day of the season on Saturday relying on both Billericay and Horsham to slip up if they are to win automatic promotion.

Dartford boss Ady Pennock made one change from the side that beat Dover on Good Friday with Samir Carruthers replaced by Louis Dunne as his team started the day on top of the table.

Cray. now under the charge of Tim O’Shea after Neil Smith’s exit to Crawley, were always a danger with pace in attack and both full-backs looked to join in.

Left-back Darion Dowrich forced an early save from Darts keeper Jacob Marsden while Michael Olarewaju was booked for a foul on the edge of his box. Then right-back Ike Orji was next to advance, whistling a 25-yard right-foot shot inches past the upright.

Dartford started to settle and Dunne hit the bar after Denzelle Olopade crossed from the right before Callum Jones was unable to turn in the loose ball.

Skipper Josh Hill headed back a deep free-kick for George Whitefield, who was unable to get a strong connection with his finish, before an excellent save by keeper Shaun Rowley denied the excellent Olopade the opener.

But Dartford’s pressure paid off on 31 minutes when a long throw-in was kept alive and the loose ball was eventually turned home by Jones.

Cray responded, however, and Joshua Williams was denied by a combination of Marsden and Sam Okoye after being played in by Soul Kader.

The equaliser arrived on 39 minutes when Olarewaju fouled Quade Taylor in the box and Frankie Raymond stepped up to convert the penalty.

Cray were