Dartford 1 Havant & Waterlooville 1 match report: Ade Azeez misses first-half penalty

A missed penalty proved crucial as Dartford were held at home by Havant in National League South on Saturday.

Ade Azeez saw his spot-kick saved before the break as Darts missed a chance to make up ground on the two teams above them in the title race.

A wind going straight down the pitch played a key role in the game against a combative Havant side who always posed a threat in the air.

Dartford had the first chance as early as the third minute but Connor Essam lacked power at the far post from a deep Jack Jebb corner.

Havant thought they’d taken the lead on 16 minutes. Good work by Billy Clifford saw his right-wing cross headed down by Manny Duku for Stefan Payne to convert at close range, but the offside flag cut short their celebrations.

Dartford went ahead on 27 minutes, another excellent delivery by Jebb found Kory Roberts at the far post and he headed back across goal beyond the reach of keeper Ross Worner for his first goal for the club.

The home side lost George Porter to injury on the half-hour, and quickly lost their lead when Havant levelled on 33 minutes, Alex Wall turning the ball home following a left-wing delivery against his former club.

Wall, who escaped without a card for an earlier robust challenge, went into the book for a foul on Connor Essam.

Substitute Kristian Campbell, on for his debut after signing from Welling, almost created a chance for Marcus Dinanga as he drove through the heart of the away defence but Joe Newton prevented a clear sight of goal.

Darts had a glorious chance to go ahead four minutes before the break when Azeez turned his man on the edge of the box and was fouled by Benny Read as he lined up a shot at goal. Referee Callum Walchester opted not to show a card of any colour, but