Dartford 4 Cray Valley 3 match report: Isthmian Premier play-off semi-final turned after Crossley Lema red card, goals from Samir Carruthers, Sam Odaudu, Hayden Bullas and George Whitefield saw Dartford through

Dartford staged a remarkable recovery to keep their season alive with a dramatic play-off win over Cray Valley on Wednesday night.

The Darts looked down and out with just over 20 minutes left as they trailed Cray 2-0 in the Isthmian Premier play-off semi-final.

But one moment of madness from Cray defender Crossley Lema turned the game in an instant and the Darts forced extra-time against 10 men before progressing to Monday's final.

It was cruel on Cray who were gunning for back-to-back promotions after an excellent first season at Step 3.

After four successive play-off defeats, it was a welcome victory for Dartford who still have one hurdle left to jump if they are to make an immediate return to National League South.

Dartford talisman Samir Carruthers was only fit enough for a place on the bench while Michael Olarewaju missed out through suspension.

Cray started brightest and gave the Darts early notice of intent from a sixth-minute corner. Danny Waldren's run to the far post was untracked and Crossley Lema's effort from the header down was cleared by George Whitefield off the line.

Dartford didn't learn their lesson, though. The resulting corner from Tom Beere again found Waldren unmarked at the far post and his goalbound header seemed to be turned in from close range by Freddie Parker, although it was Waldren who initially got the credit in the stadium.

Shellshocked Dartford nearly conceded again on nine minutes but they were able to hack the ball clear after keeper Jacob Marsden pushed out a Denzel Gayle shot.

Dartford skipper Josh Hill tried to inspire his troops, shooting high and wide from 35 yards on 15 minutes, before Callum Jones' appeals for a penalty were rightly waved away by referee Daniel Blades. Sam Okoye