Dartford 5 Welling 1: Five star Dartford take top spot after thrashing Welling

Dartford went top of the table after handing a thrashing to rivals Welling at Princes Park on Tuesday night.

The Darts led 3-0 at the break and while Welling threatened a comeback early in the second half, a delightful Jack Smith finish restored the home side's dominance.

Both sides made two changes to their teams from the weekend with Luke Coulson and Davide Roadari replacing Samir Carruthers and Charlie Sheringham for the hosts.

It took Dartford just 11 minutes to get their noses in front. Welling had already successfully cleared two early corners but it was third time lucky when Coulson's far-post delivery saw Josh Johnson's first effort saved by Kyle McKenzie-Lyle and Pierre Fonkeu was on hand to slam the ball into the roof of the net.

Heavy rain and a swirling wind midway through the first half made conditions tough for both sides but Dartford were trying to cash in, Coulson's low drive was well saved by McKenzie-Lyle.

The conditions may have played a part in Dartford's second goal just before the half-hour. The impressive Johnson's stunning right-foot shot was too difficult for McKenzie-Lyle to gather and Rodari reacted quickest to the loose ball.

The game was all but up for Welling, who lacked any real threat in attack, six minutes before half-time when they conceded a third goal. Coulson's near-post corner was met by Max Statham, whose lovely first-time volley left McKenzie-Lyle rooted.

Welling made a double change at the break and were handed a lifeline eight minutes into the second half when Darts keeper Joe Young's clearance hit Ade Azeez, who had closed him down and looped into the vacant goal.

It should have been 3-2 on the hour but Young somehow redeemed himself with a stunning save to deny skipper Jamie