Joint manager Martin McCarthy’s reaction to Dartford Women's title-winning season after victory over Saltdean United in a ‘Super Sunday’ showdown decider

Dartford clinched a league title last Sunday and will be playing Women’s National League football next season.

Having twice finished runners-up and been denied promotion in the previous two seasons, Darts secured top spot this time around with a ‘Super Sunday’ victory over their title rivals Saltdean United.

Ironically, league reorganisation would have meant promotion as one of the best runners-up at their level, but they were determined to finish the season on top of the pile, and Darts’ 1-0 win - thanks to Abbey Davies’ audacious long-range effort – was enough.

Manager Martin McCarthy - who runs the team jointly with Connor Dymond - spoke of their delight at securing the title and promotion to the fourth tier of the women’s game.

McCarthy said: “You talk about Super Sunday for the men's Premier League, but this was definitely a Super Sunday.

“We had won promotion but whoever won on Sunday was going to win the league and there was a huge crowd to watch.”

Victory the previous week against Dorking Wanderers had clinched promotion from the London & South East Regional Premier Division, but top spot was up for grabs at Hill Park Stadium, in front of the home side’s record attendance of over 500.

Dartford were playing into a strong wind in the first half, and the home side’s best chance came midway through, but Davies cleared the ball off the line.

Darts keeper Jade Charlton made a couple of good saves around the hour mark and the breakthrough came on 65 minutes when Davies’ strike from distance flew over the head of the Saltdean keeper.

The home side had a penalty appeal turned down late on and Dartford took the points and the title. Saltdean can still win promotion as one of the best runners-up with a win in their final