National League South round-up as Dartford suffer National League South relegation after 3-1 weekend loss at champions Yeovil

Dartford have been relegated from National League South.

The Darts were beaten 3-1 by champions Yeovil in front of a crowd of 5,701 at Huish Park.

Captain Luke Coulson gave Ady Pennock’s side a dream start with his second goal in as many games in the fifth minute after good work by young midfielder Olly Box - only for the Glovers to reply four minutes later.

But Mark Cooper’s men went ahead before half-time and, although Leyton Orient loanee goalkeeper Rhys Byrne saved a controversial second-half penalty to keep the Darts in the match, a mistake by defender Maxwell Statham allowed Yeovil to get a clinching third.

On social media, a Dartford spokesman wrote: “Today’s defeat confirms our relegation from the National League South.

“We would like to thank the fans for their support through an incredibly tough season.

“The fans make this club and we will come back from this stronger.”

It’s a shock relegation for Dartford who had challenged for National League promotion and reached the play-offs in three of the past five years - including just last season!

Relegated Dover’s place at the foot of the table was also confirmed with a 1-0 loss at play-off occupants Hampton & Richmond Borough. The only goal of the match came on the hour mark from a home corner.

Maidstone’s hopes of home advantage in the play-offs were dealt a big blow as they suffered a shock 3-1 defeat to Truro City.

It was Truro’s sixth game in nine days as they bid to complete a campaign plagued with postponements by next Saturday.

But they ended the Stones’ eight-match unbeaten streak. Defender Raphe Brown got his second goal in three games in injury time for Maidstone - shortly after he had given away a penalty.

George Elokobi’s troops are fifth with just one