Darts, white shirts, suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ebbsfleet. Picture: Nick Johnson.

By Graham Jones

Dartford suffered a disappointing north Kent derby after two players were sent off in their 2-1 defeat at Ebbsfleet.

Calum Willock's first-half penalty gave Fleet the win after Darts skipper Elliot Bradbrook had cancelled out Derek Duncan’s opener for Fleet.

Joe Bruce saw red for a professional foul that led to the match-winning penalty, before substitute James White was dismissed late on after a second yellow card for a foul on Duncan.

Dartford’s pre-match preparations were hit by the absence of manager Tony Burman, who was missing due to a flu bug, and Fleet took the lead after just 10 minutes through a well-struck free-kick from Duncan. Michael West was brought down by Bruce and, while the Darts players were still organising their defensive wall, Duncan curled a superb shot beyond keeper Andrew Young.

Darts responded four minutes later through a free-kick of their own following a foul on Bradbrook. Ryan Hayes sent a deep free-kick into the Fleet area and Bradbrook headed home at the far post.

The game swung decisively in Fleet’s favour on the half-hour mark when Willock burst through on goal and was scythed down by Bruce. Referee Paul Harris produced a red card for Bruce, before Willock converted the 32nd-minute penalty.