SOMETIMES in football the scoreline doesn't reflect the true nature of the match and Tonbridge Angels' 2-0 defeat by runaway leaders Dartford on Tuesday evening, is a prime example.

After weathering the home side's initial onslaught, thanks to goalkeeper Lee Worgan's agility, and silencing the expectant Darts supporters, Angels finished the stronger of the two teams going into half-time.

Dartford looked like they had run out of ideas in the early stages of the second half and Angels were on top, but Allan Tait's rather fortuitous opening goal in the 57th minute changed the complexion of the match and substitute Danny Harris' strike five minutes from time sealed the win.

Manager Tommy Warrilow, who clocked up his 100th match as Angels boss on Tuesday, felt his side should have come away from Princes Park with something to show for their efforts.

"I honestly thought we were the better side," Warrilow reflected. "They started well and had a few chances, but after that I thought we worked hard and played well.

"We had some great deliveries from set-pieces, probably the best so far this season, but couldn't capitalise.

"We got into some great areas, you don't get there by accident, but for some reason the wide boys don't seem to want to put in. This is something we will be working on hard in training, getting our runs right and making sure we hit the target.

"I am disappointed, but we have competed against the team top of the league and didn't look out of place.

"We have just got to get that little bit of luck, which we don't seem to be getting at the moment."

Warrilow was very happy with the performance of debutant Mark Cumberbatch, signed earlier in the day from Hendon, and is now looking for his side to put together a good run in the league.

There were changes from the team that lost to Bromley with Cumberbatch taking Tom Bryant's place in central defence and Paul Booth returning upfront, replacing Jamie Cade.

Dartford nearly made the perfect start after just two minutes, when Tait found space in the penalty area, but Worgan denied him with his legs and he did well to repel Jamie Day's left-footed shot from the edge of the area, 16 minutes in.

Angels began to get a foothold in the match after the early pressure and started to move the ball about well, with Kirk Watts and Steve Ferguson looking dangerous on the flanks.

Lee Burns thought he had given Dartford the lead in the 22nd minute when he beat Lee Worgan to a high ball and put the ball into the net, but according to the linesman he used his hand so the goal was chalked off.

He was booked by referee Wade Norcott, who put in an inconsistent display throughout the 90 minutes.

Angels finished the half strongly as Gavyn Dayes brought the best out of Andrew Young from an Anthony Storey corner and Adam Flanagan was lucky not to be punished, after he appeared to bring down Lee Minshull with the midfielder was bearing down on goal. The opening 10 minutes of the second half saw Angels continue to pressurise the home side, but just when it looked like Dartford had run out of ideas, they struck.

Dartford won the ball in midfield and broke quickly with Day playing in Burns down the right. With Angels scrambling to get back, Burns returned the ball back to Day, but he couldn't get on the end of the pass. It fell at the feet of Elliot Bradbrook, who miscued his shot badly, luckily it came to Burns and he picked out Tait, who couldn't miss from six-yards out.

Angels responded with a number of chances from set pieces as Jon Heath and substitute Bryant headed over the bar and Storey shot straight at Young with 14 minutes to go.

Dartford should have had a penalty when Bryant brought down Ryan Hayes in the area, but referee Norcott decided the challenge was legitimate - although it looked a stonewall penalty to most in the ground. Harris sealed the win for Dartford when he curled his shot past Worgan and off the post to send his side 11 points clear at the summit.

Saturday's FA Trophy match at Sutton is next for Angels, which has segregation measures in place for away supporters, and live updates will be available from 2.45pm by visiting www.thisiskent.co.uk/livematchupdates.

Angels will play Whitstable Town in the Ryman League Cup at home, with the tie to be played on the week commencing November 9.