An excellent close competitive game of football highlighted what fine lines separate winning and losing. On a cold but thankfully dry afternoon a venue switch saw the game played at The Leigh Academy, there was certainly plenty of grass on the pitch, which ideally could have done with a cut, but as always the same for both sides.

Darts enjoyed the better of the opening period in the first half, Samantha Sharp in the Cray goal made a good save early on. Darts then took the lead after 23 minutes through a penalty after a foul in the box, Cray having lost possession as they tried to clear. Darts were on top although Cray did create chances, first a good run and shot from Sara Llewellyn and then Katie Jackson broke through only to be brought down, a foul leading to a booking for the Darts defender. A Lauren Henry cross found the head of Danielle De Souza but the keeper was on hand to save. Darts then went close themselves, a shot wizzing past the post. Half Time Darts lead 1-0.

Whereas the first half had seen the Darts in the ascendency, Cray were much more positive in the second and enjoyed greater possession as they went in search of an equaliser. Claire Goldsmith had a shot blocked and Lucy Robertson from the rebound forced the keeper to make a save. Cray equalised on the hour, an excellent strike from Llewellyn finding the back of the net. Four minutes later Llewellyn saw her shot saved by the keeper.

The winning goal for the Darts came on 81 minutes, a bit of a scramble ensued in the six yard box as first Sharp in goal had made a good block and with Cray defender Lia Morphitis on the floor the Darts striker managed to get the all important touch to force the ball over the line. `

In the final couple of minutes Cray went agonisingly close as the ball fell in the six yard box to Jackson but with what appeared an open goal her shot seemed to lift over the bar. Always easy from the side line of course. Fine lines indeed.

The win for the Darts certainly makes for an interesting three way chase for the title along with Baldon Sports. Whilst games in hand puts others in a strong position Cray will not rule themselves out as we all know football is about fine lines and whose to say there won't be a few more twists and turns in the run in. Next Sunday sees Cray back at Oxford Road for a home fixture v Castle Colts, kick off 2pm.

Cray Line Up: Sharp, Henry, D'Urso, Feagan, Morphitis, Jackson, Blanche (capt), Goldsmith, Robertson, Llewellyn, De Souza , Subs (roll on roll off) Chenery, Sales, Atkins, Hicks, Colby

SECWFL Division 1 East
Current Table - Top Three
1. Cray Valley P13 W9 D2 L2 GD +16 PTS 29
2. Baldon Sports P12 W9 D1 L2 GD +35 PTS 28
3. Dartford Reserves P11 W8 D0 L3 GD +32 PTS 24