Dartford came away from their Ryman League Premier Division home clash against Waltham Abbey with all three points despite playing the whole second half with 10 men.

The scoreline was level at the break but Danny Dafter had been sent off after picking up two yellow cards, but Darts showed their character to extend their lead at the top to 11 points.

The hosts took the lead in the 18th minute when Rob Haworth's cross was touched past keeper Joe Taylor by Dafter.

Harry Elmes's long-range effort restored parity two minutes before half-time and things looked to be going from bad to worse for Tony Burman's men when Dafter saw red just a minute later.

But Dartford retook the lead five minutes into the second half when a fine move involving Ryan Hayes ended with Howarth powering a header past Taylor for what proved to be the winner.

As well as Dafter's dismissal, which is likely to lead to a two-match ban, Dartford lost the returning James White to another hamstring injury and Billy Burgess was also forced off hurt.