Dartford started life back in Vanarama National League South with a narrow defeat at Hemel Hempstead on Saturday.

Michael Richens and Matty Harriott both went close for the home side before Oliver Hawkins rose to head Ben Herd's cross beyond Deren Ibrahim on 31 minutes.

Ibrahim did well to save another Hawkins effort moments later and as Dartford pushed men forward in the second half, the home side had opportunities on the break.

Hemel keeper Jamie Butler did well to prevent an own goal when a deflection off one of his own defenders looked to be heading in for a Dartford equaliser.

Dartford: Ibrahim, Vint, Gardiner, McNaughton, Onyemah, Harris (Hayes 63mins), Noble (Cogan 73mins), E Bradbrook, Simmons, T Bradbrook, Pugh (Sykes 70mins). Subs not used: Hamilton, Turner.

Attendance: 653.