Dartford midfielder Lee Noble thinks the race for promotion will become a lot clearer over the Christmas period.

Darts host Braintree on Saturday at Princes Park before a double-header derby with Welling in National League South.

There are just three points between leaders Dartford and Truro in seventh spot with no side standing out from the crowd.

“We’ve had opportunities to go and do it ourselves but it’s been hard,” admitted Noble.

“We’re at the halfway point of the season now, so there’s a long way to go.

“Someone has normally gone clear in the lead by now but there’s three points.

“Over the next three games during the Christmas period I think you’ll see a change in the standings.

“There’s some good games coming up. If we get a win on Saturday and then go into the games against Welling, we’ve always done well against them.”

Darts came from 2-0 down to take a point off Braintree in the opening week of the season and Noble – who has put last season’s run of injuries behind him – is looking forward to the division’s leading scorers going head-to-head again.

He added: “There should be some goals. Braintree will be a good game for us and hopefully we can collect the win.

“We drew 2-2 there in the league and should have won it with the last kick of the game.

“The team that goes out there will always give their best. We’ve just been unlucky in the last few games.”

Darts were due to assess Noble’s calf last night (Thursday) after he picked up an injury in the warm-up during Tuesday’s FA Trophy replay.