Dartford's play-off bid is back on after they defeated fellow hopefuls Maidenhead in National League South on Saturday.

First-half goals from Danny Harris and Elliot Bradbrook in the space of six minutes proved decisive.

With boss Tony Burman still absent from the dugout, the team was under the guidance of assistant Paul Sawyer again.

Both sides had early chances. Visiting keeper Carl Pentney had to tip over a Ryan Hayes right-foot cross while Maidenhead's Ryan Upward saw his right-foot shot deflected wide at the other end.

Bradbrook then met another Hayes delivery, this time a right-wing corner, but Pentney gathered his far-post header at the second attempt.

Maidenhead responded immediately but Mark Nisbet hooked over from close-range following another corner, one of many the visitors forced in the first half.

It was a half that changed when Pugh came off the bench to replace the injured Tom Bradbrook on 28 minutes.

His first touch instantly set up Nathan Ferguson who played in Harris, his goalbound right-foot shot forcing a fine save from Pentney.

Darts went ahead on 33 minutes when a long throw-in was not cleared and Harris expertly picked out the top corner with his right foot from 12 yards.

Within a minute, Dean Inman hauled back Pugh in the box and left referee Carl Brook with no option but to give the spot-kick despite protests from the visitors.

Skipper Elliot Bradbrook stepped up and found the bottom corner, even though Pentney guessing the right way.

The second half became disjointed with neither team having a serious attempt at goal until four minutes from time when Darts keeper Deren Ibrahim produced a stunning one-handed save to tip over James Comley's 20-yard left-foot shot.

It ensured there was to be no nervy finale for Dartford ahead of a big week in the play-off chase as they head to Truro on Tuesday night and Maidstone on Saturday.

Dartford: Ibrahim, Gardiner, Wynter, Vint, Wood, Ferguson, Hayes (Burns 88mins), E Bradbrook, T Bradbrook (Pugh 28mins), Cogan (Noble 75mins), Harris. Subs not used: Sykes, Dembele. Attendance: 877.