Dartford started life in Isthmian Premier with three points - but they were made to work hard for their victory by 10-man Cray Valley on Saturday.

The Darts dominated the first half but were pegged back once Cray had a player sent-off, only for a stunning winner to ensure the Darts took the spoils.

There were six debutants in the Dartford line-up, including newly-signed right-back Sam Okoye, who impressed in pre-season.

There was nearly a dream start inside the first 20 seconds when front pair Olly Box and Callum Jones combined. The former laid the ball off before being clattered, referee Kane Dempster played a good advantage and Jones’ shot went narrowly wide of the post.

It was a bright start by Dartford, particularly Jones who was a constant threat throughout. Box headed Jones’ eighth-minute cross inches over and then a swift counter attack saw Jones and Box again link up. The ball perfectly for Jones, who showed composure to take his time before keeper Max Ovenden made an excellent save with his outstretched leg to deny him.

Cray’s Hassan Ibrahiym was booked for a foul on Okoye, who looked promising pushing forward, before skipper Josh Hill headed wide from a corner.

Dartford’s pressure was finally rewarded on 28 minutes when Box did brilliantly to create space down the left and cross for Jones, who pinned his marker before firing home on the turn to put the visitors ahead.

It was nearly 2-0 five minutes before the break when talented youngster Jeremiah Pinder’s first touch from a deep Jones cross was outstanding, he beat his man and then shot wide when his build-up play deserved a goal.

But one goal is always a slender lead and Cray remained in the contest. Hill conceded possession just before the break inside his own half and was nearly made to pay as Ibrahiym forced Kerbey into action.

The hosts then had strong appeals for a penalty turned down in stoppage time after Danny Waldren met a deep corner at the far post.

Kicking uphill, Cray started the second half in positive fashion but their hopes of getting back into the game were dealt a major blow on 49 minutes when they were reduced to 10 men. Ibrahiym looked harshly penalised for a 50/50 challenge with Luther Williams - and even more so when the yellow card came out.

The decision seemed to spark Cray Valley, who looked the better side as Andre Coker twice went close, forcing a save from Kerbey from 20 yards.

Spirited Cray were level just past the hour mark in controversial circumstances. Referee Dempster spoke to Kerbey and Cray striker Freddie Parker before the ball was delivered in by Barney Williams. But - to the amazement of the Dartford fans - he then failed to spot Parker clearly pull back the shirt of Kerbey. The ball went over the keeper’s head as a result and was bundled in by Tom Chambers.

They were on level terms for nine minutes until a goal out of nothing put Dartford 2-1 ahead. A ball into Jones was laid back twice and fell for Denzelle, who struck a brilliant first-time right-foot shot bending beyond Ovenden from 30 yards.

Cray substitute Cem Tumkaya sent a looping header onto the roof of the net from a deep free-kick and Lyle Della-Verde nearly scored with his first touch, his 20-yard shot forcing Kerbey into action.

But Dartford held out and started their season with a confidence-boosting victory.

Cray Valley: Ovenden, Williams, Chambers (Tumkaya 75mins), Lee, Oshilaja, Gayle (Asiedu 75mins), Parker (Barrington 67mins), Coker (Ademiluyi 59mins), Vigor (Della-Verde 82mins), Waldren, Ibrahiym.

Dartford: Kerbey, Odaudu, Hill, Whitefield, Jones, Olopade, Box (Allen 73mins), Okoye (Nayler 82mins), Williams, Christian-Law, Pinder. Subs not used: Atkinson, Apat, Campbell.

Referee: Kane Dempster.

Attendance: 784.