Dartford got back to winning ways with early goals in either half against Chippenham on Saturday.

Two midfielders were on the scoresheet as the hosts consolidated second spot in National League South, although they still trail leaders Ebbsfleet by eight points.

After three league games without a win, Darts boss Alan Dowson no doubt wanted a fast start and he got his wish with the opening goal after just 66 seconds.

Luke Coulson delivered with accuracy from the left wing and Jack Smith volleyed home beyond keeper Will Henry.

The rest of the first half failed to live up to the beginning, though. Chippenham are fighting for National League South survival but they looked organised enough in defence with seasoned pros including Henry and Will Richard again providing stubborn opposition.

Dartford lacked pace to get behind so they needed precision, but when there was the opportunity to thread a ball through they failed to deliver.

Tom Mehew had two chances for Chippenham, the first warmed the palms of debutant keeper Ben Dudzinski and the second went high and wide.

It also needed an excellent piece of defending by Maxwell Statham to deny Alex Bray a far-post tap-in from Luke Russe’s centre.

At the other end, Coulson volleyed wide from Charlie Sheringham’s nod down before Statham headed off target as he met Coulson’s cross following a short corner.

Dartford lost Sheringham to injury early in the second half but they doubled their lead on 54 minutes. Statham overlapped down the right and crossed for Luke Allen to arrive and finish for his fourth goal of the season.

Chippenham then enjoyed their best spell of the game. The offside flag denied Luke Russe a goal back on the hour but the visitors failed to test Dudzinski, who had little to do between the sticks.

Chances were again limited late on with Darts happy to see the game out and collect all three points while keeping a clean sheet.

• Reaction: 'We want to improve ourselves and we want to improve the club'

Dartford: Dudzinski, Statham, Essam, Bonner, Meade, Wynter, Allen (Murtagh 80mins), Smith, Coulson, Carruthers (Napa 73mins), Sheringham (Fonkeu 52mins). Subs not used: Wilks, Campbell.

Chippenham: Henry, Simpson, Hamilton, Richards, McClure, Bray, Windsor (Fasanmade 65mins), Hanks (Bradbury 76mins), Mehew, Russe (Santos 83mins), King. Subs not used: Gunner, Tizzard.

Referee: Abigail Byrne.

Attendance: 947.