Ebbsfleet, red, took the spoils 2-1 against Dartford. Picture: Nick Johnson

By Graham Jones

Calum Willock's first-half penalty gave Ebbsfleet victory in the eagerly-awaited north Kent derby against Dartford at Stonebridge Road on Tuesday.

Willock netted the decisive goal from the spot to secure three Blue Square Bet South points after Darts skipper Elliot Bradbrook had cancelled out Derek Duncan’s opener for Fleet.

Dartford manager Tony Burman was absent with a flu bug and the visitors' misery was compounded by the sending-off of two players. Joe Bruce saw red for a professional foul that led to the match-winning penalty, before substitute James White was dismissed late on after a second yellow card.

Fleet took the lead after 10 minutes through a well-struck free-kick from Duncan. Michael West was brought down by Bruce and, while the Darts players were still organising their defensive wall, Duncan curled a superb shot beyond keeper Andrew Young and into the top corner of the net.

Darts equalised four minutes later through a free-kick of their own following a foul on Bradbrook. Ryan Hayes sent a deep free-kick into the Fleet area and Bradbrook headed home at the far post.

The game swung decisively in Fleet’s favour on the half-hour mark when Willock burst through on goal and was scythed down by Bruce. Referee Paul Harris produced a red card for Bruce, before Willock converted the 32nd-minute penalty.