Iffy Allen scored the winner as Maidstone finally held on to a lead against Dartford to reach the FA Trophy first round.

The Stones had blown a 2-0 cushion in the league clash 10 days ago and were twice pegged back in the first Trophy meeting on Saturday.

But they got the job done in the replay with Allen, one of three Stones changes, scoring the only goal in the second half.

Dartford, with Laurent Mendy replacing Ryan Hayes in their only switch, had the best of a goalless first half.

They regularly looked to get Luke Wanadio in up the right and the winger had some joy, sticking over a couple of dangerous balls to test the Stones defence.

On the other flank, Ky Marsh Brown also showed his crossing ability with a good ball to the back post that was nodded back across goal by Wanadio to Luke Allen, with George Elokobi making the block.

Elokobi also denied Elliott Romain at close range when Saturday’s two-goal man met a knockdown from Ronnie Vint towards the end of the half, while Ryan Johnson’s well-timed challenge thwarted Marsh Brown in the box.

As for Maidstone, Jake Embery, making his first start of the season in place of the injured Ibby Akanbi, had virtually no service in the opening 45.

Allen barely got a touch on the right (that was to change) although Dan Wishart made some progress down the left, setting up Saidou Khan, whose shot hit his own man in a rare opening for the Stones.

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Romain had a shot cleared off the line just after the break with Mark Smith off his line sharply to deny Matt McClure as Maidstone countered.

Dartford were on top when United took the lead against the run of play in the 59th minute.

Khan picked up a loose ball in his own half and travelled a good 40 yards before feeding Allen who finished off the inside of the far post from around the edge of the area.

Darren McQueen fired wide from Andy Pugh’s through ball as Darts, having fought back in both the league game and the first Trophy tie, looked to do so again.

They had plenty of the ball as the minutes ticked away, and a couple of near-misses from goalmouth scrambles, followed by a brave save from Jake Cole at the feet of Luke Allen.

Dartford: Smith, Marsh Brown (Brodie 77mins), Mendy, Vint, Hill, Bonner, Wanadio, Allen (Edmunson 90+3), Pugh (Hayes 74mins), Romain, McQueen. Subs not used: Sesay, Sargeant, Evans, Walsh.

Maidstone: Cole, Hoyte, Johnson, Elokobi, Chesmain, Marshall (James 25mins), Khan (Kamdjo 79mins), Allen, McClure, Wishart, Embery (Edwards 69mins). Subs not used: Pennell, Kyei, Amaluzor, Lewington.

Attendance: 701.

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