Dartford's survival hopes suffered a blow on Saturday when they lost to fellow strugglers Southport.

Only one point separated the sides before kick-off but the Darts are now three from safety in the Skrill Premier relegation dogfight.

And their televised home game against fifth-bottom Chester on Friday night now looks like a must-win.

Tony Burman's side fell behind after just 12 minutes on Saturday. Yamen Osawe got past Mat Mitchel-King (pictured) and crossed low for Danny Hattersley to score.

The visitors then lost Mitchel-King to injury and Southport went close to doubling their lead through Jason Walker, John O'Sullivan and Osawe.

Dartford were still in the game with 20 minutes left but then they conceded two goals in the space of seven minutes.

Walker finished off a rapid counter-attack to make it 2-0, before the Sandgrounders made sure of the points when Osawe pounced to score after Dartford had failed to clear a corner.