The spoils were shared at the Deva Stadium on Saturday when Dartford held Chester to a goalless draw.

Both sides had chances to win the game but the Darts will have been happy to return home with a point, having travelled to the north-west with a depleted squad.

Mat Mitchel-King missed out through injury, while Tyrone Sterling and Max Cornhill were also absent. Manager Tony Burman didn't make the trip either, for family reasons.

It was left to Nathan Collier to deputise alongside Kenny Clark at centre-back and he put in a terrific performance.

Darts goalkeeper Alan Julian, meanwhile, pulled off good saves to deny Chester's Alex Titchiner on more than one occasion.

Ryan Hayes curled an effort just wide at the other end but the home side kept pressing.

Paul Linwood and Nathan Turner both sent headers just past the post from close-range.

Dartford skipper Elliot Bradbrook set up Hayes for an effort which flashed wide as the first half ended goalless.

After the break, play became more disjointed although Bradbrook did go close to breaking the deadlock from 20 yards.

Former Stoke defender Danny Higginbotham almost won the game for Chester but his header was well blocked by Clark.

Both sides had goals ruled out for offside in the closing stages but had to settle for a point each.

Dartford host Nuneaton Town in The Skrill Premier on Saturday.

Dartford: Julian; Burns, Clark, Collier, Fry; Hayes (Rogers 89mins), Woodyard, Bradbrook, Noble, Harris; Birchall. Subs not used: Monger, Vint, Prior, Ibemere.

Attendance: 2,587.