Truro City ended their first season in the Conference South with a 1-1 draw at home to promotion-chasing Dartford.

Both sides went into Saturday's match with nothing to play for; Dartford had already secured a play-off place and Truro City had been assured of survival a week before.

However a crowd of 751 supporters turned up to watch the season finale and Lee Hodges side were keen to put in a good display to end what has been a turbulent yet successful campaign.

Dartford, who fielded a full strength side as they get ready for the Conference South play-offs, started the better forcing Tim Sandercombe into two early saves.

At the other end Louis Wells was not tested in the first half, although Martin Gritton had a shot deflected wide and Andy Watkins blazed an effort over the crossbar.

Dartford continued to press in the second-half as Danny Harris and Adam Green fired off-target.

Jacob Erskine then missed a guilt-edged chance as he shot over the top, with the goal wide open.

Andy Watkins hit back for Truro has he jinked his was past a challenge and forced an excellent saves out of Dartford keeper Wells.

Then Hayles looked to have sprung a shock three minutes from time when a defensive error allowed him in to fire past Wells for the opening goal.

However, Dartford spoilt City’s end of season party moments later when Erskine fired a well-placed shot past Sanderocmbe in the third minute of stoppage time.

However, City boss Lee Hodges was not too disappointed after the match, saying Dartford were a tough opposition to face.

“I thought Dartford were a really good team - better than champions Woking, in fact - and so we did very well to take a point off them,” he said.

“The fact that we also beat them away earlier in the season once again underlines our potential, for all the difficulties we’ve had this season. I don’t think we deserved to win on Saturday, but the way the game was going it began to look as if we could sneak the points.

“To concede the equaliser right at the death just about summed up our season. We’ve had no problem creating chances and scoring, but we’ve shipped far too many goals - nearly two a game and the second highest in the league after Thurrock. “If you take away 20 of those goals, there would have been a lot more points to be had. So we must work on that in the close season and maybe bring in one or two players defensively. Defenders taking responsibility and marking their men has been our downfall.

“On Saturday, we battled hard and dug in deep. Maybe I should have done things differently in the closing minutes - keep the ball in the corner instead of sending over crosses - but the pressure was off and there was nothing to play for except pride. “I can’t thank the boys enough for all they’ve done this season, along with all the staff from the top down and all the fans who have been absolutely fantastic. This is a very special group of people. Everyone has worked fantastically hard.”