It wasn't pretty but the three points are all that matters and the Blues have taken another significant step towards survival.

Gareth Seddon smashed home the only goal of the game as Steve Burr's men prevailed in the ultimate six-pointer at Princes Park.

Victory extends the visitors unbeaten run to five league games and they have now amassed 11 points from a possible 15, putting distance between themselves and the bottom four.

Crucially that run includes wins over two relegation rivals and the Blues have yet to lose against any of the five sides below them in the league - a record that could be telling come the end of the season.

Left back Joe Heath returned to the Blues side with Ricky Bridge dropping to the bench and Nathan Turner made his first league start since mid-November with Jason Jarrett banned.

Home boss Tony Burman made one change from the 3-0 defeat at Southport with Tyrone Sterling coming in for Nathan Collier.

Dartford had the first chance of the game on two minutes when Alex Wall broke down the right and pulled the ball back but strike partner Danny Harris was unable to connect.

With so much riding on the game it was no surprise that the hosts started the stronger but there were no further chances in a poor opening 20 minutes with nerves getting the better of both teams.

Things failed to get much better as the half wore on and although the visitors were rarely troubled the Blues lacked the fluency and flair that had been on show over the past few games.

As in the reverse fixture back in September, the hosts were happy to take the direct approach with the back four knocking the ball up to Wall and Harris quickly.

Burr shouted encouragement from the touchline and urged his side to 'switch on' but most neutrals watching the game on BT Sport were more likely to be 'switching off'.

Lewis Turner and Andy Bond put decent crosses into the box but with nobody attacking the ball home stopper Alan Julian was not called into action.

Aaron Chapman in the Blues goal enjoyed a trouble-free opening 45 minutes too with neither required to make a save before half time.

Those hoping for an improvement in the second period didn't have to wait too long as the Blues created two good opportunities in quick succession.

Julian rushed out well to deny Matty Taylor after Rooney had put the in-form striker through and Gareth Seddon missed a golden chance seconds later heading over from two yards out.

Seddon made amends for his miss on 51 minutes when he fired the Blues in front.

Andy Bond sent the ball forward and Sterling got himself in a mess attempting to mop up allowing Seddon to fire home an emphatic opener from the edge of the area.

Having found some energy the visitors took the game by the scruff of the neck and Taylor sent a low shot wide of the post on the hour mark.

Darts boss Burman shook things up and threw on Lee Noble as the home side looked to get back into the game.

His changes worked as Wall pounced on a mistake by the excellent Paul Linwood but on-loan keeper Chapman did brilliantly to prevent an equaliser.

Sub Noble then forced Chapman into a good stop down low as the home side began to press.

Dartford had a penalty shout turned down on 66 minutes when Harris went to ground under pressure from Ross Killock but the young defender looked to have done everything right and referee Kevin Johnson agreed.

Rooney fired wide from the corner of the 18 yard box and Seddon header over as the game opened up going into the final 15 minutes.

Dartford threw on Mikel Suarez and Nathan Collier and the latter put a great ball into the box but Wall was unable to get enough on his shot to trouble Chapman.

Noble came closest to levelling on 86 minutes with a low strike that looked destined for the bottom corner but Chapman got down brilliantly to palm the ball behind.

With the clock running down the Blues began to show signs of nervousness and the home side became increasingly desperate but there was to be no late drama and a deserved and precious three points headed back up the motorway.

Dartford: Julian, Burns, Mitchel-King, McAuley, Sterling, Woodyard (Noble 63), Stevenson (Collier 82), Cornhill (Suarez 74), Bradbrook, Wall, Harris.

Subs: Clark, Ibrahim.           

Chester FC: Chapman, L Turner, Killock, Linwood, Heath, Rooney, Bond, N Turner, Mahon (Lindfield 90), Taylor (Daniels 90), Seddon.

Subs: Danby, Bridge, Menagh.

Goal: Seddon 51.

Booked: Killock.

Referee: Kevin Johnson (Somerset)

Attendance: 1,610.