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Dartford manager Ady Pennock says team are ‘different animal’ to side which lost 4-0 at Billericay Town ahead of this weekend’s top-of-the-table Isthmian Premier game at Princes Park

Manager Ady Pennock feels Dartford are “a different animal now” to the side which lost at Billericay earlier this season ahead of this weekend’s top-of-the-table match.

The red-hot Darts, sitting in the play-off positions in fourth, will face a massive test, as the Isthmian Premier leaders visit Princes Park.

Samir Carruthers - was heavily involved in last weekend’s 2-1 win at Wingate & Finchley. Picture: Randolph File
Samir Carruthers - was heavily involved in last weekend’s 2-1 win at Wingate & Finchley. Picture: Randolph File

Dartford lost 4-0 in Essex in early October during a six-match winless streak.

The Darts have only been beaten twice since, though, and are on a seven-game winning run - as well as being 16 undefeated in the league.

“They’re a very good side,” said Pennock. “They beat us comfortably at their place.

“Obviously, they’re one of the better sides in the league and they’re up there for a reason.

“It was men against boys when we played them up there but we’re a different animal now.

Sam Odaudu - missed Dartford’s match at Wingate through a hamstring injury. Picture: Stuart Watson
Sam Odaudu - missed Dartford’s match at Wingate through a hamstring injury. Picture: Stuart Watson

“We’re really looking forward to it. Hopefully, there will be a big crowd. We know it’s going to be a difficult game.

“But whether we’re playing Billericay, Potters Bar or whoever, we respect them massively. We know no one is going to roll over and just give us three points.

“Every game we do play is very tough, but we’re looking forward to it.”

The encounter is expected to attract a bumper attendance.

Pennock, whose side won 2-1 at Wingate & Finchley last weekend, said: “The crowd have been brilliant, home and away. They have been very good.

Dartford boss Ady Pennock’s team are in excellent form. Picture: Randolph File
Dartford boss Ady Pennock’s team are in excellent form. Picture: Randolph File

“Obviously, results dictate that to an extent and we know that. But since I’ve been involved at the club, they have been right behind us and they have been excellent.

"Even on Saturday, there were more away fans than home fans. That’s happened a few times this season when we have been away. It really does help.

“At home, I think they can see we’re trying to rebuild. We have got a very young squad, a lot of Academy boys playing, and they’re jumping on board.

“We’re enjoying the journey together and we just want that to continue.”

Pennock always remained level-headed amid Darts’ trickier times.

He certainly isn’t getting carried away now, although he admits everyone should be relishing the run Dartford are on.

“I’ve always said I’ve never been worried because we were creating so many chances,” said Pennock. “We’re just enjoying the run we’re on.

“It can change at any time because football is football, isn’t it? If you’re on a winning run, it can change and, if you’re on a losing run, it can change quite quickly for the better.

"So, we’re just enjoying it.

“We just take it one game at a time but we’re enjoying it because it’s very rare it happens.”

The Darts’ latest victory came despite playing much of the second half with 10 players after defender Sam Okoye’s second yellow card for perceived time-wasting.

Pennock said: “It was a crazy decision but it is what it is. You have just got to get on with it because the referee isn’t going to change his mind.

“He gave the second yellow card where Sam couldn’t take the throw-in because their coach was standing in the way, anyway, talking to his players. Why would our player want to waste time in the 50th minute when we’re 2-1 up?

“He couldn’t throw it down the line where their coach is out of his technical area and, to be fair, he apologised.

“But we got on with it. They’re a very good side.

“They don’t lose games heavily. When they do lose games, it’s always by the odd goal.

“It was a tough place to go and get three points so, obviously, everyone was very pleased.”

Okoye’s dismissal came after young defender George Whitefield had put the Darts into an eighth-minute lead.

Pennock said: “It was a cracking goal.

"We did a few passes before and then the delivery from Samir [Carruthers] was top-drawer and it was an excellent finish from George, who’s very good in the air.

“He had to come off at half-time because he twisted his ankle but it was a very good goal and he’s scored some important goals.

“He’s scored from 35 yards, one-yard and then with two headers, including the one on Saturday. He’s done ever so well.

“He’s come through the Academy and he’s taken his chance. For me, he’s getting stronger and stronger.

“He thoroughly deserves to start and he’s putting in some very good performances.”

Having been involved in Whitefield’s goal, playmaker Carruthers then kept his nerve to double their advantage with a penalty.

“Samir’s been very good,” said Pennock. “He’s got a very good head on his shoulders and his ability will always be there.

“Yes, his legs are going a little bit where he’s not as mobile as he was when he was 20 but he’s very important for us. He came off in the first half.

“He felt a bit of a strain in his hamstring, but he’d already done the damage.

“He had set up George and converted the penalty.”

The Darts, without the suspended Okoye against Billericay, will assess Carruthers, Whitefield and Sam Odaudu (hamstring) this week.

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