Ady Pennock will not underestimate lowly opponents in promotion-chasing Dartford’s next two matches as they aim to get back on track.

After a remarkable 21-match unbeaten Isthmian Premier run, the Darts have been defeated in two of their last three games, having gone down 3-1 at Lewes last Saturday.

Matches at home to Hastings this weekend and a trip to fellow strugglers Bognor Regis seven days later present a good chance on paper for Dartford to keep the pressure on leaders Billericay - but vastly-experienced boss Pennock knows picking up three points won’t be that easy.

“They’re unbelievably tough,” said Pennock on their next two fixtures.

“A lot of these teams in the league - whether they’re in the bottom half or the top half - are getting loans in. They’re either going for promotion or fighting for their lives to stay in the league.

“As I keep saying, anyone can beat anyone in this league on the day.

“We’re very fortunate to find ourselves in the position that we’re in, but we have put ourselves there on merit.”

The Darts eased to a 3-0 win at Hastings in late November, although their weekend visitors did pick up a vital 2-0 victory against Hendon last weekend.

Pennock said: “There’s no easy games in this league and that’s why we always respect whoever we’re playing.

“Their fighting for their lives, but we’re just worried about ourselves. I’m not really one to worry about other teams.

“If we turn up and play like we know we can, we know we’re a very good football side.”

Pennock felt the scoreline flattered their hosts at The Dripping Pan at the weekend.

Trailing at half-time, defender Michael Olarewaju equalised, only for Marcus Sablier to put the hosts back ahead in the 80th minute, before the young midfielder came up with a clinching stoppage-time effort.

Pennock reflected: “I didn’t think it was a 3-1 game.

“All game, we had some really good chances. Obviously, we’re disappointed with the result but, performance-wise, it was okay.

“The scoreline flattered them a little bit. They scored a [third] goal in the last seconds, but that was just where we were pushing for an equaliser.

“I cannot fault the players’ effort, but our decision-making just wasn’t quite right.”

There was better news elsewhere, however, as title rivals Billericay and third-placed Horsham were beaten, as well.

Pennock said: “When we made it 1-1, I just felt there was only going to be one winner.

“We came out really well in the second half and scored our goal. But it was a poor goal we let in for their second one. One of our boys made a mistake and they scored from it.

“But that was only our second defeat in 24 league games.

“Then, we heard Billericay and Horsham lost at home. Although I never like losing, that did make it a little bit better.

“Whatever happens from now until the end of the season, this has been an amazing season for us. We’re just enjoying the ride.

“Obviously, we cannot win every game - that’s impossible - but win, lose or draw, the players are giving everything.

“They were bitterly disappointed at the end of Saturday’s game. But you cannot be too low when you lose or too high when you win.

“If it was that easy to win, everyone would be doing it!”

For Olarewaju, formerly of Dover, his goal at Lewes was his first in a Dartford shirt, having been a key defensive figure since he joined the club in October.

Pennock said: “It’s incredible how many players have scored for us this season.

“I think we only need Jacob Marsden, our goalie, to score now! It’s important people can chip in.

“Obviously, Mike is a real handful. He has been fantastic since he has been with us.

“He’s a leader, on and off the pitch, but it’s just a shame his goal didn’t come in a win.”