Boss Ady Pennock doesn’t expect Dartford to win the title this season.

The Darts beat Horsham 2-1 at home in dramatic style in a top-three Isthmian Premier game, just seven days after their 21-match unbeaten league run was ended.

Dartford remain two points adrift of leaders Billericay, both having nine matches to play, but Pennock said: “I don’t think we will go up automatically.

“Billericay have got a far easier run-in and, with every game we have got, that’s going to be tough.

“That’s coming from their camp that they’ve got an easier run-in, as well, and they’re right in what they’re saying.

“We have got nine games to go and I’m telling you they’re all hard games. But even getting into the play-offs, that would be an unbelievable achievement.

“Behind the scenes, everyone is working so hard at the club. My staff have been brilliant.

“My assistant, Roland Edge, is excellent. I’ve got a goalkeeping coach, Les Cleevely, who’s one of the best around by far.

“Our fitness levels have been brilliant, you could see that on Saturday, and Neil Withington is a big part of that.

"The physios and the kitmen, everyone has just been incredible.

“I keep saying it but everyone at the club, from top to bottom, is just enjoying it.

"Let’s see where the rest of the season takes us.”

Dartford appeared to be heading for a second straight defeat against Horsham in front of a 1,576-strong attendance at Princes Park as Jake Elliott put the Hornets ahead in the first half before away goalkeeper Lewis Carey saved forward Callum Jones’ penalty after defender Sam Odaudu had been fouled.

But George Whitefield turned in an equaliser and substitute Eddie Dsane bundled home after a set-piece by substitute Samir Carruthers was nodded down at the death.

“It’s what you’re in football for, really, games like that,” reflected Pennock, who only saw playmaker Carruthers arrive shortly ahead of kick-off due to M25 traffic issues.

“I’ve got to give them credit. They were very good in the first half, even though we missed a penalty.

“Going in 1-0 down at half-time, we just had to regroup but, in the second half, we were absolutely excellent.

“To win like that, getting those two goals in the last five minutes, in front of such a big crowd, that’s what you’re in the game for.

“It’s a very good win. It’s something special when you get two late goals like that, which I felt we thoroughly deserved.”

Pennock revealed super-sub striker Dsane has been playing through the pain barrier in recent months.

“He’s injured,” said the Darts boss. “He has got a shoulder injury. He has already had one cortisone injection.

“On and off the pitch, Eddie’s been amazing. Obviously, we’re part-time, but he’s always so professional.

“He’s such a goalscorer. Only once the season is over will he get his shoulder sorted.

“Everyone loves Olly Box and we love Olly Box, but we took him off a little bit earlier than expected on Saturday. That’s what we get paid for, to make those sorts of decisions.

“If you looked at Eddie’s celebration after he scored, that was one happy man. He was really pumping his chest.

“He doesn’t moan about the situation because he understands it.

"He has so much strapping on his shoulder but, still, offers so much.”

For defender Whitefield, it was a sixth goal this term.

But Pennock noted: “He could have had a hat-trick.

"He just gets into the right place at the right time. About 15 minutes before he scored, he smashed one over the crossbar in the six-yard box.

“That was probably easier than the one he scored!

“I made a tough decision in leaving Luther Williams out. It was just a case of leaving him out for a game because, in the last two or three games, he’s not quite been where we want him to be.

“But George played in between Josh Hill and Mike Olarewaju, and he did incredibly well.

“The goal was a bonus, but I thought his overall game was very good.”

The Darts face a journey to mid-table Lewes on Saturday.

“They’re a very good footballing side, especially on their astro,” said Pennock. “They will knock it about.

“If we’re not up for it, we will not have a very pleasant afternoon.

"But let’s hope we can get another three points because that’s what we’re after.”

Young midfielder Hayden Bullas has had his loan at Dartford from League 1 Leyton Orient extended until the end of the season.