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Dartford manager Ady Pennock on their 4-0 Isthmian Premier win against Billericay Town and embracing the run they are on as victorious league streak extends to eight fixtures

Boss Ady Pennock accepts Dartford should be enjoying their red-hot run of form after their statement home Isthmian Premier win on Saturday.

An eighth straight victory, beating fellow play-off occupants Billericay 4-0, moved the Darts up to third - ahead of their Essex visitors on goal difference, having played one league game less than them.

Man-of-the-match Callum Jones celebrates scoring his goal in Dartford’s 4-0 Isthmian Premier win over Billericay on Saturday. Picture: Simon Hildrew
Man-of-the-match Callum Jones celebrates scoring his goal in Dartford’s 4-0 Isthmian Premier win over Billericay on Saturday. Picture: Simon Hildrew

The scoreline matched the one Gary McCann’s men had beaten Dartford by in early October.

Since then, though, Pennock’s troops seem to have found top gear. They are on a 17-game unbeaten league run and have only been defeated twice in all competitions since that loss at Billericay.

Pennock said: “If you look back at my interview after we played them at their place earlier in the season, I was very angry.

“I showed them the game again and the goals we conceded. After the game, I’d said it was men against boys at their place and, today, I just felt we stood up to them.

“We played some nice football and scored some good goals. What we’re doing is we’re managing the game better from start to finish.

Report: Dartford 4-0 Billericay

“We’re just enjoying the ride but anything can happen.

“Football can change so quickly so we’re just enjoying our wins and seeing where that takes us.”

Pennock said the Darts are “a different animal now” to the team which went down in Essex ahead of the game - and his players certainly showed that in emphatic style on the pitch.

Early goals from top scorer Olly Box and defender George Whitefield put them into a half-time lead before forward Callum Jones and substitute Eddie Dsane also struck after the restart.

“It was a very good performance,” reflected Pennock. “It was just chalk and cheese compared to when we lost 4-0 at their place - but I’d said before the game that we’re a different animal now.

Dartford defender Sam Odaudu keeps his eye on the ball. Picture: Simon Hildrew
Dartford defender Sam Odaudu keeps his eye on the ball. Picture: Simon Hildrew

“Obviously, we’re very pleased to put that kind of performance in, in front of our home fans.

“They’re a very good side. They’re going to be up there, I’m telling you that now.

“We just need to enjoy tonight, obviously, because this doesn’t always happen.

“We’re on a good run and we just need to keep that going.”

Talented teenage forward Box put Dartford into an early lead as he thundered in from around 20 yards out for his 12th goal of the season.

Samir Carruthers, right, has his arms aloft as Dartford celebrate. Picture: Simon Hildrew
Samir Carruthers, right, has his arms aloft as Dartford celebrate. Picture: Simon Hildrew

Pennock said: “Olly is a special little lad, isn’t he? But I tell you what, every one of them is special.

“We’re rebuilding and it has been a tough rebuild, but everyone is jumping on board with what we want to do.

“Yes, Olly’s goal was a cracking goal, but I felt the other three were very special as well and, arguably, we could have had more. But I’ll settle for that scoreline.

“It’s certainly a very good day.”

Playmaker Samir Carruthers then set up Whitefield for the Darts’ second and, while the 31-year-old (hamstring) hobbled off for the second game in a row shortly after, he - again - had already done the damage.

Dartford's Denzelle Olopade drives forward. Picture: Simon Hildrew
Dartford's Denzelle Olopade drives forward. Picture: Simon Hildrew

He was replaced by Chelmsford loanee midfielder Louis Dunne, who was involved in Dartford’s third, and Pennock said: “Louis was brilliant.

“Louis and Hayden (Bullas) - the two loan boys - did very well and young Jeremiah Pinder came off the bench, as well. He’s only a third-year scholar.

“I thought our midfield were fantastic. They picked up a lot of second balls and they really helped drive us on.

“Jacob Marsden did excellently for his clean sheet, as well, and I could praise everybody for a long time!

“A clean sheet is big against them so I’m a very happy manager.”

The game attracted a big crowd of 1,674 at Princes Park.

“Home and away, our supporters have been fantastic,” said Pennock. “I cannot complain at all.

“Even when we had that so-called bad spell, they were still with us. They were very good and I think they are starting to believe in what we’re trying to do here. We’re rebuilding here.

“We have got some very good young boys here and, with that bit of experience mixed in, it’s a good balance.”

Dartford will visit struggling Bowers & Pitsea, pegged back by a late leveller in their 1-1 draw at Lewes on Saturday, next weekend.

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