Dartford manager Ady Pennock insists he won’t be counting down the games as they enter the business end of the season.

The Darts lead the way in Isthmian Premier on goals scored following a 2-0 home win over Hashtag United on Saturday.

Just four points separate the top five sides, any of which could go up as champions, so with 13 matches still to play, it’s a case of taking it game-by-game for Pennock.

“It’s too early,” said the Darts boss. “There's a lot of football to be played.

“We need luck, obviously, with injuries, suspensions and referees - I don't think we've had any luck with the referees still.

“But, to be fair, we're just enjoying it at the moment. This doesn't normally happen, does it?

“I believed in the players from day one. We got a 3-3 against Hashtag at their place and they’re a very good side so to beat them on Saturday and get four points is a good shift.

“But we haven't won anything at the moment. We're not silly. You know, some big teams up there. But we're just enjoying the ride at the moment.”

Dartford have now won their last 10 league games – a run stretching back to before Christmas – and are unbeaten in 19 matches.

But how has Pennock kept that run going for so long?

“To go 19 games at any level is brilliant,” responded Pennock, who praised his backroom staff.

“I've got Roland Edge I've got Les Cleevely, I've got Neil Withington. I've got a good staff behind me, the physios and, obviously, everyone else here.

“You've got to push them and push them and push them. But, you know, it's just managing games, managing training.

“We do a lot of shape and set plays work on Thursdays, which is important. But the credit's got to go to the players.

“The players have been immense, absolutely immense. I knew what I wanted (in the summer) and they're reaping the rewards now.”

Has anything changed now that Dartford are top?

“No, not at all,” stated Pennock. “Nothing's changed, really. Not from my point of view.

“I just said to them, enjoy it. Just enjoy it. Enjoy coming in and playing in front of these fans.

“I think the biggest thing for us is that we've created so many chances. And we've done it since the start of the season.

“Obviously, we had this so-called sticky patch. Everyone was talking about we didn't win for six or seven games, whatever it was, but I was loving it.

“I knew I could see the bigger picture and that's what's happening now.”

A Callum Jones penalty but Olly Box’s excellent late finish were enough against Hashtag.

“I'm very proud of them again,” reflected Pennock. “There were 1,300-plus, really good support.

“When you play Hashtag, you've got to be organised. When we attack, they're very dangerous (on the counter). We could have scored some more, but to beat them 2-0, before the game, I would have snapped my hand. It's a really, really good three points.”