2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Matthew Panting)
Dartford manager Ady Pennock insists his players are already winners in his eyes. The Darts lost their grip on the Isthmian Premier title on Easter Monday after being held to a 2-2 draw by Cray Wanderers . They go into the final round of matches this Saturday level on points with leaders Billericay and Horsham - but in third place on goal difference.
They need both teams to slip up in order to claim the title but, realistically, the Darts look more likely for a place in the play-offs. Whatever happens, however, Pennock is proud of his squad. “We’ll go again on Saturday and see where it takes us,” said Pennock, with Dartford at home to Carshalton.
“But it’s a win-win already. “Honestly, it’s a win-win already. The club should be jumping through hoops and praising these boys.
They’ve been amazing. “We’re building for the future, that’s what we’re doing. We’ve got some very good youngsters in there with a nice mix of experience.
“We’re putting a smile on people’s faces and that’s what it’s all about. “The biggest thing I said to the players after Monday was that I’m very proud of them. I know they’re disappointed, but football can change very quickly.
“It’s a funny game, football. We just need to be focused for Saturday and get that win - you never know what’s around the corner.” While Dartford could still win the title, Pennock wants the fans to turn out in their numbers against Carshalton to give them the credit they deserve.
The Darts have lost just twice in their last 31 league games - an incredible run which might not even be enough for top spot. “I’d love to see a full ground for the final game,” said Pennock. “I’d love to see the supporters come out in their numbers and give these boys their backing like they have done.
Read more: “I knew it wasn’t going to be our day” “The supporters here are amazing. They turned up in their numbers again at Cray. I know it’s just down the road, but they still turned up.
“I’d love to see the stadium full and just give their appreciation to the players, because you never know what might happen. “As Jimmy Greaves used to say, it’s a funny old game and you never know what’s going to happen.” Dartford hit the woodwork in stoppage time at Cray Wanderers through substitute Eddie Dsane.
Had that chance dropped in, they would still be in charge of their own destiny. So does Pennock need to pick his players up again for the weekend? “I don’t have to say too much,” said Pennock. “But I’ll let you know after the game on Saturday how they’re feeling, if I have to pick them up or not.
“We’ve still got one more game to go. I’m an optimist, I’ve always been an optimist. “But we’ve got to win the game first, and that is a very difficult game.
“They gave me everything and they gave the shirt everything - that’s all you can ask for. They gave absolutely 100 per cent. “Maybe we should have scored more but I’m not not here to have a go at anybody, they’ve been amazing.
“There’s a great togetherness here, so we just have to get on with it and go from there.” If Dartford are in the play-offs then they will be at home in their semi-final on Wednesday, with the final due to take place on Monday, May 5. Defender Michael Olarewaju will be suspended for the first play-off game should the Darts not win the title due to his red card at Cray Wanderers.
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