Dartford assistant manager Roland Edge reacts to 2-0 win over Aveley and praises midfielder Denzelle Olopade

There’s more to come from Dartford midfielder Denzelle Olopade.

That’s the verdict of assistant manager Roland Edge after Olopade’s second goal of the season put them on the way to victory on Saturday.

Olopade drove home from the edge of the penalty area in the 2-0 Isthmian Premier home win over Aveley.

“Ady (Pennock, manager) and myself have always said to Denzelle to get in the box because he’s got hell of a strike,” said Edge.

“He's got great feet, but for some reason he likes to stand about 15 yards out of it, so I'm hoping that goal shows him that.

“He went into the box, we picked it up and laid it back nicely where Denzelle struck it low and hard into the bottom corner, which was the only way to beat that keeper who I thought was excellent.

“I think Denzelle is getting better and stronger in every game. He's starting to become the leader that he was at the end of last year, and it shows him he can still add goals to his game.

“He’s got that ability. I'm happy for him and he'll be very happy with his performance.

“He's so athletic, he can do it. He's got great feet for a big lad, a good range of passing, and he can finish.

“I think he needs to buy into those little bits, you know, that little bit of positioning and having a bit of desire to get in the box. I think he can add goals to his game and then he becomes a different level player.”

Olopade’s goal was just reward for a bright start from Dartford.

It was a physical game with Aveley putting in a number of robust challenges so there was no surprise when they were finally reduced to 10 men in the second half.

“It's a strange one really,” noted Edge. “I think there's been more physical games this season.

“They're a strong side. I don't know if they're a dirty side.