Dartford boss Ady Pennock salutes striker Dan Smith’s goalscoring impact as well as all-round play in Isthmian Premier win over Lewes

Dartford boss Ady Pennock was delighted to see striker Dan Smith get his rewards last weekend.

The forward scored twice in the first 11 minutes to set the Darts on their way to a 4-1 Isthmian Premier home win over Lewes.

Smith’s been playing well for a while but without getting the goals that his performances have deserved.

“He started the game really well,” said Pennock. “I think he’s been playing well for the last few weeks.

“He’s been leading the line really well. He’s been an absolute handful, but not got the goals to show what he’s been doing.

“Other people have been scoring goals off him. He’s been great.”

Smith netted his first goal in the opening two minutes. With a spring in his step, he scored a 25-yard screamer to double his tally and went close to bagging a hat-trick.

“Dan scored that first goal and that left him full of confidence,” added Pennock. “But the second goal was an absolute beauty.

“I’m really pleased for him that he got a couple of goals. He’s a handful and he can hold the ball up well.

“I’ve asked him to hold the ball up better than he had been. He’s had a stop-start season, but the last few games he’s been right on it.

“He’s been winning his battles and he’s been creative. All that was missing were the goals and they came on Saturday.”

Pennock wants everyone to play their part in the last six games of the season - not just Smith.

The Darts remain five points outside the top five so there’s little margin for error. But they won’t give up until it’s mathematically impossible.

“It doesn’t matter who scores for us,” said Pennock. “Yes, Dan is key for us, but all the players in our team are important.

“It’s important that we keep winning because it’s going to be very tough for us.

“We’re the ones