Dartford boss Ady Pennock sign Matt Kerbey on loan from National League club Sutton United after injury to No.1 Jacob Marsden

Dartford manager Ady Pennock has moved quickly after an injury to first-choice keeper Jacob Marsden.

The summer signing from Chelmsford has impressed during pre-season but injured his groin during Saturday’s final friendly against Boreham Wood.

That prompted Pennock into swift action and he agreed a deal with National League Sutton to bring in Matt Kerbey on a month’s loan within hours.

“It’s such a shame for Jacob but, unfortunately, that happens in football,” said Pennock, who has also agreed club terms with trialist right-back Sam Okoye this week.

“He was getting fitter and looking very solid but we have to move forward and I’ve got a loan goalkeeper in.

“It’s hard to tell with a groin but it’s more when he is kicking as that’s when he felt it. We’ll see what happens with him, we’re not too sure on the timescale.”

Kerbey played Step 3 football last season at Hendon in the Southern League, and was part of the squad that reached the fifth round of the FA Trophy.

The keeper is well known to new Dartford goalkeeping coach Les Cleevely.

Pennock added: “Matt is 22, he had a season-loan at Hendon last year and did exceptionally well so he knows the level.

“I spoke to Steve Morison, the Sutton manager, straight away on Saturday and he was brilliant with us.

“Our goalkeeping coach knows Matt very well so that was a big factor.”

Kerbey is due to make his Dartford debut in Saturday’s opening Isthmian Premier clash at Cray Valley.

The Darts have also announced the signing of right-back Okoye, who played for Isthmian Premier Hastings last season.