Dartford manager Adrian Pennock lets rip at half-time during 2-0 defeat against Maidstone | Darts two points from safety but boss confident they will stay up

New boss Adrian Pennock “had a right go” at his Dartford players for the first time during their defeat by Maidstone.

Pennock saw the Darts undo all their good work by conceding with virtually the final kick of the first half at Princes Park on Saturday.

Liam Sole still had plenty to do after picking up possession but Pennock put the goal down to a lapse in concentration at the end of three minutes’ added time.

The hosts had goalkeeper Billy Terrell sent off early in the second half, although Darts are considering an appeal, and Jephte Tanga added a late second for the Stones.

It was a third successive defeat for new boss Pennock whose side are now two points from safety in the National League South relegation zone.

He’s confident they have what it takes to stay up but delivered a few home truths at the break.

“That’s the first time I think they’ve seen me say a few hard things and I said to them it’s because I care,” said Pennock.

“I’ve had a right old go at them at half-time because we can’t keep conceding goals like that.

“That’s the first time I’ve lost it with them at half-time.

“It’s constructive criticism, obviously, but it was so frustrating because we were in the game and then 10 minutes into the second half we get a red card and then it’s tough, you’re up against it, but they’ve given me everything.

“Take away the extra time, whatever it was, but we’ve got to concentrate.

“If it’s 10 minutes extra we’ve got to concentrate and do our jobs properly.

“You can’t rest on your laurels in this league or any league.

“You’ve got to be professional and do things properly and arguably, OK, he played a minute extra but it’s no excuse.

“We can’t concede goals like that.

“The people from top to bottom, the supporters,