Dartford manager Ady Pennock on the battle for Isthmian Premier play-off places and the development of key players in his squad

Dartford boss Ady Pennock insists it will be an amazing achievement if his team reach the Isthmian Premier play-offs for a second successive season.

The Darts were in the top five but dropped to sixth in midweek after Aveley won at Folkestone. They face a battle to gain a play-off spot in the second half of the campaign.

“If we make the top five and the play-offs again like last season, it would be an amazing achievement,” stated Pennock.

“It would be amazing but there’s a long way to go and a lot of football to be played.

“There’s a lot of good teams in this league so it will be tough.

“You know me, I take each game as it comes and I don’t like to look too far ahead.

“You could beat the top team one week and then lose to the bottom side the next, it’s a really hard league.

“I don’t take anything for granted and I’ve been in football long enough to know that anything can happen.

“I’m so pleased with my boys. If we turn up then we can give everybody a game in this league.

“We won’t win every game obviously but we’ll give teams a good game and that’s all we can ask, give us 100 per cent.

“There’s such a togetherness in the squad that will put us in good stead for the second half of the season.”

Pennock believes his players are better for a second season in the division, the likes of George Whitefield, Olly Box and Denzelle Olopade continue to deliver consistent performances.

They’ve become key figures among the squad and the Darts boss is also backing newer recruits including Dan Carter and Jacob Bland to impress in the second half of the campaign.

“When you look at people like George and Olly, last year was their first full season at this level and now they’re blossoming this year and doing exceptionally well,” said