Dartford manager Ady Pennock reacts to 2-0 Isthmian Premier play-off final defeat to Dover Athletic

Dartford manager Ady Pennock refused to let play-off final heartache take the gloss off an excellent campaign.

The Darts finished third in Isthmian Premier after recovering from a mixed start to the season before losing the play-off final at home to Dover on Monday.

It means they failed to bounce back to National League South at the first attempt - but Pennock insisted it was still a season to be proud of.

“First of all, I have to say congratulations to Dover, congratulations on their promotion and good luck for next season in the league above,” stated Pennock.

“We’re all disappointed but it’s been a marvellous season. We have absolutely punched above our weight and it’s been amazing.

“I just want to thank everybody at the football club from top to bottom.

“Obviously the chairman, directors, my staff, all the players and everyone else.

“Also, a special mention for the supporters because it’s been an amazing season. We’ve punched above our weight, it’s unbelievable and I’m just so proud of everybody here.”

Pennock revealed Dartford’s budget would have put them in the bottom eight of the division.

But he’s managed to put together a talented and hard-working squad that so nearly produced an amazing promotion story.

“What we’ve done this season has been incredible, absolutely incredible,” stated Pennock.

“Like I said before, this club has some of the best facilities. Financially, we are eighth-bottom in the budget league and that shows everybody what we’ve done this year.

“We’ve got a lot of youngsters that we should be very proud of and I think they’ll have really good careers.

“I don’t think nobody will know [about the budget] because it’s not my place to say anything. It’s up to the chairman and directors to say something