Dartford manager Ady Pennock says team are ‘different animal’ to side which lost 4-0 at Billericay Town ahead of this weekend’s top-of-the-table Isthmian Premier game at Princes Park

Manager Ady Pennock feels Dartford are “a different animal now” to the side which lost at Billericay earlier this season ahead of this weekend’s top-of-the-table match.

The red-hot Darts, sitting in the play-off positions in fourth, will face a massive test, as the Isthmian Premier leaders visit Princes Park.

Dartford lost 4-0 in Essex in early October during a six-match winless streak.

The Darts have only been beaten twice since, though, and are on a seven-game winning run - as well as being 16 undefeated in the league.

“They’re a very good side,” said Pennock. “They beat us comfortably at their place.

“Obviously, they’re one of the better sides in the league and they’re up there for a reason.

“It was men against boys when we played them up there but we’re a different animal now.

“We’re really looking forward to it. Hopefully, there will be a big crowd. We know it’s going to be a difficult game.

“But whether we’re playing Billericay, Potters Bar or whoever, we respect them massively. We know no one is going to roll over and just give us three points.

“Every game we do play is very tough, but we’re looking forward to it.”

The encounter is expected to attract a bumper attendance.

Pennock, whose side won 2-1 at Wingate & Finchley last weekend, said: “The crowd have been brilliant, home and away. They have been very good.

“Obviously, results dictate that to an extent and we know that. But since I’ve been involved at the club, they have been right behind us and they have been excellent.

"Even on Saturday, there were more away fans than home fans. That’s happened a few times this season when we have been away. It really does help.

“At home, I think they can see we’re trying to rebuild. We have got a very young squad, a lot of