Dartford manager Ady Pennock urges the fans to show up in their number as his struggling National League South side host Maidstone United in his first home game

Boss Ady Pennock is urging Dartford supporters to turn up in their numbers for the derby against Maidstone.

Pennock has had a tough start to his time in charge of the Darts, losing 2-0 at Braintree on Tuesday night as newly-signed striker Jordan Greenidge was sent off, and 4-1 at Torquay last weekend. Forward Ibby Akanbi scored in vain at Plainmoor.

Those results have seen them drop into the National League South relegation zone, as they prepare to welcome another promotion-chasing side to Princes Park for Pennock’s first home match at the helm this Saturday.

“Anything can happen in a local derby,” Pennock insisted. “I want the supporters to turn up in their numbers and really cheer us on because we need them.

“We need the supporters more than ever - we really do.

“We haven’t had a win since Dover, so that’s one win in a lot of games, but there’s no point looking back. We have got to look forward and be positive.

“Other teams have been in worse positions than us (and still stayed up). We have got to keep believing in ourselves, keep working hard and we need those supporters.

“We’re fighting to the very end. It will go down to the wire and we will need those supporters with us to keep supporting us, like they have done.

“At Torquay, they were absolutely fantastic and it really helps and it was the same on Tuesday.

“In just the two games I’ve been in, they’ve been really fantastic.”

Dartford trailed to a first-half goal from Ebbsfleet loanee striker Shaq Coulthirst at Braintree but, after Greenidge had got his marching orders as he picked up a second caution, the hosts got a late second.

Ex-Gillingham manager Pennock reflected: “It was a tight game. We had some chances.

“Obviously, it’s a disappointing result and