Dartford manager Ady Pennock wants his youngsters to be quick learners after mistakes cost side victory against Hashtag United

Dartford manager Ady Pennock has admitted his young players are learning the hard way.

The Darts threw away two points in last Friday’s 2-2 Isthmian Premier draw at Hashtag United.

Two pieces of poor defending cost Pennock’s side as they had to settle for a point from a game they had looked relatively comfortable in.

The visitors opted to put a corner into the penalty area with two minutes of added time left to play and Hashtag promptly regained possession and went down the other end to score.

“We wanted to score another goal,” said Pennock. “But we had chances to clear the ball anyway.

“They punted the ball up and there was a free-header in midfield and someone decided not to control it or not head it. We lost it and it just went from there.

“It was a very messy goal but also a very good finish. But we’ve just got to learn from it.

“Young lads have got to learn from it, but young lads will make mistakes because they’re here to learn.

“I was disappointed, obviously, with the result because we were excellent. I thought the performance was very good. If we’d scored that third goal, it would have been all over.”

Pennock found plenty of positives in Dartford’s display. Nelson Eze had his best performance since joining on loan from Ipswich while youngster Dan Carter was influential in midfield.

“Dan’s a lovely footballer,” added Pennock. “He and Olly Box linked up well and I thought Callum Jones was excellent again.

“Nelson was a threat all game. We should have scored more goals, we just need to be a bit more clinical in front of goal.

“I think everyone realises there’s competition for places. We had Dan Smith and Eddie Dsane back involved.

“I’m looking at the positives. We’re three unbeaten, two wins and a draw in the last