Dartford player-manager Ben Greenhalgh says Joe Tennent is at right club to support him as the defender suffers broken cheekbone in 3-0 home Isthmian Premier derby defeat to Welling United

Player-boss Ben Greenhalgh believes injured Dartford defender Joe Tennent is at the right club to support him throughout his recovery from the horror injury he’s sustained.

The Darts’ perfect Isthmian Premier start ended with last weekend’s home 3-0 derby loss to Welling United - but the main talking point was the late challenge on Tennent.

Footage of Wings striker Nahum Melvin-Lambert’s tackle on Tennent, for which he was booked, has been viewed millions of times on social media, with calls for Melvin-Lambert to be retrospectively banned.

Greenhalgh has revealed former Three Bridges man Tennent, who suffered a broken cheekbone, is set to undergo reconstructive surgery this week.

“Joe is as upbeat as you can be,” said Greenhalgh.

“Leg injuries, they can happen in football. We know an injury can happen - but not in this manner.

“That’s the hardest thing for Joe. He has got hurt through a situation that shouldn’t happen on the pitch.

“But Dartford is a proper football club. When things like this happen, you’re happy you’re at a club like Dartford. We will not look to rush him.

“He has also probably been left a bit out of pocket due to being unable to work - that’s something else which shouldn’t happen - but I’m sure Joe still will want to get on the pitch as quickly as he can. He’s due to have surgery.

“Hopefully after that, there is a bit of a timeline for him to start aiming towards.”

Greenhalgh felt the Darts should have been awarded a first-half penalty in front of a crowd of 1,410 at Princes Park while defender George Whitefield missing a great opportunity.

But the incident that saw Tennent come off and get replaced by Tyler Ibe came in the 41st minute - and the tide turned in the visitors’ favour from that point on.