Positive Pennock on derby draw

Dartford manager Ady Pennock insisted it wasn’t a case of two points dropped by his side on Saturday. The Darts had to come from 2-0 down at the break to rescue a point against Folkestone at Princes Park. Results elsewhere meant Pennock’s men extended their lead at the top of the table to two points but it was certainly a case of glass half-full following an enthralling Kent derby.

“I don't think we dropped points,” said Pennock. “I think when you go 2-0 down and then come back the way we did, I thought it was excellent. “I said the next goal was really important at half-time and said a few things, but it was just about being a little bit more brave on the ball in the second half.



“That's what happened. We were a little bit braver on the ball and created some chances so that was good.” Dartford felt they had won the points in stoppage time through Josh Hill but the flag was correctly raised for offside.

Pennock said: “Obviously the goal was disallowed at the end but it was just nice to see everyone go mental. “I saw the flag go up straight away, so I didn't celebrate it, even though everyone was jumping on me. It's one of those things.

“We disappointed in the first half, but we showed a lot of character in the second half. So, a lot of credit to my boys.” Folkestone’s gamesmanship didn’t win them any admirers at Princes Park.

It didn’t seem to bother Pennock, though, as he found the antics “funny” and admitted his side would be doing the same if they were in their shoes. “I think that's great, I love it,” claimed Pennock. “Honestly, I think it's funny, it makes me laugh because we've all been involved in the game.

“Fair play to them. That's all part of it, isn't it? I'm sure we'd be the same if we were in the same situation, so I don't mind it at all. “Give them credit but for the second half we were excellent.

“The first half, especially for us, we didn't get to grips with the wind at all. “We went too long first half for me, where we'd been getting the ball down in good areas, but I think the wind was a factor first half for us. “I think second half, with the wind behind us a touch, then we were on our front foot.

” Despite the disappointment, Pennock insisted that he enjoyed the game. It had virtually everything, except three points for his side. “What a game that was!,” said the Darts boss.

“Loved it, absolutely loved it. Honestly, it was great if you were a neutral, but I loved it. “They've got the new manager in the stand and we knew they were going to turn up.

And I thought they'd scored two good goals, poor on our side of it, to concede. “I loved it, it was just so good. I just enjoyed it and it's just a shame we didn't get that winner at the end.

”.