Unchanged Dartford extended their unbeaten run to eleven league games when defeating Welling United in their Isthmian League Premier Division derby leaving manager Adrian Pennock a proud man.

At half time they were one-down but Dartford manager Ade Pennock said that there were no histrionics at half time. “I just wanted us to be on the ball more, wanting the ball more, more than anything else.” he stated.

“We said a few things that we can’t say here but it wasn’t a rollicking, We created some chances, first half, but Jonny (Henly) made a very good save when it was one-nil, with his feet, but overall it was a very pleasing result for all concerned at the football club.”

After the break, Samir Carruthers appeared to be playing in a more advanced role but any suggestion that Pennock had tweaked the system was refuted.

He said: “Do you know what? I didn’t really. It was more people wanting the ball. I didn’t want anybody to hide and that’s what we’ve been doing in the last few games and when everybody’s been wanting the ball we’ve been a totally different side.”

“We use our width more and then get players in little pockets and that’s what happened. We had to be organised because these (Welling) are dangerous going forward so it wasn’t a case of like oh, we’ve just got to turn up in the second half and win the game, we had to work hard for it. It was a very good three points for us.”

Being able to name an unchanged sixteen from the week before was a bonus and he added: “You need a little bit of lady luck as well. We’ve got some players to come back in but it’s a very young side. Those boys are turning up at the moment and long may it continue.” 

One of those boys was Olly Box, and he gave the Wings a tough time down the left hand side. “He’s been like that all season.” purred Pennock. “He’s been working harder. I think that’s the only part of the game he had to bring to the party. His ability and finishing ability is second to none. He’s a very natural talent and we’re very pleased with Olly, and we’re all pleased that he’s doing well.”

Although unbeaten at home in the league, Pennock is taking nothing for granted, saying “There’s a long way to go. We’ve got Wingate and Finchley next week and they’ve just beaten the leaders at their place so we know that it’s going to be a very tough game. There’s no easy games.”