“Very proud of the team, they gave it their all.” – Ady gives his assessment of the Cray Wanderers draw.
Ady Pennock spoke of his pride after a hard-battling draw on Monday at Cray Wanderers that left the title-challenge out of their hands.
The team started brightly and went ahead, but were unable to make the most of their chances to extend the lead before the home side pulled one back and then scored another early in the second half.
The Darts responded quickly with one of their own and even when they went down to 10 men due to the sending off of Michael Olarewaju, managed to keep asking questions of the opposition defence right up until the final whistle.
A 2-2 draw leaves Dartford in third place on equal points with leaders Billericay and second-placed Horsham. However, goal difference means the team need results to go their way on Saturday’s final round of games if they are to lift the title.
For Ady, it was a result that left him proud of the players who gave their all.
He said: “I really enjoyed the game. But at 1-0 up we let them off the hook a little. We could have been a couple up, but their keeper made a few good saves and we hit the woodwork.
“But I got the boys in the changing room after the match and told them how proud I am of them. Every single one of them. I’m proud to be where we are. We are level on points going into the last game of the season and I would have bitten off your hand if you’d offered me that at the beginning of the season.
“We’ve had two losses in 27 games. It’s a phenomenal run and we are where we are because of them. I’m very proud of the team. They gave it their all.”
At 2-2, and looking for the winner, a sending off meant a change in formation – with only one team looking like taking all three points.
He continued: “I thought the penalty in the first half was harsh and I thought a number of the bookings were, too.
“With 10 men, we went for it, but were still structured and I can’t remember a shot from them. We hit the woodwork again and had a goal line clearance. The boys were absolutely fantastic.
“I feel sorry for the boys, obviously, because you could see their disappointment in the end. We didn’t lose the game – we gave it a real go and I’d be more disappointed if we didn’t have a go. I think that’s all we can ask for.”
Despite dropping to third, Ady remained positive going into the last game of the season.
He said: “It’s been said many times that football is a funny old game and it’s true. Yes, it’s now harder to win the title, but you never know what might happen.
I’m going to get the boys in on Thursday and re-group and we just need to concentrate on ourselves. If we can make sure we win, it might just keep the pressure on the other teams.”
Ady also had some words of support for the fans, who came out in their hundreds.
“There were 2,000 there and it felt as though we had more fans there than them. The support was amazing. I’m just gutted for them, as they have been brilliant.
“Even after the draw, I was getting lots of positive comments. I was very humbled by it, if I’m honest.
“I want the ground full on Saturday, as the boys will need a lift. They’ll need everyone behind them. They deserve that.
“Whatever happens on Saturday, we should all celebrate a fantastic season, because we are building for the future.”