‘That’s the first time I’ve lost it with them’

During Dartford’s loss against Maidstone, new manager Adrian Pennock “had a right go” at his players for the first time.

Pennock witnessed the Darts destroy all of their hard work on Saturday at Princes Park, when they conceded with almost the last kick of the first half.

After regaining possession, Liam Sole still had a lot of work ahead of him, but Pennock attributed the goal to a moment of distraction after three minutes of extra time.

The hosts’ Billy Terrell was sent off early in the second half (though the Darts are thinking of filing an appeal), and Jephte Tanga gave the Stones a late second goal.It was a third successive defeat for new boss Pennock whose side are now two points from safety in the National League South relegation zone.

He’s confident they have what it takes to stay up but delivered a few home truths at the break.

“That’s the first time I think they’ve seen me say a few hard things and I said to them it’s because I care,” said Pennock.

“I’ve had a right old go at them at half-time because we can’t keep conceding goals like that.

“That’s the first time I’ve lost it with them at half-time.

“It’s constructive criticism, obviously, but it was so frustrating because we were in the game and then 10 minutes into the second half we get a red card and then it’s tough, you’re up against it, but they’ve given me everything.

“Take away the extra time, whatever it was, but we’ve got to concentrate.

“If it’s 10 minutes extra we’ve got to concentrate and do our jobs properly.

“You can’t rest on your laurels in this league or any league.