Dartford look to continue their preseason workout on Tuesday evening, as manager Adrian Pennock puts his side to the test against former club Gillingham.

Preseason for the Darts has, so far, been a larger success than their last under former manager Alan Dowson, in which they failed to win a single game. Despite a 6-1 defeat against League One outfit Charlton Athletic, Pennock oversaw a largely positive performance, and similar displays have been on show in their 2-2 draw with Margate, and 3-1 victory against Ashford United.

While the squad being assembled at Princes Park comprises mostly of fresh faces, gelling has not seemed to be an issue. The returns of Josh Hill, Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Samir Carruthers bring prior knowledge and experience of the club, and they have been complimented by the bleeding in of the club’s youth, with George Whitefield, Jeremiah Pinder and Ashton Day given more extensive roles so far. Callum Jones has also been a welcome addition up front, scoring twice and assisting once in his three games in a Dartford shirt.

The only two survivors of the previous squad are Olly Box and Sam Odaudu. Both have been linked with moves away from the Darts in the last two seasons, but the pair have committed to try and restore the club’s status in the National League South. Pennock certainly has not shied away from adding younger profiles to an already youthful contingency, with Ben Allen, Denzelle Olopade, Luther Williams and Gabe Campbell all 23 or under.

League Two Gillingham provide a great opportunity for Dartford to showcase their level. The Gills have had a slightly more strenuous start to preseason under Mark Bonner, beating Watford and Whitstable, drawing with Millwall and losing to Chatham. Player turnover has also been less hectic at Priestfield, with Armani Little and Jack Nolan the only additions to date.

Pennock, alongside assistant Roland Edge, will surely be hopeful of a warm reception from the travelling fans. The pair played for Gillingham between 1997 and 2003, and Pennock also managed the club in 2017.

With just three more outings scheduled before the start of their league season, it can be assumed that the camp’s focus is beginning to hone in on the first game of their Isthmian Premier campaign.

Last Thursday’s fixture announcement confirmed that the Darts would travel to Cray Valley PM on opening day, a side which impressively made the FA Cup First Round in 23/24 and took Charlton to a replay after drawing 1-1 at The Valley.