Dartford remain stuck in the National League South relegation zone, after failing to overcome Hemel Hempstead on Saturday. The fixture marked Adrian Pennock’s fourth league game in charge of the club, and he is still yet to have seen a win.

Despite this, the 52-year-old retains plenty of belief that the Darts can stay in the division. Speaking on the season’s remaining games, he said:

“[They are] Huge, honestly. It’s a boring cliché but we have to take one game at a time. It is a boring thing to say but we have to go again, eat, drink, sleep, rest properly for the next game on Tuesday, which will be another tough one.”

“I thought everyone, from one to eleven, and the subs, were very good today. They gave me everything, I can’t ask for anymore.”

Three players joined the club on loan on Friday, being Leyton Orient duo Rhys Byrne and Harrison Sodje, and Aldershot striker Ollie Bray, who has previously lined up next to Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo while on loan at the Red Devils. Pennock gave his verdict on their performances:

“I thought they did very well. It was tough to come in on their debut, especially for a goalkeeper, it’s harder for a goalkeeper to come in on his debut, especially in the position that we’re in.”

“I’m very pleased, I though all three of them were solid, it’s a bit of blood and thunder when you play at this level and maybe they’re not used to that, but I thought they coped with it very well.”

“Ollie Bray can go anywhere across the front, he put a good shift in and he’s dead on his feet.”

Following these signings, the Dartford boss has claimed that there could yet be more additions made, despite the late stage of the season.

“I’m always looking, I’m always looking to improve. It doesn’t matter where on the pitch. It’s very hard getting any players in at this time of the season with only seven games to go. I’m always looking, if I can improve the team in terms of getting results then I’ll do anything.”

Dartford’s star performer of the previous league match, Brandon Barzey, has recently joined up with the Montserrat national team on international duty. Pennock provided an update regarding when he will be back:

“He’s landing at half-past one on Tuesday, so either me or somebody at the club will be picking him up from Gatwick airport and driving him straight down to Gloucestershire, that’s for sure. He’s had a game over there and I speak to him all the time, so hopefully he can be involved.”

During the week, the club announced a new admission scheme for the remaining home games. As a result, Saturday saw an above average attendance, for which Pennock was grateful for.

“I think it’s a great thing that the club has done. The support has been amazing, honestly, they turned up in their numbers today in the conditions, the weather was awful. In the position that we’re in, they could have easily stayed at home. Again, they were all positive, cheering us on, and they saw the effort from the boys today.”

“Lowering the prices is amazing, and it just shows what sort of football club this is, it’s a football club for the supporters, and we want to do well and stay in this league. By hook or by crook, we’ll do it.”

Picture supplied by Dartford Football Club.