Togetherness key as Darts get 2025 off to the perfect start
While the Darts fans were the ones making all the noise at the final whistle against local rivals Chatham, manager Adrian Pennock says he prefers to go about things more quietly.
Darts travelled the short distance along the A2 for what was a tough match on paper, with two in-form teams going head-to-head.
After a difficult first 10 minutes, it was Dartford who took control, eventually ending deserved winners with a dominant display which extended the side’s unbeaten streak to 14 games.
But for Ady – well-versed in the ups and downs of football – it’s a case of quickly re-focusing on the next match, rather than shouting about performances and results.
Speaking after the game, he said: “I’m very pleased with the three points. Chatham don’t lose many games at home. They’re a very good side and they’ve got some very good players.
“I thought our performance was excellent for an away side. We fully deserved it.
“However, I don’t want to sing our praises too much. I’m happier going about things quietly, as things can change very quickly.”
Chatham came out of the blocks quickly with a number of early corners and one brilliant save from Marsden keeping the score level.
But the Darts grew into the game, keeping the ball well and creating chances of their own, while nullifying Chatham’s attack.
For Ady, it was a real team performance and one that shows the hard-work off the pitch is paying dividends on it.
He said: “After the first 10 minutes when they had put pressure on us with corners and we had the Jacob save, we were the better side.
“The biggest thing for me was how every player played their part. From the starting 11 to the subs coming on, everyone gave their all. It’s so important to have subs coming on and making an impact. If you look at the subs that came on, Eddie came on and got the goal, but there was an energy and intensity from every player and that’s the way we want to play and everyone is on board with it.
“There’s a togetherness there. We get them staying back after training for some food so they can sit around and chat to each other and bond. The team went to Newcastle before Christmas and everyone went, which is really important for a side getting to know each other.
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“We’ve got some great characters in there and some lovely lads – a great blend of experience and youth – but we have done our homework too, it’s not by chance.
“Team spirit is huge. You could play very poorly as a team and come off the pitch with a 1-nil win because of that togetherness. You want to win games by playing incredible football, but sometimes you have to scrap for the points and that bonding is vital.”
It’s a quick turnaround to Saturday’s home match against Whitehawk who will be looking to extend their own recent run of form.
Ady continued: “It’s been a busy schedule over Christmas so there’s no training on Thursday. They can recover at home and do their own recovery sessions.
“Then it’s onto Saturday’s game. I’m expecting every game to get harder from now on in. Firstly, you have the expectation levels going through the roof. But then you have the teams who have realised we have had some good results against the teams around us and want to leave their own mark.
“These can be difficult games. You’ve got to turn up to these games. They’re not going to just come here and roll over. Teams come to the stadium facilities and think, ‘wow, this is fantastic,’ so we have got to be on it. And I know these boys are. They give it their all, every single game. So, win, lose or draw, I know they’ll give me everything.”
Ady couldn’t wrap up without a word for the fans, who gave a brilliant account of themselves on New Year’s Day. From the noise they created that went on well after the whistle, to the Chatham officials and police praising their exemplary behaviour.
He added: “They were amazing. So loud in that second half and at the end kept the noise going. It really helps the team and keeps everyone buzzing.
“But I think there is a real togetherness around the whole club right now which is brilliant.
“You see the chairman and directors mixing with the fans, supporters in good voice, the club busy making plans behind the scenes. There’s a feel-good factor around.
“We have just got to keep pushing hard, keep working hard for each other across the club and fanbase, now. We’ve got to stick together, win, lose or draw and just keep pushing hard and see where it takes us at the end of the season.”
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