Ady Pennock was much happier with his team’s performance after a draw against Brentwood Town on Saturday.

It could have proved a tricky match, with Brentwood Town top of the table, having won eight on the bounce and every match at home this season.

Instead, The Darts took the game to the opposition in what could prove to be a turning point for the season.

He said: “It was a good performance, we looked lively. I thought we could have been up at half-time. We had some chances to go in one or two up. We knocked the ball around really well. I’ve said we needed to be braver on the ball and we were.

“They had won their last eight games on the spin and we’ve gone through a sticky patch, but I was much happier with how we played.

“They got in the game more in the second half and we found it harder. But overall, it was a proper team performance and I thought the draw was the fair result.”

Ady gave debuts to the two new players he brought in during the week. Jacob Bland started in midfield, with Dan Carter coming on late in the second half. Ady was delighted with their contributions.

He continued: “I thought Jacob Bland did really well. He only trained with us on Thursday. I know what he can do, but as the game went on, he became more and more confident.

“He always wants the ball. His work-rate is phenomenal and he gets in some good spaces. I thought it was a very good debut.

“And young Dan came on and did really well. He looked bright and comfortable on the ball.

“I did some tinkering last week. It’s similar to what I did last year. I give the players a chance to bed in and then look to fill the gaps, change things around and freshen it up.

“A few of the players were fit, but now they have to earn their place. Everyone wants to play. But I’ve had some phone calls with a few of the senior players who have said they see what we are doing and they are right behind us. They know we mean business and there are some other changes coming.

“It’s great to have that strength and depth there now. We want proper competition for places.”

Ady was happy to namecheck other players, with the defence getting a special mention.

He continued: “I thought Jonny made two or three fantastic saves. Sam Okoye had flu, but put in a great performance. The back four were proper men out there and Joe led them really well. I thought they were all great back there.

“Denzelle did his hamstring so we need to see how he is. But Jez came in and played really well. Samir had a great game after not starting for a while. He has such a good footballing brain, he’s one of the best when he’s fit and playing like that. He scored a worldie of a freekick, but was leading everyone on the pitch, it was really important.

“But then I thought Dan, Callum and Eddie all led the line well, too. As I said, it’s hard to leave anyone out, as it was just a good team performance. We wanted it more. They were playing for the badge. I asked for a reaction and I got it.”

Two home games are next, with Whitehawk on Tuesday evening. And Ady left his last post-match comments for the supporters.

He added: “I thought the supporters were great. They’ve been patient, but the noise they made during and after the game, was brilliant. The players all came off and said it was great to hear the supporters right behind them, it gave them a lift.

“Now we have two important home games coming up and we want to build from here and turn some draws into wins and keep moving up the table.

“We hope to see as many there as possible and get behind us from the off, to really spur us on again.”