Ady Pennock had nothing but praise for his young players after giving their all against Erith Town in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday evening.

With the manager selecting a squad with the majority of players from the Academy, they narrowly missed out to the lottery of penalties.

Many of the side were playing their first ever match against a senior side and they more than impressed.

Ady said: “We were in the situation with injuries and suspensions that I thought it was a good opportunity to look at some of the young ones.

“I’ve said time and time again, it doesn’t matter your age, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough and ready for the first team.

“There were some players that really shined. It was Erith’s first team against the majority of our third-year scholars and they did ever so well.

“We gave everything. I really enjoyed it. All the boys deserved a pat on the back and they got it from me at the end.”

With injuries and suspensions hampering the start to the season, Ady is keen on getting as many bodies fit and back for the league as quickly as possible.

He had the ‘old’ heads of Olly Box, George Whitefield and Jeremiah Pinder on the bench, with only Ikechi Eze starting the game from the more senior players.

It gave many of the Academy Whites a chance to shine and a final penalty miss was all that stood between the sides as they went down 4-3 on penalties after keeping the score to 1-1.

Ady added: “I loved their never-say-die attitude. It must be something in the water at Dartford Academy – they never give up and they’re not frightened to get stuck in.

“They went to the very end. It was a very promising performance.

“We didn’t use Olly or George but if they got injured, things would be worse for Saturday. I hope people understand that. We have a lot of injuries and we are trying to get everyone back and fit.”

Now, it’s on to Cheshunt on Saturday, with the team looking to kick-start their league campaign once again.

He added: “I’ll assess everyone on Thursday. I’m hoping we have a few back, but I will know more after Thursday’s training session.

“I’m confident we can change these draws into wins and I would like that to happen as soon as possible, especially with a full, fit squad to choose from.

“I believe in these players so much and I know they give me everything. On Saturday, we need our fans to turn up cheering for our boys in White and Black and appealing for everything – and really getting behind them as they always do.”