Dartford’s 11-game unbeaten streak came to an end on Saturday, as Wingate & Finchley grabbed a late winner to take all three points.

The Darts saw a goal chalked off for offside that has since been shown on video replays to be onside – and for manager Ady Pennock, it was a turning point in the match.

He said: “Eddie scored and it was given offside and we have since seen it was onside. If we had gone 2-0 up, I think we would have won the game, or at least wouldn’t have lost. We were on top at the time, so it was a crucial decision that didn’t go our way.

“I didn’t think Jonny had as much to do as their keeper, he made a few good saves, so it’s frustrating to lose in the end. We have played a lot better, so it’s disappointing we didn’t hit those heights.

“But you have to give Wingate credit. They played well and stopped us playing and it was probably a good game for the neutral and the league.”

While the team didn’t click as in previous weeks, Ady was pleased with the effort from his players.

He continued: “I thought the work-rate was really good. We didn’t stop trying. There were a few players who weren’t quite on it, especially compared to how we’ve played over the last few weeks, but we did keep going.

“I wanted us to be braver and when we were braver, we created chances. However, I would have taken 1-0 and a scrappy win, as it was one of those games.

“Even when they scored, you thought the draw was probably the fair result. But we should have defended better for the second goal – even though he took it well.”

One positive for Ady was having some players back to fitness and in contention for starts.

He said: “We haven’t had Denzelle for a while, so it was good to have him on the bench. Dan Smith has had a few knocks, but he’s feeling better. Sam Odaudu is maybe 10 days away after his injury and we will have Sammie McCleod back training on Thursday.

“It will be good to have that competition for places back again. The starting 11 and the subs have had a good spell, but there’s nothing better than having a full squad fit and pushing each other on.

“It will be great to see Sammie back, it will be like having a new player. He’s going to do some light training at last, so will then work his way back in.”

Now it’s on to Billericay, which Ady knows will be a tough opponent, despite a slow start to the season.

He added: “All the games in this league are tough. You have to earn the right to play. It’s going to be tough. We got well beaten there last year and it is on Astro and they have a good squad.

“We now go again and hope we can bounce back from the weekend.”