Manager Ady Pennock was full of praise for Dartford’s FA Cup display - despite his team exiting the competition on Saturday.

The Darts went out at the third qualifying round stage at last term’s National League South play-off finalists Worthing, a second-half goal from forward Eddie Dsane proving in vain during their 3-1 loss.

But Pennock said: “That was one of the best performances I think we have put in. We were very unlucky.

“We have hit the woodwork four or five times, their keeper (Chris Haigh) has made some really good saves and we have missed some chances. Our energy levels were fantastic.

“The football that we played was very good. It’s all about the result in the FA Cup but, overall, I was so proud of them because they’re a good footballing side.

“We had a game-plan but their first goal was just an excellent strike. Sometimes in football, you just have to put your hand up and say ‘What a strike that was’ but, obviously, we were very disappointed with the second and third goals we conceded.

“Arguably, Jacob Marsden had to make some good saves, especially in the second half when we were 3-0 down and we gambled a little bit.

“But, when it went to 3-1, we hit the crossbar and hit the post and we were relentless. If we had scored another goal, it would have been an interesting finale.

"Overall, I’m very proud.”

Forward Danny Cashman gave the Rebels an early advantage and made it 2-0 from the penalty spot eight minutes into the second half after referee Charles Martland ruled he had been fouled by Marsden.

While Pennock had no complaints with the decision to award Worthing a spot-kick, he added: “The only complaint with that is we should have had a penalty in the first half when Eddie had his heels clipped in the box.

“The referee said it was an accident but he was clean through. That’s just the way it goes sometimes - but their penalty was a definite penalty.”

Dsane leads the way for the Darts with five goals, just ahead of four-goal fellow striker Callum Jones.

“That’s what you ask for,” said Pennock. “The biggest thing for me is they’re really good lads, as well. They work their socks off.

“Callum’s work-rate is phenomenal and I don’t want to say too much [about targets for the season for them] but they’re doing really well together, and forming a good partnership.

"It’s still early in the season, but they have the knack of scoring goals, which is a wonderful knack.”

Dartford return to action at Princes Park against divisional rivals Dulwich Hamlet in the FA Trophy third qualifying round this Saturday.

Pennock noted: “I think there’s going to be a really good crowd.

“We’re very well-supported, they’re very well-supported, so, hopefully, we can pack the stadium. We know it’s going to be difficult but it’s a cup game and we need to be on the front foot.”

While the Darts enjoyed a decent FA Cup run, the FA Trophy provides another useful opportunity to boost coffers.

A further £2,450 is at stake when they face Hakan Hayrettin’s team.

“That’s what it is about,” admitted Pennock. “It’s great for our supporters, as well, for us to have a good cup run.

“In the FA Cup, I think that’s the furthest we have gone for a long time. We got a few pennies out of that so the chairman [Steve Irving] and directors have been happy.

“It’s another good opportunity, isn’t it? There’s some good money involved.

"With where we are, it’s about the financial side as well, and it should be a good game.”

Dartford then visit Billericay in the league on Tuesday, with the squad put to the test as Pennock’s troops play seven matches in October.

“You need that luck,” he said. “Injuries and suspension will play a big part and the squad will be important.

“It doesn’t matter where you play these teams - whether it’s Bowers & Pitsea or Billericay - they’re all difficult games.

“It doesn’t matter when you play them, either.

“Whether that’s a Tuesday, Thursday or a Saturday, early in the season, Christmas time or at the end of the season, it’s always going to be difficult.

“We’ll just take it game-by-game but we’re looking forward to whatever game we have got.”