One quality on the Dartford Academy production line has stood out for assistant manager Roland Edge.

The Darts have given opportunities to a number of homegrown players in recent weeks, and Edge admitted the teenagers don’t lack any belief in their own ability.

“That’s the one thing about the youngsters, they’re not short on confidence,” said Edge.

“They’re ready to make the step up when you need them. Todd Brand made his debut against Cheshunt, he hadn’t played a game, and he’s ready for it - they all want to get involved.

“Dean Nayler came on at the end of that game and put in a crunching brilliant tackle straight away, saying ‘I’m here, don’t think we’ve made a substitution bringing someone weak on’ and they all do it.

“We’re lucky in that way. The youth system here is good and Dartford rely on it.”

George Whitefield’s 30-yard stunner to sink Cheshunt a fortnight ago will still be fresh in Dartford supporters’ minds when they return to action at Princes Park against Lewes this Saturday in Isthmian Premier.

Despite the plaudits, Edge knows Whitefield’s primary focus is still the defensive side of his game.

“That goal was a bonus for George, I think he wants to regularly learn about the art of defending,” said Edge.

“Where should I be then, am I in the right place, should I have done that? I know everyone wants to score a goal but that’s his progress, really.

“George works hard, he works on his passing and positional sense. Things don’t happen overnight but as long as you’re willing to learn and understand certain parts of your game aren’t quite right, then you’re only going to get better - and he does that.

“They all wait until the end in training and work on certain things, and that’s what every youngster should do to get to the next level.”

The youngsters are learning from a top coach in manager Ady Pennock, who made more than 300 league appearances for Bournemouth and Gillingham during his playing days.

Edge is impressed by the attention to detail that the Darts boss goes to as players break into the first-team squad.

“When you go through the system, each coach might have a different style and opinion,” explained Edge.

“Ady is so good with them, he’s a very good coach. He takes them aside and asks them what they think they should have done in a certain situation, then tells them what he thinks they should have done. He’ll always offer the right advice to them on defending.

“We always try and tell them about shape and shuffling or reacting to different situations. We’re coaching them and they’re working at it.

“Dartford’s a big club and everyone wants to see victories but it’s going to take time. There’s going to be bumps in the road, but they’re working hard to get there and I think we’re making progress.”

Dartford travel to Chichester in the league on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.