Manager Ady Pennock has a balancing act to play ahead of Dartford’s Velocity Cup clash at Sheppey tonight.

The Isthmian Premier Darts will look to extend their unbeaten streak to nine matches in all competitions when they travel to Holm Park for the fourth-round fixture.

Dartford’s unbeaten run started with a 1-0 Velocity Cup victory at Erith Town in October, Ernie Batten’s Ites having seen off Herne Bay (5-4 on penalties after a 0-0 draw) and Margate (4-2) last midweek to reach this stage of the competition, despite defender Rhys Wyborn being sent off.

Pennock said: “They have got a good set-up.

“They beat Margate in the last round, and I don’t want to disrespect Sheppey or the competition. But there will be some young ones, playing because it’s a good opportunity to look at some of them.

“The competition has been kind to us because it’s where we started our eight-game unbeaten run. We’re looking forward to it.

“It gives our young players an opportunity and is also a chance for some other players to be in the shop window for us.”

Forward Gil Carvalho bagged an eight-minute hat-trick for Sheppey at Hartsdown Park after attacker Victor Aiye got them level.

The latter again netted in a 1-0 home weekend league win against Eastbourne Town while Pennock’s troops secured a 3-0 victory at Hastings as playmaker Samir Carruthers - with a first-half penalty - put them in control.

Substitutes Jeremiah Pinder and Eddie Dsane then secured their latest win.