Dartford manager Alan Dowson reacts to 5-1 win over Welling United which took team top of National League South

Dartford manager Alan Dowson praised his players after they went top of National League South for the first time on Tuesday night.

The Darts took derby honours with a stunning 5-1 thrashing of Welling at Princes Park, leapfrogging Ebbsfleet in the process.

The Fleet can regain top spot at Havant on Wednesday night but Dartford know victory over Braintree on Saturday will see them leading the way, albeit having played more games than the teams around them.

“Top of the table is great but full credit to the lads, players win things,” said Dowson.

“Managers try to give it the big ‘un sometimes but it’s the players that cross the white line. I’m not daft, I had my part to play and the supporters had their part to play but it’s down to the players.

“I’m the first one to have a crack at them and moan but when they put in a performance like that you’ve got to give credit to them. That’s why I find it hard doing interviews as the players should do them, it’s all down to them.

“I’m going to watch Havant versus Ebbsfleet, and something has to give somewhere. If Ebbsfleet win or draw they go above us. It’s not so much closing the gap as there’s stacks of time to go - this time last year everyone thought Dartford was going to win the league.

“We knew if we could get a run together, we could push a little bit but that’s all we’re doing at the moment, pushing.”

Dartford look a well-drilled side. Confidence is high, obviously, after nine wins and a draw in their last 10 games but it’s been a quick turnaround given the doom and gloom following the FA Cup exit to Beckenham in September.

Dowson’s squad looks full of quality with the likes of Charlie Sheringham, Dan Wilks and Marvin Herschel on the bench in midweek while Kristian Campbell