Manager Alan Dowson praises Dartford board after successive National League South wins kick-start their season

Boss Alan Dowson has praised the support he has received from Dartford’s board - after enjoying a recent walk in the Lake District with co-chairman Steve Irving.

Darts had been winless in National League South this season from four fixtures prior to their Bank Holiday weekend double-header, but they earned a much-needed two victories in three days.

A last-minute Harvey Bradbury header saw them defeat newly-promoted Aveley 1-0 last Saturday while, two days later, Oxford United loanee defender James Golding and forward Lewis Manor netted in a 2-0 success over Dover. Midfielder Luke Coulson also missed a second-half penalty.

Concern had been growing among Dartford fans with their early-season form disappointing after a winless pre-season.

Now, though, they have shot up to 11th and are only a point outside the play-off places.

Dowson said: “The chairmen have been good, to be honest. I’ve got to praise the board.

“Sometimes, you go against the board and want more money off them. But I cannot fault these lot.

“We’ve been having a difficult time this season. When you’re not winning games, that’s when you find out a lot about people. It’s been good.

“There was panic around the club about not winning games. I had a walk up in the Lake District with the chairman.

“Unfortunately, he has never brought a drink in his life so that was down to me! But it’s nice to get away from the football ground, talking about the future of the club. It’s nice doing something away from the club.

“After we conceded the last-minute penalty [in a 1-1 home draw with Farnborough], I was gutted. I wanted to take on the world. But he said: ‘There’s no problem at all’.

“I know I’m an experienced manager - but it’s still nice to hear those things. I cannot