Dartford close in on securing a second-placed National League South finish as they visit Concord Rangers

Dartford know a win tonight will leave them on the brink of securing a second-placed National League South finish.

With three league matches of their regular season to go, starting at Concord, another victory would all-but-secure a runners-up place and home advantage in the play-offs.

Another five points will definitely be enough - although four points could also do it due to Darts’ goal difference, even if those below them win all of their remaining fixtures.

Dowson said: “That’s the one we have got to get.

“If we can win on Thursday, we need a point from the last two games. Everyone else will need to win their games as well.

“Then, bring it on [the play-offs].

"We have got a chance.”

Dowson planned to watch basement boys Concord host Kent rivals Dover on Tuesday - a match the home side won 1-0. Rangers appear set to be relegated, although they still have a mathematical chance of survival.

“If there’s a way, they will be thinking about that,” said the Darts manager, whose side earned a 1-0 weekend victory at Tonbridge, their first win on the road since January 7.

“We have not done that well away from home but that’s something we feel that we sorted on Saturday.”

Dartford’s form has been pretty inconsistent amid their season run-in.

But Dowson reiterated: “It’s pointless talking about hitting the ground into them - it’s what happens on the day. I don’t believe in all that rubbish.

“We’re there now.

"We’re second so, maybe, we should win. But there could be a penalty or a sending off.

"It’s just about what happens on the day.”

With players making timely returns to fitness ahead of those end-of-season games, Dowson was happy to report a near-full bill of health.

He said:“There’s a bit of stiffness after playing Thursday