Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson insisted a 2-0 triumph over Leatherhead would not paper over the cracks of last Wednesday’s London Senior Cup final defeat that left him vowing to clear the decks at Kingsmeadow.

Ks looked battle-weary as they crashed 2-0 to Hendon at Imber Court last week, before second half goals from Bobby Traynor and Ryan Woods relegated the Tanners from the Ryman Premier League on Saturday.

Dowson began the task of rebuilding his squad earlier this month, having been at Hampton & Richmond Borough’s Blue Square South defeat to Salisbury City last Tuesday night to run the rule over potential targets.

“It doesn’t change anything. Things are still in motion to sort the club out and kick on,” said the manager at weekend.

“Tenth isn’t a bad position, but we’ve got more ambition than that. I’m not going to let a season like this happen twice.”

The win finally condemned the Tanners to the drop after a season-long relegation scrap – to the relief to boss Richard Brady.

“This whole relegation battle we have been under pressure, but that has been lifted now,” he said.

“It is a relief for the players and certainly for the management.

“It is disappointing but we have to be realistic in what we have done and say we gave it a good shot.”