Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson insists his side will have failed if they do not secure at least a Ryman Division One South play-off spot this season.

Ks came within seconds of beating leaders Dover Athletic on Saturday after goals from Simon Huckle and Dean Lodge had given them a 2-1 lead, but a late equaliser from Craig Cloke secured a point for Andy Hessenthaler's side.

The result leaves Ks out of the promotion places for the first time this season, and Dowson will deem the campaign unsuccessful should his side finish outside the top five.

"If we don't get in the play-offs this season then we will have failed," he said.

"We have fallen out of the play-off spaces for the first time this season and it is up to us to get back up there.

"I am not interested in a top 10 finish. Everyone says we have done well to be where we are, considering where we were last season, but I don't buy into that and I hope my players don't.

"We have had a great year but it is vital that we continue to improve."

And despite snatching a draw from the jaws of victory, Dowson insists Saturday's result should fill his side with a lot of confidence.

"The big thing about my players is belief. There is no reason why they shouldn't believe they can secure a play-off spot this season," he said.

"If they don't believe after coming so close to beating the leaders, then they never will.

"I demanded a performance from them and they gave one.

"I told the players I thought we were under-achieving a bit and the result of that chat could have gone either way.

"Thankfully, they took what I said on board."

Dowson's men travel to Walton Casuals on Saturday.