Dressing room bust-ups are not usually a good sign in football, but Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson believes Saturday's rest-room rumble in Kent can only bode well for next season.

Tempers flared following Ks' 2-1 defeat at Maidstone United, after the manager chief had urged his players to lay down a marker against the Ryman Division One South league leaders.

And Dowson thinks a few additions to his squad could turn that fighting spirit into a top-three finish and possible promotion next season.

"Plenty of people were having a go at each other afterwards - including me - which I think is a good thing because it shows the players care," he said.

"I need three or four players to tighten up the spine of the team, and a 25 per cent increase in our fitness so we can play the quick, passing style I like.

"If we can get a good pre-season behind us, we should be challenging for the top three at least."

A Mario McNish own goal drew Ks level in the second half, after Errison Ahwan had headed past a stranded Luke Garrard in the 29th minute.

Ryan Royston then broke the visitors' hearts with a contentious late winner.

Keeper Garrard picked up an injury at the weekend but is expected to be fit for Saturday's final home game against Burgess Hill, where Dowson will be expecting his players to sign off the campaign in style.

"We never expect to be second best but, if you only lose to the champions-elect to a late goal that should have been disallowed for offside, we must be doing something right," he said.

"We must make sure we take that into the weekend."

Back-up stopper Stephen Windegaard is on his way out of the club after missing the win at Leatherhead on April 9.

"It isn't looking good for him," Dowson added. "He told me he couldn't play two hours before kick-off and we haven't spoken since."