Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson says he is determined to bring in fresh blood for the Ryman League Premier Division run-in - despite sitting second in the table.

The Kingsmeadow chief had hoped to confirm two new signings ahead of Sunday’s 4-1 win over Boreham Wood, but saw the deals scuppered by excessive wage demands.

Dowson famously re-signed Dean Lodge late last season to help inspire the team to the Ryman League Division One South title and he has a feeling something similar will be needed to mount a credible play-off challenge.

“I nearly signed a couple last week and one was signed, sealed and delivered before he decided he wanted £100 extra,” he said.

“Some of my players aren’t even on £100. One, who is on less, scored a worldy at the weekend and plays every week, so I couldn’t justify it.

“When I was manager at Walton & Hersham I brought in Paul Harkness and he scored 14 goals to get us up, something similar can be said for Lodgy.

“I’ve got a hunch we’ll need the same again. We’ve seen what happens if we pick up injuries. If we can get players in, we will.”

Ks brushed aside Boreham Wood 4-1 on Sunday - thanks to goals from Bobby Traynor, Francis Duku, Christian Jolley and Simon Huckle - to cement their place in the play-off positions.

Dowson’s men have been second in the table since January and in the top five since beating Maidstone 3-1 at the beginning of November.

And it leaves the manager insisting missing out on promotion to the Blue Square South via the play-offs this season will be deemed a failure.

“We’ve been second top for more than a few weeks now and in the play-off positions since November. That is no fluke,” he added.

“Getting to the play-offs is not an achievement. Once you are there you’ve got to go and win. If we get there and fail then this season has been a failure.

“It is a lottery. I’m not saying we’ll win them, but we’ll give it a right good go.”

Meanwhile, Duku netted his first goal for the club at the weekend but Dowson admits he is not holding his breath over a repeat performance this season.

“He’s missed chances this season that were easier to score. Now he’s knocked one in from an inch out and he’s claiming it as goal of the season. If I get one goal from him a season I’m happy,” he joked.

Kingstonian’s next three games: Mar 13 Wealdstone (a), 15 Ashford Town (h), 20 AFC Hornchurch (h).