Dartford manager Alan Dowson has voiced his frustration at being unable to freshen up the squad in recent weeks.

The Darts have signed winger Malachi Napa on loan from Wealdstone for a month but Dowson has missed out on other targets with players seeking better deals elsewhere.

“It’s very frustrating,” stated Dowson. “You get them in the office, they bring their agents in and we don’t do that.

"We don’t give them washing machines and cars down here, we’re a well-run club, the best club I’ve been at for how it’s run.

“You get someone you think is going to sign but they don’t. I won’t panic, I’ve been doing this for 20 years.

“Malachi will add something different for us, I still think we need another cutting edge up top and some competition for the back four.

“The back four is picking itself and I don’t think they’ve been absolutely great, that’s my opinion, so I need to get more pressure on them.”

The Dartford boss has been keen to add more competition to his squad for a number of weeks.

Despite the club challenging at the top end of National League South and boasting excellent facilities, money always talks with players and the Darts will not break the bank.

“I’ve been working hard in the last two weeks but I won’t just sign anybody, they’ve got to be better than what we’ve got,” added Dowson.

“We want to wheel and deal on a couple. I’ve had a couple of people in the office in the last few weeks - one went to Hemel Hempstead, one went to Hayes & Yeading as they were paying more money than we did. But we’ve got to get on with it and try and get some bargains.

“It’s all about the money. Dartford is a well-run club with great facilities and we’re at the top of the league that we’re in. I’ve lost one to Hayes & Yeading and one to Hemel Hempstead just for a pound note, really.

“We’ve punched above our weight a lot. At the start of the season no one expected that we’d be in the top three.

“Have I taken this group as far as I can? Maybe. I just feel we need a couple of bargains and adjustments to up the stakes a little bit and get us stronger in one or two areas.”

Dartford, who visit Havant tonight (Wednesday), are in the middle of a run of games against teams vying for play-offs or the title.

They lost 1-0 at Chelmsford, were held to a goalless draw by Bath on Saturday and are gearing up for a festive double-header derby with Ebbsfleet.

“I’ve been a bit too loyal because of the run we’ve been on,” said Dowson.

“Ebbsfleet should win the league by 20 points and Havant should finish second by 20 points. We’re in the mix and probably punching above our weight on budgets and stuff.

“But I’m not interested in just going along and bottling the play-offs like the last three years, and everyone saying ‘Dowse, we did say if you can get top seven that would be fantastic’.

“I want to compete and get out of the league.

“We’ve got to be up for these games. They’re going to be tough games so it will find out how far we are on this journey we are on.

“I know in my heart of hearts that I need to do something about the team. We’re just a bit lightweight and if Samir Carruthers doesn’t pull something out of the bag, who is going to get something out of nothing?”