Dartford boss Alan Dowson wants his team to turn a negative into a positive after their early FA Cup exit.

The Darts host Tonbridge at Princes Park in National League South this Saturday, knowing they can close to within four points of leaders Ebbsfleet.

With the top three in cup action it’s a great chance for Dartford to get ahead of the curve in the race for league points.

“It’s a big chance to cash in, 100 per cent,” said Dowson, whose team beat Hungerford a fortnight ago in a re-arranged fixture. “That’s what we did last time to be honest.

“I hated the FA Cup experience and I wish Beckenham all the best this weekend but the only way for us to put that right is by getting points on the board when other teams are not playing.

“We’ve got to use it to our advantage. It’s all about points at the end of the day, I know teams will have games in hand but I think they’d swap them for points on the board.

“It will be a tough game against Tonbridge but it’s one we need to win.

“I’ve had battles with Jay Saunders (Tonbridge manager) before when he was at Maidstone and it’s a local derby to look forward to.

“We’re on a decent run that we want to continue. We could have quite a big squad which will make a change.”

Luke Coulson and Sam Odaudu could return to the squad while Dowson is still continuing his seemingly weekly - and public - search for fresh faces.

“I’m still looking at new players but I can’t get anyone at the minute, I’ve been trying hard,” added the Darts boss.

“We just need a bit more depth. People try and put you under pressure to sign someone but I won’t bow to anybody. Even the coaching staff say we need this or that and I’m not daft, but I won’t go and gamble.

“I had no choice but to gamble with some signings when I first took the job but we’ve won five on the bounce so I can take my time and get the right player now.

"I need a couple in but I’m going to wait until I get the right one. I want competition all around the team for places.”