Dartford boss Alan Dowson has been named National League South manager of the month for October.

The Darts won all bar one of their seven matches in all competitions in October, drawing 1-1 at St Albans.

Dartford have briefly topped the table at stages this season, albeit having played more league fixtures than fellow high-fliers Ebbsfleet and Havant, but nonetheless, they have been in tremendous form.

“He may not have been there 12 months ago but Alan Dowson is well aware why Dartford fans won’t be getting carried away,” the panel said, explaining the selection of Dowson, who took charge in the summer.

“It was about this time last year that fortunes started to subside following a blistering first three months.

“Will things be different this time around? Well, they are showing all the signs that they could last the course this time.

“In a run that started in September and was still going in November, the club won eight from nine.

“The former Woking and Hampton manager’s team recorded four more points than anyone else in the division in October - nobody scored more goals and only one team conceded less.

“Dowson was the well-deserved manager of the month after league wins against Hungerford, Dulwich Hamlet, Tonbridge, Slough Town and Weymouth.

“Have they got staying power? We’re about to find out!”

Dartford had been on an 11-match unbeaten streak but, last Saturday, they lost 3-1 at Farnborough despite a consolation effort off the bench for returning defender Kristian Campbell.

Midfielder Charlie Ruff, of Chelmsford, has been named National League South player of the month.