Dartford boss Steve King is weighing up whether their three-man defence is reducing their chances in front of goal.

The Darts are seven games unbeaten in all competitions but King was not happy with their stale display in the 1-0 win over bottom side Billericay in National League South last Saturday.

He persisted with the three-man defence which has served them well in recent weeks, but will revert to his previously-favoured back four if he thinks that’s the best way for them to win matches.

King originally changed formations after a five-game winless run which coincided with centre-back Ronnie Vint’s return from a successful loan spell at league rivals Dulwich.

“I just wanted to get back to winning ways and we’ve won four out of four with three at the back,” said King. “I wanted to get solid so we came out of the run we had.

“I think by getting solid it takes something away, definitely. It’s a balance.”

Reflecting on the Billericay win, King added: “I don’t know if it’s because of shape and the system. We were denied any width and the width comes from the full-backs.

“Sometimes we weren’t high enough to effect the game and sometimes when they’re up there they get caught out.

“I’m going to have to look back at it and see how many chances we’re creating playing that system with the three. We’re winning but I don’t think we’re creating a lot of chances. I’m hard pushed to say we made two or three chances against Billericay.”

Dartford start a tough run of fixtures which sees them play Ebbsfleet twice, Dulwich and Havant by mid-January, with a trip to Maidstone this Saturday.

They’ve already beaten the Stones in the FA Cup with a convincing win at the Gallagher but King watched their impressive victory at Ebbsfleet last month and knows it’s going to be another tough match.

“I think those games take care of themselves,” noted the Dartford manager. “The players know who they’re playing and what is at stake.

“It’s a very competitive league, the fact is anyone can beat anyone on their day. I think the table will keep on changing, I don’t think anyone is going to run away with it. We’ll keep punching away and see where it takes us.

• One game at a time for Dartford

“Maidstone didn’t play so they’ll be nice and fresh. We’re good against the top teams in the division and we know it’s going to be a tough game with 2-3,000 there.

“We’ve got people breathing down our necks now, the top three all won - us, Oxford and Dulwich - and there’s three points between us.

“We could end up third or fifth, then win a couple and go back top again. I think it’s going to do that and keep changing hands.

“I tell them it’s game by game, they will never get any other instruction from me other than win the game in front of you.”