Hampton & Richmond Borough boss Alan Dowson saw the positive side of Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Kingstonian.

Having spent seven years at the Ks, Dowson was left down-hearted after a first defeat to his old employers – which featured a consolation Moussa Diarra goal.

However, he was delighted with his charges’ response on Bank Holiday Monday following a 2-0 win over Leatherhead thanks to goals from Nicke Kabamba and Jamal Lowe.

Then, in the cold light of day, Dowson acknowledged a long-standing benefit of the Ks defeat.

“Every time I have come up against Ks since I left, I’ve done well and so this is some sort of closure for me,” he said.

“It’s a great club and Tommy [Williams, manager] has them playing well, and now they’ve beaten my team, I feel I can move on.”

Despite Saturday’s set-back, and with four games remaining, Dowson and co are still four points clear at the top of the Ryman Premier Division table.

They continue their push for National League South football this weekend when struggling Brentwood are the visitors.

Dowson said: “Things like the Ks result happen during a long season and it has to go down as just one of those days, but to be fair to the lads they put in a really good shift.

“If you look at their first three goals they were their first three shots before we had to push up and chase the game.

“I was bitterly disappointed to lose, but on Sunday I phoned everyone one of my players to tell them how well they had played.”

Despite their lead, the Beavers’ fate is not in their own hands as Bognor Regis Town, who are unbeaten in 14 league outings, sit nine points behind, but with a whopping five games in hand.

Dowson said: “We’ve got ourselves in a good position and all we can do is kick on.

"The reaction on Monday was excellent, but we have done anything yet and Brentwood are strong side who are fighting for their lives at the bottom, so it will be a tough game.

“They are a young side who have had their problems, but we’re looking forward it.”

Dowson is still without the suspended Kieran Murphy, but he will be back for the trip to Farnborough on April 9.