Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson has thanked rival boss Paul Doswell for his advice, but it will count for nothing when the two managers come face-to-face at the weekend.

Dowson has revealed he was on the brink after watching his side lose their first four Ryman League Premier Division matches, conceding 19 goals in the process.

But a friendly word from Sutton United manager Doswell - who’s side plays host to Ks on Saturday - and the offer of a player or two, helped turn the tide and the Kingsmeadow chief has not forgotten.

“I’m young into management and have never been through a bad time like that before. I was on the worst downer of my life,” he said.

“Paul was the only manager to take the time to give me a ring and give me some advice because he has been through it all before. I’ll never forget that, he is a top fella.

“I have the utmost respect for him. It takes a man to do that sort of thing especially when you are the manager of your local league rivals.

“That said there will be no room for sentiment because we need the points.”

Dowson will be hoping this weekend’s game doesn’t cost him as much as his last visit to Gander Green Lane - when he picked up a parking ticket as he watched Tooting & Mitcham claim a 2-1 win over United last month.

“If Sutton United have anything to do with Sutton council, I hope we absolutely stuff them,” added the Ks manager.