Kingstonian centre-backs Gary MacDonald and Tommy Hutchinson will be the best in the league, says boss Alan Dowson.

The pair had a major influence in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Blue Square South Staines Town – before losing on penalties - in Corinthian Casuals’ Geoff Harvey Memorial Trophy tournament.

Only MacDonald featured in the 6-3 humbling against Leatherhead on Sunday, while neither played in Tuesday’s 5-1 mauling at the hands of Blue Square South newboys Sutton United - perhaps proving the manager’s point.

Dowson is confident his side will always score goals with prolific frontman Bobby Traynor in the team, but has vowed to tighten things up defensively.

And the Kingsmeadow chief, who subsequently bid farewell to defender Adam Thompson after three seasons with the club this week, reckons a fully fit MacDonald - playing alongside Hutchinson – will be just the ticket.

“If we are going to push for promotion a lot will always depends on Bobby’s goals,” he said.

“But he’s been the leading scorer in the league he’s played for the last four years so I’ve got no worries about him doing the same again this year.

“Which means the other area we can improve is at the back and that is what needs tightening up.

“It is no coincidence we were top of the league when Gary was fit at the start and when he came back at the end of the season we went on an unbelieveable run.

“With a class player like Hutch beside him they will be the best this season. I’ve no doubt about that.”

Dowson insists his pre-season preparations are going according to plan - despite the mixed results.

“I remember when I was at Millwall, they got promoted to the First Division and lost every pre-season game and there was panic everywhere,” he added.

“We went on to win five of our first six games to be top of the league ahead of Liverpool and Manchester United.”

And, after finishing finished seventh in the Ryman Premier League last season, the manager insists this year as about bettering that achievement.

He said: “We start the season with Aveley away and Horsham at home. We drew 1-1 at Aveley last year and lost 3-1 at home to Horsham.

“Providing we do better than that and take that approach, I can’t ask for any more.”