Dowson has no great expectations for Ks (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Dowson has no grear expectations for Ks

3:00pm Wednesday 21st December 2011 in Kingstonian By Taimour Lay

Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson has lowered expectations at Kingsmeadow by claiming a mid-table Ryman Premier League finish is the limit of his side’s ambitions.

Ks defender Tommy Hutchi nson headed in a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw with visitors Hastings United on Saturday in the last game of a calendar year that has flattered to deceive.

Dowson, back in the dugout after a spell out of action with a kidney infection, has had a tough time since missing out on April’s play-offs.

This season has seen 10 league defeats before Christmas, coupled with shock early exits in the FA Cup and FA Trophy.

“It has not been a great year, a bit sad, to be honest,” admitted Dowson.

“If we are around the top 10 at the end, it will have been a good season.”

A harsher realism about hopes for promotion reflects recent form and a constrained budget.

The manager denied the league had improved in the past three years, but added: “The top five clubs have definitely got better.”

Dowson has vowed to work round the clock to address his side’s short-comings, but admitted it will take time.

“I‘ve got my targets and we’ll see what happens on them in the next two weeks,” he added.