Tom Bonner says Dartford have been spurred on by last season’s play-off disappointment.

Darts sit four points clear at the top of National League South after a flying start to the campaign.

There’s clearly no hangover from the penalty shoot-out defeat at Weymouth in the play-off final, with Steve King’s side looking the business after six wins in eight games.

Captain Bonner, who scored the first goal in a 2-0 success at Maidstone on Saturday, said: “We had a bit of time to dwell on the play-offs and I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, because we had a month off before getting back into football.

“We’ve hit the ground running and that’s testament to the gaffer and the players.

“We’ve used the heartache of the play-off final to spur us on this season.

“It's a good start for us and long may it continue.”

Dartford beat a Maidstone side who’d won four of their first six games and tonight they meet another in-form team when St Albans visit Princes Park.

The Saints boast the last unbeaten record in National League South and have won their past three games.

They should be fresh after a blank weekend.

Bonner said: “St Albans haven’t lost yet.

“They’re always a good team - they’ll be in and around the play-offs. It’s another tough game.”

• Match report: Maidstone Utd 0-2 Dartford

• Bonner goal makes the pain go away

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