There is a crucial top-four clash for Dartford this Saturday - and it’s one boss Alan Dowson cannot wait for.

Second-placed Darts welcome Chelmsford, who are fourth, to Princes Park.

And with the National League South match falling on Non-League Day, it’s all set up for an interesting spectacle.

Dowson said: “I prefer these games, to be honest.

"It’s on Non-League Day so there will be a big crowd.

“They’re doing very well. It’s two teams competing for second or third.

“Do I get nervous before these games? No.

"But I do get more excited for these games and it’s quite local as well.”

When the teams met at Chelmsford in early December, a late effort by midfielder Louis Dunne proved the difference in a 1-0 defeat.

“They play 3-5-2 and get the wing-backs on a bit,” noted Dowson.

“We lost to virtually the last kick of the game there and I think it’ll be a physical battle all around but we’re good in the big games.

“When we play the top sides, we haven’t lost much, especially at home, apart from to Worthing and Havant.”

Dowson’s men saw their scheduled trip to Concord postponed last weekend due to a waterlogged pitch.

It sums up their recent luck as they were denied the chance to build on a 3-1 home success over Farnborough, having previously been on a run of just two wins in nine league matches.

But Dowson said: “Hopefully, all our luck will come in the play-offs.

“We’ve been unlucky with a few things this season but they do say it evens itself out over a season. It’s football and it’s life - what can you do about it?

“I believe the [rearranged] game against Concord might be played on a Thursday night.

"But if it’s played on a Thursday night, it’ll be interesting to see how we do.”

While they still have that clash at Concord to reschedule, Darts are at home for four of their next five games as things stand.

“That’s what you need,” Dowson said.

“We look forward to these games.

“We have been good at home and we want to get second or third secured as quickly as we can. We have the games in hand but you want to get the points on the board.

“If we can do that, we will be happy.”

Defender Connor Essam missed the Farnborough match due to a knee injury, although he has now had enough time to recover.

Dowson admitted: “It’s been ideal for people like him.

“It’s been ideal for a few. We were carrying a lot of knocks, going into the game.

“But it’s all good at the minute. We’re all buzzing with how we’re getting on.”

Fellow defender Jernade Meade has been called-up by Montserrat for their upcoming international fixtures. They're at home to Haiti this Saturday and away to Guyana on Tuesday.

To mark Non-League Day, all Premier League and Football League season-ticket holders can watch Dartford’s match against Chelmsford for £10, provided they are able to show their season ticket.

All under-17s, either accompanied by a paying adult or by showing their youth membership card, can gain free entry.