Hume prepares for Hendon backlash

MAIDSTONE UNITED joint-manager Lloyd Hume has warned his side against complacency ahead of their trip to Earlsmead to take on Hendon on Easter Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Stones ended Wealdstone’s six match unbeaten run last weekend, as two well taken goals from striker Meshach Nugent sealed an impressive 2-1 Bourne Park win.

Hume, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, says his side must win four of their last five games to stand any chance of snatching a place in the Ryman Premier League play-off’s.

The Stones leapfrogged over old adversaries Dartford into eighth place last weekend - just five points adrift of the play-off’s - and maximum points must be obtained against a Hendon side that were thumped 5-1 at Tonbridge Angels.

“The thing with these sort of games, I’ve got to make sure the lads know we’ve got to approach that game the same way like today’s (Wealdstone) game,” said Hume.

“It don’t take much, a long way working back that we lost to Heybridge (who were bottom of the table at the time) here and we can’t afford to do all the good work here and go to someone like Hendon and not get the points we need.”

But Hume added, “It will be a tough game, they’re a good side and any side on their day in our league plays well.

“We’ve got to make sure that we’re on top of our game and we get the three points again.”

Hume is, however, expecting a reaction from Hendon following their poor showing at Longmead Stadium against a Tonbridge Angels side that have cemented third spot for a number of weeks.

He said: “They’d be a bit of a backlash from their manager and they’ll be a tough proposition away from home.”

Then, on Easter Monday, the Stones welcome champions Dover Athletic to Bourne Park, and Hume expects Whites’ boss Andy Hessenthaler not to let up despite their success.

“I know Hess well, and so does Walks (Alan Walker). He’s a true professional and he’s not going to do us any favours just because he’s got mates here,” said Hume.

“He won’t want to come here and lose - and we know that.”

Hessenthaler needs five points from their last four games to break the 100-point barrier, and Hume insists the former Gillingham ace will do that.

“I think it’s very difficult for him, I’m sure he will do it,” he said. “He’s a good manager to motivate his players when they’ve already won the league and we’re going for the play-off’s, so we’ve got something to go for.

“There will be a big crowd here and no player wants to get turned over in these sort of games, so we know Dover will be a tough proposition here.”

Visit Maidstone United’s website:  www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Hendon v Maidstone United
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 11^th April 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Earlsmead, Carlyon Avenue, South Harrow, Harrow, Middlesex HA2 8SS