Nott wants good backing against Darts

Tuesday 09th March 2010

MAIDSTONE UNITED boss Peter Nott says he was pleased with his side’s character after coming away from play-off chasing Sutton United with a morale-boosting point at the weekend, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Stones had debutant Chris Saunders harshly red-carded during the goal-less draw at Gander Green Lane and Nott, who was speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk was satisfied with his side’s effort.

“Delighted with the result,” he said. “I thought our first half performance was the worst since I’ve taken over. We didn’t retain possession of the ball at all.

“Second half performance showed what we are all about at the moment. I thought there was a lot of character. We were down to ten-men, 10-15 minutes into the second half so we had to really re-jog for the second half.

“I thought the commitment and the effort shown by the players was absolutely superb and I was delighted with the point at the end of the day.”

Nott, who had to withdraw striker Charlie Stimson on his debut (having arrived on work-experience from Gillingham) following Saunders’ red-card, added: “Prior to the game Sutton were unbeaten in eight with five victories in eight. They are very much a team on form and (playing with) a lot of confidence so to go there and take something out of the game was very pleasing.”

The Stones welcome arch-rivals Dartford to Homelandss Stadium tonight, with the Darts smarting from their heavies defeat of the season when they went down 4-1 at home to the side one place below The Stones, which keeps Nott looking over his shoulder.

“If I’m being honest we would’ve preferred Dartford to have won on Saturday because Billericay are a place behind us,” said Nott.

“What it does mean is that Dartford have lost three of their last six games, although they’re in the envious position of being top. Lets face it, they’re still eight points top with five games-in-hand so their record is unbelievable.

“It just goes to show at the moment that this is what this league is all about. On their day everybody can beat each other and let’s hope it’s going to be our day on Tuesday.”

Dartford are the best supported club in Kent - at home and on their travels - and Nott urges both sets of supporters to make their way to Homelands tonight to make it a cracking Kent derby.

“Let’s hope they bring lots and we take lots as well,” said Nott. “It would actually help ease our financial situation some what so we’re looking for a bumper crowd and that both sets of supporter get down there and make it a real cracking atmosphere.”

With wing-back Nathan Paul (knee ligaments) and defender Tom Parkinson (groin) around two or three weeks away from fitness, whilst striker Danny Hockton (groin) joined the injury list at the weekend.

“The departures that we had (with a quartet of players joining Margate), we’ve lost three first teamers and it’s certainly stretching our resources,” admitted Nott.

“We’ve signed (three new players) at the back end of last week and those players and the rest of the squad members they are going to play a very important part in this.

“James Peacock is coming back so that gives us a little bit more defensive cover as well.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game, with Mike Green reporting

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

Maidstone United v Dartford

Ryman Premier League

Tuesday 9th March 2010

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ