Skipper Saunders content with start to his season

Tuesday 25th August 2009

MAIDSTONE UNITED skipper Jay Saunders has been given some useful knowledge on tonight’s opponents AFC Hornchurch, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Essex side make their second trip over the Bridge into Kent, having completed a smash-and-grab raid at Longmead Stadium to defeat Tonbridge Angels 2-1 on the opening day of the Ryman Premier League season.

“We know that they will be a very direct side and that we will need to be switched on at set pieces,” Saunders told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk.

“I spoke to one of my friends who plays for Tonbridge and he said that for 80 minutes, Tonbridge were the better side against Hornchurch but they ended up being beaten, so we are expecting a hard game.”

The Stones began their new campaign with a 2-0 home defeat to Carshalton Athletic; winning 2-1 at Waltham Abbey and sharing a 2-2 draw at Wealdstone at the weekend.

“I think that we have had an OK start to the season, although we were disappointed with the game against Carshalton,” said Saunders.

“In the first half I think we were a bit nervous but we got our act together in the second half and even though Carshalton looked comfortable, I think we could have got something from the game.

“However, I think we did well against Waltham Abbey and Wealdstone. Two get four points from our first two away games is pleasing although Saturday was frustrating because we scored twice away from home and that should have been enough to win the game.

“As soon as Peter Hawkins got into the dressing room after the match he held his hands up and said he was at fault but you can’t be too cross with him because over the course of last season he saved us more times than he cost us.

“Against Waltham Abbey I thought that Antionio Gonella and Jimmy Bottle did well and I have to say that Jamie Turner has looked very good in goal in all three games and he is a very commanding keeper. Also, James Pinnock has been excellent and I don't think that people always realise just how hard he works during the match. “

Meanwhile, Premier League club Fulham have made a donation to Maidstone United in appreciation of Chris Smalling making his debut for The Cottagers.

The defender emerged from the bench at Craven Cottage to make his first senior appearance against FA Cup finalists Everton on the final day of the 2008/09 Barclays Premier League season.

There is a promise of a further donation when Chris makes 10 first team appearances, which delights chairman Paul Bowden-Brown.

"I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Fulham Football Club,” he told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk a few weeks back.

“This has been a wonderful gesture as they were not obliged in any way to pass on any money for Chris.

“The money will contribute towards our running costs, so none of the players need to come knocking on my door for a rise!

"On a serious note, we are immensely proud of what Chris has and continues to achieve. We will follow his career with interest and wish him every success for this season and beyond."

Quotes courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Maidstone United v AFC Hornchurch

Ryman Premier League

Tuesday 25th August 2009

Kick Off 7:45pm

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