This is a bigger than for us than the Salisbury game, says Stones boss Jay Saunders

MAIDSTONE UNITED boss Jay Saunders says his side must perform against Herne Bay tomorrow.

The Stones stunned Blue Square Bet South leaders Salisbury City with a 2-0 win in the FA Carlsberg Trophy First Round last weekend, which sets up a trip to Halifax on 15 December.

Saunders said: “It was a good result and a good performance. We needed everyone to be on their game being that they were two league’s above us and full-time and on the day we were and we were all at it and it was a good performance.

“There’s some games when you have one or two people not on top of their game but from Charlie (Mitten, our goalkeeper) right the way through to the forwards and the subs that came on all the boys wanted it and wanted to win the game and it showed.

“We’re not getting carried away. We’re fortunate still to be in the Trophy. I think we’re the only team left in it in Ryman South and we’ve had a good run at it.

“We’ve got a tough trip away to Halifax, but our priority is the league.”

Maidstone United lie in second place in the Ryman League Division One South table on 27 points from 13 games, a couple of points behind Dulwich Hamlet, but with three games in hand.

“Anything we do in the Trophy is a bonus,” admitted Saunders.  “They’re great days out and great occasions for the club but our priority is the league and we’re concentrating on that and what will be will be in the Trophy.”

Herne Bay arrive at The Gallagher Stadium for the first time sitting in a respectable eighth-place in the table, on 22 points from fourteen games.

Saunders hinted on the eve of the game that striker Stuart King, 25, who the club have signed on an undisclosed transfer fee from Folkestone Invicta, could make his debut against one of his former club’s tomorrow.

Ian Draycott is injured, while former Tonbridge Angels striker Ade Olorunda is suspended.

When asked why he has brought King to the club, Saunders replied, “Just that he scores goals really. He’s a decent player and he offers a bit more than that as well.

“It wasn’t somewhere I was looking to strengthen. We’ve got a good front line with Paul Booth, Ian Draycott, Shaun Welford and Ade Olorunda and sometimes players become available and you can’t turn away that good opportunity.

“He’s at a good age, he’s just turned 25, he’s the top scorer in the league and wherever he’s been he’s scored goals.

 

“Sometimes opportunities come up and you have to look at it and I think it’s good for the club and the team and that was why really.”

Saunders added: “I think most teams who get promoted out of the league have someone who scores 30 plus goals and hopefully he’ll be that sort of player for us.”

When asked on Friday evening whether King will start against Herne Bay tomorrow, Saunders replied, “We’ll see. I haven’t completely made my mind up to be honest. He’s got a good chance. We haven’t got Ian Draycott, who is injured, Ade is suspended so he’s got a good chance of starting.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s big Kent derby against Simon Halsey’s side, Saunders said: “It will be a tough one. I think Simon and Hugo (Langton) have done a good job down there. I think it was great they got promoted last year. A few people thought they’d struggle a little but when they’ve lost a few players to Faversham and other clubs but I think they’ve done a great job there. 

“They’ve kept doing what they believe is right – they play good football and it will be a tough game for us.

“If anyone thinks they’re not going to put less effort as they did against Salisbury, don’t bother turning up!

“I think it will be a harder game than Salisbury. We have to make sure we turn up and approach it right.

“This is a bigger game for us than the Salisbury game.”

Halsey visited Maidstone United’s new home at the beginning of the week and was impressed with the playing surface and facilities at the stadium.

Saunders added: “I think every club that comes to us are enjoying it, the big crowd, a new stadium and the pitch and everyone wants to play in front of it so it’s important we’re on top of our game.”

Meanwhile, Graeme Andrews and Danny Lye will have fitness tests before the game.

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

Maidstone United  v  Herne Bay
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 1^st December 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Gallagher Stadium, James Whatman Way, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1LQ