We have to fight and scrap for everything and believe we can stay up - Nott

Sunday 11th April 2010

MAIDSTONE UNITED boss Peter Nott says his side can still escape the drop from the Ryman Premier League - but his players must start believing in themselves more, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Stones have suffered five straight defeats and a home defeat against Waltham Abbey on Tuesday night will see the Kent club slump to the foot of the table with only four games left to play.

Nott was clearly angry with the players following their humiliating 5-0 home defeat to play-off chasing Hastings United over Easter - but the Stones went down to a 1-0 defeat at AFC Hornchurch this weekend.

But a victory over Waltham Abbey on Tuesday night will aid the club’s late survival bid and lift the gloom surrounding the club.

“This feels like the longest week of my life after our abysmal performance against Hastings,” Nott told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk.

“In my post match interview, I apologised on behalf of the team to the officials and supporters of the club as we know we completely let you down not only with the rest but also with our gutless performance.

“in our situation we simply have to fight and scrap for everything we get and that was certainly missing.

“We’ve had both heated and constructive exchanges with the players since the game and we are now all pumped up to put matters right.

“Unfortunately all of the other teams around us have been picking up points but we still have five games left, which is enough to get us out of trouble as long as we have the belief and confidence throughout the team.

“I am certain that one will lead to another and get us on that winning streak we desperately need.”

The Stones then play Ashford Town (Middlesex) at home on Saturday; Hendon away next Monday; Bognor Regis Town at home on 22nd April; before finishing their campaign away to Kingstonian two days later.

But whilst supporters may be fearing relegation for the very first time in the club’s history, one supporter has given the team a motivational tool to get out of their current predicament.

“In 1940 a bunch of teenagers held off the might of the German Luftwaffe. They were poorer pilots and totally outnumbered, but they had balls, we’re up for the fight and most significantly had the full support of the majority. Let nobody mention relegation until it cannot be avoided!”

The Stones are only four points adrift from safety and are capable of staying up.

Quotes courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk and www.smtwtgh.co.uk

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game

Maidstone United v Waltham Abbey

Ryman Premier League

Tuesday 13th April 2010

Kick Off 7:45pm

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