We've had results go our way and not taken advantage of it, says Stones boss Jay Saunders

MAIDSTONE UNITED joint-manager Jay Saunders says his side cannot afford to slip up during their last remaining seven league games of the season.

The Stones were held to a 1-1 draw by Eastbourne Town at Bourne Park yesterday, as Baff Addae’s first half goal was cancelled out by Eastbourne’s Kai Birchard.

With leaders Bognor Regis Town (71 points), Whitehawk (70) and Dulwich Hamlet (70), the three clubs that are battling it out for the Ryman League Division One South title, three clubs are battling it out for the last two play-off berths.

Maidstone United hold the advantage, in fourth place, with 57 points, followed by Worthing (55) and one place outside the play-off zone, Folkestone Invicta, also have 55 points.

Maidstone United’s showdown against Folkestone Invicta on Wednesday night is a vital match for both Kent clubs.

Neil Cugley’s side slippedp to a 3-1 home defeat to Dulwich Hamlet yesterday, losing fifth-spot to Worthing, who were held to a goal-less draw at home to Corinthian-Casuals.

Saunders, who left himself on the bench yesterday, said: “It’s a big game, but they are all big games now.  We’re trying to get in the play-offs and I don’t know how many times we’re going to let other teams slip up and not take advantage of it.

“That’s the frustrating thing. We’ve had results go our way for the last three to four weeks but not taken advantage of it.

“We could have got quite a decent cushion and we’re still relying on other teams to drop points for us and that’s the most disappointing thing for me.”

Saunders is pleased that the Kent derby will be their last midweek league game of the season.

He said: “It’s probably nice as we’ve got so many injuries at the moment.  It gives people more time to recover as I’ve struggled to get fully fit lads on the bench.”

Speaking about the current injury crisis at the club, Saunders said: “Sean Johnson and Gavin Greenfield realistically are not fit enough to play.  I’ve had to call Ash Greenwood in from the reserves at the last minute because Karl Murray has fallen sick and we’re low on numbers.  So the fact that we’ve only got midweek games will probably help us with the recovery.”

Saunders added: “I think Flish (Alex Flisher) is looking at four to five weeks out, so his season could be over.  Gavin Greenfield has only just come back to fitness.  Michael Philips is out.  Karl (Murray) is going to depend on how he’s feeling having been in bed sick, so we’ll have to see how we are on Monday.”

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

Maidstone United  v  Folkestone Invicta
Ryman League Division One South
Wednesday 14^th March 2012
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park, Eurolink, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB