We've not shown enough desire in Kent derbies, bemoans Nott
Sunday 21st March 2010
MAIDSTONE UNITED boss Peter Nott demands his players show some pride during Tuesday night’s west-Kent showdown at in-form Tonbridge Angels, writes Stephen McCartney.
The Stones slumped to one place above the Ryman Premier League relegation zone following their 3-0 surrender at champions-elect Dartford on Saturday afternoon.
And Nott has challenged his side to turn up with all guns blazing at Longmead Stadium on Tuesday night.
Tommy Warrilow’s side have climbed out of the relegation zone and into eighth place (four points adrift of the final play-off berth) with six wins and one draw from their last seven games and, as expected, are making a late dash towards the play-off’s.
“The players that we’ve got have really got to start earning their money between now and the end of the season,” Nott told www.kentishfootball.co.uk at Princes Park yesterday.
Looking ahead to the cauldron of passion that is Longmead Stadium when the Stones visit, Nott said: “We need a massive reaction. That’s exactly what I said to the boys in the dressing room.
“It’s a another derby and I think we’ve not shown enough desire in the Kent derbies, I really don’t.
“Dartford are a good team and now we’ve got to put that behind us against Tonbridge.”
With Cray Wanderers and Billericay Town both winning their games yesterday to climb above the Stones, Nott’s men are involved in a relegation battle with only nine league games left to play.
“If you’ve not realised before now, just look at the table and you’ll se the situation that we’re in now. We need the effort and the commitment. We need everyone to see us through this spell.”
Dartford officials said that Maidstone United brought around 150 supporters with them to Princes Park yesterday, and although quiet, Nott urges them to raise the roof at Longmead Stadium on Tuesday night.
“We need them right behind us,” said Nott. “I know everything that has been going on. When you’ve been with the club for eight years I know the frustrations they’re experiencing but we need everyone united together to see us through this spell and to make sure we’re in this league at the end of the season. We need their support!”
www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.
Visit Maidstone United’s websites: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk & www.bringthestoneshome.co.uk
Tonbridge Angels v Maidstone United
Ryman Premier League
Tuesday 23rd March 2010
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JW