We've shot ourselves in the foot, admits Maidstone United boss Jay Saunders

MAIDSTONE UNITED player-manager Jay Saunders says his players have shot themselves in the foot after going into their last league game hoping results go for them to grab a play-off place.



The Stones suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat away to Walton Casuals last weekend and they welcome title chasing Bognor Regis Town to Bourne Park tomorrow hoping to snatch the final play-off berth.

Bognor Regis Town arrive at Bourne Park – the Stones final game at Sittingbourne – sitting in third-place in the Ryman League Division One South table, with 85 points.

They are two points behind league leaders Whitehawk, one point behind Dulwich Hamlet and Maidstone United must win and hope fifth-placed Goldalming Town fail to pick up any points at home to thirteenth-placed Eastbourne Town, for the Stones to join their Kent rivals Folkestone Invicta in next Tuesday’s play-offs.

If the Stones do finish in fifth-place, then they will travel to the side who finishes in second place, while Folkestone Invicta will travel to the side who finish in third.

Bognor Regis Town will remember the horror of last season when they lead the table for a long time and slipped up in the final week and suffered a play-off semi-final defeat to Dulwich Hamlet.

Many managers have said Bognor Regis Town, Brighton-based outfit Whitehawk and Dulwich Hamlet are the three best teams in the division.

Saunders said: “Bognor are probably still chasing the chance to win it, they’re only two points from winning it.   They’ll be coming here trying to get three points and we have to hope we get three points and hope Godalming drop some.”

Saunders will be kicking himself if the Stones don’t claim a play-off berth come five o’clock tomorrow afternoon.

“We should have cemented a place in the play-offs a long time ago to be honest,” he said.

“When I look back on the season on the points we dropped, last Saturday was a classic case of that against Walton Casuals.  We’ve had too many games like that where our inconstancy have cost us at times.”

“For me, Bognor are the best side in it if I’m honest with you.  I know Whitehawk are top but I’m surprised they’ve thrown it away. 

“Out of the three sides we’ve played, I thought Bognor were heads and shoulders above everyone to be honest, but the league table doesn’t’ lie.  Whitehawk have done well to go top. I’m sure they are in the driving seat, but Bognor were the best side we’ve played.”

Tomorrow promises to be a topsy-turvy game as the promotion race comes to a dramatic climax.

“I know Whyteleafe are down at the bottom battling with Burgess Hill as well and at the top we’re trying to get into the play-offs,” said Saunders.

“If it goes tomorrow like the season really has with regards to results then I’m sure there will be twists and turns still.

“I think many people were expecting us to get three points against Walton Casuals last week and be in control of our own destiny.

“We’ve shot ourselves in the foot and that is the case of a lot of teams this year, expecting to win and ain’t done it!”

Saunders hopes Bognor Regis Town suffer another final week wobble at Bourne Park tomorrow and that Eastbourne Town snatch three points against Godalming, who need just a point to deny the Stones a play-off place.

“It will be interesting to see how they react because I know last year they fell at the last hurdle, but I know we’ll be up for it,” said Saunders.

“I’m sure they will be.  They’ll be hoping that they get three points and Whitehawk lose three points.  They won’t want to lose and have the fact that Whitehawk have lost and they could have won it.  I’m sure they will be coming out with all guns blazing. 

“On our day we have shown we are capable of beating anybody on our day, as we’ve shown against Dulwich.  Bognor have beaten us twice and we’ll definitely be up for it and get one over them.”

Saunders added: “It’s not the best way to rely on other results, but that’s how it is.

“I don’t think anyone expects Godalming to lose at home to Eastbourne. This is a funny old league. We’ve got to make sure we get the three points and do hope they do drop.   We don’t want to be losing the game and find out Godalming have lost as well – it’s a massive game for us.”

Meanwhile, Saunders says he will be proud to lead the club out at their new stadium.

Tomorrow’s game will be the final played in exile as the club move into James Whatman Way, with an emotional homecoming back to the County Town when Championship outfit Brighton & Hove Albion are the first visitors on Saturday, 14 July.

Saunders, who lives in Bearsted said, “It’s a massive boost for the club and everyone involved at the club.  It will be good to know it’s the last game away from Maidstone.  Everyone, I’m sure, will be looking forward to that first game in Maidstone.

“Everyone you speak to, there’s a buzz around the club and around the town. It’s a massive occasion for everyone.  It think it’s great all the hard work everyone’s put in, not just Terry (Casey), Oliver (Ash) and Bill (Williams). 

“All the supporters have raised funds for it and it’s a long, old journey but it will be great that first game.  It will be an emotional day for a lot of people.

“It will be a massive boost to be honest.  I’ve enjoyed it.  It was a club who I used to watch as a kid and to be manager now has been a massive honour. To lead the team out for the first game there will be a massive day for me. There’s been a lot more people who have been at the club longer than I have and a lot of work behind the scenes.  It’s just great for them to be rewarded as well.”

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

Maidstone United  v   Bognor Regis Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 28^th April 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park Stadium, Eurolink Industrial Estate, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB